EP1646432A1

EP1646432A1 - Measuring arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP1646432A1
Application number: EP04740924A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Paes
Original assignee: WESTERN INVEST CAPITAL SA; Western Investments Capital SA
Current assignee: Speed4 System AG
Priority date: 2003-07-10
Filing date: 2004-07-12
Publication date: 2006-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2024-07-12
Also published as: DE10331447A1; US20070258333A1; US7508739B2; EP1646432B1; WO2005005000A1; ATE535288T1

Abstract

This invention relates to a measurement system for determining the running time that a person need to run over one of a plurality of selectable different out-and-back courses, departing from a common starting point that is the finish point at the same time, wherein different turning points are provided by which the particular out-and-back course to be run is established. The times consumed are detected and evaluated individually.

Description

measuring arrangement

The present invention relates to a measuring arrangement for recording the throughput time that a person needs to go through a specific one of several selectable different loops.

The invention can be seen in the area of sporty activities of children, adolescents and also adults.

In this respect, it is known to record the time required to travel through a predetermined distance by means of a manually or automatically triggering measuring arrangement and then to compare the values recorded for different people with one another.

It is essential in this respect that the distance traveled in each case is of the same size for each participating person, so that the possibility of a comparison of the physical or athletic performance is readily derived from this.

With these known measuring arrangements, consisting of a distance and a time measuring device arranged between the beginning and end of the distance, however, only the so-called sprint time can be recorded, or in the long-distance range the total time, which naturally also includes the times required to build up the long-distance speeds ,

With the known measuring arrangements, it is not possible to detect periods of time which are required for predetermined movement sequences, such as, for example, reversing the direction of travel or the like. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide measures by means of which simple athletic and agility / skill training can be used to more accurately assess the athletic performance of individuals, while still maintaining comparability of personal results.

The invention solves this problem with the features of the main claim.

The invention results in the advantage of a wide sporting field of activity in which physical agility, reaction time, braking time, acceleration time and the like can be precisely recorded and the above-mentioned person-related times can even be compared with one another for different people.

This has the advantage that in connection with a sprint section along the path e.g. the maneuverability required when playing tennis or the movement sequences required to brake or accelerate can be trained specifically.

So far it is not known, by the direct time comparison e.g. to document progress during a turning movement and, if necessary, to promote it in a targeted manner.

Since the invention in particular also provides for several different grinding loops, of which only one is to be run through per measuring cycle, the respective maneuverability can be easily determined clockwise or counterclockwise. It is essential that a common start and end point is provided for all possible loops. This means that the person in question has to go through the loop starting at the starting point and must return to the destination.

Proceeding from this, the reversal points of the individual different path loops lie, for example, within an angular range of up to 140 °, so that the individual reversal points can be seen simultaneously from a single position.

Devices for generating measuring pulses are provided between the starting and destination points and the individual reversal points, with the aid of which a timer assigned to the measuring arrangement is connected in such a way that the latter is started during the first run and deactivated during the last run. In this way, the total time required to complete the respective path loop can be recorded precisely.

In principle, the measuring pulses can also be triggered by appropriately trained persons. For this it is sufficient if the person passing through the loop comes into view of the measuring person along a predetermined line and immediately afterwards the measuring pulse e.g. is triggered by a manually operated button.

In order to be able to directly compare the respective measurement results, depending on the direction of travel provided, the distances between the starting and finishing points and the individual reversal points should be the same. Compliance with the same distances between the starting and destination points and the individual reversal points and the measuring points can be integrated in the measuring system, preferably in such a way that the measuring arrangement only goes into the measuring cycle if a distance measurement has been carried out beforehand.

In the case of a measuring arrangement with only two reversal points, an equilateral triangle results, the legs of which are each of the same length, the connecting lines between Start and finish point and the two reversal points correspond.

If more than two reversal points are provided, they should lie on the corners of an even polygon.

In order to achieve clearly comparable measurement results, the distances between the points at which the measurement pulses are generated for each loop and the starting and destination points should be the same.

A single point for generating the measuring pulses can be provided for the invention. In this case, the measuring pulse for starting the timer is generated when this point is run through for the first time and the switch-off pulse is run through again.

A further development provides for a measurement pulse to be generated directly behind the start and target point with a first device and a measurement pulse immediately before the reversal point with a further device during the first pass. This second measuring pulse is required in order to record the reversal time at the reversal point, since the person concerned has to go through the second device again immediately behind the reversal point, but in the opposite direction.

