NO342191B1

NO342191B1 - Sports timer for equestrian sports

Info

Publication number: NO342191B1
Application number: NO20170791A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Olav Barros Storstrøm
Original assignee: Sabia As
Priority date: 2017-05-15
Filing date: 2017-05-15
Publication date: 2018-04-16
Also published as: NO20170791A1; EP3625775A1; WO2018212662A1; WO2018212662A9; EP3625775B1

Abstract

A sports timer 100 for equestrian sports comprises a first detector 105, a second detector 110, a processor125, and a display device 120. The first detector 105 is configured to generate a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line. The second detector 110 is configured to generate a second signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a finish line. The processor 125 is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal. The processor 125 calculates a time interval between the reception of the first signal and the second signal. Further the display device 120 configured to display information regarding the time interval.A sports timer 100 for equestrian sports comprises a first detector 105, a second detector 110, a processor125, and a display device 120. The first detector 105 is configured to generate a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line. The second detector 110 is configured to generate a second signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a finish line. The processor 125 is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal. The processor 125 calculates a time interval between the reception of the first signal and the second signal. Further the display device 120 configured to display information regarding the time interval.

Description

SPORTS TIMER FOR EQUESTRIAN SPORTS

BACKGROUND

Electronic timing solutions for sports have had some great innovation over the past decades, and have evolved from simple digital logic counters to have digital signal processors, cameras, light detectors, and accelerometers. The sports equipments are characterized by ease to use, ruggedness as well as precision of readings. However, in the traditional optical timing gates for electronic timing systems, some of the inventions has been implemented over last decade. The conventional systems cater well for sports in which the start and finish lines are fixed, such as running or swimming. However, in some of the sports activities in which the start and finish lines could vary, every time a new competition is set, notably the equestrian sports such as show jumping and events. In traditional optical gates, it is universally employ a very narrow infrared beam coupled with a small receiver (either directly or via a reflector), both placed on each own tripod (or similar). The combination of optical gate and tripod make the optical beam difficult to align (set up) and also very sensitive to movement of the ground, such as that cause by a horse passing close to the tripod. A common complaint from users is that the small shift on the soft ground from a passing horse may cause the optics to shift enough to cause a falsely registered pass. The equestrian sport segment could require a customized timing solution that caters and fulfils its needs to give them a self-aligning optical gate that is robust against ground movement.

A prior art, FR2655455 of Millier Roger et al. discloses a portable electronic device for timing the cross-country course of equestrian competition. The device allows the timing to one hundredth of a second of competitors leaving separately at defined regular intervals. It also allows the timing of showjumping competitions especially events in two phases, the second combined, as well as of any course events with several competitors leaving at intervals. It is controlled by manual keys or electric or radio signals produced by two photoelectric barriers, one at the start and the other at the finish. In another prior art, US4451896 of Pomerleau Andre et al. discloses an electronic chronometer comprising a starting time memory, a finish time memory, and a register which permits the temporary storing of the times of a predetermined number of events happening nearly simultaneously. The time is furnished by means of an oscillator and decade counters of which the multiplexed output is applied to the register where the information is entered. This information is shortly thereafter transferred to the starting time memory or to the finish time memory. A subtractor unit subtracts the recorded starting time of a selected participant from the real time when it is desired to display the lapsing time of the participant. Finally, the final track time is displayed.

Further, in another prior art, WO2016160091A of Kolen Paul et al. discloses a camera-biometric motion timer, where an athlete measures sprint time by locating a smartphone having a camera and clock start button, which is first activated at the finish line. The sprint end time is recorded by a photo stamp time app. This sprint end time activates a video trigger causing the smartphone to send a RF stop event signal to a wrist mounted motion sensor worn by the athlete. A sensor timer is started via the start event by track or self-starting. In track starting, the athlete pushes a start button on the sensor to initiate a variable 2-5 second delayed sound READY-SET-GO series of beeps to start the sprint. In self-starting, the sensor detects threshold motion parameters of the sprinter's start which activates the sensor's free running clock and saves the start time. The time base on the sensor is used to calculate run time.

