IDS, Tennis Insight Graphics Intro Statistical Integration for Wimbledon

IDS (Information and Display Systems), a subsidiary of SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology), has announced that the company has partnered with IBM and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to introduce statistical integration with the Tennis Insight Graphics (TIG) system, together with multimedia and muliplatform coverage of the 2013 Wimbledon Championships.

New this year for Wimbledon is Tennis Insight Graphics (TIG), a comprehensive system that provides new insights into players’ skills and abilities. TIG offers a wealth of statistical information combining IBM-detailed statistics with player- and ball- tracking data, state-of-the-art 3D models and motion graphic animation. With its “Close to the Line” feature, for example, data compiled from each player’s returned shots allow for comparisons of players’ performances (i.e., player A is winning 68% of 2nd serve points close to the line, but only 41% of other serves) and adds tools for commentators and fans to better analyze the match. In addition, the “Player Movement” feature shows a comparison of distance covered in sets won and lost, player speed, tournament averages for both players, and player comparisons for the current set and current match compared to the tournament.

Other TIG features include:

·         Serves: Serve placement, points won and player comparison

·         Returns: Return placement, points won and player comparison

·         Defensive skills: Shots returned, points won defending

·         Rallies: Shot placement, points won

·         Tournament rankings

IDS, with a team of 28, is delivering, on behalf of IBM, the official match statistics for all courts; the broadcast graphics for the BBC and the World Feed; as well as producing the graphics content for stadium video displays, including a new LED repeater display outside No. 1 Court. IDS’ Wimbledon Information System (WIS) provides historical data dating to the 1800s for the media, including current year-to-date statistical breakdowns; the Press Information System application (PISA) allows members of the media to schedule and display interviews with the athletes. On-court, IDS is responsible for the serve-speed system and statistical data for media use.

Returning to Wimbledon coverage in 2013 is SMT’s GOTO Board, a state-of-the-art touch screen and interface system for the Tennis Channel that boasts a custom-designed, content-rich application. The GOTO Board delivers several features, including a comprehensive live updating tournament data feed for doubles and mixed doubles, including scores and results, match stats, player profile pages with biographical and career data and head-to-head matchup data previewing upcoming matches.

“We introduced the TIG system to Wimbledon this year so that, at a glance, sports analysts and fans can determine a player’s strengths and weaknesses on the court. Our graphics allow viewers to compare competitors’ performances through data visualization,” said Leo Levin, IDS director of product development. “This will allow viewers to experience Wimbledon tennis on a new level by creating resources that provide detailed insight on the players and matches.”

The Wimbledon website, designed and built by IBM, provides a vast sea of information to fans including scores, schedules, serve speeds and match insights. This year’s site includes features include live highlights of matches as they happen.

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club manages day-to-day operations for Wimbledon, the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament.