Study of AI Robot Camera for Golf Broadcasts that Simulates the Shooting Method of Broadcast Cameramen

We are currently researching an AI robot camera that has learned the shooting techniques used by broadcast cameramen, with the aim of applying it to golf broadcasts. Information such as the player's behavior measured by the environmental information measurement camera and the three-dimensional coordinates of the ball measured by the stereo camera is shared over the network, and multiple robot cameras work together to take pictures. Rather than the inorganic shooting caused by the feedback control of general robot cameras, it is possible to cooperatively shoot images that are as natural and realistic as if they were being taken by a human. In experiments, we confirmed that it was possible to accurately shoot players and caddies before a shot, track the ball during flying, and track players as they move. It was also confirmed that the trajectory could be drawn in real time using CG. The technology of this system was used for broadcasting at the Japan Golf Tour Championship.