Soccer match broadcast video analysis method based on detection and tracking

Abstract

We propose a comprehensive soccer match video analysis pipeline tailored for broadcast footage, which encompasses three pivotal stages: soccer field localization, player tracking, and soccer ball detection. Firstly, we introduce sports camera calibration to seamlessly map soccer field images from match videos onto a standardized two-dimensional soccer field template. This addresses the challenge of consistent analysis across video frames amid continuous camera angle changes. Secondly, given challenges such as occlusions, high-speed movements, and dynamic camera perspectives, obtaining accurate position data for players and the soccer ball is non-trivial. To mitigate this, we curate a large-scale, high-precision soccer ball detection dataset and devise a robust detection model, which achieved the $mA{P}_{50-95}$ of 80.9%. Additionally, we develop a high-speed, efficient, and lightweight tracking model to ensure precise player tracking. Through the integration of these modules, our pipeline focuses on real-time analysis of the current camera lens content during matches, facilitating rapid and accurate computation and analysis while offering intuitive visualizations.