Clocking device for swimming race

Abstract

 A clocking device for a swimming race enabling to research, correct, and delete race data of every race individually, preventing false inputs of signals from a touching board by malfunction and false operation, and indicating race data for the audience in the stadium at the same time as performance of the race. The clocking device for a swimming race comprises a CPU, a RAM connected to the CPU, a decoder connected to the CPU, a data input device connected to the decoder, a touching board connected to the decoder, a starting table connected to said decoder, and in the RAM is provided a domain memorising a first race data and a second race data consisting of plurality of data. In the RAM is provided a means for memorising two kinds of hold times and for disabling the touching board during the predetermined time. A conversion means is provided for converting an output signal of the CPU to serial data and an indicating means for indicating output of the conversion means for the audience in the stadium at the same time as performance of the race. Moreover, a timer connected to the decoder is provided as well as reset means for the timer so as to reset the timer by a reset signal from the reset means and by the input of a start signal. A means is provided for continuing lighting of an indicating device corresponding to each course receiving data from the touching board.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to clocking from start to finish for swimmers of a swimming race and a judgment of the finishing order.

[0002] The prior clocking device used for judging a swimming race has comprised a clocking device for clocking time, lane boxes transmitting signals for each course to the clocking device, touching boards transmitting signals for finish and turns to the lane boxes, starting tables confirming the relay of a relay race, a score board indicating clocking data, and a starting system transmitting a start signal. In the clocking of the actual race, after resetting the clocking device, input of the start signal from the starting system, and starting a timer; the clocking time starts.

[0003] For the next race, after resetting the clocking device and stopping the timer, the clocking device makes preparation for the next start. At this time, the distance of the race is set for judgment of the finish. The set distance can be changed until the first touching signal is input after the start.

[0004] Data Storage for each race is limited to the finishing times. However, data enabling printing after the finish is finish data and relay data. Moreover, the time for disabling a touching board from operation for preventing false operation of a touching board (it is called hold time) has been a fixed value.

[0005] In the prior clocking device, the name of a race can not be registered. There are problems concerning partial deletion of the registered data, failure to register relay data of a relay race, and failure to repeat print lap data.

[0006] Because setting of the hold time is fixed, the touching signal is incorrectly input because the hold time is up before the necessary time depending on swimming style, in the prior clocking device.

[0007] As the conventional clocking device does not indicate the remaining time of the hold time and an operator can not know the time, the operator needs to make the hold OFF manually when a swimmer swims faster than the set hold time. That sometimes causes false operation.

[0008] The conventional clocking device does not have a function outputting ON/OFF data of a touching board, counting of the ON/OFF data of relay sensors in a relay race, and necessary data to compute time. Therefore, it is impossible to use original data later.

[0009] An indicator and a clocking device in a stadium are not connected electrically. Therefore, it is hard to know the race being performed now as the event of a set race can not be externally output.

[0010] The conventional clocking device has the problem that the time of a swimmer arriving at the finish after a reset can not be clocked when the clocking device is reset by mistake before all swimmers arrive at the finish in the race because an inner timer is reset by the reset operation. Conversely, when reset is forgotten after a race, the start of the next race is not recognised. Therefore, the next race can not be clocked at all.

[0011] In the conventional clocking device, when the clocking device is hung up, a power source needs to be cut. Because of that, clocking of the race can not be performed in the worst case.

[0012] When setting of race data such as distance of the swimming event, which must be set before the race, is mistaken; recognition is mistaken.

[0013] When the number of laps is incorrectly counted because the light touch of a swimmer does not make the touching board operate, a dummy signal is input to correct the number of laps. Because of that, unnecessary time is indicated on a score board.

[0014] In the conventional clocking device, in order to confirm operation of the touching board, one person touches the touching board and another person confirms the printed time. Therefore, the confirmation can not be done with one person.

[0015] In order to confirm continuity and insulation of the touching board, the touching board is disconnected so as to measure a resistance value by an insulation-resistance tester, one by one.

