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.
