GB2104258A - Race timing and calculating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides race timing apparatus also preferably capable of calculating the results of a race. The apparatus preferably comprises a processor (1), a keyboard (2) for inputting information into the processor (1), a visual data display (3) for displaying information from the processor (1) or to be input into the processor (1), a printer (5) controlled by the processor (1), internal warning means (6,7) actuatable by signals received from the processor (1) and storing means (8,9) for storing one or more required race start times or race start sequences, The processor (1) is adapted to generate a signal which can be used to actuate external warning means at a said start time or times and the internal warning means are actuated at one or more predetermined times prior to said start time or times. Said printer (5) is actuated automatically to record the or each race start time and is also actuatable manually to record the finish times of the different competitors in a race. Preferably the apparatus is programmable with handicap information and is capable of calculating the results of a race. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Race timing and calculating apparatus The present invention relates to race timing apparatus.

In many sports, for example, water sports such as sailing, power boat racing and competitive water skiing or motor sports such as motor racing and motor cycle racing, there is a start procedure which needs to be followed at the beginning of a race and there are results to be calculated at the end of a race. For example, at the start of a sailing race there are a number of different operations which have to be performed in the correct order and at the correct times if the race is to be started successfully and without confusion occurring. A typical sequence of events at the start of a sailing race is that at a predetermined period of time, e.g., ten minutes, before the start of the race a first preparatory warning is given e.g., a bell, klaxon or gun is sounded and simultaneously a flag is unfurled. This is the warning signal for the competitors to make ready for the race.At a second predetermined period of time, e.g., five minutes, before the start a second warning is given, e.g., another bell, klaxon or gun is sounded and a second flag hoisted simultaneously therewith. At this time there should be no boats tied to or in any way fixed to dry land, so that in addition to sounding the audible signal and hoisting the second flag, the person or persons in control of the race must also check that no boats are in breach of this rule. At the starting time a starting signal, e.g., an audible or other signal, is given and simultaneously therewith all appropriate flags are lowered. At the same time the person or persons in control of the race must keep a watch along the starting line for any false starters, i.e., any boats and/or crew which are wholly or in part across the start line at the start of the race.Any such false starters must be given an audible signal and hailed by the person in control of the race so that they can return and completely clear the start line before attempting to restart. If there are a large number of false starters so that it is impossible to identify individual boats then a "general recall" is used and all boats are recalled and the race is restarted. This is done by raising a general recall flag and restarting the race say five minutes after the original start time. Where there are a large number of competitors in a race then it is sometimes necessary to stagger the start. Where a staggered start is used the total number of boats is divided into two or more groups and the groups are started at intervals, e.g., of five minutes.In this case the starting signal for one group of boats also acts as the second warning for another group and, where there are more than two groups, as the first warning for yet another group, and soon. From the point of view of those participating in the race it is essential that the first warning, the second warning and the starting signals are given precisely on time. The reason for this is that the ideal start for a sailing boat at the beginning of a race is to be approaching the starting line sailing as fast as conditions allow, without any part of the boat or crew actually having crossed the starting line, at the moment the starting signal is given.In an attempt to judge this to a nicety it is usual for the participants in a sailing race to equip themselves with stop watches or the like which they set going at the first warning and which enables them to keep an accurate indication of the elapse of time between the first warning and the start time. In the time between the second warning and the start time the crews of the various boats in the race will normally be jockeying for position in an attempt to obtain the best possible start for their own boat.It will readily be appreciated that should the signals for the second warning and/or the start of the race not be precisely to time after the first warning, which unfortunately happens not infrequently because of the number of tasks required to be performed by those in control of the race, then those participating in the race can be misled into either a false start or a bad start in that they are well away from the starting line when the starting signal is given.

