Patent Abstract:
The invention illustrates a system and method of processing an instrumentation data stream comprising: a sensor for generating an instrumentation data stream; a data collector configured for receiving the instrumentation data stream; and a normalization module configured for formatting portions of the instrumentation data stream into a common standard.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The application claims relating from the U.S. provisional application entitled “Method and Apparatus for Mixed Reality Broadcast” filed on Aug. 10, 2001, with serial No. 60/311,477, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to audio/visual content and more particularly to an apparatus and method for improved real and virtual images.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    For many applications, virtual reality is the simulation of a real environment. Utilizing virtual reality may be useful for television productions due to a desire for re-creating and replaying various scenes of live events.  
           [0004]    Various popular products are available in the marketplace for creating virtual reality effects on personal computers. However, they are limited in creating virtual reality based on real events.  
           [0005]    When creating a simulated environment associated with a real event, various physical data may be collected to increase the realism of the simulated environment. For example, a virtual simulation may model a real event such as auto racing. In order to create a virtual race track with virtual race cars, knowing the physical parameters associated with real race cars racing on a real race track may be helpful.  
           [0006]    Typical television sport event coverage includes many video cameras covering different parts of the event. Some auto racing events have as many as 20 video cameras covering the race track and are capable of providing a viewpoint from many different directions.  
           [0007]    To produce a television program of a live event such as auto racing, a large amount of manual input is typically required to create a television program displaying real scenes captured by one of the real cameras and virtual scenes rendered by a processor.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The invention illustrates a system and method of processing an instrumentation data stream comprising: a sensor for generating an instrumentation data stream; a data collector configured for receiving the instrumentation data stream; and a normalization module configured for formatting portions of the instrumentation data stream into a common standard.  
           [0009]    Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrated by way of example of the principles of the invention.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system overview according to the invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system overview according to the invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary data flow according to the invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the data studio module according to the invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram according to the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0015]    Specific reference is made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention is described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The various embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention in different applications. Further, specific details are set forth in the embodiments for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.  
         [0016]    The invention includes a system and method for generating a virtual mode viewing environment. The invention utilizes techniques for managing and organizing the instrumentation data gathered by video cameras and/or sensors. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the invention is described with MPEG-2 being chosen as the delivery mechanism. However, any delivery mechanism suitable for use with the invention may be utilized.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a data acquisition and transmission system for use with a digital television system. In this illustrated example, an event occurs at an event site  110 . In one embodiment, the event at the event site  110  is an auto racing event. However, any live event such as a sports event, a concert, a theatrical event, and the like may be utilized.  
         [0018]    A plurality of cameras  120  is utilized to capture visual and audio signals of the event at the event site  110 . In addition, the plurality of cameras  120  also captures camera instrumentation data concurrently with the visual and audio signals. Camera instrumentation data may include, for each video frame, the camera location, tilt, zoom, pan, field of view, focus setting, iris setting, and other information related to the optics of each of the plurality of cameras  120 .  
         [0019]    A plurality of sensors  140  are utilized within the event site  110  to capture performance instrumentation data. The performance instrumentation data describes the real event at the event site  110 . The plurality of sensors  140  may capture the performance instrumentation data concurrently with the data camera instrumentation data captured by the plurality of cameras  120 . In this example of a car racing event, each racecar may utilize a global positioning satellite unit as one of the plurality of sensors  140  to provide the performance instrumentation data in the form of the position related to the racecar. In another embodiment, one of the plurality of sensors  140  may include force sensor within each racecar provide the performance instrumentation data in the form of the force exerted on the racecar. These specific examples of the plurality of sensors  140  are shown for exemplary purposes only. Any type of sensor used to measure a physical aspect of the event at the event site  110  may be utilized.  
         [0020]    An audio/visual equipment module  130  is configured to process the audio visual signals. In one embodiment, the audio/visual equipment module  130  is configured to receive the audio/visual signals from the plurality of cameras  120 .  
