Holographic Simulation Software for Sports Training

3D Augmented Reality Software Application Reads Player Movements to Provide Film Feedback As Well As Live Interactive Holographic Simulation

Imagine that you are able to draw plays on a tablet and then put on special glasses that allow you to see holographic players running the play you just drew. Alternatively, imagine that your defensive coaches could take plays from the week’s current opponent and allow your offense to practice against holographic opponents. This augmented reality software analyzes game films and creates a database of offensive and defensive strategies plus life-scaled holographic simulations to better prepare teams for upcoming competitions. In competitive athletic sports, such as football, basketball, and hockey, available training technology allows athletes to review video footage of their upcoming opponents on a two dimensional medium to plan and strategize. Despite recent technological advancements in 3D immersive environments, no available medium allows athletes to embody the training experience and simulate live game phenomena, thus impacting on-field decisions and response rates. Researchers at the University of Florida have created a software that uses motion-based multiple object tracking to create a database of simulations based on analyzed game film, that represents the offensive and defensive strategies of teams of interest. The database then creates accurately scaled holographic augmented reality simulations that human players are able to view and practice against via a head-mounted display. This software application reduces the cost and time for teams who spend hours searching and analyzing game film, reduces the chance of player injuries since teams are able to spar against holographs, increases players’ and coaches’ ability to learn game play, and provides a true representation of the opposing team to practice against.

Application

Augmented reality environment software application that reads player movements to provide film feedback and holographic simulation

Advantages

• Reduces time and cost spent searching for and analyzing game film, enabling increased time for learning both on and off the field
• Holographic simulation substantially reduces man to man contact in practice, reducing chances of player injuries
• Players can get in extra practice with coverage and formations, mastering the playbook in a fraction of the time.
• Film can be studied from different player perspective in an Augmented Reality environment from different views, instead of being restricted to traditional sideline and end-zone views
• Simulation increases player preparation, performance, and accuracy, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of practice

Technology

This software uses motion-based multiple object tracking to analyze game film in order to extract play formation and actuation data. Once this information is gathered, the software creates a database of simulations representing the offensive and defensive strategies of teams of interest. The database then creates accurately scaled, holographic augmented reality simulations that human players are able to view and practice against via a head-mounted display.