The fleeting nature of viral videos often means they quickly become yesterday’s news. However, some clips have a lasting impact that transcends their initial popularity. For the founders of OneCourt, Field of Vision, and Touch2See, viral videos showing blind individuals being guided through a soccer pitch simulation by a companion sparked an innovative idea. These companies, based in Seattle, Dublin, and Toulouse, respectively, were inspired to create devices that would revolutionize how visually impaired people experience sports.
These “tactile broadcasters” aim to convert on-field action into tangible movements that users can feel with their fingers. According to Touch2See’s sales director, John Brimacombe, “You can’t have hundreds of people doing that one-for-one… We thought: How can we scale this up and make it more affordable, more accessible, and more pertinent to the modern world?” The development of these devices is made possible by the sports data revolution, where professional clubs collect performance data through companies like Opta Stats and Catapult Sports.
Technology Behind the Devices
The companies are utilizing this data to power their innovative devices. Field of Vision developed low-latency cameras that process data locally before sending it to the device, creating a seamless experience. The result is a physical representation of the ball moving across the device’s surface, allowing users to follow the game in real-time. OneCourt’s CEO, Jerred Mace, describes the magic of knowing what’s happening as it happens and being able to celebrate with others.
Enhancing the Experience
The devices go beyond just tracking the ball’s position. Both Touch2See and Field of Vision incorporate vibration-based feedback systems that coincide with different match events, creating a “language of vibrations.” Field of Vision’s device is divided into sections for home and away teams, with distinct vibration patterns for passes, possession changes, and goals. OneCourt uses a pixel-based system, akin to animated braille, allowing for multiple “views” of a game simultaneously. This is particularly useful for sports like baseball, where it can display the pitch location and a top-down view of the diamond.
Connectivity and Latency
To ensure a smooth experience, the devices require robust connectivity. OneCourt and Field of Vision favor Wi-Fi with 5G capability, while Touch2See prioritizes 5G for mobility. Latency is a critical issue, as even a slight delay could ruin the experience. Field of Vision developed its own cameras to address this, as existing stadium data wasn’t always real-time.
From Stadiums to Homes
While the initial focus is on stadiums, the companies plan to develop home versions of their devices. OneCourt aims to build its home product over the next six months. However, this introduces new challenges, such as licensing tracking data and syncing with broadcasts.
Impact on Visually Impaired Fans
The devices are already making a significant impact. Irish rugby fan Martin Gordon, who lost his sight over two decades ago, described using Field of Vision’s product as “incredible.” He can now feel the game unfolding, rather than just imagining it through commentary. Videos of visually impaired fans using these devices are now going viral, with users describing the experience as “life-changing.”
As Brimacombe notes, the emotional feedback from users has been overwhelming, with some even brought to tears. The technology is not just enhancing their sports experience but restoring a sense of connection they thought was lost forever. For Gordon, it “completely adds to my experience as a supporter and gives back something huge that was lost for me 23 years ago.”
