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FinishLynx Manual v4.0

1. 44 000 XO O O CO O O O O O O O CO O O O O CO O CO O O O CO O O CO O CO cO O CO CO CO mne Cee Table of Contents Keypad Hardware Control and Event Listing HELP Contents System Info About SECTION 10 OPTIONS CUSTOMIZING YOUR SYSTEM CUSTOMIZING FINISHLYNX GENERAL OPTIONS Competition Name Competition Sponsor Single Event Mode On Default Event Name Event Directory Backup Directory Language English IMAGE OPTIONS Tool Bar All Selected Time Tracking Off Show Lines Off Hash Color Red Hairline Size Print Lines Off Print Lines Red Time Gap Lines Off Auto Crop 10 percent RESULTS OPTIONS Log Breaks Off Print Breaks Off Length Time 0 200 Default Precision Suppress Minute Pace Distance Round Method HARDWARE OPTIONS Capture Button COM 1 Hardware Type Detect SCOREBOARD OPTIONS Scoreboard Status blank dialog Name blank dialog Scoreboard Code Set Single Byte Script Alge Iss Serial Port None Running Time Off Offset 0 000 Pause Time 3 0 Auto Break Off Results Off DATABASE OPTIONS Data Source None Data Code Set Single Byte Time Precision On Screen Input Directory CAL YNX Data Directory CALYNX Data Serial Port None Serial Version 1 W
2. 3 7 error 6 7 EtherLynx 2000 2 9 TOCUS cited teen 3 14 IGNS statt dele 2 9 3 16 mounting 3 9 name in 6 7 NAMING nea 3 27 placement 3 7 reflex 2 9 SENSO an d nen 3 16 Start ees 2 13 Status Das au iet 2 13 camera alignment ICONS oma 3 10 two 3 11 camera settings suggested values 3 21 caplut deni 3 26 4 8 6 19 into window esee 6 5 using the keyboard to 6 30 10 8 Capture 11 3 capture 1 5 changing schedules 6 22 CICK MD 4 2 close window 9 4 color fringing 3 13 3 27 columns resizirig ah eee th pens 5 13 commands close 9 4 open File 2 9 4 Cru ERN 9 4 SaVO aS Euh 9 4 Copy CODy e ade eda 9 5 paste paste ient eee te 9 5 Zoom Out ZOOM ence
3. 2 12 Start signal changing 4 8 Starts False 6 3 status changing 6 25 did 6 25 did not 6 25 disqualified 6 25 scratched 6 25 System freezes 5 12 T tape switch 2 13 lap tilTiGS recte rete teres 2 13 Scoreboard des 2 13 TCP IP networking ies 2 2 time gaps eet tede ee 6 18 times adjust 6 22 dela earr oett 6 26 editing dede 5 13 5 11 pack leader 6 25 precision ar Ariki rR 6 22 11 4 tiet nie 11 4 EEEE E A PE ET E T TT 3 21 off swivel esses 3 20 Troubleshooting automatic gain 3 24 TV Graphics 6 16 two cameras blocking competitors 3 7 camera alignment 3 11 naming cameras 3 27 remote control adjustments 3 12 U unenhance ICONS p E 6 12 Unenhance
4. 3 14 display setting 16 Bit 2 13 control 2 13 E editing results dean 5 12 4 2 ICONS 6 12 image eed ete dee 6 12 Enhancement Regions 11 6 entering results ID mode einen eie 5 8 lane MOE 5 8 license 5 6 time only mode 5 8 entering 5 11 EtherLynx 2000 back panels ettet 2 10 lets esito teo 2 9 multiple locations 2 2 reflex 2 9 Ethernet lights tnter 2 11 event schedules changing the order 6 22 F false 4 6 file types 8 4 8 8 8 4 8 8 Mee p 8 4 8 9 files aie 4 5 EE 4 5 Mc I ETE 2 9 Find Next 9 9 find object folge 6 12 IITIAage ii etre 6 12 finish line camera placement 3 7 importance of 3 2 lane lines ie RR 3 2 pano Gianna eines 3 7 FinishLynx Equipment Standard ems 1 2 OCUS eed ee oie ote 3 1
5. Dipswitches gt 0000000 1000000 0100000 1100000 Wheel 2345678 2345678 2345678 2345678 V 0 000 010 020 030 1 001 011 021 031 2 002 012 022 032 3 003 013 023 033 4 004 014 024 034 5 005 015 025 035 6 006 016 026 036 7 007 017 027 037 8 008 018 028 038 9 009 019 029 039 A 00A 01A 02A 03A B 00B 01B 02B 03B C 00C 01C 02C 03C D 00D 01D 02D 03D E 00E 01E 02E 03E OOF 01 02F 03F Corresponding ID s in Serial Wireless plug in 11 23 Plug Ins 11 24 INDEX 1 10baseFL length restrictions 2 8 A AC voltage 2 12 ACM 1 5 11 14 AGC brightness 3 29 frequency 3 30 CEPR 3 29 Alge TED TX RX 6 5 all comers events files 8 9 autocrop ICONS RM 4 9 utto D 4 9 automatic capture 4 8 6 19 Automatic Capture 11 4 varlables creme 11 4 Automatic Capture Mode 1 5 11 14 Automatic Speed Pace Calculation 6 26 B black 3 11 C cable length restrictions 2 8 camera alignment 3 10 3 12 back 2 10 color Settings eee 9 9 elevation
6. file 8 8 lynx sch file types aae aR 8 9 M margins changing ase 5 15 MEET MANAGER generic serial interface with Hy Tek 8 6 menu WIDGOW erret ettet ens 1 5 File menu File iiie S 9 3 menus File e t nte 9 3 messages egent tees 4 2 Modes eis tege eren 3 26 3 24 Pixel Averaging 3 24 suggested values 3 21 monitor display setting 2 13 aite ente eeu 1 5 11 5 1 reti tette nds 1 6 Multiple Open Events 6 5 Multiple Region Enhancement 1 5 Multiple Split Interface 1 6 2 2 N new event ICONS DE 4 4 new result 6 20 INDEX Online Help installing 2 4 11 2 11 11 11 14 output directory Files and Directories tab 8 5 graphic overlay grapLlie uu ccrte ets 9 10 P lee 6 26 pack leader automatic 6 25 Cycling 33 atate hene 6 25 6 25 6 6 photobeam 2 13 Pixel Averaging oversampling 3 29 suggested values 3 21 Pixel Mode color 3 29 monochr
7. 4 5 a CO ia iiec tiet t en Eo Le x 4 10 schedule generic database interface 8 9 using event schedule 8 3 scoreboard multiple events 7 6 selecting 7 6 tape 2 13 Scroll Dars cie ne us 5 10 scrolling results entente 5 13 serial data null modem 8 6 Serial Signal Input 1 6 software directory siot 2 4 installing 2 4 11 2 11 10 11 14 updating 2 4 Speed 6 27 sponsorship 6 16 A 1 6 8 3 generic 5 2 manual 5 2 new 6 20 operating without 5 2 small 6 20 start lists generic database interface 8 8 Start 2 12 3 30 connections 2 3 2 12 resetting after false starts 4 6 start signal nies 2 12 testing eter 4 6 XLR connector 2 12 INDEX start signal Start
8. This feature be of great benefit in attracting corporate sponsorship for events or for entire meets A sponsor s logo can be overlaid on all images printed from a meet It is also useful in creating more interesting presentation to in house or simulcast TV productions With this feature familiar graphics such as Photo for Win or corporate logos can be placed anywhere on the Screen To be overlaid on the FinishLynx screen a graphic must be in 24 bit Truevision Targa Format otherwise known as TGA This format can be written by common graphic manipulation packages such as Adobe PhotoShop When creating a graphic to overlay it should be noted that black is treated as a transparency color this means that any part of the graphic that is black will show through to the background when it is placed over the FinishLynx image The black will however show on printed images To overlay a graphic on an image use the crosshair of the hairline to locate the center of the graphic and then open the Image menu Select Overlay and the list of available graphics files will appear Clicking on one of the files will cause it to appear on the screen NOTE Graphics overlay is intended primarily for on screen viewing Graphics can be printed out with the image but they may not appear the same as they are on screen Page 6 16 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics On Image Start List Display The Lynx operator can display the listin
9. To MD MORTON ROomvA CO CO CO 1 o00 001010 XO O XO O O cO CO CO cO co O0 HO 4 Table of Contents Arm Manual Start Manual Wind Select Wind Advance Capture Set Capture Add Split Location Add Camera Delete Object IMAGE Zoom In Zoom Out Smooth Zoom Crop Uncrop Autocrop Find Object Precision Adjustments Enhance Unenhance White Balance Photoeye Balance Overlay Remove Overlays Export Bitmap Options image Page Setup image Printer Setup image Print image RESULTS New Result Delete Result Find I D Filters Set Pack Leaders Accept Split Time Insert Split Time Mask Split Time Edit Split Times Print Split Times Options results Page Setup results Printer Setup results Print results SCOREBOARD Initialize Run Pause Finish Stop Refresh Show Time of Day Use 24 hour Format Override Time of Day Display current event Edit Message Send Message Options scoreboard WINDOW Cascade Tile Horizontal Tile Vertical WA DEL PR ARS UE thee Ae AGE oo s es TE TL NES ONIS a XD XO XO XO D D D CO D KO CO XO O cO cO CO cO cO cO co 1 O10101 01 AARAA OQ OQ IO IO IO IO TO IO TO ID HH QO QO QO O O O O
10. TCP IP Properties Omm 192 168 0 5 If by any chance you receive an error message when you start FinishLynx that reads something about IP address conflict then your computer is probably already connected to some form of network and two of the devices share the same IP address In this case we suggest you contact your Network Administrator Page 2 5 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Ethernet Connections Like most Ethernet networks the EtherLynx 2000 camera s and the computer s can be connected in a variety of ways 10baseT twisted pair 10base2 coaxial 10baseFL fiberoptic Figure 5 10baseT Connector Figure 6 10base2 Connector Page 2 6 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware 10baseT and NO hub Setting up Figure 7 Setup 10baseT Cabling No Hub a a AC Power connection 110 240 volts 50 60 Hz auto switching b Start Sensor C Connection Box d Capture Button Page 2 7 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware 10baseT and a Hub Setting Up Figure 8 Setup 10baseT Cabling Hub a AC Power connection 110 240 volts 50 60 Hz auto switching b Start Sensor C Connection Box d Capture Button e Hub f Optional Additional Camera connected to Hub and AC supply 10base2 Coaxial Cable Setting Up NOTE When using 10base2 coaxi
11. 9 8 competitors identifying 6 21 3 29 color camera 3 24 computer 2 2 connection box urere 2 11 connections 2 11 EtherLynx 2000 2 11 connections lObaseF erem 2 8 connection 2 11 fiber 2 8 photobeam 2 13 Start Sensor 2 12 tape 2 13 contrast ENHANCE esce eee 9 9 control panel display setting 2 13 crop eaten 4 8 cropping indicating cite tein 6 18 8 5 9 9 8 INDEX D database commercial software 5 2 e i o 5 2 5 2 genet 5 2 serial 1 4 dead 6 26 delete result ICONS TR 5 7 6 21 delta time rte 6 26 customizing eeeeeeeeees 6 26 3 23 3 26 suggested values 3 21 depth of 3 14 Depth of Field
12. Dues Di Tage 5 fi Start Sensor This sets the kind of start sensor that is being used Debounce This sets the time interval between allowable start signals This value should only be changed by experienced users Offset Allows you to input any offset value you want to the Start Signal The offset defaults to 100 milliseconds this is the correct offset for the ALGE TED wireless start system If another wireless start system is being used enter the required value here Light When the normally closed Start sensors are used the light in the Start sensor can be configured to be either Always On in which case it will be constantly illuminated when connected to the Connection Box and will blink when a Start signal is detected or On When Armed in which case the light will only glow when the computer is armed to receive the next start signal it will extinguish when the start signal has been transmitted to the computer Photo Eye scoreboard displays of running times can be controlled by actual or virtual photoeyes FinishLynx ACM plug in There are three available settings which are selectable using the radio button check boxes None No scoreboard connected and no beam option chosen External If an external photoeye is connected to the system to stop running time displays the External radio button should be checked Page 3 30 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Internal This option is only available
13. Auto Break Off With this setting and a connected Photoeye you can control whether the scoreboard automatically displays lap time and finish times e Off The Auto Break feature is disabled e Pause Every Photoeye beam break will be displayed for the pause time before returning to the running time display Page 10 10 Options Customizing your System Finish A Photoeye beam break will stop the scoreboard clock Results Off There are four settings for handling results on a scoreboard display Off Auto Manual Always send place Off No results are displayed Auto The software sends data to the scoreboard every time a change is made in the results field Manual The results are only sent to the scoreboard when the Refresh option is selected from the Scoreboard drop down menu Always send place The software sends the results with places even if the file has not been saved The operator has to ensure that competitors are read from first to last place Page Size Reflects the number of available lines on your scoreboard single line 1 etc Page Time Shows the number of seconds that each page of the display will remain visible before scrolling to the next page Include first name Sends the first and last names of a competitor to the scoreboard when displaying results if this option is not selected the FinishLynx software will send only a competitor s last name Affiliation abbreviation
14. T H dunk Images from Lynx Camera as fast as 2000 times a second How the Image appears on your computer In this image you will notice that the background is essentially white and the lane markers are black Why you may be wondering Surely most tracks are dark with white lane lines If you remember that a FinishLynx image is comprised of many pictures of the finish line assembled side by side you will realize that the background behind the competitors is the finish line repeated over and over again many thousands of times In this resulting image the black squares on the line become stripes and the white finish line becomes a white background Page 3 4 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera It is worth thinking about this idea for a few moments until you are clear about it because aligning the camera is much easier if you are clear about this concept of the finish line being everywhere in a FinishLynx picture What is the Objective of this Section The aim of this section is to produce on your computer monitor screen an image of white lanes and black lane markers similar to the one shown in Figure 16 Sample Image Produced by a Correctly Aligned Camera Do not worry about getting a perfect image at every step of this process camera alignment is additive the picture tends to improve with each step along the route Figure 16 Sample Image Produced by a Correctly
15. Lynn S VSTETI Developers Ine Operator s Manual FinishLynx 32 Lynx System Developers Inc 175 N New Boston Street Woburn MA 01801 http www finishlynx com Important Notice Use of FinishLynx is governed by the Sales and License Agreement signed by you or your agent the Buyer Section 7a of which is reprinted below 7a Ownership of Software Lynx System Developers Inc Lynx owns and retains all title copyright trademark and other proprietary rights in the software firmware and documentation provided with the software and firmware collectively Software Buyer acknowledges that the Software is the confidential property of Lynx and the Buyer will not disclose the Software to any other person without Lynx s consent FinishLynx Etherlynx CyberScoreboard ReacTime and the FinishLynx logo are registered trademarks of Lynx System Developers Inc SeriaLynx FieldLynx LaserLynx InterLynx ClerkLynx Exchange ResulTV LynxTV and AirLynx are trademarks of Lynx System Developers Inc Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows 2000 Windows ME and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp Photoshop and PostScript are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated Palm OS Palm Computing Graffiti HotSync are registered trademarks of Palm Inc Palm the Palm logo the HotSync logo are trademarks of Palm Inc All other trademarks are properties of their respective companies The fol
16. Overview of FinishLynx Operation Stage Three of FinishLynx Operation Check for Start Signal When the gun fires the little letter a will go away from in front of the event in the window list in the menu bar the Running Time Box will turn yellow as shown in Figure 43 Armed and Capture Indicators and the time will start running A start signal in a new event automatically sets the event time to 0 0 However you can also select another start signal from the list of received signals by clicking on the Add Selected Start icon shown in Figure 41 To see the effect of changing the start signal click on the Running Time box Doing this will alter the reading to reflect the new start signal NOTE EtherLynx references all times back to a time of day it is not however using the computer s clock to time the event When the camera starts up it is told the time on the computer s clock and it obviously makes the operator s life easier if the computer clock is set close to the real time of day Capture Image Press the Capture Button to begin capturing image into the selected race Release the button to stop capturing image Pressing the Capture Button will cause image to appear on the screen and be stored in the computer s memory It is easy to check whether you are in fact taking pictures of a finish if the window you are capturing into is at the front the image will appear on the screen in front of y
17. This will bring up the Camera Settings dialog box shown in Figure 25 Camera Settings Setup Click on the Parameters tab This will bring up the Camera Settings Parameters dialog box shown in Figure 26 Camera Settings Parameters Figure 24 Camera Information Icon FinishLynx Hardware Control File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard Window Help a 3g Figure 25 Camera Settings Setup Ses Parameters inputs Capia Vr cersahon Sow 2 XE F 200035 Mor Dinta T pee lle T Huhng 1 lee id liea Lane NN O Rreme ira codes Whelan fe fT 3 12 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Figure 26 Camera Settings Parameters Seup Paramete inpute Seiat Capture Piel Depth T piima NSH Dks 17 24 hoM C1 63 Compe 4 E Minimum in 25 2000 Fras oe an s Puser ajisa i Set Image Orientation In order to reduce color fringing an example of which is shown below in Figure 33 Extreme Color Fringing the camera needs to be correctly configured Image Orientation is set in the Setup tab of the Camera Settings dialog If the camera is seeing competitors Set your Image Orientation to moving in this direction in front of the lens lt lt lt lt
18. When FinishLynx 32 is used with certain database software this option will when checked send a four digit abbreviation of a competitor s affiliation to the scoreboard when display ing results If this option is not checked the scoreboard will display the full text from a competitor s affiliation field Page 10 11 Options Customizing your System Database Options Figure 108 Options Database Tab emet image Farsi Hamm omini in am C dedu X C C pump rro EI Dont Ci ite 5 fmm Baba o uoo deme kein Uo Ce 8 n LN meam dude T Habes Data Source None This indicates which kind of database is being used with FinishLynx None Files Usually a network configuration Serial Port Usual Hy Tek configuration Data Code Set Single Byte This controls the format of the character format data being transferred between FinishLynx and the database Time Precision On Screen The precision of the times being sent to the database can be adjusted here For example sometimes data programs use times in thousandths to separate competitors but the results are only produced in hundredths Any of the following values can be selected e On Screen e Seconds e Fifths e Tenths e Hundredths e Thousandths Page 10 12 Options Customizing your System Input
19. from the Image option on the Menu Bar and choose the color from the Print Lines field How do I Change the Margins on the Page To change the margin sizes on printed images select the Image option on the Menu Bar and select the Page Size option This will call up the dialog box shown below Magra Le BEES Te hn v 7 pes sn p a Page 5 15 Basic Race Evaluation FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics sections FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics In this Section TEMPLATES 7 1 REACTIME DATA INTEGRATION 7 1 INTEGRATING REACTIME DATA INTO RACE RESULTS 7 2 START SIGNALS 7 2 FALSE STARTS AND MISSED STARTS SELECTING A START SIGNAL 7 8 MANUAL STARTS 7 8 WIRELESS START SIGNALS 7 4 WORKING WITH MULTIPLE OPEN EVENTS 7 5 USING MULTIPLE CAMERA SYSTEMS 7 6 How bo SET UP Two CAMERAS ON THE SAME FINISH LINE 7 6 CONTROLLING MULTIPLE CAMERAS 7 7 ADVANCED EVALUATION FEATURES 7 8 IMAGE ZONE REFINEMENTS 8 1 RAPID EVALUATION UsING LANE NUMBERS 8 2 How DO MAKE THE IMAGE ZONE FILL THE WHOLE SCREEN 8 2 How SET A CUSTOM ZOOM VALUE 8 3 CAN DO ANYTHING TO IMPROVE A PIXELLATED IMAGE 8 4 How FIND THE NEXT COMPETITOR IN THE IMAGE 8 4 How DO IMPROVE IMAGE READABILITY 8 5 How SHOW MULTIPLE VIEWS OF THE SAME CAMERA 8 5 How Do OVERLAY GRAPHICS ON My IMAGES 8 5 ON IMAGE START LIST DISPLAY 8 6 USING THE FINISHLYNX KEYPAD 8 6 How DO INDIC
20. EtherLynx 2000 systems automatically adjust for 220v or 110v Starting the Software When the camera is ready the Starting light on the back of the camera goes off and only the Running light remains Page 2 13 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware To start the software simply double click on the Lynx icon in the Program manager window or click on the Lynx icon in the Start program window A series of green camera status bars will be visible in the very bottom right corner of the FinishLynx screen as the software establishes communication between the camera and the computer When the software is run it will automatically check that the display monitor settings are correct They can be configured by accessing the following menus Start Settings Control Panel Display Settings Ensure that this Display control panel is set to High Color 16 Bit This may also be called High or 65 536 colors NOTE Failure to set the Display Setting correctly will result in an unusable image on your screen The software will also check that you have correctly configured your Ethernet card and TCP IP protocols These can be set as detailed in Installing the Ethernet Card on page 2 4 Photoeye Etc If a Photoeye or other switching element i e a tape switch for cycling will be used either for the purpose of logging intermediate times or stopping a display clock it should be connected to the lower pair of black and red connectors on the co
21. NOTE The sensor used in the FinishLynx camera is very light sensitive On a bright day it is likely that the Aperture will need to be closed as far as possible Once you have achieved a middle of the range value for your Gain you should note the value and switch the gain from AGC to Manual If the Gain is left on AGC when the camera moves from the predominantly dark background off the finishline to the predominately white background when it is correctly aligned the camera will endeavor to adjust the exposure and the image will suddenly darken This can confuse the operator trying to find the finishline Step 8 Explained Adjust Tilt and Zoom and Mode to Cover Lanes The area of the track covered by the camera can be changed in one of three ways 1 Moving the camera nearer or further away from the track and or tilting the camera to change the field of view 2 Changing the value of Zoom on a zoom lens 3 Adjusting the Mode of sensor sampling from within the FinishLynx software What is Tilt Tilt is the adjustment of the camera relative to the horizon up and down The objective of adjusting this setting is to cover the entire width of the track Page 3 16 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Figure 28 Tilt What is Zoom With a Zoom lens it is possible to simulate the effect of changing the distance between the camera and the finishline This changes the amount of track that the camera records To
22. 3 30 Before You Begin Before explaining how to take pictures with your FinishLynx system it would be as well to make sure that the thing we are going to be taking pictures of the finish line looks just how we want it to This is especially true when you consider that over the course of an average meet the camera will take over 100 000 pictures of the finish line The way it should look is depicted in Figure 15 The Finish Line The most critical items which many tracks do not provide are the black squares at the points where the lane lines cross the finish line It is also very helpful to have a finish line which is not so worn out that the track beneath it shows through Lane 1 can be especially bad in this respect Before timing a big event we strongly suggest repainting the finish line white and the little squares black with flat paint As a last resort tape can work but be careful not to use plastic tape with a reflective finish for the black boxes as it can actually appear white in bright sunlight Page 3 2 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Figure 15 The Finish Line You may be wondering Why are the little black squares on the finish line so important This may become clearer if you reconsider the next diagram which was presented in the first part of this guide Page 3 3 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera How the s i 5 assembled lip T ii d em n s
23. Aligned Camera Figure 17 Image Sensor Position with Correctly Aligned Camera a Field of view of Lens b Actual Image recorded by single line sensor Page 3 5 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera When the camera is correctly aligned the area of the track that it sees indicated in this diagram falls directly on the finish line and extends far enough above the most distant edge of the track to include the torso of a competitor finishing in that position How do Align a Camera It cannot be too clearly stated how important this process is If the camera is not correctly aligned then the times produced will not be accurate The Alignment process is ADDITIVE Each step will bring you closer to success Do not skip over a step if it seems too hard These instructions are just an outline Full instructions are given for each step Step 1 Establish a camera position Tripod Scaffold Clamp or Fixed Position in the Plane of the Finishline Step 2 Mount the camera Use a line and plumb bob to confirm that the camera is perfectly in line with the finishline Step 3 Connect the System Components Step 4 Start the FinishLynx software Step 5 Put the camera into Align mode and set Image Orientation Step 6 Set approximate Focus to obtain a usable image Step 7 Adjust Gain and Aperture for light conditions Step 8 Adjust Tilt Zoom and Mode to cover all lanes Step 9 Adjust Pan and Swivel to complete al
24. Cd Fo Mamm fi uo pe 00 576 BamHehoi oF At CoMaud Gan oO ADC Pms ingis Peg 10 Maximum Eae e Pixel Depth The user can select whether to use color capable cameras in color or in monochrome monochrome files are smaller Non color capable cameras can not be changed out of 8 Bit Gray e Averaging Mode These settings which used to be referred to as Mode or Size on the Finish Lynx Original and FinishLynx Classic cameras refer to how many pixels on the image sensor are to be combined to create a single pixel on the screen 1 2 3 or 4 This is a technique called oversampling and is intended to create sharper pictures and also allow a certain amount of zooming effect right from the software NOTE The software will not accept combinations of Averaging Mode and Density which are incompatible e Compression Compression is a feature of the camera which automatically reduces the size of the captured image as it is taken Compression is invisible to the user whether it occurs or not the user interface automatically displays the image at full resolution e Frame Rate The number in this box reflect the number of pictures of the finish line that the Lynx Camera will take every second also known as the frame rate The number can be as small as 50 or as large as 2000 in a high resolution camera The units frames per second and lines per second are used interchangeably e Frame D
