EP1646432B1 - Measuring arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a measurement system for determining the running time that a person need to run over one of a plurality of selectable different out-and-back courses, departing from a common starting point that is the finish point at the same time, wherein different turning points are provided by which the particular out-and-back course to be run is established. The times consumed are detected and evaluated individually.

Description

The present invention relates to a measurement arrangement for detecting the passage time required for a person to pass through a particular one of a plurality of selectable different path loops.

The invention can be seen in the field of active sports activities of children, adolescents and adults.

In that regard, it is known to detect the time required for passing through a predetermined distance by a manually or automatically triggering measuring arrangement and then to compare the values recorded for different people with each other.

It is essential to the extent that each track taken for each participating person is the same size, so that from this the possibility of a comparison of physical or athletic performance results readily.

With these known measuring arrangements, consisting of a path and a arranged between the beginning and end of the distance timepiece, however, only the so-called sprint time can be detected or in the long-haul area the total time, which naturally includes those times that are needed to build the long-distance speeds.

A measuring arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 is made WO 90/11108 known.

Not detectable with the known measuring arrangements time periods that are required for predetermined movements such as reversal of the direction or the like.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide measures by which the athletic performance of individuals can be assessed more accurately by a simple running and maneuverability / skill training, while still maintaining the comparability of personal results.

This object is achieved by the invention with the features of the main claim.

From the invention there is the advantage of a wide athletic field of activity, in which physical maneuverability, reaction time, braking time, acceleration time and the like can be precisely detected and wherein the above-mentioned personal times are even comparable for different people.

This results in the advantage that, in conjunction with a sprint section along the path loop, e.g. the maneuverability necessary for playing tennis or the movements necessary for decelerating or accelerating can be specifically trained.

It is not known so far, by the direct time comparison, e.g. to document a training progress during a turning movement and if necessary to promote it in a targeted manner.

Since the invention also provides for a plurality of different path loops, of which only one is to be traversed per measuring cycle, even the respective maneuverability in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction can be easily determined.

It is essential that a common start and finish point is provided for all possible path loops.

This means that the respective person has to go through the path loop starting from the starting point and has to return to the destination point.

On this basis, the reversal points of the individual different path loops, for example, within an angular range of up to 140 °, so that the individual reversal points can be seen from a single position at the same time.

Between the start and end point and the individual reversal points devices are provided for the generation of measuring pulses, with the aid of which one of the measuring device associated timer is connected so that the latter is set on the first pass in progress and the last run out of gear. In this way, the total time required to pass through the respective path loop can be accurately detected.

In principle, the measuring pulses can also be triggered by suitably trained persons. For this purpose, it suffices if the person walking through the path loop along a given line gets into the perspective of the person measuring and immediately thereafter the measuring pulse, e.g. is triggered by a manually operated key.

In order to be able to compare the respective measurement results directly with each other, depending on the respectively provided direction of travel, the distances between the start and end point and the individual reversal points should be equal to one another. Compliance with equal distances between the start and end point and the single reversal points and the measuring points can be integrated in the measuring system, preferably so that the measuring device only then goes into the measuring cycle, if previously a distance measurement is performed.

In the case of a measuring arrangement with only two reversal points results in an equilateral triangle, each having the same length legs the connecting lines between Start and end point and the two reversal points correspond.

If more than two reversal points are provided, these should be located on the corners of a uniform polygon.

In order to come to clearly comparable measurement results in this respect, the distances between the points at which the measuring pulses are generated for each path loop and the start and end point should be the same size.

The invention provides, with a first device to generate a measuring pulse immediately behind the start and end point and with a further device during the first run through a measuring pulse immediately before the reversal point. This second measuring pulse is needed to detect the reversal time at the reversal point, since the person concerned has to go through the second device again immediately after the reversal point, but in the opposite direction.

If, subsequently, the first-mentioned device is run through again on the way back to the start and finish point, the total time of the reversal is thus also detected.

Advantageous developments emerge from the subclaims.

The features of claim 8 is of particular importance.

Each reversal point is then associated with a visually or acoustically perceptible signaling device, wherein the different signaling devices are independently switched on and off.

For this purpose, a transmitter is required, which transmits the command to display the signal of all possible signals only to a single signaling device.

The purpose of this measure is also to determine the reaction time of the person concerned, which is needed to make way for one or the other of the possible path loops.

Since the reversal points with respect to the start and finish point are at a predetermined angle apart, therefore, the person concerned must therefore decide before the start in which direction she has to start running. It is therefore also possible to specifically detect possible deficits in the ability to spontaneously differentiate right and left, and if necessary reduce it by appropriate training.