If the first-mentioned device is then run through again on the way back to the start and finish point, the total time of the reversal is also recorded.

Advantageous further developments result from the subclaims.

The features of claim 8 are of particular importance. Each reversal point is then assigned an optically or acoustically perceptible signal device, the different signal devices being able to be switched on and off independently of one another.

For this purpose, an encoder is required that transmits the command to display the signal of all possible signals to only one signal device. The purpose of this measure is also to determine the reaction time of the person concerned, which is required to set off for one or the other of the possible loops. Since the reversal points are at a predetermined angle with respect to the start and finish point, the person concerned must therefore decide in which direction to start before starting. It is therefore also possible to specifically identify possible deficits in the ability to spontaneously distinguish between right and left and, if necessary, to reduce them through appropriate training.

This measure is supported by a device with which the different signal devices can be switched on unpredictably and arbitrarily, only one of the signal devices should ever be able to be activated, but not the others.

For this purpose it is advisable to switch the signal devices via a transmitter designed as a random number generator, so that after a certain activation time suddenly and unexpectedly only one of the signal devices outputs the signal to start running in the direction determined by the signal device.

Additional speed of reaction is demanded when the signal devices are identical to one another and emit similar signals, since only then with the mental one Implementation of the signal detected by the sense of perception and the directional assignment for the loop to be traversed is fixed.

To avoid cables lying on the floor and thus to reduce the risk of accidents. Further development of the invention in which the devices for generating the measuring pulses contain triggering devices which act without contact.

If light barriers are involved, they are broken through as they pass through and the measuring impulses e.g. generated by closing the corresponding contacts. These measuring pulses can preferably be transmitted wirelessly.

A further development of the invention provides for the times recorded by the time clock to be made visible on a display board. Possibly. the times can also be stored and evaluated in an electronic memory, regardless of the person or person. Provision can furthermore be made to output the measurement results obtained here via a printer and, so to speak as a document, to be handed over to the participants.

The measuring arrangement according to the invention is not limited to a single location.

For this purpose, it is proposed to design the individual components such as time clock and, if applicable, display board and, if available, also the signaling devices as portable structural units which can be set up independently of one another, for example, in the school yard, the gym or another suitable place. The individual components advantageously have mounting surfaces on which, for example, a banner advertisement or the logo of a sponsor or the like can be attached in a clearly visible manner. In this respect, special attention is also paid to a further development of the invention, in which the communicative connection between the individual structural units takes place by wireless signal transmission.

If one also wants to determine the personal skill, it is proposed to provide one or more bring-alongs to be picked up and possibly brought along by the respective person at each turning point or in the course of each loop. It can be wooden sticks, balls, rings or the like, for the reception of which the person in question has to bend down after braking appropriately in order to then accelerate to full speed again.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments.

Show it:

Fig.l a first embodiment of the invention with only two reversal points, - Fig.2 shows another embodiment of the invention with differing in terms of the looping away in Fig.l; 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention with more than two reversal points; 4 shows a further development with an integrated device for distance measurement; and FIG. 5 shows a development of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1.

Unless otherwise stated below, the following description always applies to all figures.

The figures show a measuring arrangement 1 according to the present invention. Between a start and end point 2 and different reversal points 3a-3d, differently defined loops 4a-4e are stretched out, which a person who is not explained in detail has to go through in accordance with the following description.

For this purpose, viewed from the start and end point 2, the reversal points 3a-3d extend in different directions in such a way that the reversal points and thus also the course of the

Loops 4a-4e can be seen from the start and finish point 2.

The person now has to go through one of the loops in response to a predetermined signal, wherein he has to go around the associated reversal point 3a-3d and then has to return to the start and finish point.

While the respective path 4a-4e is being run through, the time required is to be recorded.

For this purpose, devices 6a, 6b are provided for generating measuring pulses, which cross the path in each case and generate a signal when passing the intersection, with the aid of which the timer 7 is turned on and off so that the total throughput time 5, that is the time required to travel back and forth through the measuring section is recorded. In principle, it is within the meaning of the invention to record the total time required to pass through one of the loops.

For this purpose, only a single device 6a is required to generate the measuring pulses.

This device is located just behind the start and finish point and starts the timer 7 as soon as the the person concerned has passed the intersection between the measuring line and the path loop. After passing the reversal point, the person concerned returns to this crossing point and thus generates a measuring pulse when passing this crossing point, which brings the clock set in motion to a stop, so that the total time required can be read on the clock 7.

