How Might Goal Line Technology Work

There has been a lot of talk of football foul paly this week, this includes goal line technology. A huge number of football mathces have been ruined by a freak goal or by a disallowed goal. However, it is not for us to debate whether this technolgy is needed but only to show that it can be done.  So we have decided to take a look at proposed methods and gadgets that could be used to make goal line referees a reality.

The most accurate and most probable method of implementing goal line technology involves three main components: 1. A ball,  2. a signalling unit for the referee and 3. a goal equipped to sense when the ball crosses the line. Here is how each part would work:

1. The ball

Obviously the ball would have to be modified and Adidas have already come up with the answer. They have inserted multiple micro chips and sensors into a ball that can accurately identify where it is on the pitch when used with magnetic sensors strategically placed on the by line or goal line. They say that this will not affect the weight of the ball or how it moves through the air, it would be as if the footballers were using a standard football.

2. Referee signal

Obviously this sort of technology would be pretty useless if the referee had no way of using it, duh! Radio and audio links to the referee have been ruled out in the past so the unit would probably have to be sensory. Suggestions have included a wrist band with either a visual, audio or even vibrating alert when the ball has crossed the goal line.

3. The goal

This is the most important part of the whole scenario, it has to be accurateand foolproof. Thankfully the gadgets needed are very simple, the goal would need to be wired all the way around the frame. This would provide a magnetic field that would work with sensors when the ball crosses the line. The information would be sent to a central computer which would then be relayed to the referee. It is said that this type of system would be resistant to any weather conditions and wireless interference.

It has been rumoured that this type of technology will be trialed in the near future but whose to know? It is possible but does open a whole can of worms.

Instances where goal line technolgy could have been used:

Powermat Brings Wireless Charging Home

Wireless charging has been discussed and brought to the forefront of technology over the past couple of years. In the future all electronic appliances will be able to be recharged or even just powered through the air but until then there are gadgets that can deliver the next best thing, charging without cables by placing your device on a mat.

Powermat have been designing and building wireless charging stations for some time now and their recent efforts have taken a major step forward by combining function with aesthetics.  The mat works by forming a connection between a jacket placed on your device and the mat itself. Power mat have even included precise magnets so that an optimal connection is made this in turn means your device will charge just a quickly as if you had plugged it in.

In the past other products have failed because they could only charge one device at a time. Thankfully powermat has no such trouble as it can charge up to four at a time, three are wireless and one can be added via a USB input.

The powermat is a large step forward in wireless technology and we can definitely see the benefits it brings, imagine you can just come home and plonk your mobile on the mat and it will be fully charged when you pick it back up later in the day. Genius! It is available from the powermat website at a very reasonable price of £69.99

iPhone Apps of the Month November 2009

Whether you are itching to blast off and explore deep space or need to get your feet back on the ground and sort your finances, the iPhone Apps of the Month this November are guaranteed to please. Lets explore the best on offer in the iPhone store, from games to gadgets and Shakespeare to Star Defence!

X-Plane 9
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a plane using only your iPhone? Well, with the X-Plane 9 you really can jet off in a choice of four different planes to explore both turbulent and blue clear skies, with stunning views of plains, oceans and mountains! Created by Laminar Research, this app promises accurate flight simulation in your pocket on both the iPhone and the iPod touch.

More November Iphone Apps

Games of the month November 2009

November may be a cold month, but the new releases on the PC, Xbox, PS3 and Wii are looking scorching hot and are sure to keep you warm this winter. Get out your Christmas wish lists and get ready to pencil down any of these exciting new games that are heading for the shelves this November. Of course, you don’t have to wait till Christmas to get your hands on them and most of us certainly wont!

Dragon Age: Origins
Platform: Xbox 360 and PC (PS3 release expected November 10th)
Release Date: 3rd November
Bioware has returned to its roots with this stunning RPG that goes back to basics. As the spiritual successor to BioWare’s Baldur’s Gate™, Dragon Age: Origins is set to become the must-have for all lovers of fantasy RPGs.

November Games 2009

Blu rays of the month November 2009

It’s winter, it’s cold and we all want to be tucked up in bed rather that outside in the grim weather, preferably with some of the hottest Blu ray releases (and some warm buttered popcorn!) Luckily, there are some absolute scorchers due for release on Blu ray this November, so you’ll have plenty of excuses to curl up in front of the telly.

Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection
Due for release: 2nd November
Everyone loves Wallace and Gromit, with this Blu ray offering all of their family-friendly favourites on the one disc. Follow nutty inventor Wallace along with his ever faithful hound, Gromit in a complete selection of all of their Oscar winning adventures, including Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death.

November blu rays

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