GB1560068A

GB1560068A - Timing system

Info

Publication number: GB1560068A
Application number: GB1150178A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Hocken R A
Current assignee: Hocken R A
Priority date: 1978-03-22
Filing date: 1978-03-22
Publication date: 1980-01-30

Description

(54) TIMING SYSTEM (71) 1, REDVERS ALBERT HOCKEN, a British Subject of 1195, Pershore Road, Stirchley, Birmingham 30, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a timing system for use in activities such as water skiing, where the competitors are allotted a specified time period in which to perform a routine of manoeuvres or tricks. Accuracy of timing is important because the more tricks a competitor can perform within the allotted time period the higher the score.

In the past, the usual procedure has been to time out the allotted time period by means of a stopwatch, the time period being initiated by a timing judge as soon as the competitor starts the first trick of his routine. As soon as the competitor starts his routine the judges make notes of the tricks performed until an air horn is sounded by the timing judge to signal completion of the allotted time period. It will be readily apparent that the timing and judging method hitherto in general use is subject to a number of sources of error and can result in unfairness to competitors.

The object of my invention is to provide an improved timing system which not only allows the allotted time period to be measured with greater accuracy but also facilitates judging.

According to a broad aspect of the present invention I provide a timing system in which a visual recording is made of a competitor's routine and in which first and second timing signals are recorded on a recording medium on which the visual recording is made such that the second signal occurs a predetermined interval of time after the first signal to indicate the allotted time period.

Preferably the first signal is recorded selectively in response to actuation of a manuallyoperable switch which also operates a timer, the second signal being recorded after the timer has timed out said predetermined interval of time.

The timing signals may be visual signals but in the preferred embodiment they are audio signals which are recorded on a sound track which is synchronised with the video track of the recording medium.

Also according to the invention I provide a timing system comprising a video camera, a video recording device, a timing means arranged to be started manually and to produce timing signals at the beginning of timing and after it has timed out a predetermined interval of time, and means for recording the timing signals on a video recording medium of the video recording device or a sound track which is synchronised with a video track on said recording medium.

Preferably the video recording device is an audio/video tape recorder for recording the video signals from the camera and the timing signals are audio signals which are recorded on the sound track of the video tape.

In practice, the video equipment will be located on the speedboat used to tow the competitors and the timing means may be located onshore in which case the timing means will be associated with a transmitter for transmitting the timing signals to a receiver associated with the video equipment. However, it is considered advantageous for the timing means to to be located on the speedboat in which case the radio transmitter and receiver may be replaced by a cable link or alternatively the timing means may be embodied in the video recording device.

It will be seen that with the system of the invention a visual record of each competitor's routine may be made on which the allotted time period is also indicated by the timing sig nals. This therefore greatly facilitates judging in that the video tape may be played back several times and any doubts as to whether a given trick was performed within the allotted time period can be resolved by reference to the second timing signal. Also, the judges can assess the instants at which the timing period starts and finishes much more accurately than was possible with the prior timing system where these instants were indicated by air horn signals and great reliance was placed on the speed of reaction of the air horn operator and the accuracy of stopwatch timing.In the system of the invention, the only likely source of error is at the beginning of the timing period in that there may be a split-second delay between start of the routine and manual operation of the timer. The end of the timing period however is governed by the timer which may be quartz-crystal-controlled and human error is therefore eliminated at this point.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the embodiment shown schematically in block diagranmatic form in the accompanying drawing.

The system illustrated in the drawing comprises a timing and transmitter section 10 which, in use, is located onshore and a recording and receiver section 12 which, in use, is carried on the speedboat used to tow competitors. The section 12 comprises a hand-held video camera 14 and associated video-audio tape recorder 16 which receives inputs from the camera 14 and a radio receiver 18. The recorder 16 is conveniently of the type using video tape in cassette form so that each competitor's routine can be recorded on a separate tape and judged while other competitors are performing.

In this simplified embodiment, the section 10 comprises an electronic timer 20 which controls a tone generator 22 and an electronic digital display 24. The tone generator 22 is coupled to a radio transmitter 26 tuned to the same frequency as the receiver 18 and having an aerial (not shown) associated therewith. Thus, any audio signals emitted by the tone generator 22 are transmitted to the receiver 18 and hence to the recorder 16 so that they can be recorded on the sound track of the video tape.