         [0021]    A data acquisition module  150  is configured to process instrumentation data. In one embodiment, the data acquisition module  150  is configured to receive the camera instrumentation data from the plurality of cameras  120  and the performance instrumentation data from the plurality of sensors  140 . Thus, the performance data collected in the data acquisition module  150  includes both the camera instrumentation data which relates to particular parameters associated with the plurality of cameras  120  while recording the event and the performance instrumentation data which relates to data captured by the plurality of sensors  140  which describes aspects of the event.  
         [0022]    The multiplex and modulate module  160  is configured to receive the audio visual signals from the audio visual equipment module  130  and the instrumentation data from the data acquisition module  150 . In one embodiment, the module  160  is configured to multiplex and modulate the audio visual signals with the instrumentation data into a unified signal relative to time. A transmitter module  170  is configured to receive the unified signal from the multiplex and modulate module  160  and to transmit this unified signal. A television  180  a shown as an exemplary device to receive the unified signal via the transmitter module  170 .  
         [0023]    With reference to FIG. 2, a system  200  is shown for acquiring and processing both audio and video signals of an event and corresponding instrumentation data which describes physical parameters of the event according to one embodiment of the invention. In one example within the context of auto racing, the instrumentation data may include car speed, engine performance, physical location of the car, forces applied to the car, and the like. In other embodiments, the instrumentation data will vary with the specific application of the invention.  
         [0024]    The instrumentation data corresponds with the audio and video signals in real time; the instrumentation data and the audio and video signals are temporally correlated. In one embodiment, they are temporally correlated by the use of timestamps. In another embodiment, they may be temporally correlated by relative signal timing.  
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the system  200  includes an audio/visual (A/V) source  210 , an MPEG-2 encoder  212 , a data injector  214 , a real-time data streamer  216 , a carousel streamer  218 , a trigger generator  220 , an A/V and data transport stream  222 , a modulator  224 , a transmitter  226 , a tuner  228 , a demultiplexer  230 , an MPEG-2 decoder  232 , a presentation engine  234 , a broadcast data handler  236 , and an application module  238 . Additional specific elements common in computer system such as processors, memory, user interfaces, system busses, storage devices, and the like are not shown to prevent unnecessarily obscuring the aspects of the invention.  
         [0026]    The components  210 - 238  are merely illustrated in FIG. 2 as one embodiment of the system  200 . Although the components  210 - 238  are illustrated in FIG. 2 as separate components of the system  200 , two or more of these components may be integrated, thus decreasing the number of components in the system  200 . Similarly, the components  210 - 238  may also be separated, thus increasing the number of components within the system  200 . Further, the components  210 - 238  may be implemented in any combination of hardware, firmware and software.  
         [0027]    The A/V source  210  is connected to the MPEG-2 encoder  212  and provides the MPEG-2 encoder with A/V content. In one embodiment, the A/V source  210  includes a video camera. However, in another embodiment, the A/V source  210  may also include a video cassette recorder, a digital recorder, or other means for providing A/V content. The MPEG-2 encoder  212  receives the A/V content and encodes this content to form an encoded A/V data stream according to the MPEG-2 standard which is well known in the art. In other embodiments, other A/V encoders such as MPEG-1 or MPEG-4 may be utilized.  
         [0028]    The MPEG-2 encoder  212 , the real-time data streamer  216 , the carousel streamer  218  and the trigger generator  220  are connected to the data injector  214 . The real-time data streamer  216  provides the data injector  214  with instrumentation data which describes and corresponds in real-time with the A/V content from the A/V source  110 . Instrumentation data describes in real-time physical aspects or conditions that correspond with the A/V content.  
         [0029]    The carousel streamer  218  provides the data injector  214  with assets (e.g., images, audio clips, text files) related to the user interface. The trigger generator  220  provides the data injector  214  with data used to activate predefined actions on the receiver (e.g., authored questions for a trivia game or poll, advertisement names for pop-up ad inserts).  
