Timing/measurement system

This full-color high-density LED display board for displaying information on long jump and triple jump is set up alongside the sand pit. In addition to displaying the name of the event and the start time, the board also introduces the athletes, including photographic images, and provides a visual display of jump distances, with distance markers representing every 20 cm.

For field events, athletes must commence events within specified time periods. Once the preparations for starting an event have been made, at a signal from the judges, the field timer commences a countdown to indicate the remaining waiting time to athletes.

The VDM system measures distance for jumping events such as the long jump and triple jump. So as not to interfere with the event, the athlete’s landing point is captured by two cameras positioned in the spectator stands. From the monitoring screen, the measuring personnel can automatically measure the distance from the take-off board to the landing point using special software, simply by placing the cursor on the landing point.
VDM can also be used for measuring distances in the throwing event such as shot put.

The event board displays information on field events, such as the names of athletes on the field, their performances, and the outcome of events, in vibrant colors. The unique shape of the three-sided LED display is designed to make it easily visible to spectators from anywhere in the stands.
It is capable of displaying a variety of images such as illustrations, detailed color photographs and video to make watching an event even more enjoyable.

The ultrasonic wind gauge uses ultrasonic waves to detect not only horizontal wind movement but also vertical wind movement. Information on wind movement detected by the sensors is processed instantaneously and is displayed on the wind display board as tailwind speed (meters per second).

The start signal emitted from the electronic start pistol simultaneously starts the timer running and triggers the electronic starting sound from the starting blocks and the speakers set up in the inner circumference of the track.

The starting blocks each contain a speaker so that all athletes can hear the start pistol at the same time. Each starting block also contains a pressure sensor to measure the pressure placed on the foot plate by the athlete, in order to accurately judge false (premature) starts.

The system monitors the pressure placed on the foot plate of the starting block by the athlete, and from the change in pressure it measures the time between the start signal and the athlete's reaction (reaction time).
If the reaction time is less than 1/10 of a second, it is judged as a false (premature) start, and the sound of the pistol is automatically triggered to recall and restart the race.

In accordance with the rules, official run times are measured in units of 1/100 of a second, using a photo finish camera capable of recording run times to within 1/10,000 of a second. When athletes approach the finish line, the camera starts operating and captures 2,000 highly detailed images every second, which are combined to produce photo finish images from which the finishing order and times are judged.

The photo beam unit detects athletes passing via the blocking of infrared and red light beams. At a measurement point such as the finish line, a light projector is set up on one side of the measurement point and a light receiver on the opposite side to create an invisible passing line. When athletes cross the line and block the light, a signal is sent to the timer to measure the immediate unofficial time.

The ultrasonic wind gauge uses ultrasonic waves to detect not only horizontal wind movement but also vertical wind movement. Information on wind movement detected by the sensors is processed instantaneously and is displayed on the wind display board as tailwind speed (meters per second).

Before the race starts, the display board presents the name of the event for both the athletes and spectators to see. Once the race has started, the board displays the time elapsed since the start, and when the leading runner reaches the finish line, it displays the immediate unofficial time.
After that, the official time determined by the photo finish camera is displayed.

A signal sent from the start pistol simultaneously triggers the start sound from speakers on both sides of the pool and from each starting block.

Each starting block contains a sensor that detects the moment that the swimmer's feet leave the starting block and sends a signal to the printing timer (the main timing system).

The touch pads are designed to not respond to water pressure or splashing, but to accurately detect only the swimmer's touch and send a signal to the printing timer (the main timing system).

This device collects all of the signals sent from the start pistol, starting blocks, and touch pads and measures each swimmer's time.
This timer also measures the time between the start signal and the swimmer's reaction (reaction time), as well as pass times for relay races.

The video system is used for judging passes in relay races and as a backup for time measurement. Images taken by underwater and poolside cameras are checked and ruled on by the judges.