New Scientist reports that "a beer mat that knows when a glass is nearly empty and automatically asks for a refill has been created by thirsty researchers in Germany.Andreas Butz at the University of Munich and Michael Schmitz from Saarland University came up with the idea while out drinking with their students.The disc-shaped mat can be attached to a normal beer mat so that it still soaks up spilt liquid and displays an advertisement. But it also contains a pressure sensor and radio transmitter to alert bar staff of the need for a refill".Further,"they say the mat could also be used for interactive TV events, as it contains an accelerometer capable of sensing when it is being waved in the air."I've been discussing this with a friend of mine who is an expert pub goer," Butz told New Scientist. "He mentioned that the pay-TV companies who broadcast soccer games are desperately looking for ways to make TV an interactive experience. Betting on actual sports events with the mat could add such interactivity."
[Is the glass half full or half empty?]
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