The Premiere League will be using a fleet of iPhone 15 Pros to replace its VAR system later this year

With the Premier League set to begin soon, there are plans to replace its current Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system with a new iPhone-powered solution for detecting offside violations. 

The move likely comes in response to criticisms of current VAR implementations, which have seen it been plagued by extensive delays, and concerns about the accuracy of in-game calls. 

The new system, dubbed Semi-Assisted Offside Technology (SAOT), will utilise an array of 24 to 28 iPhones strategically placed around the pitch. Consisting of primarily iPhone 15 Pro models, these devices will capture high-frame-rate footage at up to 100fps (frames per second), providing a comprehensive view of the playing field. 

In their explanation to Wired, Genius Sport’s chief product officer, Matt Fleckenstein explains that the system generates a 3D virtual mesh of each player using between 7,000 and 10,000 data points. This is thanks to the high-frame-rate capture ability of the iPhones. 

Currently, Genius only records at 100fps, but they have tested it at frame rates as high as 200fps. Once the data points are captured, it is sent to an on-site server which is processed by the GeniusIQ system. However, with iPhones being as powerful as they are, they can do some local video processing too.

Together, the combination of high-frame-rate capture, detailed mapping, and centralised data analysis allows for a higher rate of accuracy in offside detection.

The SAOT technology then processes this data using predictive algorithms and advanced computer vision that is trained on several seasons of soccer matches. It can identify individual body parts down to players' fingers, offering a level of detail that transcends traditional centre-of-mass or skeletal tracking methods used in some of the current existing VAR systems. Additionally, this detailed mapping allows for tracking of players’ positions and movements, even when partially obscured from view. 

The new system aims to address longstanding issues with video assistant referee (VAR) technology, including delays, human errors, and limitations in capturing critical moments of play. By leveraging the iPhones' ability to record at high frame rates, SAOT can potentially eliminate the problem of missing the exact moment a ball is kicked, a common issue in the current VAR systems. 

Hopefully, this new approach will provide more accurate and timely offside calls and enhance the overall quality of officiating in matches. If you're keen to learn more about the SAOT and how it compares to earlier systems, check out the full article by Wired below. 

Source: Wired Via The Verge

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