For embodiment, international riding association demand use of infrared optical gates for start and finish lines in equestrian sporting events. However, traditional optical gates use a narrow beam to record start time and finish timing which makes them difficult to set up, and make them very sensitive to shifts in position due to a horse or ground crew member passing close to the tripod. Moreover, they are not redundant, relying solely on a single optical beam per gate. Hence, the traditional optical gates are non-ideal for use in equestrian sporting events.

Hence, there is a long-felt need for a sport timer, specifically for equestrian sporting events.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a sports timer for equestrian sports comprises a first detector (i.e. gate) configured to generate a first signal (sent as a wireless message to the portable device) based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line, a second detector configured to generate a second signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a finish line, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal, and calculate a time interval between the reception of the first signal and the second signal. The sports timer includes a timing unit referred to as master timing unit, which is provided in a first detector and second detector or optical gates. The first detector and a second detector includes optical receivers and transmitters, providing redundant, bi-directional beams for improved robustness against falling leaves, etc.

In alternative embodiment, the sports timer could be implemented for competitions that have multiple phases or multiple start and finish lines. In yet another alternative embodiment, the present invention could be implemented with three detectors or optical gates,(i.e. the start and finish gate could be the same device in some circumstances.) Further, the sports timer comprises a display device configured to display information regarding the time interval. The portable device or tablet is configured to automatically record the competitor’s elapsed time and display the recordings in realtime. Furthermore, the user can start and stop the time manually. The user can also disable and re-enable the first and second detectors or optical gates as required by the user. The user can also record the competitor faults during the competitions, and could be noted if there are any faults such as disobediences or exceeded time which in turn prevent the competitor to proceed to a jump-off round.

In one embodiment, the sports timer is further configured to receive a first signal and the second signal by a master timer unit and calibrate the at least one of the first signal, the second signal and the time interval of the first detector and the second detector based on a master time interval received by the master timer unit, wherein the first signal and the second signal is time stamped. The first detector and the second detector is configured to perform as at least one of active detector and passive detector. In another embodiment, at least two of the optical detectors are color coded with similar color for appropriate synchronization between the optical detectors. The first detector and the second detector are configured to detect the equestrian competitor by radiating a circular array optical beam around the first detector and the second detector. The at least two of optical detectors is spaced apart for radiating a wide optical beam between the optical detectors.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first detector and the second detector are optical detectors. Further, the display device is at least one of a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a LED based display, a LCD based display, a printer, a speaker, and a laptop. Moreover, the processor is at least one of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array, and a programmable logic control. Furthermore, the first detector and the second detector transmits the first signal and the second signal to the processor via a network, the network being at least one of a Bluetooth network, an RF network, a WIFI network, and a mobile network.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of implementing a sports timer for equestrian sports comprises generating by a first detector, a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line. Further, the method comprises generating by a second detector, a second signal based on the equestrian competitor crossing a finish line. Further, the method comprises receiving by a processor, the first signal and the second signal. Further, the method comprises calculating by the processor, a time interval between the reception of the first signal and the second signal. The method further includes receiving a first signal and the second signal by a master timer unit, and calibrating the at least one of the first signal, the second signal and the time interval of the first detector and the second detector based on a master time interval received by the master timer unit. The method includes assigning timestamps for the first signal and the second signal.

