EP0349613A1

EP0349613A1 - Timing process with fixed or variable pauses and device for implementing same

Info

Publication number: EP0349613A1
Application number: EP19880910065
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frank Barjon; Bruno Montmayeur
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-11-06
Filing date: 1988-11-04
Publication date: 1990-01-10
Also published as: WO1989004513A1; FR2622994A1; AU2713188A; ES2010850A6; FR2622994B1

Abstract

Le dispositif comprend, en combinaison, essentiellement: un ensemble (A) apte à assurer le comptage et l'affichage de la fréquence du mode choisi, un ensemble (B) de chronométrage apte à gérer le temps de repos fixe ou variable, un ensemble (C) apte à assurer le chronométrage et l'affichage du temps réel, un ensemble (D) apte à constituer un processus de simulation de départ, un réseau d'interconnexion (5W) auquel sont asservis les différents ensembles (A), (B), (C) et (D), au moins un capteur (5C) assujetti au réseau d'interconnexion (5W), un moyen d'entrée de données (5K), une horloge de base de temps (5T), un amplificateur. Abstract The device described comprises, in combination, essentially: an assembly (A) for counting and displaying the frequency of the selected mode, a time keeping assembly (B) for controlling the fixed or variable pauses, an assembly (C) for real-time timing and display, an assembly (D) for constituting a start-simulation process, an interconnection network (5W) controlling the various assemblies (A), (B), (C) and (D), at least one sensor (5C) controlled by the interconnection network (5W), a means for inputting data (5K), a basic time-clock (5T), an amplifier.The device essentially comprises, in combination: a set (A) able to count and display the frequency of the chosen mode, a timing set (B) able to manage the fixed or variable rest time, a set (C) capable of timing and displaying real time, an assembly (D) capable of constituting a starting simulation process, an interconnection network (5W) to which the various assemblies (A) are controlled, ( B), (C) and (D), at least one sensor (5C) subject to the interconnection network (5W), data input means (5K), a time base clock (5T), a amplifier. Abstract The device described understood, in combination, essentially: an assembly (A) for counting and displaying the frequency of the selected mode, a time keeping assembly (B) for controlling the fixed or variable pauses, an assembly (C) for real- time timing and display, an assembly (D) for constituting a start-simulation process, an interconnection network (5W) controlling the various assemblies (A), (B), (C) and (D), at least one sensor (5C ) controlled by the interconnection network (5W), a means for inputting data (5K), a basic time-clock (5T), an amplifier.

Description

Timing process with fixed or variable rest times and the implementing device.

The object of the invention relates to the technical sector of horometry, more particularly the measurement of time intervals.

In a preferred manner, although not strictly limiting, the invention relates to the timing of sports training, in particular swimming, athletics and the like. With this type of test, training must be carried out according to a rigorous methodology. For example, the sportsman must exercise his activity by being timed then mark a time of rest which can be fixed or variable, but according to repetitions at constant frequency. Either method must be executed a certain number of times. There are therefore certain constraints both at the level of the sportsman and the trainer.

To date, most of the means used have consisted of a simple wall-mounted stopwatch fitted with four 90 ° hands. In these conditions, the trainer and / or the swimmer must manage the various parameters indicated above, which is long, delicate and a source of possible errors.

The problem thus being posed, the invention set itself the aim of remedying these drawbacks by developing a timing process capable of executing, automatically, one of the following cycles while respecting the instructions indicated:

- timing and fixed rest time which is arbitrarily determined, this in a determined number of times;

- timing and starting order given after a predetermined time, according to repetitions at constant frequency;

- timing and starting order given by an external device after a variable rest time depending on physiological parameters (cardiac for example) or others.

To this end, in the case of a fixed rest time, the process includes the following steps:

- the fixed rest time is programmed,

- the number of repetitions of this operating mode is programmed; - We act on a connection means slaved to a sensor so that a change of state of the latter triggers a time counter corresponding to that programmed;

- An electronic timing assembly subject to the sensor is triggered, in particular by means of the connection means so that said assembly, under the effect of the change of state of the sensor, is stopped for the pre-programmed time;

- at the end of the programmed rest time, the timing assembly is reactivated again. In the case of a variable meal, the process includes the following steps:

- an arbitrarily fixed time corresponding to a starting frequency is programmed,

- the number of repetitions of this operating mode is programmed,

- two electronic timing devices are simultaneously triggered,

- We act on a connection means slaved to a sensor so that a change of state of the latter causes the display of a real time on one of the sets while the other set continues to display a time for a duration equal to that initially programmed at the end of which said first set is reset to zero.

Other characteristics emerge from the rest of the description.

The invention is set out below in more detail with the aid of the appended drawings in which:

- Figure l is a block diagram showing the device for implementing the method; FIG. 2 is a basic electronic diagram of an embodiment of the sensor,

- Figure 3 is a sectional view, schematic, of an exemplary embodiment of the sensor. In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the figures of the drawings.

