Okinawa Arena where the demonstration experiment was conducted
Softbank and Japan Professional Basketball League (B.LEAGUE), Okinawa Basketball was held at Okinawa Arena (Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture) on September 30th, “B.LEAGUE 2021-22 Opening Round Ryukyu Golden Kings VS Alvark Tokyo” In, we conducted a demonstration experiment of a new sports watching experience using a face recognition solution.
This time, we will introduce the pattern of the demonstration experiment.
In this demonstration experiment, we asked users who watch the game to register ticket information and user’s face information in advance, and based on the user’s face information, we are trying to “enter with face recognition”.
Users who participated in the experiment will be provided with a “free shuttle bus to the stadium,” “distribution of original goods,” “free food / drinks in the stadium,” “original message from athletes,” and “exclusive premium lounge.” rice field.
Face recognition system
A face recognition device installed at the entrance gate. A sensor that detects the user’s body temperature is installed under the iPad
The face recognition system used in this demonstration experiment uses the in-camera of the iPad. In addition, an external sensor is used for the body temperature measurement described later.
According to a SoftBank representative, this face recognition is based on features such as the skeleton of the user’s face. For this reason, there are cases where it is necessary to “remove the mask”, remove sunglasses and glasses, and raise the bangs at the time of authentication.
The authentication system stores pre-registered information in the device and authenticates on the device so that the authentication is not delayed depending on the communication environment.
Free shuttle bus to the stadium
Pre-registered users have a free shuttle bus from a large nearby facility.
When boarding the shuttle bus, face recognition is performed and temperature is measured at the same time. If the body temperature is out of the normal range, a pop-up screen with an orange design will be displayed, and the staff who will guide you will perform the temperature measurement again.
The speed of face recognition varies from person to person, and some people go smoothly in a few seconds, while others do not work no matter how many times they try.
Because it is free, many visitors used it
Some people were asked to explain about face recognition.
According to a SoftBank representative, “it may depend on the environment such as light reflection, sunlight, and brightness.” In addition, the authentication accuracy will change depending on the “environment in which face recognition is registered”. In this demonstration experiment, we will collect experimental data such as changes in the registration / authentication environment and utilize it for future development.
Some congestion is seen at the entrance gate
Entrance gate
At the entrance gate, tickets were confirmed by face recognition in two lanes.
After checking the baggage in front of the entrance, the face recognition system is used to authenticate and enter. On the other hand, visitors who do not use face recognition scan the two-dimensional code of the ticket on their smartphone after checking their baggage and enter.
If face recognition is successful, a pop-up with a green frame will appear.
I had the impression that the area near the entrance was a little crowded with visitors asking for information about the face recognition system and media coverage. Facial recognition systems may also be used by children and short users, who had to tilt the iPad stand or sit on a table like a box horse to authenticate.
Admission
There is also a “5G LAB” experience corner in the exclusive premium lounge
In the premium lounge where users who won the lottery in advance can enter, in addition to serving drinks, Softbank’s “5G LAB” experience corner was prepared.
Until the start of the game, users were seen enjoying the contents of “5G LAB” on disinfected devices.
In addition, in the premium lounge, there is also an exhibition of uniforms, so you can experience content that will make you feel better even before the game.
Premium lounge entrance (left) and exhibition corner (right)
An event experience that does not take out your smartphone
State of the venue under preparation
Regarding the use of facial recognition systems at event facilities, a SoftBank representative commented, “It will be a very important point in the future with corona in terms of eliminating opportunities for contact with staff.”
I had the impression that this system had issues such as “authentication accuracy” and “mask removal required”. The person in charge said, “This is my first effort,” and said, “I couldn’t improve the accuracy this time, but technically I think that authentication can be done without removing the mask.”
Regarding the significance of Softbank’s face recognition system, “I have a desire to promote Sports DX, and as a Softbank related to Fukuoka Softbank Hawks (professional baseball) and B.LEAGUE (professional basketball), domestic and foreign sports From the perspective of supporting the reflection, we have implemented this initiative ”(SoftBank official), and will continue to work on improving accuracy.
In addition, the person in charge said that he was particular about “face recognition” because he could “do it without taking out his smartphone” and said that he would like to provide a new sports watching experience involving payments in the future. He showed enthusiasm for future development.
There is also a corner in the hall where you can watch messages from players.
In “B.LEAGUE 2021-22 Opening Round Ryukyu Golden Kings VS Alvark Tokyo”, which was the opening round of Ryukyu Golden Kings this season, Kings reversed in the second half and Kings won 63 to 62.
The demonstration experiment will be conducted on October 2nd. To participate, you need to purchase a ticket, purchase a game watching ticket, and register face information with the face information registration application “Face & Go” in advance.
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