Abstract: Methods and systems associated with a mobile device for venue-oriented communications are presented. An example mobile communication device may include a wireless transceiver, a user interface, and control logic. The wireless transceiver may receive a plurality of digital audio streams from an access device located at a venue. The user interface may receive a selection of one of the digital audio streams from a user of the mobile communication device. The control logic includes a channel selection module that may generate an audio signal representing the selected one of the digital audio streams. The user interface may provide the generated audio signal for presentation to the user.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems in which video segments of an athletic activity session of a user may be captured by a plurality of video sources and a processing system may determine that each of the video segments correspond to the athletic activity session of the user. The processing system may accordingly generate a video replay of the athletic activity session of the user by piecing together the video segments captured by the video sources. The first portion of the video replay includes a first video segment captured by a first video source and a second portion of the video replay includes a second video segment captured by a second video source different than the first video source.

Abstract: An initialization method for an inertial sensor that estimates starting orientation and velocity without requiring the sensor to start at rest or in a well-known location or orientation. Initialization uses patterns of motion encoded as a set of soft constraints that are expected to hold approximately during an initialization period. Penalty metrics are defined to measure the deviation of calculated motion trajectories from the soft constraints. Differential equations of motion for an inertial sensor are solved with the initial conditions as variables; the initial conditions that minimize the penalty metrics are used as estimates for the actual initial conditions of the sensor. Soft constraints and penalty metrics for a specific application are chosen based on the types of motion patterns expected for this application. Illustrative cases include applications with relatively little movement during initialization, and applications with approximately periodic motion during initialization.

Abstract: A method for determining a location of a target includes, at a first location, determining first location coordinates of a measuring device using one or more GNSS signals, determining a first gravitational direction, and capturing a first image using the camera. The method also includes, at a second location, determining second location coordinates of the measuring device, and capturing a second image. The method further includes determining a plurality of correspondence points between the first and second images, determining a first plurality of image coordinates for the plurality of correspondence points in the first image, determining a second plurality of image coordinates for the plurality of correspondence points in the second image, and determining the location of the target using at least the first plurality of image coordinates, the second plurality of image coordinates, and the first gravitational direction.

Abstract: A wearable digital video camera (10) is equipped with wireless connection protocol and global navigation and location positioning system technology to provide remote image acquisition control and viewing. The Bluetooth® packet-based open wireless technology standard protocol (400) is preferred for use in providing control signals or streaming data to the digital video camera and for accessing image content stored on or streaming from the digital video camera. The GPS technology (402) is preferred for use in tracking of the location of the digital video camera as it records image information. A rotating mount (300) with a locking member (330) on the camera housing (22) allows adjustment of the pointing angle of the wearable digital video camera when it is attached to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A system and method of driving shutter by an object moving tendency. In this method, an image capture process is performed, wherein a sensor captures a first image of a moving object in a first resolution in the image capture process. Then, a prediction moving module analyzes the first image to acquire a prediction time for the moving object to reach a feature position. Finally, an automatic shutter control process is performed according to the prediction time, and a second image with a second resolution is captured, wherein the value of the second resolution is larger than that of the first resolution. This method automatically captures the second image of the moving object when situated at the feature position by using the prediction moving system to analyze the moving object.

Abstract: An automated camera assembly comprising a camera and a detector for triggering the camera, wherein the detector includes an adjustable field of view. The detector can include a sensor and a curtain for reducing a maximum field of view to an adjusted field of view. The curtain can include an opaque member movable relative to the sensor. The curtain can instead include a processor programmed to trigger the camera when the subject is within the adjusted field of view. The invention is also embodied in a method of adjusting a field of view of a detector. The method comprises detecting a first subject within a maximum field of view, triggering the camera after detecting the first subject within the maximum field of view, adjusting to an adjusted field of view, detecting a second subject within the adjusted field of view, and triggering the camera after detecting the second subject.

