The English Premier League is replacing its current system of providing video support to referees with a new system that uses dozens of iPhones to shoot high-frame-rate video from multiple angles. The system will be used to detect offside, one of the most controversial rules in football.
This new system, developed by a company called Genius, is called Dragon. Using dozens of iPhone 14s connected to the same network, the system can capture movements from multiple angles. In addition, artificial intelligence is used to provide rapid findings. However, it is worth noting that the final decision will still be up to the referee.
According to information provided by Genius, Dragon will initially use the cameras of at least 28 iPhones in each Premier League stadium. The system will use the cameras of the iPhone 14 and later models. The iPhones will be protected by special waterproof cases with cooling fans and connected to a power source. The company has prepared mechanisms that can hold four iPhones together in a cluster.
When placed around the field, the iPhones will provide a continuous video feed from multiple angles. According to Genius, Dragon will be able to track between 7,000 and 10,000 points above each player on the field.
High frame rate shooting is one of the important parts of this system. Because when a video is shot at 50 fps, the critical moment can be between the first frame. The system installed on iPhones can shoot up to 200 fps. In addition, the frame rate can be increased with the help of artificial intelligence.
The new English Premier League season starts on August 16
The new season in the English Premier League will start on August 16. Whether this new system will shorten the lengthy VAR reviews for offside positions will also be understood with the start of the season.