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National Runner Up

Sideline Streaming

Sideline is a Live Streaming IP Camera System designed to rejuvenate grass root level + niche sports participation & funding, enabling the broadcasting of amateur & niche interest sports events where audience numbers do not justify professional camera crews.

What it does

Sideline is a Live Streaming IP Camera System designed to rejuvenate grass root level + niche sports participation & funding, enabling the broadcasting of amateur & niche interest sports events where audience numbers do not justify professional camera crews.


Your inspiration

Developments in social media platforms and live streaming technology now offer rejuvenation for grass-root sport clubs to regain exposure, audiences & funding, but most struggle to implement it effectively. I observed the time-consuming setup of low quality wired camera equipment and footage recording that currently reflects the live streaming of non-professional or niche sporting events, and realized a complete streamlined solution was needed to remove the technical knowledge, hardware & infrastructure barriers currently preventing sports clubs from streaming their events online.


How it works

The system comprises of three I.O.T. products - Sideline Focus (camera), Sideline Horizon (panning motor) and Sideline H.Q. (wireless hub) allowing a fully wireless setup and web streaming of content. The IP camera combines smart camera technology with live computer analytics to track & follow the field of play comparable to a camera crew. The panning motor enables the camera with 360-degree coverage and acts as a power bank for other devices. The outdoor wireless hub enables connectivity between multiple cameras, motors and smart devices. It allows live streams to be played on local screens as well as live-streaming with a robust network connection.


Design process

I spent time observing live streaming members from ten different sporting organizations between four different categories (National Bodies/Regional Bodies/Clubs/Educational Institutions) and noted the pain points found in existing systems. This primary ethnography confirmed the insights needed to build the Sideline concept with early system planning maps. Sketching and early 3D models included functional explorations of mounts and user touch points while working toward an integral yet rugged sporting semantic. Camera lens specifications (i.e. focal lengths) were defined using existing cameras and field of view simulator programs. 3D printed models were used to iterate mechanisms, electronic component housing, product form and mounting options. 3D knitted + silicon prototypes were tested as options for the camera tilting mechanism sleeve. Journey maps + wire frame prototypes were completed to test layouts, button sizes and flow of the Sideline App on the user's smart devices. Graphic representations of the Sideline App 1:1 scale together with final models and high-level renderings of the hardware were used to gain the general impressions and understanding of the system from potential users (and partnering companies such as Spalk.co.) to gather feedback for development.


How it is different

With 1/4" and 5/8" thread adapters "Focus" cameras and "Horizon" motors attach to existing tripods, mic stands and go pro attachments allowing for full integration with existing gear. The "H.Q." hub features placement of connection ports under the body, controlling cable management and protecting circuits from poor weather. The system wirelessly connects with any existing smart device, to live-edit multiple cameras feeds via an editing application (Sideline App), also developed within this project. Smart video recognition and intuitive digital cropping gestures generate selections of perfectly framed shots from all the individual ‘Focus’ cameras - enabling amateurs to produce high-quality content naturally. The process of transferring a live stream online is simplified with the Sideline App sending video to the Sports Commentary Platform “SPALK” - a sports commentary platform that enables individuals to provide commentary on any live streamed sport instantly.


Future plans

Sideline has received interest from coaches, players, parents, supporters & their respective sporting organizations. I hope to get financial backing to fund prototyping work with the industry connections (such as SPALK and RAILBLAZA) made during the course of the project. Further development with electrical engineers and IP camera specialists needs to be done to develop the algorithm for the live analysis of sports in the amateur scenario. I have run the system concept past sports organisations around Auckland and Waikato in New Zealand, and aim to offer a hardware field test of the Sideline Streaming package to a few clubs for feedback as soon as possible.


Awards

AUT Head of School Award Blender Design Ltd Award


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