GB2484264A

GB2484264A - Live event video recording

Info

Publication number: GB2484264A
Application number: GB1016429.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eric Foch; Ying Wah Tang
Original assignee: MEMOTION Ltd
Current assignee: MEMOTION Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-30
Filing date: 2010-09-30
Publication date: 2012-04-11
Also published as: GB201016429D0

Abstract

A method of producing a recording of a live event comprising recording video from several cameras 101-106 at locations around the event, and receiving a capture signal with temporal data at instances during the event wherein, for each captured instance, a video clip of the recorded video prior to the instance is produced. Each capture signal may be associated with video timecode so as to tag individual frames. Video recorded after the selected instances may also feature in the clips. The event may be a sporting event, such as a football match; the capture signal may be automatically generated when a goal is scored, or manually selected using a button controlled a user, such as a team coach, for post-match analysis. A plurality of capture signals 108,109 may be received, such as a signal from a coach from each team. At the end of the event the video clips may be recorded in chronological order to produce a video product, dispensed on a recording medium from a kiosk.

Description

Producing A Video Recording of Live Action

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject mafter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of producing a video recording of a live action event.

2. Description of the Related Art

The recording of live action events, such as sporting events including football, is well known. For professional matches, it is possible for many cameras to be deployed resulting in the generation of substantial volumes of video material. This video material is then edited to produce edited highlights which may be shown, for example, as part of a news report. Furthermore, professional sporting clubs will deploy substantial resources to record their players in action for subsequent comment and analysis; a professional team having significant resources at their disposal compared to amateur players.

In an amateur game, it is possible for a cameraman to be employed to record a match but this would usually take place from a single standpoint resulting in video footage for the entire game. Thus, if a particular activity of interest took place, it would be necessary to search the video material to identify this and even then there is a risk that the camera was effectively in the wrong position in order to capture the event to a standard that results in useful images being created.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a video recording of a live action event as defined in claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an environment for producing a video recording of a live action event; Figure 2 shows a processing device identified in Figure 1; Figure 3 identifies procedures performed by the processing device identified in Figure 2; Figure 4 details procedures for the recording of assets as identified in Figure 3; Figure 5 details procedures for selecting candidate clips as identified in Figure 3; and Figure 6 details procedures for the editing of clips as identified Figure 3;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 An environment for producing a video recording of a live action event is illustrated in Figure 1. The live action event could be any event, generally something that is unscripted and in which instances of interest will occur. Thus, for example, in many sporting events, the event itself will involve a game played between two teams each attempting to place a ball in an opponent's net. An instance of interest may therefore be considered as a team scoring a goal and it is likely that team coaches for example would wish record these events for later scrutiny or team hubris.

An embodiment provides apparatus for producing a video recording in which a plurality of cameras are located around the live action event. In this example, there is provided a first camera 101, a second camera 102, a third camera 103, a fourth camera 104, a fifth camera 105 and a sixth camera 106.

However, it should be appreciated that the actual number of cameras present is variable and their positioning will be dependent upon the actual nature of the event taking place. Thus, in an embodiment, the location of the cameras will be relevant to the particular game or sport being performed.

In the example shown in Figure 1, it is preferable for cameras 101 to 106 to be located at positions where the scoring of goals can be recorded.

One or more recording devices 107 are provided for recording input video material received from each of the video cameras 101 to 106. In an embodiment, a capture signal generating device is provided for generating a capture signal at instances during the live action event. In the embodiment of Figure 1, a first capture signal generating devices 108 is provided which a second capture signal generating device 109; the two capture signal generating device 108 are intended for the team coaches of each respective team. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments a single capture device may be provided or more than two of such devices may be provided. Thus, for example, in some situations different spectators may be concerned with different attributes of the event, one being related to the scoring of goals and another being related to fouls and injuries for example.

A processing device is also provided that is configured to receive the capture signals and to associate these capture signals with temporal data defining locations within the recorded material, In addition, clips of the recorded material are selected for editing that were recorded before their respective capture signal was received.

Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 1, team coaches may generate capture signals after a goal has been scored or some other instance of interest has taken place. While it would be relatively straightforward to record video material after the generation of the capture signal, the embodiment of Figure 1 is directed towards selecting video material that was recorded prior to the capture signal being generated. This may then be combined with a section of video material generated after the capture signal and the duration of each of these portions may be adjusted and preconfigured for a particular event.

