Question 1

V-FAB camera selection

Accepted Answer

V-FAB cameras must be able to “see” fiducials, (i.e., lines on the pitch and/or surveyed stadium locations) in each video frame to track properly; ergo, not all camera POVs are suited for V-FAB. Primary game-action cameras with wide fields of view such as the main game and left/right offside camera locations are well suited and perfect candidates for V-FAB. Closeup and tight ISO cameras, high-zoom level coverage cameras, and handheld sideline cameras are not good options for V-FAB because they do not show sufficient fiducials in their fields of view.  Recommendations for choosing V-FAB cameras are: No tight-zooming cameras; lock-offs are OK if enough fiducials are in the field of view. No ISO cameras No GLT (Goal Line Technology) cameras

Question 2

V-FAB camera location

Accepted Answer

A camera's physical location in the environment (relative to the pitch) is a key determinant of V-FAB's effectiveness. The height and distance of the camera from the field/pitch are important considerations. The higher the camera, and the farther away from the near sideline, the better. Sufficient height/distance is needed to provide views of critical field-level fiducials, e.g., the near sideline.

Question 3

V-FAB camera operation

Accepted Answer

Wider framing allows the V-FAB camera to see more fiducials in its field-of-view, facilitating accurate camera tracking. Narrow framing in ISO shots can lead to loss of camera tracking. WIDER IS BETTER.

Question 4

V-FAB camera Game Day calibration (3-4 hours before kickoff)

Accepted Answer

V-FAB camera operators must shoot a series of calibration clips from their POV (3-5 mins). Each calibration clip is a series of slow, sweeping pans of the scene at various zoom levels. The V-FAB system records the calibration clips shot from each V-FAB camera’s POV. The V-FAB operator calibrates each V-FAB camera using its calibration clip (20-30 mins each). SMT recommends allowing a 90-minute buffer between the end of calibration and the kickoff.

Question 5

How many V-FAB cameras can the V-FAB system support?

Accepted Answer

There is no theoretical limit to the number of V-FAB cameras that can be supported by the V-FAB system; however, there are very real practical limits based on: The limited and finite set of cameras on-site that are suitable to run V-FAB; and, The amount of time needed for the V-FAB operator to calibrate the set of V-FAB cameras on Game Day prior to match start. In practice, three game cameras with optional fourth or fifth is norm.