[0016] As echo system is used in the conventional clocking device, each course is distinguished by a delay time from the echo signal from a lane box. However, depending on the speed of the echo signal, the course can not be distinguished from outside.

[0017] Recognition of correct connection of the lane box is obtained by touching the touching board at the end of the lane.

[0018] To solve the above problems, in one aspect a clocking device for a swimming race of the present invention comprises a CPU, a RAM connected to the CPU, a decoder connected to the CPU, a data input device connected to the decoder, a touching board connected to the decoder, and a starting table connected to the decoder, wherein the RAM has a domain memorising a first race data and a second race data consisting of a plurality of data.

[0019] Preferably, the RAM has a means for memorising a first hold time and a second hold time different from said first hold time and for disabling said touching board during a predetermined time.

[0020] In another aspect, the clocking device for a swimming race of the present invention comprises a CPU, a RAM connected to the CPU, a decoder connected to the CPU, a data input device connected to the decoder, a touching board connected to the decoder, a starting table connected to said decoder, a conversion means for converting an output signal of the CPU to serial data, and an indicating device for indicating output of the conversion means for the audience of a stadium at the same time as performance of the race.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a CPU, a RAM connected to the CPU. a decoder connected to the CPU, a data input device connected to the decoder, a touching board connected to the decoder, a starting table connected to the decoder, a timer connected to the decoder, and a reset means for resetting the timer, wherein the timer is reset by input of a reset signal from the reset means and by starting signals.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a CPU, a RAM connected to the CPU, a decoder connected to the CPU, a data input device connected to the decoder, a touching board connected to the decoder, a starting table connected to the decoder, and a means for changing a first reference time set at the start of a first race to a reference time of a second race when the input time of a starting signal of the second race is set after the start signal of the second race is input after the finish of the first race.

[0023] In another aspect, the clocking device for a swimming race of the present invention comprises a CPU, a RAM connected to the CPU, a decoder connected to the CPU, a data input device connected to the decoder, a touching board connected to the decoder, a starting table connected to the decoder, and a means for continuing lighting of an indicating device corresponding to each course receiving data from the touching board.

[0024] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a CPU, a RAM connected to the CPU, a decoder connected to the CPU, a data input device connected to the decoder, a touching board connected to the decoder, a starting table connected to the decoder, a lane box connected to the touching board and the starting table, and a means for comparing the resistance of the touching board with a determined value and judging by transmitting a signal from the data input device to the touching board.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of further example only with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a view of components of a clocking device for a swimming race according to the present invention.

[0027] The clocking device of the present invention preferably has a memory means memorising a race event, starting time, a race number, touching board data, and starting table data. Moreover, a means for taking out all the above data for every race and a means for correcting the data are provided. Further more, the clocking device has a means for masking input of data input to the touching board and the starting table at any time from the start to just before the turn, a means for inputting time from the start to just before the turn and hold time, and a means for memorising a plurality of inputted times. Here, contents of the memory can be set separately about every swimming style and a means for taking out in order of swimming style in a medley race is provided.

[0028] In the clocking device of the present invention, preferably a means is provided for indicating the hold time at an indicating means of the clocking device just before the touch. In the device with the above-mentioned configuration, the hold time can be confirmed just before the touch. Moreover, a means for outputting data input to the CPU is provided. For example, a means is provided for serial-converting output of the CPU so as to output all data as serial data from the clocking device. Reaction time from ON of the starting switch to the start of every swimmer can be indicated at an indicating device so as to indicate the speed of reaction of the swimmer to audience.

[0029] Input data such as a swimming style, distance, sex of swimmer, and so on are indicated at the clocking device in the stadium so as to indicate the race being performed now at an indicator board connected with the clocking device. Moreover, a means for resetting a timer of the clocking device and a means for cancelling the reset are provided.

[0030] In the device configured as above-mentioned, the time of a remaining swimmer can be correctly registered cancelling a reset even in the case which the device is reset in spite of a swimmer remaining by judgment of the finish of the race.

