Baron Adds Machine Learning To Lynx Software

Baron, a provider of weather intelligence, has released hand tracking that uses advanced machine learning and computer vision technologies. The company says this new solution, Hand Tracker, “will deliver … a solution for the Chroma key that resolves the common problems often experienced with other solutions.”

“Baron is the world leader of storm tracking technology. It only makes sense that we would provide cutting-edge hand tracking as well,” said Mike Mougey, VP of broadcast sales.

Advanced machine learning allows the solution to continue to improve the accuracy of the tracking algorithm, Baron says. Using advanced computer vision technology that obtains information directly from the studio camera, the system detects an object, in this case the presenter’s hands, with increased performance and accuracy.

“As an on-air meteorologist, I used another version of hand tracking. As a news director, I understood the value of interaction at the Chroma key wall. At Baron, we are delivering the confidence a meteorologist has to have with an accurate and reliable solution,” said Steve Bray, director of broadcast meteorology.

The solution allows the presenter delivering the weather to switch hands, move to the other side of the Chroma wall, and use faster, more fluid movements.

There are no calibration wait times and the system can determine the hand from other body parts such as the head and elbow, Baron added.

“The hand tracking is very nice; the algorithm is sophisticated and impressive the way that it determines what you are trying to point at. I think this is sharp, and it responds well to how fast your hand is moving and exactly where you are trying to highlight. It’s impressive and it works well,” said Jay Trobec, chief meteorologist at KELO Sioux Falls, S.D.

The new Hand Tracker is immediately available and will be a standard component of Baron Lynx for new installations. An additional computer and license fee will be required for existing Lynx customers.