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Book 28, Question 103 · Video

How do cameras decide if a tennis ball landed in or out?

Video · 1:47 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 28

In a system like Hawk-Eye, several high-speed cameras around the court watch the ball from different angles. A computer combines the views to work out where the ball was in three dimensions and shows its path. It can judge landing spots to within a few millimeters. Players can ask for a review, and a screen shows the result to everyone.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do cameras decide if a tennis ball landed in or out?

The Big Idea

Was the tennis ball in or out? It's hard to tell by eye! Cameras help decide.

Many Cameras

Step one: Many Cameras. In a line-calling camera system, several high-speed cameras around the court watch the ball from different angles. Each one sees the ball a little differently.

3D Path

Step two: 3D Path. A computer combines the views to work out where the ball was in three dimensions and shows its path. It can judge landing spots to within a few millimeters.

Reviews

Step three: Reviews. Players can ask for a review. A screen shows the result to everyone in the stadium.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Watch angles. Combines views. Finds the spot. Shows result.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The same kind of system is used in cricket to see a ball's path. Many camera angles. Accurate to millimeters. Players can ask for review.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Hold your thumb out in front of you. Look at it with one eye closed. Switch to the other eye. Watch it jump. Two views help find where things really are!

Outro

Line-calling cameras watch a tennis ball from many angles, and a computer combines the views to find its 3D path and landing spot within millimeters. Players can ask for a review, and everyone sees the result. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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