25. Directory CAL YNX This is where you can set the location of the directory to which FinishLynx will go to find the lynx sch lynx evt and lynx ppl files Data Directory C LYNX This is where you can set the location of the directory to which FinishLynx will send the lynx lif files Data Serial Port None When Serial Port is selected in Data Source the location of the correct serial port that is used for the database is set here The following settings also need to be correctly configured If you are in doubt about the values set them to the default values For settings for individual manufacturers see the section Scoreboards and Wind Gauges e Baud 9600 e Data Bits 8 e Parity None e Stop Bits 1 Serial Version 1 This controls the format of the data being transferred between FinishLynx and the database When a database program uses the Checksum option the data is checked for errors in transmission Do not select this option unless instructed to do so by your database program manufacturer Write LIF Off This option will need to be set to On to generate Lynx Interchange Files when results are saved This will also send results to HY TEK Page 10 13 Options Customizing your System Wind Gauge Options Figure 109 Options Wind Tab Hee Homies denim itp bate ven ERN bsama me s Wes xm Pula Fame n fics Deini He
26. Distances are Distance to Distance to n Units in these Units this Value this Value Time per Meters 1000 Race distance Meters per Kilometer 400 800 1500 second etc Time per Miles 1 4 or 0 25 Race distance Miles per hour Quarter Mile in miles and fractions 1 1 4 34 etc Time per Mile Miles 1 Race distance Miles per hour in miles and fractions 1 1 4 34 etc Time per Kilometers 1 Race Distance Kilometers per kilometer in kilometers hour Backing Up FinishLynx has the ability to back up all the files in a predetermined directory to a backup directory This can be on the same computer on a hard drive on a computer networked to the FinishLynx computer or on a removable media optical or zip drive A remote drive will have to be configured as a network drive as detailed in Windows 95 or 98 documentation To set the directory for the data source the directory where the day s FinishLynx files are being written enter the information in the Event Directory box of the File Options dialog box shown below Figure 91 File Options Dialog Frese mage Paris Comm icm west cas longam Hare 1 Leaner per Inl es De t imin iee T deam Chun Lo mis emm Deis ze yan re Kee T be Bae p c JE LI LL LIC EE m Dew Page 6 29 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics
27. In this way an event can be done with ONLY this file and no lynx evt file Using Database Files How Do I Select an Event from the List in the Data Files To call up a start list for an event simply click on the Choose Event icon from the available start selection icons This is the middle icon shown in Figure 101 Database Icons Figure 101 Database Icons A pop up menu shown below will appear Page 8 10 Databases Figure 102 Goto Event Dialog Box Event Round Heat 4 Load Schedule in the Event Round and Heat numbers in the respective fields Alternatively you can select an event from a drop down listing that will appear when the Load Schedule button is clicked The software will automatically retrieve the competitor information from the lynx evt file and Arm the system to receive the next start signal If a lynx sch file is being used the operator can also use the Next and Previous icons on either side of the Choose icon to go forward or backwards in the schedule to retrieve the start list and Arm the system to receive the next start signal How Do Call up a Competitor s Information from the Data Files Make sure that you have a valid lynx ppl file in the data directory configured in the Database tab of the Options menu In the Camera Information Dialog Box set the ID Mode to ID In the Results Zone enter a competitor s ID number in the ID field When the Enter
28. Like the standard enhancement feature the enhancement can easily be undone even after the image is saved Automatic Capture Mode ACM FinishLynx cameras can now be configured to take image automatically Any activity at the finish line will trigger the camera into action What is more the software will also store a configurable amount of time before the activity at the finish line and a configurable amount of time after the activity has ceased With the ACM feature it is to all intents and purposes impossible to miss capturing a competitor who crosses the finish line Page 1 5 Fully Automatic Timing with FinishLynx In addition with this plugin the operator can use the camera as a virtual Photoeye to trigger running time display clocks for splits and winning times etc Lap Time LT With FinishLynx 4 0 this plugin can generate lap times using evaluated times taken from the FinishLynx image or when connected to an appropriate external signal generator for example a Tag Heuer PTB 605 it will enable the FinishLynx operator to store lap times for every competitor The Lap Time plugin stores times for every lap of a multi lap race and outputs these split times with the results In this way an accurate lap count is also maintained This information updates in real time and can be fed to a scoreboard or a computer running ResulTV directly from FinishLynx This plugin will enables FinishLynx to store every lap time
29. SERIAL PORT 10 15 FINAL SPLIT 10 16 Customizing FinishLynx Clicking on the Options selection in either File Image Results or Scoreboard pull down menus will call up a dialog with several selectable choices The same dialog is called up from each of the pull down menus but the displayed choices will vary depending on which menu was used as the access point The operator can use these menus to set up hardware and to customize the software NOTE Default values appear in parentheses after headings Page 10 2 Options Customizing your System General Options Figure 103 Options General Tab femen min Hair Coram dicam cats iif Teima a C Dm eunt Tama Hom deae 1 Dim Carma EL d E 1 Bua md i vein Had nun samt pce I b Seeger i Tages mus irg igi aliai Fus rani inan leis n toes Competition Name This name will appear on the header line of all print outs results and pictures Competition Sponsor This name will appear on the bottom right hand side of the footer on all print outs results and pictures Single Event Mode On By selecting the Single Event Mode the operator can prevent the software from having more than one event open at a time This can be useful if there is a chance that there may be confusion about which Event is armed to receive a start signal or to receive cap
30. Section INTRODUCTION TO SCOREBOARDS THE TECHNIQUE OF USING FINISHLYNX WITH A SCOREBOARD OVERVIEW OF CONNECTING A SCOREBOARD CONNECTING THE SCOREBOARD CONFIGURING YOUR SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A SCOREBOARD RUNNING TIME CONFIGURATION RESULTS CONFIGURATION UsiNG SCOREBOARDS WITH MULTIPLE EVENTS INTRODUCTION TO WIND GAUGES UsiNG A WIND GAUGE MANUAL DATA ENTRY UsiNG A WIND GAUGE AUTOMATIC DATA ENTRY Introduction to Scoreboards FinishLynx can send information to practically all commercially available scoreboards If you wish to send information to a scoreboard which is not currently supported please contact our technical support staff Depending on the information sent FinishLynx can make the scoreboard display information about competitors involved in the event in progress a start list or show running time from the event in progress or it can show results from a previous event Running time displays are usually stopped by a photo eye but they can also be stopped manually 7 2 7 3 7 3 7 4 7 5 7 6 7 6 7 7 7 8 7 1 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges The Technique of Using FinishLynx with a Scoreboard When a FinishLynx operator is connected to a scoreboard there are several things that should be borne in mind e Information shown on a scoreboard is believed by those seeing it to be true e f incorrect information is sent it will be believed at first to be true e However if an operator con
31. TO WIND GAUGES Using a Wind Gauge Manual Data Entry Using a Wind Gauge Automatic Data Entry SECTION 8 DATABASES INTRODUCTION TO DATABASES What is a Meet Management Program How DO CONFIGURE FINISHLYNX TO USE A DATABASE What Data Files Does FinishLynx Use How Do Setup a File Based Database Connection Same Computer or Network CONFIGURING INTERLYNX InterLynx FinishLynx Setup InterLynx FinishLynx Operation UsiNG Hv TEK s MEET MANAGER Serial Based Setup How Do I Setup a Serial Based Database Connection File Based Setup How Do CREATE My Own DATABASE FILES Writing Your Own Lynx Files Creating the Start List Creating the People List Optional Creating the Schedule File Optional Using the FinishLynx Data Files UsiNG DATABASE FiLES How Do Select an Event from the List in the Data Files How Do Call up a Competitor s Information from the Data Files have an Event Open How Do Change the Start List How do Adjust a Competitor s Status How do Break Ties SECTION 9 MENU BAR REFERENCE INTRODUCTION TO THE FINISHLYNX MENU BAR FILE New Open Close Window Save Save As Previous Event GoTo Event Next event Backup Events Options file Exit EDIT THESE MENU CHOICES ARE INACTIVE ALL THE TIME USE KEYSTROKES INDICATED BELOW Cut Use CTRL X Copy Use CTRL C Paste Use CTRL V Clear Select All EVENT Get Info 7 1 7 1 7 2 7 2 7 3 7 4 7 5 7 6 7 7 7 8
32. To set the directory for the backup directory usually a remote drive mapped a network drive enter the information in the Backup Directory box Note If you are writing files to the ROOT level of some DOS based drives there is a limit of 512 files at the root level To avoid any problems simply create a sub directory and write the backups there Keyboard Capture Function This feature is most useful when the supplied Capture Button is unavailable or ceases to function It can also be useful if the serial port on your computer is unavailable or has ceased to function Enabling Keyboard Capture When Keyboard Capture is enabled the keyboard is unavailable for other use entering data etc e Select Options from the File drop down menu e Select the Hardware tab e From the drop down list of COM ports in the Capture Button field select Keyboard e Enable Capture by clicking on the Capture Button activation icon shown below Figure 92 Capture Button Activation Icon Using Keyboard Capture e Check that Capture function is activated as described above As the competitors approach the line press the Space Bar ONCE This will toggle the Capture function ON NOTE Do not hold the Space Bar down When the competitors have passed the line press the Space Bar a second time This will toggle the Capture function OFF Page 6 30 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges seca SCOreboards and Wind Gauges In this
33. aaa Ce CC 1 Table of Contents What is Tilt What is Zoom What is Mode Adjusting Tilt and Mode STEP 9 EXPLAINED ADJUSTING PAN AND SWIVEL What is Pan What is Swivel STEP 10 EXPLAINED CHECK FOCUS AND GAIN SUGGESTED VALUES OF RATE DENSITY AND MODE DETAILED EXPLANATIONS OF CAMERA SETTINGS What is Rate What is Density What is Averaging Mode What is Compression What is Gain What is White Balance WHERE DO CHANGE MY CAMERA SETTINGS Camera Settings Changed in Hardware Control Window Camera Information Dialog Setup Tab Camera Information Dialog Parameters Tab Camera Information Dialog Inputs Tab SECTION 4 OVERVIEW OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION INTRODUCTION TO FINISHLYNX OPERATION FinishLynx Software Warnings Error Messages and Dialog Boxes FinishLynx Software Uses of the Left Mouse Button FinishLynx Software Uses of the Right Mouse Button STAGE ONE OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION Set Up the Hardware Prepare the Software STAGE TWO OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION Create a New Event Name the Event Check the Start Sensor Reset the Start Sensor after Testing or after False Starts Activate the Capture Button STAGE THREE OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION Check for Start Signal Capture Image STAGE FOUR OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION Begin Evaluation Crop Extra Space How do Remove Empty Image Automatically Enter the Results Save the Race Print Results Close Event Window SECTION 5 BASIC RACE EVALUATION INTRODU
34. accidentally reading the same finisher twice FinishLynx will allow dead heats if two participants finish in the same line of the image they will be given the same place as well as the same time This could happen for example if the finishers are within 1 1000th of a second and the image was being taken at 1000 frames per second Automatic Speed and Pace Calculation FinishLynx can be configured to give a reading of a competitors and speed Depending on the values entered the software will either calculate large values of speed e g Kilometers Per Hour or small values e g meters per second An example of this is shown below The FinishLynx times are for a race 3000 meters long and the Pace has been set to show pace for Page 6 26 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics 1000 meters 1 kilometer The Speed is in kilometers per hour If the Speed and Pace Fields are not visible in the Results Zone simply drag the column dividers for the Field headings to the left until they appear Figure 88 Full Screen Capture Showing Pace and Speed Ter 1 ir 11 Tree Munrgon BM 9 ES Dues i 5 The user can use this feature to predict finish times in multi lap races or to show average speed during a race The feature can be used with or without the Lap Time Plugin however with Lap Time the software will generate a pace per lap The feature works on the basis of two
35. adjust the Zoom value for a lens simply turn the ring that adjusts the Zoom setting Large numbers make the image appear nearer larger small numbers make it seem as if the image is further away What is Mode A detailed discussion of the Mode settings will follow in a later chapter For now all the user need to know is that Mode 1 makes the image appear closest Mode 4 makes it appear furthest away Mode 2 and Mode 3 are in between these values The current Mode value can be found in the Camera Settings dialog Not all values may be available at all Density settings The lower the Density setting the greater the range of Mode settings that are available Adjusting Tilt and Mode Set the Mode value to Mode 1 Aim the camera at a point approximately 2 3 of the way up the track Adjust the Tilt until an area comprised of the track plus another couple of lanes worth above it is centered on the screen Zoom in by adjusting the Zoom value of your lens or raising the Mode setting until the lane closest to the camera is right at the bottom of the screen Page 3 17 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Make sure that the whole torso of a competitor in both the inside and outside lanes is fully visible Simply have someone run through the finish line and see where they appear on the screen Adjust Tilt until competitors are clearly visible on both outside extremes of the track Step 9 Explained Adjusting Pan and Swivel What
36. alignment are very simple e Can see the athletes in all lanes of the track Am cutting off heads in the far lane This is probably not a good thing Am cutting off feet in the closest lane This usually doesn t matter you are going to be timing on the torso of the athletes e 5 my camera pointing at the Finish Line You will know this is true when the background of your images is the same color as the finishline e 5 my camera focused so that can read hip numbers and identify the athletes By following the steps identified earlier on page 3 6 and described in detail below you will soon become adept at setting up a camera quickly and precisely The key to the process is to follow all the steps and to practice until you fully understand the procedure At this point you can begin aligning the camera by clicking on the red icon in the top left hand corner of the screen The location of the icon is shown in Figure 21 Camera Alignment Icon Figure 21 Camera Alignment Icon FinishLynx Hardware Control File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard Window Help Biglpig ea ag v sapi XE The red icon will switch to green and you should see image appear on the screen Page 3 10 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera If the image that appears is totally black check and see if you have remembered to remove the lens cap or to see if the aperture of the lens is shut all the way down If you are using two or
37. autocropping is an object How do Improve Image Readability There are four different values which can be adjusted on a FinishLynx image after it has been taken Enhancement increased contrast based on a defined zone of the image Brightness Contrast and Gamma Enhancement Image enhancement allows adjustment of the light level of the image after it has been taken It cannot salvage terrible pictures but it can be a big help in distinguishing between parts of an image which are very similar in tone It takes a little practice to achieve the desired results but the good part is that undoing the enhancement is as easy as clicking on the unenhance icon or selecting the Unenhance option from the Image pull down menu Page 6 12 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics To enhance an image use the right mouse button to select a part of the image which is representative of the part that needs enhancement For example a region might be selected where an athlete s chest blends in with the background A popup menu will appear select the Enhance option or click on the Enhance icon The same result can be achieved by selecting the image area to be enhanced as described above and selecting the Enhance option from the Image pull down dialog Figure 71 Enhance Icon Teens Wg An enhanced image will be saved enhanced but the enhancement can always be undone even after the picture has been saved To assi
38. camera and the other end into either one of the connectors on the positioner The camera is screwed on using the thumbscrew provided through one of the holes in the plate NOTE Which hole is used depends on the size of the lens the idea is to try to get the center of gravity over the center of the positioner e Connecting the Remote Lens Only To connect only a remote control lens simply plug the 9 pin connector on the Page 3 9 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera end of the wire coming out of the lens into the port on the camera labeled remote and shown in Figure 11 EtherLynx 2000 Camera back view Note that the lens cannot be manually controlled e Connecting a Remote Positioner and Lens To connect both a remote lens and the remote positioning unit simply plug one end of the cable included into the port on the camera labeled remote and shown in Figure 11 EtherLynx 2000 Camera back view and the other end into either one of the connectors on the positioner Now plug the end of the cable from the lens into the open connector on the positioning unit Instructions for controlling the function of the Remote Lens and Remote Positioner are given below Step 4 Explained How Do I Start FinishLynx To start the software simply double click on the Lynx icon in the Windows Explorer window or click on the Lynx icon in the Start program window Step 5 Explained How Do I Start Aligning the Camera The criteria for camera
39. if the FinishLynx ACM plug in is installed otherwise it is grayed out When it is checked the FinishLynx camera itself operates as a virtual photoeye and the options for Trigger and Size can be configured Trigger This alters the percentage of image that has to change to signal that a beam break has occurred Size To prevent a series of small changes from signaling a beam break the minimum size of trigger object can also be set This can prevent hands and feet from activating the beam Debounce This value sets the time delay allowable between signals to prevent multiple triggers at the same beam break Offset This value is to compensate for time differentials between the beam break time and the time recorded by FinishLynx Both positive and negative values are allowable Values are entered as whole numbers of milliseconds 0 001 sec Page 3 31 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Overview of FinishLynx Operation seco Overview of FinishLynx Operation In this section INTRODUCTION 4 2 FINISHLYNX SOFTWARE WARNINGS ERROR MESSAGES AND DIALOG BOXES 4 2 FiNISHLYNX SOFTWARE USES THE LEFT MOUSE BUTTON 4 2 FiNISHLYNX SOFTWARE USES OF THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON 4 2 STAGE ONE OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION 4 3 SET UP THE HARDWARE 4 3 PREPARE THE SOFTWARE 4 3 STAGE TWO OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION 4 4 CREATE A NEW EVENT 4 4 NAME THE EVENT 4 5 CHECK THE START SENSOR 4 5 RESET THE START SENSOR AFTER TESTING OR AFTER FALS
40. in the image zone see below image can also be zoomed to preset values by clicking on the arrow to the right of the zoom window containing the numeric 100 This calls up a drop down dialog of available preset values Typing a percentage value in this box and pressing the Enter key will set the zoom factor If the Custom Zoom Icon is not visible open the Image drop down menu select Options and check the box next to the Custom Zoom Icon Figure 69 Custom Zoom Icon Page 6 11 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Can I Do Anything to Improve a Pixellated Image The FinishLynx software can smooth out some pixellation by selecting the Smooth Image option from the Image drop down menu This option is intended for use when the screen image is being sent to television for transmission in normal use this feature adversely affects the speed with which the screen is redrawn and its usage is not recommended How do Find the Next Competitor in the Image FinishLynx has the ability to automatically find the next object in the image Clicking on the Find Object icon will search the image for the next likely object of interest in the image This is most useful in larger images or in cases such as pari mutuel racing where it is desirable to leave the blank space in the image Figure 70 Find Object Icon NOTE Finding objects will not work on an automatically cropped image since the computer believes that everything left after
41. is Pan Figure 29 Pan Pan is the left to right rotational adjustment of the camera When the camera is panned first one way and then the other through the finishline the operator will see the finishline appear on the screen as a vertical white stripe The slower the camera is panned through the line the wider the finishline will appear Adjust the Pan until the background of the track appears white and the lane lines appear black across the entire width of the track as shown in Figure 16 Sample Image Produced by a Correctly Aligned Camera If you have a color camera you can use the colors shown in the table below to speed up camera alignment Page 3 18 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Table 1 Camera Alignment Shown below Color Camera Panning left to right across the finish line Arrows indicate direction camera needs to be moved to be on the finishline EF E Shown below Black and White Camera Panning left to right across the finish line Arrows indicate direction camera needs to be moved to be on the finishline Aligned Camera HINT When shooting from the outside of the track it can be especially helpful to place something white a piece of wood painted white works inside of the track on a line with the finish line This will provide a white background for the runners on the lanes furthest away from the camera Page 3 19 Positioning th
42. key is pressed the full information for the competitor with this ID number will be retrieved from the database have an Event Open How Do I Change the Start List Sometimes events take place out of order or the wrong start list is attached to an image To change the competitor information simply click on the required Database Icon in the listing in the Results Zone e Select Previous Event in the Schedule e Goto an Event in the Schedule e Select the Next Event in the Schedule Page 8 11 Databases How do Adjust a Competitor s Status There are situations in which it might be necessary to make a note on the results that someone has been disqualified did not finish or other exceptional cases These options are listed below and are selected by double clicking on the relevant Place field in the Results Zone There are several e Valid e Did Not Start e False Start e Did Not Finish e Scratched e Disqualified e Advanced For full details of the operation of the individual meet management software packages see the documentation that comes with them or talk to their technical support staff How do I Break Ties Many database programs including MEET MANAGER have the ability to combine preliminary heats into finals When two competitors from different heats have the same times to the nearest 1 100 of a second it is often necessary to view times to the nearest 1 1000 of a second to determine which athlete w
43. maximizing zero rte entes 6 10 MON eei 6 12 9 8 moving 5 9 6 12 9 8 5 14 printing 5 14 222 6 12 9 8 rolling scrolling 5 9 SeleGLes dti ie ipee 4 2 Smooth 6 12 9 8 white 4 2 5 10 image adjustment brightness aenieiai daioi 6 13 00 11e CAE ATT TA 6 13 6 13 Image Orientation 3 13 3 27 image ZONE oor ioraa Ean 5 9 information zone camera settings 3 26 input directory Files and Directories tab 8 5 Internal Photobeam 11 4 IP address control 2 5 TG tWOIK eoe tret ede 2 5 K keyboard capture 6 30 10 8 Keypad iuit 6 17 L lanes auto lane 6 8 automatic lane reading 6 8 change orientation 6 8 identify competitors by 6 8 AD Tm tetti beet pss 1 6 Leader deeem 11 4 lock up entering results 5 12 LT una ases ut sirop eua 1 6 lynx evt file types 8 8