The device according to the invention comprises, in combination, the following main elements: - an assembly (A) capable of ensuring the counting and, the display of the number of journeys made, of the number of repetitions of the chosen mode. This set is made up of blocks (1P, 1C, 1B, 1G, 1A);

- a timing unit (B) capable of managing the fixed or variable rest time. This set is made up of blocks (3B, 3C, 3P);

- an assembly (C) capable of ensuring the timing and display of real time. This set is made up of blocks (4B, 4C, 4G, 4A); - a set (D) capable of constituting a starting stimulation process. This set is made up of blocks (2B and 2C);

- an interconnection network (5W), to which the different assemblies (A, B, C, D) are controlled; - at least one sensor (5C) subject to the interconnection network (5W);

- a programming keyboard (5K);

- a time base clock (5T);

- an amplifier (A). With reference to FIG. 1, the blocks designate the following bodies:

- the blocks (1B), (2B), (3B) and (4B) are flip-flops capable of delivering a running signal by a sequential process;

- blocks (1C), (2C), (3C) and (4C) are comp teurs respectively subject to the scales (1B), (2B), (3B) and (4B); the counter (1C) is a decimal counter from 0 to 99; the counter (3C) counts the minutes from 0 to 9 and the seconds from 0 to 59: the counter (4C) indicates the minutes from 0 to 99, the seconds from 0 to 59 and the hundredths of seconds from 0 to 99;

- the blocks (1P) and (3P) are programming modules respectively slaved to the sequential counters (1C) and (3C);

- The blocks (1A) and (4A) are display screens respectively subject to the counters (IC) and (4C) via an electronic management circuit (1G) and (4G). The display is carried out for example by means of light-emitting diodes;

- block C5T) is a time base module capable of delivering a frequency of 200 HZ to counters (2C), (3C) and

(4C);

- (A) is an audio-frequency oscillator-amplifier subject to the sequential counter (2C);

- (5C) is a photoelectric cell or other sensor;

- (5K) is a keyboard or other means for entering the different data.

All the various elements and circuits mentioned above are slaved to the interconnection network (5W). Rechargeable accumulators ensure the supply of the whole. Each flip-flop (1B), (2B), (3B) and (4B) provides a counting validation signal to the counters (1C), (2C), (3C) and (4C) that it is responsible for monitoring. The sequential counters (1C) and (3C) after having detected the number of electrical pulses programmed by the modules (1P) and (3P), deliver a signal indicating the end of the chosen operating mode. The counters (1C) and (3C) themselves stop by feedback on the scales (1B) and (3B). Note that the counter (1C) controls all the others sequential processes. When the internal state of this counter (1C) is between 0 and a certain number programmed by the module (1P) and after a start signal of the programmed total process supplied by the user via 5K, the flip-flop (1B) provides a validation signal to said counter but also to the other flip-flops (4B) and (3B) via the interconnection network (5W).

As indicated, the circuits (1G) and (4G) are intended to manage the display of the screens (1A) and (4A) by avoiding displaying non-significant digits to minimize the current consumed. This results in the following display:

- the tenths and hundredths of seconds are constantly displayed,

- the seconds and minutes are only displayed if the tens of seconds and the tens of minutes are different from zero, or else if the tens of seconds and the tens of minutes are equal to zero, on the one hand, and if the seconds or minutes are themselves different from zero, on the other hand, - tens of seconds and tens of minutes are displayed only if they are different from zero. The display of the number of trips made or in progress follows the same law as the minutes (for example).

With regard to the sensor (5C), reference is made to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.

This electronic sensor essentially consists of a battery of photoelectric cells (LD) sensitive to visible light and slaved to a comparator of the operational amplifier (AP) type. A potentiometer (PT) adjusts the sensitivity of the cells according to the ambient lighting.

The operating principle of this sensor is as follows.

At rest, the photoelectric cells (LD) are lit, their internal resistance being low compared to that of the potentiometer, so that the output of the comparator (AD) is at logic level 0. When the sportsperson exerts a slight pressure (with the hand for example in the case of a swimmer) on the cells, at least one of them is obscured so that its internal resistance increases and becomes sufficient to change the output state of the comparator which goes to logic state 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in a sectional view, of a dry nature, an embodiment of the cell, the various constituent elements being represented before assembly. The printed circuit (1) leaving the cells (LDR) is interposed between two protection plates (2) and (3), the assembly being inserted inside a completely waterproof inclusion film (4).

The operation of the device should be analyzed by considering the two main modes, namely a variable rest and a fixed rest of a certain duration, with, in each case, a determined repetition frequency.

In the case of a variable rest, suppose that we want to make a certain route every two minutes and this 5 times for example.

Using the keypad (5K), program the number of repetitions of this mode on (1P) (5 in the example) and on (3P) the set start interval (2 minutes in the example).

