EP3102985A2

EP3102985A2 - Timing system

Info

Publication number: EP3102985A2
Application number: EP15710424.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Alexander PAES
Original assignee: Speed4 System AG
Current assignee: Speed4 System AG
Priority date: 2014-02-07
Filing date: 2015-01-28
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Also published as: DE102015000899A1; US20170039781A1; US20170039780A1; EP3102984A2; WO2015117734A3; WO2015117735A3; WO2015117734A2; WO2015117735A2; US10115244B2; US9965904B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a timing system for measuring a runner's (2) running time between two presence points (3) of the runner's running path, comprising a measurement beam receiver (MSE (5)) and a measurement beam emitter (MSG (6)). The measurement beam (8) from these intersects said running path. When reception of the measurement beam is interrupted, presence signals are generated for the runner that are evaluated in the timer (8) in order to acquire and output the running time. In a running path with a turn-around between a start/finish line (SZL (10)) and a turn-around point (4.3), or a running path that is undulating to zig-zagged, the measurement beam receiver MSG (beam source 6.2, mirror 6.1) is situated at the ends of said running path. Presence signals are generated at the turn-around point (4.3) and/or at least one of the turning points (3) of said running path. In addition, the pairing of an additional measurement beam receiver [start/finish MSE (5.2)] and beam source (6.2), with a measurement beam perpendicularly intersecting the running path, can be arranged on the start/finish line (10) and is preferably integrated into a shared timer unit (9).

Description

Timing system

The invention relates to a time measuring system for measuring the running time of a runner according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a time measuring system can be found at each run competition to between two Presence points of a given

Running to produce a presence signal of the rotor, e.g. the start signal and the target signal and with the help of the timer the transit time between the

Determine presence signals. The presence signals can be given by hand and the timer can be started and stopped by hand. In automatic operation, a measuring beam receiver (MSE) and a measuring beam generator (MSG) is set up at each point at which the presence is to be detected to generate the presence signal whose measuring beam crosses the path at the presence points. In this measuring beam may be a light beam, in particular infrared or laser beam, an ultrasonic wave, a

Radio wave beam act. By interrupting the Meßstrahlempfang a presence signal of the rotor is generated. Each presence signal is then fed to a timepiece common to all attendance points, which is electrically connected to all the measuring beam receivers (MSE) by cables in such a way that the timepiece can be actuated by the presence signals for detecting and outputting the transit time between the presence signals.

If a plurality of presence points are predetermined by the nature of the running route, wiring is therefore required for the time measuring system, which is hardly to be accommodated on sports fields or playgrounds, but is at least a hindrance.

This is especially true when the track is folded or wavy (that is in the context of this application: wavy or zigzag) runs. A folded Lauflaufweg consists after this application from a way and a

preferably the same way back. In this case, the reversal area is then also to be monitored in order to determine that the runner is circling the predetermined reversal point. In the case of a wave-shaped track, the runner has to walk around pylons on the way and / or the way back, which are set up at more or less regular intervals. In these cases must by

Presence signals are also checked whether the runner appears at the turning points of this predetermined path.

CONFIRMATION COPY The object of the invention is therefore to provide a Zeitmeßanlage, which manages even with complicated or folded path without wiring and can be set up easily, and without difficult instructions, usable and operable.

The solution results from claim 1. This solution is particularly applicable to a between a start / finish line (SZL) and a reversal point folded and / or a wavy path.

The Meßstrahlempfänger and the Meßstrahlgeber are then placed opposite to each other at the ends of the running path, so that they include between them such that the measuring beam of the Meßstrahlgeber is aligned in the direction of the path and the running path at least one point of presence of the rotor, ie the reversal point and - in undulating or zigzagging running paths - also crosses at the turning points of the route.

This time measuring system has the advantage that, despite the complicated travel path, all predetermined presence points including turning points of the wavy line, reversal points, start and destination can be detected.

In this form, the timing system is particularly suitable for gaming purposes and training purposes, when the runner to go through a wavy line and thereby lead a ball on this wavy line.