44. more cameras the camera that is highlighted in white in the camera listing on the Hardware Control window is the one that is currently being adjusted To change cameras simply click on one of the other cameras in this listing A sample camera listing is shown below Figure 22 Sample Camera Listing Camera Capture Rate Densit Mode Gain Camera 1 es 500 500 vel 124 Controlling a Remote Positioner or Lens Remote control positioners and lenses are controlled by icons in the software there is no external unit needed On the right side of the Hardware Control window you will see the control panel shown in Figure 23 Remote Control Icons Figure 23 Remote Control Icons a Rotate Clockwise d VA b Rotate Counter Clockwise c Tilt Up E d Tilt Down amp e Pan Left f Pan Right g Open Lens Aperture g k T h Close Lens Aperture e cF je i Focus Lens Far V4 j Focus Lens Near J h i k Zoom Lens In Zoom Lens Out Clicking on an icon will cause the positioner to make a very small movement If the mouse button is held down continuous movement will start in about half a second and continue for about 2 seconds If the unit has not moved to the correct point after a few seconds let go of the mouse button and press it again If it never gets to the correct location it may be necessary to manually adjust the mount to get closer to the needed location
45. most often happens when sprints are run in the reverse direction because of the wind you can change the numbering of the lanes by clicking on the Reverse lane order check box The changes will take place when the Enter key is pressed In order to lock the lane positions for a given camera set up set up lane regions at the beginning of the day in the Hardware Control window To do this simply drag the tiny arrows on the left of the window one at a time until the lane dividers each align with a lane line NOTE If the Multiple Region Enhancement plugin is installed the operator will need to choose Lanes and not Enhancement Regions from a pop up dialog box before dragging the divider arrows To do this simply left click on the lane indicator bar on the side of the Image Zone and choose the Lanes option from the pop up dialog box In Lane evaluation mode the software will match the time and lane number based on the position of the hairline AND the crosshair When a picture is being read drag the hash line to the finisher s chest and move the crosshair up or down until it is in the athlete s lane In the example shown below the crosshair is in Lane four The current lane is highlighted in red and the number of this lane is shown in the ID box You will notice that the Lane Bar shows lanes six and seven highlighted in yellow this means that these lanes have already been evaluated The red lane is the currently selected one Gray lanes are neit
46. null modem cable is used to connect a serial COM port on the Hy Tek computer to a serial COM port on the FinishLynx computer When the FinishLynx operator requests the next start list MEET MANAGER does all the work to determine what the next race is When a race is saved in FinishLynx the MEET MANAGER computer will receive the data regardless of what the operator is doing at the time they can be entering a field event for example How Do Setup a Serial Based Database Connection Step 1 Select Options from the File pull down menu and select the Database tab in the resulting dialog box This will call up the dialog box shown in Figure 100 Options Menu Database Tab Step 2 Set the Data Source to Serial Port Step 3 Set Code Set to Single Byte Step 4 Set Time Precision to Thousandths recommended setting to assist in the breaking of ties Step 5 Select the Serial Port from the list of available ports to reflect the serial port being used by FinishLynx to communicate with the database computer Step 6 Set Write LIF File to On Step 7 Leave the default settings for Baud Data Bits Parity and Stop Bits unless you have good reason to change them Step 8 Exit the software and restart FinishLynx Page 8 6 Databases Figure 100 Options Menu Database Tab liem imag min Homies Done icm ii cate Cd T hba odes Ham torah manm Lore PELERSE
47. of the competitors from the image you need to make a decision about how you are going to identify the competitors If you are timing an intra squad race for example you may know all the athletes by name and after you have recorded the times you can simply type their names into the results However when you are timing a major meet with several thousand athletes you will probably need to rely on a database which is more reliable than your memory FinishLynx can use four different modes for identifying competitors The mode is set by clicking on the 1 0 Mode Icon The software will move to the next mode in the sequence when an icon is clicked Figure 52 1 0 Mode Icon License prior to the event each competitor is given a number assigned by a licensing authority H ID prior to the event each competitor is given an identification code assigned by the meet director also known as a Bib Number Lane this is the lane the competitor is competing in lo p Nothing Times only are given by the software other information is entered by the operator manually Page 5 8 Basic Race Evaluation For this example set the result mode to Nothing This will produce a list of results with times but no competitor information Image Zone Explanations The explanations that follow explain how the operator works with the image produced by the FinishLynx camera Where on the Competitor do You Read a Time In
48. order to determine order of finish and times it is necessary to have a way of comparing the relative position of the finishers and knowing at what time the relevant part of the competitor broke the plane of the finish line Different sports use different parts of the competitor as the critical component for timing purposes e Track and Field the torso e Cycling the front edge of the bicycle wheel e Horse Racing the nose of the horse e Speed Skating the tip of the skate e Canoeing and Rowing the front of the boat e Nordic Skiing the tip of the boot How do I Move the Hairline and Crosshair To read a time we use a tool called hairline To make the hairline appear on the image simply move the cursor into the Image Zone the area of the screen where the image is displayed and click the mouse button A line with a crosshair will appear Hold down the left mouse button while moving the mouse Note how the line tracks the position of the mouse side to side and the crosshair tracks the position of the mouse up and down the image Also note that the time in the upper left of the Image Zone changes as the line moves across the image This time corresponds to the moment at which that slice of the image was captured NOTE When evaluating a close race the arrow keys on your keyboard can be used to move the hairline in very fine increments How do Navigate in the Image Zone If the mouse button is held down and the cu
49. position in the image When the event file is saved the results are available for manual seeding and scoring of the meet FinishLynx can use InterLynx or even one of several third party commercial database software packages Using this method prior to each event the operator calls up from a previously created file a list of the competitors for the new event This is called the start list and it will be displayed in the Results Zone before any image is even captured Evaluating the event is simply a matter of matching each competitor in the start list with their position in the image When the event file is saved the results are sent back to the database for automatic scoring seeding etc It is also possible to use this method to produce fully detailed results without a start list on the basis of a single item of information provided by the operator lane 1 0 etc FinishLynx can use a generic database set up prior to the meet using lynx files as detailed in Section 8 Using this method prior to each event the operator calls up from a previously created file a list of the competitors for the new event This is called the start list and it will be displayed in the Results Zone before any image is even captured Evaluating the event is simply a matter of matching each competitor in the start list with their position in the image When the event file is saved the results are available for manual seeding and scoring of
50. see our website at http www finishlynx com for the latest availability of software updates and plug ins Simultaneous Capture and Evaluation This feature means that the processing of results can begin even before the last competitors have crossed the finish line If you think of how spread out the field can be in a High School two mile race you will appreciate how convenient it is to be able to have official times for the top half of the field being generated while the stragglers are still finishing Page 1 4 Fully Automatic Timing with FinishLynx Another way in which this feature is useful is that one event can be on the screen in the evaluation mode while image is being captured into a second hidden window this feature is described below in Multiple Open Events The simultaneous capture evaluation feature is activated in most cases by a second operator who simply watches the finish line and operates the capture button in the traditional way press to capture image release to stop capturing The software either displays this image on the screen instantly or enters it into a hidden window both options allow the primary evaluation operator to continue working uninterrupted Multiple Open Events As mentioned it is also now possible to have more than one event active at the same time The operator can switch between open events simply by choosing the desired event from the listing in the pull down Window menu Of
51. the meet It is also possible to use this method to produce fully detailed results without a start list on the basis of a single item of information provided by the operator lane 1 0 etc Page 5 2 Basic Race Evaluation How do I Evaluate an Image NOTE Each of these steps is explained in detail in the body of the chapter For the purposes of this explanation we are going to assume that you are using the sample file BOYS3000 evn Step 1 Start the FinishLynx Software Step2 Open a sample image Step 3 Decide how you wish to identify your competitors Lane License D or Nothing no database referral Step4 Move the hairline to the required position Step5 Record the time Enter competitor identification information if applicable and hit Enter Step 6 Repeat steps 4 amp 5 for each competitor Step 7 Save your work Step 8 Print Results and Images as needed Starting the FinishLynx Software Double click on the FinishLynx icon that is visible in your Program Manager Window or in the Start Menu in Windows On the screen should appear a display which looks a lot like Figure 46 If you do not have any cameras connected to the computer and you do not need to if you are evaluating existing images then no cameras will appear in the Camera Listing Page 5 3 Basic Race Evaluation Figure 46 Hardware Control Window NU Mardware Control pe Ed re mage Berd i trike Help NO
52. the time recorded by FinishLynx Both positive and negative values are allowable Values are entered as whole numbers of milliseconds 0 001 sec Automatic Configuration of Internal Photoeye If the default values for triggering the internal photoeye are not producing the results you desire you can ask the software to automatically calculate suggested values To do this follow the steps below e Configure your camera to use the Internal Photoeye in the Camera Information dialog under the Inputs tab Leave the values for Trigger 10 and Size 1 at the default values e Capture some image which contains an example of an object you wish to trigger the beam break function e Draw a selection box around an object that has a reasonable amount of background after it about 50 frames There doesn t need to be much background image before the object The object selected can be anywhere in the image as long as it isn t too close to the end of the image e Select Photo Eye Balance from the Image drop down menu e The software will recompute the current photoeye settings and place a line on the image to indicate where the photoeye would have recorded a beam break f the new position is still not satisfactory You can try adjusting the Size value to a larger value than the default value 1 and then repeating the process detailed above Multiple Region Enhancement Plug in When installed this plug in allows the user to create multip
53. three ways 1 Viaa network between two or more computers 2 Byrunning both programs on one computer Page 8 3 Databases 3 Viaa null modem serial cable between two computers this setup allows the two computers to be on line meaning that shared data can be accessed quickly and effortlessly What Data Files Does FinishLynx Use There are four kinds of FinishLynx DATA files lynx ppl There are competitors at the meet Obviously Their names are stored in a file named lynx ppl This is simply a list of participants at the meet with their name their ID number and optionally their club school team affiliation lynx evt There are Events races The participants in the events have their information stored in a file named lynx evt This is a listing of all the races with the 1 0 numbers and optionally the names of the people in each event lynx sch There are several events arranged in a Schedule The listing of the events can be stored in a file named lynx sch This is a list of the events in the order in which they are scheduled to take place The operator only has to tell the software to go to the next event in the schedule to call up a start list for that race lif There is a result to a Race This is after all why we re doing this The software will when the operator has read the picture and told the software to save the results generate a file for the event which will store the photo and t
54. type an offset value of 0 03 in the text box provided If you are using a triple beam photo eye leave the offset value at 0 000 8 Optional If you are using a photo eye to send leader splits to a scoreboard type a comma separated list in the Active Time text box of time ranges when break times are allowed For example let s say you have one photo eye set up at the 400 meter mark in an 800 meter race You want the scoreboard to ignore a photo eye beam break occurring before 40 seconds and after 60 seconds On the second lap you want the scoreboard to ignore a photo eye beam break occurring before 1 35 Type 40 60 1 35 in the Active Time text box and in FinishLynx s Scoreboard Options set Auto Break to Pause The running time on the scoreboard pauses when the first runner breaks the photo eye at the 400 meter mark and again when the first runner breaks the photo eye at the 800 meter mark You may type as many ranges as you like or leave this field blank if you want all signals received to be recorded 9 Optional Select the One event per active time period checkbox if you want only one event at a time to receive a beam break If you leave this box unchecked any beam break received at any time is recorded Generally you should check this box if you have set an Active Time range see step 8 above 10 Click OK 11 Turn on the transmitter by flipping its switch to On and practice a test beam break to make su
55. variables These can be fine tuned by hand if needed but this should only be necessary if one of them is too high If these numbers need to be re adjusted at a later time because the color of the light has changed significantly better results will be achieved by zeroing out these settings first Where do I Change my Camera Settings The FinishLynx software allows the operator to control the Lynx Camera in a variety of ways There are also several places in the software where changes can be made e The settings for adjusting the user controllable settings can be accessed by selecting the Hardware Control window selecting the Camera to be adjusted and then clicking on the blue i information icon Page 3 25 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera NECS Hardware Control S De Edi Eyent mage Bents Scoebond window E 1 ro stats jeBE Jg nn e Alternatively the camera to be adjusted can be selected from the list in the Information Zone e The settings for Capture Rate Density Mode and Gain can also be adjusted directly from the camera information area visible in the Hardware Control window simply by typing new values over the existing values in these areas and then hitting the Enter key Camera Settings Changed in Hardware Control Window Saving image from all of the cameras unnecessarily uses up available disk space Whichever method is used to select a camera for adjustment when the blue i informati
56. 3 Press the Enter key After you have positioned the hairline where you want it and released the mouse button as detailed in the step above a time corresponding to this finisher s time will appear in the Page 5 11 Basic Race Evaluation Finish Time Box and an l beam cursor will automatically start flashing in the ID Box which is located between the Finish Time Box and the I D Mode icon Depending on the mode you have chosen to identify the competitors the information you type in the 1 0 Box will appear in the relevant area of the Results Zone when you hit Enter NOTE If you try to enter information for a competitor who does not appear in the start list FinishLynx will alert you by presenting you with a dialog box asking if the information you have entered is correct The only exception to this is if you have chosen Identify by Nothing in this case the only thing you need to do to record a finisher s time in the Results Zone is to hit Enter after you have positioned the hairline in the correct position In our example you will see that when you hit Enter the competitor s position and time are automatically entered in the Results Zone yours should be similar to the one shown in Figure 55 after you have evaluated two of the athletes Figure 55 Sample Results Zone Huntington 1222016 Daniel Embaye Logan 8 57 46 1116 19 Juan Pablo Miramonte Golden Val 8 57 67 1520 14 Daniel Gohlke Skyli
57. 4 Frame 3 29 full screen ICONS etn t nu er s 6 10 G TIED TL 3 24 3 26 nice TED 3 29 MANUAL 3 29 suggested values 3 21 generic database interface People 1 8 8 schedule file 8 9 special places DNF Did Not Finish 8 11 DNS Did Not Start 8 11 DQ Disqualified 8 11 FS False Start 8 11 SCR Scratch 8 11 Start lists 4 2 reete 8 8 graphic overlay 6 15 H hairline ie tentent 5 10 fine adjustment 5 9 5 11 DUDUNG is 5 15 lass 5 15 Hardware Control camera adjustments 3 25 camera 1 3 25 Window seseenemR 3 25 help Onscreen 4 2 4 8 hip numbers seeeee 6 7 Hy Tek database software 5 2 sending start lists to FinishLynx 8 3 1 1 0 numbers results filter sse 6 21 AAT e qu eu 1 2 beam 4 2 icons autocro
58. ATE THAT IMAGE HAS BEEN CROPPED 8 6 Page 6 1 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics How DO INDICATE WHICH COMPETITORS HAVE BEEN EVALUATED 8 7 How PRINT EVALUATION LINES ON IMAGES 8 7 INFORMATION ZONE REFINEMENTS 8 7 CAMERA SETTINGS 8 8 WIND READINGS 8 9 How PRE PROGRAM THE CAPTURE BUTTON 8 9 RESULTS ZONE REFINEMENTS 8 10 WHAT DOES THE NEW RESULT ICON DO 6 20 How bo DELETE A RESULT 6 21 How PRODUCE RESULTS FOR DIFFERENT CLASSES OF COMPETITORS 6 21 How DO USE THE RESULTS ZONE SCHEDULE ICONS 6 22 How DO ADJUST THE PRECISION OF THE TIMES 6 22 How ARE TIMES ROUNDED 6 24 How DO ADJUST A COMPETITOR S STATUS 6 25 WHAT IS DELTA TIME 6 26 READING CLOSE RACES 6 26 AUTOMATIC SPEED AND PACE CALCULATION 6 26 BACKING UP 6 29 KEYBOARD CAPTURE FUNCTION 6 30 ENABLING KEYBOARD CAPTURE 6 30 USING KEYBOARD CAPTURE 6 30 Templates Any event can be used as a template Using an existing event as a template will import all configured settings from the template file into the new file Note ALL settings are imported including scoreboard settings and values of manual Gain etc There are three template modes set in Options General e None means work as before e Always Choose means to let the user choose a template each time a new event is created whether with the New command or the Schedule commands e Default means to use the default template also specified in Options General Holding down the shift
59. CTION TO RACE EVALUATION How Do EVALUATE AN IMAGE Starting the FinishLynx Software WORKING WITH SAMPLE FILES Opening a File Screen Zones Rename the Sample File Set the Identification Mode IMAGE ZONE EXPLANATIONS Where on the Competitor do You Read a Time How do Move the Hairline and Crosshair How do Navigate in the Image Zone Page 2 Table of Contents How Do Make the Image Bigger or Smaller What Happens to the Cross Hair and Hairline Position during Zooming How do Record a Time Completing the Evaluation Process RESULTS ZONE EXPLANATIONS How do Edit Results How do Move Around in the Results Zone How do Resize the Columns PRINTING EXPLANATIONS How do Print Results How do Print Image How do I Print Hairlines On Images How do 1 Change the Margins on the Page SECTION 6 FINISHLYNX SOFTWARE BEYOND THE BASICS TEMPLATES REACTIME DATA INTEGRATION Integrating ReacTime Data into Race Results START SIGNALS False Starts and Missed Starts Selecting a Start Signal Manual Starts Wireless Start Signals Working with Multiple Open Events UsiNG MULTIPLE CAMERA SYSTEMS How do Set Up Two Cameras on the Same Finish Line Controlling Multiple Cameras ADVANCED EVALUATION FEATURES IMAGE ZONE REFINEMENTS Rapid Evaluation Using Lane Numbers How do make the Image Zone fill the whole screen How do Set a Custom Zoom Value Can Do Anything to Improve a Pixellated Image How do Find the Next Competitor i
60. Do Setup a File Based Database Connection Same Computer or Network The InterLynx operator needs to assign Input and Output directories to the event as detailed below e Click Competition from the menu bar and choose Properties e Click the Files and Directories tab e Click the Browse button for the Input Directory and select the drive you are sharing with the FinishLynx computer e Double click the folder and click OK e Repeat this step for the Output Directory Note The FinishLynx output directory will be the same as the InterLynx input directory and vice versa Click OK InterLynx FinishLynx Operation Once events have been seeded in InterLynx the operator will need to generate the necessary files for FinishLynx to do this the InterLynx operator will press the F4 key to create the data files in the directory configured above To import the results from a race the operator presses the F5 key The FinishLynx operator will use the schedule icons to navigate to the correct races Page 8 5 Databases Using Hy Tek s MEET MANAGER It is most common to run MEET MANAGER on a separate computer from that on which FinishLynx is run When two computers are used there are two ways to connect the computers via a serial port or by using a network NOTE Full details on setting up the Hy Tek side of the interface are included in the section of the manual from Hy Tek called The Interface Serial Based Setup A simple
61. E STARTS 4 6 ACTIVATE THE CAPTURE BUTTON 4 6 STAGE THREE OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION 4 8 CHECK FOR START SIGNAL 4 8 CAPTURE IMAGE 4 8 STAGE FOUR OF FINISHLYNX OPERATION 4 8 BEGIN EVALUATION 4 8 CROP EXTRA SPACE 4 8 How Do REMOVE EMPTY IMAGE AUTOMATICALLY 4 9 ENTER THE RESULTS 4 10 SAVE THE RACE 4 10 PRINT RESULTS 4 10 CLOSE EVENT WINDOW 4 10 Page 4 1 Overview of FinishLynx Operation Introduction to FinishLynx Operation This section of the User Guide gives an outline explanation of the process by which race results are produced These steps are given more comprehensive explanations in the next section of the User Guide Basic Race Evaluation Section of the Guide that follows A new user may well wish to try working with some of the sample race images provided by Lynx before taking pictures of their own If this is the case simply skip ahead to the next section of the User Guide Basic Race Evaluation and return to this Section later FinishLynx Software Warnings Error Messages and Dialog Boxes The FinishLynx software is a program that runs under all versions of the Windows operating System except Windows 3 1 The software uses standard Windows conventions In addition the following information should be taken into account At times the system may put a message in a box on the screen These are known as Warnings They will contain information and instructions If your system displays an Error Message always note ex
62. ENT MODE ON DEFAULT EVENT NAME EVENT DIRECTORY BACKUP DIRECTORY LANGUAGE ENGLISH IMAGE OPTIONS TOOL BAR ALL SELECTED TIME TRACKING OFF SHOW LINES OFF HASH COLOR RED HAIRLINE SIZE PRINT LINES OFF PRINT LINES RED TIME GAP LINES OFF AUTO CROP 10 PERCENT RESULTS OPTIONS Loc BREAKS OFF PRINT BREAKS OFF LENGTH TIME 0 200 DEFAULT PRECISION SUPPRESS MINUTE PACE DISTANCE 10 2 10 3 10 3 10 3 10 3 10 3 10 3 10 4 10 4 10 4 10 4 10 4 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 6 10 6 10 6 10 6 10 6 10 7 10 7 Page 10 1 Options Customizing your System ROUND METHOD 10 7 HARDWARE OPTIONS 10 8 CAPTURE BUTTON COM 1 10 8 HARDWARE TYPE DETECT 10 8 SCOREBOARD OPTIONS 10 9 SCOREBOARD STATUS BLANK DIALOG 10 9 NAME BLANK DIALOG 10 9 SCOREBOARD CODE SET SINGLE BYTE 10 9 SCRIPT ALGE LSS 10 9 SERIAL PORT lt NONE gt 10 10 RUNNING TIME OFF 10 10 OFFSET 0 000 10 10 PAUSE TIME 3 0 10 10 Auro BREAK OFF 10 10 RESULTS OFF 10 11 DATABASE OPTIONS 10 12 DATA SOURCE NONE 10 12 DATA CODE SET SINGLE BYTE 10 12 TIME PRECISION ON SCREEN 10 12 INPUT DIRECTORY CALYNX 10 13 Data DiRECTORY CALYNX 10 13 DATA SERIAL Port NONE 10 13 SERIAL VERSION 1 10 13 WRITE LIF OFF 10 13 WIND GAUGE OPTIONS 10 14 WIND MODULE OFF 10 14 WIND GAUGE SERIAL PORT NONE 10 14 DEFAULT MODE MANUAL 10 14 LAP TIME 10 15 LAP TIME MODULE 10 15
63. Figure 62 Manual Start Dialog f 8 8 he create ola Wireless Start Signals As shown below there is a Serial Wireless tab in the camera dialog This should be used with the LinkGate Serial Wireless technology and the Serial Wireless Plug in If any other wireless sensor is used the Offset option should be checked in the Inputs tab and the required offset applied in the Offset field Figure 63 Sensor Offset Check Box Cassia Sothern Setup Passi Soins Capes Mae m Deen Norm Deae P ep Lgi 17 Adee Or Sehr stored PhosEpe Co C o Tage 0 Soe f Checking this box allows the value of the time in the Offset field to be applied to all starts coming from this camera This is a normal offset and can be removed or changed using the Camera Dialog accessible from the Information Zone When turned on a warning is immediately displayed If the user selects cancel then the box is unchecked Also when a camera is booted and the default setting has this turned on the same warning is displayed and again hitting cancel turns it off 100ms 0 100 seconds is the default setting to use with the Alge TED TX RX wireless system Working with Multiple Open Events FinishLynx can be configured to have multiple Races active at the same time To enable this feature you will have to change the default setting for the software To do this select Opt