[0031] A renewal means of the starting time for correcting the starting time of the next race to the newest time at start of the next race when reset of the clocking device is forgotten at the finish of the former race is provided.

[0032] In the device configured as above-mentioned, the time of the next race is correctly registered even when the reset is forgotten.

[0033] Moreover, a means for memorising ON/OFF operation of an input switch of the clocking device from the start of all races to the finish and a means for reading out data of the switch operation memorised in a memory means are provided.

[0034] In the device configured as above-mentioned, all operations of the clocking device can be memorised and the record of the operation can be reviewed.

[0035] Furthermore, a means for resetting only the CPU is formed so as to reset only the CPU by a switching operation. In the device configured as above-mentioned, a record of operating the device can be memorised to try again stopping the device.

[0036] In the clocking device of the present invention, it can be confirmed by one person before the start of the race that the time when a swimmer touches a touching board at the finish or turn is correctly clocked using the fact that resistance of the switch ON during touching of the touching board is lower than the resistance when OFF.

[0037] A holding means for holding an indication of the clocking device indicating that the touching board becomes ON in an instant when the touching board is touched in a test is provided. By forming the holding means, operation of sixteen touching boards set at the start side and turn side of each course, in the ordinary eight courses, of a pool for a swimming race can be confirmed by one person.

[0038] When the touching board gets damaged and has a hole, the state of the switch ON because of poor insulation continues and input of an actual signal, namely touching operation of the swimmer, can not be clocked.

[0039] In order to measure insulation resistance of the touching board before the race, a means for comparing the insulation resistance of the touching board by setting a judgment level of quality of the insulation condition, namely the reference value of a comparator measuring resistance of the touching board, typically 1 M Ω, is provided.

[0040] A means for switching the transmitting ways of a synchronised signal transmitting to a lane box at ordinal operation, namely at the race, and at a test before the start of the race is provided. In the test, the pull-up resistance of a synchronised signal transmitting-receiving circuit is made high so as to judge the insulation condition. By using two kinds of pull-up resistance for the race and for test in which the resistance is higher than for the race, a judging means for judging the circuit in which the touching board is judged OFF because of poor insulation at low pull-up resistance for the race is ON.

[0041] Using the judging means, each touching board normally operates, and a time sharing synchronised signal is transmitted and received so that the signal of adjacent lanes does not superimpose. When any response signal does not appear from each lane box, it is judged that the lane is damaged.

[0042] Referring the figure, an embodiment will be described. In Fig. 1, a printer 10 outputting race data is connected to a CPU processing data such as the event of a swimming race, distance, and the time from the start to the turn or from the start to the finish of a swimmer. Connected to the CPU are a read only memory ROM 20 memorising a part of the processing program and a random access memory RAM 40 memorising data of one race and memorising data of all races at another domain. A programmable decoder PLD 60 enabling programming is connected to the CPU.

[0043] A real time clock RTC 50 outputting data such as date, hour, second, and so on is connected between the PLD 60 and the CPU 30 so as to input data of the time and date.

[0044] A timer measuring the time of the race instead of a stopwatch is connected to the PLD 60. The RAM is connected to the PLD 60 so as to transfer directly data not through the CPU 30.

[0045] An LCD 90 and an LED 100 are connected to the PLD 60 as an output device for data.

[0046] As a data input device, at start side (hereinafter called S-side), a touching board 230 having a switch receiving time when a swimmer touches and one address, a starting table 240 having a switch receiving time when a swimmer touches and another address, and an S-side lane box 210 receiving an input signal of the touching board 230 and the starting table 240 are connected to an S-side input device 200. To the S-side input device 200, another S-side lane box 211 connected to a touching board 231 adjacent to the touching board 230 and a starting table 241 is connected. These S-side lane boxes are formed in every lane. A starting box 220 connecting to a starting system 250 informing the race starting time by a pistol or the like is connected to the S-side lane box.

