Abstract:
An arrangement of cameras and method for televising a baseball game includes first and second cameras positioned equidistant from home plate and first and third bases, the camera height above the playing field and the camera distance from the first and third baselines being chosen so that a ray to each camera, from an origin at the midpoint between the bases opposite the baseball diamond from that camera, rises at between 3.7 degrees and 7.9 degrees above horizontal. Alternatively, the ray rises at between 3.7 degrees and 6.1 degrees above horizontal. Distance, height, or both in combination are manipulated, within the structural constraints of the venue, to achieve this angle. The first or second camera is selected when a ball is hit. Third and subsequent cameras are subsequently selected, and the first and second camera may be re-framed and subsequently re-selected, in accordance with predetermined rules.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/393,974, filed Dec. 29, 2016 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/227,126, filed Aug. 3, 2016 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/075,711, filed Mar. 21, 2016 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/872,265, filed Jun. 18, 2004, the contents of both which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the use of motion picture cameras to cover baseball games. 
         [0004]    Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Television coverage of a Major League Baseball game shows the viewing audience only a small part of the action. Often excluded from play-by-play baseball coverage are the relationships of the fielders, the runners, and the ball to one another. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved camera assignment and method for television or movie recording of a sports event and, more particularly, a baseball game. 
         [0007]    In accordance with this object and with others which will be described and which will become apparent, an exemplary embodiment of a sports television camera assignment in accordance with the present invention comprises an arrangement of motion picture cameras for recording a baseball game including at least one camera located substantially equidistant from the ends of one of the first base line and the third base line and on a ray rising at an angle less than 7.9 degrees above horizontal from an origin at the midpoint between the bases opposite the one base line (i.e., the first or third baseline). 
         [0008]    Also in accordance with the same objects, in an exemplary embodiment of a sports television camera assignment in accordance with the present invention, the ray rises at an angle less than 6.1 degrees above horizontal. 
         [0009]    In another exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the ray rises at an angle between 3.7 and 7.9 degrees above horizontal. 
         [0010]    In another exemplary embodiment, a high-home-base camera is located behind and substantially above home base. 
         [0011]    In another exemplary embodiment, a second camera is located substantially equidistant from the ends of the other of said first and third base lines and on a ray rising at an angle less than 7.9 degrees above horizontal from an origin at the midpoint between the bases opposite that other base line. 
         [0012]    In another exemplary embodiment, the ray to the second camera rises at an angle less than 6.1 degrees above horizontal. 
         [0013]    In another exemplary embodiment, the ray to the second camera rises at an angle between 3.7 and 7.9 degrees above horizontal. 
         [0014]    Also in accordance with the same objects, an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes at least one camera located substantially equidistant from the ends of one of the first base line (defined by home and first base) and the third base line (defined by home and third base); that at least one camera being at a height between  5  meters and  6  meters above ground; that at least one camera being at a distance of between  43  meters and  73  meters from the midpoint between the bases opposite said one base line (second and third, or first and second, respectively). 
         [0015]    In another exemplary embodiment, that at least one camera is at a distance of between 43 and 58 meters from the midpoint between the bases opposite that one base line. 
         [0016]    In another exemplary embodiment, a second camera is located substantially equidistant from the ends of the other of the first and third base lines; the second camera being located substantially equidistant from the ends of the other base lines; the second camera being at a height of between 5 meters and 6 meters above ground; the second camera being at a distance of between 43 meters and 73 meters form the midpoint between the bases opposite the other base line. 
         [0017]    Also in accordance with those methods, an exemplary method of using motion picture cameras to record a baseball game includes the steps of locating a first camera substantially equidistant from the ends of one of the first base line (defined by home and first base) and the third base line (defined by home and third base) and on a ray rising at an angle less than 7.9 degrees above horizontal from an origin at the midpoint between the bases opposite said one base line (second and third, or first and second, respectively); locating a second camera substantially equidistant from the ends of the other of the first and third base lines and on a ray rising at an angle less than 7.9 degrees above horizontal from an origin at the midpoint between the bases opposite the other base line; and, when a player hits a ball, selecting the first camera if the ball travels substantially to the left of second base and selecting the second camera if the ball travels substantially to the right thereof. 