In addition to this, the timer 7 can be coupled to a display 8, so that the respective time (respective times) can be (are) clearly presented even from a great distance.

For this purpose, a communicative connection 9 is required between the device 6a, 6b for generating the measuring pulses and the timer 7.

In the simplest case, the communicative connection 9 is established via a signal transmission line (dash-dotted line), which is to be arranged as far as possible outside the loops 4a-4e.

In order to ensure the comparability of the measurement results, the distances 10, which exist between the start and finish point 2 and the individual reversal points 3a-3d, should be equal to one another. In this way it is ensured that the time required to complete the loop is influenced solely by the individual performance of the person concerned. The monitoring of the individual relevant distances can be carried out according to FIG. 4 by distance measuring devices 34a-e, preferably by wireless communication, for example between the portable light sources 17a, 17b and the reflectors 18a, 18b. Via a receiver module 33 with a switch that communicates with the distance measuring devices 34a-e, the system is only switched to the measuring cycle when the measured distances have been recognized as correct. The distance can be monitored regularly or stochastically. If more than two reversal points 3a-3d are provided, comparable measurement results can be achieved in that the reversal points 3a-3d lie on the corners of a predetermined large, uniform polygon.

In addition, the distances between those points at which the measuring pulses are generated for each path loop and the start and end point 2 should be the same size.

Since the points at which the measuring pulses are generated for each path loop are the crossing points between the measuring lines to be passed and the path loops per se, it is ensured in this way that all measuring pulses made for time measurement are always independent of the respective path loop path 4a-4e are generated at the beginning and end of a path that is the same for all loops, so that the comparability of the measured values is guaranteed in any case.

Although in principle it is sufficient to provide only a single device 6a for generating the measuring pulses, the exemplary embodiments show a development in which a first device 6a for generating the measuring pulses is arranged in the vicinity of the starting and destination point 2 and a second device 6b in the Near the reversal points 3a-3d.

In this way, intermediate times can be recorded at predetermined points in the loops 4a-4e, the meaning of which can reveal individual strengths and weaknesses.

For example, on the way from the start and finish point to one of the reversal points 3a-3d, the zero point of the time measurement is started by passing the first device 6a for generating the measurement pulses. At the end of the way to the reversal point 3a-3d there is the second device 6b for generating a measuring pulse, so that when passing this second pre direction 6b a first intermediate time 30a is measured on the way there, which allows a statement about the sprinting ability. At the same time, this second measuring pulse can be used to set an internal second time to the zero point in order to record the time required to revolve the reversal point 3a-3d, since the person concerned on the return path of the loop immediately behind the reversal point 3a-3d has the second device 6b happens again to generate a measuring pulse and triggers another measuring pulse. The time elapsed between the last two measuring pulses is referred to as the second intermediate time 30b, which allows a statement to be made about the maneuverability and skill, while the third intermediate time is required to cover the remaining distance to the first device 6a for generating a measuring pulse. light with which the sprinting ability can be assessed. In contrast to the sprint distance on the way there is a different value for the sprint distance on the way back, because the runner passes the second device 6b on the way back at a higher speed than on the way there. The third intermediate time 30c and the first intermediate time 30a form a difference which provides information about the acceleration ability of the runner.

The total time 31 is obtained by simply adding the intermediate times 30a-30c, which can also be included in the individual comparison of the results.

In addition, the figures show a further development in which a signal device 12 is assigned to each reversal point 3a-3d when viewed from the starting and destination point 2.

The signal device 12 outputs an optically and / or acoustically perceptible signal. The individual signal devices can be switched on and off independently of one another via a transmitter 13.

The purpose of these signal devices 12 is to give the respective runner a signal shortly before the start, which of the selectable loops 4a-4e he has to go through. With the appearance of the respective signal, the start signal is therefore connected, with which the total time is started, so that the reaction time of the runner, which the runner needs to start running in the corresponding direction, is also measured.

The barrier 35 serves the purpose that the starting point 2 cannot simply be skipped, but that the right-left reaction must first start before the start.

In this case, an additional intermediate time would have to be expected, which is a measure of the reaction time that the runner needs to observe the signal devices and to decide where to run.

The reaction time accordingly ends when the first device 6a for generating a measuring pulse is run through.

