AU2004216667A1 - Transformation Of Images For Image Capture And Viewing - Google Patents

Description

04-OCT-2004 15!43 A J PARK 64 4 472 3358 P.05/33 o AtTSTRALLIA 1 t PATENTS ACT 5 1.990 r- COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FORIA STANDARD PATENT

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ORIGINAL

Name of ApIVcan: BRUCE PETER PARKER Actual Inventor: BRUCE PETER PARKER Addres fbr serice A J PARK, Level I11. 60 Mfarus; Clarke Street Canberra ACT in Attsfralim 260 1. Austalia.

Invention Tide: Thraniation Ofhlmqes For Image Capture And Viewing lb Moowing satement is a f41 description otthia Invntio, includiag the beat muethod of pedonnn it known to me.

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STRANSFORMATION OF IMAGES FOR IMAGE CAFIURE AND VIEWING SFIELD OF THE INVENTION I" 5 The present invention reltes to sigs, such as advertising signs, that are applied to the Ssurfaces where televised events are held, such as sports grounds.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION C 10t Signs are commonly placed in and arond televised events, uch as sports events.

Genrally signs display promotional content of sponsors and customers who pay to have their advertiements at the ground. This provides them with the benefit of exposure to a wide viewer audience during televising of the event Advertising signs 11 are oftn painted directy on to the event surface 10, such as a sports field, as shown in Figure la. This provides the advertiser with sinificant exposure, due to the surface featring predominantly in a teviing. The drawback of surface advertising signs is that often the signs 11 appear out of proption to the audience when watching the event on television 13, as shown in Figure Ib. This is due to the geometric relationship between the camera 12 and the event surface This distortion is partially overcome by the inverse perspective ansform technique described in AU 656609. The technique involves nathmatically transforming an image of the sign into a deliberately pre-distorted mage based on, among other things, the relationship between a camera at a predetemned location and the surface at the mid point where the pre-distorted image is to be appli The deliberately pre-distortd image is then applied to the surface When a camera at the predetermined position captures an image of the predistorted sign on the surface, it appears in "proportion" to the viewer. and can eve create the illusion of the sign "standing up" out of the playing surface.

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oHowever, the tecimique disclosed in A 6 podu the predistrted surface sign by mathematically transfotmh the desired ige from a virtual "viewing plane, at a point in front of the canmers, to the surface. Not all of the virtual plane are equi-distant from the camera lns, and therefore the viewer still perceive distortions in the televised image.

SUMAtARY OF THE INVENTION

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O It is a object of the present invention to provid an inproved irasfomion method C 10 and/or computer system and/or computer for creating pre-distorted images for application to event surfaces of televised ents, or to at least provide the public with a us-th choice.

In one aspect, the present invation broadly sts in a method of transforming an image into a pro-distaed image for appliction to event srface including the steps of transforming a plurality of fagments of iage, as they would appear on a virtual spherical surface, into transformed a t image as they should appear on the event surface, based on the geometric tiop between a camera, the virtual spherical surface and the event surface; and the preodistorted image from the tansformedfragments.

The transformed fragments wre used to o u the pre-distrted image, in a suitable mamnner. The pre-distorted image, when aled to the surface, televised and viewed, is perceived as the original image lying o the virual spherical surface. The pre-disortd image appears substantially in the corrc That is, it appears on scrmen much like the original image.

Typically, the image will be of a adverting nature, although the image can be any graphical work for application to an event acand lcapturd by a camera for televising or dissemination for viewing by any oier a The event surface can be any surface n ~r3

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where A is the distanc from the camera to the base of where the pe-distated image wigl be applied to the event surface W is the width of the bat: of the original image. L is the length of the pe-distoited fInage, and FO0 is the diamete of the field of view of the camera at a distanice of 1 maim, vd h di~r istorted image is included in a general camera shot of the event unfacem The FO::n be measured or alternatively calculted Usinv D 2 where H is leow than or equal to D.

Where the height H of the camera is gete than the horizontal distance D of the camera bran the base of the pre-distre Wamge, then Ro--2 (4) 2 H Preferably, the original image is obtaind wan then conwerted into an electronic represenitation. The electronic represetao of tho original image is transifomied into an alactranic representation of the pre-distortd, image for application to an event surface using a computer system or similar. A printout. sniltmlt or Ohe representation of the pro-dstorted image can be generated by the prrpre yse oavide a means by which the pre-diatortod image aim applied to the -vt -Z~e Thtr0 stencil template or the like can be supplied to a third party who Carries out the application of the impg to the event sutfae.