         [0018]    Steps may be added of locating a high-home-base camera behind and substantially above home base and assigning that high-home-base camera to following and isolating play action close up. The step may be added of selecting the first camera if the ball travels substantially toward or over second base and there are no runners on base and, additionally, framing the first camera substantially about the ball and the runner who hit the ball and following the runner and the ball. 
         [0019]    Another exemplary method includes the step of selecting the first camera if the ball travels substantially toward or over second base and there is a runner on first base. The step may be added of framing the first camera substantially about the ball and the runner going to second base and following the runner and the ball. 
         [0020]    Another exemplary method includes the step of selecting the second camera if the ball travels substantially towards or over second base and a runner is on second base. A step may be added of framing the second camera substantially about the ball and the runner going to third base and following the runner and the ball. 
         [0021]    Another exemplary method includes the step of selecting the first camera if the ball travels substantially toward or over second base and a runner is on third base. A step may be added of framing the first camera substantially about the ball and the runner going to first base and following the runner and the ball. 
         [0022]    Another exemplary method includes the steps of selecting the second camera if the ball travels substantially toward or over second base and runners are on first and second bases. 
         [0023]    Another exemplary method includes the step of framing the second camera substantially about the ball and the runners going to second base and third base and following the runners and the ball. 
         [0024]    Another exemplary method includes the step of selecting the first camera if the ball travels substantially toward or over second base and runners are on first and third bases. A step may be added of framing the first camera substantially about the ball and the runner going to second base and following the runner and the ball. 
         [0025]    Another exemplary method includes the step of selecting the second camera if the ball travels substantially toward or over second base and runners are on second and third bases. A step may be added of framing the second camera substantially about the ball and the runner going to third base and following the runner and the ball. 
         [0026]    Another exemplary method includes the step of selecting the second camera if the ball travels substantially toward or over second base and runners are on first, second and third bases. A step may be added of framing the second camera substantially about the ball and the runners going to second base and third base and following the runners and the ball, 
         [0027]    In one aspect of the present invention, if play continues and a runner from first base turns for third base, after a cut to another camera following the initial first camera master scene, the second camera is the next master play by play angle selected. 
         [0028]    Another exemplary method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of, after selecting the first or second camera, selecting a third camera, and after selecting a third camera, adjusting the framing of the previously selected first or second camera to include all the key elements of the play, even those that may have been excluded in the initial adjustment. This way, if the previously selected first or second camera is again selected during the continuation of the play, all the key elements of play are framed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numbers and wherein: 
           [0030]    is a top plan view of a baseball playing field illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the sports television camera assignment in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a partial side sectional view thereof along section  2 - 2 ; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a partial side sectional view thereof along section  3 - 3 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    An exemplary embodiment of a method for baseball television camera assignment in accordance with the present invention is described with reference to  FIG. 1 , which shows a top plan view of a baseball playing are including the home plate  42 , the first base  44  located to the right of the home plate  42 , and the first base line  46  therebetween having first base ling midpoint  48 . Also shown are the second base  50 , a first-to-second midpoint  59 , the third base  52 , a second-to-third midpoint  58 , the third base line  54  between the third base  52  and the home plate  42 , and the midpoint thereof,  56 . The infield  85  is the area defined by the home plate  42 , the first base  44 , the second base  50 , and the third base  52 . A fence  86  extending from a point beyond the first base  44  to a point beyond the third base  52  defines the outer limits of play. The outfield  83  extends from the infield  85  to the fence  86 . An accurate grass line  89  extends across the outfield. A dotted center line  81  is shown extending between the home plate and the second base and extending beyond the fence  86 . The right field  82  is defined as including those areas of interest, including play areas, to the right of the second base  50  and of the center line  81 . The left field  84  is defined as including those areas of interest, including play areas, to the left of the second base  50  and of the center line  81 . Line AB is defined as passing through the first base line midpoint  48  and the second-third midpoint  58 . Line AC is defined as passing through the third base midpoint  56  and the first-second midpoint  59 . 