In the simplest case, one of the inflection points of the wavy line, preferably the first inflection point located adjacent to the MSE, is selected as the starting point of the travel path for which the time is measured in FIG. As an end point, any other turning point or reversal point or the turning point marking the start can be selected.

Setting up the time measuring system is very simple, because at the two ends of the track, for which the time is measured in, only one MSG and one MSE must be set up. The MSG can be operated with a constant current source, for example a battery. The timer, on the other hand, will only be connected to the MSE. Therefore, both timers and MSE in a common box, i. Central unit with a common power supply, for example battery

be housed. A laying of cables is not required.

The development of the invention according to claim 2 is suitable as a time measuring system in particular, if for the way and / or the way back of the folded Running a straight-line, so no wave-shaped path is desired. In this development, despite the increase in the number of MSE complicating the ZMA, since all MSE in a common box, in this application as

Central unit designates, can be accommodated. Therefore, the installation and operation of the time-measuring system is possible here without special instruction. The central unit is set up in the area or even on the start line. The launch MSE is oriented perpendicular to the run direction on the start line and is characterized by an additional MSG, i. Beam source or mirror, which are also on the starting line, but on the other side of the track, illuminated. The MSE, which is the reversal point and gfls. detects the turning points of the wavy path, lies on the running path facing the front of the central device.

It is an object of the invention that the time measuring system be as versatile as possible, i.

especially for different types of tracks and games can be used. For this purpose, the development according to claim 3, in which a separation of start and finish is possible. When starting the runner is in the running direction

aligned, in front of the central unit. After the start signal, it runs past the right side of the central unit, for example, and is detected by the start MSE of the central unit on the start line with a first presence signal. Now the time counting begins. The further path can then be undulating or rectilinear.

At the latest, the further detection by the longitudinal MSE in the inversion area occurs. Furthermore, if now a wave-shaped path is prescribed, the rotor can be detected in each of the turning points. At least the path is set up so that the runner on the now other side of the central device passes the finish line, whereby a presence signal is generated, which marks the end of the route and causes the time count. Otherwise, one can also

Time counting of the split times from one presence signal to the next, i. between two consecutive presence signals.

By Weiten education according to claim 4 ensures that a predetermined path must be maintained. If, for example, it is specified that the beginning of the travel path lies on the right side of the central unit, the path must end on the other side; if it does not do so, an error signal is output or no time measurement takes place, so that an error is detected. The training according to claim 5 facilitates the game or running implementation without the game master or trainer engages by hand. It is also possible that the reaction time of the runner is also determined by taking a time measurement between the runner

Appearance of the right or left signal and the passage of the displayed start line takes place. Likewise, an error signal may be issued if the runner is not present within a predetermined target time on the start line, or if the runner begins his walk on the wrong side of the central counter, as instructed by the right-left signal.

The development according to claim 6 pursues the goal of making the operation of the central device and the execution of the run or game in a further manner by the intervention of a supervisor, game manager, trainer and so on independent.

Since the invention allows extensive automation of the game operation, it is further proposed that the central device also has a microprocessor, to which the presence signals of the integrated into the central unit MSE for calculating and output of time intervals are abandoned.

The development according to claim 8 also allows in advance to store in the central device running paths and / or game histories, then retrieve and monitor them in a simple manner.

The programs of the games or routes can be stored in particular by specifying the origin of the presence signals from the MSEn (start or destination MSE, longitudinal MSE), the time sequence of these presence signals and the number of presence signals in the memory of the microprocessor of the central device are stored. During the run can then by

Determine target / actual comparison, whether the runner complies with the specified path.

In the embodiment according to claim 9 different paths can be specified, the basic programs are already stored in the memory of the microprocessor.

