Project Description
Top Olympic-level swimming coaches are continuously striving to train their swimmers to achieve their best possible performance. Now, the Vision Training System (VTS), designed by MiPlaza together with the video software company Dartfish, has been developed to help in the pursuit of the ultimate swimming performance. For the first time ever in the history of swimming sport, the trainer can continuously view the swimmer from underwater in real time, as he/she swims the actual course – all achieved without the use of any moving cameras. This unique technology has been installed and commissioned at the Nationaal Zwemcentrum de Tongelreep in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Although seemingly shot from a moving camera, the VTS video is actually made without any moving parts. 11 fixed underwater video cameras are installed along the poolside, feeding their output to the system’s control computer. This automatically and seamlessly fuses together the camera views, and displays the video, coupled with timing data, on poolside display screens for instant analysis by the trainer.

This technology is unique in a number of ways. It avoids any need for moving cameras, enabling easier installation. The use of digital video cameras provides optimal image quality, adapting to local lighting conditions. The VTS system is extremely easy to use, enabling optimal analysis of all training sessions. It is also very versatile, analyzing all parts of the course, e.g. 50 meter course, turning points, start sessions etc… Comparisons are provided, with video overlay of different training sessions, and all training sessions are conveniently stored in a database, and can be copied onto DVD and shared by e-mail, if desired.

The top swimmers and trainers at the Nationaal Zwemcentrum de Tongelreep in Eindhoven now have the ultimate top-flight technology to help them achieve their goals.