All the devices are synchronized to the same time-of-day using at least one of a real-time radio transceiver, synchronization using optical beams and GPS receivers. The processor calculates the elapsed time interval from start to finish based on time stamped radio messages. Further, the method comprises displaying by a display device, information regarding the time interval.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a sports timer, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method of implementing a sports timer, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a front perspective view of a display device, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of a display device, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a front elevation view of an optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6A exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of an optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6B exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative type of optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of an optical transceiver attached to the tripod, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a sports timer 100 for equestrian sporting events. The sports timer 100 comprises a first detector 105 configured to generate a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line, a second detector 110 configured to generate a second signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a finish line, and a processor 125. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first detector 105 and the second detector 110 are optical detectors. Moreover, the processor 125 is at least one of a microprocessor 125, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array, and a programmable logic control. Furthermore, the first detector 105 and the second detector 110 transmit the first signal and the second signal to the processor 125 via a network 115. The network 115 is at least one of a Bluetooth network, an RF network, a WIFI network, and a mobile network. The processor 125 is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal, and calculate a time interval between the reception of the first signal and the second signal. Further, the sports timer 100 comprises a display device 120 configured to display information regarding the time interval. Further, the display device 120 is at least one of a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a LED based display, a LCD based display, a printer, a speaker, and a laptop.

In one embodiment, the first detector 105 and the second detector 110 employ a pair of optical transceivers. FIG.5 exemplarily illustrates a front elevation view of an optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention. FIG.6A exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of an optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention. In one embodiment, the optical transceivers act as optical gates. FIG.6B exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative type of optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention. FIG.7 exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of an optical transceiver attached to the tripod, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

The optical transceivers are self-adjusting and could initially transmit and receive in all directions by sweeping the direction of the transmitted beam, and likewise the optical receiver in use. When the optical transceivers spot a counterpart optical transceiver, the optical transceivers lock on to the direction of its counterpart and tune the transmitted optical power so that signal quality and battery life are optimized. In one embodiment, the optical transceivers are placed near the start line as well as at the finish line. In one embodiment, the optical transceivers are charging. While the optical transceivers are charging, the optical transceivers are in sleep mode. Once activated by a radio message, the display device 120, the optical transceivers and the processor 125 are moved into a setup mode.

In the setup mode, the optical transceivers are synchronized with each other and optics and sensitivity of the optical transceivers are adjusted for optimum battery life. Once the setup mode is completed, the optical transceivers will be used for competition and will enter a timing mode. In one embodiment, the optical transceivers are in at least one of an active timing mode and a passive timing mode. In another embodiment, the optical transceivers have a plurality of infrared receivers and transmitters placed alternatively around a circular printed board. The optical transceivers are sensitive to ambient light and must be shielded from strong ambient light by limiting receiver’s viewable horizon laterally and vertically. In one embodiment, two transmitters are used together by placing a synchronized optical infrared transmitters side-by-side, and the optical transceivers use an optical wide beam. The optical transceivers transmit and receive light in a time division multiplexed mode according to a time shot schedule, allowing up to 6 optical transceivers to be synchronized without cross interference between the transceivers. Finally, optical transmission output is adjusted to optimize battery consumption against ambient light conditions. Further, a communication radio messages are time stamped, to differentiate between the lost and repeated messages and to ensure no interfere with the calculated result or accuracy.

In another embodiment, the display device 120 is a ruggedized, waterproof tablet comprising a touchscreen, a SIM card for mobile network 115 and WIFI. FIG.3 exemplarily illustrates a front perspective view of a display device, incorporating the aspects of the present invention. FIG.4 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of a display device, incorporating the aspects of the present invention. In another embodiment, the display device 120 comprises a master timekeeping electronics and proprietary radio transceiver that communicates with the first detector 105 and the second detector 110. In another embodiment, the optical transceivers are color coded in pairs. Each pair forms an optical gate. Each optical device has an Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) radio transceiver running a proprietary radio protocol. In one embodiment, the processor uses its ISM radio transceiver to transmit a clock tick message to the detectors 105 and 110 every 250 milliseconds or other preferred fixed interval. All the optical detectors in the system experiences the same radio latency. Each optical device adjusts its internal time and internal oscillator clock frequency so that its internal time and tick rate matches the incoming clock tick messages from the processor. This ensures absolute clock synchronization better than 100 microsecond across all devices. If there is an absolute difference in time the device may update its internal time in software, and/or if the tick interval is shorter or longer than expected each optical device may adjust its own clock oscillator frequency accordingly.