         [0034]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , placement is set forth for camera locations designated CAM 1  through CAM 9 . CAM 1  location  62  is located substantially over line AC at height and distance set forth in greater detail shortly. CAM 3  location  60  is located substantially over line AB at height and distance set forth in greater detail shortly. CAM 2  location  68  is located substantially over the center line  81 , behind the home plate  42 , at the stadium press box level, where it has an unobstructed view not only of players on the field, but also of announcers in the booth. CAM 4  location  70  is located approximately between 0 and 2 meters above line. AC, approximately 20 meters outside the third base line  54 . CAM 6  location  74  is located approximately between 0 and 2 meters above line AB, approximately  20  meters outside the first base line  46 . CAM 8  location  72  is located between 0.3 and 2.0 meters above center line  81 , approximately 20 meters behind the home plate  42 . CAM 5  is optionally placed on a moving platform to facilitate placement slightly left of the center line  81  when a left-handed batter is up, and slightly to the right thereof when a right-handed batter is up. CAM 7  location  80  is located approximately outside the fence  86  outside left field  84 , at approximately the height of the fence  86 , typically between 1 and 5 meters, or, in the case of Boston&#39;s Fenway Park, all the way up to the 11.3 meter height of the “Green Monster.” CAM 9  location  76  is located approximately outside the fence  86  outside right field  82  at a height determined as for CAM 7 . CAM 8  location  78  is located outside the fence  86 , slightly to the left of right of the center line  81  (so that the pitcher does not block the view of the batter), at a height determined as for CAM 7  and CAM 9 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows an elevational view of a portion of the play area, taken along section  2 - 2 , including the second-to-third midpoint  58 , the first baseline midpoint  28 , the CAM 3  location  60 , CAM 3  support  64  holding CAM 3  lens  66  at CAM 3  height h above CAM 3  location  60  and CAM 3  distance d from the second-to-third midpoint  58 , about which CAM 3  ray R subtends CAM 3  elevation angle θ above horizontal. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  shows an elevational view of a portion of the play area, taken along section  3 - 3 , including the first-to-second midpoint  59 , the third baseline midpoint  56 , the CAM 1  location  62 , CAM 1  support  65  holding CAM 1  lens  67  at CAM 1  height k above CAM 1  location  62  and CAM 1  distance f from the first-to-second midpoint  59 , about which CAM 1  ray S subtends CAM 1  elevation angle α above horizontal. 
         [0037]    In this exemplary method in accordance with the present invention, CAM 3  distance d is determined, within the space available at a particular stadium, in a manner which favors smaller angular separations between important elements of the picture acquired from CAM 3  location  60 . As a result, the camera operator may fit all of the important elements of the action into the picture while composing the picture more tightly than it could be composed using traditional methods. Additionally, the action is shown from an infield angle. This provides a less obstructed view of play. If, for example, CAM 1  were placed so it is in line with the second-to-third base path, its view of the action at third base  52 —for example, a tag applied to a runner sliding in from second base  50 —would often be blocked by the fielder making the play. In accordance with the present invention, CAM 1  is shifted toward a relative infield position (toward home plate  42 ), giving CAM 1  an off-axis angle that will reveal more visual information about such a play, as well as showing an infield perspective that the viewing public will experience as somewhat resembling the familiar angle of CAM 2 . This will help the viewing public to become comfortable with the new angles. Similarly, on the other side of the diamond, if CAM 3  were situated in line with the first-to-second base path, then, during close plays at first base  44 , the runner would often block the CAM 3  view of the first basemen catching the ball. Thus CAM 1  and CAM 3  each provide a pleasing perspective, so that the viewer will most often get ample visual information on the play. The exemplary method in accordance with the present invention also provides for a plurality of available master shots and a plurality of advantageous camera reassignments, as soon as the ball is in play, and during play. It will be understood that, within the scope of the present invention, under some circumstances, fewer than all of these objects will be achieved to an optimal extent, within the limits of the available space. 
         [0038]    Thus, in this exemplary method, pursuit of these concurrent objects, the following are determined: 
         [0039]    The CAM 3  location  60  is places substantially on line AB, which bisects the first baseline  46 , and by selecting CAM 3  when play occurs in the left field  84 . 
         [0040]    In the exemplary method in accordance with the present invention, CAM 3  height h is between approximately 5 and 6 meters and CAM 3  distance d is 58 meters ±15 meters. This combination of CAM 3  height h and CAM 3  distance d maintains a low CAM 3  elevation angle θ. 