64. Gain and Aperture What is the Gain Value The value of the Gain setting is a reflection of the amount of electronic boost that is given to the signal by the software If the lens settings are left unchanged in low light the Gain value will be higher than in bright light There are two ways of adjusting the Gain AGC Set automatically by the computer and Manual Set by the Operator What is the Aperture Value The amount of light reaching the image sensor is also dependent on the size of the opening in the lens Aperture This value is adjusted by turning the ring on the lens that has a spread of numbers from the sequence f1 f1 4 f2 8 f4 f5 6 f8 f11 f16 f22 Not all these numbers may appear especially from either ends of the list However it is always true that as the numbers get LARGER the amount of light reaching the image sensor gets SMALLER Page 3 15 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Setting Gain and Aperture In the dialog box shown in Figure 34 Camera Settings Parameters Select Gain Method AGC Depending on how the Aperture on the lens is set the value of AGC will move the default extremes of the range are 1 and 150 You should adjust the Aperture until the value of Gain is in the middle of the range an ideal value is around 70 If the initial value is close to 150 you should open the Aperture lower number If the initial value is close to 1 you should close the Aperture higher number
65. Gate can produce up to 2 048 signals Please call Lynx Technical Support if you need to increase your SW interface to more than 64 signals Optional Change the signal retry By default the dipswitch on the transmitter numbered 1 is set to L or Long Retry We recommend you keep the dipswitch at L When switched to L the transmitter repeats the signal after 2 3 seconds 16 times If you have two or more photo eyes connected to the transmitter and set very close together flip the dipswitch up to S or Short Retry When switched to S the transmitter repeats the signal after 0 6 seconds four times 11 20 Plug Ins Configure FinishLynx settings After you have set an ID for each transmitter used for your event set the corresponding ID s in FinishLynx 1 With an EtherLynx 2000 camera set up and turned on start the FinishLynx software 2 n the Hardware Control window click the blue information icon to bring up the Camera Settings dialog box If you are connecting a Start Sensor or Start button 1 Atthe Camera Settings Inputs tab select Start Sensor None 2 Click the Serial Wireless tab Setup Parameters Inputs Serial Wireless Capture Operation of C On Start Mask Photo Eye Mask xl Setup ld Hone StatSensor Phota Eye Name Active Time GRE event per active time penod 3 Select On 4 Select an ID from the dro
66. How BREAK TIES 8 12 Page 8 1 Databases Introduction to Databases If you can make sense of the following two sentences you can grasp the fundamental principles that are behind the way the FinishLynx database files are structured There were six finishers in the third race of the meet It was won by the competitor in lane number four One of the most important features of FinishLynx and incidentally the reason for its name is the ability to ink results to the entire meet management process This is possible because FinishLynx turns what used to be hand written results into data that is readable by most computers It can also transmit that data to different custom databases spreadsheets scoreboards and networks This chapter describes FinishLynx integration with the InterLynx software and also how to configure your system to interface with com mercial meet management programs like Hy Tek s MEET MANAGER The database feature can be run on the same computer as FinishLynx or on a separate computer linked to the FinishLynx computer by a null modem cable connecting the serial ports or on any number of computers linked by a standard Ethernet network For many people who are not totally conversant with the finer details of computer operation this may be the most intimidating part of the FinishLynx system But if you never learn to use the system as anything more than a camera with a clock attached then you are only usi
67. INISHLINE 3 7 POSITIONING THE CAMERA 3 8 DISTANT MOUNTING 3 8 STEP 3 EXPLAINED HOW DO 1 CONNECT THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS 3 9 STEP 4 EXPLAINED HOW DO I START FINISHLYNX 3 9 STEP 5 EXPLAINED HOW DO I START ALIGNING THE CAMERA 3 10 How Do KNow WHAT My CAMERA SETTINGS ARE 3 12 SET IMAGE ORIENTATION 3 13 STEP 6 EXPLAINED ADJUST FOCUS 3 14 STEP 7 EXPLAINED HOW DO I ADJUST FOR LIGHT CONDITIONS 3 15 WHAT IS THE GAIN VALUE 3 15 WHAT IS THE APERTURE VALUE 3 15 SETTING GAIN AND APERTURE 3 16 Page 3 1 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera STEP 8 EXPLAINED ADJUST TILT AND ZOOM AND MODE TO COVER ALL LANES 3 16 WHAT IS TILT 3 16 WHAT IS ZOOM 3 17 WHAT IS MODE 3 17 ADJUSTING TILT AND MODE 3 17 STEP 9 EXPLAINED ADJUSTING PAN AND SWIVEL 3 18 WHAT IS PAN 3 18 WHAT IS SWIVEL 3 20 STEP 10 EXPLAINED CHECK FOCUS AND GAIN 3 21 SUGGESTED VALUES OF RATE DENSITY AND MODE 3 21 HOW DO I USE A REMOTE POSITIONER AND LENS 3 9 CONNECTING A REMOTE POSITIONER OR LENS 3 9 CONTROLLING A REMOTE POSITIONER OR LENS 3 11 DETAILED EXPLANATIONS OF CAMERA SETTINGS 3 23 WHAT IS RATE 3 23 WHAT IS DENSITY 3 23 WHAT IS AVERAGING MODE 3 24 WHAT IS COMPRESSION 3 24 WHAT IS GAIN 3 24 WHAT IS WHITE BALANCE 3 25 WHERE DO 1 CHANGE MY CAMERA SETTINGS 3 25 CAMERA SETTINGS CHANGED IN HARDWARE CONTROL WINDOW 3 26 CAMERA INFORMATION DIALOG SETUP TAB 3 26 CAMERA INFORMATION DIALOG PARAMETERS TAB 3 29 CAMERA INFORMATION DIALOG INPUTS TAB
68. INTERFACE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION OPERATION OVERVIEW MSI ADDING AND DELETING SPLIT LOCATIONS 11 2 11 2 11 2 11 3 11 3 11 3 11 3 11 4 11 5 11 5 11 6 11 7 11 7 11 8 11 9 11 10 11 10 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 13 11 13 11 14 11 14 11 14 11 14 11 15 11 15 11 1 Plug Ins ADDING AND DELETING CAMERAS TO A SPLIT LOCATION 11 16 CAPTURE OPTIONS 11 16 SERIAL WIRELESS PLUG IN 11 19 INSTALLATION AND SETUP 11 19 CONFIGURE FINISHLYNX SETTINGS 11 21 ID TABLE 11 22 Introduction to Plug ins FinishLynx Version 4 0 will operate with a number of software plug ins These are software enhancements that can be purchased by the user to add features to the standard FinishLynx Software These features are primarily aimed at meeting the needs of specific sports and specific situations and are designed to be added as needed by the user The full list of currently available plug ins can be obtained by calling Lynx System Developers Inc at 781 935 6959 or by visiting the FinishLynx website at http www finishlynx com Plug ins Installation 1 Insert the FinishLynx Plug in disk into drive A 2 There are several ways to install the Plug in software Use the Run option from the Start menu and select a setup exe From within File Manager or Explorer you can select the A drive select setup exe and double click on it Alternatively you can use the Settings option from the Start menu choose Control Pan
69. Image Results Scoret Get info Arm Ctrl Manual start Manual wind Altew Select wind Advance capture Set capture Add split location Add camera Delete object Clicking here will bring up the Camera Settings dialog This option arms the selected event to receive the next start Selecting this option will call up the Manual Start dialog box as described in Section 4 Selecting this option will force start a wind reading of the duration set in the Manual Wind option See the Chapter on using wind gauges and scoreboards Select Wind The operator can choose which wind gauge reading is needed for the current event by clicking here and selecting the desired reading from the list in the pop up dialog Page 9 6 Menu Bar Reference Advance Capture When the Multiple Split Interface Plugin is installed selecting this option will move the capture capability to the next correctly configured Split Location When the Multiple Split Interface Plugin is installed selecting this option will move the capture capability to the currently selected Split location which is currently selected highlighted in the Information Zone Add Split Location When the Multiple Split Interface Plugin is installed selecting this option adds a new Split Location to the currently active Event Add Camera When the Multiple Split Interface Plugin is installed selecting this option presents a dialog of available cameras wh
70. LN Jum mega r2 kein jo oe Cx 8 Un C aia Habs File Based Setup Database files can also be shared over an Ethernet network or accessed from the FinishLynx computer If the database files are being generated on a second computer connected via an Ethernet network you will need to correctly configure your FinishLynx software to accept the information as detailed above How Do I Create My Own Database Files As mentioned earlier the interface used by FinishLynx to get start lists and send results the lynx evt file is actually so simple that it can be created manually or by a database or spreadsheet rather than a meet management package This can be useful in certain low key events that are not overly structured or even scored and where a meet management package might be overkill Writing Your Own Lynx Files Any standard text editor such as Notepad can be used to create or edit these files as can most spreadsheets All files are simply comma delimited text an extremely common format which can be created on IBM compatibles Macintoshes or even UNIX and VMS machines In addition there are Macro s available from us which will enable you to use certain word processing software to create these files Contact FinishLynx Customer Support for details If any of the fields contain a comma if somebody is called Steve Jones Jr for example the dat
71. NT OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT LEARNING FINISHLYNX WHERE DO I START FINISHLYNX 32 FEATURES SIMULTANEOUS CAPTURE AND EVALUATION MULTIPLE OPEN EVENTS PLUG INS HOW FINISHLYNX CAMERAS WORK What is FinishLynx Welcome to FinishLynx the first digital race management system This guide is provided first and foremost to help the first time user set up install and run FinishLynx so that it will become as familiar and easy to use as a computer We hope that we can help you operate FinishLynx to its fullest capacity making the job of producing accurate race results easier and faster than you ever thought possible We also hope that we can help to satisfy your curiosity about some of the concepts and theory behind digital imaging for fully automatic timing Obviously a FinishLynx owner knows what is meant by the expression photofinish However it may be less obvious what a FinishLynx digital image is and even less clear how you get a Page 1 1 Fully Automatic Timing with FinishLynx FinishLynx digital image to appear on your computer screen This introduction will explain in very simple language the components of a FinishLynx system and the concepts necessary to understand what makes a FinishLynx image different from a conventional photograph Accreditation The FinishLynx range of products meets all the requirements of a Fully Automatic Timer F A T in IAAF NCAA USATF as well as many other national and internatio
72. Note that from the time the leading edge of the finish line appears to the time the trailing edge appears can take over 25 clicks on the icon This allows the camera to be placed extremely accurately on the leading edge of the finish line and helps when trying to line up two camera systems so both angles read the same time Page 3 11 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera NOTE Activation of the remote control units can only occur while a camera is in align mode In multi camera systems only the camera that is being adjusted should be aligning while using the controls When adjusting a Remote Lens the operator should note that the Icons are incremental not continuous holding down on a lens adjustment icon will only move the lens to the next position To keep moving in the same direction the operator needs to let up on the mouse button and then re click This will move to the next position and so on How Do Know What My Camera Settings Are The first time it is run the system starts up in a default configuration for alignment that is rate 500 lines per second density 500 mode Average 1 gain AGC To see the current settings of your FinishLynx camera open the camera information dialog box as follows Click on the camera in the Camera Listing described above when selected it will appear as black text on a white background Click on the blue Camera Information icon indicated in Figure 24 Camera Information Icon
73. ON ETHERLYNX 2000 CAMERA CONNECTION BOX START SENSOR CONNECT TO POWER SUPPLY STARTING THE SOFTWARE PHOTOEYE ETC How Do USE A DIFFERENT START SIGNAL GENERATOR How Do CHANGE THE COM PORT USED FOR THE CAPTURE BUTTON 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 4 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 8 2 9 2 9 2 10 2 10 2 12 2 13 2 13 2 13 2 14 2 14 2 14 Page 2 1 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Software Hardware Compatibility FinishLynx 32 software operates with all EtherLynx 2000 cameras EtherLynx 2000 With the EtherLynx 2000 FinishLynx system the timing circuitry if enabled is contained in the camera The EtherLynx 2000 camera is linked by means of an Ethernet connection to the primary computer and if one is being used to the network of evaluation and data management computers The connection between the camera and the other computers on the network is usually either a 10base2 or a 10baseT cable but a 10baseFL Fiber Optic connection is also possible With the EtherLynx 2000 system the user can connect as many cameras as needed to the network With the addition of the Multiple Split Interface plugin EtherLynx 2000 cameras can be configured to take images at different locations along a race course and produce a result for each split See the chapter headed Plugins for details If one camera in a networked EtherLynx 2000 system is equipped with the timing circuitry and it is powered on then all cameras on the network
74. Page 7 3 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges MANUFACTURER MODEL SETTING Westerstrand Sportstimer 1200 8 N 2 Microgate Mtab16 1200 8 N 1 To run the scoreboard control software simply ensure that the correct file is in the same directory as the lynx exe file and follow the instructions given below to enable it NOTE You will need to confirm that the communication settings from the table above are configured to correspond to your manufacturer and type of scoreboard Figure 93 Scoreboard Options Dema image ee Cami Samb fes fum Pusdli Fo due a Bram prd cias Drea de 1 ume Adamum ier rr Running Time Configuration Using the settings detailed here you can set up your FinishLynx software to display the running time for an event This time can be automatically or manually stopped and in addition splits for intermediate distances can be displayed semi automatically or manually Step 7a Set Serial Port to reflect the location of the COM port to which your scoreboard is connected Step 7b Set Running Time to Normal Step 7c If you are using a Photoeye to stop your display set Time Offset to reflect the difference between the display clock reading and the times recorded by FinishLynx This value is determined empirically Have someone run through the finish line and compare the times on the clock with the time on the Fin
75. RE ADD SPLIT LOCATION 1 NNNDDDAOD 9 1 Menu Bar Reference ADD CAMERA 9 7 DELETE OBJECT 9 7 IMAGE 9 8 ZOOM IN 9 8 ZOOM OUT 9 8 SMOOTH ZOOM 9 8 CROP 9 8 UNCROP 9 8 AUTOCROP 9 9 FIND OBJECT 9 9 PRECISION 9 9 ADJUSTMENTS 9 9 ENHANCE UNENHANCE 9 9 WHITE BALANCE 9 9 PHOTOEYE BALANCE 9 9 OVERLAY 9 10 REMOVE OVERLAYS 9 10 EXPORT BITMAP 9 10 OPTIONS IMAGE 9 10 PAGE SETUP IMAGE 9 10 PRINTER SETUP IMAGE 9 10 PRINT IMAGE 9 10 RESULTS 9 11 New RESULT 9 11 DELETE RESULT 9 11 FIND I D 9 11 FILTERS 9 11 SET PACK LEADERS 9 11 ACCEPT SPLIT TIME 9 12 INSERT SPLIT TIME 9 12 MASK SPLIT TIME 9 12 SPLIT TIMES 9 12 PRINT SPLIT TIMES 9 12 OPTIONS RESULTS 9 12 PAGE SETUP RESULTS 9 12 PRINTER SETUP RESULTS 9 12 PRINT RESULTS 9 12 SCOREBOARD 9 13 INITIALIZE 9 13 RUN 9 13 PAUSE 9 13 FINISH 9 13 STOP 9 13 REFRESH 9 14 SHOW TIME OF DAY 9 14 USE 24 HOUR FORMAT 9 14 OVERRIDE TIME OF DAY 9 14 DISPLAY CURRENT EVENT 9 14 EDIT MESSAGE 9 14 SEND MESSAGE 9 14 OPTIONS SCOREBOARD 9 14 WINDOW 9 15 CASCADE 9 15 TILE HORIZONTAL 9 15 TILE VERTICAL 9 15 KEYPAD 9 15 HARDWARE CONTROL AND EVENT LISTING 9 15 Page 9 2 Menu Bar Reference HELP 9 15 CONTENTS 9 16 SYSTEM INFO 9 16 ABOUT 9 16 Introduction to the FinishLynx Menu Bar This section will explain all of the menus commands and operations available in FinishLynx for Windows You wi
76. REEN ZONES RENAME THE SAMPLE FILE SET THE IDENTIFICATION MODE IMAGE ZONE EXPLANATIONS WHERE ON THE COMPETITOR DO YOU READ A TIME How How How DO MOVE THE HAIRLINE AND CROSSHAIR DO NAVIGATE IN THE IMAGE ZONE Do MAKE THE IMAGE BIGGER OR SMALLER WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CROSS HAIR AND HAIRLINE POSITION DURING ZOOMING How DO RECORD A TIME COMPLETING THE EVALUATION PROCESS RESULTS ZONE EXPLANATIONS How How How DO EDIT RESULTS DO MOVE AROUND IN THE RESULTS ZONE DO RESIZE THE COLUMNS PRINTING EXPLANATIONS How How How How DO PRINT RESULTS DO PRINT IMAGE DO PRINT HAIRLINES ON IMAGES DO CHANGE THE MARGINS ON THE PAGE aan e 2 2 ana Page 5 1 Basic Race Evaluation Introduction to Race Evaluation There are four basic ways to use the FinishLynx system to produce results Method 1 Method 2 Method 3 Method 4 Without using any database With this method the operator simply creates a new event file for each event captures an image of the finish evaluates it and manually records the results of each competitor in the results zone At smaller and slower paced meets it is possible to create a start lis immediately prior to each event as described in What does the New Result Icon do in Section 6 Evaluating the event is simply a matter of matching each competitor in the start list with their
77. Reading The reading from the wind gauge should be entered here Units Clicking in the Units column will bring up the following choices in a pop up dialog box Miles per hour Feet per second Meters per second No Reading How do Pre Program the Capture Button There are three ways in which FinishLynx can be configured to capture automatically The most advanced methods are by the use of the Automatic Capture Module ACM or the Multiple Split Interface which are described in Section 11 However even the most basic FinishLynx system can be configured to capture image according to a preset schedule The operator can set the time to begin capturing expressed as time after the start signal and the length of time to capture image Page 6 19 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics To preprogram the capture time select the Finish field in the Information zone by clicking on it The fields will be highlighted in white Typing the desired values in the appropriate fields of the Finish information area sets these times There are two configurable fields e Start Number of seconds after a Start Signal is received e Duration Number of seconds to capture Results Zone Refinements Across the top of the results zone is the icon bar shown in Figure 78 Figure 78 Results Zone Icon Bar What does the New Result Icon do Clicking on the icon shown below will enter an empty line in the results zone This feature is most u
78. Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 Step 11 Install the FinishLynx 32 software Check the Display monitor settings on your computer Confirm that your computer has an Ethernet network card installed and the settings in the Network Control Panel are properly configured Connect the Camera s to the Computer using the network cables provided If your system is photo finish only no times connect the camera to the computer using the special Ethernet cable provided Connect the Capture Button to the COM port of your computer Connect the Connection Box to a Camera If your system is Timer Enabled connect the Start Sensor to the Connection Box with the start signal cable provided Connect the camera s to a power source Do not power up yet Switch on the power to the Computer Switch on the power to the Camera s Start the Software Figure 2 EtherLynx 2000 System Components a EtherLynx Camera b Connection Box Connection Box c Connection Box Cable d Capture Button and Cable e Start Sensor Not shown Start Sensor Cable Ethernet Cables Computer Page 2 3 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Installing the FinishLynx Program and Help Software NOTE If this is not the first time FinishLynx has been installed on the computer the original installation directory should be uninstalled before running the installer Also note that when old files are loaded into the new version the lynx evt file format may be ch
79. TE There is nothing that can be done to cause permanent damage to the machine so try not to be scared Working with Sample Files Before you begin working on the sample images we suggest you read through to the end of this chapter and then follow the steps below Opening a File The first step to opening an existing image is to locate the Menu Bar This extends across the top of the entire screen and looks like Figure 47 Menu Bar Figure 47 Menu Bar FinishLynx Hardware Control amp amp File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard Window Help no capturable events E S 8 8 amp D Each of the words across the top of the screen will become a pull down menu of options relating to the topic word that shows on the Menu Bar Page 5 4 Basic Race Evaluation Move the mouse over any of the words on the Menu Bar and click the mouse button The menu for that group of options will appear Click anywhere outside the menu to make it go away Click on File in the menu bar To work on the sample image click on the word Open This action will call up a file browser similar to the one shown in Figure 48 File Browser Figure 48 File Browser Lookin aa gj a en m Mame Hebe sj En The Files of Type pull down menu will let you open three different classes of FinishLynx files e FinishLynx Event files e DOS C1 files e DOS C2 files You can select one of these files by moving
80. a for the relevant field should be placed in quotes The last name field for the example given above would look like this jones Jr Page 8 7 Databases Creating the Start List A start list or lynx evt file contains a list of all the events and numbers to identify them by and optionally the participants in these events Purpose This file lynx evt contains events and who is in them Format Event number round number heat number event name tab space or comma ID lane last name first name affiliation tab space or comma gt lD lane last name first name affiliation tab space or comma ID lane last name first name affiliation or event number round number heat number event name event number round number heat number event name event number round number heat number event name Below is a sample lynx evt file that shows a variety of acceptable formats NOTE For those of you who get nervous when confronted by computer coded information relax The lines that begin with a semi colon indicated by italics are actually just describing what the file does The meat and potatoes of the file are contained in the plain text of the file To indicate no lane assignment leave the lane field blank or use Zero To indicate no ID number you must put a zero in the ID field If NO participants are listed after an event entry FinishLynx will attempt to locate each participa
81. actly what the message says and any identification number for the error This information will be useful in tracking the cause of your problem If the system is expecting input from you it will display a Dialog Box on the screen If required enter the information in the space provided and then click on the appropriate action options The button that has the blacker border will be the default option that can be selected by pressing the Enter key on your keyboard FinishLynx Software Uses of the Left Mouse Button e To click on Icons This is done by moving the cursor to the chosen icon and clicking the left mouse button e To select options in dialog boxes This is done by moving the cursor to the chosen option and clicking the left mouse button e To tell the software that you want to enter information in a Text Field This is done by moving the cursor to it and clicking the left mouse button An I beam cursor is the bar that appears in a text field when it is being edited Note When the mouse points at an icon a brief description of the function of that icon will appear in the Help Zone at the bottom left corner of the screen FinishLynx Software Uses of the Right Mouse Button e To select a region of the image Move the cursor to a corner of the region you wish to define hold down the right mouse button and move the mouse until the region is enclosed by a box This will call up a popup menu enabling you to print enhance crop or t
82. adio button to either Auto Manual or Always send place e Auto The software sends data to the scoreboard every time a change is made in the results field e Manual The results are only sent to the scoreboard when the Refresh option is selected from the Scoreboard drop down menu e Always send place The software sends the results with places even if the file has not been saved The operator has to ensure that competitors are read from first to last place Step 7b Set Page Size to reflect the number of available lines on your scoreboard single line 1 etc Step 7c Set Page Time to show the number of seconds that each page of the display will remain visible before scrolling to the next page Step 7d Check Include first name to send first and last names of a competitor to the scoreboard when displaying results If this option is not selected the FinishLynx software will send only a competitor s last name Page 7 5 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges Step 7e Check Affiliation abbreviation to send a competitor s four letter affiliation abbreviation as set in the database software to the scoreboard when displaying results If this option is not checked the scoreboard will not display a competitor s affiliation Using Scoreboards with Multiple Events If only one Event window is open FinishLynx will display on the scoreboard the information coming from that Event However there may be cases when several Events are open at
83. al cabling between camera s and computers you MUST use a terminator at each end of the cable as shown DO NOT connect the cable directly to your Ethernet card on your Computer or your Camera Page 2 8 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Figure 9 Setup 10base2 Cabling a AC Power connection 110 240 volts 50 60 Hz auto switching b Start Sensor C Connection Box d Capture Button e Terminator Note that a terminator must be fitted at both ends of the 10base2 cabling Setup 10baseFL Fiber Optic Cable Fiber Optic connections are made at the transceiver connected to the AUI input on the back of the camera and to the corresponding input on the transceiver connected to the Ethernet network attached to the main computer For further information contact FinishLynx technical support Cable Length Restrictions Maximum Belden Specification Recommended Cable Type Number Length 10baseT 1700A 100 meters between hubs 10base2 9907 180 meters between terminators 10baseFL 221302 2000 meters Page 2 9 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Belden Specification Recommended Cable Type Number Length Start Signal 9533 700 meters Armored 8729 700 meters Start Signal Capture Button Figure 10 Capture Button and COM port Connection Cable P N CA wii Y kh c d The Capture Button needs to be connected to a serial port on the back of your comput