Further, the sports timer 100 comprises a wireless display for spectators and competitors of equestrian sports. Further, the sports timer 100 comprises Wi-Fi modules, GSM modules, and CDMA modules. Furthermore, the sport timer comprises a thermal printer to print at least one of labels and paper strips. Furthermore, the sports timer 100 comprises a synchronization link to connect two independent systems to be synchronized to form a redundant timing system.

In another embodiment, the display device 120 comprises a magnetic connector to secure to a tripod setup. Furthermore, the display device 120 comprises a sloped top to ward off raindrops. In one embodiment, the display device 120 comprises a backward sloped window to ward off raindrops and dirt.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method of implementing a sports timer for equestrian sporting events. The method 200 begins at step 205.

At step 210, a first detector comprised in the sports timer generates a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line.

At step 215 a second detector 110 generates a second signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a finish line, and a processor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first detector and the second detector are optical detectors.

Moreover, the processor is at least one of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array, and a programmable logic control. Furthermore, the first detector and the second detector transmits the first signal and the second signal to the processor via at least one of a Bluetooth network, an RF network, a WIFI network, and a mobile network.

At step 220, a processor receives the first signal and the second signal, and calculates a time interval between the reception of the first signal and the second signal.

At step 225, display device displays information regarding the time interval. Further, the display device is at least one of a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a LED based display, a LCD based display, a printer, a speaker, and a laptop. In one embodiment, the first detector and the second detector employ a pair of optical transceivers. In one embodiment, the optical transceivers act as optical gates. The optical transceivers are self-adjusting and may initially transmit and receive in all directions by sweeping the direction of the transmitted beam, and likewise the optical receiver in use. When the optical transceivers spot a counterpart optical transceiver, the optical transceivers lock on to the direction of its counterpart and tune the transmitted optical power so that signal quality and battery life are optimized.

In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a first signal and the second signal by a master timer unit and calibrate the at least one of the first signal, the second signal and the time interval of the first detector and the second detector based on a master time interval received by the master timer unit, wherein the first signal and the second signal is time stamped. In another embodiment, the first detector and the second detector is configured to perform as at least one of active detector and passive detector.

In one embodiment, at least two of the optical detectors is color coded with similar color for appropriate synchronization between the optical detectors. In another embodiment, the first detector and the second detector is configured to detect the equestrian competitor by radiating a circular array optical beam around the first detector and the second detector. In yet another embodiment, the first detector and the second detector comprises a time division multiplexing for synchronization between the at least two optical detectors, wherein the active detector comprises a larger time slot and the passive detector comprises a relatively smaller time slot. The at least two of optical detectors is spaced apart for radiating a wide optical beam between the optical detectors.

In one embodiment, the optical transceivers are placed near the start line as well as at the finish line. In one embodiment, the optical transceivers are charging. While the optical transceivers are charging, the optical transceivers are in sleep mode. Once activated by a radio message, the display device, the optical transceivers and the processor are moved into a setup mode. In the setup mode, the optical transceivers are synchronized with each other and optics and sensitivity of the optical transceivers are adjusted for optimum battery life. Once the setup mode is completed, the optical transceivers will be used for competition and will enter a timing mode. In one embodiment, the optical transceivers are in at least one of an active timing mode and a passive timing mode. In another embodiment, the optical transceivers have a plurality of infrared receivers and transmitters placed alternatively around a circular printed board.

The optical transceivers are sensitive to ambient light and must be shielded from strong ambient light by limiting receiver’s viewable horizon laterally and vertically. In one embodiment, two transmitters are used together, and the optical transceivers use an optical wide beam. During functioning, the optical transceivers transmit and receive light in a time division multiplexed mode according to a time shot schedule, allowing up to 6 optical transceivers to function without cross interference. Finally, optical transmission output is adjusted to optimize battery consumption against ambient light conditions.

The method 200 ends at step 230.

