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The Swedish telecoms equipment maker has devised and tested an "Event System" that would give die-hard spectators a unique insight into sports matches. The company says that the system is a wireless local area network (WLAN) that connects cameras and microphones on the players' bodies to a big screen in an arena as well as to PDAs in the stands.
Moreover, the system, which is being developed by Ericsson subsidiary Ericsson Erisoft AB, will collect information from sensors that are also attached to the players' bodies. The sensors will monitor information on the players' vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and this information will be available to fans in the stadium.
The world's number one producer of mobile networks and third-largest handset maker has already tested the system during a live match between Sweden's Lulea and Vastra Frolunda (hockey teams) earlier in the year.
It is understood that the test in Sweden was carried out with 12 Compaq Ipaq PDAs and it is thought that the system is designed to support as many as 500 users in a network that would span the entire stadium. Ostensibly, the system could be used in any major event including sports and musical events. The company said the system can support 10 independent video streams plus Internet chat and notification services.
The PDAs would let users get information about goals scored in other matches that might be happening at the same time, as well as player stats, including team rosters with player photo, age, weight, and number of goals scored and more. Furthermore the technology is designed to allow users to instant-message each other or fans elsewhere who may not be at the match. There would also be a stadium map, restroom and restaurant locations and instant replay facilities on the system.
It is understood that Ericsson currently has no customers for the system, but Ericsson told Reuters that the system would be used in a Swedish basketball championship match later this month. Other possible uses included baseball games in the United States.
The notion of watching sporting events through a mobile device is not a new one. Already mobile operator Vodafone has purchased the mobile rights to Manchester United football matches and Hutchison Whampoa has purchased the mobile rights to the Swedish hockey premier league. Finland's Radiolinja owns the mobile rights to the Finnish hockey league.
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