This measure is supported by a device with which the different signaling devices can be switched on unpredictably and arbitrarily, with only one of all signaling devices being able to be activated, while the others are not.

For this purpose, it makes sense to switch the signaling devices via a transmitter designed as a random number generator, so that after a certain activation time suddenly and unexpectedly only one of the signal devices outputs the signal to start running in the direction determined by the signaling device.

Additional responsiveness is required when the signal devices are equal to each other and give similar signals, since then only with the mental Implementation of the detected by the perception sense signal and the directional assignment for the loop to be traversed is established.

To avoid lying on the floor cables and thus reducing the risk of accidents contributes to a development of the invention, in which the devices for generating the measuring pulses contain non-contact triggering devices.

If these are light barriers, they are broken through as they pass through and the measuring pulses in this way, e.g. created by closing the corresponding contacts. These measuring pulses can preferably be transmitted wirelessly.

A further development of the invention provides to make visible the times recorded by the timer on a display panel. Possibly. Times can also be stored and evaluated in an electronic memory independent of the person or person. Furthermore, it can be provided to output the measurement results obtained here via a printer and, as it were, as a document to hand over to the participating persons.

The measuring arrangement according to the invention is not limited to a single location.

For this purpose, it is proposed to form the individual components such as timer and possibly scoreboard and, if present, the signaling devices as portable units that can be set up independently of each other, for example, in the schoolyard, the gymnasium or any other suitable place. Advantageously, the individual components on mounting surfaces on which, for example, a band advertising or the logo of a sponsor or the like can be clearly visible attached.

In that regard, a development of the invention also receives special attention, in which the communicative connection between the individual units is carried out by wireless signal transmission.

If, in addition, it is intended to determine personal dexterity, it is proposed to provide one or more tokens to be picked up by the respective person at each reversal point or in the course of each loop. It can be wooden sticks, balls, rings or the like, for their recording, the person must bend down after appropriate braking to accelerate hereafter back to your full speed.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments.

Fig.1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit ledigliche zwei Umkehrpunkten;

Fig.2

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit hinsichtlich der Wegschleifen in Fig.1 abweichende Wegschleifen;

Fig.3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit mehr als zwei Umkehrpunkten;

Fig.4

eine Weiterbildung mit integrierter Vorrichtung zur Abstandsmessung; und

Fig. 5

eine Weiterbildung des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig.1.

Show it:

Fig.1

a first embodiment of the invention with only two reversal points;

Fig.2

a further embodiment of the invention with respect to the Wegschleifen in Fig.1 deviating path loops;

Figure 3

a further embodiment of the invention with more than two reversal points;

Figure 4

a development with integrated device for distance measurement; and

Fig. 5

a development of the embodiment according to Fig.1 ,

Unless otherwise stated below, the following description applies to all figures.

The figures show a measuring arrangement 1 according to the present invention.

Between a start and finish point 2 and different reversal points 3a-3d are each spanned differently defined path loops 4a-4e, which are to be traversed by an unspecified person in accordance with the following description.

To this end, viewed from the start and destination point 2, the reversal points 3a-3d extend in different directions so that the reversal points and thus also the course of the path loops 4a-4e can be seen from the start and destination point 2.

The person must now pass through one of the path loops in response to a predetermined signal, having to orbit the associated reversal point 3a-3d and then having to return to the start and end points.

While the respective path loop 4a-4e is being run through, the time required for this is to be detected.

For this purpose, devices 6a, 6b are provided for generating measuring pulses, which intersect the respectively traversed path and generate a signal with the passing of the intersection, by means of which the timer 7 is switched on and off so that the entire cycle time 5, ie the time required to travel the measurement path back and forth is detected.

In principle, it is possible to detect the total time required to go through one of the path loops.

For this purpose, only a single device 6a is required for generating the measuring pulses.

This device is just behind the start and finish point and sets the timer 7 in motion, as soon as the person has passed the intersection between the measuring line and the path loop. After circulating the reversal point, the person concerned returns to this intersection and thus generates when passing this intersection a measurement pulse, which brings the set in the beginning time clock to stop, so that the total time required on the timer 7 is read.

In addition, the timer 7 may be coupled to a display panel 8, so that even from a long distance the respective time (respective times) is clearly displayed (are).

For this purpose, a communicative connection 9 is required between the device 6a, 6b for generating the measuring pulses and the timer 7.

