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 sport equipment is 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.

The traditional timing system comprises different optical devices that use narrow beams and where the receivers only see in one particular direction. Interference is avoided because the beams and receivers have such a narrow view, however, this system also makes the optical gates time consuming to set up and are prone to misalignment that causes falsely triggered gates.

Hence, there is a long-felt need for a sport timer, specifically for equestrian sporting events. There is also a need for a sport timer includes circular optical devices to see from all directions. There is also a need for a sport timer incorporated with time division multiplexed optics that allows multiple optical devices to work in the same optical space without interference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a sports timer for equestrian sports comprises a first pair of circular optical transceiver (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 pair of circular optical transceiver configured to generate a second signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a finish line. The first pair of circular optical transceivers and second pair of circular optical transceivers transmit and receive light in a time division multiplexed mode in accordance to a time shot schedule, enabling multiple optical transceivers to be synchronized without cross interference between the transceivers. The sports timer further comprises a main timing unit, 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 main timing unit could be integrated to a portable device like a PC, a tablet and a laptop by means of a USB cable or other means. The first and a second pair of circular optical transceiver includes optical receivers and transmitters, providing redundant, uni-directional or bi-directional wide optical beams for improved robustness against falling leaves, dust, etc. The circular optical transceivers are configured to communicate using a time division multiplexing for occupying the same optical space without interference. 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 display device has a real time attachment, either fully integrated or attached to portable device like the PC, the tablet and laptop via USB or some other means. This enables the portable device or tablet to automatically record the competitor's elapsed time and display the recordings in real-time.

Furthermore, the user can start and stop the time manually. The user can also disable and re-enable the first and second pair of circular optical transceivers 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 main timing 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 main timing unit, wherein the first signal and the second signal is time stamped. The first and the second pair of circular optical transceivers are configured to perform as at least one of active detector and passive detector.

In another embodiment, at the circular optical transceivers are color coded in pairs to indicate which devices make a pair. The first and second pair of circular optical transceivers are configured to detect the equestrian competitor by radiating a partial circular array optical beam around the first and the second pair of circular optical transceiver. The at least two of optical transmitters are spaced laterally apart effectively presenting a transmitting source as wide as the lateral spacing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the display device is at least one of a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a LED based display, an LCD based display, a printer, a speaker, and a laptop. Moreover, the main timing unit is a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array, and a programmable logic control, either integrated with the display device or via a cable or other form of communication. Furthermore, the first detector and the second detector transmit the first signal and the second signal to the main timing unit via a network, the network could be a radio communication.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of implementing a sports timer for equestrian sports comprises generating by a first pair of circular optical transceiver, a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line. Further, the method comprises generating by a second pair of circular optical transceiver, a second signal based on the equestrian competitor crossing a finish line. Further, the method comprises receiving by a main timing unit, the first signal and the second signal. Further, the method comprises calculating by the main timing unit, 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 main timing unit, and calibrating the at least one of the first signal, the second signal and the time interval of the first and second pair of circular optical transceiver based on a master time interval received by the main timing 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 main timing unit 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 a circular optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

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

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

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The definition for the term "Transceiver" is a device comprising both a transmitter/emitter/sender and a receiver/detector that are combined and share common circuitry or a single housing. In some instances, when no circuitry is common between transmit and receive functions, the device is a transmitter-receiver.

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a sports timer 100 for equestrian sporting events. The sports timer 100 comprises a first pair of circular optical transceiverl05 configured to generate a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line, a second pair of circular optical transceiver 110 configured to generate a second signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a finish line, and a main timing unit 125. Moreover, the main timing unit 125 is a microprocessor 125, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array, and a programmable logic control. The main timing unit 125 could be integrated to a PC, a tablet and a laptop by means of a USB cable or other means. Furthermore, the first pair of circular optical transceiverl05 and the second pair of circular optical transceiver 110 transmit the first signal and the second signal to the main timing unit 125 via a network 115. The network 115 could be a radio communication. The main timing unit 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.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a front elevation view of a circular optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6A exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of a circular 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 circular optical transceiver, incorporating the aspects of the present invention. FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of a circular optical transceiver attached to the tripod, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

The circular 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 circular optical transceivers spot a counterpart optical transceiver, the circular 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 circular optical transceivers are placed near the start line as well as at the finish line. In one embodiment, the circular optical transceivers are in sleep mode while charging. Once activated by a radio message, the display device 120, the circular optical transceivers and the main timing unit 125 are moved into a setup mode.