In another aspect the present ineto ~idyConsists in a Computer system ftr tranalbrzning an imaec into a p:adsote mg for application to. an event surFace 04-OCT-204 15:45 A J Pra< 64 4 472 3358a P. iY'33 0

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o including a processor arranged to: obtain the imge; transform a plurality of firamets of the image, as they would appear at a ita spherical surtace, into trausforsed. fragents 0 of the image it ty should appear ozn the event surfac, hused on the gomretric relationship between.a camera, lin virtual ~i aic l race and th event surfc; construct the pro-dstorted, Image from the transited ftigracats; and output a representation of the prorld. Imago.

In anther aspct. die present ivnton "gay conits in a computer program for otrasfonming an image into a pre-distorted. ng for application to, an event surface, the 10 computer prograna peafoeng the steps of- toraoming a plurality of laugments of the imagc, -s they would appear on a virtual apioca surfac, into trausfoed Augmets of the imae as they should appear an the ever suarface, basal on the geometric relelionship between a earners, the virtual spherical surfaice, and the event surface; end constructing the pee-distorted inage from the transformed fiukmnts In anther aspect the present invention brosily consist. in a mecthod of depicting an imag including the sueps of. obtaining an img ?be televised or othewise disseminated for viewing; txansforming a plurality of frget of the image. as they would appear ona virtual spherical surface, into transformed *amus of the image as they should appear on the event sufce, based on the geometric relationship between a camera, the virtual spherical surface and the event. surface; contng the pro-dstorted image from the transfurnied fragments; applying the pre-diato e image to the event surface; capturing an Image of the event surface WWIh the applied p-dltue mg in h aa televising or odierwise dissemiating the captured image for viewing.

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o BRIEF DESVRWI'JN OF THE DRA NP S Prferrd ebodiments of the invention toll he described with refernc to the &=eorripayrig dmawtnga, ofwhich.

rigure la and lb show how art image anMeto a spoils field becomes distorted when Cl o ~Figures 2a, and 2b show in schematic form, n e~ le of an image pior t flofounatimn an .podsore mg lw tnfm~n using a method according to a preferred CA 10 ambodiment of the invedtim Figure 3 shows in elevaion, the MWltiosl bisect a camr, virtual spherical aur~ce and event surface on which apre-dittned image i to be appled Figure 4 shows in pluan, rft relumionslap bew~en the camnera, eyeat surface and position of a pte-distorted. image, andI Figures 5a, and 5b show the original arid pre-di"afe image divided. into corresponding fragments.

DETAILED DESCRIFrION OF flTHFRY F IE M BOIET According to a preferred embodiment of the nulin Figures 2& and 2b respectively show a schematic example of an original image 20 rhst spoon Might Wsnt tolhave transformed into a deliberately pno-istonted or stretched brisge 22, and applied to a waue of a televised event. As can be seen, the pm-distorted (tranaforiruad) image 22 lies a bigger width at dhe toM longer sides mid curved top ari base edget for Ceample, the original image 20 could be a advertising sign or siia For illustrative purposes, the original image 20 is only shown asa frame and a simp a however it should be appreciated that the image may be a grsphical work depicting promotional materia of the sponsor. The pri)-disrortad image 22 ian he applied to the s rf n for example a sports field, such that when pictures of the field are televised or jtwertisc dissemintd for w& the pi.distorted image 22 will appear in correct propcptir7 to the viewer. That is, the televised 04-DCT-2004 15:46 A 3 PARK 64 4 472 3358 P.12/33 o 8

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O image will appear similar to the original image 20 shown in Figure 2a. In ffect the rlationship of the camera with the field "undistorta" the applied pre-distorted image 22, o such that it appears in proportion when viwed. When viewed in corect proportions, the original image 20 may also have the illusion of"standing up" from the feld.

\D The original image 20 shown in Figure 2a as a width W along the base 21 and a height Hi -along its edge 23. The original image 20 could be a graphical work of any kind, for example an dvertising sign, team logo, event ogo, general sign or the like. The camera Swill typically be a motion capture device, such as a television camera although the (c 10 technique will also work for still capres. The event surfce can be ny surface on which a televised event takes place such a a sports fid, indoorontdoor cout, track stage, snooler table, table tennis table, swimming pool. ice rink or the like. The event surface could also be an advertisging oaing an event. This list Is not ehaustive of the possible applications.