In the simplest case, the communicative connection 9 is created via a signal transmission line (dot-dashed line) which is to be arranged as far as possible outside the path loops 4a-4e.

In order to ensure the comparability of the measurement results, the distances 10, which exist between the start and end point 2 and the individual turning points 3a-3d, should be equal to each other. In this way, it is ensured that ultimately the time required to go through the path loop is influenced solely by the individual performance of the respective person. The monitoring of the individual relevant distances can be done accordingly Figure 4 by distance measuring devices 34a-e, preferably by wireless communication eg between the portable light sources 17a, 17b and the reflectors 18a, 18b. About a communicating with the distance measuring devices 34a-e receiver module 33 with switch, the system is switched to measuring cycle only when the measured distances were recognized as correct. Distance monitoring can be regular or stochastic.

If more than two reversal points 3a-3d are provided, comparable measurement results can be achieved in that the reversal points 3a-3d lie on the corners of a predetermined large uniform polygon.

In addition, the distances between those points at which the measuring pulses are generated for each path loop, and the start and end point 2 should be the same size.

Since the points at which the measuring pulses are generated for each path loop, the intersections between the lines to be measured and the path loops per se, it is ensured in this way that all the time measurement measuring pulses regardless of the course of the path loop 4a-4e always are generated at the beginning and end of a path that matches all path loops, so that the comparability of the measured values is ensured in each case.

Although it is in principle sufficient to provide only a single device 6a for generating the measuring pulses, the embodiments show a development in which a first device 6a for generating the measuring pulses in the vicinity of the start and finish point 2 is arranged and a second device 6b in the Near the turning points 3a-3d.

In this way, intermediate times can be detected at predetermined points of the path loops 4a-4e, the meaning of which can reveal individual strengths and weaknesses.

Thus, for example, on the way from the start and end point to one of the reversal points 3a-3d with the passage of the first device 6a for generating the measuring pulses, the zero point of the time measurement is set in motion. At the end of the way to the turning point 3a-3d is the second device 6b for generating a measuring pulse, so that when passing this second device 6b on the way out a first intermediate time 30a is measured, which allows a statement about the Springtvermögen. At the same time, with this second measuring pulse, an internal second time can be set to the zero point in order to detect the time required to run around the turning point 3a-3d, since the person in question, on the way back the loop, immediately after the turning point 3a-3d, the second device 6b to generate a measuring pulse happens again and triggers another measuring pulse. The elapsed time between the two last measuring pulses is referred to as the second intermediate time 30b, which allows a statement about the maneuverability and skill, while allowing for the passage of the remaining distance to the first device 6a for generating a measuring pulse, the detection of a third intermediate time, based the sprinting ability can be assessed. In contrast to the sprint distance on the way out, a different value results for the sprint distance of the return path, since the runner passes the second device 6b on the return path at a higher speed than on the way there. The third intermediate time 30c and the first intermediate time 30a form a difference which gives information about the acceleration capacity of the rotor.

Simply adding the split times 30a-30c gives the total time 31, which can also be included in the individual comparison of the results.

In addition, the figures show a development in which, viewed from the start and end point 2, each reversal point 3a-3d is assigned a signal device 12.

The signaling device 12 outputs an optically and / or acoustically perceptible signal. The individual signaling devices can be switched on and off independently of each other via a transmitter 13.

The purpose of these signaling devices 12 is to give a signal to the respective runner just before the start, which of the respectively selectable path loops 4a-4e he has to go through. With the appearance of the respective signal therefore the start signal is connected, with which the total time is set in motion, so that the reaction time of the rotor is measured, which requires this to run in the appropriate direction.

The barrier 35 serves the purpose that the starting point 2 can not be easily skipped, but that must first use the right-to-left reaction before going on.

In this case, therefore, an additional intermediate time would have to be expected, which is a measure of the reaction time that the runner needs to observe the signaling devices and to decide where to go.

By passing through the first device 6a for generating a measuring pulse, the reaction time accordingly ends.

The total time required for traversing the route is thus composed in the embodiments shown of four individual times, namely the reaction time from the output of the signal until reaching the first device 6a for generating a measuring pulse, the transit time for the way between the first device 6a and the second device 6b, the turning time between the first pass of the second device 6b and the second pass after the turning point and the travel time between the second device 6b and the first device 6a on the way back to the start and end points.

Accordingly, for this development of the invention, the display values on the display panel 8 should be supplemented by the dotted response time 32.

Conveniently, only one of the signaling devices 12 is unpredictably and arbitrarily switchable at a time, while the other signaling devices are then no longer activated.

