Touch panel for a timing system for a swimming race

Abstract: A timing system for swimming race which surely records, displays, and outprints of the time of race is disclosed. A mask circuit controls each signal and enables the timing system to exactly perceive a swimmer's touch of a touch panel. The touch panel is positioned at the wall of a swimming pool and comprises a rear member having a vertical and a longitudinal portion. A front member is connected to a top edge member. Switch means are provided between the vertical portion and the rear member. Between the top edge member and the rear member elastic basing means are provided which are responsive to a force applied obliquely to the top edge member by a swimmer's touch.

Description: This invention relates to a touch panel for a timing system for swimming race . In a conventional timing system for swimming race, when a swimmer starts at a sign such as a pistol, a control device which perceives a starting signal from a starting signal generator i.e., the pistol, and a touch signal from a touch panel calculates a time difference between the starting signal and the touch signal by a timing circuit and a calculating circuit. As a result, time is displayed by a display device and output to a printer. However, the conventional system occasionally times wrong lap time and finish time. For instance, since the device has to perceive a touch signal even if a swimmer touches lightly in a swimming race, the device often perceives even a touch signal caused by a splash or a fluctuation of water pressure. In a relay, when a former swimmer touches a touch plate so as to get out of the swimming pool after a next swimmer dives into the swimming pool, the device records wrong lap time. As stated above, the timing system works wrong by an accidental touch of a next swimmer or a former swimmer. In a structure of a conventional touch panel (US-A-3916214 and GB-A-1024580) an electrical contact section such as a conductive rubber or a tape switch (US-A-4006364) is disposed and a front panel which a swimmer touches pushes a switch directly. Since a touch panel for a timing device in a swimming race is used being soaked in water, which is a severe condition for electrical devices, a water resisting property of the electrical contact section deteriorates heavily, trouble occurs easily and its repair is difficult. A frame of the conventional touch panel is integrated into a rear panel. It suspends vertically along a side wall of a swimming pool with a rear pane, to which an electrical contact section adheres, and a front panel comprises an spacer. Since the electrical contact section is fastened to a panel, the front panel must be removed in order to repair an electrical contact section. A regulation of the Federation Internationale De Nation Amateur obliges a top edge panel to be sensitive. The term sensitive means to be able to activate a signal by a touch from the top. That's because a swimmer having long arms and a swimmer of the backstroke sometimes touch a top edge of a pool. Therefore, besides a switch at the front side another switch is provided at the inside of an upper edge of the front panel in a touch panel used for an international meet (US-A-3920940). However, in a touch panel having the above structure the tape switch is activated sharply by any touch. Therefore exact time cannot be recorded because the top edge panel is activated mistakenly by unexpected incidents such that materials are on the top edge panel and the feet of officials touch the top edge panel. As stated above, it is necessary for the timing system not to perceive a wrong touch signal but to perceive a touch signal by a swimmer's touch at an oblique angle. Furthermore, maintenance of a touch panel should be easy and a backup should be prepared in case that a main unit of a timing system is out of order. In addition, there is another requirement to enable a swimmer to see a starting signal as well as to hear. It is a general object of the present invention is to provide a timing system for swimming race which records time exactly and does not work wrongly. Another object is to provide a timing system for swimming race having an efficient touch panel which is not actuated by a touch at a right angle but actuated by a swimmer's touch at an oblique angle. As well, it is also an object to provide a timing system having a visual display device which enables auditorily handicapped swimmers to know the starting signal, in addition to give the starting signal by sound. In order to achieve the above objects, a touch panel is provided asclaimed in claim 1. Such a touch panel is particularly useful since an acrylic resin plate is disposed between the top edge panel and a rear panel so as to contact with a tape switch. As a result, the acrylic resin plate is shaped into the letter of L. Therefore, the touch panel can perceive a touch signal if a swimmer touches at an oblique angle. Visual display device such as a lump, a display panel, and a flush give the starting signal visually by means of a ready signal and a start signal. An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing of which: Fig. 1 is a whole block diagram for a timing system with a touch panel according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the devices shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a touch panel of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of a frame of the touch panel having holes; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a tape switch having adhesive portions at both ends. Referring now to the drawing, the details of the present invention will be explained in the following. