Multi-Transmitter Light Gate for Rodeo Timing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current timekeeping technologies in sporting events, particularly rodeo events, suffer from inaccuracies due to the varying size and shape of participants, leading to errors in determining the correct time interval as different body parts of larger animals cross the finish line at different times.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light transmitting device with multiple light transmitters and a receiving device with light receivers, forming an electronic gate that accurately determines the time interval by detecting interruptions in light signals, regardless of the participant's height or contour, using a network to communicate and calculate the time interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light transmitter and receiver are used to form an electronic finish line, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because different body parts of varying-sized participants cross at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic finish line is segmented into multiple light transmitters and receivers positioned at different heights. Each transmitter-receiver pair creates an independent detection zone, allowing the system to measure when different parts of a participant's body cross the finish line. This segmentation enables accurate time interval measurement for participants of varying sizes by detecting the crossing of any body part rather than requiring a single detection point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light transmitters at different heights are used, then the adaptability to participants of different sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple light transmitters and receivers that serve universal functions across different participant types. Each transmitter-receiver pair is configured to detect the crossing of any body part, making the system universally applicable to participants of all sizes and shapes. The multiple detection zones created by different height positions allow the same basic detection mechanism to adapt to varying participant geometries without requiring participant-specific configuration.
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
This system provides precise and accurate time interval measurements for sporting events by ensuring all parts of a participant cross the finish line are detected, reducing errors caused by size and shape variations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light transmitters configured to communicate light signals... a plurality of light receivers configured to receive the light signals
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for determining time intervals of sporting events having a transmitting device that has multiple light transmitters configured to communicate light signals, a receiving device communicatively connected to the transmitting device via multiple receivers configured to receive the light signals communicated from the transmitters. The light signals being configurable into an electronic gate extending between the transmitting device and the receiving device such that light signals between the transmitters and receivers form the gate, and a pendant device communicatively connected to the transmitting device and the receiving device in a closed network that enables additional similar networks to be established without interfering with the determination of time intervals.