each time the ball hits the clay or the grass, an imprint is left on the ground from the ink inside the ball. players and linesmen will know immediately if a ball is in or out.

well done, Rafa btw.
-- po, Jul 04 2010

Arf, Arf, Ickkk... Ball_20Dogs
Maybe meat flavored and non-toxic ink? [blissmiss, Jul 04 2010]

Of course, advertisers will sponsor balls...

"It's obvious to me, Frank, that the FedEx/Nike/IBM ball hit just outside the line..."
-- normzone, Jul 04 2010


and ...? Rafa has the muscles :)
-- po, Jul 04 2010


I suppose rackets, pockets, and the hands of players and ballboys will gun up with ink as well.
-- DrWorm, Jul 04 2010


But what about the ball dogs? Would the dye be toxic?
-- blissmiss, Jul 04 2010


How will they be cleaned off for the next match?
-- vincevincevince, Jul 05 2010


non toxic, water soluble ink.

ball dogs? you mean dogs that like to chase tennis balls - they can have the traditional ones.
-- po, Jul 05 2010


After a spirited set won't the ink from the balls leave the players' racquets a drippy ink mess?
-- jurist, Jul 05 2010


Hell yes...[+]
-- blissmiss, Jul 06 2010


Erm, if this could be modified so it would only leave a mark on the area outside the court you might have something (starch and phenolphthalein maybe?).

As for the ball dogs, I really want to see that implemented. I am sure that a big match could afford to just let the dogs keep the slobbery balls, or even auction them off for charity.
-- baconbrain, Jul 06 2010



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