Again, at the finish of a race, those in control of the race have a number of duties to perform and, as with the starting procedure, a number of these duties have to be performed simultaneously. Where a race is for boats all of the same class or design it is not usually necessary to record the finishing times of the competing boats but simply the order in which the boats finish the race. However, in "handicap" racing in which boats of different classes and/or designs race against each other under a handicapping system, it is essential that the finishing times of the competing boats be recorded accurately.Thus in the case of handicap races a watch has to be kept along the finishing line and as each boat crosses it the time has to be recorded, an audible signal sounded and a record made of the class and sail number of the boat, the sail number being the usual method of identifying a particular boat. Once the race is over the results have to be calculated. This is done by dividing the "elapsed time" (i.e., the finish time minus the start time) by the handicap and multiplying by 100 to give the "corrected time" for each boat. The boat with the smallest "corrected time" is the winner of the race.It will thus be appreciated that the control of a sailing boat race is virtually impossible for one person to do alone and that even with two people working together mistakes can, and often do, occur which confuse the competitors and which may result in competitors being penalised unfairly either by appearing to be guilty of a false start or being in the wrong position at the start.

The same or similar considerations apply to other sports such as water skiing, power boat racing, motor racing, motor cycle racing and the like or may be even further complicated by a need to record individual lap times as well as individual finish times.

The present invention has as its object to provide race timing and control apparatus which will facilitate the starting procedures and which can also incorporate means for recording lap times and/or calculating the results of a race.

The present invention provides race timing apparatus comprising a real time clock, means for storing one or more required race start time, means for actuating internal warning means at one or more predetermined times prior to said start time or times, means for generating a signal which can be used to actuate external warning means at same start time or times and at one or more predetermined times prior to said start time or times, means for permanently recording race start and race finishing times, means for automatically actuating said recording means to record the or each race start time, and manually operable means for actuating said recording means to record the finish times of the different competitors in a race.

The apparatus may comprise means, e.g., a keyboard, whereby one or more required race start times can be entered into said storing means and said keyboard may include a "finish" key or keys which can be manually actuated to cause said recording means to record the finishing times of the different competitors in a race.

The apparatus may include means whereby an external warning means, e.g., an external audible warning means such as a bell, buzzer, klaxon or the like, and or an external visual warning means such as a signal, light or lights, e.g., similar to traffic lights, signal flag or flags, or the like, can be connected to the apparatus for actuation when a said signal is generated.

Said internal warning means may comprise visual and or audible warning means and preferably comprises both a visual warning means in a form of a light or lights and an audible warning means in the form of a bell, buzzer, bleeper or the like, said internal audible warning means preferably being so chosen as to be readily distinguisable from said external warning means.

Said means for permanently recording race start and race finishing times may also be adapted to permanently record lap times and is preferably a suitable printer. The apparatus may be such that an identifying code, e.g., the class and sail number of each boat finishing in a sailing race orthe numberorthe like of competitors finishing or finishing a lap in other kinds of race, can be keyed into the apparatus for recordal by the printer with the finishing time or lap finishing time of that particular competitor or the printer may be such that spece will be left adjacent each printed finishing time or lap finishing time in which a person controlling the race can write the identifying code of the competitor concerned.Advantageously, said storing means is such that the apparatus is capable of storing the identifying codes and the finishing times or lap finishing times of the competitors in a race, thus enabling the permanent record thereof to be produced at a convenient time, e.g., a convenient time after the race.

