The inclusion of augmented reality in sport
Augmented reality is a tool that is progressing rapidly due to its many applications. For the most part, its current use is focused on entertainment where users immerse themselves in new worlds that allow them to have a totally realistic experience. However, in other cases, this technology is beginning to be important in fields of activity such as sports.
What is augmented reality?
It is the technology that enables the user to see the real world and superimpose virtual objects with related and relevant data. It is supported by three basic pillars that define how they work.
- Combination of the real and the virtual in a real environment
- Real-time interaction
- Registration in 3D
Augmented reality applications currently use the mobile device as a tool because it provides the necessary hardware for data collection that allows to specify the data displayed and essentially because it has the camera that would be the one that provides the view of the real world.
All of this is achieved using mobile devices of two types, those based on location and those that use bookmarks. The first uses hardware such as GPS, and the gyroscope to locate the position of what is being viewed and thus assemble the data layer. It is the one that brings the most benefits to show layers of data on the real view within a sports training since we can determine the values of the variables such as height, speed, location and their derived values as well. The second uses markers to determine the appearance of the data layer.
Augmented reality in sports
The impact of the application of augmented reality in sports learning also constitutes an incentive for its use in training since some teaching methodologies are certainly used.
Virtual reality offers to transport athletes to their playing field to be able to live before what they will face. In this way, they can plan game strategies, practice techniques and plays, or increase their reaction speed. It allows you to replicate complex match situations, which is why it is so successful today. Therefore, it becomes a great tool for coaches since they will obtain more information from the athlete when training. The trainer will be able to evaluate the movements of his pupils and analyze how to execute the strategies and thus improve the performance of each one.
The Rezzil tool already provides teams such as Manchester City, PSG or Arsenal with a range of virtual training exercises, which have also been adapted for free access for fans and gamers. A Japanese softball team has used it to train batting by programming pitches of certain characteristics.
In the United States, it has been tested in college division football and, according to coaches, it helps players to process and learn game situations without the need to arrange matches. In other sports, such as Formula 1 or Nascar, the forecast is that these procedures will be fully integrated in the short term.
In Spain we have also an example in our virtual reality app VAR3D, focused on the refereeing world. With this tool, assistant referees can assess offside real situations and check parameters like the distance that has caused that a player was in a wrong or right position or the distance between a user regarding to the second-to-last defender.
Hado, a new sport thanks to augmented reality
The evolution of augmented reality has unleashed creative people wanting to combine this technology with physical activity. Thus arose a new sport with the transcendental support of the tool in question. Its name is Hado and it started in 2014 in Japan.
It is an augmented reality electronic sport in which players can see visuals added to the real world and interact with them. Players use an augmented reality headset and a bracelet that acts as a sensor to interact with different virtual options in the game. This practice has grown so much that it has spread to more than 26 countries, a fact that has allowed them to create international tournaments.
Everything works with iPhones and iPods connected via WiFi and can be used anywhere. In addition to this, cloths that act as a QR have to be used. They are connected to the modem and serve to differentiate the teams.
Hado is the first augmented reality sport. Hado is a highly physical game in which players compete against other users and an 80-second clock marks the final bell. The mechanics are simple, the team with the most points wins when the bell rings. In the event of a tie, teams compete in overtime in which the first to score wins. All of this is done by mixing the classic dodgeball with a fighting video game. Users use a series of portable devices to intersperse real images with those of the game, and the game is played in teams of three. The official measurements of the pitch are 10 meters long by 6 meters wide.
This sport requires great footwork, speed and agility. The best of three sets is played, so the team that wins two of them wins. It is a virtual sport, but very complete, because you are moving all time and you burn a lot of calories. To start playing Hado, you just need to put on your helmet and armband, with which you can customize your skills.
In attack, players must aim and fire energy balls at their opponents’ life cells, which are displayed in the shape of petals. To create one of these balls you have to raise your arm to charge the energy meter and stretch your arm to shoot them. As for defense, there are two options. The first one is to move sideways to avoid the balls and thus protect the life cells. The second option is to create shields, and for this it is enough to lower the arm to load the shield meter and then move the arm up to raise it. Of course, after several blows the shield breaks.
As we have verified, augmented reality and the virtual world are increasingly present and count as a great help when practicing sports activities. On the other hand, innovations are obvious, and a clear example is the creation of new sports based on these techniques. Without a doubt, this new technology promises to make great advances in the matter.
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