A technically easy to implement solution provides a random number generator whose unpredictable output is used to generate a turn-on signal for one of the signaling devices 12.

In the case of two signaling devices this may e.g. be an even or an odd number or zero and one.

The requirements for the reactivity are increased by the fact that the signal devices are equal to each other and deliver similar signals.

In addition, the figures show exemplary embodiments in which the devices for generating the measuring pulses 6a, 6b contain non-contact triggering devices.

These are light barriers, in which a light source 14 is directed to a reflector 15. As soon as the light beam is interrupted by the rotor, the measuring pulse is triggered.

The devices 6a, 6b for generating the measuring pulses, the timer 7 and possibly also the display panel 8 and, if present, the signaling devices 12 are expediently designed as portable units, which can be set up as such outdoors or under the roof.

This offers the advantage of practically everywhere on schoolyards, sports fields or the like buildable measuring assembly 1, the units provide additional advertising space that can be rented to sponsors or sold.

Advantageously, the respective structural units comprise functional blocks. Thus, the units 17a, 17b alone the light sources 14, while the units 18a, 18b may include the reflectors 15.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable to accommodate all light sources 14 and all reflectors 15 in a single box.

In addition, the figures show a development in which the communicative connection between the devices 6a, 6b for generating the measuring pulses and the timer 7 is wireless.

There is therefore a constant radio contact between the devices 6a, 6b and the central control unit, in which the timer 7 is housed.

Another radio contact is here between the signal generator 12 and the central control unit and in addition between the portable transmitter 13, which is in the form of a handset and the signal devices 12 so that - here - the complete system communicates wirelessly with each other.

For this purpose, each of the portable units 17a-21 is provided with a radio antenna 22-25b and the central control unit, in which the timer 7 is housed, connected accordingly.

In addition, the figures also show that optionally at each reversal point 3a-3d is assigned to be included and mitzubringendes by the respective person Miterbingsel 26. This is stored at the respective reversal point 3a-3d and must be taken during the rotation of the reversal point 3a-3d by the movements deceleration, bending, picking, erecting and accelerating and brought to the start and finish point 2.

In addition, the figures further show an electrical circuit 27, which serves the detection, storage and possibly evaluation of the individual personal times.

This can be easily realized by conventional computer technology. For this purpose, either a corresponding computer in the portable unit 20, which includes the timer integrated, or the portable unit 20 has an interface that can be connected to an external computer.

In addition, the figures also show that the individual to be traversed loops 4a-4e may well be different.

While in the embodiment of Fig. 1 For each path loop only a single reversal point 3a-3d must be circulated, would be in the embodiment of Fig.2 However, two reversal points in a predetermined manner to rotate in different directions.

The embodiment according to Figure 3 shows for this purpose further alternatives in which four path loops 4a-4d are available for selection or, alternatively, a path loop 4e, which includes all reversal points.

The variation possibilities for the invention are almost unlimited and therefore the embodiments shown can not constitute a limitation of the invention.

Since the system is basically suitable for conducting the measured individual and total times in the form of eg "best lists", independent of the respective place of installation, this results in the possibility of an "internal networking" of all existing systems, by country-specific / nationwide / worldwide To create "best lists".

These "best lists" could, for example, be displayed on the internet at the website "speedflipper.com".

The prerequisite for this, however, is the necessity that all systems are operated at each location under clearly reproducible conditions.

Since it is also intended to promote the leaders of the "Best Lists" with winning prizes, etc., there is a risk of fraud. However, this danger can be counteracted by ensuring compliance with the competition conditions.

For this purpose, it is proposed to monitor the distances of the two light barriers from one another and possibly also the start and end point as well as the reversal point from the individual light barriers by the distance measuring devices 34a-e.

This can preferably be done electronically.

Geometric quantities must therefore be determined, e.g. Clearances that are unique, easy to monitor and, if changed, prevent operation of the plant.

This can e.g. be accomplished via additional distance sensors 34a-e, which are connected to the central unit to release the operation of the system only when maintaining the distances.

These distances must - logically - permanently or unpredictably stochastically be monitored to prevent manipulation of the plant.

In addition, if the system is operated with an object to cancel at the reversal point, so far as well as transponder arrangements into consideration, so that the extent of the reproducibility of the measurement result is ensured.