         [0041]    More generally in accordance with the present invention, in such a method the CAM 3  distance d and the CAM 3  height h are determined, within the available space, to minimize the CAM 3  elevation angle θ. This is accomplished by lowering the CAM 3  height h to a level below those now used in the art, by increasing the CAM 3  distance d to a distance greater than those now used in the art, and, more particularly, by a combination of both of these means within the space available. Reducing the CAM 3  elevation angle θ reduces thevertical angular separation between the batter, pitcher, and basemen in a master shot (a master shot is a relatively wide-angle picture of a relatively large play area, containing all of the key elements of the play). With increasing CAM 3  distance d, the camera&#39;s lens is zoomed in tighter to achieve the same composition, with the effect that the greater focal length compresses the distance between the players in the infield  85  and those in the outfield  83 . 
         [0042]    In an alternative method in accordance with the present invention, the CAM 3  distance d and the CAM 3  height h are both varied, within whatever constraints are imposed by the environment, such that the CAM 3  elevation angle θ is between 3.9 degrees and 7.9 degrees. In yet another alternative method, these parameters are varied to achieve a CAM 3  elevation angle θ of 6.1 degrees. 
         [0043]    The object of providing for a plurality of available master shots and a plurality of advantageous camera assignments as soon as the ball is in play is accomplished by providing CAM 3  in combination with CAM 1  in a manner set forth in greater detail below. 
         [0044]    CAM 1  location  62 , CAM 1  distance f, and CAM 1  height k are determined in the same manner, and with reference to the same objects, as are the corresponding parameters of CAM 3 , but with reference to the third baseline  54  and, being on the left field  84  side of the play area, are selectable to provide an infield perspective from the side opposite that described with reference to CAM 3  above. 
         [0045]    With reference again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an alternative method for determining CAM 3  height h and. CAM 3  distance d is now described. In a particular ballpark, where there is at least one CAM 3  location  60  available, an initial point is selected for CAM 3  location  60  and the CAM 3  lens  66  is placed on the CAM 3  support  64 . Next, an initial CAM 3  height h is set as low as is practicable, based on the existing camera installation environment, such as the existing camera platform and the positions that are available in the stadium for optimizing the camera placement. It is also preferable to set CAM 3  height h high enough to have a clear view of the infield  85  and outfield  83  portions of left field  84 , as determined by the environment of CAM 3 . Next, the CAM 3  height h and the CAM 3  distance d are adjusted with reference to the action on the field. In particular, at least one outfielder in or near left field  84  is framed in CAM 3 . If the view of that outfielder is blocked or crowded by an infielder, then the CAM 3  elevation angle θ is increased until the infielder no longer blocks or crowds the view of the outfielder. This may be accomplished by decreasing CAM 3  distance d, by increasing CAM 3  height h, or by doing both of these. The resulting CAM 3  elevation angle θ strakes a balance between the preference for a low CAM 3  elevation angle θ for minimizing angular separation between important elements of a master shot, and the preference for obtaining a relatively unobstructed view of an outfielder. It will be understood that, depending on where the outfielder of interest and the intervening infielder have stationed themselves, the CAM 3  elevation angle θ may vary from park to park, game to game, team to team, or play to play. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that, as cameras become smaller and more mobile, the methods in accordance with the present invention will include an option step of adjusting CAM 3  height h and CAM 3  distance d during play in response to the action on the field. Analogously, the same principle will apply to CAM I. It will also be understood that, although the CAM 3  elevation angle θ is set forth with explicit reference to the midpoint of the second-third base path  58 , the object being pursued in adjusting CAM 3  elevation angle θ upward is an un-blocked, un--crowded view of a selected player. Thus, the CAM 3  elevation angle θ may be determined with reference to the players themselves or with reference to another feature of the playing field. In any event, the exemplary method in accordance with the present invention departs from the prior art in seeking to optimize the placement of CAM 3  in the aforementioned manner, even though it is not always possible for CAM 3  to obtain an unobstructed view of every player. 