[0047] The S-side lane input device 200 is connected to the PLD 60, and not only receives race time such as start, finish, and so on but also transmits synchronised signal from the PLD 60 so as to confirm addresses of the touching boards 230 and 231 and the starting tables 240 and 241 connected to each of the S-side lane boxes 210 and 211 and to judge data of what course.

[0048] At the opposite side to the start side of the pool where swimmers normally turn (hereinafter called T-side), a T-side lane input device 300, T-side lane boxes 310 and 311, touching boards 320 and 321, starting tables 330 and 331, a starting system 350, and a starting box 340 are connected.

[0049] A data input device 70 comprising switches and a keyboard for receiving setting conditions of each race, a reset signal for the clocking device, and a reset signal of the timer from a panel of the clocking device is connected to the PLD 60. Serial ports S1, S2, and S3 inputting and outputting clocking data to the external are connected to the CPU so as to indicate a record of each race on an external computer for totalling of race data and a score board of the stadium.

[0050] Next, operation of the clocking device of the present invention will be described according to the flow of a race. When the race starts with the sign from a pistol by a starter, a starting signal is generated by the starting system 250 connected to the pistol. The starting signal is input to the PLD 60 through the starting box 230, the S-side lane boxes 211,210, and the S-side lane input device 200.

[0051] When the starting signal is input to the PLD 60, the race event previously set at the data input device 70, for example 400-meter medley relay, a race number, for example the first group of preliminary, program No. 1, and time data of RTC 50 are memorised at the predetermined memory area registered in the RAM 40.

[0052] In the memory area, intermediate time of every course, data such as relay data of a relay event, and finish data are memorised with progress of the race. These data can be referred to when synthetic order is determined after all preliminary groups are over by operating a ranking register from the data input device after the race is over. From the intermediate time data, formal intermediate time, for example 800-meter intermediate time of 1500-meter race is registered. The operation of the ranking register can be done automatically after the decision of the race.

[0053] In the RAM 40, a race memory area where ON/OFF data of the touching board and the starting table during the race with time data in units of 1/1000 second are memorised is formed for two races. Each race memory area has the most data. Enough memory capacity for corresponding to 1500-meter race at 25-meter pool is kept.

[0054] Further, in the RAM 40, a hold time memory area enabling to set hold time of the touching board of every style is set. Hold time value can be set to any of between 5 to 90 sec through the data input device 70. The hold time is set according to the average time of each style such as, for example 40 sec for free style, 48 sec for backstroke, 50 sec for butterfly, 52 sec for breastroke. In a 400-meter medley relay, as the order of style is backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and free style, the hold time is automatically changed between 48 sec, 53 sec, 50 sec, and 40 sec.

[0055] By operation of the data input device 70 during the race, the rest time of the hold time of any course can be indicated at the LCD 90. By the indication, operation to cancel the hold at only one course can prevent misreading of time data if a swimmer possibly reaches the touching board before the hold time is over.

[0056] Setting the hold time can change any time, and it is possible to change the time depending on men or women, or ages even in the same tournament. It can be changed even during the race.

[0057] In the clocking device of the present invention, time data clocked and recorded is output to an external system from the CPU 30 through serial output terminals S1, S2, and S3.

[0058] The serial output terminal S1 is connected to a large scoreboard, and the output data are running time, lap time, finish time, and starting signal and reset signal used for indication control of the scoreboard. Relay data of a relay event is output from the terminal depending on need.

[0059] The serial output terminal S2 is connected to a computer for result processing, and outputs lap time, finish time, start signal, reset time and so on. Relay data of a relay event is output depending on need.

[0060] From the serial output terminal S3, ON/OFF data of the starting table and the touching board, race setting data, hold time value, and other setting data are output at random.

[0061] Next, the reset function of the clocking device of the present invention will be described.

[0062] Reset operation is done through the data input device 70 after all swimmers finish a race to prepare for next race. It is possible that the timer still operates, and only printing function and external output function of touching data stop. Because of that, if the reset operation is done before all swimmers finish, lasting time can be counted by reset-cancelling after that. If a swimmer finishes during the function stops, corresponding board data is computed by processing from ON data of the touching board memorised in the race memory in the RAM 40. Therefore, even if a false reset is operated, all finish times can be obtained accurately.

