The English Premier League is introducing an innovative offside detection system based on iPhone technology developed by Genius Sports. The system, called "Dragon", promises to revolutionize football refereeing using advanced machine learning technology and high-speed filming.
Football technologies of the future
Revolution in refereeing
The football world is facing dramatic changes. The English Premier League plans to ditch the controversial Offside VAR system for the upcoming season in favor of an innovative iPhone-based solution.
"Dragon" system: a new word in football technology
Genius Sports and its subsidiary Second Spectrum, known for their collaboration with the NBA in the field of video analytics, they developed a unique video assistance system for referees, codenamed “Dragon”. This system is based on the use of several dozen iPhone 14s, which will conduct high-speed shooting from various angles. Specialized software with elements of artificial intelligence will process the received video data.
History of offside: from rule to technology
Introduced in 1883, the offside rule seemed to only make refereeing more difficult by increasing the number of controversial situations during matches. Even with multiple cameras, it is often difficult to determine whether a player is in an offside position. This led to the introduction of more advanced judging systems. The first semi-automatic systems were used at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024. They used up to 15 cameras and a special sensor in the ball to track dozens of points on the body of each player, however, these systems could not provide absolute accuracy in recording controversial moments.
Technical Features of "Dragon"
According to information from Genius, their innovative "Dragon" system will use at least 28 cameras iPhone 14 and up at every Premier League stadium. This system is potentially capable of continuously tracking between 7,000 and 10,000 points on players' bodies.
Photo: Genius Sports Technical equipment of stadiums
Smartphones will be placed in special waterproof cases with ventilation system and constant power supply. The developers have created unique mounts that can hold up to four iPhones at the same time.
Dragon system capabilities
The Dragon system has the potential to broadcast up to 200 frames per second. It will initially run at a slower speed, but will eventually be able to automatically detect key events that will happen in a few seconds and temporarily increase the frame rate on certain cameras.
Glossary
- VAR (Video Assistant Referee) - video assistance system for football referees
- Genius Sports is a sports technology and data company
- Second Spectrum is a sports analytics subsidiary of Genius Sports
- NBA (National Basketball Association) - US National Basketball Association
- iPhone is a line of smartphones developed by Apple Inc.
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Questions answered
What new video assistant referee system is planned to be introduced in the English Premier League?
How does the new 'Dragon' system differ from previous video assistant referee systems?
How will the iPhones used in the 'Dragon' system be housed and secured?
What is the shooting speed of the Dragon system and how will it be adjusted?
Why was there a need to develop a new video assistant referee system?
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Discussion of the topic – Revolution in football: iPhone 14 will replace VAR in the English Premier League
The English Premier League is preparing to introduce a new video assistant referee system called 'Dragon', developed by Genius Sports and Second Spectrum. The iPhone 14-based system will replace the controversial Offside VAR system in the upcoming season.
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Isabella
Wow, technology does not stand still! 🤯 Using iPhone for VAR is something new. I wonder how much this will improve the accuracy of offside detection?
Hans
I agree, Isabella! Sounds promising. 10,000 body points - that's impressive. But my concern is, will this be too difficult for the referees on the field?
Pierre
I think this is a great idea! 📱⚽ Smartphones are everywhere, why not use them in football? Hans, I am sure that it will only become easier for judges with such a system.
Maria
But it seems to me that this is overkill. Football is losing its soul with every new technological innovation. Where is the place for the human factor and emotions? 😕
Günter
Eh, young people... They used to play great without any iPhones. Why complicate things? Bring back good old football without these dragons and other nonsense.
Sofia
Günter, times are changing! 😊 Technology helps make the game fairer. Pierre is right, this will simplify the work of judges and reduce the number of disputes.
Luca
Sofia, I completely agree! And think about what cool replays we can watch with such a system! 🎥 This is a new level of immersion in the game for fans!
Oleksandr
Guys, don't you think that this could slow down the pace of the game? 🤔 Although, if the system works quickly and accurately, it can really solve many offside problems.