In a preferred mbodiment, an original image 20 will be obtained transformed into a predistorted image 22 and a stencil, template Or printout of the pro-distorted image 22 to be applied to the surface will be provided. Perably, thde original image 20 is obtained and then convered into an electronic represetation. The electronic representation of the original image 20 is transformed into an electrnic represntation of he pro-distrted image 22 for application to an event surface a computer system or similar. The transfom can be iniplcmmnted in a computer pgram aecuting on the computer system. A printout, stencil, template or other representation of te pre-distorted image can be gcaerated by the computer system to provide a means by which the pre-distorted image can be applied to the event suface. Orid lines can be overlaid to assist in applying the pre-distorted image. The stencil, template or the like can be supplied o a third party who carries out the application of the pr-distorted image to the event sufac. The evcnt surface can then be televisd.

Figure 3 shows, in schematic form, an elation view of a nominal arrangement of a camera 30 in relation to the position m the evnt surface 31 where the pre-dietorted image mu~lnu- r~ lhmnm. n.

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8 9 O 22 is to be applied. The camera 30 is poitoned at a eight above the event surface 31, at a horizontal distance D fiom the mid Mt ofwhere the base 21 of the original image is to be positioned. The transform is canied out based on knowledge of where the camera 30 is in relation to where the predicted image 22 will be applied to the surface 31. Referringto Figures 3 and 4, apefe bodiment ofthe transform method will first be described with reference to the base d sides of the original image 20, to clearly demontrate the general concept. The Mr image 20 is considered to lie on a virtual Ssphere 33 that ecompasses the camera 3 where the camera 30 is at the centre of the Ssphere 33. Only a portion of the sphere 3 is shown in Figure 3, corresponding to the (1 10 portion that is in the camera view. Obviously, only the ide of the sphere 33 is indicated, however it will be appreciated that the ph defines a virtual spherical surface around the camera 30. 'I radius R of the sphe 33, t by any one of projection lines 34a-34f between the camea 30 and the sphere 33, is calculated using Pythagoras' theorem, namely

RLH'+D

2 The virtual sphere 33 nt the event surface 31 at the base of the predistorted image 22.

To generate the pre-distorted image 22, te original image 20 fa transfoed from Its standard flat form as shown in Figure 2a, into a form as it would appear if it were to be applied to the inner surface of the virtual sphe 33. This is, in effect how the image that will actually appear to viewers watchng the sed versionof the pr-distorted image 22 applied to the ground. Preferably, this lrasform is carried out using a mathematical technique, known to those skilled in this logy. Alternatively, it may be assumed that the original image 20, is already lying o t inner surface of the virtual sphere 33, in which case this trasformation need not take lace. The relationship between the camera and the event surface 31 effectively transfonn the pr-distorted image 22 painted on the field into an undistorted imag appearing on virtual phrical surface 33. It should be noted that the image is not actualy applied to spherical surface.

As shown in Figur 3, the height or length of the pr-distorted image 22 is generated fto a projection of the height of the orial image 20, lying on the virtual spherical B4-0OT-2004 15*46 At :r PARK 64 4 472 3358 P.14/33 01 0 Cstufaice 33, o to the event surface 31. Th e ct lines 34&-34f erand fo the caem 30, through the origina image 20 0lesurface of the virtual sphere 33, onto the event surface 3 1. indicate the projection. #aierperceives the inverse of this projected pm.distorted image 22 applied to the event sitaceA namely the original image 20 on the virtual spherical surface 33- In a prefad embodiment the projection is deterined inathernatical by projecting a pilut oftdvdual portions of original image 20 onto the -event surface in tan,. To do so, the on I iae 20 is processed in incremecntal portions of s. sitable resolution alog Its heigh.Flprin the heigh fteoiia og ienml is conyvrted by projection, ito a.equivalent height incremnent termed ASI (Padacent side increas), that that portion of the original image 20 should take upon appliealion the even surface 30, whcen ASf-j-L H I where H is the height of the caner 30 aov th event surface 3 1, and D is the distance of the osmern fom the base of the pr-distorte iEMngC 22 onc applied to the event sutface 3 1.

The multiplier 1000 rcnesonds to the unc Of iweinat, or resolution, us~ed in processing. This can be readily increased ordEc~m to the required resolution.