It may also be provided for competition conditions to provide a uniform floor covering for all the facilities operated in the competition.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

measuring arrangement

2

Start and end point

3a-3d

turning point

4a-4e

Wegschleife

5

Throughput time

6a

first device for generating a measuring pulse

6b

second device for generating a measuring pulse

7

timer

8th

scoreboard

9

communicative connection between 6a, 6b and 7

10

Distance between 2 and 3a-3d

11

Distance between 2 and 6a, 6b

12

signaling device

13

giver

14

light source

15

reflector

16

Connection between 7 and 8

17a, b

portable light source

18a, b

portable reflector

19

Handset encoder

20

portable time clock

21

portable scoreboard

22

Radio antenna for measuring pulse, transmitter

23

Radio antenna for measuring pulse, receiver

24

Radio antenna transmitter

25a, b

Radio antenna signaling device, receiver

26

souvenirs

27

electrical circuit

30a

first split time

30b

second split time

30c

third split time

31

total time

32

reaction time

33

Receiver module with switch

34a-e

A distance

35

barrier

Claims (22)

1. Measuring arrangement (1) for determining the travel time (31) which a person requires to travel a specific path loop of a plurality of selectable different path loops (4a-4e), wherein the path loops (4a-4e) have a common start point (2), which is also the finish point, and different turning points (3a-3d) which each lie in different directions moving out from the start point (2), wherein the different path loops are the same length as each other but lie in different directions as seen from the start point, characterised in that, in order to determine intermediate times between the start and finish point (2) and the turning points (3a-3d), devices (6a, 6b) are provided to produce measuring pulses when passed through, which are connected (9) to a clock (7) in a communicative manner in the sense of switching it on and off, wherein a first device (6a) for producing the measuring pulses is provided on the outward path from the start and finish point (2) to one of the turning points (3a-3d) spaced at a distance (11a) from the start and finish point (2) in a prescribed manner such that with this device the zero point of the time measurement is set, and that a second device (6b) is provided to produce the measuring pulses at the end of the outward path leading to a respective one of the turning points (3a-3d), which device lies upstream of the turning points (3a-3d).
2. Measuring arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the distances (10) between the start and finish point (2) and the individual turning points (3a-3d) are the same length as each other.
3. Measuring arrangement as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that more than two turning points (3a-3d) are provided which lie at the corners of a regular polygon.
4. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the distances (11) between the sites (6a, 6b), at which the measuring pulses are produced for each path loop (4a-e), and the start and finish point (2) are each the same length.
5. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the first device (6a) for producing the measuring pulses is allocated to the start and finish point (2) and the second device (6b) is allocated to the turning points (3a-d) of each individual path loop (4a-e).
6. Measuring arrangement as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the distances (11) between the sites, at which for each path loop (4a-e) the measuring pulse of the first device (6a) is produced, and the start and finish point (2) are each the same length.
7. Measuring arrangement as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the distances (11) between the sites, at which for each path loop (4a-e) the measuring pulse of the second device (6b) is produced, and the respective turning points (3a-d) are each the same length.
8. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that, as seen from the start and finish point (2), each turning point (3a-d) is allocated a visually or audibly perceptible signal device (12), and that the signal devices (12) can be turned on and off independently of each other by means of a transmitter (13).
9. Measuring arrangement as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that only one of the signal devices (12) can be switched on in an unpredictable and random manner, but the others cannot.
10. Measuring arrangement as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the signal devices (12) can be switched on via a transmitter formed as a random number generator.
11. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the signal devices (12) are the same as each other and output like signals.
12. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the devices (6a, 6b) contain trigger devices which operate in a contactless manner to produce the measuring pulses.
13. Measuring arrangement as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the trigger devices which operate in a contactless manner are light barriers (14+15).
14. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the clock is communicatively connected (16) to a display panel (8).
15. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the devices (6a, 6b) for producing the measuring pulses, the clock (7) and possibly the display panel (8) and possibly the signal devices (12) are formed as portable units which can, as such, be set up outdoors or indoors.
16. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the communicative connection (9) between the devices (6a, 6b) for producing the measuring pulses and the clock (7) is produced wirelessly.
17. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the connection between the transmitter (13) and signal devices (12) is produced wirelessly.
18. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that each turning point (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d) is allocated a token (26) to be picked up and carried along by the respective person.
19. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that an electric circuit (27) is provided to determine, store and possibly evaluate the individual person-related times (30a; 30b; 30c; 32).
20. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the individual components of the measuring arrangement are provided with advertising spaces.
21. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 20, characterised in that between the measuring sites, distance-measuring devices (34a-e) are provided which cooperate with a receiver module (33) in such a way that the measuring cycle is activated only when prescribed distances exist between prescribed measuring points.
22. Measuring arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that a barrier (35) which cannot be run over is provided between the start and finish point and the first measuring site.

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