The Premier League Shifts towards Utilizing Multiple iPhones instead of VAR for Offside Decisions
The English Premier League is bidding farewell to the controversial VAR system in the 2024-2025 season, opting for a fresh approach that incorporates a plethora of iPhones to aid in making offside calls. This innovative system, often referred to as "Dragon," was developed by Genius Sports, a company with extensive experience in optical tracking and data-based work in partnership with the NBA.
Initial reports suggest that 28 iPhones will be placed in each stadium, with Genius Sports considering adding additional devices to select venues throughout the season. According to The Verge, while some speculate it will be iPhone 14 models, Genius Sports' CPO, Matt Fleckenstein, hinted in an interview that iPhone 15 Pros might be utilized instead. Despite reaching out to Genius Sports for clarification, we are still waiting for a definitive response.
The iPhones will be housed in waterproof cases equipped with cooling fans and connected to a power source. Two movable mounts, capable of holding up to four devices each, will be strategically placed around the stadiums to capture video from specific angles.
The striking feature of this new system is its ability to track an impressive 7,000 to 10,000 data points on each player in real-time. This includes intricate details such as muscle mass, skeletal frame differences, and even gait, all contributing to the likelihood of offside. This advanced tracking surpasses other VAR systems, which typically only consider 30 to 40 data points on a player.
Dragon's advanced camera technology captures up to 200 frames per second, significantly more than today's 50-60 frames per second maximum. To strike a balance between latency, accuracy, and cost, the system will not exceed 100 frames per second.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this new system is its predictive capabilities. In the event of an impending offside, the system will automatically scale up its camera frame rate to closely monitor the situation before returning to its power-saving default frame rate. Additionally, Dragon will utilize artificial intelligence to analyze collected data and learn from it, utilizing an internal system referred to as "object semantic mesh."
Although the exact iPhone model to be used remains unconfirmed, the potential for this innovative technology in revising the English Premier League's offside calls is undoubtedly exciting. The integration of advanced tracking, real-time analysis, and predictive capabilities promises to revolutionize the fan experience and reduce controversies arising from VAR calls.
This innovative technology, known as "Dragon," is set to replace the VAR system in the English Premier League by the 2025-2026 season. Genius Sports, a tech company with expertise in optical tracking and data-based work, has developed this system in partnership with the NBA.
The anticipated use of 28 iPhones in each stadium is a significant change, with Genius Sports considering the addition of more devices for select venues. While the specific iPhone model is yet to be confirmed, there are rumors of iPhone 15 Pros being utilized.
The advanced camera technology of Dragon captures up to 200 frames per second, significantly more than current maximums, to ensure accuracy in offside calls. This technology, along with real-time data analysis and predictive capabilities, aims to improve the fan experience and reduce VAR-related controversies.
Embracing tech and future advancements, the English Premier League is looking towards 2025 with anticipation, as this new system could redefine the game and challenge the notion of offside as we know it.