For sicample, refesieg Wo Fig=s 3, the ceigmpu 4Vag 20 on the spherical surface is broken into 5 11craental portions for llhatrative purposes. The AS! or height of each portion when projected from the virtual spherical Surfa~e 33 to the event surface 31 is calculed using resulting in the onsverted heights SP a) -ASI(e) as shown,. The total converted height PH is also shown, which correlaes to L aimin Figtu 2b. It will be appreciated that a much greater nmber of incrents would typically be used. This pro~jection can take place onboth edges of the riginal 2% to determine the height ofthe predistorted image 22 to be applied to th Iufae31 04-cXT-2004 15!47 I~ 7 5 A J PARK 64 4 472 3358 P.iS,'33 't1

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0 Nott, twidth dmeisiosof the peisoed image 22 are dotemined. Figure 4 shows, in chmatic. formi, a plani view Ir th7. ca30 in relation the position on the event sufae 31 whate the pie-dIstarted image 22 is to be applied. The positioning of the pt.-ditortcd image 22 is also sxownsidathughi it should lenoted this is for illustrative purposes, and at this stae has wot been bally determined. A ith distance between the camera and the base ~~of the pedistorted image22onteeventLrae31. Lines 41a. 4thindicatetefieldof Cl ~view of thecoamera 30. W lsathe widt of the bae of the pro~distorted image A2 which is equal to the width of the base 21 of the on imageW 20. RW isthe width of the top of the CA 10 pre-distoeted. image 22 applied lo te event aire 31, where: and where FOV diameter of the field of f the camem from lir distance, when the pre-dorted image 22 is included in a gae1 camera shot of the event suface 31. The FOV can be measured or alternatively calculated ushW 1D 2 where H is tonthanor equal toD.

Where the height H of the camera 30 is greatai than the horoital. distance D of the cae fn the bae. ofthe pre-distorted imagte 22 tM FOV=-- 2 H That is, the field of view FOV is equal to tebase width W of the pro-istorted Image 22 divided by 2. and Abis, in tr]3 is all divie by the result of the camer-a height H divided by CfllA~ In AL.. tQtALflA&lot= 04--CT-2004 15:47 A J PfRK 64 4 472 3358 P.16/33 0 12

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Sthe horizontal distance D of the amer 30 from the base of the pr-distoted image 22.

Both W and RW are curved with the radius of the sphere which is A Im.

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The ratio between the width W and height Hi of the original image 20 may be determined.

During traibomu(tiSn, this ratio can be maitaiped in the pre-distrted image 22 to nsure Sthat the observer is presented with a true sad accurate image in the conet proportions.

-This can be achieved by an adjutment after the initial transfomation is carried out.

Resizing calculations can be implemented based on one of three variables, base width W, o height of the image that is appercet to the viewer Hi, actual length L of the pre- CI 10 distorted image applied to the surface 31. For example, a advetiser may have a width allowance of X metres. The width of ths predistortd image 22 can therefore be resized, in correct proportion to the apparent height Hi, according to the ratio. Alternatively, the height of the predistorted image 22, can be resized to retain the ratio. In many circumstances, an advertiser may have an allowance of X metres in length on the surface to apply the pro-distorted image. From thisi the apparent height Hi is calculated, and then the base width is calculated, using the ratio. At this point, the calculated ASIs and the lateral dimensions could be used to produce a visual printout or display of how the border of the pre-distorted image 22 should appear on the event surface 31, along with dimensions.

The above description deacribes in a conceptual sense, the nature of the transform proces, and provides an indication of the shape of the perimeter predistorted image 22. In practice, the entire original image 20 raquires transfrmation to produce the pre-distorted image 22. To do so, the original image 20 is nominally divided into horizontal fragments such as shown in Figure 5a, and these are transformed row by row. Preferably, each fagment is of an equal height and width, deltrmined by the size of the original image and the dimensions of the pre-distorted image 22. In Figure 5a, only 25 fagments are shown for clarity, although in practice many more will be utilised, depending on he required resolution of the final pre-ditatrted image 22. The predistortod image 22 can be constructed from fragments 51 tnsforned from fagments 50 of the original image The irasform is done row by row, 55-59 using equations and The height of each CflmR i In, 4AIftu ltic-fl~t ei 84-CT-20 4 15:47 SJ PRK 64 4 472 3358 P.17/33 0 13

