The America’s Cup has developed a system that can accurately capture and visualise real-time wind speed and direction data for the first time, paving the way for new on-screen graphics that will enhance broadcasts of the 37th edition of the sailing event in Barcelona.
From an article in Sport Pro Media by Steve Mccaskill.
The ‘Windsight IQ’ system, developed by host broadcaster America’s Cup Media and tech consultancy firm Capgemini, gathers wind metrics using a combination of light detection and ranging (Lidar) technology, which is analogous to radar, and scientific computation.
Three Lidar units with a maximum range of 12 kilometres and capable of measuring wind speed to an accuracy of within 0.1 metre per second have been positioned along the Barcelona waterfront, covering the entire course in the Mediterranean Sea.
This data is complemented by sensors on the yachts and buoys and fed into an algorithm that fuses these multiple sources to create a virtual wind field, which is refreshed every second.
Graphics powered by this wind field, and brought to life using augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) tech, will be overlaid over live video feeds. This data is also fed into a yacht simulator that creates a live ‘ghost boat’ displaying the optimal route for a boat to take given current conditions.
The aim of the system is to provide commentators and viewers with insight into how conditions are affecting race strategy.
“Our objective has been to take another quantum leap in using technology to increase the understanding of sailing and the intricacies that the sailors at the pinnacle of our sport have to conquer,” explained Grant Dalton, chief executive of the America’s Cup Event. “Insight IQ is a significant advancement for the consumption of our sport.
For the complete article on America’s Cup CLICK HERE.
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