         [0046]    With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the exemplary method in accordance with the present invention also departs from the prior are in its use and game-play assignments of two master angle play-by-play cameras, CAM 3  and CAM 1 , rather than merely one play-by-play camera. The exemplary method thereby makes tightly composed master shots more frequently available for broadcast, than is the case with a single stationary camera angle. CAM 2  is assigned to follow the ball action (ball and fielder or ball, fielder and runner) close up fashion and is available for a live cut whenever the ball and a fielder, or the ball and a runner, converge. This assignment of CAM 2  provides a familiar view from behind and above home plate  42 . Importantly,this assignment of CAM 2  also provides a ready shot of the ball action in the event the play-by-play camera loses the ball. Thus, for example, in the case of an unexpected snap throw, CAM 2  may be selected (and, ideally, will always be available for selection) to cover where the ball goes and what action is taking place. 
         [0047]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , in this exemplary method, cameras are capable of cooperating in the manner set forth in the paragraphs below. The term “follows” or “following,” means manipulation a camera lens to compose a scene. 
         [0048]    CAM 1  follows hits to the first base  44  side of the midline  81 , including at least the nearest runner to the ball action in frame, viewing them across the infield  85 . 
         [0049]    CAM 2  follows the action involving the ball close up. 
         [0050]    CAM 3  follows hits to the third base  52  side of the midline  81 , including at least the nearest runner to the ball action in frame, viewing them across the infield  85 . 
         [0051]    CAM 4  primarily covers the second base  50  side (to the right of midline  81 ) of the infield  85  (although CAM 4  may also be assigned to provide other coverage) and also has runner assignments, i.e., is assigned to cover certain runners. 
         [0052]    CAM 8  provides close-up coverage of the infield  85  and, especially, of the pitcher. 
         [0053]    CAME primarily covers the shortstop side (to the left of midline  81 ) of the infield  85  (although CAME may also be assigned to provide other coverage), and also has runner assignments. 
         [0054]    CAM 7  is behind left field  84 . 
         [0055]    CAM 8  is behind the outfield  83  centrally. 
         [0056]    CAM 9  is behind right field  82 . The “covering” assignments of CAM 7 , CAM 8 , and CAM 9  vary. 
         [0057]    CAMs  5 ,  7 , and  9 , as well as other cameras, may be added to the above-described setup of six cameras, (CAMs  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  6 , and  8 ), to provide isolation angles. For example, a CAM 24  (not shown) may be provided at low third to isolate the right side of the infield; a CAM  28  (not shown) may be provided near CAM 8  for close-up coverage of players and action at home plate. 
         [0058]    The following are the camera assignments for the exemplary method. 
         [0059]    The main assignments of CAM 1  and CAM 3  for game play are the play-by-play master shots. Between Pitches is defined as those periods of time between plays when a pitch is not imminent. At those times, the desirable shots include her© shots (shots of the “hero” of the previous play), the batter who got the hit, the runner who stole a base, the fielder who made the great play, and the like. Other possible shots include base coaches, dugout activities, and base runners (for this, CAM 1  and CAM 3  will cross shoot: CAM 1  gets first base  44 ; CAM 3  gets third base  52 ). Before The Pitch is defined as the period of time a pitch is or becomes imminent. At these times, CAM 1  and CAM 3  will set their compositions on their respective master play-by-play angles. Additionally if there is a runner at first base, CAM 1  must frame the scene and be prepared for any attempts by the pitcher to “pick off” the runner (to “pick off” a runner is to throw the ball to the fielder at first base in an effort to catch the runner off the base and tag him out). For double play attempts, CAM 3  composes a shot including first base  44  and second base  50  for the “1-2-3” cutting sequence. For grounders to the right side, cut to CAM 1  for the play-by-play master angle; then cut to CAM 2  for the close up of the action at second base  50 ; then cut to CAM 3  for the throw from second base  50  to first base  44 . The cutting sequence “3-2-3” is used for possible double play attempts on grounders to the left side. 