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Sfragment of the original image 20 is deteatned by the division ratio used in equation (1000 s shown in equation although this can be altered). In effect each fragment o height relates to tbe increment previously described with reference to equation Each horizontal row of fragments, 55-59, in the original image 20 has its height transformed into a corresponding ASI hight in the pr-diarted image 22, using equation The rear 0 width, RWI-RWS, ofeach row 55-59 in the pre-distted image 22 is determined fom the -width W of the row in the original image 20 using equation It will be appreciated that is the sn as RW in Figure 2b. Frosp this, the corrponding transformed row, S59, can be constructed from the height and tear width, with the individual fragments being C 10 divided evenly into the oran width. The appropriate lengtfwidth ratio adjustment is then made. Oce all rows 55-59 have been transfbrmd ad constructed, the transformed image 22 can be constructed tom these rows.

Preferably, the process is canied out using software on a computer system or alternatively a computer system with a processor which is arranged to carry out the process may be utilised. The original image 20 can be imported and displayed by the software in Bitmap or JPEG formats. The image 20 is then treated by the software as a bitmap. This means that each pixel on the creen is broken down to the Twip level. There are 100 Twips to a Pixd.

If the original image is 5 meters high, thma it could be broken into 5,000 discrete equal horizontal corponents (based an the 1,000 increments used in the calculations). The ASI value for each of these 5,000 values may be rordv and correlates with the original image Each of the ASI value increaes with td distance from the base of the image. Every horizontal component from the original image 20 has a corresponding horizontal component in the pre-distoted image 22. The height is fixed in the original image 20, but varies (ASI) in the pre-distorted image 22. By re-assigning the Twips from the original image 20 to that required by the pro-distorted image 22, the "stretch" is achieved. For example, in the original image 20 there may be 100 Twips per pixel. The corresponding horizontal "line" in the transformed image iay be 10 times the height, so 10 Twips are assigned per Pixel. In actual fact, there remain 100 Twips per pixel, but the other 90 are averaged values of the 10 used. For the width, each "line is calculated" based on the enhan n~l oo emet a 04-OZT-=~4 15:48 A J PCRKI 64 4 472 3358 P. IR/f 0 14

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oreeant width lbrmula In this ease the Twip. W' spread evetily acrss the Width. As there are so many calculations and lines, the pre-4istoxted image 22 appears to have been stretched. But it has been stretched in small ineents. in the corMt wwutton, at the right location, xather than Just stretching the imae evenly over the -hole tansfrmed imae m aen It will be appreciated that the software andlor e~mpute systesn can be arranged to receive, Cl either automatically or manually, all the input data required to transforan the original imsage into the pre-distorted. image. For eaople. the vertical. height of the camera above the event srfac and the horizontal distance of the camera fhxn tha basge of wh=r the pre-dlatorted imrage will be applied to the event onface cm be entered into the sofiwara sari/n computer system zmaally.

The freing description of the invention includecs preferred formna thereof. Modifications may be made theet witbout departing fto the scope of the invention as defined in the accomnpanying clis.

Claims (20)

1. A method of transforminng an image into a pro-distorted image for application to an event surface including the stqn of. s transforming a plurality of n f the image, as they would appear an a virtual spherical surface, into transformed co of the image as they should appear on the event surface, based on the geoM ec relationship between a camera, the virtual spherical surrae and the event surfu; and constructing the pi-distorted image m the transfomrnul fragments.

2. A metod according to claim 1, w i the pre-distorted Image, when applied to the event aface, cphured by the camera viewed, is perceived as the image lying on the virtual spherical surfane.

3. A method according to claim I or 2, wh the step of transforming the itagments of the muage includes divitift ft image the image Iludes dividing the image Into rows of fragments and transforming the fragments row by ow.

4. A method according to any one of proceding claims, wherein the step of transfonrming the fragments includes tra ing the length of the fragments and then amnfoming the width of the fagmnts along the tranformedat length. A method according to any one of c preceding claims, wherein the step of transforming the fragments of the image includes transfonning the length of the fragments based on the vertical height the camera above the event surface and the horizontal distance of the camera from base of when the pre-distorted image wiU be applied to the event surface.

6. A method According to any one of t preceding claims, wherein the step of transforming the fragments of the image includes transforming the width of the 04-OCT-2Oe4 15:48 A J PARK 64 4 472 3358 P.2'3: CA ofiagmatits based on th distnc of th f h baeowhr the pre-dstorted hhgeilaliedto~teett anifaet 4 width afthe base of the image the lengt of the pro-distorted image, and the field. Of ew of the camera when the pro-distorted image is included in gnlcam= stin fet event surface.