84. alled this option will allow a split time that falls to be manually edited before the file is saved Print Split Times When the Lap Time plugin is installed this option will print all the spli times recorded for the currently active event Options results The use of this dialog box is discussed in detail in Section 10 Page Setup results This option enables the user to set left right top and bottom margins These settings can be entered in inches or in centimeters Printer Setup results Choosing this option calls up the Printer Setup dialog box for the Results printer Print results This prints the contents of the currently active Result Zone Page 9 12 Menu Bar Reference Scoreboard FinishLynx Boys3000 amp File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard Window Help Initialize Alt l Run Alt R Pause Finish Alt F Stop Alt S Refresh Show time of day Use 24 hour format v Override time of day Edit message Send message Display current event ptions The initial settings for the model of scoreboard connected to the system are set using the Options dialog as discussed in Chapter 12 These initial settings will not become available until after the FinishLynx 32 software has been quit and restarted Selecting this option will initialize the currently attached scoreboard and zero all the readings This will force the running time clock to return to a displ
85. ame effect as clicking in the close icon for that window NOTE If you attempt to close a modified event window before saving it you will be prompted with an alert ave This will bring up the standard Save File dialog and allow you to name the file The name you give the file will be used to title results and image printouts Save As This will bring up the standard Save File dialog and allow you to save the current event to a different file than it is currently stored in Previous Event If a database is being used selecting this option will open the Event that is immediately prior to the last opened event in the Schedule If Single Event mode is currently selected in the File Options dialog box then opening a new event will automatically close the currently open window and prompt the user to save any unsaved changes IC au If a database is being used selecting this option will call up a dialog box that will enable the operator to choose an event from the Schedule and open it If Single Event mode is currently selected in the File Options dialog box then opening a new event will automatically close the currently open window and prompt the user to save any unsaved changes Page 9 4 Menu Bar Reference Next event If a database is being used selecting this option will open the Event that is immediately after the last opened event in the Schedule If Single Event mode is currently selected in the File Opt
86. anged and made unreadable by old versions 1 Insert the disk labeled FinishLynx Disk 1 into A 2 There are several ways to install the FinishLynx software e Use the Run option from the Start menu and select a setup exe e From within File Manager or Explorer you can select the A drive select setup exe and double click on it e Alternatively you can use the Settings option from the Start menu choose Control Panel double click on Add remove programs and follow the instructions on your screen 3 You will need to enter your FinishLynx 32 serial number during installation This number is important and you should record it in a safe place If you lose your serial number please contact Lynx System Developers on 781 935 6959 4 Follow the instructions on the screen Remove Disk 1 from your floppy drive and add Disk 2 when requested to do so by the installation software 5 If you wish to add the FinishLynx Online Help do so when the FinishLynx program installer has finished Insert Disk 1 of the Help installer and follow the directions in step 2 above Installing the Ethernet Card Install the Ethernet card in a vacant slot in your computer according to the instructions that accompany the card and ensure that you add the TCP IP protocol as detailed below You will need to assign your computer an IP address and set up the correct TCP IP configuration To do this select Start Settings Control Panel Network Choose the Conf
87. anual in the Capture tab of the Camera Information dialog The operator will advance the Capture function to the next Split Location when needed in one of two ways e Clicking on the Advance Capture icon the yellow down arrow shown in the Information Zone of Figure 119 Multiple Split Interface Screen Capture 11 16 Plug Ins e Selecting the Advance Capture option from the Event drop down menu When the capture is active for a Split Location a lower case letter c will be visible to the left of the camera listing in the Information Zone Pressing the capture button will then capture image into the selected Split Location Timed Manual With this setup the operator should select the camera listing in the Information Zone click on the blue Camera Information icon and set the capture method to manual in the Capture tab of the Camera Information dialog The software will automatically advance the Capture function to the next Split Location at a predetermined time after the gun To set the times when capture is possible follow the steps below e Click on the Results line in the desired Split Location Two fields are available Start and Duration e In the Start field enter the time after gun when you want capture to be available and then press the Tab key e If the duration field is left blank then capture will be possible in this Split Location up and until capture is advanced to the next Split Location If a value is en
88. ar in red indicating that they have been altered manually How do B Move Around in the Results Zone The results board can be scrolled up and down to show the full list of competitors by clicking on the scroll bar to the right of the Results Zone How do I Resize the Columns The columns in the Results Zone can be resized by moving the mouse over the borders between the column headings A double ended arrow will appear in the cursor position You can change the size of the columns by holding down the mouse button and dragging the double ended arrow in the direction you wish to move In this way you can completely cover up a column by resizing the adjacent column over it but you cannot delete columns Printing Explanations You should follow the instructions accompanying your printer for installing it in a Windows environment If your printer is installed and working with your Windows or NT programs it will work with FinishLynx Because of a bug in the some Hewlett Packard printer drivers using PCL 5 and PCL 6 some HP printers may need updated printer drivers These are obtainable from the Hewlett Packard website There are two separate print icons on the screen One for printing results and one for printing image Figure 56 Print Icons Page 5 13 Basic Race Evaluation How do I Print Results Clicking on the printer icon in the Results Zone will pull up a printer settings dialog box similar to the one shown below in F
89. as been completed and recorded When the race is over this value will read O Number of Split Times that will be entered per lap This can be more than 1 for example it will be 2 if 200 meter splits are being recorded in a race being run on a 400 meter track Minimum Legal Split Time If a split time is recorded which is less than this value the line in the results field will turn red and the FinishLynx operator will have the option of accepting the value if it was a valid time rejecting the value if it was entered in error or manually entering a split time if the split was missed altogether See Maximum Legal Split Time If a split time is recorded which is more than this value the line in the results field will turn red and the FinishLynx operator will have the option of accepting the value if it was a valid time rejecting the value if it was entered in error or manually entering a split time if the split was missed altogether 1 Setup the External Split Generator if one is being used as described above 2 Configure the FinishLynx software to reflect what method is being used to collect Split Times Camera or External Split Generator 3 Configure the FinishLynx software for the particular race about to be run 4 Assign Button Pushers to all the competitors in the race and ensure that the Button Pushers all have the correct buttons i e the person responsible for competitor 1 has button 1 and so on 5 Whe
90. at a precision of 1 10 and as 9 toa precision of individual seconds e ROUND With this setting a mathematical function is applied numbers five or greater round up and four and lower round down With this setting an actual time of 9 653 seconds at a precision of 1 1000 second will display as 9 65 at 1 100 as 9 7 at a precision of 1 10 and as 10 to a precision of individual seconds Page 10 7 Options Customizing your System Hardware Options Figure 106 Options Hardware Tab mag mis Hh Eom mind wnt Lam tara Peas lg U ham C Denm Boc llli x s CE Capture Button 1 The COM port serial port that the capture button is connected to should be set here If the operator wishes to use the keyboard as a Capture Button they should select the Keyboard option from the drop down listing If this option is selected the space bar will function as a Capture Button However when this option is checked and the Capture function has been turned on the keyboard is disabled for other use To use the Space Bar to capture image see Keyboard Capture Function in Section 6 Hardware Type Detect The system can be preset for the type of hardware which it is controlling or it can be left to the FinishLynx software to automatically detect the nature of the hardware None SCSI Ethernet Detect NOTE Changes to this value only take plac
91. at you have the density set to a high enough number to make the numbers clear The downside to having the density set at a high number is that the file size will be bigger and as a result when events are saved they will take up more disk space A good rule of thumb in track and field is to use a rate which is about 1 5 times the density setting i e a rate of 750 and density of 500 For events that have particularly wide fields of view such as horse tracks this ratio might be as low as 1 1 i e a rate of 1000 and density of 1000 Other Page 3 23 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera events with small fields of view such as dog racing might use a ratio of as high as 4 1 i e a rate of 2000 and density of 500 NOTE When the standard 12 75 mm c mount lens is used only the middle 680 pixels are available for use even with a high resolution camera Using more pixels will cause a black band of unexposed pixels to appear at the top and bottom of the image and this can impact any adjustments that the automatic gain is trying to make What is Averaging Mode The settings for Averaging Mode control the size of light sensitive cell clusters that the computer uses to take information from the camera and display in a single pixel on the screen The effect of changing this setting is to alter the height dimension of the image on the screen A lower value of Mode will show a smaller field of view and vice versa The positive aspec
92. aximum and a minimum legal time for a lap to be recorded The minimum time should be a little less than a competitor could achieve at maximum speed and the maximum value should be a little higher than would be recorded in a highly tactical race with competitors moving slowly If any split time falls outside the boundaries set up by the Too Fast and Too Slow split times that line of the results turns red The operator can then click on one of the three buttons 11 8 Plug Ins es fm n Click on Add Split to insert a placeholder split if the operator forgot to press the button on Delete Split to mask a split if the operator pressed the button when they shouldn t have on Accept Split if they determine that the split is correct even though it fell out of range The reason for using placeholders and masking rather than just creating or deleting data is that if an operator makes a mistake they can to go back and look at the real log of split data for an athlete and edit it after the race Identifying Hardware Components Tag Heuer PTB605 Figure 116 Lap Time Tag Heuer Components a Timing Synchro Cable with banana clips This cable is for connecting the start relay box B with the main unit G b Start relay box This box converts the signal from a Normally closed Start sensor D which is the Lynx standard to a Normally open switch which is the Tag Heuer standard c Finis
93. ay of the current event time This will cause the running time clock to pause on the next break of the Photoeye beam or tape switch The length of the pause can be set using the Options dialog This will stop the running time clock on the next break of the Photoeye beam or tape switch The offset time can be set using the Options dialog This option can be used to do manual splits The running time display will stop when the option is selected The clock can be restarted using the Run command Page 9 13 Menu Bar Reference This will refresh the current data being sent to the scoreboard Show Time of Day Selecting this option will send the current time of day as generated by the Computer System clock to the scoreboard Use 24 hour Format The time format can be toggled between 12 hour AM PM format and 24 hour format by checking this option Override Time of Day When there is a check mark alongside this option the time of day will be turned off when the running time begins to run Display current event When several Event windows are open at the same time selecting this option will connect the scoreboard and the currently active window Edit Message Selecting this option will call up the Custom Message dialog box If a correctly configured display is attached and a valid message is entered it will be displayed on the scoreboard either when the Send option in the dialog box is selected or when the Sen
94. button a list of available driver files will appear in this pull down window To select one simply click on it with the mouse Drivers for connected scoreboards can be changed by clicking on the Name of the new driver file Page 10 9 Options Customizing your System NOTE Changes to this value only take place the next time FinishLynx is run Serial Port lt None gt When a scoreboard is connected to FinishLynx the serial port that is being used and the data communication configuration need to be set here Follow the instructions that accompany your scoreboard e Baud 9600 e Data bits 8 e Parity None e Stop Bits 1 0 e Refresh Time 0 000 NOTE Do not change the refresh time without consulting FinishLynx Technical Support Running Time Off This setting controls whether the FinishLynx computer transmits the running time of the event over the selected serial port e Off No data transmission e Normal Data is transmitted e Raw Television data output it can only be used with LynxTV Offset 0 000 This setting reflects the difference between the display clock reading and the times recorded by FinishLynx Values are in seconds and can be either negative to subtract time from the clock display or positive to add time to the clock display Pause Time 3 0 The number of seconds that you wish to leave the split time on the scoreboard before it returns to displaying the running time
95. ce Selecting this option calls up the built in FinishLynx Help system On line help for the screen icons is displayed all the time in the bottom left hand side of the Screen System Info The rr A a s Thie Fame TE a g C pu al genium Debie potueris uet chers em pln Lord areal Disk Fork T2D MB iua yup Sp LL en Oona 14 sam Teel Clicking here will bring up a dialog box which shows the current configuration of many elements of your computer setup that directly affect FinishLynx operation Display Area Color Palette TCP IP address and Network Control Panel settings About FinishLynx EG Version 2 Released Jun 12 2001 Image memory 2000000 bytes Registered to Serial number 2 45 iL L iz Multiple Region Enhancement not installed Automatic Capture Mode not installed Multiple Splits Interface not installed LapTime not installed Lynx System Developers Inc 175 N New Boston Street Woburn 01801 USA 781 935 6959 Copyright c 1991 2001 Lynx System Developers Inc This option displays the program information registered owner serial number etc Page 9 16 Options Customizing your System Options Customizing your System In this Section CUSTOMIZING FINISHLYNX GENERAL OPTIONS COMPETITION NAME COMPETITION SPONSOR SiNGLE Ev
96. chance of obtaining fully automatic times but FinishLynx copes effortlessly with these problems All start signals are logged into the computer memory and displayed in the start listing window Any one of these signals can be used as the start point for the timing clock so that fully automatic times can be generated Simply click once on the Start Signal you wish to use it will now be highlighted in blue and then select the Add Selected Start icon shown below Figure 60 Add Selected Start Icon amp This same method can be used if you forget to re arm the timer after a false start simply select the next start from the listing and click on the Add Selected Start icon Instead of responding to an automatic start signal the timing component of the system can be manually started This can be useful if the start and finish line are some distance apart and an automatic start is not feasible If the timer is manually armed in this way an offset can be entered which will tell FinishLynx at what time to start the clock when the spacebar is hit In this case the running time is brought to the FinishLynx system on a watch and entered by the operator as detailed below Figure 61 Manual Start Icon Page 6 4 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics When you click on the Manual Start icon a dialog box will appear which will give you an option of entering an offset time Enter the offset in standard HH MM SS format and hit Enter
97. ck amp field customer can have a Start Sensor connected to a wireless signal transmitter that the starter carries around on his belt and photoeyes at each corner of the track for the ultimate in flexibility in obtaining splits The photoeyes can be activated and deactivated fairly easily so the FinishLynx Operator can set up a 1500m race where they take 400 800 and 1200 splits from one photoeye and then take the 1500 split from a different photoeye An added advantage of these devices is that any signal they receive can be automatically retransmitted up to 16 times until the receiver acknowledges receipt FinishLynx will then retroactively start the clock or take a split based on the signal timestamp and not on when the signal was received This is a significant improvement over previous technologies where the impulse was transmitted once and if it was missed because of radio interference or the like it was gone for good Page 1 6 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware SECTION 2 Setup Of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware In this Section SOFTWARE HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY ETHERLYNX 2000 WHAT COMPUTER DO NEED ETHERLYNX 2000 HARDWARE SETUP OVERVIEW INSTALLING THE FINISHLYNX PROGRAM AND HELP SOFTWARE INSTALLING THE ETHERNET CARD ETHERNET CONNECTIONS 10BASET AND NO HUB SETTING UP 10BASET AND A HUB SETTING UP 10BASE2 COAXIAL CABLE SETTING UP SETUP 10BASEFL FIBER OPTIC CABLE CABLE LENGTH RESTRICTIONS CAPTURE BUTT
98. course it is also possible to manipulate the windows in the same way as any other Windows program windows can be resized they can be reduced to icons or they can be closed simply by using the window control icons on the top right corner of the screen It is possible to capture finishers into any of the active races simply by selecting the desired window and activating the capture button for that race FinishLynx Version 4 0 will operate with a number of software plug ins These are software enhancements that can be purchased by the user to add features to the standard FinishLynx Software These features are primarily aimed at meeting the needs of specific sports and specific situations The full list of currently available plug ins can be obtained by calling Lynx System Developers Inc at 781 935 6959 or by visiting the FinishLynx website at Multiple Region Enhancement MRE Plugin In some lighting conditions the view of the finish line seen by the camera may be divided into well lit areas and significantly darker areas This most often occurs when a shadow falls across a portion of the finish line With the MRE plugin the Lynx operator can define specific areas of the field of view for electronic enhancement With this plugin the operator can set the image exposure for the brighter areas of the track and use the MRE feature to pull viable image from the darker areas These settings are sticky and will stay from one event to the next
99. cting the Image pull down menu and then selecting the Precision option e Database The precision for the data produced by the software and sent to the database that is administering the event can also be controlled This is useful in case where times are recorded at one level of precision but ties are broken by using a greater level of precision To control this feature select the Database tab of the Options dialog box File Options shown in Figure 83 and set the Time Precision to the desired value Page 6 23 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 83 Database Options Dialog Box mr imm mae 2 How are Times Rounded Times produced by FinishLynx can be displayed in different formats The formats are set using the File Options dialog box shown in Figure 84 Figure 84 Results Options Dialog There are three available rounding options with FinishLynx e UP This means that an actual time of 9 653 seconds at a precision of 1 1000 second will display as 9 66 at 1 100 as 9 7 at a precision of 1 10 and as 10 to a precision of individual seconds Page 6 24 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics DOWN This truncates the digits With this setting an actual time of 9 653 seconds at a precision of 1 1 000 second will display as 9 65 at 1 100 as 9 6 at a precision of 1 1 0 and as 9 to a precision of individual seconds e ROUND With this setting a mathematical funct
100. d Message option is selected from this drop down menu Send Message See Edit Message above Options scoreboard The use of this dialog box is discussed in detail in Chapter 12 Page 9 14 Menu Bar Reference Window FinishLynx Boys3000 File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard Window Help Cascade Tile horizontal Tile vertical Keypad Hardware Control Alt 1 v Boys3000 Alt 2 Cascade Selecting this option will arrange all the currently open windows stacked and cascading from the top left to the bottom right of the screen Tile Horizontal This option will place all the currently open event windows and the hardware control window into equal sized panels that span the screen horizontally Tile Vertical This option will place all the currently open event windows and the hardware control window into equal sized panels that span the screen vertically Keypad When this option is checked a keypad is placed on the screen which can be used with the mouse to enter information in the ID box Hardware Control and Event Listing This lists all the open windows The one marked with the checkmark is the one that is currently active Selecting any of the listed windows will bring it to the front and make it active Help FinishLynx Boys3000 amp File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard Window Help Contents System info About Page 9 15 Menu Bar Referen
101. d on the information you give the system on what kind of printer you have and how important size of the image is FinishLynx decides how much data needs to be sent to the printer In general you should print at 1x and 300 or 600 DPI FinishLynx will automatically calculate the height that the image will be based on the DPI Dots Per Inch and the scaling but you can override this setting simply by typing the value you wish in the Image Height box Page 5 14 Basic Race Evaluation Figure 58 Printer Settings Dialog eR gt Ca Cp F Seth Dn xo Cm CO 116 E C Diseina Pine oO Mau DO ae 5 Once you have chosen the settings you require hit the OK button or press Enter This will call up the dialog shown in Figure 57 Print Setup Dialog How do I Print Hairlines On Images To print hairlines on images ensure that the race results have been saved i e you have read the picture entered the results and then saved the file select an area of image as detailed in FinishLynx Software Uses of the Right Mouse Button and then move the cur sor near to the competitor you wish to print a line against Left click just in front of the competitor FinishLynx will find the nearest time in the Results Zone and place a line there At this point you can print the image as detailed in How do Print Image and the line will be printed To change the color of the printed hairline select Options
102. data to a Split Location use the Schedule buttons in the Results Zone e Print results for each Split Location as needed e Save the race The images and results for each Split Location are stored with the file and can be reopened as needed Adding and Deleting Split Locations To Add a Split Location select the Add Split Location option from the Event drop down menu To Delete a Split Location select the Split Location you wish to delete in the Information Zone it will highlight in white and choose the Delete Object option from the Event drop down menu 11 15 Plug Ins Adding and Deleting Cameras to a Split Location To Add a camera to a Split Location click on the desired Split in the Information Zone and select the Add Camera option from the Event drop down menu A dialog will appear with a listing of all available cameras Select the camera you wish to add to the Split Location by clicking on it To Delete a camera from a Split Location select the camera you wish to delete in the Information Zone it will highlight in white and choose the Delete Object option from the Event drop down menu Capture Options Figure 119 Multiple Split Interface Screen Capture me Ursi irs zm e mex _ i 3 a 3 6 8 Manual Manual With this setup the operator should select the camera listing in the Information Zone click on the blue Camera Information icon and set the capture method to m