Abstract: A wearable digital video camera (10) is equipped with wireless connection protocol and global navigation and location positioning system technology to provide remote image acquisition control and viewing. The Bluetooth® packet-based open wireless technology standard protocol (400) is preferred for use in providing control signals or streaming data to the digital video camera and for accessing image content stored on or streaming from the digital video camera. The GPS technology (402) is preferred for use in tracking of the location of the digital video camera as it records image information. A rotating mount (300) with a locking member (330) on the camera housing (22) allows adjustment of the pointing angle of the wearable digital video camera when it is attached to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a target situation in an athletic event. Positional information including the relative positions of a group of selected participants is initially received from a tracking system, and the aggregate motion of the selected participants is detected in real-time using the positional information. The target situation may be determined to have occurred when a change in the aggregate motion occurs in accordance with a predetermined characteristic during an initial time interval.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing sports-related video sharing services to subscribers to such services are disclosed. The systems and methods enable the capture and storage of video data corresponding to sporting events held at sports venues, and the communication of captured video data to subscribers or others for viewing. The systems and methods also enable subscribers to create video highlight reels, with or without annotations and/or music, from the captured video data, and to post, distribute, and/or communicate the video highlight reels for viewing by others.

Abstract: A media selection and insertion control device implements a method for selecting media for delivery to a plurality of users at an incident. The media selection and insertion control device: receives a plurality of media inputs from multiple media sources; receives capabilities of devices of users at an incident; receives resource capabilities of a set of networks to which the users are communicatively coupled; receives a set of incident-based rules and applies these rules to the plurality of media inputs to select media inputs to deliver to the users; and determines a mode of delivering the selected media inputs to the users based at least on the capabilities of the users' devices and on the resource capabilities of the set of networks to which the users are communicatively coupled.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating image content. The method and system allow segments of a panoramic scene, to be generated with reduced distortion. The method and system reduce the amount of distortion by mapping pixel data onto a pseudo camera focal plane which is provided substantially perpendicularly to the focal location of the camera that captured the image. A camera arrangement can implement the method and system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing with a computer (1) the motion of an athlete (3), of a team or a patient during an activity, said method comprising the steps of defining a number of unevenly time-spaced key positions in said motion, said key positions being of particular interest for analyzing the correct execution of said motion by said athlete (3) or team. A video sequence (11) of said motion is acquired with a camera (2) and still pictures (12) are extracted from said video sequence (11). Templates can trigger the automatic extraction of still pictures (12). For extraction purposes, a metadata recorded with a sensor (5) at the same time as the video sequence (11) can be used. Said still pictures (12) correspond to said previously defined key positions. Thereafter said extracted still pictures (12) are displayed simultaneously on a same display (10).

Abstract: A system and a method for goal recognition, in which a plurality of cameras monitor a goal line plane that is generated by a framework for a goal, wherein at least one camera module is provided which can be used to monitor a sector outside the goal laterally adjacent to the framework or in front of the framework in the direction of a playing field in order to determine a trajectory for a playing body in the region of the playing field in the direction of the goal, wherein the operation of the cameras for monitoring the goal line plane and/or the evaluation of the image data therefrom can be controlled on the basis of the image data from the camera module.

Abstract: Systems and processes for communicating a surfing experience includes capturing preview pictures or videos using a camera mounted on a surfer's head or a surfboard; displaying the preview pictures or videos on a remote watch; adjusting the camera's angle or position based on the preview pictures or videos; and storing pictures or videos into a camera memory during a surf session.

Abstract: System and methods for pointing a device, such as a camera, at a remote target wherein the pointing of the device is controlled by a combination of location information obtained by global positioning technology and orientation information obtained by line of sight detection of the direction from the device to the target.

Abstract: A system for capturing a surfing experience includes a camera mounted on a surfboard with a camera mount providing at least three degrees of freedom to position the camera to capture a preview picture or video; and a web server coupled to the camera to render pictures or videos during a surf session. The camera may be a low profile camera designed to be flush with surface of board with same shape as surface of board. The camera may capture 3D images and may capture normal or panoramic images.

Abstract: Provided are devices, methods and recording mediums for processing video data including setting at least one particle on a target in an image of a previously-selected frame in a video, sequentially acquiring temporally-previous frames and temporally-next frames in the video after the previously-selected frame, determining a part whose difference in pixel values between the image of the acquired previous frame and the image of the next frame is a threshold or more and which corresponds to the target in the image of the previous frame as an outer edge of a particle tracking range, and setting the particles in the image of the next frame at positions of pixels which are within the outer edge of the tracking range, and specifying a position of the target in the image of the next frame based on the positions of the set particles.

