Exploring the applications of computer vision in sports

The history of sports can be traced back at least 3000 years. As technology and society have evolved, so have sports. We are now looking at computer vision being used by the sports industry.

Computer vision is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on letting computers "see" by understanding images and videos. Most sports games are already captured and broadcast. The abundance of data makes the sports industry a great choice for different applications of computer vision. Let’s take a look at how computer vision is changing the game from the field to the stands!

Harnessing the power of computer vision in sports#

Computer vision is changing the way we watch sports. Instead of just watching the broadcast, we can see the game being analyzed in real time. We’ll now walk through some of these real-time computer vision applications in sports.

Keeping the fans engaged#

The core of the sports industry depends on keeping fans happy, engaged, and entertained. In fact, a study found that 71% of sports professionals considered fan engagement important to reaching their organization's goals. An emotional connection to sports keeps fans coming back for more, bringing in revenue.

How can computer vision help increase fan engagement?#

Computer vision combined with augmented reality (AR) can add interactive elements to watching a game. Let’s say you are watching a game of soccer. As the game happens, live statistics appear on your screen. The stats show player speeds or the distances of their kicks. This is made possible by AR.

It blends digital overlays directly into the live broadcast or game you're watching. Computer vision can help identify specific players' movements. AR takes this information and integrates it in real time. It transforms a standard viewing experience into an interactive one.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, FIFA introduced an AR app to make the stadium experience even better for their fans. The app used computer vision to identify players on the field in real time. It lets fans access stats and heatmaps right from their smartphones. By pointing their devices at the action, fans could see detailed player information and tactical heatmaps like the attackers heatmap shown below.

Fig 1. The FIFA AR app.

Is computer vision the future of fan engagement?#

Computer vision is shaping the future of fan engagement. A survey was conducted among experts in the sports industry, and they agreed. People were asked to guess which technology will change fan engagement the most in the next 3-5 years. VR/AR and AI were the top picks, chosen by 33% and 29% of respondents, respectively.

Fig 2. An infographic on which technology will reshape the sports industry.

Computer vision is key here. Computer vision models help these technologies recognize and understand images and scenes. It makes AR/VR more immersive and enhances fan experiences.

Automated refereeing#

An important part of sports is making sure any game is conducted fairly and with integrity. Traditionally, a human referee carries this burden on their shoulders. But, no matter how well they do their job, humans slip up from time to time. Automated refereeing systems can support decision-making processes during games.

How is computer vision helping create automated refereeing systems?#

Computer vision helps make refereeing decisions less about guesswork and more about precision. For example, automated refereeing can be used in tennis when a player challenges a line call.

Fig 3. Using computer vision to referee tennis matches.

Computer vision systems can use ball tracking to analyze the ball's trajectory and pinpoint exactly where it landed. By using image processing technology on footage from various cameras around the court, they can definitively determine whether the ball is in or out.

Hawk-Eye technology is a good example of this in action. Since 2021, the U.S. Open has completely transformed how it judges line calls and fully embraced technologies like Hawk-Eye for automated refereeing.

What is the impact of automated refereeing on sports?#

Automated refereeing systems improve the accuracy and fairness of game decisions. For instance, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in soccer has increased the accuracy of critical decisions in the Premier League from 82% to 96%.

Here are a few more ways in which automated refereeing is impacting sports:

• Reduced human error: It minimizes the chances of referees missing or incorrectly calling plays.
• Increased fairness: It ensures that all teams are judged by the same standards.
• Enhanced transparency: It offers fans and teams a clearer understanding of decision-making.
• Player and coach support: It reduces incidents of unjust penalties or overlooked violations.

Helping athletes train#

Athletes put in a lot of training and hard work behind the scenes. Training sessions generally focus on improving athletic performance and reducing injury risks. Using technology like machine learning algorithms, coaches can analyze data to fine-tune training programs further. Athletes can optimize their training routines and achieve peak performance levels while minimizing the risk of injury.

How can computer vision be used to monitor athletic training?#

Computer vision helps monitor athletic training by watching movements and giving feedback as athletes exercise. For example, while an athlete does pull-ups, it can use pose estimation to track how the body moves and how many reps are done, making sure the form is correct. If the form isn't right, it can tell the athlete to adjust, keeping them safe and improving their workout.

Similarly, with push-ups, computer vision can detect and track things like body position and how deep each push-up goes. It gives instant feedback on technique, so athletes know if they're doing it right. This helps them exercise safely and effectively, improving their overall performance.

Fig 4. Using Ultralytics YOLO models to pose estimate push-ups.

In the examples above, you can see Ultralytics YOLOv8 in action, accurately monitoring athletes' movements during workouts. It can precisely identify key body positions and motions in real time. If you're interested in trying it out, explore the Ultralytics workouts monitoring guide.

What are the benefits of using computer vision to monitor athletic training?#

Computer vision is helping track and improve players' performance in innovative ways. It combines technology with traditional practices for better results. Here’s a closer look at its benefits:

• Subtle performance details are uncovered, paving the way for specific improvements.
• Early detection of risky movements helps prevent injuries and ensures players stay healthy.
• Coaches and athletes can immediately adjust techniques, thanks to real-time feedback.
• Teams across all levels have access to advanced analytics, democratizing performance analysis.
• Strategy and training decisions are now data-driven, reducing reliance on guesswork and enhancing overall tactics.

Computer vision and AI startups shaping the future of sports#

Combining technology and sports is creating exciting new opportunities. Innovative startups are applying computer vision and AI to enhance how we play, coach, and enjoy sports. Let’s take a quick look at a few notable contributors.

Hawk-Eye innovations#

Hawk-Eye Innovations is a UK-based company. They specialize in computer vision, video replay, and graphical technologies. Their systems are making sports fairer and more engaging. They work with almost every major sports league worldwide. Hawk-Eye's tech includes SMART replays and the ‘Track’ system for tracking balls and other objects.

Fig 5. Hawk-Eye Innovations

NEX Team & HomeCourt#

NEX and their app, HomeCourt, make basketball training smarter. This US company analyzes your game using AI and your phone's camera. It offers feedback and training drills that are engaging and game-like. You can even train with friends. As an NBA partner, HomeCourt provides insights from the top players.

Fig 6. HomeCourt

Veo#

Veo, a Danish company, is changing how local sports are recorded. Veo's Cam 3 can capture games without a camera operator. It tracks the action and offers a broadcast experience. Veo Analytics then breaks down your team's performance. It's like having your own analysis team.

Fig 7. Veo Cam 3

Wrapping up#

We've seen how computer vision is making big waves. It’s transforming everything from player training to how we enjoy games. But that's just the start. If you're curious about other applications of computer vision, Ultralytics has got you covered.

Dive into our GitHub repository to explore our contributions to computer vision and AI. Also, if you'd like to see how AI is changing the game in fields like manufacturing and self-driving tech, head over to our solutions pages.