         [0030]    The data injector  214  receives incoming data from the MPEG-2 encoder  212 , the real-time data streamer  216 , the carousel streamer  218 , and the trigger generator  220 . The data injector  214  synchronizes the incoming data such that the data from the real-time data streamer  216 , carousel streamer  218 , and trigger generator  220  are timed with the corresponding encoded A/V data stream. The data injector  214  is connected to the A/V and data transport stream  222  and feeds the synchronized data through the A/V and data transport stream  222  to the modulator  224 .  
         [0031]    The modulator  224  receives the synchronized data. The synchronized data includes the encoded A/V data stream and associated instrumentation data from the real-time data streamer  216 , carousel streamer  218 , and trigger generator  220 . The modulator  224  broadcasts this synchronized data through the transmitter  226 . The transmitter  226  may broadcast through air, cable, phone lines, and the like.  
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the modulator  224  may further include a data studio to further processes the data from the data injector  214 . The data from the data injector  214  includes instrumentation data. Additional details and applications of the data studio are illustrated in the following text and illustrated in the corresponding figures.  
         [0033]    The tuner  228  receives the synchronized data which is broadcast through the transmitter  226 . The demultiplexer  230  is connected to the tuner  228  and receives the synchronized data from the tuner  228 . The demultiplexer  230  separates the encoded A/V data stream from other data originally from the real-time data streamer  216 , carousel streamer  218 , and trigger generator  220 . The MPEG-2 decoder  232  is connected to the demultiplexer  230  and receives the encoded A/V data stream from the demultiplexer  230 . The broadcast data handler  236  is connected to the demultiplexer. The data from the real-time data streamer  216 , carousel streamer  218 , and trigger generator  220 , is received by the broadcast data handler  236  from the demultiplexer  230 .  
         [0034]    The MPEG-2 decoder processes the encoded A/V data stream and returns a decoded A/V data stream which is either identical or nearly identical to the original A/V data stream from the A/V source  210 . Similar to the MPEG-2 encoder  212 , the MPEG-2 decoder  232  may be substituted with other A/V encoders such as MPEG-1 or MPEG-4. The MPEG-2 decoder  232  is connected with the presentation engine  234 . The presentation engine  234  receives the decoded A/V data stream from the MPEG-2 decoder  232 .  
         [0035]    The broadcast data handler  236  is connected to the application module  138 . The broadcast data handler  236  reformats the data from the transport stream into data that the application module  238  can utilize. The data from the real-time data streamer  216 , carousel streamer  218 , and trigger generator  220  is received by the application module  238 . The application module  238  utilizes the data from the real-time data streamer  216 , carousel streamer  218 , and trigger generator  220 . The application module  238  also interacts with the presentation engine  234 .  
         [0036]    An alternate embodiment, the application module  238  further includes the data studio. In this embodiment, the data studio processes the data from the broadcast data handler  236 . The data from the broadcast handler  236  includes instrumentation data. Additional details of the data studio are illustrated in the following text and illustrated in the corresponding figures.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 3 illustrates a data flow diagram showing the data injector  214  according to one embodiment of the invention. The real-time data streamer  216  (FIG. 2) sends a sequence of instrumentation data  305  to the data injector  214  (FIG. 2). The A/V source  210  (FIG. 2) sends a sequence of A/V data  310  to the data injector  214 . This sequence of instrumentation data  305  represents data that describes physical parameters related to the sequence of A/V data  310 . The segments of the sequence of instrumentation data  305  correspond to specific segments of the sequence of A/V data  310 .  
         [0038]    In one embodiment, the data injector  214  synchronizes the sequence of instrumentation data  305  and the sequence of A/V data  310  with respect to time. The data injector  214  matches appropriate data from the sequence of instrumentation data  305  to the corresponding segment of the sequence of A/V data  310 . The data injector  214  outputs a synchronized instrumentation data stream  315  and a corresponding synchronized A/V data stream  320 . The synchronized data stream  315  contains the instrumentation data within the sequence of instrumentation data  305 . However, the instrumentation data within the synchronized sensory data stream  315  is timed to correspond appropriate segments within the synchronized A/V data stream  320 .  
