News
New Technology
Enables Better Analysis of Rugby Matches
BBC Broadcast's new simulated sports field system for BBC SPORT
is the first technology of its kind to enable viewers to see 'play'
from angles that can not be captured by conventional cameras. It
will make its rugby debut during the RBS Six Nations Championship,
which goes out on BBC ONE on Saturday 5 February.
BBC Broadcast, in conjunction with BBC Resources, developed the
new three dimensional graphics system from a BBC Research and Development
'proof of concept'. It creates a virtual stadium, which is synchronised
to the 'real' pictures coming from the TV cameras. Pictures of real
play are transposed into the virtual stadium, where it is possible
to view and analyse play from different angles in animated sequences.
Offside, forward passing and other offences can be seen from the
best angle for analysis - even if the play has not been captured
at this angle. Using this technique enables coverage to be obtained
from viewpoints where it is not possible to place cameras.
"It's great to be commissioned to work on such new and exciting
technology for BBC SPORT. Presenters and pundits get another way
to view and analyse the crucial incidents in the match. It helps
them understand the decisions better and explain the action to the
audience more effectively." said Andy Townsend, Design Systems
Manager, BBC Broadcast.
Andrew Thompson, BBC's Head of Development, New Media and Sportsnews,
who commissioned Piero, said: "Piero is a major innovation
for BBC Sport and builds on our commitment to develop cutting edge
broadcast technology to our biggest events. It's an exciting innovation
for sports fans and will bring the game to life for people we hope
will be the players and fans of the future."
The new graphics system also features the ability to track players
across the grass, and place pointers and badges on the pitch in
"live" video. It can be integrated with match information,
results and statistics graphics to form an inclusive package for
match analysis. The technology is adaptable to a variety of sports
and events, as well as innovative entertainment formats.
The system uses a tracking camera head and electronics to capture
the pan, tilt and zoom of the camera and lens. These variables are
synchronised with the video time code and fed into a graphics PC.
The PC houses a graphics render engine and control software. The
operator has a user console with a graphical user interface, which
provides the ability to control video footage and review incidents
from new camera angles. The operator can try different animated
camera moves, apply graphic treatments and record them for broadcast
as appropriate.
The software is written in Java and C++, using the OpenGL API on
the Linux operating system. The hardware is a standard availability
graphics PC and a SDI video output card.
The system fully integrates with BBC Outside Broadcasts existing
infrastructure and working techniques. Data signals are embedded
within the video coming from the 'Piero' cameras and it has been
proven to pass freely through existing digital infrastructure.
BBC SPORT named the system Piero after Piero della Francesco the
15th century painter, who also wrote treatises on geometry and perspective,
and was one of the first to apply the techniques to painting.
For further information, please contact:
Kate Groves/Clare Plaisted
BBC Broadcast
Tel: 020 8008 1078
kate.groves@bbc.co.uk
Georgie Hollett
BBC Resources
Tel: 020 8576 2350
georgie.hollett@bbc.co.uk
About BBC Broadcast Limited
BBC Broadcast offers a comprehensive range of services to play-out,
publish, promote and provide media access for content across all
media platforms. Key services include: new channel launches, play-out
and channel management; channel branding & promotion; and subtitling
& other media access services. BBC Broadcast currently provides
services for 51 public service and commercial television channels
and interactive streams, 5 national radio networks, 39 local radio
stations and BBCi. BBC Broadcast works closely with its customers
to understand their broadcasting needs and to determine the right
combination of editorial, technical and creative skills required
to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions.
For more information access: www.bbcbroadcast.com
About BBC Resources Limited
BBC Resources is one of the leading broadcast facilities operations
in the UK. Formed in 1998, the company was the first of the BBC’s
commercial business-to-business subsidiaries to be incorporated.
BBC Resources offers a comprehensive set of services in the outside
broadcast, studios, post production and costume & wig hire markets,
blending extensive experience with a plethora of award-winning talent
and expertise.
For more information access: www.bbcresources.com
back to top
|
