SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING AND TAGGING OBJECTS WITHIN A BROADCAST

1 . A method for tracking and tagging objects of interest in a broadcast, comprising:

utilizing a camera to track a surface of a golf course; and

rendering graphics in a broadcast over and relative to a golf course hole.

2 . A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said camera is a lidar camera.

3 . A method in accordance with claim 2 , wherein said lidar camera provided data related to topography, distance or scale.

4 . A method in accordance with claim 3 , wherein said data is incorporated with camera calibration or pixel tracking data with mapping of graphics to the course, including one or more of hole highlights, yard markers, player identifiers and provision of real time ball carry distance and 3D animation during ball flight.

5 . A method in accordance with claim 4 , further comprising insertion of three dimensional objects, including virtual leaderboards or advertisements.

6 . A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said graphics comprise a highlighted field at least partially around the hole on a green of a golf course.

7 . A method in accordance with claim 6 , wherein graphics comprise concentric rings around a hold on a golf course green.

8 . A method in accordance with claim 7 , wherein said concentric rings vary in color or hue intensity.

9 . A method in accordance with claim 8 , wherein graphics provide the greatest intensity of color or hue nearest the golf course hole.

10 . A method in accordance with claim 7 , wherein said graphic contracts upon a triggered event.

11 . A method in accordance with claim 10 , wherein said graphic contracts after the sinking of a putt.

12 . A system for tracking and tagging objects of interest in a broadcast, comprising:

a camera that is configured to track a surface of a golf course; and

a computer system, including a processor that is configured to render graphics in a broadcast over and relative to a golf course hole.

13 . A system in accordance with claim 12 , wherein said camera is a lidar camera.

14 . A system in accordance with claim 13 , wherein said lidar camera provided data related to topography, distance or scale.

15 . A method in accordance with claim 14 , wherein said data is incorporated with camera calibration or pixel tracking data, with mapping of graphics to the course, including one or mor of hole highlights, yard markers and player identifiers.

16 . A method in accordance with claim 15 , further comprising insertion of three dimensional objects, including virtual leaderboards or advertisements.

17 . A system in accordance with claim 12 , wherein said graphics comprise a highlighted field at least partially around the hole on a green of a golf course.

18 . A system in accordance with claim 17 , wherein graphics comprise concentric rings around a hold on a golf course green.

19 . A system in accordance with claim 18 , wherein said concentric rings vary in color or hue intensity.

20 . A system in accordance with claim 19 , wherein graphics provide the greatest intensity of color or hue nearest the golf course hole.

21 . A system in accordance with claim 17 , wherein said graphic contracts upon a triggered event.

22 . A system in accordance with claim 21 , wherein said graphic contracts after the sinking of a putt.

23 . A method for tracking and tagging objects of interest in a broadcast, comprising:

utilizing a camera to track a surface of a golf course; and

rendering graphics in a broadcast over and relative to a golf course feature elevation.

24 . A method in accordance with claim 23 , wherein said camera is a lidar camera.

25 . A method in accordance with claim 24 , wherein said lidar camera provided data related to topography, distance or scale.

26 . A method in accordance with claim 25 , wherein said data is incorporated with camera calibration or pixel tracking data, with mapping of graphics to the course, including matching a three dimensional model of a course from the lidar scan and marrying it to live video for control of the relative intensity of a gradation effect or direction of the virtual light source on the green.

27 . A system for tracking and tagging objects of interest in a broadcast, comprising:

a camera configured to track a surface of a golf course; and

a processor configured to render graphics in a broadcast over and relative to a golf course feature elevation.

28 . A system in accordance with claim 27 , wherein said camera is a lidar camera.

29 . A system in accordance with claim 28 , wherein said lidar camera provided data related to topography, distance or scale.

30 . A system in accordance with claim 29 , wherein said data is incorporated with camera calibration or pixel tracking data, with mapping of graphics to the course, including matching a three dimensional model of a course from the lidar scan and marrying it to live video for control of the relative intensity of a gradation effect or direction of the virtual light source on the green.