Automatically identify race numbers in images

Searching by race or bib number makes it super easy for visitors to find and order photos. However, identifying images is a laborious and time consuming task.

A Timed Event is a special type of event that includes an Auto Identification process to automatically detect race or bib numbers from the images as they are being uploaded.

How it works

Auto Identify kicks in as soon as photos are uploaded to the event. Searching is ready almost immediately after the last image is uploaded and will be available as soon as the event is opened for ordering.

Accuracy

From our tests, Auto identification has correctly identified up to 92% of images depending on the event and conditions. The best results are obtained in events where subjects are photographed head-on with full view of the race or bib number. Road running and certain cycling events are especially well suited to this. If you would like to assess whether auto identification will work with your event, send us an email to [e-mail] for assistance.

Multiple numbers in a photo

In cases where more than one person appears in a photo, all the visible race numbers will be detected and tagged to the photo. The photo will appear in the results when any one of the detected race numbers are searched.

Additional text

Any additional text in the images may be detected as well, making it possible for someone to search for any text appearing on their clothing. Note: that this is only useful when the text appearing on the clothing is fairly unique to the individual. For instance, searching for a club name may be too generic and return too many matches from other participants wearing the same kit.

Blind spot

Identification is optimised for the inner part of images as this is where subjects are most likely to be framed within the shot. This creates an imaginary outer area covering about 20% from the sides of the image which we call the "blind spot". Anything appearing within the blind spot will not be identified.

Image guidelines

For optimal accuracy and performance, please keep the following points in mind when shooting events to be Auto Identified:

• numbers need to appear clearly without obstructions, dirt or mud covering the text,
• numbers that are not (more or less) horizontally aligned will not be identified
• ensure numbers are not captured around the edges of the frame (blind spot)
• footers, captions or logos overlayed onto race images during post-process editing should be placed within the blind spot (as is the norm) to prevent unintended identification of text

Availability

Timed events are available with the Essential or Premium plans.

Costs

Note that there is an additional transaction fee when an auto-identified photo is purchased. The applicable fee is indicated when the event is created in the store admin.