In an embodiment, a capture signal may be generated when a goal is scored. A clip of video material is selected representing a predetermined number of seconds before the capture signal was generated (i.e. before the goal was scored) and a predetermined number of seconds after the goal was scored. These recorded clips representing instances of interests, are then collected together and edited, resulting in the encoding of a video production onto a data carrying medium such that the data carrying medium may be available for teams shortly after the event has taken place. Thus, in an *amateur club for example, it would be possible for the video material to be encoded onto a data carrying medium while the teams are changing and possibly socialising shortly after the event.

In an embodiment, the capture signal generating device is a manual button and this may be attached to a wall in close proximity to the live action event. A first button may be provided for a first coach of a first team and a second button may be provided for a second coach of a second team. The processing device 107 may be housed in a kiosk type apparatus that may be configured to present a graphical user interface, at least when user input interface and a dispensing device for dispensing a data carrying medium carrying the coded video recording. The kiosk may receive video feeds 110 directly from the video cameras 101 to 106 or, alternatively, the kiosk may form part of a network with a central storage facility configured to store video assets received from the video cameras.

Figure 2 Processing device 107 is detailed in Figure 2. The processing device 107 includes a central processing unit 201, communicating with a disc storage device 202 via a bus 203. Bus 203 also communicates with a high band-width video interface 204, configured to receive the six video feeds 110. The bus 203 also communicates with a first output interface 204, a second output interface 205 and a third output interface 206.

The first output interface 204 is configured to record coded video data to a mechanical data carrying medium, such as a CD-ROM, DVD or blueray device etc. Output interface 205 is configured to code video data onto electronic data storage media such as USB memory devices 208. Interface device 206 is configured to supply encoded video data to a network 209, possibly connected to the Internet.

Capture signals from capture signal generating devices 108 and 109 are received by an input interface 210, also communicating with the central processing unit 201 via internal bus 203. Furthermore, as would be known to anyone skilled in the art, the central processing unit 201 is also provided with random access memory for program storage and data buffering etc. Disc storage device 202 is relatively large, allowing it to store substantial quantities of video assets, from which selections and edits are derived.

Figure 3 Procedures performed within the processing environment of Figure 2 are illustrated in Figure 3. The procedures invoke a method of producing a video recording of a live action event in which video assets are recorded along with capture signals at step 301. At step 302 candidate clips are selected, based on the capture signals recorded at step 301. Thus, the selection process is fully automatic in the embodiment.

At step 303 the selected clips are edited to produce the video production. In an embodiment, it would be possible for this editing process to be performed automatically, such that all of the selected candidate clips could be edited together in chronological order. Thus, in the present example, wfth six video cameras, the automatic procedure would result in six clips being edited for each instance of interest. In an alternative embodiment, editing at step 303 is performed in response to signals received via a user interface, such that the totality of clips recorded for each instance of interest may be reduced. In either embodiment, the equipment may be provided with means for completing the video production, including titles and procedures for effecting clean edits between each pair of edited clips. These could for example, include dissolves and/or wipes.

At step 304 a database is populated with edited video material to allow Internet access. Furthermore a degree of archiving may be performed or unnecessary data may be deleted to free up space on disc drive 202.

Figure 4 Procedures 301 for the recording of assets and capture signals is detailed in Figure 4.

An event may take the form of an amateur goal scoring sport. The teams involved decide whether they wish to make use of this facility and appropriate payment is made. Before initiating play, cameras 101 to 106 are activated at step 401.

At step 402 video assets are recorded from each of the activated cameras. In addition, as illustrated at step 403, capture signals are received at instances during the live action event; usually instances of interest selected by respective coaches, At step 404 each of the capture signals received at step 403 is associated with temporal data such that the times of the selected instances are recorded with respect to the timing of the recorded video material. Thus, as is known in the art, the video material may have associated time code providing a unique number for each individual frame. The instance at which a capture signal is received may be associated with a particular frame by associating the respective time code for that frame.

In an embodiment, it would be possible for the capture signal to be generated automatically, such as when a goal is scored. In the embodiment described herein, manual selection is made by an observer who is watching the live action event. In the embodiment, provision is made for two observers to generate their own respective capture signals. Thus, a first observer may be associated with a first team playing a game and is provided with a first manual selector. The second observer may be associated with the second team playing the game and is provided with the second manual selector. The selection of instances of interest may be associated with* video time code therefore effectively tagging individual frames within the video asset. However, video clips are selected from the recorded video material for subsequent editing that were recorded before the respective capture signal was received.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the clips also include a proportion of material that occurred after the capture signal was received.

