Virtual Goal is
a new Virtual Reality product from Virtual
Spectator Sports that adds a completely new
dimension to goal kicking analysis.
In a first for TV, Virtual Goal can graphically
demonstrate in 3D, the exact degree of difficulty
facing the "kicker" for those vital shots
at goal.
Virtual Goal enables the viewer to see the
kick from any angle, any perspective, in "Real
Time".
Virtual Goal calculates and displays a range
of data that the "kicker" must consider:
Distance
to Goal Angle
to Goal Apparent
Goal Width Wind
Strength and Direction (see Pineapplehead Weather
Station) Ball
Flight %
Success from kicking zones (By player or Team)
…and more
Virtual Goal can be configured to operate in a generic
virtual stadium environment or for a totally realistic
representation; Pineapplehead will build an exact
3D model of the actual stadium.
The Virtual Goal model offers broadcasters an additional
range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
The number of penalty and conversion attempts in
the modern game of rugby is numerous and the viewing
audience for international matches is immense.
In Australia the system has been a huge success
where it is now known as The AXA Angle. Network
7 use the AXA Angle in each International Rugby
game to give the viewer an unprecedented view of
the kick difficulty.
Prior to the player taking his kick, the system
can display the degree of difficulty of the shot
at goal. The apparent goal width is clearly shown
in a way not previously possible.
The viewer is treated to a photo realistic journey
to the ball culminating in the all important display
of the statistical information necessary for a successful
conversion or penalty kick. Distance, Angle and
Apparent goal width is clearly shown and when a
goal mouth is normally 6 meters wide, it is quite
educational to see how small it can become from
different kicking positions.
User defined animated paths can take the viewer
around the stadium to preview the action from any
angle.
Ball Trajectory illustrates even further the angle
to goal and the difficulty of each shot. When combined
with the real time weather station from Pineapplehead,
wind direction and speed can be displayed and even
affect the ball trajectory.
A new feature of the AXA Angle introduced in 2002
is the ability to display the % chance of success
from a given kicking position. This data is collected
automatically as the game progresses and is databased
for accuracy as the season unfolds.
Success rates can be displayed for either the team
as a whole or on a player by player basis. Current
kicking position is shown in green.
Virtual Goal has applications for all Football and
Hockey codes and with the addition of Player Profiles
and Match-Ups will enhance any telecast of Rugby,
Soccer, Hockey, AFL or NFL.
Virtual Goal is used regularly on Channel 7's Rugby
Coverage (Known as the AXA Angle) and was used extensively
by ITV London for the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Distance
to Goal 