Preferably the apparatus is such that once a required start time has been entered into said storing means said internal warning means will be actuated say five seconds priorto the time the first warning is to be given to alert the person in control of the race to ready for the fi rst warning., eg. to ready to hoist the first warning flag in a sailing race. At the precise predetermined time, e.g. ten minutes, before the required start time a said signal will be generated and will actuate the external warning means to give the first warning. At the same time the person in control of the race will take any necessary action on his part, e.g., will hoist the first warning flag in the case of a sailing race.At say five seconds prior to the time the second warning is to be given the internal warning means will again be actuated to alert the person in control to ready for the second warning e.g. to ready to hoist the second warning flag and to be ready to watch for boats still tied to land in the case of a sailing race. At the precise predetermined time, e.g., five minutes, prior to the start time said signal will again be generated to actuate the external warning means and at the same time the person in control of the race will again take any action necessary on his part, e.g., will hoist the second warning flag and will look for boats still tied or connected to dry land in the case of a sailing race.Although not absolutely necessary, it is preferred that the apparatus be such that both the first warning time and the second warning time will be automatically recorded or stored by said printer or storing means. At, say, five seconds prior to the actual start time said internal warning means will again be actuated to alert the person in control of the race to ready for the start of the race, e.g., to ready to lower the relevant flags and keep a watch for any premature starters in the case of a sailing race. Precisely at the required race time a signal will again be generated to actuate the external warning means and the start time will be automatically recorded by said printer. At the same time the person in control of the race will take any action necessary on his part, e.g., will lower the relevant flags and keep a watch for premature starters in the case of a sailing race.If desired said keyboard can be provided with an overide or other suitable key which will enable said external warning means to be manually actuated should it be necessary to recall a premature starter or initiate a general recall.

If the number of competitors in the race is such that a staggered start is necessary then the foregoing sequence of events will be repeated at predetermined, e.g, five minute, intervals until all groups of starters have been started, at which point the person in control of the race can finish the starting procedure and make ready to record the finishing times or lap finishing times of the competitors in the race.

The apparatus of the present invention also preferably includes calculator means for enabling the results of a race to be calculated. To this end the apparatus may be programmable with any required handicap information and may be adapted to calculate the "corrected time" for each competitor finishing the race or finishing a lap when the start time, handicap and finish time or lap finish time for that particular competitor have been entered. The apparatus may also be adapted to calculate results based on number of laps completed or distance travelled in a predetermined period of time, e.g., where the start and finish times for all competitors are the same and "corrected time" is calculated from the number of laps completed by and any handicap applicable to each competitor.

For example, the most usual handicapping system used in sailing dinghy racing is that known as the Portsmouth Yardstick, although some sailing clubs have their own variations on this yardstick. The apparatus is preferably such that any person in control of a race can select either the standard Portsmouth Yardstick or a different programme, e.g., a programme specifically written for a particular club, for calculating the race results.Similarly, if required, the apparatus may be programmable to enable various race options to be selected so as to obtain different starting procedures, e.g., to enable a person controlling a race to select between a general racing option wherein the boats competing in a race all start together or in groups, for pursuit racing where all boats start one after another with a predetermined time interval between each boat, or any other race options which may be required.

The apparatus of the present invention may be pre-programmed with a start sequence or selection of start sequences and/or may be user programmable so that a user can program the apparatus with a required start sequence, e.g., by entering the required start sequences on said keyboard and then transferring the start sequence to said storing means. Likewise the apparatus of the present invention may be pre-programmed with information relating to a handicap or selection of handicaps and/or may be user programmable so that a user can program the apparatus with any required handicap information.

The invention will be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of preferred apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a control panel for apparatus according to Figure 1 and Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the start, finish and calculating procedures for a typical sailing boat race.

Referring to Figure 1 it will be seen that the apparatus comprises a processor 1, e.g., a micro processor, a keyboard 2 for inputting information into the processor 1, a visual data display 3 for displaying information from the processor 1 or to be input into the processor 1, a real time clock 4 connected to the processor 1, a printer 5 controlled by the processor 1, visual internal warning means 6 and audible internal warning means 7 both actuatable by signals received from the processor 1, and suitable storing means comprising an externally programmable read only memory 8 and a random access memory 9.

The visual warning means 6 preferably comprise a series of lights 10 (Figure 2) on the operators panel which are caused to flash as required under the control of the processor 1. The internal audible warning signal comprises a bleeper or buzzer also under the control of the processor 1.

The operation of the apparatus will now be described with reference also to Figures 2 and 3.

The apparatus is essentially split into two main functions, namely: 1. Timing Mode ("Race") 2. Calculate Mode ("Calculate") System operation Certain "Pre-Checks" have to be carried out prior to activating the processor. These are: (a) Connection of power supply. (1 2V dc) (b) Checking for adequate supply of print paper.

