A first in target tracking with video cameras
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| Camera maintenance at race course |
Back in 2004 I developed an optical tracking system for monitoring greyhound races as a proof of concept. The system consisted of 9 computers (P4 2.8 Ghz), 52 cheap PAL cameras, and a video matrix for provisioning video feeds (16 of the 52 cameras were capturing data at any given time). The system depended on a human operator to confirm information about an upcoming race (e.g. length of race, number of contestants), but the system tracked the race itself automatically.
The system's output was a timestamped stream of contestant coordinates and relevant identification information. This data was streamed over the Internet to viewers watching the race on a computer application with a 2-3 second delay (see video below). One of the advantages of the virtual recreation was in the substantially lower bandwidth requirement, ca 1 kilobyte per second, well within the capabilities of dialup modems and GPRS.
The system was in operation at Swindon's greyhound track between 2004 and 2005, tracking a total of over 1500 races. The system operated in all weather and illumination conditions (which, I might add, was not a minor feat for the British Isles). The most significant threat to the system's operating integrity did not come from the British weather however, but from local spiders who evidently felt that the cameras were a perfect base for web-building. The cameras required a thorough clean every 2-3 months, and I don't envy the person who did the job!
To the best of my knowledge this system was the first optical and realtime/automatic tracking system for sports (but I would be glad to be corrected on this point).
Real video and system player output side by side
(Sorry, you need Flash Player 7 or newer to see the video)
Video: The track camera video is on the left, and the virtual output home viewers experienced on their home PCs on the right. The software application allowed home viewers to choose from 4 different viewing angles. (Note: Video has no sound)
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References "Where electric hare meets electronic dogs" (Financial Times, Nov 24 2004). "Greyhounds go live with virtual Swindon action" (Racing Post Greyhounds, Nov 12 2004, p.1). |