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention for the use of a touch panel 10. A starting block 4 and the touch panel 10 are disposed at the poolside of a swimming pool 1 for each course. When swimmers start, a start signal generated from a start signal generator 12 is inputted into a control device 2. As well, a starting block signal generated from a starting block signal generator 15 and a touch signal generated from the touch panel 10 are sent through a lane box 20 and inputted into the control device 2. The control device 2 records time. The recorded time is outputted to a printing device 13 and a display device 14. Furthermore, a signal from the control device 2 is inputted to a visual display device such as signal lamps 3, signal display panel 8, and a strobe flash lamp 6. Next, referring to Fig. 2, the timing sequence to perceive a signal and an action of each device will be explained. Suppose that a start signal from the start signal generator 12 is S2 and that a starting block signal from the starting block signal generator 15 is S3. S2 is directly inputted to the control device 2 and a timing circuit starts to work. S3 is inputted to each course box after being through a signal distributor 5. Then S3 is inputted to the control device 2. S2 and S3 are inputted to the control device 2 and a timing circuit 15 and a calculating circuit 19 calculate time difference between S2 and S3. Since the result of calculation is recorded on the printing device 13 the reaction velocity on the starting sign can be examined. Similarly, suppose that a touch signal from the touch panel 10 is S4. By calculating time difference between S4 and S3, relay timing from one swimmer to the next swimmer can be examined. Thus, swimmers can make use of practice at relay timing. When S3 is inputted to the control device 2 a mask circuit 17 conceals and inactivates S4. Therefore, even if the next swimmer touches the touch panel 10 by mistake, a touch signal is inactivated and not recorded. However, when the next swimmer steps up onto a starting block 4, S3 cancels concealing of S4 clone by the mask circuit 17 of the control device 2. As a result, S4 gets effective. That is to say, when S4 is generated by a former swimmer and S3 is generated by the next swimmer, the control device 2 realizes that there is no swimmer on a starting block and inactivates S4 again. Therefore, the control device 2 can easily distinguish a premature start and does not work by wrong touch signal. Next, an embodiment of the touch panel 10 in the present invention will be explained below referring to Fig. 3 which is a transverse cross section of a touch panel 10. The touch panel 10 is provided under the starting block of each course and extends down vertically along the inside wall of a swimming pool. A rear panel 31 is provided spacing apart from a front panel 32 in the touch panel 10. A plurality of tape switch sheaths 34 are provided horizontally on the surface of the rear panel 31. A tape switch 33 is put away in each of the tape switch sheath 34 so that it can be drawn. A plurality of switch activating blocks 36 in the shape of a stick are provided on the inside of the front panel 32 opposing the rear panel 31 so that the switch activating blocks and the tape switches cross vertically. The front panel 32 is an elastic plate having small holes to drain water. When a swimmer hits the front panel 32 the switch activating block 36 moves to the rear panel 31, which turns the tape switch 33 on. Then a touch signal is outputted. Spacers 39 for controlling sensitivity are disposed separately in the rear panel 31. An U-shaped frame 35 which can be removed easily is provided on the side or the base of the touch panel 10 so that the front panel 32 is not much separated from the tape switch 33. Therefore the frame 35 defines the thickness of the touch panel 10. The frame 35 is fixed to the rear panel 31 with several screws 37a. Since the frame 35 can be removed easily from the touch panel 10 by removing the screws. Therefore, in case of the trouble of the tape switch 33, it is possible to change the tape switch 33 without pulling the touch panel 10 from the water. The frame 35 has a plurality of holes 43 as shown in Fig. 4. Usually the touch panel 10 is used in the water, however, since it is an electrical equipment it needs to dry as much as possible. As well, it is easy to drain water out quickly and to dry up the inside of the touch panel 10 by