7. A method according to claim C~ iacludixtg the~step of calculating the field of view of the caners. based a the veacal height otecasners above the event surface, thes horizontal disance ot'the eamners from th aeof wher the prc-distorted image will be applied to the event surface, sod the width ofte, base of the image. CIA 10 g& A method according to claim 6. inciuding the step of measuring the fiel d'of view of tie

9. A method according Do anin ftepueng clalimis wherein the fagmsts of the image arethe same size. A method according to any one of the 7" Md~, claims, wherein the resolution of the pre-diatortad image is depaidait on fthnek of fragmesta of the image.

11. A method according to any ame of the P"eedn clams, wherein the virtual spheic~al surface encompass= t camera, the lens o the earnera being at t eantar of the virtual spherical surface.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein h ~sii of the viitul spherical surface is based on the horizontal and vertical dixtane amtwe the lam, of the camera and the base of wher the pre-diatorted. image will I~ apliad to the event sufrtbe

13. A method according to any ce, of the preceding claims,6 wherein the virtual sphericl surface Intersects. the event surface at the here f where the pre-distorted image will be applied to the evexit surface. 04-OCT-2004 15:49 A J PRRK 64 4 472 3358 P.21/33 O o 17 O CA

14. A method according to any one of te preceding claims, wherein the image is a 0 graphical Work containing advetIng opomotional Imaterial.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding cairs, wherein the event surfe is a sports field indoorlutdoor co urtrk, stage anooker table, table tennis table, swimming pool. ice rink or advertising ibordng.

16. A method according to any one of the g laim, wherein the image is electronic C 10 and the fiagments of the image are forked fm one or more pixds of the electronic unage.

17. A computer system for transfornning i e into a pro-distorted image for application to an event surfae including a processor raged to: obtain the ima; transform a plurality of fragments of the image, as they would appear on a virtual spherical surface, into transformed fragment of the image as they shtould appear on the event surfao., based on the geometric relatio ip between a camera, the virtual aphaical surface and the event surface; construct the pm-distorted image fom the transformed fragments; and output a reproartation of the pro-distorted image.

18. A computer system according to claim 17. wherein the pre-distarted image. when applied to the event aueface, captured by the camera and viewed, is perceived as the image lying on the virtual spherical sutrfac.

19. A computer system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the processor is arranged to divide the image into rows of fragments an transform the fragments row by row. FIY flnMr~.UI-r~L~ U~ II