Figure 5 Procedures for selecting candidate clips are detailed in Figure 5. In the embodiment, two sets of capture signals have been produced therefore at step 501 a set of these capture signals is selected. This will result in the production of a particular video product for the particular set of signals. The exercise is then repeated for the alternative set of signals. Thus, each team may generate their own video view of the match, emphasising particular instances that are of interest to them.

Having selected a set of capture signals, a video asset is selected at step 502. A particular capture signal is read at step 503 which effectively identifies a particular frame, via its time code, of the video assets selected at step 502.

At step 504 a clip within the asset is selected, representing the portion of video material before the tagged time code and a portion of video material after the tagged time code.

At step 505 a question is asked as to whether another capture signal is available and when answered in the affirmative control is returned to step 503.

Thus, for the selected video asset, the next capture signal position is identified and again a clip is selected at step 504. Eventually, all of the capture signals will have been considered for the particular video asset under consideration and the question asked at step 505 will be answered in the negative.

At step 506 a question is asked as to whether another asset is present and if answered in the affirmative control is returned to step 502. Thus, at step 502 the next video asset is selected and the procedure is repeated thereby selecting clips identified by the time code associated with the capture signals, effectively capturing the same moment in time but viewed from an alternative camera position. Thus, this process is repeated for each camera position until the question asked at step 506 is answered in the negative.

At step 507 a question is asked as to whether another set of capture signals are available (from the other coach) and when answered in the affirmative control is returned to step 501 such that the process is repeated but from the perspective of the other coach. Eventually, all of this set will have been processed and the question asked at step 507 will be answered in the negative.

Upon the completion of procedure 302, the system will have identified a plurality of clips for each coach, consisting of six clips for each instance, from which an editing operation is performed.

Figure 6 In an embodiment, the editing exercise is performed with manual intervention. The clips have been identified on an asset by asset basis but for the next stage to be initiated, the ordering is rearranged such that the clips are presented to the editor on an instance by instance basis. Thus, in this embodiment, for each instance, the editor will see six clips.

Procedures 303 for the editing of the clips to produce the video production are detailed in Figure 6.

At step 601 a capture set is identified. This may involve a user providing a user name and identification to perform a logging on exercise from which a particular recorded event relevant to that person may be selected. Thus, having performed the logging on process, the system is aware as to which are appropriate selected clips.

At step 602 a selected clip is shown. This will be derived from the first capture signal location with respect to the first camera position. Thus, the first clip may be derived from camera 101 and represents the first instance when the capture signal was generated. The showing of the clip at step 602 prompts the user to make a decision as to whether the clip is required. Thus, a decision is made by the user and an edit decision is received at step 603. This results in an edit decision list being populated at step 604.

At step 605 a question is asked as to whether another clip is to be shown and when answered in the affirmative, control is returned to step 602.

Thus, at step 602 the next selected clip is shown and again an edit decision is received at step 603.

Eventually, all of the clips will have been shown and the question asked at step 605 will be answered in the negative.

At step 606 a video production is edited based on the edit decision list populated at step 604. Thus, all of the clips are considered again and a selection is made from the list whereafter edits are created such that smooth transitions occur between each of the clips in the final edited version.

Furthermore, as is known in the art, initial titles may be included, along with other video attributes such as backing music, commentaries and special effects.

