Hawk-Eye's Beady Focus May Be Blurred, Says New Research

The accuracy of Hawk-Eye and similar line-calling technologies has been called into question by new research from Cardiff University's School Of Social Science.

In a paper called You Cannot Be Serious! Public understanding of technology with special reference to Hawk-Eye, the researchers claim errors made by the machine can be greater than 3.6mm - the average error stated by its manufacturers.

Hawk-Eye has been shown to call a ball 'in' by 1mm when its true position was 'out' by 5mm. This result would pass the International Tennis Federation's testing system, despite being inaccurate.

"Technologies such as Hawk-Eye are meant to relegate line-call controversies to the past. However, our analysis has shown that Hawk-Eye does not always get it right and should not be relied on as the definitive decision-maker," said professor Harry Collins.

On occasions when Hawk-Eye is right, it can still cause problems because it can contradict what the human eye 'sees' as balls moving at certain speeds and angles will fool the human brain into thinking they are 'out' when technically they are 'in'. A correct call by Hawk-Eye in these situations will contradict the evidence of the majority of observers, causing controversy, the study claims.

The research will be welcomed by defending Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, a persistent critic of Hawk-Eye. During his 2007 final victory over Rafael Nadal, he protested that the machine was "killing him". Hawk-Eye will be implemented for the second time at this year's championships.