Magnetic football perfect for butterfingers
Systems and Methods for Position Tracking Using Magnetoquasistatic Fields
Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate systems, methods, apparatuses and program products that provide position tracking using a simple, low frequency oscillator that is attached to an object to be tracked, and one or more receiving stations that are placed around the area in which the object moves. Embodiments of the invention enable position tracking of the object using light weight equipment which minimally impacts the object's natural state.
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The Ultimate Reception
Ultimate Reception is a campaign on crowd-funding site IndieGoGo aimed at developing a magnetic football and gloves that improve catching ability. The site has been long been taking down.
Actually, the gloves are embedded with powerful magnets that attract a special layer in the football's skin. They're strong enough so that the ball will stick to the glove when the arm is outstretched and palm down. The glove magnets won't prevent the ball from being thrown because parts of the ball aren't attracted to magnets. It's being developed by Minnesota Vikings long snapper Cullen Loeffler and engineer Alex Heltzel. They promise that "anyone can play receiver and catch like a pro" with Ultimate Reception. The duo is seeking $150,000 in funding.
As seen in the promo video below, the gloves make it easy to catch the ball with one hand, even when diving. That looks like lots of fun, but I'm not sure how it would help you get a grip on a conventional football.