The timer 20 is arranged to time out a predetermined interval of time which may be presettable and timing is initiated by operation of a pushbutton 28. The pushbutton 28 preferably has circuitry (not shown) associated with it which renders further operation of the pushbutton ineffective until the timer has timed out. At the instant timing commences, the timer 20 causes a signal to be transmitted from the generator 22 via the transmitter 26 for recordal on the video tape sound track and the display 24 is zeroised. The elapsed time is displayed on the display 24 during the timing interval and at the instant the timer times out the display 24 stops and the generator 22 emits a second signal which is transmitted and recorded on the video tape sound track.

Thus, the video tape then carries two audio timing signals which when the tape is played back at normal speed will be separated by the time interval determined by the timer 20. Also, as a check, the display 24 will display the time interval which has been timed out.

In use, a judge observes the competitor as he prepares to start his routine and when the competitor actually commences to execute the first manoeuvre, the judge operates the pushbutton 28. Thus, when the video tape is played back, the instant the competitor begins his routine will be marked by the audible timing signal produced in response to operation of pushbutton 28. Once the timing period has been initiated no further action is required by the judge because the elapse of the prede & mined time interval will be automatically recorded on the video tape. Thus, if the allotted time for each routine is say 20 seconds, when the video tape is played back, a second audible signal will be heard which marks the expiry of 20 seconds from the first audible signal.These signals therefore provide reference signals for assessment of how many tricks are performed in the allotted time period. It will be noted that the reference signals are synchronised with the video output so that they are valid even if the tape is played back at a slower speed than normal, as may be necessary in some circumstances to assist judging.

The section 10 may be used in conjunction with a public address system (P.A.S.) in such a way that at least the second timing signal is broadcast for the benefit of spectators. In the illustrated embodiment, the first timing signal is suppressed from broadcast by the P.A.S. so as to avoid possible dispute from the spectators over whether the pushbutton 28 was operated at the appropriate instant. Suppression is achieved by means of a flip-flop 30 which controls gate 32 which, in turn,govems whether the output of the generator 22 is applied to line 34 feeding the P.A.S. Thus, at the beginning of the timing period, the timer 20 causes the flipflop to change state so as to close gate 32 and at the end of the timing period, the flip-flop reverts to its original state to open gate 32 and allow the output of the generator 22 to be fed to the P.A.S.

The section 10 may also include a microphone and associated circuitry 36 coupled to the P.A.S. via line 34 and to the transmitter 26 so that a commentary can be made during each competitor's routine, which commentary is broadcast over the P.A.S. and is also recorded on the video tape sound track.

Although as described above, the system is divided into an onshore section 10 and an onboard section 12, both sections may with advantage be carried onboard in which case the transmitter and receiver may be replaced by a cable connection.

The system described above is primarily intended for timing out the allotted time period for trick routines, however it may as an additional feature, be arranged to afford a timing facility for checking boat speed in events such as slalom and jumping because a uniform boat speed is necessary in order to give all of the competing water-skiers an equal chance. In such events, the boat follows a course defined by two rows of buoys between which the boat passes while the skier follows a slalom course defined by other buoys or while the skier manoeuvres to gain maximum speed on the approach to the jumping ramp.

To enable boat speed to be checked, certain of the buoys defining the course to be followed by the boat may be provided with means for triggering the timer 20 and subsequently stopping the display 24 to provide a split time which may be used to determine whether or not the boat speed should be increased or decreased. For example, certain of the buoys may be provided with magnetic devices and the boat may be provided with a switch plate which, when passing in close proximity to the magnetic devices, produces a signal.The first such signal may be used to trigger the timer 20 and hence the display 24, the second such signal may be used to temporarily stop the display 24 to provide a split-time as a midcourse check and a third such signal may be used to stop the timer and the display to provide a check that the boat speed has been maintained within desired limits over the course. Thus, for example, the signals may be generated as the boat passes say the first, third and last of the buoys along one side thereof.

