World-leading ball tracking technology company Hawk-Eye Innovations, wholly owned by Sony since 2011, has qualified for the licensing of goal-line technology to football associations across the world by FIFA.
Testing times
FIFA’s decision comes after extensive trials over the past year to estimate not only the accuracy and reliability of goal-line technology, but also the implications on stadia infrastructure and the associated costs to different football associations.
The Hawk-Eye solution requires absolutely no modification or interference with the equipment on the field of play – including the goal posts and balls – which is crucial to gaining the trust and confidence of both players and officials. Trials by IFAB (International Football Association Board) further demonstrated the high level of accuracy and reliability of the Hawk-Eye system in situations where the ball is obscured to even higher degrees than has occurred in real-life games.
Sony high frame rate cameras
The Hawk-Eye system is based on numerous high frame rate cameras placed around the stadium and focused on each goalmouth, monitoring the ball’s trajectory when it is close to the line. The data from the cameras is fed into a central processing unit that analyses the position of the ball relative to that of the goal line. If the system recognises that the ball has crossed the goal line, it relays that information in less than one second to devices worn by officials on the field of play. Beyond making an instant definitive call, Hawk-Eye can also deliver video replays that prove the validity of the decision made by the system.
David Bush, Marketing Director, Sony Professional Solutions, Sony Europe, added; “Backed by Sony, Hawk-Eye will deliver the best decision-making tools to referees and football associations across the world. Sony has a strong legacy of bringing innovative technologies to the world of sport and in particular football. This agreement reinforces our position as one of the world’s leading sports technology providers and underlines our commitment to deliver ever more compelling and enhanced experiences.”
Explore Hawk-Eye technology at www.hawkeyeinnovations.co.uk