The Meßstrahlgeber according to this invention may be a radiation source, light source, laser source, ultrasonic transmitter or the like. It is understood that such transmitters may be commercially available as small units which can be deployed at the designated locations and directed to the respective associated MSE. A further simplification is made by claim 10. Here, a separate power supply for the MSG is no longer required. Rather, each MSG is split into a beam source (SQ) and a mirror. The SQs are integrated in the central unit in the area of the assigned MSE. All SQen and MSE of the central unit can then be connected to a common power supply, for example, a battery, which is also in the central unit, connected. The mirror associated with each SQ as MSG is positioned outside of the central unit such that the SQ measurement beam hits the mirror and is reflected toward the associated MSE.

As such radiation sources today conventional laser beam sources come into consideration. They allow a sharp bundling of the measuring beam and thereby accurate delivery of the presence signal in response to the presence of the rotor.

A further supplement of the invention in terms of facilitating the establishment of the time-measuring system and an automation of the game / sports operation are claim 13 before. The radiation source, preferably the laser beam source, also serves as

Rangefinder. This can e.g. can be done by measuring the angle between the reflected light beam entering the mirror and the reflected light beam striking the MSE, and converting that angle from the given geometric arrangement of SQ and MSE to a distance of the mirror from the central processing unit. Alternatively, the SQ can also be operated in pulses. The microprocessor detects the timing of the delivery of the pulse and the arrival of the reflected signal in the MSE, such that the duration of the beam pulse between the MSE and the

Radiation source and from the path of the beam pulse can be determined. The determined distance is preferably in the microprocessor with a

stored target specification of the distance adjusted and issued in case of deviation, an error signal or the evaluation of one or more

Presence signals disabled.

The above-mentioned embodiments, as a solution to the above task together with a timing system for timing the duration of a runner on a running track between two lines of presence, which intersect the running track, with

Detecting means for detecting the presence of the runner on each of

Presence lines, where the detection devices consist of: from a light beam source whose constant or constantly pulsating light beam is aligned along the line of presence and crosses the path on a measurement axis which is perpendicular to the line of presence,

a reflector, which is arranged in the light beam and reflects the light beam as a measuring beam along the line of presence,

a Meßstrahlempfänger (light beam receiver), which is arranged in the direction of the reflected measuring beam on the line of presence and generates by interrupting the Meßstrahlempfangs a presence signal of the rotor, which the

Timing the timing system is transmitted as a switching signal, the

Light beam source (6) and the light beam receiver (7) structurally combined to a signal pairing (5).

In this case, according to the invention, a structural unit is set up in front of the headway, which contains the time measuring system, and the running track is designed in such a way that all are required to detect the presence of the runner on the intended presence lines

Signal pairings (each consisting of light beam source and light beam receiver) integrated into the assembly and are arranged on at least one of the running path facing outer sides of the assembly.

In the following, embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

Figures 1-4: different equipment of time measuring systems in adaptation to specified paths

FIG. 5 Detail of the time measuring system according to FIG. 4.

In the following, functionally identical parts are given the same reference numerals. The timing system of Figure 1 consists of a central unit 9 and a

Radiation source 6.2 as measuring beam generator MSG.

The central device is a box or a cuboidal housing 9. It is placed between the start VZiel line 10 and the standby line 11. The runner 2 waits outside this area before the ready line 11.

The central device 9 contains a MSE 5, which is directed in the running direction. Opposite him, beyond the reversal line 4.3, the Meßstrahlgeber MSG in the form of a

Radiation source 6.2. This radiation source is directed with its measuring beam on the MSE 5. The runner has to circle three pylons 17 on his way, so he on the way out (in the figure 1) on the right, on the way back to the left of the central unit 9 passes and-beginning and ending at the start-ZZiellinie 10- both on the way and on the way back a wavy path around the pylons 17 travels and vice versa at the reversing line 4.3.

In the course of its undulating course, the runner first crosses the measuring beam of the MSQ on line 10. As a result, the measuring beam is interrupted and the MSE generates a presence signal which is transmitted via an electrical connection to the timer 8 as a start signal.

The central unit 9 contains in addition to the Meßstrahlempfänger and the timer 8 also has a traffic light system with the directional light 12, which-controlled by hand or by a random generator (both not shown) - a legal signal or a

Left signal outputs, and further with a standby lamp 13 for delivering a

Ready signal. Also in this readiness light 13 is connected to the timer 8 for passing the on-call service signal.

