English Premier League to Ditch VAR for Semi-Automated Offside Detection System Powered By iPhones

The English Premier League is planning to ditch its VAR offside detection system for a new iPhone based system dubbed 'Dragon'.

The new semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is powered by GeniusIQ, Genius Sports' next-generation AI and data platform. The system uses dozens of iPhones to capture high-frame-rate video from multiple angles and track 7000-10000 data points on each player. Initially, the EPL will cap frame-rates at 100 fps, but the system is capable of up to 200 fps.




Wired received some more detail on how the setup works...

Dragon, according to Genius, will initially use at least 28 iPhone cameras at every stadium in the Premier League. (More cameras may be used in certain stadiums throughout the year, the company says). The system uses the built-in cameras of iPhone 14 models and newer. The iPhones are housed in custom waterproof cases adorned with cooling fans and are connected to a power source. The team designed mounts that hold up to four iPhones clumped together. Once the iPhones are positioned around the pitch, together they capture a constant stream of video from multiple angles. Camera mounts can be moved to change coverage zones in certain facilities, per Genius, but will typically be stationary during actual play to ensure proper coverage and avoid recalibration needs on the fly. This wealth of visuals apparently gives Dragon the ability to track between 7,000 and 10,000 points on each player at all times.

This proprietary Genius Sports computer vision system will be installed in every Premier League stadium and is said to significantly exceed any other officiating system in world sport, enabling an incredible level of precision in every offside decision.

Tony Scholes, Premier League Chief Football Officer, said: "The introduction of semi-automated offside is an important move to maintain the flow of the game in the Premier League. We are confident that by using the newest and most accurate technology available we will see the time taken for offside decisions reduced significantly alongside a consistent application of the offside lines. The experience for all participants including supporters will also be enhanced through quicker communication and clearer imagery around offside decisions."


Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, said: "I am thrilled that Genius Sports is now the Premier League's Semi-Automated Officiating supplier. This is a seismic moment for our business, as we bring our unique AI and data platform GeniusIQ to the world's most watched league. This partnership builds on our track-record of delivering game-changing technology for the world's biggest leagues."

In partnership with Premier League Productions, Genius Sports also powers the Premier League Data Zone, a data-driven broadcast mode including live tracking insights and statistics.

More details in the full report linked below...

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