103. de tiens Damm E JI D JUI lI drm Wind Module Off Changing this option to On will cause FinishLynx to load the previously setup Wind Gauge software NOTE Changes to this value only take place the next time FinishLynx is run Wind Gauge Serial Port None When the Wind Gauge Module is activated the location of the correct serial port used for the wind gauge is set here The following settings also need to be correctly configured If you are in doubt about the values set them to the default values e Baud 9600 e Data Bits 7 e Parity None e Stop Bits 1 NOTE Changes to these values only take place the next time FinishLynx is run Default Mode Manual There are five possible settings for the Default setting for the Wind Gauge Manual Custom 100M 200M 110 Hurdles 200 Hurdles Page 10 14 Options Customizing your System Selecting the Custom option will allow the operator to enter values in the Start box and the Duration box These settings will cause the software to record wind speed within the parameters set Lap Time Options Figure 110 Options Lap Time Lag imat i k Dama f j Mew o j r F Tha AOL Masih LET Lap Time Module If the Lap Time plugin has been installed the operator will have the option to enable the plugin by setting this value to on After this value has been changed the operator wi
104. ders to the central position when the file is reopened For this reason the operator should not be nervous about experimenting with setting different values in this dialog How do Show Multiple Views of the Same Camera It is possible to show two separate views of the same camera at once on the screen at the same time in separate window panes This can be incredibly useful when you want to be able to show all the finishers of a race in one pane and a close up of a group of individual finishers in another The overall view will help the operator keep track of which competitors have been evaluated and which have still to be done An example of this multiple view feature is shown in Figure 73 Page 6 14 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 73 Multiple views of the Same Camera Iu pre 1 Mie Aon Man 4 9 1 To select the position s in which a camera will be displayed locate the camera you wish to configure in the information zone and double click on the camera name The following dialog box will be displayed Figure 74 Camera Views Dialog w Lett Right w Bottom To select a position simply click on it To deselect a position click it again How Do I Overlay Graphics on My Images FinishLynx has the ability to overlay graphics on the image as shown in the image below Page 6 15 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 75 Sample Overlay 1 Mie Aon Man 4 9 1
105. directly from ReacTime To do this the ReacTime operator configures the Output Directory of the software to be the same directory as the FinishLynx operator has configured as the output directory for the FinishLynx Software When the file is saved in ReacTime a file with an RIF extension lt filename RIF gt is generated This file contains a listing for every competitor in an event and the corresponding ReacTime The ReacTimes are included in lifs when they are saved Integrating ReacTime Data into Race Results Data import can occur in two ways e By clicking on the Import ReacTime data icon in Results Zone as shown below Figure 59 Import ReacTimes Icon Location e Alternatively the operator can select the Import ReacTime Data in the Results drop down menu When the ReacTimes have been imported into FinishLynx they can be displayed on any correctly configured scoreboard Page 6 3 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Start Signals False Starts and Missed Starts Selecting a Start Signal We have discussed how to operate the system when all goes well and a New Event is set up prior to the start of a race However sometimes the operator has not opened a new event in advance of the gun going off or the system has not been rearmed to receive a start signal after a false start or an operator has the system armed for another event when the gun goes off All of these possibilities would seem to be disastrous for any
106. dog or race horse Default Precision The default time precision for FinishLynx can be set here Individual levels of precision can be adjusted as described in Section 6 Page 10 6 Options Customizing your System Suppress Minute Selecting for this option will display all times less than 100 seconds 1 minute 40 seconds in whole seconds When selected a time of 1 07 67 will show as 67 67 This setting only controls the on screen display of finish times and printouts It does not affect delta times lap times hash mark times scoreboard times lif times etc This value acts as the basis for all calculations of Pace It is a relative value and has no units For example setting this to 1 and timing races in Miles with Race Distances entered in Miles will generate Pace values in Miles Per Hour timing races in Kilometers with Race Distances in Kilometers will generate Pace values in Kilometers Per Hour For instructions on using this feature without the Lap Time plug in see Section 6 Round Method There are three available rounding options with FinishLynx e UP This means that an actual time of 9 653 seconds at a precision of 1 1000 second will display as 9 66 at 1 100 as 9 7 at a precision of 1 10 and as 10 to a precision of individual seconds DOWN This truncates the digits With this setting an actual time of 9 653 seconds at a precision of 1 1 000 second will display as 9 65 at 1 100 as 9 6
107. e FinishLynx Camera What is Swivel Figure 30 Swivel One of the most frustrating alignment problems can occur when the camera is slightly off swivel that is rotated to one side or the other The symptom of this is a picture which shows perfect alignment white background black lines in some lanes and misalignment black background white lanes in others this only occurs if the camera is fairly close to being in line There are only two ways to be off swivel the camera is either rotated clockwise or counter clockwise Figure 31 Camera Off Swivel Page 3 20 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera a Lens b Sensor View c Resulting FinishLynx Image note track color and not finish line appearing in far lanes Remember our definition of swivel and think of the centerline of the camera as the minute hand of a clock the camera is either a little past noon or a little before noon as shown in the diagram above Note It is the position of the sensor entire camera which needs to be adjusted not just the lens The way to tell which way the camera is off is to pan the camera through the finish line slowly and watch to see which part of the image sweep goes white first Top first 2 top of camera must be rotated away from finishline Bottom First 2 bottom of camera must be rotated away from finishline This adjustment can be made in one of three ways 1 Use a camera head that has a swivel ad
108. e aperture the greater the Depth of Field However precisely because the depth of field is largest when the aperture is smallest the operator should try to FOCUS the camera with the aperture as large as possible Once the camera has been focused the settings should be changed to make the depth of field as big as possible Page 3 14 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera The first step in the focusing process is therefore to open the aperture of the lens as far as possible e Setthe scan Rate to maximum e Set Gain as low as possible e Open Aperture as far as possible e Zoom lens in on focus point as much as possible e Set focus e Return Rate Gain etc to previous values When the camera is correctly focused the lane lines should look as thin as possible in the resulting image HINT Placing two dark lines a few inches apart across the finish line can aid in finding the correct focus When the camera is not focused two close lines will blur into one as the focus improves the space between the lines will become more evident If the camera is very close to the finish line it will be more difficult to find a focus setting that looks good for the athletes in all lanes In this case it may be necessary to move the camera further back off the track in order to read hip numbers Step 7 Explained How Do I Adjust for Light Conditions Changing light conditions can be dealt with by adjusting either or both of the values of
109. e lower values are more conservative and will tend to save MORE image Leader This is number of lines of image before an identified object which will be saved Trailer This is the number of lines of image after an identified object which will be saved Internal Photoeye The ACM plug in can use the built in computing power of the EtherLynx 2000 camera to simulate the operation of a Photoeye This virtual Photoeye can be used in exactly the same way as a normal hardware Photoeye to control running time clocks record splits etc and it should be used to record finishes or splits in the same as with a regular Photoeye See Section 7 To enable the software Photoeye select the Internal photoeye option in the Inputs Tab of the Camera Settings dialog box shown below Figure 112 Camera Settings Dialog Inputs Tab mw There are four adjustments that can be made to control the output from the internal Photoeye Trigger This alters the percentage of image that has to change to signal that a beam break has occurred Size To prevent a series of small changes from signaling a beam break the minimum size of trigger object can also be set This can prevent hands and feet from activating the beam Debounce This value sets the time delay allowable between signals to prevent multiple triggers at the same beam break Plug Ins Offset This value is to compensate for time differentials between the beam break time and
110. e positioned in one Pane of the screen display will automatically move to the same moment in time in all views of this camera e All Cameras A hairline positioned in one camera view will automatically appear in the same position in time in all views from all cameras Page 10 4 Options Customizing your System Show Lines Off When this option is turned on the hairline will be displayed in every position where a competitor has been evaluated Hash Color Red The color of the hairline on the screen and in image printouts can be altered here The available options are Black Red White Dark Gray Light Gray Green Blue Cyan Magenta Yellow Hairline Size e Width 2 This adjusts the width of the hairline in pixels e Cross Width 13 This adjusts the span of the crosshair Print Lines Off This controls whether lines will be placed on image printouts There are three available choices e Never e Default Off e Default On Print Lines Red This adjusts the color of lines printed on images printed on a color printer When the Selected by default box is checked the chosen option will be applied as the FinishLynx default value The available choices are as follows Never Black Red White Dark Gray Light Gray Green Blue Cyan Magenta Yellow Time Gap Lines Off The FinishLynx software can be configured to draw a broken line vertically down the image to indicate where image and thus
111. e the next time FinishLynx is run Page 10 8 Options Customizing your System Scoreboard Options Figure 107 Options Scoreboard Tab image Hama Cite as ain lom Lia Lj nd FE Regin Meu Rede me xe aab i Pee iem 2 e um Dm CE T Fuse hus V nerd Eres tf ifr _ ume ie aimer Hem T Scoreboard Status blank dialog This area will display the name and status of all connected scoreboards New scoreboards are added to configuration by clicking on the New button Deleted scoreboards will remain visible until the software is restarted EHE C SI 1107 As any number of scoreboards can be connected individual scoreboards can be assigned names to aid in identification running time results infield etc so that the operator can determine what information is being sent to each connected scoreboard NOTE Changes to this value only take place the next time FinishLynx is run Scoreboard Code Set Single Byte This setting controls the format of the data being transmitted to the scoreboard Only change this setting if instructed to do so by your scoreboard manufacturer The available choices are Single Byte Unicode Native Script Alge Iss When a scoreboard is added by clicking on the New
112. eee 9 9 V video mode eese 2 2 WwW warning edited times 5 13 white 4 2 3 30 Setting cepe pq 3 25 Values etat iere ds 3 30 White 9 9 wind gauge 6 19 customizing eese 7 6 peripherals 7 6 settings 7 6 window capturing 6 5 1 5 1 5 multiple sese 1 5 multiple events 7 6 r esizing tette hii iet in 1 5 Scoreboard 7 6 selecting 7 6 switching capture 6 5 Wireless Start Signals 6 5 wireless start system 3 30 X XLR 2 12 connections 2 12 Start 2 12 2 zone IMAGE echo ROB 5 9 information essssssss 3 26 results 13 niii 5 12 zoom hairline and crosshair 5 10 in 5 10 5 10
113. el double click on Add remove programs and follow the instructions on your Screen 3 You will need to enter your Plug in serial number during installation This number is important and you should record it in a safe place If you lose your serial number please contact Lynx System Developers on 781 935 6959 NOTE This serial number is NOT the same as your FinishLynx serial number 4 Follow the instructions on the screen 5 f you wish to update the FinishLynx Online Help files visit the FinishLynx website at ttp Awww finishlynx com for the latest files Automatic Capture Plug in When the Automatic Capture Mode plug in is installed two additional capture options are available to EtherLynx 2000 users ACM No Button and Pre Cropped These are selected by choosing the appropriate radio button from the Camera information Dialog as shown below 11 2 Plug Ins Figure 111 Camera Settings Capture Dialog Camera Settings x Setup Parameters Inputs Capture C Timed ACM Pre cropped ACM Trigger Leader ps Trailer 25 When this option is selected the software applies the autocrop function before displaying the image on the screen Using this option the button or timed capture is still used to capture but uncrop is not possible The principal advantage of this feature is that it can dramatically speed up the evaluation time especially with very large i
114. ensity This refers to the number of cells on the image sensor that are used and it controls the amount of information that will be saved in the vertical spatial dimension of the picture Simply put high density pictures more cells used allow the operator to zoom in closer with higher clarity but at the cost of larger files e Gain AGC or Manual This control toggles the gain function between Manual where its value is set by the operator and AGC where the value is set by the computer within values that are set as described below e AGC Brightness This number controls the threshold level for the AGC control It tells the software how bright it should try to make the image by adjusting the gain values Page 3 29 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera AGC Frequency This sets the number of times a second the AGC checks the light level to see if adjustment is necessary Maximum Gain The default for the maximum value of AGC is 150 and this is perfectly adequate for most normal operations It may be necessary under extremely poor light conditions to boost this value up to a maximum of 250 There will be a degradation of image quality as this value rises above the default value Camera Information Dialog Inputs Tab Figure 35 Camera Settings Inputs Setup Panes reus Social winana Capture Gabes Mane C Hom Open 7 Nom oad peeme rop Light 07 lemia 17 n ehendemed PhusEpR 7 Mee CoEaeed
115. er with the cable supplied The default setting is for COM 1 The DB9 connector on the end of the button cable should be inserted in this port NOTE FinishLynx can access up to 127 Serial ports COM ports if they are available on your computer EtherLynx 2000 Camera The EtherLynx 2000 range of cameras should be covered if rain is a threat they require AC power and they can come with a number of different lens mounts including C mount F mount Nikon and U mount Pentax F and U mounts can also incorporate an optional reflex viewer so the operator can look through the lens of the camera for alignment and focusing purposes A remote controlled aperture option is available for F mount lenses All EtherLynx 2000 cameras manufactured after December 1997 have a sliding filter mounted between the camera and the lens The slider controls the position of the filter For normal use the filter should be in slider as close to the lens as possible Page 2 10 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Figure 11 EtherLynx 2000 Camera back view 0 2 1OBase T i TX AX Goil Link y 1 Power i j LS Console Ca nnecti n Bex Remote Cantral ET CETT TT EET Tal F EtherLynx 2000 Lynx System Developers INe WG a 10base2 Ethernet Connection must be terminated b Ethernet Link lights Transmission Collision lights d 10baseT Ethernet C
116. ered by entering the required information in the Print Lines fields Page 6 18 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Information Zone Refinements The field titles for each item listed in the Information Zone become visible along the top line of the Information Zone when the option is selected by a single click of the mouse button The item that relates to the titles currently being displayed is highlighted in white Camera Settings The camera settings for all connected cameras are displayed in the Information Zone and they can be altered by typing new values in the relevant fields Wind Readings Wind readings can be entered manually or with the necessary hardware automatically into FinishLynx This information is included along with any results transferred via a data interface and is saved when a race is saved To see if your software is currently configured to operate with a wind gauge choose Options from the File menu and then select the Wind Gauge tab Check to see that the Wind Module radio button is set to On NOTE Changes in the Wind Gauge area of the Options dialog do not take effect until the FinishLynx 32 software has been exited and restarted Full instructions on setting up FinishLynx to operate automatically with a wind gauge can be found in Chapter 9 To enter wind readings manually select the line for Wind in the Information Zone and enter the correct values in the Reading and Units fields
117. es What is Gain Gain AGC or Manual boosts the light level seen by the camera A setting of 1 is no boost to the signal and as the value rises so does the electronic amplification of the signal from the camera The trade off is that high values of gain will have a tendency to add noise or wash out a picture In general outdoors you should set the gain to AGC Automatic Gain Control meaning Page 3 24 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera that the camera will automatically adjust this number to compensate for varying light conditions Manual allows the operator to boost the light level seen by the camera It is preferred to run the camera in the range between 60 80 although much higher settings over 100 can often be useful in extreme low light situations Ideally the AGC should compensate for changes in light caused by the sun going behind a cloud but not for an athlete in a dark T shirt crossing the finish line The settings for AGC Brightness should be left at the default setting or this setting should at least be noted before you experiment with changing it Increasing the size of this number will lighten the image on your screen lowering it will darken the image What is White Balance Color FinishLynx has the ability to adapt to varying color temperatures of light by adjusting the mix of Red Green and Blue in the image that it takes This process is called white balance the way to think about i
118. es the finish line beyond the boundaries of the track A correctly aligned camera MUST be positioned somewhere along this line You can either extend the finish line visually by sighting along the finish line or you can establish its position by means of a string stretched along the finish line and extending beyond the track to the camera Figure 18 The Plane of the Finishline As mentioned above a correctly aligned camera MUST be on this line but unfortunately it is perfectly possible to have an incorrectly aligned camera on the line as you will see Once the plane of the finish line has been established the camera and mounting pole tripod can be placed in position The camera can be placed just about anywhere along this line Ideally it should be placed at a height of 14 feet to 8 feet and be pointing down at an angle of 45 degrees to the nearest edge of the track Lower heights are acceptable and often useful on the inside of a two camera system since most people finish on the inside lanes and these individuals and their hip numbers will consequently be much larger in the image This positioning is not essential for proper functioning of the system it simply reduces the likelihood of one athlete blocking out someone who is on the outside of them from the point of view of the camera Large tracks will likely have to place the camera further back from the track NOTE If you have a Remote Positioner fitted to your camera you s
119. ew n 1 I LL DI LL LIU IE The current settings for the wind gauge are displayed in the Information Zone as shown in Figure 95 Wind Gauge Settings Page 7 6 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges Figure 95 Wind Gauge Settings FinishLynx sample_sprint a File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard Inside Main 1200 600 Aved 0 utide Main 1 000 500 3 E Results Wind readings are usually taken when the athletes are in the home straight so during the 200 meters for example the software does not take readings for the first 10 seconds of the race The default values for each of the available settings are illustrated in Table 5 Default Settings for Automatic Wind Readings The default value for FinishLynx can be set in the Wind tab of the Options dialog shown above Table 5 Default Settings for Automatic Wind Readings Start time Duration of reading Set by User Set by User 0 0 seconds 10 0 seconds Asks operator for 10 0 seconds start time forces a reading at 20 seconds if no entry made 100M hurdles 0 0 seconds 13 0 seconds 110M hurdles 0 0 seconds 13 0 seconds Using a Wind Gauge Manual Data Entry Step 1 Select the line Wind in the Information Zone by clicking on it This will bring up the dialog box shown in Figure 94 Step 2 Click in the Units area and select from the pop up dialog the unit base you will be using for your readings Page 7 7 Scoreboard
120. f icons visible in this bar is controlled by the Options command on the Image drop down menu shown below To add or remove an icon in the Image Zone simply check the box next to the icon in the Options dialog The changes will take place the next time a file is opened or created The effect of each of the available icons is explained below Page 6 8 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 66 Image Options Dialog Box imd ntn i icis Rapid Evaluation Using Lane Numbers The first step in setting up the automatic lane read feature is to set the number of lanes and the orientation of numbering This is done by opening the camera information dialog as detailed in Section 6 The ID by option should be set to Lanes and the number of lanes should be set in the Lanes field The default setting for the orientation of the lane numbering is for an in field camera that is the numbers start with lane 1 at the bottom of the image and the athletes are traveling from right to left across the image To reverse this numbering so that lane 1 is at the top of the image i e for an outfield camera simply switch the setting for Image Orientation in the Camera Information dialog box FinishLynx will automatically invert the lane numbering If however there is a particular situation which requires that you change the direction the athletes are traveling AND the lane numbering this
121. f the race athletes should be in finishing order and the cumulative time at last split should be near the official finishing time read by the FinishLynx operator The FinishLynx operator has the option of replacing the final externally generated time with the time for the competitor read from the image To do this select the From Camera option alongside Final Split in the Lap Time Options dialog see Section 10 Displaying and Printing Split Times The split times can be displayed on a suitably configured scoreboard and any scoreboard that can display a Start List will automatically update a start list display on the basis of the split times to indicate the current order of finish In addition the FinishLynx operator can print the split times for a competitor by clicking on the competitors name in the Results Zone so that it is highlighted in white When the correct name is highlighted the operator should select the Print Split Time option from the Results drop down menu 11 13 Plug Ins Projecting Finish Times If the FinishLynx operator sets the Pace Distance in the Results Options dialog to the Race Distance the value for Pace that appears in the Results Zone will reflect the projected finishing time if the competitor continues at that pace Multiple Splits Interface Plug in This plugin will allow the operator to capture multiple finishes within a single race This can either be configured so that a single camera ta
122. for every competitor of a multi lap race In this way an accurate lap count is also maintained This information updates in real time and can be fed to a scoreboard or a computer running ResulTV directly from FinishLynx These Lap Time signals are generated by a compatible external device and provided to FinishLynx over a serial data connection The software has the capability of verifying that the elapsed lap times fall within a preset time spectrum If desired the splits can be printed with the results and there is an option for split times to be saved with the FinishLynx LIF file Multiple Split Interface MSI This plugin will allow the operator to capture multiple finishes within a single race This can either be configured so that a single camera takes multiple pictures at different times or so that multiple cameras take pictures at different positions and times during a race i e 4 12 34 mile splits in a thoroughbred mile race Camera information can be configured for each split and the capture capability can be automatically configured to capture for a given time at a given moment or manually switched between capture positions by the FinishLynx operator from within the software The software will generate results for each split of the race Serial Wireless SW The serial wireless plug in allows a FinishLynx user to connect any number of start sensors and photoeyes to their FinishLynx system wirelessly For example a tra