[0063] Conversely, even if a starting signal of the next race is input without the reset operation after the last race is over, the last starting operation can return the operation to a normal condition. Starting data and touching board data before the last starting operation can be computed by the newest starting data memorised in the race memory, and starting table OFF data and ON data of the touching board as formal time data.

[0064] Memory capacity for two races is kept with the assumption of the worst circumstance that the next race proceeds without reset operation after the former race.

[0065] Generally a CPU sometimes enters a runaway state by a change in the power supply and external noise. As the clocking device of the present invention counts and records time data by direct access between the PLD 60 and the RAM 40, it is possible to return to normal operation while keeping time data by restart operation initialising only the CPU 30 alone even if the CPU 30 runs away. That is, when the CPU 30 starts by restart operation, the race reappears reading time data memorised in the RAM 40 differing from initialising setting operation at making the power supply on.

[0066] Next, the testing function included in the clocking device of the present invention will be described.

[0067] The clocking device of the present invention has a testing function for each component such as the touching board and the starting table and various kinds of testing function for easily confirming whether connection between components is normal or not.

[0068] In operation confirming testing state of the touching board and the starting table the LED 100 lights usually only at ON of the touching board and the starting table keeps lighting even when the ON returns to OFF. Using the function, a person makes all of the touching board and the starting table operate around the pool. After that, operation of the touching board and the starting table can be confirmed by confirming the state of lighting of the LED 100 returning to the position of the clocking device. It means that operation of the touching board and the starting table having needed two persons in the past can now be confirmed by one person.

[0069] Whether the insulation resistance in the OFF state of the touching board and the starting table is larger than the reference value or not can be detected by connection to the clocking device. When the device is set to the insulation testing state, reference resistance of the ON/OFF detecting circuit in the lane box changes to a resistance value of 20 to 30 times the ordinary resistance. In this state, when the ON/OFF detecting circuit judges ON, it is concluded that exchange of the touching board or the starting table is needed as the insulation resistance is lower than the reference value. That is, the time and labour for individually measuring connection of the touching board conventionally incurred can be avoided.

[0070] In the clocking device of the present invention, an echo signal output with each predetermined time difference from the lane box of each course responding to the synchronisation signal output from the PLD 60 is detected by time sharing. It can be detected by the connection state whether the echo signal of the lane box of each course is in the predetermined time range or not. In setting the time range testing state the detecting time range of the clocking device side becomes narrow, about half of the ordinary state. In this state, by confirming the detecting state of the echo signal from the lane box of each course, it is possible to previously judge comparatively large lane box in time deflection. That is, even if the echo signal is detected in the ordinary state, correspondence such as changing or the like is taken concluding that the lane box which is not detected in testing state may become poor quality in future.

[0071] In the clocking device of the present invention, it can be judged at the clocking device side whether the lane box of each course connected in series is connected normally or not. In setting the connecting test state, the lane box of the last terminal connected in series outputs an ON signal responding to the synchronisation signal from the clocking device. By the signal, it can be concluded that connection is imperfect when the response signal is not obtained.

[0072] As the function of each component such as the touching board and the starting table and confirming whether the connection between components can be done at the main body of the clocking device, shortening of the time for preparing construction and improving reliability become possible.

[0073] The present invention is embodied as above-described, and has the following advantages.

(1) Listing up races registered is possible to print out, and relay data is possible to print out after a relay race.

(2) Processing and output of all ON and OFF data of touching boards and starting tables, and by the result, speed of turn and diving are possible to clock.

(3) As hold time can always be changed, it is no need for an operator to correct confused hold time, and the device can prevent omission of clocking time by false operation.

(4) As the hold time of each course can be monitored, the remaining time of the hold time is confirmed so as to operate with composure.

(5) Event data can be indicated at the score board in the stadium so as to indicate race data being performed now for the audience.