In the foregoing, the timing signals are recorded in discrete form in that the first timing signal is separate from the second. In a modification however, a continuous signal may be emitted throughout the timing period and recorded on the video track or sound track. In this event, it will be understood that the first and second timing signals referred to herein will be constituted by the beginning and end of the continuous signal.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A timing system in which a visual recording is made of a competitor's routine and in which first and second timing signals are recorded on a medium on which the visual recording is made, such that the second signal occurs a predetermined interval of time after the first signal to indicate the allotted timing period.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the first signal is recorded selectively in response to actuation of a manually-operable switch which also operates a timer, the second signal being recorded after the timer has timed out said predetermined interval of time.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the timing signals are audio signals which are recorded on a sound track which is synchronised with the video track of the recording medium.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the timing signals are video signals A A timing system comprising a video camera, a video recording device, timing means arranged to be started manually and to produce timing signals at the beginning of timing and after it has timed out a predetermined interval of time, and means for recording the timing signals on a video recording medium of the video recording device or a sound track which is synchronised with a video track on said recording medium.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5 in which the video recording device is an audio/video tape recorder for recording the video signals from the camera and the timing signals are audio signals which are recorded on the sound track of the video tape.

7. A system as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which the timing means is coupled to a transmitter for transmitting the timing signals to the video recording device via a receiver coupled to the latter.

8. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the transmitter is arranged to relay at least the second timing signal to a public address system.

9. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the timer is arranged to drive an electronic digital display.

10. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said predetermined time interval is presettable.

11. A timing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

uniform boat speed is necessary in order to give all of the competing water-skiers an equal chance. In such events, the boat follows a course defined by two rows of buoys between which the boat passes while the skier follows a slalom course defined by other buoys or while the skier manoeuvres to gain maximum speed on the approach to the jumping ramp.

To enable boat speed to be checked, certain of the buoys defining the course to be followed by the boat may be provided with means for triggering the timer 20 and subsequently stopping the display 24 to provide a split time which may be used to determine whether or not the boat speed should be increased or decreased. For example, certain of the buoys may be provided with magnetic devices and the boat may be provided with a switch plate which, when passing in close proximity to the magnetic devices, produces a signal.The first such signal may be used to trigger the timer 20 and hence the display 24, the second such signal may be used to temporarily stop the display 24 to provide a split-time as a midcourse check and a third such signal may be used to stop the timer and the display to provide a check that the boat speed has been maintained within desired limits over the course. Thus, for example, the signals may be generated as the boat passes say the first, third and last of the buoys along one side thereof.

In the foregoing, the timing signals are recorded in discrete form in that the first timing signal is separate from the second. In a modification however, a continuous signal may be emitted throughout the timing period and recorded on the video track or sound track. In this event, it will be understood that the first and second timing signals referred to herein will be constituted by the beginning and end of the continuous signal.

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A timing system in which a visual recording is made of a competitor's routine and in which first and second timing signals are recorded on a medium on which the visual recording is made, such that the second signal occurs a predetermined interval of time after the first signal to indicate the allotted timing period.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the first signal is recorded selectively in response to actuation of a manually-operable switch which also operates a timer, the second signal being recorded after the timer has timed out said predetermined interval of time.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the timing signals are audio signals which are recorded on a sound track which is synchronised with the video track of the recording medium.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the timing signals are video signals A A timing system comprising a video camera, a video recording device, timing means arranged to be started manually and to produce timing signals at the beginning of timing and after it has timed out a predetermined interval of time, and means for recording the timing signals on a video recording medium of the video recording device or a sound track which is synchronised with a video track on said recording medium.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5 in which the video recording device is an audio/video tape recorder for recording the video signals from the camera and the timing signals are audio signals which are recorded on the sound track of the video tape.

7. A system as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which the timing means is coupled to a transmitter for transmitting the timing signals to the video recording device via a receiver coupled to the latter.

8. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the transmitter is arranged to relay at least the second timing signal to a public address system.

9. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the timer is arranged to drive an electronic digital display.

10. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said predetermined time interval is presettable.

11. A timing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying drawing.