123. ft to right across the screen 1 Create a New Event and arm it to receive the next start 2 Load the Previous Event from the schedule and arm it to receive the next start 3 Go To an Event in the schedule and arm it to receive the next start 4 Load the Next Event in the schedule and arm it to receive the next start 5 Create a Manual Start This section will detail how to use the New Event icon The use of the schedule icons will be discussed in the Section called Databases Stage Two of FinishLynx Operation Create a New Event Open a New Event by clicking on the icon shown in Figure 37 or by dragging down the File Menu from the Menu Bar and selecting New or by using the key shortcut Ctrl N Figure 37 New Event Icon A new Event window will open and new event Untitled will appear in the open event listing in the menu bar as shown below Page 4 4 Overview of FinishLynx Operation Figure 38 New Event Window pred 1 M Due dk mage erate Wickes Heb iF x Fa Pk num The system is now ready to accept the next start signal from the gun and begin running the timer so that when results are read they will show fully automatic times It is also ready to begin capturing image If image does not appear on your computer screen when you push the Capture Button see Activate the Capture Button below NOTE If you get an error mes
124. g of unevaluated competitors from the Start List directly on the image so that the operator can easily see the competitors remaining to be evaluated as shown below Figure 76 Competitor Listing in Image Zone err 100 Bieber Women 1107 2 11 uf xi Sateen i To do this position the cursor on the desired position release the mouse button and move the mouse to a new location then hold down the Shift key and left click the mouse button A popup dialog will appear with a list of all the competitors from the Start List for whom times have not yet been entered Clicking on a name in this dialog box will automatically enter the competitor s information in the ID box Using the FinishLynx Keypad The FinishLynx software has a built in keypad that an operator can use to enter athlete identification information in the ID box To enable the key pad select the Keypad option from the Window drop down dialog This will bring up the keypad shown below Page 6 17 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 77 FinishLynx Keypad To use the keypad click on the numbers with the mouse will clear the last entry will enter the information currently in the ID box NOTE The keypad will only enter information in the ID box It cannot be used to enter camera settings etc How do I Indicate that Image has Been Cropped The software can be configured to indicate when portion
125. gned cameras that take incredibly thin line pictures rather than the usual 2 dimensional frame picture taken by a normal camera It is if you like the furthest it is possible to get away from a panorama view The line of image that is recorded is a picture of the finish line and nothing else These images of the finish line are taken many hundreds of times a second and displayed on the screen side by side A FinishLynx picture is actually comprised of these incredibly thin individual images of the finish line and the activity that was taking place at that split second placed one next to another Figure 1 Simulation of How a FinishLynx Image is Assembled How the Image is assembled Images from Lynx Camera as fast as 2000 times a second How the Image appears on y our computer Page 1 3 Fully Automatic Timing with FinishLynx Reading the times from a FinishLynx image evaluating is simply a question of using the mouse to move a marker we call the hairline to the position you choose on the screen usually a competitors chest and clicking the mouse button This tells the FinishLynx software to identify what time corresponds with this slice of image It really is at the simplest level as easy as that However we believe that reading this manual will enable you to use your FinishLynx system as far more than an incredibly precise stopwatch Learning FinishLynx Where do I start Over the
126. h competitor listed in the results zone with their finishing position How do I Delete a Result If a result is mistakenly entered for a non valid reading if the hairline was incorrectly positioned for example clicking on this icon will remove the currently highlighted line and all the information contained in it from the results zone Figure 80 Delete Result Icon x There is no Undo feature for this operation however all the operator has to do to re enter the result for a competitor is to place the hairline on the competitor again and enter the result in the usual way How do I Produce Results for Different Classes of Competitors Clicking on this icon will cause the dialog box shown in Figure 81 Results Filters below to appear The results filtering element of FinishLynx is an extremely powerful and useful feature that enables the software to sort or filter the finishers in an event Figure 81 Results Filters E FinishLynx has the ability to create several sets of results from the same image We call this feature Result Filtering and a major application is in the sport of cycling Often in cycling events the different categories of riders will have separate starts but share a common finish The task of separating the different riders streaming through the finish line was a nightmare prior to the arrival of the FinishLynx system However this task is now no more difficult than evaluating a regular FinishLynx image All
127. hLynx Connection Box d FinishLynx Normally Closed Start sensor e Y cable This will allow you to use one Start sensor to start both the EtherLynx camera and the Tag Heuer lap timer connecting the start relay box B and a Start sensor D to the Connection Box C Plug Ins f Serial cable This is a straight DB9 male female cable for connecting the main unit G with your PC running FinishLynx g Main unit This is where all the processing happens It takes a start signal and button pushes as inputs and outputs split times to your PC h Fat serial cable This is a straight DB25 male female serial cable which connects the external input box 1 with the main unit to allow up to 16 buttons simultaneously i External input box This is where the individual Split Input Buttons are connected G j Split Input Button grip switch only 3 buttons out of 8 shown for clarity k Split Input Button cable Hardware Setup Tag Heuer PTB605 Set the system up as indicated in Figure 116 Lap Time Tag Heuer Components The only place where you have more than one choice of where to plug things in is on the back of the main unit G The connections for the Main Unit are shown below a Power Cable input b Synchro Cables to start relay box c Serial to Computer d Serial to Button Hub Connect the power cable not shown above to the power connector a on the back of the printer Connect the cable w
128. he results If the Write lif option is selected in the Database tab of the Options dialog FinishLynx will also generate a file that stores the results information in a form which is usable by database software a file which has a name which looks something like this Boys3000 lif It is simply the event name with lif appended How Do Setup a File Based Database Connection Same Computer or Network Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 To do this select Options from the File pull down menu and select the Database tab in the dialog box shown in Figure 100 Options Menu Database Tab Set the Data Source to Files Set Time Precision to Thousandths recommended setting to assist in tha hraakina af tiac Page 8 4 Databases in the breaking of ties Step 4 Set the Input Directory to reflect the directory being used by the Finish Lynx computer and the Database computer to share files Step 5 Set the Output Directory to reflect the directory being used by the Database computer to generate results Step 6 Set Write LIF File to On Step 7 Exit the software and restart FinishLynx Configuring InterLynx The Lynx System Developers proprietary database product is InterLynx Using InterLynx with FinishLynx is a simple process that uses file sharing over a network to create start lists and generate results InterLynx FinishLynx Setup All the FinishLynx operator needs to do is follow the instructions above How
129. her selected nor evaluated All the operator has to do is align the hairline and the crosshair and then press the Enter key the time for this competitor will be entered in the results field Page 6 9 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 67 Lane Bar Indicators Iu EDENDI ODE BIE S jeena _ E eu SS M If a lane which already has a time is read over again FinishLynx intercepts and gives the option of writing over the existing time The Okay option should be selected only if the crosshair is placed in a valid lane the assumption is that a lane had been falsely read earlier If Cancel is selected the system will do nothing and allow the operator to go back and place the crosshair correctly If the operator clicks outside the range of lanes that have been set up FinishLynx will not enter a time in the results zone This is most often a signal that the crosshair has been misplaced How make the Image Zone fill the whole screen Clicking on the full screen icon will maximize the image zone to fill the window Page 6 10 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 68 Full Screen Icon The full screen icon will change to a normal screen icon in Full Screen mode To return to the normal screen configuration with the results zone also visible simply click on this icon How do I Set a Custom Zoom Value If the Custom Zoom Icon is available
130. hould see Remote Positioning and Lens Control on page 4 15 and then read these alignment instructions Page 3 7 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Positioning the Camera Figure 19 Camera Positioning 1 Setup the camera on the tripod or camera pole in the APPROXIMATE position 2 Connect a long length of twine to the camera securing screw under the camera and take the other end to the MIDDLE OF THE FINISHLINE ON THE FAR SIDE of the track Position B as indicated in Figure 19 Camera Positioning Have a volunteer hold the string taut This is the SIGHT LINE 3 On the NEAR SIDE of the track have a volunteer hold the plumb bob so that it is suspended DIRECTLY ABOVE THE MIDDLE OF THE FINISH LINE Position A as indicated in Figure 19 Camera Positioning This is the PLUMB LINE 4 Keeping the SIGHT LINE taut carefully move the tripod pole either to the left or to the right until the PLUMB LINE and SIGHT LINE touch at position C The camera is now in the PLANE OF THE FINISHLINE If the camera is level and pointing directly across the track you may need to carefully pan the camera from side to side you will be correctly aligned Distant Mounting The camera can be successfully mounted at a very great distance from the finish line a couple hundred feet is not unheard of There are a few things to keep in mind in this situation however Page 3 8 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera The finish line seems to ge
131. how the results of all the members of a particular team or from a particular stable or even all the finishers in an event from a particular Affiliation When the filter is being used to define non numeric fields the same information needs to be entered in both the upper and lower bounds of the filter How do I Use the Results Zone Schedule Icons Using these icons it is possible to change the start list for an event by using one of the pre prepared start lists contained in the database NOTE For the options offered by these icons to be available a valid lynx evt and or lynx sch file needs to be in the data directory Most commercial database programs automatically create this file when they send information to FinishLynx however for full instructions on how to set up and use a lynx evt and lynx sch file see Section 8 This feature is most often used when events for some reason take place out of the order that the operator was expecting The operator can call up the correct start list by using the Load an event option to select an event from any where in the schedule or use the shortcut icons to go either to the previous event in the schedule or the next event in the schedule Doing this will insert the correct list of competitors into the current event How do 1 Adjust the Precision of the Times Certain FinishLynx cameras have the unprecedented ability to read an image to 1 2 000th of a second Since this is currently used onl
132. ich can be added to the current Split Location When Multiple Split Interface Plugin is installed selecting this deletes the selected Split Location or Camera which is currently selected highlighted in the Information Zone Page 9 7 Menu Bar Reference Image amp File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard Wi Zoom out Zoom in Smooth zoom Crop Alt C Uncrop Autocrop Find object Precision Adjustments Enhance Unenhance White balance Photo Eye Balance Overlay 2 Remove overlays Ctrl R Export bitmap Options Page setup Printer setup Print Zooms in on the image 2x centering on the current crosshair position Zooms out on the image 2x centering on the current crosshair position Smooth Zoom The FinishLynx software can smooth out some pixellation by selecting the Smooth image option from the Image drop down menu This option is intended for use when the screen image is being sent to television for transmission gt Ke Removes the area of image that has been selected with the right mouse button Restores all image cropped SINCE the last time the file was saved Page 9 8 Menu Bar Reference Autocrop The computer analyzes the image and removes all blank space Find Object The computer scans the image for the next object Does not work on autocropped images because the computer thinks tha
133. icon and set the capture method to manual in the Capture tab of the Camera Information dialog The software will automatically advance the Capture function to the next Split Location at a predetermined time after the gun To set the times when capture is possible follow the steps below e Click on the Results line in the desired Split Location Two fields are available Start and Duration e In the Start field enter the time after gun when you want capture to be available and then press the Tab key e f the duration field is left blank then capture will be possible in this Split Location up and until capture is advanced to the next Split Location If a value is entered in the Duration field then capture will be available for this period of time or until capture is advanced Note Capture always moves to the latest Split Location if two are configured to be active at the same time Capture will take place whenever there is sufficient activity at the finish line to satisfy the requirements of the ACM settings Manual Automatic With this setup the operator should select the camera listing in the Information Zone click on the blue Camera Information icon and set the capture method to Timed in the Capture tab of the Camera Information dialog The operator will advance the Capture function to the next Split Location when needed in one of two ways e Clicking on the Advance Capture icon the yellow down arrow shown in the Informa
134. ignment Step 10 Readjust the Focus of the lens Steps 1 and 2 Explained Establish a Camera Position and Mount the Camera What Camera Mountings Can I Use Pole If a permanent pole is installed great care should be taken to ensure that it is in the correct position In general pole mounted cameras give better quality pictures because there is less chance of one competitor blocking the camera s view of another competitor Tripod The tripod should of course be level This not only makes for the most accurate times but it makes the process of alignment simpler The center axis of the tripod should be in the extended Page 3 6 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera plane of the finish line The tripod should be as fully extended as it is going to be before actually taking any live image shots Do not assume that the camera will stay aligned if the head tube of the tripod is extended Clamp If a clamp is used it should be securely fastened to an object that will not be subject to vibration or movement What is The Plane of the Finishline As mentioned earlier the important fact about FinishLynx cameras is that they see a very narrow slice of the world The challenge for the FinishLynx operator is to make sure that the slice of the world that the camera sees is the right one the finish line Figure 18 The Plane of the Finishline illustrates the plane of the finish line This is an imaginary line which continu
135. iguration tab in this dialog box Look in the white display window for a line that says TCP IP the dialog box on your computer should be similar to the one shown in the dialog box shown in Figure 3 Sample Network Settings If the TCP IP protocol is not listed click on the Add button shown in the dialog box in Figure 3 Sample Network Settings Select the Protocol option Select Microsoft from the Manufacturer list Finally select the TCP IP option not TCP IP dial up and click on the Ok button To confirm that TCP IP is properly configured click once on the line in the listing in the Network Control Panel Configuration tab that says TCP IP to select it and then click on the Properties This will bring up a dialog box similar to the one shown in Figure 4 Generic TCP IP Settings The settings in Network Configuration Properties IP Address should be set to the values in the Properties dialog as shown inin Figure 4 Generic TCP IP Settings Page 2 4 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware e address 192 168 0 5 e Subnet Mask 255 255 255 0 NOTE After making changes in these settings you will need to restart your computer before they will take effect Figure 3 Sample Network Settings Client for Microsoft Networks Your Ethemet Card Name Here TCP IP gt Your Ethemet Card Name Here File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks THETBVE Client for Microsoft Networks Figure 4 Generic TCP IP Settings
136. igure 57 Print Setup Dialog Figure 57 Print Setup Dialog Print Setup 2 x m Printer Name HP LaserJet 4M Properties Status Ready Type HP LaserJet 4M Where SMfficepcnexsus Comment m Paper Orientation 3 Size letter 81 211 in 7 Portrait Source auto Select C Landscape teen Choose the settings you require and hit the Ok button or simply press Enter Alternatively you can print results on the bottom of images by selecting the Print Results Yes radio button from the dialog box shown in Figure 58 To print Image AND Results follow the steps outlined below How do Print Image To print image follow these steps 1 If you want an untitled image to be titled save the race and name it Events imported from database programs will appear with the name given in the database 2 Select a region of the image that you wish to print by holding down the right mouse button while moving the mouse This will draw a box in the image zone which will define the area to be printed and call up a popup menu which lists a Print option 3 If no image is selected with the mouse then the entire image will be printed 4 Click on the Print option in the pop up menu or click on the Print Icon in the Image Zone and a dialog box similar to the one shown in Figure 58 will appear This dialog box presents settings that allow you to control the quality of the image Base
137. igure 97 Configuring Wind Readings Wind Mode NOTE Until the software is exited all wind readings are stored in the software up to 100 at any one time The available readings can be viewed by selecting Select wind in the Event drop down menu All the available readings will be shown and they can be identified by the time that they were taken the time relates to the system clock in your computer Figure 98 Selecting a Wind Reading Select Wind Reading Page 7 9 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges Page 7 10 Databases sectons Databases In this Section INTRODUCTION TO DATABASES 8 2 WHAT DATA FILES DOES FINISHLYNX USE 8 4 WHAT IS A MEET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 8 2 HOW DO I CONFIGURE FINISHLYNX TO USE A DATABASE 8 3 How Do I SETUP A SERIAL BASED DATABASE CONNECTION 8 4 How Do I SETUP A FiLE BASED DATABASE CONNECTION SAME COMPUTER OR NETWORK 8 4 USING HY TEK S MEET MANAGER 8 5 SERIAL BASED SETUP 8 6 FILE BASED SETUP 8 7 HOW DO I CREATE MY OWN DATABASE FILES 8 7 WRITING YOUR OWN LYNX FILES 8 7 CREATING THE START LIST 8 8 CREATING THE PEOPLE LIST OPTIONAL 8 9 CREATING THE SCHEDULE FILE OPTIONAL 8 9 USING THE FINISHLYNX DATA FILES 8 10 USING DATABASE FILES 8 10 How Do SELECT AN EVENT FROM THE LIST IN THE DATA FILES 8 10 How Do CALL UP A COMPETITOR S INFORMATION FROM THE DATA FILES 8 11 HAVE AN EVENT OPEN How Do CHANGE THE START LIST 8 11 How ADJUST A COMPETITOR S STATUS 8 12
138. ill advance to the next round Although it is possible to see the time of any athlete to the nearest 1 1000 second as described in How do Adjust the Precision of the Times in Section 6 providing that there is an automatic start signal we recommend setting the Time Precision value in the File Options Database dialog box to Thousandths If this is done then the times the lif files will be in thousandths and the database operator will not need to disturb the FinishLynx operator in order to break ties NOTE We do not recommend setting the individual Event or the Results Default Precision to thousandths in situations where information is being sent to a scoreboard that is configured to show times in hundredths Doing this will cause the scoreboard to truncate times and it will therefore display incorrect times Page 8 12 Menu Bar Reference sections Menu Bar Reference In this Section INTRODUCTION TO THE FINISHLYNX MENU BAR 9 3 FILE 9 3 NEW 9 4 OPEN 9 4 CLOSE WINDOW 9 4 SAVE 9 4 SAVE AS 9 4 PREVIOUS EVENT 9 4 EVENT 9 4 NEXT EVENT 9 5 BACKUP EVENTS 9 5 OPTIONS FILE 9 5 EXIT 9 5 EDIT THESE MENU CHOICES ARE INACTIVE ALL THE TIME KEYSTROKES INDICATED BELOW Cur USE CTRL X Copy USE CTRL C USE CTRL V CLEAR SELECT ALL co x co co EE UR EVENT GET INFO ARM MANUAL START MANUAL WIND SELECT WIND ADVANCE CAPTURE SET CAPTU
139. ing up or on record pace The plugin has many configurable variables number of laps number of splits per lap number of lanes whether the splits are generated by an external split generator such as the Tag Heuer PTB605 or by the FinishLynx camera When used in conjunction with the FinishLynx Pace and Distance functions the plugin can display projected finish times for an event in progress All the data generated can be displayed on a suitably configured scoreboard Plug Ins Figure 115 Lap Time Features and Information 732 0 1058 221 757 8723 0 1057 221554 21 828 221 61 D 1057 221327 JAN 223510 222000 10017 0 1 1046 221508 Se 2257390 T2458 0 M6 2254058 Pina ERA Fanti 1 Fields Entered by FinishLynx Operator Fields Entered by Automatically Software a Number of Laps f Cumulative Split Time b Number of Splits Times to be recorded g Last Split every lap h Number of Laps Remaining c Minimum legal time per lap i Speed meters per second d Maximum legal time per lap j Calculated Pace e Race Distance Legal Split Times A primary purpose of Lap Time is to establish proof of pace and the most reliable indicator that a competitor completed the correct number of laps is to show the times for each lap completed To help ensure that the split times recorded are accurately reflecting the number of laps completed the FinishLynx operator can set a m
140. ion during Zooming Intelligent zoom The crosshair of the hairline is used to define the center point of Zoom operations This is also the case when moving from full screen back to half screen See How Do make the Image Zone Bigger in section 6 Page 5 10 Basic Race Evaluation Hairline persistence The hairline stays in the position it was last left in during zooms full screen mode changes and scrolling These features allow the operator to center a particular part of an image by pointing the crosshair at it and then zooming in or out Perhaps even more useful it can be used to keep track of the last object that results were entered for while scrolling through a long picture How do I Record a Time To automatically enter a time in the results move the hairline as if reading a conventional photo finish image by holding the left mouse button down and moving the mouse For track events you should align the hairline with the furthest forward part of the competitor s torso When the line is in the correct position let go of the left mouse button The time for this competitor s finish will show up in the Finish Time Box shown in Figure 54 Figure 54 Finish Time Box 847 57 Completing the Evaluation Process Remember whatever part of the competitor is used reading a time for a competitor evaluating is a simple three step process 1 Position the Hairline 2 Enter the identification information
141. ion is applied numbers five or greater round up and four and lower round down With this setting an actual time of 9 653 seconds at a precision of 1 1000 second will display as 9 65 at 1 100 as 9 7 at a precision of 1 10 and as 10 to a precision of individual seconds How do adjust a Competitor s Status The status of a competitor can be adjusted by choosing the appropriate option in the pop up menu that appears after double clicking on the chosen competitor s entry in the Place column and then by choosing the Status option Figure 85 Status Menu w Valid Did not start False start Did nat finish Disqualified Scratched Advanced Typically this is used most often when a competitor is disqualified or fails to start or finish an event In cycling events a rider who leads a group or pack of riders is designated a pack leader Their time is recorded and the other members of the pack are given the same time A pack leader in cycling events can be selected by double clicking on the chosen competitor s entry in the Place column and then by choosing the Pack Leader option If this feature is used in conjunction with the Delta Time feature described below the software will automatically calculate the correct times for all the competitors based on the relevant pack leaders Alternatively FinishLynx will automatically select pack leaders on the basis of the delta time between them and the competitor immediately in fr
142. ions Page 6 5 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics from the File drop down menu Under the General tab select the Off radio button alongside the Single Event Mode option You will need to exit the software and restart for this change to take effect You can change the window into which image will be captured by selecting the window you wish to capture into in the window listing zone If the capture button is currently inactive click on the button activation icon once If the capture button is currently active for another window click on the button icon twice once to stop capturing and a second time to activate the icon for the selected window An event can be toggled in and out of Capture mode by clicking on the Button Activation icon If the button is inactive a red warning sign will show Using Multiple Camera Systems EtherLynx 2000 has the ability to use multiple cameras These cameras can be used on the same finish line or on different finish lines and each camera can be toggled in or out of capture mode for each event In addition the software can be custom configured to split the Image Zone into separate panes for each camera A camera can be displayed in one or more of the designated panes at any of the available zoom settings The advantage of this feature is that an operator can view simultaneously an overall view of the finishers of an event a close up of individual finishers from the same camera a