In another embodiment, the display device is a ruggedized, waterproof tablet comprising a touchscreen, a SIM card for mobile network and WIFI. In another embodiment, the display device comprises a master timekeeping electronics and proprietary radio transceiver that communicates with the first detector and the second detector. In another embodiment, the optical transceivers are color coded in pairs. Each pair forms an optical gate. Each optical device has an Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) radio transceiver running a proprietary radio protocol. In one embodiment, the processor uses its ISM radio transceiver to transmit a clock tick message to the detectors every 250 milliseconds or other preferred fixed interval. All the optical detectors in the system experiences the same radio latency. Each optical device adjusts its internal time and internal oscillator clock frequency so that its internal time and tick rate matches the incoming clock tick messages from the processor. This ensures absolute clock synchronization better than 100 microsecond across all devices. If there is an absolute difference in time the device may update its internal time in software, and/or if the tick interval is shorter or longer than expected each optical device may adjust its own clock oscillator frequency accordingly.

Further, the sports timer comprises a wireless display for spectators and competitors of equestrian sports. Further, the sports timer comprises Wi-Fi modules, GSM modules, and CDMA modules. Furthermore, the sport timer comprises a thermal printer to print at least one of labels and paper strips. Furthermore, the sports timer comprises a synchronization link to connect two independent systems to be synchronized to form a redundant timing system.

In another embodiment, the display device comprises a magnetic connector to secure to a tripod setup. Furthermore, the display device comprises a sloped top to ward off raindrops. In one embodiment, the display device comprises a backward sloped window to ward off raindrops and dirt.

In another embodiment, the sports timer comprises a ruggedized portable electronic device. The ruggedized portable electronic device comprises a wireless communication interface and a SIM slot, a master timekeeping unit configured to track the time; wherein the master timekeeping unit transmits a time tick signal every 250 milliseconds or preferred regular interval via the wireless interface, a mobile application configured to provide user interface for customizing the configuration of the system and a storage case and charging dock for all electronic devices.

Further, the sports timer comprises a plurality of color coded optical devices comprising a color coding such as sticker, paint or plastic to facilitate appropriate pairing of the optical devices, a plurality of infrared transmitters and receivers attached alternatively around a circular printed circuit board or similar. The circular array allows the infrared to detect and transmit in all directions horizontally. Further, the transmitted optical beam is formed by two neighboring infrared diodes and effectively make a beam as wide as their lateral spacing. Furthermore, the sport timer provides with a choice of one- or bidirectional optical beams between the paired devices, where the system selfdiagnoses the received optical beam quality at both devices to determine which beam direction or both directions gives a more reliable signal; the optical beam output is adjustable and controlled by each device’s micro controller to optimize signal quality, detection rate and power consumption. Further, the optical device comprises an ISM (Industrial scientific and medical) radio transceiver configured to transmit the tracked data, a magnetic connector inside the optical device that secures it to a tripod during use, and to a magnetic charging connector during storage. The magnetic connector is wired so that the device electronics can detect if the device is inside the charging case or placed on the tripod. Furthermore, the optical device comprises an opaque black wall that acts like blinkers to the optical receivers, limiting their view to the outside both laterally and vertically so that the ambient light is minimized. The optical devices are configured to communicate using a time division multiplexing for occupying the same optical space without interference. Moreover, the optical device comprises a plurality of gate modes for the optical devices includes the optical devices pair up to form gates and both devices of one gate is placed into the same mode as each other via wireless commands from the tablet. When the devices are charging (or not in use) they are placed in a sleep mode where the optical parts are turned off to save power. Once activated by a radio message from the tablet the devices enter a setup mode. In this mode, the gates are synchronized to the master and the time division multiplexed optical beams are transmitted in varying directions and intensity so that their receiving counterpart can determine which direction and beam intensity gives optimum signal quality. Once setup is completed the gates that will be used for sport event will enter a timing mode, and the rest go back to sleep. When the user is about to start the start gate is placed in active timing mode, and the other gate(s) are in passive timing mode. Then when the user passes the start line/gate this gate is made passive, and the next gate of interest (i.e. the finish line/gate) is placed into active timing mode, and so on. In one embodiment the active gate may be given a larger time slot (or more frequent time slots) than the passive gate(s).