(c) Switch On.

The operator (Race Officer) is then prompted by the processor 1 to select "Race" or "Calculate" (R/C) (d) PROMPT "Select Race or Calculate R/C".

Note. Prompting by the processor 1 is achieved by means of the internal audible alarm 7 and small lights (L.E.D.s) 10 flashing. The lights 10 are positioned on the control panel immediately adjacent to a particular instruction written on the panel.

"Race "mode Having selected "Race", the apparatus continues as follows: (a) PROMPT "Date Required YES/NO (Y/N)" (date would be required if the race was expected to last 24 hours or more. If date was required it would be included in the printed information at the appropriate stage.

If not only time would be printed (24 hr clock format).

(b) PROMPT "Select Race Option 1/2/3/4 and F".

Two race options are supplied with the apparatus as standard and there is provision for two others for "Custom" programmes. Additionally option "F" gives the opportunity to bypass the whole of the race starting procedure and proceed direct to the "Finish"' sequence to be described hereinafter. This additional option "F" is particularly useful for long races, e.g., races lasting several hours or even days or weeks, since it enables the apparatus to be switched off once a race has been started and to be switched on again and proceed direct to the "Finish" sequence when the race is about to finish.

One of the programmes will be a "General" racing type, the second "pursuit" racing. This latter type of race is one which in effect has the handicaps built into the start, instead of them being calulated after the race. Boats set off at one minute intervals, the slowest boats first, the fastest last. The race lasts a predetermined length of time (usually one hour) and in theory, all boats stand an equal chance of winning and indeed, of finishing at the same time.

(c) PROMPT "Connect Signal Horn". This need not be a horn but any external audible warning device 11 capable of being driven or operated by an electrical current. The apparatus may have a relay fitted which will be switched when required to operate the external sound signal 11.

(d) PROMPT "Set Time of Start". The Race Officer will enter the time of start by means of a keyboard 12 on the central panel. An indicator lamp 10 will light up next to the written description of the type of race chosen to point to the race officer that the apparatus is working and the starting sequence has been activated.

(e) Five seconds prior to the first e.g. "Ten Minute" warning, the internal audible warning device is triggered and another indicator is lit (again next to a written statement) to warn the race officerto be prepared to raise a flag.

(f) At the first e.g. "Ten Minute" warning, the indicator light is extinguished and another lit (next to a similar statement) and the internal alarm is stopped. At the same time the relay is triggered to operate the external sound signal and the time is printed.

(g) Five seconds prior to the sound eg "Five Minute" warning, operation (e) is repeated.

(h) At the second e.g. "Five Minute" warning, operation (f) is repeated.

(i) Five seconds prior to the "Start" operation (e) is repeated.

(j) At the "Start", operation (f) is repeated.

(k) PROMPT "Repeat Yes/No (Y/N)". For a multi-start event the answer would be "Y"; for a single start event "N". There would be a period of say, 4 mins 55 secs. to answer. If no answer the machine would automatically repeat. (This would only repeat in 5 min intervals not 10 in the example given). Having pressed "N" somewhere along the line, the apparatus quits the "Starting" procedure and goes to the "Finish" sequence.

(I) PROMPT "Press "f" to record Finish Time". There are two "f" buttons (For right or left handed operation) and either one pressed will print the time as boats finish. Time will be printed with Date (if required) and hours, mins, sec and possibly tenths of a second (if required) in a 24 hrclockformat.

(m) When the race is over, pressing "c" will quite the operation and return the system to item (d) in the first section i.e. "Select Race or Calculate".

The second type of race to be catered for by the apparatus is the "Pursuit Race", a brief description of which is above. The first part of the race up to the start, e.g., the first ten minutes of the race (i.e. 10 min and 5 min warnings & Start) are identical to the method described above. Afterthe Start, the apparatus will count up in predetermined intervals e.g. "one minute" intervals giving the same "five seconds" warnings and the"main Sound Signal" warnings as described above in (e) & (f). After each one minute interval the race officer will be prompted to "Repeat? Y;N" as in (k). As with the previous Race, no answer will automatically repeat. Again like the first race, pressing "n" will terminate the "Starting Sequence" and the race officer will also be prompted to press "f" to record finishing times. Quitting is carried out by the same means.

