A pioneering audio system featured at the Australian Open seeks to translate live ball position data from tennis matches into spatial sound effects to make it easier for blind and low-vision fans to follow the action.
What is the audio system called and who is behind this technology?
The system is called Action Audio, and it was developed through a partnership between digital agency AKQA, Tennis Australia and Monash University in Melbourne.
How does Action Audio work?
The system translates the action of the matches into 3D audio effects.
It uses real-time information to recreate three-dimensional sound to give listeners a sense of the speed and trajectory of the ball, its proximity to the line and shot types of different players.