         [0060]    CAM 2 &#39;s main assignment is to follow the ball action close-up. Between-pitches, CAM 2  acquires shots in the manner described above for CAM 1  and. CAM 3 , including base runners, primarily those at second base. Before The Pitch, CAM 2  gets ready to follow the ball action close up. CAM 2  is ready to compose shots for pick-off attempts (as explained above in the context of CAM 1 ) and umpire appeals. In an umpire appeal, the home plate umpire asks the first or third base umpire (depending on which side of the plate the batter is standing on) to rule a pitch a ball or a strike. This happens after the batter swings at a ball and the ball is called outside the strike zone, but he attempts to stop his swing (a “half swing”). 
         [0061]    CAM 4 &#39;s assignments include covering left-handed batters and, where the batter is right-handed and there is no CAM 8 , covering the pitcher. CAM 4  also covers a lead runner at first base  44  (prepared for pick-off attempts), or covers second runners at first base  44  or second base  50 , following him until he rounds third base  62 ; CAM 4  then picks up any trailing runner. If CAM 4  has a runner assignment and the batter gets a hit, after the play is dead, CAM 4  should leave the trailing runner and provide a “hero” shot of the player who hit the ball. If there are no runners, CAM 4  isolates the left-handed batter&#39;s swing or infield action. To “isolate” action is to compose a shot of that action for slow motion replay. 
         [0062]    CAM 5  covers the pitcher close-up, provides pitch isolations (close up shots of the pitch as it is delivered to the batter), and provides infield isolations. 
         [0063]    CAME covers right-handed batters, and provides pitcher close-ups for left handed batters if there is no CAM 8 . CAME also covers a lead runner at second back SO or third base  52 , follows runners to home plate  42 , and handles scoring all runners (following a runner to see when he crosses home plate to score a run). If there are no runners, CAM 6  isolates the right--handed batter&#39;s swing or isolates infield action for replay. If the only runner is on first base  44  and the batter gets a hit, CAM 6  follows the batter-turned-runner until it is time to “score” the lead runner. For example, when a runner from first base  44  rounds third base  52 , CAM 4  would release him at that time and pick up the training runner. CAM 6  must pick up and “score” the lead runner. 
         [0064]    CAM 7  provides a reverse (of CAM 2 &#39;s) angle isolation of infield plays. CAM 7  also provides a shot of the right outfield  82  corner if it is blocked from the view of CAM 2 . CAM 7  also provides isolation of plays in center and right fields. CAM 7  can also cover a runner going to first base  44  on hits to left field  84 , because he&#39;s looking in that direction watching the ball. 
         [0065]    CAM 8  provides a pitcher-batter shot (a shot composed of the pitcher with his back to the camera, and the hatter, catcher and umpire at home base). CAM 8  stays with hits (ground balls and line drives) up the middle. CAM 8  can follow a runner to first base  44  on walks and infield hits. CAM 8  isolates plays in left field  84  and right field  82 , and covers left and right outfield corners if they are blocked from the view of CAM 2  and there are no cameras at CAM 7  and CAM 8 . 
         [0066]    CAM 8  provides revers (of CAM 2 ) angle isolations of infield plays, left outfield  84  corner if it is blocked from the view of CAM 2 , isolations of plays in center and left fields, and a runner going to first base  44  on hits to right field  82  (because he&#39;s looking in that direction watching the ball). 
         [0067]    In another exemplary method in accordance with the present invention, when a ball is hit to left field  84 , CAM 3  is preferred as the master play-by-play camera regardless of the position of any runners. 
         [0068]    When a ball is hit to right field  82 , CAM 1  is preferred as the master play-by-play camera regardless of the position of any runners. 
         [0069]    In all situations, if play continues because, for example, a runner tries to stretch it out or a fielder errs, the operators of CAM 1  and CAM 3  must be ready to adjust their frames to allow for the possible expansion of action. Thus, there is a standing adjustment to be made after the initial play-by-play shot when the ball is put into play. When a different camera&#39;s shot is selected after the initial master play-by-play shot, and composition was tightened during the initial master shot, the framing should be adjusted to include all the key elements of the play, even those that may have been excluded in the initial adjustment. When, subsequently, the master scene is selected again during the continuation of the play, it is important to be able to see how all the key elements are positioned anew. 