The sports timer further comprises a wireless large display for a spectators and competitors to see results. Moreover, the sports timer comprises a thermal printer configured to print labels or paper strips with results. A manual start/stop button connected either by wire/wireless manner to the PC /tablet respectively which is running a competition software.

Advantageously, the sport timer is accurate in recording time. Further, the sports timer is light weight and portable. The sports timer can be accessed wirelessly from a distance of up to 200 meters. Moreover, the sports timer has less error in calculating results. Furthermore, the sports timer is economic.

The foregoing embodiments have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present concept disclosed herein. While the concept has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the concept has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the concept is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the concept extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the concept in its aspects.

Claims

1. A sports timer (100) for equestrian sports, the sports timer (100) characterized by:

a first detector (105) configured to generate a first signal based on an equestrian competitor

crossing a start line;

a second detector (110) configured to generate a second signal based on an equestrian

competitor crossing a finish line;

a processor (125) configured to:

receive the first signal and the second signal, and

calculate a time interval between the reception of the first signal and the second

signal; and

a display device (120) configured to display information regarding the time interval, wherein the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) is configured to detect the equestrian competitor by radiating a circular array optical beam around the first detector (105) and the second detector (110), and the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) comprises a time division multiplexing for synchronization between the at least two optical detectors.

2. The sports timer (100) of claim 1, the sports timer (100) is further configured to:

receive a first signal and the second signal by a master timer unit, and

calibrate at least one of the first signal, the second signal based on a master time interval received by the master timer unit, and

assigning the first signal and the second signal with timestamps.

3. The sports timer (100) of claim 1, wherein the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) is configured to perform as at least one of active detector and passive detector.

4. The sports timer (100) of claim 1, wherein the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) are optical detectors.

5. The sports timer (100) of claim 4, wherein at least two of the optical detectors is color coded with similar color for appropriate synchronization between the optical detectors.

6. The sports timer (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least two of optical detectors is spaced apart for radiating a wide optical beam between the optical detectors.

7. The sports timer (100) of claim 1, wherein the display device (120) is at least one of a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a personal computer, an LED based display, an LCD based display, a printer, a speaker, and a laptop.

8. The sports timer (100) of claim 1, wherein the processor (125) is at least one of a microprocessor (125), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array, and a programmable logic control.

9. The sports timer (100) of claim 1, wherein the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) transmits the first signal and the second signal to the processor (125) via at least one of a Bluetooth network, an RF network, a WIFI network, and a mobile network.

10. A method (200) of implementing a sports timer (100) for equestrian sports, the method comprising:

generating by a first detector (105), a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line;

generating by a second detector (110), a second signal based on the equestrian competitor crossing a finish line;

receiving by a processor (125), the first signal and the second signal;

calculating by the processor (125), a time interval between the reception of the first signal and the second signal; and

displaying by a display device (120), information regarding the time interval, wherein the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) is configured to detect the equestrian competitor by radiating a circular array optical beam around the first detector (105) and the second detector (110), and the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) comprises a time division multiplexing for synchronization between the at least two optical detectors.

11. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

receiving a first signal and the second signal by a master timer unit,

calibrating the at least one of the first signal, the second signal and the time interval of the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) based on a master time interval received by the master timer unit, and

assigning timestamps for the first signal and the second signal.

12. The method of claim 12, wherein the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) is configured to perform as at least one of active detector and passive detector.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) are optical detectors.

14. The method of claim 15, wherein at least two of the optical detectors is color coded with similar color for appropriate synchronization between the optical detectors.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least two of optical detectors is spaced apart for radiating a wide optical beam between the optical detectors.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the display device (120) is at least one of a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a personal computer, an LED based display, an LCD based display, a printer, a speaker, and a laptop.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the processor (125) is at least one of a microprocessor (125), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array, and a programmable logic control.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the first detector (105) and the second detector (110) transmits the first signal and the second signal to the processor (125) via at least one of a Bluetooth network, an RF network, a WIFI network, and a mobile network.