The MSE 5 at the front of the central unit receives the presence signal each time the runner crosses the measuring beam of the radiation source 6.2, ie both (essentially) at the turning points 3 and at the turning point. 4.3 of his walk. These presence signals are also sent to the timer. In the course of the runner 2 so the timer is the one with the

Ready signal and the first presence signal on the start line 10th

applied. The timer detects the intervening time interval separately as the reaction time of the rotor 2. Starting with the presence signal on the start line 10, the timer further detects the time intervals between the following individual presence signals at the following inflection points 3 and 4.3. These time intervals can be retrieved individually; they are also added to the total time the runner needs to arrive on line 10. The line 10, in which the runner crosses the measuring beam of the MSQ 6.2 twice, thus serves both as a starting line and as a finish line.

In the following description of the further embodiments, only the features of these embodiments are particularly highlighted; Incidentally, the preceding description also applies here. The central device 9 according to FIG. 2 has, in addition to the front-side MSE 5.1, also a lateral MSE 5.2. These MSE 5.1 and 5.2 are each adjacent to a measuring beam source 6.2. The MSE 5.1 and 5.2 and the respective adjacent measuring beam sources 6.2 are each directed to a mirror 6.1, which is positioned so that the

Measuring beam of the measuring beam source 6.2 is reflected exactly to the respective adjacent MSE 5.1 or 5.2. The lateral MSE 5.2 with the associated adjacent measuring beam source 6.2 and the associated mirror 6.1 are aligned so that their measuring beam is substantially perpendicular to the running direction on the start / finish line 10. The front-side MSE 5.1 with the associated beam source 6.2 and the associated mirror 6.1 is aligned substantially in the running direction, so that the measuring beam is substantially in or parallel to the direction. Both MSE 5.1 and 5.2 are in turn connected to a timer 8, which detects the presence signals of these Meßstrahlempfänger and - as described above - converted into time intervals and total times. In this embodiment, a directional traffic light and a ready light are not present. Therefore, the reaction time of the runner can not be calculated. In the exemplary embodiment, it is shown that the runner starts on the right side of the central device 9 and thereby runs over the StanV / finish line 10 and triggers the presence signal, which marks the start, and thus the time count. Now, the runner has a wavy line to pass around the pylons 17, to reverse at the reversal point 4.3 and then run straight back to the same side of the central device 9. When going through the

Start / finish line 10, the time counting is ended.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the special feature is that the time measuring unit 9 contains a further MSE 5.3, in comparison to the MSE 5.2. Also in this MSE 5.3 is a radiation source 6.2 adjacent and beyond the path associated with a mirror 6.1. With this configuration of the central device 9, the rotor 2 can start on one side of the central device and reach the destination on the other side. He can therefore also here a double-wavy running way

go through (similar to Figure 1). Even with this equipment of the central device, the reaction time of the runner can be determined between the ready signal 3 and the appearance on the start line 10, in addition to the transit time between the first Presence signal on the start line 10 and the second presence signal on the same (this time) finish line 10.

For the equipment of the central device in this case, reference is made to Figure 5, which represents an enlargement.

This equipment of the central unit also allows an extended error detection. The central processing unit is provided with a microprocessor 14, i. its own computer and

Storage capacity added. For error determination, the measuring beam receivers are locked on the right side 5.2 and left side 5.3 against each other, for example, in such a way

• that the presence signal of the right-hand side MSE 5.2 is only as a start signal

is used if previously the ready signal of the standby traffic 13 and the right-hand direction signal of the directional traffic light 12 has been switched;

• that the presence signal of the left-hand MSE 5.3 is not as a start signal

is used, if previously the right-side direction signal of the directional traffic light 12 was switched;

• that the presence signal of the left-hand MSE 5.3 is not as a target signal

is utilized before the front-end MSE 5.1 receives a total of 7 presence signals, i. one at each of the inflection points of the wavy line of the return and returned as well as at the turning point.