Calculate mode (1) PROMPT "Date Required"? Y,N. If date was required in the race mode it would also be required in the calculate mode (for the same reasons).

(2) PROMPT "Select Calculate Option 1 2". One calculate programme is supplied with the apparatus (Portsmouth Yardstick). A second option is available for "Custom" handicapping systems. The apparatus may also be programmed or programmable to handle the requirements of Off-shore racing which uses a different handicapping method, i.e., the International Off-shore rule MK3 A.

(3) PROMPT "enter Start Time" (let start time = x) (4) PROMPT "enter Handicap" (let h cap = y) (5) PROMPT "enter finish time" (let finish time = z) (6) Corrected Time ( (z-k) Y) x 100 (7) Display Corrected Time (8) PROMPT "Press button "3" to change start time" "4" to change handicap "5" to change finish time "c" to quit From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the apparatus provides race officers with simple and effective means for both timing and calculation the results of sailing boat races.

It will also be appreciated that whilst for purposes of illustration the apparatus has been discribed in connection with sailing boat racing it is equally useful in other sports such as competitive water skiing, power boat racing, motor racing and motor cycle racing.

Claims (19)

1. Race timing apparatus comprising a real time clock, means for storing one or more required race start times, means for actuating internal warning means at one or more predetermined times prior to said start time or times means for generating a signal which can be used to actuate external warning means at said start time or times and at one or more predetermined times prior to said start times or time, means for permanently recording race start and race finishing times, means for automatically actuating said recording means to record the or each race start time, and manually operable means for actuating said recording means to record the finish times of the different competitors in a race.

2. Race timing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a keyboard whereby one or more required race start times can be entered into said storing means.

3. Race timing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said keyboard includes a "finish" key or keys which can be manually actuated to cause said recording means to record the finishing times or lap finishing times of the different competitors in a race.

4. Race timing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising means whereby external warning means can be connected to the apparatus for actuation when a said signal is generated.

5. Race timing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said internal warning means comprises visual warning means.

6. Race timing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said internal warning means comprises audible warning means.

7. Race timing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said internal audible warning means is so chosen as to be readily distinguishable from said external warning means.

8. Race timing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for permanently recording race start and race finishing times is also adapted to permanently recording lap times.

9. Race timing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said permanent recording means comprises a printer.

10. Race timing apparatus according to claim 2, or any one of claims 3 to 9 when dependant upon claim 2, wherein an identifying code for each competitor can be keyed into the apparatus for recordal by the printer with the finishing time or lap finishing time of that particular competitor.

11. Race timing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said storing means is capable of storing an identifying code for each competitor in a race together with the finishing times or lap finishing times of the individual competitors whereby to enable the permanent record thereof to be produced at a convenient time.

12. Race timing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a processor, a keyboard for inputting information into the processor, a real time clock connected to the processor, a printer controlled by the processor, visual internal warning means and audible internal warning means both actuable by signals received from the processor, and storing means comprising an externally programmable read only memory and a random access memory.

13. Race timing apparatus according to claim 12, comprising a visual display for desplaying information from the processor or information to be input to the processor.

14. Race timing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including calculator means whereby the results of a race can be calculated.

15. Race timing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is programmable with handicap information and is adapted to calculate a "corrected time" for each competitor finishing a race or finishing a lap from the start time, handicap information and finish time or lap finish time for that particular competitor.

16. Race timing apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said calculator means is adapted to calculate results based on the number of laps completed or distance travelled by each competitor in a predetermined period of time.

17. Race timing apparatus according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the apparatus is pre-programmed with handicap information and/or is user programmable with handicap information.

18. Race timing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is pre-programmed with at last one start sequence and/or is user programmable with a required start sequence.

19. Race timing apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.