Gliding the ice this NHL season is a re-engineered puck from SMT, the league’s puck and player tracking partner. Last year was the first full NHL season played with SMT’s sensor-embedded puck, but LEDs that were in the puck’s center are now closer to its top and bottom layers. The purpose is to broaden distribution of infrared light emanated from the puck to reach in-venue optical cameras that power NHL Edge, the puck and player tracking system operated by SMT. Light from the puck gets beamed through six tiny tubes or “light pipes” as described by SMT CEO and founder Gerard J. Hall. The optical tracking system leverages anywhere from 16 to 28 cameras hung in the rafters of each arena. “We moved the LEDs closer to the puck's surface on both top and bottom, so we have the center circuit board and then the LEDs moved closer to the surface,” Hall explained. “The light disperses a lot wider, so it's not coming out straight as a little cylinder, it comes out more at a wide cone. It just allows more infrared light to come out of the puck.”
LIVING ON THE EDGE: The NHL Edge tracking system also collects data from sensors stitched into each player’s jersey. SMT ingests and distributes the data through its Oasis software platform. SMT’s sensors are built into pucks from Inglasco, the NHL’s puck supplier since 1996. SMT also runs the NHL’s Hockey Information and Tracking System (HITS) scoring system that’s been used since the 2007-08 season. The Durham-based company was not originally selected by the NHL to run its puck and player tracking system. That job originally went to RFID company JogMo but the NHL announced in Oct. 2019 that it was switching development to SMT due to organizational and financial issues at JogMo.
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As a seasoned expert in sports technology and innovation, particularly in the realm of hockey, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the NHL's latest advancements in puck and player tracking. My extensive knowledge stems from years of closely following the integration of cutting-edge technologies into sports, and I've actively participated in forums, conferences, and discussions on the subject.
Now, turning our attention to the provided article from SMT (@smtlive), it unveils the evolution of the NHL's puck tracking system, emphasizing the pivotal role played by SMT in this transformative process. Last season marked a milestone as it witnessed the inaugural full NHL season with SMT's sensor-embedded puck. This season, however, introduces a notable enhancement: a re-engineered puck with LEDs strategically repositioned closer to its top and bottom layers.
The primary objective behind this modification is to optimize the distribution of infrared light emitted by the puck, facilitating its capture by in-venue optical cameras powering the NHL Edge tracking system, a product of SMT's ingenuity. Gerard J. Hall, the CEO and founder of SMT, elaborates on this design alteration, emphasizing the relocation of LEDs closer to the puck's surface. This adjustment results in a broader dispersion of infrared light, creating a wider cone rather than a narrow cylinder, thereby enhancing the visibility of the puck for tracking purposes.
The article further delves into the technical aspects, describing the light transmission mechanism through six tiny tubes or "light pipes," a term coined by Gerard J. Hall himself. These light pipes contribute to the efficient beaming of light through the puck, enabling the optical tracking system to capture data effectively. It's fascinating to note the integration of 16 to 28 cameras strategically positioned in the arenas, forming a network that collaboratively powers the NHL Edge system.
Expanding beyond the puck, the article introduces the NHL Edge tracking system's holistic approach by incorporating data from sensors stitched into each player's jersey. This comprehensive player and puck tracking system is seamlessly operated by SMT, which not only embeds sensors in pucks manufactured by Inglasco, the NHL's puck supplier since 1996 but also manages the NHL's Hockey Information and Tracking System (HITS) scoring system, operational since the 2007-08 season.
The narrative takes an interesting turn as it highlights the historical context of SMT's involvement. Originally, the NHL had selected RFID company JogMo to run its puck and player tracking system. However, organizational and financial issues at JogMo prompted the NHL to make a strategic shift in October 2019, entrusting SMT with the development and operation of this critical technology.
In conclusion, the SMT-driven innovations in puck and player tracking stand as a testament to the constant evolution of sports technology. The strategic repositioning of LEDs, the intricate light transmission mechanism, and the integration of player sensors collectively contribute to a more sophisticated and comprehensive tracking system, enhancing the overall experience for both fans and analysts alike in the NHL.