At step 607 the video material is coded via an appropriate video CODEC and encoded material is written to an appropriate medium. Thus, having made edit decisions at a kiosk, the user is presented with video material on encoded media, such as a disc or a USB memory device etc.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of producing a video recording of a live action event, comprising the steps of: activating a plurality of video cameras at selected locations around a live action event; recording video material from each of said video cameras during said live action event; receiving a capture signal at instances during the live action event; associating temporal data for each said capture signal such that the time of the selected instances is recorded with respect to the timing of the recorded video material; and selecting clips of recorded video material for editing that were recorded before their respective capture signal was received.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said live action event is a sporting event.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said sporting event involves the scoring of goals.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said capture signal is generated automatically in response to a goal being scored.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said capture signal is generated at instances that are manually selected.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said manual selection is made by an observer who is watching the live action event.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the live action event is a game involving the scoring of goals; a first observer is associated with a first team playing said game and is provided with a first manual selector; and a second observer is associated with a second team playing said game and is provided with a second manual selector.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of associating temporal data for each capture signal with respect to the timing of the recorded video involves associating the each capture signal with video timecode so as to tag individual frames.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of selecting predetermined clips of recorded video material includes selecting video that was recorded after their respective selected instances in addition to material recorded before the selected instance.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of selecting predetermined clips involves selecting a set of active video clips from the totality of clips recorded over the selected instances.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said selected clips of recorded video material are chronologically edited to produce a video product.
12. Apparatus for producing a video recording, comprising: a plurality of video cameras for locating around a live action event; one or more recording for recording input video material received from each said video cameras; a capture signal generating device for generating a capture signal at instances during said live action event; and a processing device configured to receive said capture signals, associate said capture signals with temporal data defining locations within the recorded video material and select clips of recorded video material for editing that were recorded before their respective capture signal was received.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said capture signal generating device is a manual button.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said manual button is attached to a wall in close proximity to the live action event.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a first button is provided for a coach of a first team and a second button is provided for a coach of a second team.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said processing device is located within a kiosk, wherein said kiosk is configured to present a graphical user interlace, at least one user input interface and a dispensing device for dispensing a data carrying medium carrying said video recording.
17. A data medium carrying encoded data of edited video data, wherein: said video data has been edited from clips selected from video recordings prior to a selected instance; the timing of the selected instances having been associated with respective capture signals generated during a live action event; and said video recordings having been generated from a plurality of video cameras located around said live action event.
18. The data carrying medium of claim 17, wherein said video data has been selected from video recordings that are also after said selected instances.
19. The data carrying medium of claim 17, wherein the temporal location of said instances is recorded with respect to a shared timecode.
20. The data carrying medium of claim 17, wherein said selected instances are first selected instances identified by a first team's coach and a second data carrying medium is produced in response to second selected instances identified by a second team's coach.Amended claims have been filed as follows:-Claims 1. A method of producing a video recording of a live action event, said live action event is a game involving the scoring of goals, comprising the steps of: activating a plurality of video cameras at selected locations around said live action event; recording video material from each of said video cameras during said live action event; receiving a capture signal generated at instances that are manually selected by an observer during the live action event; associating temporal data for each said capture signal such that the time of the selected instances is recorded with respect to the timing of the recorded video material; and selecting clips of recorded video material for editing that were recorded before their respective capture signal was received; wherein a first observer is associated with a first team playing said game and is provided with a first manual selector; and a second observer is associated with a second team playing said game and is provided with a second manual selector.2. The method of claim 1, wherein said live action event is a sporting event.3. The method of claim 2, wherein said sporting event involves the scoring of goals.4. The method of claim 3, wherein said capture signal is generated automatically in response to a goal being scored. 305. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of associating temporal data for each capture signal with respect to the timing of the recorded video involves associating the each capture signal with video timecode so as to tag individual frames.6. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of selecting predetermined clips of recorded video material includes selecting video that was recorded after their respective selected instances in addition to material recorded before the selected instance.7. The method of claim 5, wherein said step of selecting predetermined clips involves selecting a set of active video clips from the totality of clips recorded over the selected instances.8. The method of claim 1, wherein said selected clips of recorded video material are chronologically edited to produce a video product.9. Apparatus for producing a video recording, comprising: a plurality of video cameras for locating around a live action event; one or more recording devices for recording input video material received from each said video cameras; a capture signal generating device for generating a capture signal at * * : instances during said live action event; * s**s� * 25 a first manual selector for providing to an observer associated with a first team and a second manual selector for providing to an observer associated with a second team; and a processing device configured to receive said capture signals, associate said capture signals with temporal data defining locations within the 30 recorded video material and select clips of recorded video material for editing that were recorded before their respective capture signal was received.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said capture signal generating device is a manual button.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said manual button is attached to a waH in close proximity to the live action event.12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a first button is provided for a coach of a first team and a second button is provided for a coach of a second team.13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said processing device is located within a kiosk, wherein said kiosk is configured to present a graphical user interface, at least one user input interface and a dispensing device for dispensing a data carrying medium carrying said video recording.14. A data medium carrying encoded data of edited video data, wherein: said video data has been edited from clips selected from video recordings prior to a selected instance; the timing of the selected instances having been associated with respective capture signals generated at instances that are manually selected by an observer during a live action event; and * said video recordings having been generated from a plurality of video ****** * 25 cameras located around said live action event. * ** *i *15. The data carrying medium of claim 14, wherein said video data has been selected from video recordings that are also after said selected : ... instances. 0* * * * p * S.16. The data carrying medium of claim 14, wherein the temporal location of said instances is recorded with respect to a shared timecode.11. The data carrying medium of claim 14, wherein said selected instances are first selected instances identified by a first team's coach and a second data carrying medium is produced in response to second selected instances identified by a second team's coach.SS..... * .* ***** * . * S. * S * S.. S * S * S.. S. SS S S S 55