Soccer image sequence computed by a virtual camera

To create a more realistic soccer game derived from TV images, we developed an image synthesis system that generates an image sequence from the viewpoint of a player on the field. This system is based on the camera calibration theory. The system first determines the camera parameters of a TV image by using the intersection points of the white lines drawn on the soccer field. It then extracts players from each image and estimates their positons in the world coordinate system. Finally it applies a running motion to the players in their respective positions and generates computer graphics animation from the viewpoint of any player selected by a user. The system was tested over seven sequences of TV images and demonstrated satisfactory results