         [0039]    For example, the sequence of instrumentation data  305  includes a first instrumentation data block  325  and a second instrumentation data block  330 . Within the sequence of instrumentation data  305 , the first instrumentation data block  325  is adjacent the second instrumentation data block  330 . In addition, the sequence of A/V data  310  includes a first A/V segment  335  and a second A/V segment  340 . After the data injector  214  generates the synchronized instrumentation data stream  315  and the synchronized A/V data stream  320 , the first instrumentation data block  325  is no longer adjacent to the second instrumentation data block  330 . Within the synchronized instrumentation data stream  315  and the synchronized A/V data stream  320 , the first instrumentation data block  325  corresponds with the first A/V segment  335 ; the second instrumentation data block  330  corresponds with the second A/V segment  340 .  
         [0040]    Referring to FIG. 4, a data studio module  400  acquires and processes instrumentation data for the system  200  (FIG. 2). The data studio module  400  is shown interacting with a video source  475  and a sensor module  470  for the sake of clarity. In other embodiments, the data studio module  400  may directly or indirectly interact with other audio and/or visual sources and sensors. In one embodiment, the data studio module  400  includes a data handler  410 , a normalization module  415 , a stream description module  420 , a filtering module  425 , a categorization module  430 , a multiplexer module  435 , a storage module  440 , and a control interface  445 .  
         [0041]    The components  410 - 445  are merely illustrated in FIG. 4 as one embodiment of the data studio module  400 . Although the components  410 - 445  are illustrated in FIG. 4 as separate components of the data studio module  400 , two or more of these components may be integrated, thus decreasing the number of components in the data studio module  400 . Similarly, the components  410 - 445  may also be separated, thus increasing the number of components within the data studio module  400 . Further, the components  410 - 445  may be implemented in any combination of hardware, firmware and software.  
         [0042]    The data handler  410  is configured to receive instrumentation data from the sensor module  470  and the video source  475 . The data stream  480  represents the performance instrumentation data which is transmitted to the data handler  410  from the sensor  470 . The sensor module  470  may include multiple sensors which capture a variety of parameters which correspond to the event. The data stream  450  represents the camera instrumentation data which is transmitted to the data handler  410  from the video source  475 . The video source  475  may include multiple video cameras which capture a variety of camera parameters.  
         [0043]    The normalization module  415  is configured to receive the instrumentation data from a variety of sensors and/or video sources. The instrumentation data may be provided in different resolutions, reference coordinates, units of measurement. The instrumentation data may also be sampled at different rates depending on the sensor  470  and video source  475 . For example, the instrumentation data containing angle measurements which represent tracking data may be provided in terms of degrees and radians. In one embodiment, the normalization module  415  converts and normalizes the angle measurements into a uniform measurement unit of either degrees or radians.  
         [0044]    In another embodiment, the normalization module  415  is configured to resample the instrumentation data at a suitable rate. The suitable rate may vary based on the specific requirements of the receiver and transmitter.  
         [0045]    The stream description module  420  is configured to describe the instrumentation data. In one embodiment, the stream description module  420  utilizes metadata to describe the particular parameters within the instrumentation data. For example, metadata may contain information such as the number of video cameras being utilized or the units of measurement utilized within the instrumentation data.  
         [0046]    The filtering module  425  is configured to selectively remove portions of the instrumentation data. The instrumentation may include large volumes of both performance instrumentation data and camera instrumentation data. In one embodiment, the filtering module  425  allows specific types of instrumentation data to be utilized by the data studio  400  in response to selected preferences. In another embodiment, the filtering module  425  removes specific types of instrumentation data to from being utilized by the data studio  400  in response to selected preferences. These selected preferences may be influenced by bandwidth limitations and/or the type of instrumentation needed.  
         [0047]    In another embodiment, the filtering module  425  is configured to extrapolate the instrumentation data when there is a lapse of continuity in the instrumentation data. By extrapolating the instrumentation data, the filtering module  425  is configured to fill in the missing sections of the instrumentation data. The instrumentation data may be interrupted due to a faulty sensor, a sensor out of range, or a lost instrumentation data transmission.  
