New Technology that Detects Blade Angle to Be Deployed at the Winter Olympics

[Karen-W]

Came across this Korean news article today about Omega's new computer vision technology they plan on using at the upcoming Winter Olympics for use in figure skating, ski jumping and big air. There will also be new photo finish technology used in bobsled.

스케이트날 각도까지 감지한다…오메가, 동계올림픽 신기술 공개

m.sports.naver.com

Omega's "computer vision technology," introduced at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, captures a variety of real-time data, including athletes' position, speed, distance, acceleration, and jump height, through image tracking camera systems installed around the stadium.

Motion analysis includes real-time jump height, airtime, and landing speed, and all of this data, combined with graphic tracking, will aid referees' decisions and enhance fan understanding.
...
Omega will utilize computer vision technology to detect the angle of the skate blades as figure skaters land.

The position of the skate blades upon landing is a crucial criterion for judging the perfection of a jump, so judges will utilize this angle data to determine scores.

In addition to detecting the angle of the skate blades, Omega's computer vision technology has been upgraded to identify individual skaters in pairs events, enabling them to instantly detect and display the type of movement and jump performed.

Omega will provide figure skating fans with a variety of visual information, enabling them to tell the story of the skaters' performances.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

Omega will utilize computer vision technology to detect the angle of the skate blades as figure skaters land.

The position of the skate blades upon landing is a crucial criterion for judging the perfection of a jump, so judges will utilize this angle data to determine scores.

Great, except for the part about debuting it at the Olympics.

 

[Theatregirl1122]

Debuting new technology at the Olympics went so well for the FIG.

 

[Sylvia]

Omega debuted their figure skating technology in 2022: https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1119199/omega-skating

The analysis has been made possible by six cameras installed around the rink.
Using their motion sensor and positioning systems, they were able to record a range of live jump data for each skater, including Chen, who on Thursday (February 10) added to the Olympic title to the two World Championship gold medals he had already won.
The data was sent to the computer analysis team who monitored such factors as the displacement of the hips to give them information about the centre of gravity of the human body.
This then enabled them to detect the height of the jumps.
Omega, a member of The Olympic Programme since Athens 2004, but involved as a sponsor of the Games since Los Angeles 1932, believe other parameters can be developed to help judges and make the sport fairer.
"Thanks to this motion sensors and positioning technologies, we can measure the jumps and analyse them in real time." Omega chief executive Alain Zobrist said.
"We can measure the heights, the length and the rotation of their jumps and explain as a consequence to the audience the amazing performance of the athletes."

ETA: https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/omega-on-the-road-to-milano-cortina-2026

OMEGA’s role now extends beyond timing to capturing the full picture of performance. Using image tracking, Computer Vision and athlete-worn sensors, OMEGA delivers important data such as the live speed of a bobsleigh or the live positions in speed skating. This helps commentators, spectators, judges and athletes better understand each moment of competition. New systems for Milano Cortina 2026 will debut in sports including figure skating, bobsleigh, ski jumping and big air.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

They debuted some technology in 2022, but not all of it, and not to determine scores.

 

[Private Citizen]

Nothing in the article says the technology is being used for scoring? I assumed it was for TV.

 

[Karen-W]

Nothing in the article says the technology is being used for scoring? I assumed it was for TV.

Right, but it is, hopefully, going to make the ISU look more foolish than ever if the technology exists to measure jump rotations and viewers around the world see it during the Olympics, then see the tech panels getting calls wrong or ignoring rotation issues.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

The excerpt quoted above says

Omega will utilize computer vision technology to detect the angle of the skate blades as figure skaters land.

The position of the skate blades upon landing is a crucial criterion for judging the perfection of a jump, so judges will utilize this angle data to determine scores.

But that could be a misunderstanding or bad translation. Hopefully.

 

[MacMadame]

Can the ISU use this new technology within the curretn rules? Just curious.