(6) By forming the means for not resetting the inner timer until the next starting signal is input, operation of the clocking device can be returned so as to clock correctly when the timer is reset by mistaking a regular start for a false start.

(7) Even if the next race starts during processing after the finish, it is possible to clock correctly.

(8) Even if the race is over by mistaking set of race data, race data can be set again, namely distance can be set again even after a swimmer finishes so as to clock correctly.

(9) Operation confirmation of the clocking device for which a number of persons has been needed previously can be done by one person.

(10) Fault of the lane box can be easily analysed and connecting condition of the lane box can be confirmed.

Claims

1. A clocking device for a swimming race comprising:

a CPU;

a RAM connected to said CPU;

a decoder connected to said CPU;

a data input device connected to said decoder;

a touching board connected to said decoder; and

a starting table connected to said decoder;

wherein said RAM has a domain memorising a first race data and a second race data consisting of a plurality of data.

2. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 1,
   wherein said plurality of data consists of a race event, a race number, and starting time.

3. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 1,
   wherein signal data received from said touching board and signal data received from said starting table are memorised in said RAM.

4. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 1,
   wherein said RAM has a means for memorising a first hold time and a second hold time different from said first hold time and disabling said touching board during a predetermined time.

5. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 4,
   wherein, said first hold time is set for a first swimming style and said second hold time is set for a second swimming style.

6. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 4,
   further comprising a means for reading out said first hold time and said second hold time in order.

7. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 4,
   further comprising a means for indicating hold time and disabling said touching board at each of plurality of courses during the predetermined time.

8. A clocking device for a swimming race comprising:

a CPU;

a RAM connected to said CPU;

a decoder connected to said CPU;

a data input device connected to said decoder;

a touching board connected to said decoder;

a starting table connected to said decoder;

a conversion means for converting an output signal of said CPU to serial data; and

an indicating device for indicating output of said conversion means for the audience of a stadium at the same time as performance of the race.

9. A clocking device for a swimming race comprising:

a CPU;

a RAM connected to said CPU;

a decoder connected to said CPU;

a data input device connected to said decoder;

a touching board connected to said decoder;

a starting table connected to said decoder;

a timer connected to said decoder; and

a reset means for resetting said timer;

wherein said timer is reset by input of a reset signal from said reset means and by a starting signal.

10. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 9,
   further having a cancelling means for cancelling the reset by said reset means.

11. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 9,
   wherein said RAM has a memory means for memorising a start signal input time, a touching board signal input time, and a starting table input time for a plurality of races.

12. A clocking device for a swimming race comprising:

a CPU;

a RAM connected to said CPU;

a decoder connected to said CPU;

a data input device connected to said decoder;

a touching board connected to said decoder;

a starting table connected to said decoder; and

a means for changing a first reference time set at the start of a first race to a reference time of a second race when the input time of the starting signal of the second race is set after the start signal of the second race is input after the finish of the first race.

13. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 12,
   further comprising a real time clock connected between said CPU and said decoder, and a reset means for resetting only said CPU.

14. A clocking device for a swimming race comprising:

a CPU;

a RAM connected to said CPU;

a decoder connected to said CPU;

a data input device connected to said decoder;

a touching board connected to said decoder;

a starting table connected to said decoder; and

a means for continuing lighting of an indicating device corresponding to each course receiving data from the touching board.

15. A clocking device for a swimming race comprising:

a CPU;

a RAM connected to said CPU;

a decoder connected to said CPU;

a data input device connected to said decoder;

a touching board connected to said decoder;

a starting table connected to said decoder; and

a lane box connected to said touching board and said starting table; and

a means for comparing the resistance of said touching board with a determined value and judging by transmitting a signal from said data input device to said touching board.

16. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 15,
   further comprising a means for detecting the difference of an echo signal of said lane box during the changing interval of said signal.

17. A clocking device for a swimming race according to Claim 15,
   wherein said lane box latches said signal input until the finish of the input of said signal and outputs an ON signal.

Drawing