providing the holes 43 so as not to deteriorate the strength of the frame 35 as shown in Fig. 4. A most frequent trouble of the touch panel 10 is that the tape switch 33 is broken and malfunctions. It is especially important to waterproof the tape switch 33. That's because electrical contact portion of the tape switch 33 is soaked in the water for a long time. Waterproofing of the embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in Fig. 5, is as follows. Both edges of the tape switch 33 are welded by high frequency, which is a welding portion 40. Furthermore, the welding portion 40 is coated with a sealing material such as an epoxy resin, which is a sealing portion 41. As shown in Fig. 3, a top edge panel 38 is disposed on the top of the touch panel 10 so as to be removed easily. One end of the top edge panel 38 is fastened to the front panel 32 with a screw 37b and the top edge panel 38 itself is bent along the rectangular portion of the rear panel 31. The other end of the top edge panel 38 lies on the horizontal portion of the rear panel 31. The top edge panel 38 is composed of an elastic material. The end portion 38a of the top edge panel 38 can slide on the horizontal portion of the rear panel 31 guided by a screw 37c. The front panel 32 is separatable from the top edge panel 38, so both of them can be removed easily. An acrylic resin plate 30 which is composed of an elastic material is provided between the bent portion of the top edge panel 38 and that of the rear panel 31. The bent portion of the acrylic resin plate 30 is acuter than that of the top edge panel 38. Therefore the bent portion of the acrylic resin plate 30 is located under the top edge panel 38. One end of the acrylic resin plate 30 is provided as an actuating portion so as to touch elastically the tape switch 33. The other end is on the horizontal portion of the rear panel 31. The force of elasticity of the acrylic resin plate 30 is applied outward and it pushes the top edge panel 38 up. In this structure, the force is applied from one end of the acrylic resin plate 30 against the tape switch 33 even without other force from the outside. However, this force does not turn the tape switch 33 on. When a swimmer touches the front panel 32 the horizontal force is applied toward the front panel 32. Then the tape switch 33 which is provided on the rear panel 31 is pushed and operates. A touch signal is inputted from a lead wire 42 which is shown in Fig. 5 to a timing circuit 16 which is provided in a control device 2. Next, when a swimmer touches the top edge panel 38 the force is applied obliquely to the top edge panel 38. But the horizontal force is also applied and so the tape switch 33 works as stated above. Namely, the acrylic resin plate 30 functions as a switch activating block, operates the tape switch 33, and ignites the timing circuit 16. A normal function caused by a touch of swimmers is stated above. The case that the unexpected force is applied to the top edge panel 38 by wrong action such that something is put on the top edge panel 38 will be stated below. It is the vertical force that is applied to the top edge panel 38. Therefore this vertical force pushes the top edge panel 38 down against the force by elasticity pushing the acrylic resin plate 30 up. Consequently, the bent portion of the acrylic resin plate 30 is pushed down and one end of the acrylic resin plate 30 which is on the tape switch 33 slides downward. The tape switch 33 is pushed slightly by the flexure of the acrylic resin plate 30 at that time. However, the tape switch 33 does not work in this case. By providing the above structure, the touch panel 10 does not malfunction even if something other than a swimmer touches the top edge panel 38. Referring to Fig. 1 again, the embodiment of the visual start signal generating system of the present invention applied to swimming race will be explained below. The signal lamps 3 for a swimmer are equipped at a starting block 4 which is provided at the starting side of a swimming pool 1 so as to project at the front of the starting block 4. Therefore a swimmer can see the display of the signal lamps 3 standing on the starting block 4. The loudspeaker 7 is included inside of the starting block 4. Swimmers can recognize a ready signal and a start signal not only visually but also auditorily. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the signal lamps 3 at the turn side of a swimming pool so that swimmers can see signals from the turn side. Another unit of the signal lamps 3 is provided to a side of a swimming pool so as to be adjacent to the start signal generator 12. The signal lamps 3 and the start signal generator 12 are connected to the control device 2 with cables. The ready signal generator 11 is disposed at the seats of operators and is connected to the control device 2 with cables. The signal display panel 8 is located in a poolside for the sake of an audience and the person concerned in race. The strobe flash lamps 6 are provided at the back of the starting block 4 and at the turn side. The strobe flash lamps 6 are connected to the ready signal generator 11 and the start signal generator 12 through the control device 2 so as to work in response to a start signal. In this embodiment, the signal lamps 3 comprise a ready lamp 3a and a start lamp 3b which are red and green respectively. The signal lamps 3 in this embodiment is exchangeable for a LED display device. The signal lamps 3 are provided on the inside wall of a swimming pool as well so that a swimmer can see a display if he starts under water. Of course, the signal lamps 3 are waterproof. The signal display panel 8 signalling "READY" and "GO" is located at the poolside so that swimmers can see it. When the red lamp of the signal lamps 3 is turned on, the signal display panel 8 displays "READY" at the same time. Next, a starter inputs a start signal from the start signal generator 12 to the control device 2. A pistol included in the start signal generator 12 can be used for generating a start signal. It is available to generate a start signal by that a sensor perceives a sound of a pistol. A sensor should be covered with a filter so as not to react cheers of audience and noises around a sensor. When a start signal is inputted to the control device 2, the signal lamps 3 switch from the ready lamp to the start lamp. Simultaneously, the signal display panel 8 switches its display from "READY" to "GO". Furthermore, the strobe flash lamps 6 which are disposed at the front and the backside of a swimmer flush, and a starting sign can be heard in an electronic sound from the loudspeaker 7.

Claims: A touch panel (10) for suspension on the wall of a swimming pool for generating a touch signal (S4) when touched by a swimmer, the touch panel (10) comprising: a rear panel (31) having a vertical portion, and a horizontal portion connected to the vertical portion and supportable on an edge of a swimming pool so that the vertical portion is suspended on a wall of the swimming pool; a front panel (32) spaced apart from and opposed to the vertical portion of the rear member (31) and movable vertically and horizontally relative to the rear member; an elastic top edge panel (38) having a front end connected to an upper part of the front panel (32), the top edge panel (38) bending and extending rearwardly to cover the space between the front panel (32) and the vertical portion of the rear panel (31); and switch means (33) mounted in the space between the front (32) panel and the vertical portion of the rear panel (31) and actuatable in response to rearward horizontal movement of the front panel caused by a swimmer touching the front panel for generating the touch signal (S4); CHARACTERISED BY an elastic switch activating plate (30) movably disposed in a space defined by the front and rear panels and the bent portion of the top edge panel for biasing the top edge panel and thus the front panel vertically upwardly, wherein the elastic switch actuating plate (30) has a first portion extending rearwardly between the top edge panel (38) and the horizontal portion of the rear panel (31), the end of the first portion being on the horizontal portion of the rear panel (31), and a second portion extending downwardly in the space between the front panel (32) and the vertical potion of the rear panel (31) to touch the switch means (33), whereby the elastic switch actuating plate (30) is responsive to a force applied obliquely to the top edge panel (38) by a swimmer to cause the switch actuating plate (30) to acutate the switch means (33) and is responsive to a force applied verticallv downwardly to the top edge panel (38) to enable vertical downward movement of the switch actuating plate without effecting actuation of the switch means (33). A touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the switch means (30) comprises at least one tubular tape switch mounted on the rear panel (31) vertical portion. A touch panel according to claim 1, further including in combination therewith: a start signal generator (12) for generating a start signal (S2) denoting the start of a swimming race; a starting block signal generator (15) for generating a starting block signal (S3) in response to a swimmer's feet leaving a starting block (4); a control device (2) having a timing circuit for clocking (16) the time in response to the start signal (S2), the starting block signal (S3) and the touch signal (S4); and a recording device for recording the time outputted from the control device. A touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of the elastic switch actuating plate (30) are connected together at an acute angle which is more acute than the angle at which the vertical and horizontal portions of the rear panel (31) are connected together. A touch panel according to claim 4, wherein the switch means (33) comprises at least one tubular tape switch mounted on the rear panel vertical portion.

Inventors: HIROSHI TANAKA, HIROSHI, TANAKA, Hiroshi, Tanaka c/o Seiko Instruments Inc.
Applicants: SEIKO INSTR INC, SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: G07C1
IPC codes: G07C1