         [0070]    While the play is in progress CAM 1  and CAM 3  must maintain their respective play-by-play master scenes, because, fairly often, the ball can unexpectedly change direction, requiring a different perspective than the one initially selected. For example, with a runner on first base and the ball is hit to the left side of the infield, CAM 3  would be the first selection. The shortstop fields the ball and throws it to second base to start a double play attempt (CAM 2  is now selected, to see the ball action at second base close up). However, suppose the throw is inaccurate and goes into right field. CAM 2  follows its progress. If the runner attempts to steal third base, CAM 3  must now drastically widen its shot in order to keep the ball action and the runner going to third in the frame. It will, very shortly, become an unpleasing composition. The remedy is to select CAM 1 , whose angle is now the best available to cover the action in a tightly composed master scene. 
         [0071]    In another exemplary method in accordance with the present invention, it becomes acceptable to let a runner out of the master frame, because the primary assignments of CAM 4  and CAM 6  for following the runners allow us to cut to the runners live or reply their actions after the fact. 
         [0072]    Toward the object of keeping the play by play angles compressed, hits to center field (the region of the play area near the center line  81 ) are covered in a manner dependent on whether or not there are runners, and if so, which bases they occupy. 
         [0073]    When the ball is hit to center and there are no runners, CAM 3  is selected and its frame is tightened about the runner and the ball action. By contrast, if CAM 1  were used, these elements diverge as the ball travels to left center field. In the frame of CAM 3 , they converge no matter where the ball goes in center field. 
         [0074]    When the ball is hit to center, and the only runner is on first base  44 , CAM 3  is selected to frame that runner and the ball action as he approaches second base  50 . If play continues and that runner turns for third base  52 , after a cut to another camera following the initial CAM 3  master scene, CAM 1  would be the next master play by play angle selected. CAM 1 &#39;s angle is new the best available to cover the action in a tightly composed master scene, because the ball action in center field and the runner going to third base diverge in CAM 3 &#39;s angle. 
         [0075]    With a runner on second base, regardless of the position of any other runners, (including the case in which the bases are loaded) and a ball is hit substantially up the center over the midline  81 , CAM 1  is preferred as the master play-by-play camera. This runner is important, because he is in scoring position. Because he is important, and because he will run toward CAM 1  as he runs for third base, CAM 1  should be selected. The operator of CAM 1  can tighten the composition to exclude the runner going to first, thereby avoiding a scene which would be too wide, making it harder to see the ball. 
         [0076]    Additionally, the view of CAM 3 , the ball and the runner going to third base would diverge from one another, requiring the operator of CAM 3  to widen the shot to an unpleasing degree. If play continues, and after we see the lead runner turn for home, CAM 1  can let him go and pick up the next runner nearest to the ball action. If the throw goes home for a play at the plate  42 , CAM 1  would then widen to frame the ball action and all runners. 
         [0077]    If the ball is hit to center and the only runner is on third base  52 , CAM 3  is selected, and after establishing what the runner is doing (holding or heading for home), CAM 3  shifts its frame away from that runner and concentrates on the runner closest to the ball action, or holds all runners in the frame for more information. Because of the nature of the “follow the runners” assignments of CAM 4  and CAM 6  and the preference for tight framing, it is desirable to concentrate on the runner closest to the ball action. 
         [0078]    When the ball is hit to center and there are two runners, one on first base  44  and one on second base  50 , cameras are assigned as above for the case in which the ball is hit to center with a runner on second base  50 . 
         [0079]    When the ball is hit to center and there are runners, one on first base  44  and one on third base  52 , cameras are assigned as above for the case in which the ball is hit to center and the only runner is on third base  52 . 
         [0080]    When the ball is hit to center and there are two runners, one on second base  50  and one on third base  42 , cameras are assigned as above for the case in which the ball is hit to center with a runner on second base  50 . 
         [0081]    When the ball is hit to center and the bases are loaded, cameras are assigned as above for the case in which the ball is hit to center with a runner on second base  50 . 
         [0082]    In another exemplary method in accordance with the present invention, either CAM 3  height h, or CAM 1  height k, or both, are limited to a maximum of 10 meters above the level of the playing field, regardless of whether the facilities permit higher placement, and CAM 3  distance d and CAM 1  distance f are adjusted to minimize the CAM 3  elevation angle θ and the CAM 1  elevation angle α. This limitation provides camera elevation angles suitable for reducing the angular separation between key elements within each master shot.