Viz Arena™ enables broadcasters to superimpose static and animated 3D graphics
over the live coverage of a sports event. The solution ensures that the
graphics remain in place, regardless of camera movement. The result is a
holistic video experience in which the 3D graphics appear to be part of the
live coverage.
Viz Arena fully utilizes the creative functionality of Viz Artist: 2D and 3D
real-time graphics, text, video, logos, images, and animations can be
superimposed on the live video feeds, enriching information and creating an
enhanced look.
Live-event tracking
Viz Arena can display real-time distance, height and velocity measurements on
grass, track, snow, water, and in 3D space. Local terrain maps, on a small
or large scale, can be overlaid to show the detailed contours of a surface
area. This is particularly useful for events with no standard field layout,
such as ski jumping or golf. Similarly, team badges and sponsors’ logos can
be laid down on a surface over which players can walk. Alternatively, a
virtual foreground object can be keyed onto the video coverage and players
will appear behind or in front of the object, making it an integral part of
the video experience.
Image-based tracking
Using a clean video feed, with at least two visible straight lines, Viz Arena
can simulate camera tracking in real-time. The system recognizes the pattern
of the pitch, creating the model instantly. This makes it possible to apply
graphics to the field without mechanical tracking heads. Therefore, to
generate their own virtual graphics in-house, all that broadcasters need is
a video tape of a sports event. This functionality allows them to include
virtual sports graphics in their programming without investing in a
traditional camera-
tracking system.
The tracking data is linked to recorded video material. By using a fast DDR,
the director can overlay virtual graphics, in replay, seconds after an event
takes place.
Image-based tracking can also be used to compensate for cameras on unstable
ground, or cameras with a very high zoom. The image recognition system
corrects the mechanical tracking data, thereby creating a steady result.
Virtual advertising
Viz Arena can display advertisements on billboards, in a playing field and/or
around the edge of a playing field, as well as overlaying a new or animated
commercial over an existing advertisement.
Typical use
Viz Arena is widely used for live coverage of many major sporting events.
Graphics show up-to-the-minute details, vital both for viewers’ interest and
for advertising opportunities.
Multiple models in one control application
Viz Arena can have multiple calibration models in one control application. For
instance, horse racing might have one model for the grandstand straight, one
for the final straight and a third for the stalls, displaying horse names
and jockey colors.
When the main switcher moves from camera to camera, the control application
switches to the corresponding model instantly. If more than one camera is
needed in a location, extra cameras can share the model with the main camera.
- Dynamic, correct-perspective graphical overlays for every playing area
- Virtual advertising, game analysis and image insertion
- Pattern-recognition system for graphics overlay, without any camera-tracking data
- Easy and fast registration of both the field and the position of the camera
- Lens and field calibration in a fast one-time process
- Real-time distance measurements and object placement during live action
- Customized plug-ins for every type of sports event
- Velocity estimation and height measurement
- Recording of camera-tracking data for immediate play and replay
- Optional scoreboard module, based on character recognition, enables synchronization
of broadcast clock with official scoreboard
- High-resolution camera tracking for pan/tilt/zoom, and focus for up to 16 cameras