The total time required to walk the route in the exemplary embodiments shown is thus composed of four individual times, namely the reaction time from the output of the signal to reaching the first device 6a for generating a measuring pulse, the transit time for the way between the first device 6a and the second device 6b, the turning time between the first pass of the second device 6b and the second pass after the reversal point and the transit time between the second device 6b and the first device 6a on the way back to the start and destination point.

Accordingly, for this development of the invention, the display values on the display panel 8 would have to be supplemented by the reaction time 32 shown in dotted lines.

Expediently, only one of the signal devices 12 can be switched unpredictably and arbitrarily, while the other signal devices can then no longer be activated.

A solution that is technically simple to implement provides a random number generator whose unpredictable output is used to generate a switch-on signal for one of the signal devices 12.

In the case of two signal devices, this can e.g. be an even or an odd number, or zero and one.

The requirements for responsiveness are increased by the fact that the signal devices are identical to one another and emit similar signals.

In addition, the figures show exemplary embodiments in which the devices for generating the measuring pulses 6a, 6b contain triggering devices which act without contact. These are light barriers in which a light source 14 is directed onto a reflector 15. As soon as the light beam is interrupted by the rotor, the measuring pulse is triggered. The devices 6a, 6b for generating the measuring pulses, the timer 7 and possibly also the display panel 8 and, if present, the signaling devices 12 are expediently designed as portable units which can be set up as such outdoors or under a roof.

This offers the advantage of a measuring arrangement 1 which can be built up practically anywhere on schoolyards, sports fields or the like, the structural units providing additional advertising space which can be rented or sold to sponsors.

The respective structural units advantageously comprise functional blocks. So the units 17a, 17b alone comprise the light sources 14, while the structural units 18a, 18b can comprise the reflectors 15.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable to accommodate all light sources 14 and all reflectors 15 in a single box.

In addition, the figures show a development in which the communicative connection between the devices 6a, 6b for generating the measuring pulses and the timer 7 is wireless.

There is therefore constant radio contact between the devices 6a, 6b and the central control unit, in which the clock 7 is housed.

Another radio contact exists here between the signal transmitters 12 and the central control unit and additionally between the portable transmitter 13, which is designed in the form of a hand-held device, and the signal devices 12, so that — here — the complete system communicates with one another wirelessly.

For this purpose, each of the portable assemblies 17a-21 is provided with a radio antenna 22-25b and the central control unit in which the time clock 7 is accommodated is connected accordingly.

In addition to this, the figures also show that, at each reversal point 3a-3d, a souvenir 26 to be picked up and brought by the respective person is optionally assigned. This is stored at the respective reversal point 3a-3d and must be recorded during the rotation of the reversal point 3a-3d by the motion sequences braking, bending, picking up, straightening and accelerating and brought to the start and finish point 2. In addition to this, the figures also show an electrical circuit 27 which is used to record, store and, if necessary, evaluate the individual personal times.

This can easily be achieved using conventional computer technology. For this purpose, either a corresponding computer is integrated in the portable unit 20, which contains the time clock, or the portable unit 20 has an interface which can be connected to an external computer.

In addition, the figures also show that the individual loops 4a-4e to be traversed can be quite different.

While only one reversal point 3a-3d has to be circulated for each path loop in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, two reversal points in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2 would have to be circulated in different directions in a predetermined manner.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 shows further alternatives in which four path loops 4a-4d would be available for selection, or alternatively also a path loop 4e which includes all reversal points.

The possible variations for the invention are almost unlimited and therefore the exemplary embodiments shown cannot represent any restriction of the invention.

Since the system is fundamentally suitable for keeping the measured individual and total times in the form of, for example, "best lists", regardless of the installation site, this results in the possibility of an "internal networking" of all existing systems to include country-specific / nationwide / to create worldwide "best lists". These "best lists" could, for example, be displayed on the Internet on the "speedflipper.com" website.

The prerequisite for this is, however, that all systems are operated at any location under clearly reproducible conditions.

Since it is also planned to promote the leaders of the "best lists" with prizes, etc., there is a risk of fraud. However, this danger can be countered by ensuring that the competition conditions are adhered to.

For this purpose, it is proposed to monitor the distances between the two light barriers from one another and, if appropriate, also the starting and destination points and the reversal point from the individual light barriers by means of the distance measuring devices 34a-e.

This can preferably be done electronically.

Geometric sizes must therefore be determined, e.g. Distance distances that are clear, easy to monitor and exclude the operation of the system in the event of changes.

