Circular Optical Transceivers for Equestrian Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical timing gates for equestrian sports are difficult to set up and sensitive to ground movement, leading to misalignment and false registrations, as they rely on narrow infrared beams and are non-redundant, making them unsuitable for dynamic sports like show jumping.
Innovation Solution
A sports timer system featuring circular optical transceivers that transmit and receive light in a time division multiplexed mode, providing redundant, wide optical beams and self-adjusting capabilities to synchronize multiple transceivers without interference, allowing for accurate time measurement in equestrian events with variable start and finish lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional narrow infrared optical gates are used for timing, then timing precision can be achieved, but the system becomes very sensitive to ground movement and difficult to align
Solution Approach 1:
The optical gate is divided into multiple independent optical beams (typically three beams arranged in a triangle pattern) instead of a single narrow beam. Each beam independently detects the horse, and the timing signal is generated when all beams are interrupted. This segmentation makes the system robust against ground movement as individual beams can tolerate position shifts while maintaining accurate timing measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection (narrow beam) to a distributed multi-point detection system (multiple beams in different spatial positions). By arranging optical beams in a two-dimensional pattern and requiring simultaneous interruption of multiple beams, the system achieves both precision and immunity to ground movement through spatial redundancy.
2Ease of operation
If traditional optical gates with tripods are used, then timing function is provided, but setup is difficult and alignment is sensitive to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The optical gate system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than statically fixed. The multiple optical beams can be independently positioned and angled, allowing the system to adapt to ground movement and varying setup conditions. This dynamic configuration enables easy setup while maintaining precise alignment through adjustable beam directions and positions.
3Device complexity
If single optical beam per gate is used, then simple structure is achieved, but the system is non-redundant and prone to false triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant optical beams that act as a protective measure against false triggers. By requiring simultaneous interruption of multiple independent beams to generate a timing signal, the system creates a buffer against erroneous detections caused by dust, leaves, or partial obstructions. This redundancy cushioning ensures reliable timing without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures robust and accurate time recording, reducing setup time and errors, and enabling real-time data display, even in challenging environments with multiple phases or start/finish lines, while being resistant to interference and movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of circular optical transceiver (i.e. gate) configured to generate a first signal 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
Data Source
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AI summary
A sports timer for equestrian sports that employs color coded pairs of circular optical transceivers for start and finish gates, a main timing unit, and a display device. The circular optical transceiver transmits and receives signals in a time division multiplexed mode to enabling multiple optical transceivers to be used independently without cross interference between the transceivers.