Abstract: A wearable digital video camera (10) is equipped with wireless connection protocol and global navigation and location positioning system technology to provide remote image acquisition control and viewing. The Bluetooth® packet-based open wireless technology standard protocol (400) is preferred for use in providing control signals or streaming data to the digital video camera and for accessing image content stored on or streaming from the digital video camera. The GPS technology (402) is preferred for use in tracking of the location of the digital video camera as it records image information. A rotating mount (300) with a locking member (330) on the camera housing (22) allows adjustment of the pointing angle of the wearable digital video camera when it is attached to a mounting surface.

Abstract: There are provided an information providing system, an information providing method and an information providing program capable of providing information for enabling conditions of a horse entered in a race to be rapidly confirmed. A system control unit 15 according to the present application acquires moving image data in which horses are captured, extracts a plurality of items of still image data of the horses from the acquired moving image data, generates a horse list displaying the horse names for which a link to acquire and display the still image data by a user terminal 3-k is set, and distributes it to the user terminal 3-k.

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: A tracking system having a website connected to a electronic device over an electronic network. Identification information associated with participant information related to an identification chip worn by a participant and stored in the electronic device. The website displays the present position of a selected participant, a live continuous video feed from selected check points, the pace of the selected participant and the estimated time of arrival for the participant at a selected check point.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for locating or otherwise generating positional information for an object, such as but not limited generating positional coordinates for an object attached to an athlete engaging in an athletic event. The positional coordinates may be processed with other telemetry and biometrical information to provide real-time performance metrics while the athlete engages in the athletic event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a target situation in an athletic event. Positional information including the relative positions of a group of selected participants is initially received from a tracking system, and the aggregate motion of the selected participants is detected in real-time using the positional information. The target situation may be determined to have occurred when a change in the aggregate motion occurs in accordance with a predetermined characteristic during an initial time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing video footage of at least one moving object on a racecourse or sporting field. The video footage includes sequential still pictures each containing a respective image of the at least one moving object. The apparatus including at least one camera mounted on a pan tilt head being configured to follow the movement of the at least one moving object, to thereby capture the video footage, and a controller in communication with the pan tilt head, for controlling the pan and tilt thereof. The controller being used to set the position of a first and a second biasing devices with respect to the limits of a picture frame of said at least one camera. The first and second biasing means are ordered hierarchically by the controller.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus of the invention which is capable of photographing a desired object by making a plurality of photographing apparatuses cooperative with one another includes: an image pickup section; a detection section for acquiring photographing information related to an image acquired by the image pickup section; a transmission section for transmitting the photographing information acquired by the detection section; a reception section for receiving an image photographed and transmitted by another photographing apparatus based on the photographing information; and a memory control section for storing the image acquired by the image pickup section and the image received by the reception section in association with each other.

Abstract: A device and method for collecting data from an event and retransmitting same with high value portions of the data identified. Low value portions of the data from the event are identified so, if desired, they may be removed and replaced by other data, such as stats from the event, stats from other events, and trivia relevant to the event. Indications alert end users that the data signal is returning to high value portions.

Abstract: System and methods for pointing a device, such as a camera, at a remote target wherein the pointing of the device is controlled by a combination of location information obtained by global positioning technology and orientation information obtained by line of sight detection of the direction from the device to the target.

Abstract: Targeted information is generated for a participant in an activity. An image or video depicting the participant is received and the participant is identified in the image or video from a participant profile electronically stored in a database of participant information. The participant profile includes identifying information about the participant and contact information for the participant. The database of participant information includes participant profiles for a plurality of participants in the activity. One or more product identifying indicia associated with the participant are identified in the image or video, and a package of targeted information is generated based on the identifying information in the participant profile and the identified one or more product identifying indicia. The package of targeted information is provided to the participant using the contact information from the participant profile.

Abstract: Techniques to provide a micro-broadcast of an event are described. Video data streams of a live event at a venue may be captured in one or more wireless camera devices. The data streams may be sent to one of a network of wireless access points where they are relayed to a control center. A computer system in the control center may select one of the video data streams to be broadcast as a micro-broadcast. The selected video data stream may then be formatted for the micro-broadcast before a micro-broadcast transmitter broadcasts the formatted selected video data stream.