34-rET-2on4 15:49 9 5 PR9< 64 4 472 S~S P.22'33 34-OCT-2004 15:49 A J PAWK 64 4 4?2 3358 P.22/33 O0 o CA O 20. A computer system scoording to any ne of claims 17-19, wherein the processor is aranged to firstly trawform the length ftrsyents and then tranesbm the width of the fm ments along the raforrmted 21. A computer system accrding to any of claims 11-20, wherein the processor is a0nged to transfoan the length of the figm based on the vertical height of the cmmas above the event surface and the boron diae of h ama om the f t base of where the predistorted image will be lied to the event surface. C 10 22. A computer systa acceding to any ae of claims 17-21, wherein the processor is arrmnged to taran the width of the ts based on the distance of the camera fonm the base of where theim e will be applied to the event surfac, the width of tO base of the image, the f the preO-distorted image, and the field of view of tb camer when the pe-di is included in a general camera shot of the eventsufatce. 23. A computer system according to claim wherein the processor is arranged to caleulate the field of view of the camera lsed on the vaertical height of the camera above the event surfe the hoal t he 1 a the canr from the bas of where the pee-distorted image will be applied to th event surface, and the width ofthe base of the image. 24. A computer system according to any o f claims 17-23, wherein the processor is arranged to divide the image into ragmeam orthe same size. A computer system according to any o 4 claims 17-24, wherein the image is a graphical work containing advertising or roual material. I I~ 04-OCT-2004 15249 A J PARK 64 4 472 3358 P.23/33 o o 19 O 0 CA 26. A computer system according to any one of aims 17-25, wherein the event surface is a spoats field, indoorn'outdoor court, track, stage, snooksr table, table tennis table, O swimming pool, ice rink or advertising 27. A compute system accordting to o of the claims 17-26, wherein the represetation of the pre-distarted i s electronic image, printout, template or stencil. C17 o2& A computer program for tansformin image into a pre-distorted image for C 10 applicatian to an aevent sauface, the computerogram performing the steps of: transfoming a plurality of nt the image, as they would appear on a virtual sphical surface, into transformed a ntof the image as they should appear on the event surface, based on the geomet ri lionship between a camera, the virtual spherical uface and the event surface and construcag the pe-distorted image fm transormed fragments,. 29. A computer program according to claim 28 wherein the pr-distorted image, when applied to the event suaface, captured by th camera and viewed, is perceived as the image lying on the virtual spherical saurfe. 20 30. A computer program according to claim 2 8 29, wherein the step of transforming the fragments of the image includes dividilgs image into rows of fragments and transforming the fagments row by row. 31. A computer program according to any n of claims 28-30, wherein the step of transforming the fagments Includes frly forming the length of the fragments and then transforming the width ofthe firagmens a g the transformed length. 32. A computer program according to any of claims 28-31, wherein the step of transfrmin the fagments of the image ludes transforming the length of the ft of the 04-OZT-2004 15: 50 A J Fq4< 64 4 472 3:358 P.24/33 CA o bfignents based on the vertical heigt Jihe causes above the event surf aend the horizonutal distance of the camera from the hae of 'where ffhe pro-isore imag will be C applied to the emiut surface. 33. A computer programi according to any One of claims 2&-3Z wherein the step of nnstfrin the frsgaueta of the ispagp includes trmnsfining the width of the ftuwnfl based on the distne oft.e pem from the base of where the pne-istcrtad image, will be applied to the event mutA. widt of the bese of the imae, the lengt o the pr-itra mage, and the fli lview of the earners. when the pee-distorted CIA 10 image is included in a geneal carnal st~ot ~fthe event autsfc. 34.A computer program acording to claimk 31, fbt*. perfrmig the ste of calulstlO the field of view of the camnera based Ofn t t vertical heigh of the amers above the evn surface, the hodmontal distane of thA owmem ftrm the base of where the pe- ls distorted image will be applied to the !v4surface, and the width of the base of the image. A computer program, according to any cncj of claims 28-34, wherein the imnage is a graphical work containing advertising orpe~ooa maftffial.

36. A computerprogram according to any one of claimis 28-33. wherein the event surfac is a spors field, indoodtoutdoor court, hea*t ste, snooker table, table tennis table, swimmuing pool, ice rink or advortsin lio$ 4

37. A methodof depictingan ageincludinglthe! stps oe obtaining -m image to be televised or otlsrjw sdissaninsted for viewing; rrsnatbnning a plurality of fragments of the imagei as they would appear on a virtual spherical surface, into kransformed frs.4:L of t image as they should appear onI the event surhce based on the geomeotric relarlionsbip between a camera, the virtual spherical surface and the event sufte; r .q in -1 2004216667 04 Oct 2004 LAC PIZ 06N I i ih IL IrI 04-OT-2004 15: 50 A+ J PARK 64 4 472 3358 P. 26/M2 0 22 CA o 43. Amethod according to dshn42, j" 'dn the step of calculating the lield of view of the carwra based on the vetical bcig o4 the camers above the event surace, the horisonta distance offthe camera ftom bhe b is of where: the paltctdimage will be applied to the eventsurface, and the wid h of'the base of the image.

1044. A .ethod acording to claim 42, inIngthe ste of measuring the ied. of view of the camera. A method according to anyowe of claims374 wherei the fragments ofte imag re CA I) the sameSize.. 46. A method according to anty one of claims 32445. wherein the image iea graphical wort containing advertising or prozotioru nat i-4 47. A method according to any one of claimp 374.4, wherein the avant surface is a sports field, indoorloutdoor cowl, trck, stage, snoae table, table tennis table, swimmning pool, ice sink or advertising hoardin 48. A method of transforming ant image into a preArtrd image for application to an event surface tibstantially as herein dcarai with refemcce to thre accompanying Figures 2a-Sb. 49. A coniputecr system fiw transforming an image zto a pre-ditorted image for application to am event surfacea aubaatially as heam 61 a~bd with refetance to the accompanrying Figures A compute progaam for tzraformuing i naeinto a pry-distorted image for appicaio toan vet arfee ubsantaly as~rri described with reference to the accompanying Figures 2004216667 04 Oct 2004