Hi. Not sure what happened there. This is the outline:
Sprints Timing System Project
Break-beam timing systems are a useful tool to measure the performance of athletes in a number of sports. My speciality is in athletics, where I am a sprints coach. Initial research shows that there a number of break-beam timing gate systems commercially available.
However, two problems arise with their use in a small club setting: firstly, the cost of such commercially available systems, many of which run into thousands of pounds, and the cheapest of which are in the hundreds of pounds, and thus are potentially inaccessible for the majority of coaches in smaller clubs. Secondly, the currently available systems can be limited in flexibility, both in terms of ways the runner can be measured and also the way the resulting data can be managed and stored.
For my TM470 project I intend to research and develop a relatively low-cost timing system, with variable methods of measurement and user control over the management of the resultant data. A key part of the system is its control via a laptop computer which will integrate with the timing gate(s).
A simple schematic of a possible basic system is shown below:
The final objective would be to produce a fully packaged complete system available for third party use with minimal training and at relatively low cost which reflects the flexibility required by a range of users. It may not be possible to complete the project to this level in the time available so I have broken it down into phases with appropriate and achievable milestones.
Phase 1
Produce a prototype system which has basic functionality, including accurate and repeatable timing, a basic user interface and a basic recording system. This will operate for a single runner.
This will involve:
• researching possible timing gate mechanics and electronics (i.e. how to stop the timer)and building gate and associated electronics;
• researching ways to communicate between the gate and the computer (probably via a micro-controller using either wired or wireless communication);
• choosing the appropriate programming language for the computer side of the project (using my experience with Java unless this appears impractical);
• identifying the elements that need to be integrated within the computer side programming (use of sound API for issuing commands, concurrency, communication with gate probably via micro-controller, data manipulation and storage, timing operations), and writing appropriate code.
• researching and possibly implementing use of micro-controller to manage computer to gate integration;
• researching user interface options and building a limited number for the basic system;
• testing the system for accuracy;
• maintenance of system documentation;
• maintenance and review of system costs.
Phase 2
Produce a prototype of an enhanced system which will improve on the phase 1 model by researching ways to allow for timing for multiple gates/multiple runners, and for more sophisticated ways of manipulating and recording timing data.
This will involve:
• researching most appropriate methodology for accurate timing of multiple runner (same gate/multiple gates);
• modify programmes to account for results of research;
• modify hardware/micro-controller software to account for results of research;
• modify user interfaces to account for modifications to system;
• identify useful types of data required by users, and modify programmes to produce and store these requirements;
• testing the system for accuracy;
• maintenance of system documentation;
• maintenance and review of system costs.
Phase 3
Produce a complete system for use by third parties, with documentation and installation software.
This will involve:
• researching ways in which elements of the system can be converted from prototype to final product;
• packaging the product in such a way as to enable the user to use it ‘out of the box’;
• write complete user documentation;
• consideration of on-going product maintenance requirements and implementation of systems to manage this;
• full cost analysis and consideration of a potential selling price.
Some elements of the project may change as a result of research undertaken, but the fundamental objectives should remain unchanged.