Abstract: A jump safety system for communicating an optimal velocity for a jump is described. The system includes a radar component, a memory, a processor, a velocity processing module, an increase velocity status, a decrease velocity status, a maintain velocity status, and a light emitting component. The radar component transmits and receives radio signals and generates a velocity output. Additionally, the radar component is positioned to determine velocity along a path associated with the jump. The velocity processing module is controlled by the processor and determines an optimal velocity range for a landing area. The maintain velocity status determined by the velocity processing module indicates the velocity output. The light emitting component is configured to communicate at least one of the increase velocity status, the decrease velocity status, or the maintain velocity status.

Abstract: Methods for automatically buffering and displaying video feeds associated with a live event are described. The video feeds displayed on the mobile device may comprise live video feeds or replays associated with the live event. A replay may comprise a playback of one or more buffered video feeds in a particular sequence and at a particular playback rate. The particular sequence may be determined based on the viewing behavior of the end user of the mobile device and/or the viewing behaviors of one or more other end users using other mobile devices at the live event. In some cases, the replay may comprise a shared replay in which a group of end users attending the live event may interact with each other while sharing a common replay.

Abstract: The creation of a digest video is facilitated, and the editing efficiency is improved. An information processing device is provided with a moving image acquiring unit for acquiring a moving image during imaging, and an event acquiring unit for acquiring event data that is information indicating a scene of each frame of the moving image acquired by the moving image acquiring unit. If the event data acquired by the event acquiring unit satisfies a predetermined condition, a cut signal is generated, the moving image is cut in a predetermined range on the basis of the cut signal, and the cut moving image is stored in a nonvolatile storage medium.

Abstract: A device (1) for video filming of a subject comprising at least a rod (3), a support (2) for the rod (3), an anchoring element (6) of the support (2) to the subject to be filmed, means (7) for a rotary jointing of the support (2) to the anchoring element (6), a first and at least a second TV camera (4,5) supported by the rod (3) on opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis of the support (2).

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the fit of a modular window assembly into a simulated vehicle body opening includes a base member, a vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator mounted to the base member, one or more light sources disposed in the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator and one or more devices for securing the vehicle window to the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator. A method of utilizing the apparatus is also a part of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated camera control system (10). The automated camera control system (10) is a control management system for television broadcasting at a track based event, such as horse or motor racing. The automated camera control system (10) allows a single operator (54) to simultaneously control a plurality of cameras (16). The automated camera control system (10) improves the compositional quality of the footage. The operator (54) can simultaneously perform all the functions of a director including vision switching and camera setting for the outgoing television broadcast (86).

Abstract: A sports apparatus for monitoring spatial positions of players within a spatial playing region is provided. The sports apparatus includes personal monitors carried by the players, and a monitoring arrangement coupled in communication with the personal monitors for determining spatial positions of the personal monitors within the spatial playing region. The sports apparatus also includes a camera arrangement for capturing views of at least a portion of the spatial playing region for determining spatial positions of the players within the spatial playing region, and a data merging arrangement for merging position-measurement data generated by the monitoring arrangement and the camera arrangement to provide output information indicative of the spatial positions of the players within the spatial playing region.

Abstract: Video frames of a baseball game are analyzed to determine a track for the participants in the game, e.g., players, coaches and umpires, and to update a digital record of the game. The start and/or end of a half-inning can be indicated by factors such as: the participants leaving the dugout region and entering the playing field, including the outfield, a participant leaving the dugout region and entering the region of a base coach's box, a pitcher throwing pitches when no batter is present, and players on the playing field throwing the ball back and forth to one another. In one approach, the combination of detecting an event which is known to occur most often or always between half-innings followed by detecting another event which is known to occur most often or always during a half-inning, can be used to signal that a half-inning has started.

Abstract: Video capture systems, methods and computer program products can be provided and configured to capture video sequences of one or more participants during an activity. The video capture system can be configured to include one or more video capture devices positioned at predetermined locations in an activity area; a tracking device configured to track a location of the participant during the activity; a content storage device communicatively coupled to the video capture devices and configured to store video content received from the video capture devices; and a content assembly device communicatively coupled to the content storage device and to the tracking device, and configured to use tracking information from the tracking device to retrieve video sequences of the participant from the tracking device and to assemble the retrieved video sequences into a composite participant video.