According to this mode, one also acts on the connection network (5W) to subject the cell (5C) to the two electronic counting systems (3B, 3C, 3P) and (4B, 4C, 4G, 4A).

The sequential counter (2C) starts the counter (4C) and, by feedback, stops. During the duration of the process, taken into account by (3C), an action on the cell (5C) provides, for the arbitrary fixed duration, the freezing of the display C4A). When the counter C3C) supplies its end of cycle pulse (2 ran), the latter is distributed via the connection module (5W), to the flip-flop (4B) (stop) and the flip-flop (2B), in over the rocker (3B). The counter (1C) determines the number of pulses from the sequential process (2C) so that, as long as this number is less than that programmed, the flip-flop (2B) can receive the reset pulses. Let us now consider the other mode of operation according to which, for example, we want a fixed rest of 10 seconds, this repeated 5 times.

As indicated previously, we program on (1P) the number of repetitions of this mode and on (3P) the fixed rest time (10 seconds). We act on (5W) to subject the cell (5C) to the electronic counting assembly (3B, 3C, 3A).

After programming and initial triggering, the process (2C) then takes place first (4C). An action on the cell (5C) has the effect of stopping (4C) and triggering (3C) which will restart the process (2C).

It therefore appears that in "variable rest" mode the processes (4C) and (3C) are simultaneous while in fixed rest mode, they are consecutive.

It should be noted that by means of the extension connector (5W), it is possible to obtain any combination of processes (2C), (3C) and (4C), with, in each case, the possibility of repetition of certain processes by means of additional internal programmable counters.

Note that the use of 5W is not limiting: sports training may require several different series in mode, duration, number of repetitions; the different data can be supplied successively by any suitable device, such as a microprocessor.

Whatever the operating mode chosen, (2C) is a process of simulating departures in several stages, while (4C) is a stopwatch.

Claims

- 1 - Timing process with fixed or variable meal times, characterized, in the case of a fixed rest, by the following essential steps:

- the fixed rest time is programmed, - the number of repetitions of this operating mode is programmed,

- an acts on a connection means (5W) slaved to a sensor (5C) so that a change of state of the latter triggers a time counter (3C) corresponding to that programmed, - an electronic timing unit is triggered (4B, 4C, 4G, 4A) subject to the sensor (5C) notably by means of the connection means (5W) so that said assembly, due to the effect of the change of state of the sensor, is stopped for the programmed time , - at the end of the programmed rest time, the timing system is reactivated again.

- 2 - Timing process with fixed or variable rest times, characterized, in the case of variable rest, by the following steps:

- the number of repetitions of this operating mode is programmed, - two electronic timing devices (3B, 3C, 3P) and (4B, 4C, 4G, 4A) are simultaneously triggered,

- we act on a connection means (5W) slaved to a sensor (C) so that a change of state of the latter causes the display of a real time on one of the sets, while the other set continues to count for a period equal to that initially programmed at the end of which said first set is reset. - 3 - Di sposi ti f for the implementation of the method according to claims 1 and 2 together, characterized in that it comprises, in combination, essentially:

- an assembly (A) capable of counting and displaying the frequency of the chosen mode,

- a timing unit (B) capable of managing the fixed or variable rest time,

- a set (C) capable of ensuring the timing and display of real time, - a set (D) capable of constituting a starting simulation process,

- an interconnection network (5W) to which the different assemblies (A), (B), (C) and (D) are controlled,

- at least one sensor (5C) subject to the interconnection network (5W),

- a data entry means (5K),

- a time base clock (5T),

- an amplifier.

- 4 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the assembly (A) is composed of a programming module (1P), a decimal counter (1C) subject to a rocker (1B), a management circuit (1G), a display screen (1A).

- 5 - Device according to claim 3 characterized in that the assembly (B) comprises a programming module (3P) and a counter (3C) subject to a rocker (3B).

- 6 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the assembly (C) comprises a counter (4C) subject to a scale (4B), an electronic management circqit (4G) and a display screen (4A) .

- 7 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the assembly (D) comprises a sequential counter (2C) subject to a scale (2B)

- 8 - Device according to any one of claims 4, 5, 6, 7, characterized in that the counter (1C) is a decimal counter capable of indicating the number of journeys from 0 to 99 while the counter (4C) is able to indicate the minutes from 0 to 99, the seconds from 0 to 59 and the hundredths of seconds from 0 to 99.

- 9 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor (5C) consists essentially of a battery of photoelectric cells sensitive to visible light and slaved to a comparators (AP), a potentiometer (PT) ensuring adjusting the sensitivity of the cells as a function of the ambient lighting, the printed circuit carrying the cells being interposed between two protection plates, the assembly being inserted inside a completely waterproof inclusion film.

- 10 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the interconnection network (5W) consists of an electronic assembly of the microprocessor type.