In the setup mode, the circular optical transceivers are synchronized to the main timing unit and optics and sensitivity of the optical transceivers are adjusted for optimum battery life. Once the setup mode is completed, the circular optical transceivers will be used for competition and will enter a timing mode. In one embodiment, the circular optical transceivers are in at least one of an active timing mode and a passive timing mode. In another embodiment, the circular optical transceivers have a plurality of infrared receivers and transmitters placed alternatively around a circular printed board. The optical receivers 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 at least two synchronized optical infrared transmitters side -by-side, effectively presenting a transmitting source as wide as the lateral spacing. The circular optical transceivers transmit and receive light in a time division multiplexed mode according to a time slot 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, the 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 main timing unit connected to a display such as a tablet, and proprietary radio transceiver that communicates with the first pair of circular optical transceiver 105 and the second pair of circular optical transceiver 110. The proprietary radio transceiver with hardware decoding allows the unit to stay synchronized. In another embodiment, the circular 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 main timing unit 125 uses its ISM radio transceiver to transmit a clock tick message to the pair of circular optical transceiver 105 and 110 every 250

milliseconds or other preferred interval. All the circular optical transceivers in the system experiences the same radio latency. Each optical device adjusts its internal time and internal oscillator clock frequency to within 0.1 ppm of the main timing unit's frequency, so that its internal time and tick rate matches the incoming clock tick messages from the main timing unit 125. This ensures absolute clock synchronization better than 100 microseconds 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 pair of circular optical transceiver comprised in the sports timer generates a first signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a start line.

At step 215 a second pair of circular optical transceiver 110 generates a second signal based on an equestrian competitor crossing a finish line, and a main timing unit. Moreover, the main timing unit is a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a field

programmable gate array, and a programmable logic control. Furthermore, the first pair of circular optical transceiver and the second pair of circular optical transceiver transmit the first signal and the second signal to the main timing unit via the radio communication network.

At step 220, a main timing unit 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, an LCD based display, a printer, a speaker, and a laptop. In one embodiment, the first pair of circular optical transceiver and the second pair of circular optical transceiver employ a pair of optical emitters. In one embodiment, the circular optical transceivers are used in pairs to act as optical gates. The circular 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 circular optical transceivers spot a counterpart optical transceiver, the circular 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 main timing unit and calibrate the at least one of the first signal, the second signal and the time interval of the first pair of circular optical transceiver and the second pair of circular optical transceiver based on a master time interval received by the main timing unit, wherein the first signal and the second signal is time stamped. In another embodiment, the first pair of circular optical transceiver and the second pair of circular optical transceiver are configured to perform as at least one of active detector and passive detector.

In one embodiment, at least two of the circular optical transceivers are color coded with similar color for easy identification from a distance. In another embodiment, the first and the second pair of circular optical transceivers are configured to detect the equestrian competitor by radiating a circular array optical beam around the first and second pair of circular optical transceiver. In yet another embodiment, the first and second pair of circular optical transceiver comprises a time division multiplexing for synchronization between the at least two optical detectors, wherein the active detector comprises a time slot and the passive detector comprises a time slot may be equal in size and time with respective to the active detector time slot. In one embodiment, the at least two of optical emitters are spaced apart for radiating a wide optical beam to the matching opposite optical devices. In another embodiment, the at least two of optical transmitters are spaced apart for radiating a wide optical beam to the matching opposite optical device's optical detector(s)/receiver(s). The transmitter or emitter is configured to transmit and receive radio waves for communication purposes. In one embodiment, the circular optical transceivers are placed near the start line as well as at the finish line. In one embodiment, the circular optical transceivers are in sleep mode while charging. Once activated by a radio message, the display device, the circular optical transceivers and the main timing unit are moved into a setup mode. In the setup mode, the circular optical transceivers are synchronized with each other and optics and sensitivity of the circular optical transceivers are adjusted for optimum battery life. Once the setup mode is completed, the circular 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 circular optical transceivers have a plurality of infrared receivers and transmitters placed alternatively around a circular printed board. The circular 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 circular optical transceivers use an optical wide beam. During functioning, the circular 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 main timing unit connected to a display such as a tablet, a PC, a laptop and proprietary radio transceiver that communicates with the first and second pair of circular optical transceivers. In another embodiment, the circular 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 main timing unit uses its ISM radio transceiver to transmit a clock tick message to the detectors every 250 milliseconds or other preferred fixed interval. All the circular optical transceivers in the system experiences the same radio latency. Each optical device adjusts its internal time and internal oscillator clock frequency to within O.lppm of the main timing unit's frequency, so that its internal time and tick rate matches the incoming clock tick messages from the main timing unit. This ensures absolute clock synchronization better than 100 microseconds 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 main timing unit configured to track the time; wherein the main timing unit transmits a time tick signal every 250 milliseconds or preferred regular interval via the wireless interface, a software 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 optical device to detect and transmit in all directions horizontally initially, and then identify which direction the device's identically colored counterpart is at and optimize the beam in that direction. Further, the transmitted optical beam is formed by two

neighboring infrared diodes and effectively make a transmitting source 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 self-diagnoses 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, placed on the tripod or somewhere else. 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 time slot (or more frequent time slots), may be equal in size and time to the passive gate(s) time slot.

The sports timer further comprises a wireless or wired large display for the 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 main timing unit or 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.