This can e.g. be accomplished via additional distance sensors 34a-e, which are connected to the central unit, in order to only release the operation of the system if the distances are observed.

Logically, these distances have to be monitored stochastically permanently or unpredictably in order to prevent manipulation of the system. If, in addition, the system is operated with an object to be picked up at the reversal point, transponder arrangements can also be considered, so that the reproducibility of the measurement result is also ensured. Furthermore, it can be provided for competition conditions to provide a uniform floor covering for all systems operated in the competition.

Reference list:

Measuring arrangement start and finish pointta-3d reversal pointta-4e path throughput timea first device for generating a measuring pulseb second device for generating a measuring pulse time clock display board communicative connection between 6a, 6b and 70 distance between 2 and 3a-3d1 distance between 2 and 6a, 6b2 signal device3 transmitter4 Light source5 reflector6 Connection between 7 and 87a, b portable light source8a, b portable reflector9 handheld device encoder0 portable timer1 portable display board2 radio antenna for measuring pulse, transmitter 3 radio antenna for measuring pulse, receiver 4 radio antenna transmitter 5a, b radio antenna signal device, receiver 6 souvenirs electrical circuita first intermediate time b second intermediate time c third intermediate time total time response time receiver module with switch a-e distance measuring device barrier

Claims

claims;

1. Measuring arrangement (1) for recording the throughput time (31) that a person needs to go through a specific one of several selectable different loops (4a-4e), the loops (4a-4e) having a common start and destination point (2 ) and different reversal points (3a-3d), which, starting from the starting point (2), lie in different directions and with devices (6a, 6b) between the starting and destination points (2) and the reversal points (3a-3d) are provided for generating measuring pulses during the run, which are communicatively connected (9) to a timer (7) in the sense of switching them on and off.

2. Measuring arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the distances (10) between the start and end point (2) and the individual reversal points (3a-3d) are equal to each other.

3. Measuring arrangement according to claim 2, characterized gekennseielme that more than two reversal points (3a-3d) are provided, which lie on the corners of a uniform polygon.

4. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the distances (11) between the points (6a, 6b) at which the measuring pulses are generated for each path loop (4a-e) and the start and end point ( 2) are the same size.

5. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a first device (6a) for generating the measuring pulses is assigned to the start and end point (2) and a second device (6b) to the reversal points (3a-d ) of each individual path loop (4a-e).

6. Measuring arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the distances (11) between the points at which for each loop (4a-e) the measuring pulse of the first device (6a) is generated, and the start and end point ( 2) are the same size.

7. Measuring arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the distances (11) between the points at which the measuring pulse of the second device (6b) is generated for each path loop (4a-e) and the respective reversal points (3a- d) are each the same size.

8. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that seen from the start and end point (2), each reversal point (3a-d) is assigned an optically or acoustically perceptible signal device (12) and that the signal devices (12 ) can be switched on and off independently of one another by means of a sensor (13).

9. Measuring arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that only one of the signal devices (12) can be switched on unpredictably and arbitrarily, but the others are not.

10. Measuring arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the signal devices (12) can be switched on via a transmitter designed as a random number generator.

11. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the signal devices (12) un- are identical to one another and emit similar signals.

12. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the devices (6a, 6b) for generating the measuring pulses contain contact-free triggering devices.

13. Measuring arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the non-contact triggering devices are light barriers (14 + 15).

14. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the timer is communicatively connected (16) to a display panel (8).

15. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the devices (6a, 6b) for generating the measuring pulses, the timer (7) and possibly the display panel (8) and optionally the signal devices (12) are designed as portable units that can be set up as such outdoors or under a roof.

16. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the communicative connection (9) between the devices (6a, 6b) for generating the measuring pulses and the timer (7) takes place wirelessly.

17. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the connection between the transmitter (13) and signal devices (12) is wireless.

18. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that each reversal point (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d) is assigned a souvenir (26) to be picked up and brought by the respective person.

19. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that an electrical circuit (27) for recording, storing and possibly evaluating the individual personal times (30a; 30b; 30c; 32) is provided.

20 measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the individual components of the measuring arrangement is provided with advertising spaces.

21. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that between the measuring points distance measuring devices (34a-e) are provided which cooperate with a receiver module (33) in such a way that the measuring cycle is only activated at predetermined intervals between predetermined measuring points becomes.

22. Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that a non-overflow barrier (35) is provided between the starting and destination points and the first measuring point.