One of the world’s biggest soccer stars is backing the use of wearable cameras. FirstV1sion, a Spanish tech startup, has partnered with FC Barcelona star Andreas Iniesta to raise close to 5.3 million for clothes with embedded cameras.
Firstv1sion claims its cameras have broadcast quality recording. The startup already has a contract with Euroleague basketball, a partnership with Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Telefonica as a committed shareholder. Telefonica, a Spanish telecommunications provider, has already invested €60,000 in the startup.
FirstV1sion believes its cameras will give viewers a more immersive game by putting them in the eyes of the athlete. The technology is used to simulate speed, vertigo, emotion and excitement.
FirstV1sion is one of a kind. The camera is invisible, unlike mountable video cameras, like GoPro. The wires are built into the shirt and the camera does not add significant bulk or weight. The shirts use RF transmission with a 100 meter range that do not suffer from delay.
Cordoba CF, a Spanish La Liga team, were the first to test the device in-game. Luso, a 30 year old defensive midfielder for Cordoba, said that he was thinking about the device at first, but forgot about it as the game went on. A referee wore the device for a Barcelona versus Real Madrid game and that footage was sent out to 150 broadcasters around the world.
The device is initially intended for broadcasting purposes, to give the fans a true feeling of the game. But the amounts of data that the cameras could potentially record would open up possibilities for data analytics. It could also bring insight into refereeing decisions.
The video demonstrations of their technology show it has some challenges to overcome. Two of the most noticeable problems are image stabilization and tracking. Athletes go through a lot of random movements, and the shirt’s camera will not pick up the action unless it happens to be pointing in the correct direction. The other important consideration is motion blur. Without advanced image stabilization, and probably even with it, the camera will not be able to adjust to the fast, harsh movements of players.
FirstV1sion is hoping to reach their financial goals through crowdsourcing. Their minimum required investment is just over $1 million.
The company posted video demonstrations on their site and on Youtube showing the device being used by professional athletes in games.