• that the presence signal of the right-hand side MSE 5.2 is no longer used for time counting but only for error display after the start signal until the ready signal of the standby 13 and the right or left side direction signal of the directional light 12 has been switched again.

Thus, if the runner crosses line 10 at the beginning of his run on the left side of the central unit or if he enters the right side a second time

Presence signal on the MSE 5.2 triggers, these signals are not evaluated for timing and it can be seen that the specified run rule has not been met.

On the other hand, it can thus be determined by the number of presence signals which the runner triggers on the front-side MSE 5.1 whether it orbits all the prescribed pylons 17 and, as provided, is reversed on the reversing line 4.3. Furthermore, certain paths can be specified, the

Computer capacity is equipped and the computer is programmed so that it calculates the accuracy of the presence signals according to their origin and their number.

The central unit is therefore also equipped with an input device 16 through which this information, ie origin of the presence signals (front MSE: 5.1, MSE side: 5.2, MSE side: 5.3) and number of

Presence signals, related to the respective MSE 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, can be entered and stored to establish different routes.

The embodiment of Figure 4 corresponds substantially to that of Figure 3. Here, however, a modified track is shown, which allows an additional pylon and a rectilinear way and / or a rectilinear return path of the rotor.

The beam sources 6.2 are preferably lasers which emit a continuous laser beam but can also be actuated in pulses. The calculator is equipped with time recording for the duration of a pulse between the beam source, gfls. the associated mirror and the MSE. This runtime gives the distance between these devices. It is therefore easy to determine whether the SQ (FIG. 1) or the mirror (FIGS. 2-5) are set up at the correct distance and that the path therefore has the prescribed length.

Preferably, the central device is equipped with a paper printer, by means of which the time values determined in the microprocessor can be printed out.

It is clear from these examples of running paths, the invention and its meaning, namely, that alone by the equipment, programming, installation and adjustment of the head-end without further electrical installations, apart from the purely mechanical installation of the reflectors not only the shown but many others Running distances can be specified. reference numeral

1. Timing system

2nd runner 2

3. Attendance points 3, inflection point

4. Running track Laufweg 4

4.1 undulating to zigzagging 4.1

4.2 Start Target of the track, start / finish line (SZL) 4.2

4.3 Reversal point 4.3

5. Meßstrahlempfänger (MSE) electrically connected to timer 5

6. Measuring transmitter (MSG) 6

6.1 Mirrors 6.1

6.2 Radiation source, laser beam source (MSQ) 6.2

7. Measuring beam 7

8. Timepiece 8

9. Central device 9

10. Start / Finish Line (SZL) 10

11. Ready line 11

12. directional light, right-left signal 12

13. Standby signal for ready signal 13

14. Microprocessor 14

15. Battery 15

16. Input device 16

17. Pylon 17

Abbreviations

MSE measuring beam receiver

MSG measuring transmitter

MSQ measuring beam source

SQ beam source

SZL start / finish line

T time intervals T1, T2; T3 ....

ZMA time measuring system Timing system

.ZG central unit

Claims

claims

1. Timing system for measuring the running time of a runner () between two

Presence points (3,4,3) of its course with a Meßstrahlempfänger (MSE (5)), which cooperates with a Meßstrahlgeber (MSG ()) whose measuring beam (7) crosses the track at the presence points, that by interrupting the Meßstrahlempfang a presence signal of the runner is generated

with a timer (8), which is electrically connected to the measuring beam receiver (MSE) such that the timer by the presence signals for detecting and outputting the transit time between the presence signals

is controllable,

characterized in that

At a path which is folded between a start / finish line (SZL (10)) and a reversal point (4.3) or a wavy to zigzag path

the Meßstrahlempfänger (longitudinal MSE (5)) and the longitudinal MSG (beam source 6.2, mirror 6.1) are placed at the ends of the path and between them include such that the measuring beam (longitudinal measuring beam (7)) of the MSG in Direction of the path is aligned and by the presence of the rotor in at least one of the presence points, namely reversal point (4.3) and / or at least one of the inflection points (3) of the path is interrupted.