Abstract: The path and/or position of an object is tracked using two or more cameras which run asynchronously so there is need to provide a common timing signal to each camera. Captured images are analyzed to detect a position of the object in the image. Equations of motion for the object are then solved based on the detected positions and a transformation which relates the detected positions to a desired coordinate system in which the path is to be described. The position of an object can also be determined from a position which meets a distance metric relative to lines of position from three or more images. The images can be enhanced to depict the path and/or position of the object as a graphical element. Further, statistics such as maximum object speed and distance traveled can be obtained. Applications include tracking the position of a game object at a sports event.

Abstract: A method for distributing sports entertainment includes the step of providing a plurality of video cameras positioned on vehicles or athletes that are participating in sporting events, transmitters for transmitting information from the plurality of cameras to a processing station, retransmission equipment for directing the camera feed from each of the plurality of cameras to separate channels for distribution and remote viewing at viewers' locations, and channel selectors that permit viewers to select from among the various channels, thereby allowing the viewers to select from the plurality of camera feeds. The cameras are simultaneously operated during the sporting event so as to generate a plurality of camera feeds during the event, each feed reflecting the perspective of an individual participant. The plurality of feeds is received by the retransmission equipment and retransmitted to selectable channels, each channel being associated with a respective camera feed.

Abstract: The creation of a digest video is facilitated, and the editing efficiency is improved. An information processing device is provided with a moving image acquiring unit for acquiring a moving image during imaging, and an event acquiring unit for acquiring event data that is information indicating a scene of each frame of the moving image acquired by the moving image acquiring unit. If the event data acquired by the event acquiring unit satisfies a predetermined condition, a cut signal is generated, the moving image is cut in a predetermined range on the basis of the cut signal, and the cut moving image is stored in a nonvolatile storage medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent display method for a multimedia mobile terminal. The method includes the steps of determining a type of a camera shot existing in a sport game video; deciding a region of interest within an image frame of the sport game video when it has been determined that the camera shot is a long-distance shot, magnifying the region of interest, and displaying the region of interest on the mobile terminal, and displaying the entire image frame on the mobile terminal when it has been determined that the video shot is a non-long-distance shot. The method enables the user to watch images in a more understandable and comfortable manner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for managing signals to be broadcast at a bowling alley or the like a video signal comprising an image captured at the bowling alley is displayed at the bowling lane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a current video frame of a program video having a plurality of scene cuts switching between video segments originating from respective cameras of a plurality of cameras and automatically identifying the camera from which the current video frame originated. The apparatus having a feature database storing predetermined features for a plurality of cameras filming a program video originating from the plurality of cameras, a recognition unit receiving a current video frame of the program video, extracting features from the current video frame, and comparing the features to the previously stored features and a camera model estimator computing an estimated camera model based on corresponding feature pairs and previously stored features, wherein if the estimated camera model is within a predetermined threshold of a stored camera model for one of the plurality of cameras, that camera is identified as originating the current video frame.

Abstract: A multi-mode digital photography method including generating an output image of a location L at a specific time t which is identified as a function of a user-selected photography task, the method including generating an output image of a particular scene which is built up from a plurality of images thereof, as another function of a user-selected photography task.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for a unique camera experience, wherein the camera is placed in an in-ground position permitting recording or broadcast of a camera perspective that is along the surface of or above the surface of the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the in-ground camera is secured within the surface of a racetrack.

Abstract: A multiple camera video system and methods for operating such a system. The system may include a plurality of cameras located around a stadium, athletic playing field or other location. The cameras are remotely controlled in a master-slave configuration. A camera operator at a master pan head selects one of the plurality of cameras as the current master camera and utilizes the master pan head to adjust the telemetry and zoom of the master camera to follow the target object. The telemetry and zoom parameters of the master camera are then used to calculate corresponding telemetry, zoom and/or other parameters for each of the plurality of slave cameras. Video captured by each of the cameras is stored for the production of replay video feeds or for archiving. The replays may be capable of “spinning” through the video feeds of adjacent cameras in order for the viewer to get the sensation of revolving around the target object. The multiple camera video system also includes methods for calibrating the system.