         [0048]    The categorization module  430  is configured to allow either manual or automatic rule-based categorization of the instrumentation data. In one embodiment, the processing, storage, and usage of the instrumentation is optimized by categorizing the instrumentation data.  
         [0049]    The multiplexer module  435  is configured to combine the instrumentation data from multiple sources into a single instrumentation data stream. In one embodiment, the camera instrumentation data from the video source  475  is multiplexed with the performance instrumentation data from the sensor  470  into a single instrumentation data stream. In other embodiments, multiple camera instrumentation streams from multiple video sources are multiplexed into a single instrumentation data stream. In another embodiment, multiple performance instrumentation streams from multiple sensors are multiplexed into a single instrumentation data stream.  
         [0050]    The storage module  440  is configured to record the instrumentation data within the data studio  400  for storage and future playback. In one embodiment, the storage module  440  stores the instrumentation data after being processed by the normalization module  415 , the stream description module  420 , the filtering module  425 , the categorization module  430 , and/or the multiplexer module  435 . In another embodiment, the storage module  440  stores unprocessed instrumentation data.  
         [0051]    The control interface  445  is configured to accept input from a user. The user may configure the video source  475  and/or the sensor  470 . The user may also monitor the instrumentation data from the video source  475  and the sensor  470 . In one embodiment, the user interfacing with the data studio  400  through the control interface  445  is located on the production or broadcast side. In another embodiment, the user interfacing with the data studio  400  through the control interface  445  is located on the downstream or receiver side.  
         [0052]    The flow diagram as depicted in FIG. 5 is merely one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the flow diagram illustrates the use of the instrumentation data within the data studio  400  (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the instrumentation data is related to an automotive race application.  
         [0053]    The blocks within the flow diagram may be performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, blocks may be deleted, added or combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0054]    In Block  500 , the instrumentation data is received. In Block  510 , a description process is applied to the instrumentation data. The description process includes identifying the data type and the identifying units associated with the instrumentation data. For example, the instrumentation data may be described in feet for length, global positioning system coordinates for location, seconds for time, and the like. Meta data describing the structure of the instrumentation data may be inserted into the instrumentation data in the Block  510 .  
         [0055]    In Block  520 , the instrumentation data may be normalized. The normalization may convert the units within the instrumentation data. For example, the measurement of length may be converted from feet into meters. In Block  520 , the instrumentation may also be resampled. Resampling the instrumentation data creates a unified data created from a variety of sensors and/or video sources each with their own data rates. Further, resampling the instrumentation data also provides a receiver with an appropriate data rate based on bandwidth transmission limitations, processing limitations, and the like.  
         [0056]    In Block  530 , the instrumentation data may be extrapolated. The instrumentation data may have transitory failures such as a defective sensor or lost data transmission. The missing portions of the instrumentation data may be replaced with extrapolated data. The extrapolated data may be created in response to a combination of previous instrumentation data and data modeling techniques. The data modeling techniques may be affected by the type of extrapolated data. For example, certain extrapolation data are obtained by physical modeling while other extrapolation data are obtained by statistical modeling. Further, a filtering process may be employed in the instrumentation data to prevent erroneous data from being incorporated within the instrumentation data.  
         [0057]    In Block  540 , the instrumentation may be categorized. Certain types of instrumentation data have higher priorities. By categorizing the instrumentation data, the receiver of the instrumentation data is assisted in locating specific instrumentation data. In one embodiment which places high priority on vital statistics for a specific car, car positioning data, engine performance, gear selection, and the like are singled out as being very important in this application. The categorization may take manual form with a user guiding the categorization or may be automatic which is guided by a rule-based categorization.  
         [0058]    In Block  550 , the instrumentation data and the video data are multiplexed together and is ready to be sent through a transmitter.  
         [0059]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. For example, the invention is described within the context of auto racing and football as merely embodiments of the invention. The invention may be applied to a variety of other theatrical, musical, game show, reality show, and sports productions.  
         [0060]    They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7