2. Timing system according to claim 1

characterized in that

at a path of travel folded between a start / finish line (SZL) and a turning point (4.3)

on the start / finish line (10) the pairing of a lateral Meßstrahlempfänger [start / finish MSE (5.2)) and an SQ (6.2) in the running path perpendicular crossing Meßstrahl (7) is arranged,

wherein preferably the start target MSE are integrated with the longitudinal measuring beam receiver (5.1) in a common central device (9).

3. Timing system according to claim 2

characterized in that

on the start / finish line, two pairings of one measuring beam receiver [start MSE (5.2) and target MSE (5.3)) and one measuring transmitter (start MSG and target MSG 6.2) in the path perpendicularly intersecting measuring beam but opposite

Measuring beam direction are arranged,

preferably both of which both start-Meßstrahlempfänger and

Target measuring beam receiver are integrated with the longitudinal measuring beam receiver in a common central device.

4. Timing system according to claim 3

characterized in that

the two start-Meßstrahlempfänger and target Meßstrahlempfänger are locked against each other such that those of start MSE and target MSE, which a

Presence signal has generated for the delivery of another presence signal locks itself and must be unlocked to deliver another presence signal only, preferably by the following presence signal of the other start MSE or target MSE.

5. Timing system according to claim 3 and 4

characterized in that

in that the central device set up shortly before the start / finish line (10) has a hand-operated or randomly-generated directional light for outputting a right or left signal visible to the runner standing in front of the central device,

wherein preferably by the right or left signal of the aligned on the respective left or right side of the central device start / target Meßstrahlempfänger is armed to output the presence signal.

6. Timing system according to claim 5

characterized in that

that the central unit set up on the start / finish line is a standby lamp has a standby signal which is visible for the runner standing in the standby line in front of the central device,

wherein preferably by the Bereitschaftssignai the output of the right or left signal is enabled.

7. Timing system according to claim 1

characterized in that

the time measuring system has a microprocessor for detecting the

Presence pulses and calculation of the intervals between successive pulses.

8. Timing system according to claim 7

characterized in that

in which a memory is stored in the microprocessor, in which the run programs are stored by specifying the source and the number of presence signals, and by comparing the target and the actually occurring

Presence signals according to origin and number an error signal can be generated.

9. Timing system according to claim 7

characterized in that

the microprocessor is connected to an input device for manual input of run programs by specifying the origin and the number of

Presence signals.

10. Timing system according to claim 1

characterized in that

the Meßstrahlgeber is a mirror, which from one adjacent to the

Radiation source illuminated radiation source is irradiated, which is preferably integrated in a common central device, wherein the central device on the one and the respective mirrors are placed on the other side of the running track such that the reflected measuring beam crosses the running distance.

11. Timing system according to claim 10

characterized in that

the radiation source is a laser beam source (MSQ) integrated in the central unit.

12. Timing system according to claim 10

characterized in that

that all pairs of Meßstrahlempfänger and SQ are integrated into a common central unit, wherein the central unit are placed on one side and the respective mirror on the other side of the running track, said

Central unit is placed in the start / finish line.

13. Timing system according to claim 10

characterized in that

in that the central device is equipped with a rangefinder which is aligned with the mirror (6.1) at the point of reversal (4.3) and connected to the microprocessor in such a way that the determined distance in the microprocessor is compared with a stored desired value of the distance and if an error signal is output or the evaluation of one or more

Presence signals is blocked,

wherein preferably the MSE (5.1) and the beam source (6.2), which are aligned on the mirror (6.1) in the reversal point (4.3), are part of the rangefinder by the distance between the beam source (6.2) and mirror (6.1) upon delivery of a Beam pulse of the measuring beam (7) from its running time or from the angle between the emitted and the reflected measuring beam (7) is determined.

14. Timing system according to claim 1

characterized in that

the central device is equipped with a printer for printing the determined times.