143. ions dialog Select Options from the File drop down menu and click on the Lap Time tab This will bring up the dialog shown below Figure 117 Lap Time Options Dialog 7 imat a tr Mew E r F uu AL DL LLLI ILI e Lap Time Module If you are using the FinishLynx camera to generate the split times select the From Camera option If you are using a Tag Heuer or other available hardware split generator select it from the drop down list Serial Port If you are using a hardware split signal generator configure the Serial Port settings to the values required by your particular hardware 11 11 Plug Ins Final Split The software can either store the final split time from the external hardware or use the time generated by the FinishLynx operator Software Configuration Race Information When Lap Time is being set up there is some information that relates specifically to the event about to be timed This information can be entered after an event has been opened or a template can be used to create this information automatically For information on using templates see Section 6 The event specific information is this Number of Laps This can be a whole number or a combination of a whole number and a fraction or decimal 4 4 5 or 9 are all examples of legal values The number of laps remaining is a field in the Results Zone that will decrease every time a lap h
144. ions dialog box then opening a new event will automatically close the currently open window and prompt the user to save any unsaved changes Backup Events An operator can set a Backup Directory or drive in the File Options drop down dialog box as described in Backing Up in Section 6 Choosing this option will cause the software to write a copy of all the files in the Event Directory that have changed since the software was last opened to be written to the backup directory Options file This will bring up the Options dialog The use of this dialog box is discussed in detail in Section 10 This will exit the program and prompt you to save any changes in events that you have not saved since they were last changed E dit these menu choices are inactive all the time Use keystrokes indicated below FinishLynx Boys3000 amp File Edit Event Image R ut 20795 Str HE Raste str PY Wear Selecta Cut Use CTRL X Removes selected text data from the event and copies it to the system clipboard Copy Use CTRL C The currently selected text data will be copied to the system clipboard Can be used in many cases to copy text between text fields in dialogs Paste Use CTRL V Causes text data to be pasted from the system clipboard Page 9 5 Menu Bar Reference Clear This command is not active This command is not active Event FinishLynx Boys3000 amp File Edit Event
145. ishLynx image Values are in seconds and can be either negative to subtract time from the clock display or positive to add time to the clock display Step 7d If the events being timed will have split times set the Pause Time to the number of seconds that you wish to leave the split time on the scoreboard before it returns to displaying the running time Page 7 4 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges If the system is armed to receive the next start signal the scoreboard display will start running when the gun goes off The following keys control the output of the running time and results Table 4 Keystrokes for Controlling the Display Effect Finish stop time on next Photoeye break Pause pause on next Photoeye break for Scoreboard ime Pause seconds Stop force time to stop as for a manual split Run force time to run after it has been stopped by an means Initialize send initialization sequence to the display When using FinishLynx with a scoreboard that is displaying the running time there are several variables which the FinishLynx operator can configure Serial Port Time Offset Time Pause Results Configuration Using the settings detailed here you can set up your FinishLynx software to display the results of an event or the start list of an event and the results The variables which the FinishLynx operator can set are Results Page Size Page Time Skip First Affiliation Step 7a Set Results r
146. istakenly entered for a non valid reading if the hairline was incorrectly positioned for example clicking on this icon will remove the currently highlighted line and all the information contained in it from the results zone When an image has been evaluated the operator can select this option and enter an competitor s I D in the dialog box The hairline will move to this competitor s mark when the Ok button is clicked When this option is selected the Results Filter dialog is called up Set Pack Leaders This option will automatically calculate pack leaders in an evaluated event based on a user configurable margin The margin is entered in the pop up dialog in seconds Page 9 11 Menu Bar Reference Accept Split Time When the Lap Time plugin is installed this option will cause a split time that falls outside the parameters for allowable splits to be accepted by the software Insert Split Time When the Lap Time plugin is installed this option will cause a split time to be manually inserted in place of a split that was missed or had been masked Mask Split Time When the Lap Time plugin is installed this option will cause a split time that falls outside the parameters for allowable splits to be masked by the software from the Results Zone Note The Split is not deleted simply hidden from display It will appear in a printout of split 3 o Edit Split Times When the Lap Time plugin is inst
147. ith banana clips A to the yellow and black connectors labelled SYNCHRO b Connect the serial cable F to the smaller connector labeled COMPUTER Connect the fat serial cable H to the larger connector labeled EXT CONNECTOR Lap Time Software Installation 1 Insert the FinishLynx Plug in disk into drive A 2 _ There are several ways to install the Plug in software Use the Run option from the Start menu and select a setup exe From within File Manager or Explorer you can select the A drive select setup exe and dainhla alial an it 11 10 Plug Ins and double click on it Alternatively you can use the Settings option from the Start menu choose Control Panel double click on Add remove programs and follow the instructions on your Screen 3 You will need to enter your Plug in serial number during installation This number is important and you should record it in a safe place If you lose your serial number please contact Lynx System Developers on 781 935 6959 NOTE This serial number is NOT the same as your FinishLynx serial number 4 Follow the instructions on the screen 5 f you wish to update the FinishLynx Online Help files visit the FinishLynx website at ttp www finishlynx com for the latest files Software Configuration Hardware Interface The software needs to be correctly configured to communicate with the Lap Time hardware To do this follow the steps below e Open the Lap Time Opt
148. justment 2 Extend the tripod legs to give the effect of rotating the whole camera 3 Shim one edge of the camera body relative to the platform on which it sits Step 10 Explained Check Focus and Gain The last thing that an operator needs to do on a correctly aligned camera is to check the value of Gain and to recheck the Focus in all lanes If the system is indoors and light conditions are stable the gain should be left on manual However if the system is outside and the light conditions can alter the gain should be set back to AGC in the Camera Information dialog as described in Where do Change my Camera Settings below Once focus has been confirmed return settings to those recommended for normal operation e Setscan Rate to recommend value e f using autogain switch Gain setting to AGC and adjust the Aperture value of the lens until the AGC value stabilizes in the 50 70 range See below Suggested Values of Rate Density and Mode Obviously it is impossible to predict the conditions at your facility however the table below lists some values which we have used when timing the events listed NOTE These values may not be available from your EtherLynx camera as some of the suggested settings are only available from the higher resolution cameras in the EtherLynx range of cameras Page 3 21 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Table 2 Typical Camera Settings arranged by Sport Averaging Rate Density Mode Len
149. k Page 7 2 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges Step 9 Exit the FinishLynx Software and restart Connecting the Scoreboard The scoreboard should be connected to the DB9 serial port on the connection box or the COM port on the back of your computer If you do not have a spare COM port on your computer either contact FinishLynx Technical Support or visit the FinishLynx Website and look in the Technical Notes for instructions on how to make a button splitter If a Photoeye is being used it should also be connected at this time to the connection box as shown in the chapter on equipment setup Configuring your System for use with a Scoreboard The software to drive the scoreboard needs to be loaded into your computer and activated Included with your FinishLynx software is software to run the following displays Table 3 Scoreboard Scripts and Settings MANUFACTURER MODEL SETTING ALGE GAZc 2400 8 N 1 Daktronics V4600 6000 9600 8 N 1 Daktronics Omnisport 9600 7 E 2 Daktronics Allsport 12800 8 N 2 Chronomix CC2000 9600 8 N 1 Colorado Time CT4009 9600 8 E 1 Fairtron n a 9600 8 N 1 Electro Numerics RaceClocks 9600 8 N 1 IDS ECMX 9600 8 N 1 Lynx LynxTV 9600 8 N 1 Lynx ResulTV 9600 8 N 1 Microgate Mtab16 1200 8 N 1 Omega UNT4 9600 7 E 1 Seiko Lynx Display Board 9600 8 N 1 Seiko RT 100 9600 8 N 1 Seiko ST206 ST306 9600 7 E 2
150. kes multiple pictures at different times or so that cameras in different locations take pictures at different times during a race i e V4 Ve 34 mile splits in a thoroughbred mile race Camera information can be configured for each split location and the capture capability can be automatically configured to capture for a given time at a given moment or manually switched between capture positions by the FinishLynx operator from within the software The software will allow the operator to print results for each split of the race Hardware Setup All available cameras are available at every split location If the cameras are visible in the Hardware Control window they will be available in the dialog for every Split Location Multiple Split Interface Software Installation 1 Insert the FinishLynx Plug in disk into drive A 2 _ There are several ways to install the Plug in software Use the Run option from the Start menu and select a setup exe From within File Manager or Explorer you can select the A drive select setup exe and double click on it Alternatively you can use the Settings option from the Start menu choose Control Panel double click on Add remove programs and follow the instructions on your screen 3 You will need to enter your Plug in serial number during installation This number is important and you should record it in a safe place If you lose your serial number please contact Lynx System Developers o
151. key while selecting New or a Schedule command will allow you to manually select a template regardless of the current template mode For the Schedule Goto command you must hold down shift while selecting Ok from the goto dialog Template names can also be specified in evt files Format of event description line event number round number heat number event name wind wind units template file evn extension not needed and the presence of a template name forces the template to be loaded regardless of the template mode setting The default template name also specifies the directory for the any templates specified in the evt file If the default template field is blank then the current event directory is used instead This allows you to have your templates in a different directory from your events Page 6 2 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics When using the schedule the event name and event round heat numbers from the schedule override what is in the template Any starts break times results etc are deleted As each camera is loaded from the template FinishLynx makes sure there is a real hardware camera with the same name and also that the current leg doesn t already contain that camera If either of these conditions isn t met then FinishLynx gives an error message and removes the camera from the newly created event ReacTime Data Integration Reaction times generated by ReacTime Championship software can be imported
152. kie Creating the Schedule File Optional The second optional file is called lynx sch and contains the order of events NOTE If this file is not present the operator will not be able to use the Schedule Next and Schedule Previous functions Purpose This file lynx sch contains the schedule of events Format event number round number heat number event number round number heat number An example is shown below Notes Any line starting with a semicolon is ignored If you omit the heat number or the round and heat numbers they will default to 1 Page 8 9 Databases Example Men s 200 998 1 1 Men s 100 999 1 1 Women s 10000 997 1 1 Using the FinishLynx Data Files To use these files set up your software by following the instructions given in How do Configure FinishLynx to Use a Database on page 8 1 Make sure you set the Data Directory to reflect the location of the Lynx data files The lynx ppl file can be used in conjunction with the lynx evt file when you only know who might be in the meet and you have no idea in which events they will participate This is often typical of all comers events If no entries are listed for an event in the evt file then when this event is called up ALL the participants in the ppl file will be eligible to finish that particular event In fact if a lynx ppl file is present and participants are entered by ID this file will always be searched
153. le enhancement regions in the image The usefulness of this is in cases where for example a portion of the finish line is covered with a shadow and a portion is in bright light MRE allows these different sections of image to be enhanced separately creating a total image of more regular intensity An example of this feature can be seen by comparing the images shown below Plug Ins Figure 113 Unenhanced Image Correctly exposed in sunlit areas Setting Up Regions To create an enhancement region the operator clicks to the left of the desired Image Pane in the Image Zone and selects Enhancement Regions from the pop up menu as opposed to Lanes A letter E will appear in the left side bar of the image pane To move the pane to the desired position simply click with the left mouse button at the bottom of the side bar and holding the mouse button down slide the bottom of the region up to the desired position The user can set up as many regions as needed and each can be controlled in the same way as the standard enhancement feature described on How do Improve Image Readability in Section 6 As with the standard Enhancement feature undoing the effects is simply a matter of clicking on the Unenhance icon Also enhancement effect can be undone even after the image has been saved The Enhancement Regions can also be used to apply the effects of the Image Adjustments dialog to a specific portion of the image Pl
154. ll have to exit and restart the FinishLynx Software Serial Port When the Lap Time Module is activated the location of the correct serial port is set here The following settings also need to be correctly configured If you are in doubt about the values set them to the default values e Baud 9600 e Data Bits 8 e Parity None e Stop Bits 1 NOTE Changes to these values only take place the next time FinishLynx is run Page 10 15 Options Customizing your System This option allows the operator to choose whether to take the time for the final split from the button push or from the time generated when the image is evaluated Page 10 16 Plug Ins SECTION 11 Plug Ins In this Section INTRODUCTION TO PLUG INS PLUG INS INSTALLATION AUTOMATIC CAPTURE PLUG IN PRE CROPPED CAPTURE SETTINGS PRE CROPPED AUTOMATIC CAPTURE SETTINGS AuTOMATIC CAPTURE BUTTON INTERNAL PHOTOEYE AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION OF INTERNAL PHOTOEYE MULTIPLE REGION ENHANCEMENT PLUG IN SETTING UP REGIONS LAP TIME PLUG IN INTRODUCTION LEGAL SPLIT TIMES IDENTIFYING HARDWARE COMPONENTS TAG HEUER PTB605 HARDWARE SETUP TAG HEUER PTB605 LAP TIME SOFTWARE INSTALLATION SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION HARDWARE INTERFACE SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION RACE INFORMATION OPERATION EDITING SPLIT TIMES DISPLAYING AND PRINTING SPLIT TIMES PROJECTING FINISH TIMES MULTIPLE SPLITS INTERFACE PLUG IN HARDWARE SETUP MULTIPLE SPLIT
155. ll notice that not all of the menu commands are active all of the time however Some commands require a particular window to be active or selected for them to be accessible There are two ways to access these menus First you can move the mouse over the option you wish to choose and click with the left mouse button the drop down menu will appear and further selections can be made The second way is to tap the Alt key and then press one of the following keys F File E Edit V Event Image R Result S 2 Scoreboard W Window H Help File FinishLynx Boys3000 m Event Image Re ew Ctrl N Open Ctr Close window Save Ctrl S Save as Previous event Goto event Nest event Backup events Options Exit Page 9 3 Menu Bar Reference This will create a new Event object Any attached cameras will be automatically connected to the system with the settings currently found in the Camera Information window The software will arm the system and turn on the capture button automatically If Single Event mode is currently selected in the File Options dialog box then opening a new event will automatically close the currently open window and prompt the user to save any unsaved changes This will bring up the standard file dialog box and allow you to choose a previously saved race to open Close Window This will close only the active window that is at the front It has the s
156. lowing statement applies to the Independent JPEG Group s software which is included with FinishLynx 32 The authors make NO WARRANTY or representation either express or implied with respect to this software its quality accuracy merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose This software is provided AS IS and you its user assume the entire risk as to its quality and accuracy This software is copyright C 1991 1996 Thomas G Lane All Rights Reserved except as specified below Permission is hereby granted to use copy modify and distribute this software or portions thereof for any purpose without fee subject to these conditions 1 If any part of the source code for this software is distributed then this README file must be included with this copyright and no warranty notice unaltered and any additions deletions or changes to the original files must be clearly indicated in accompanying documentation 2 If only executable code is distributed then the accompanying documentation must state that this software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group 3 Permission for use of this software is granted only if the user accepts full responsibility for any undesirable consequences the authors accept NO LIABILITY for damages of any kind These conditions apply to any software derived from or based on the IJG code not just to the unmodified library If you use our work you ought to acknowledge us Permission i
157. lt lt lt lt Left gt gt gt gt gt gt gt gt Right You should note that this means that a camera on the outside of the track and a camera on the inside of the track will have different Image Orientation settings Page 3 13 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Figure 27 Extreme Color Fringing Step 6 Explained Adjust Focus The focus adjustment is a ring on the lens which has distances marked on it The operator should be able to get nearly the correct focus by determining the distance between the camera and a point one third of the way up the finish line and setting the focus adjustment to that distance Everybody understands the difference between an image which is in focus and one which is not however a Lynx camera operator will also have to consider the depth of field sometimes known as depth of focus Depth of Field is defined as the distance in front of and behind the point of precise focus where the image is also focused In other words even though a lens is precisely focused on Lane 3 the area of sharp focus will extend a certain distance in front of this lanes 1 amp 2 and a certain distance behind lanes 4 5 6 7 amp 8 Obviously a Lynx operator would like as much of the image as possible to be in focus and there are certain steps that can be taken to increase the Depth of Field The objective of all these steps is the same to reduce the aperture as much as possible The smaller th
158. mages by eliminating the need to crop the image before evaluation can begin Settings Pre Cropped The aggressiveness of the automatic dropping function is set in the Image tab of the Options dialog box The higher the number chosen the more image that will be removed Automatic Capture When the Capture Method is set to ACM No Button the camera analyzes the image as it takes it and determines what to save and not to save When this option is selected new events open with the ability to capture data turned Off As soon as the capture icon is clicked any activity at the finish line will cause the camera to send data to the FinishLynx Computer It should be noted that once capture has been activated ALL objects crossing the finishline will be captured including for example officials spectators etc Settings Automatic Capture No Button The settings for this option are configured in the dialog box shown in Figure 111 It is worth experimenting with these values especially at indoor meets where the stroboscopic effects of the light phasing can be fairly dramatic NOTE If image is not captured by the ACM function it can not be retrieved afterwards Plug Ins There are three variables that control Automatic Capture Trigger This value is closely related to the autocrop sensitivity The higher it is set the more activity at the finish line that will be required to trip the software into capture status Th
159. me should appear in the list of start signals Reset the Start Sensor after Testing or after False Starts If you have tested the Start Sensor or received a false start you will need to reset the Start Sensor To do this click on the Add Next Start icon shown below Figure 39 Add Next Start Icon Figure 40 Apply Selected Start Icon 8 amp Figure 41 Location of Start Signal Assignment Icons Activate the Capture Button If image does not appear on the screen when the Capture Button is pressed and the Inactive Capture Button Icon shown in Figure 42 is visible the capture button needs to be activated for this event To activate the button make sure that the window you wish to capture image into is at the front and click on the icon shown in Figure 42 The button is inactive when it has a red overlay on the button image as shown in Figure 42 Clicking on the icon will remove the red overlay and activate the button Page 4 6 Overview of FinishLynx Operation Figure 42 Inactive Capture Button Icon NOTE If an event is in Capture mode the race name will be prefixed by the letter c as shown in Figure 43 Also a green indication square will appear alongside the camera information icon Figure 43 Armed and Capture Indicators BILL 1 a Armed Indicators yellow square letter a Armed b Capture Enabled Indicators green square letter button icon Page 4 7
160. might look like the example shown in Figure 99 Sample Start List below NOTE FinishLynx uses the race name provided by the meet management software and puts the event round and heat in parentheses Figure 99 Sample Start List Last Name Affiliation Posey DEE 2 Fontaine CHE Chaiken Chester DEE Conley CHE Burleson DEE j Step 2 The race begins and the FinishLynx operator captures the image of the finish of the race This is the work that is normally done by the manual timers with their watches Step 3 The FinishLynx operator evaluates the image for place and time This is the equivalent of the head finish judge writing down the place and time on the heat sheets The race results can now be printed directly from FinishLynx Step 4 The FinishLynx operator sends the results back to the meet management software which then seeds the next round This is the equivalent of the head finish judge giving the completed heat sheets back to the Clerk At the end of this process the results created by FinishLynx are now in the meet management software The important thing to notice is that from the time the image was evaluated to the time official results were generated and the next round was set up no one ever wrote a time on a piece of paper or even typed a time into the computer How do I Configure FinishLynx to Use a Database Database programs can integrate with FinishLynx in
161. n 781 935 6959 NOTE This serial number is NOT the same as your FinishLynx serial number 4 Follow the instructions on the screen 5 f you wish to update the FinishLynx Online Help files visit the FinishLynx website at ttp www finishlynx com for the latest files 11 14 Plug Ins Operation Overview MSI To add one or more Split Locations to a FinishLynx event the operator needs to follow the following steps e Open anew event e add a new Split Location click on the Add Split Location option from the Event drop down menu e Decide how you wish to configure the Capture function The options are outlined here and described in detail below o Manual Manual manual selection of active Split Location and Manual activation of capture o Timed Manual Timed selection of active Split Location and Manual activation of capture during Active Capture time o Manual selection of active Split Location and Capture based on ACM settings during Active Capture time o Timed ACM Timed selection of active Split Location and Capture based on ACM settings during Active Capture time o Manual Automatic Manual selection of active Split Location and constant activation of capture during Active Capture time o Fully Automatic Timed selection of active Split Location and Timed activation of capture e Capture each Split Location e Evaluate each Split Location to add Start List
162. n the transmitter off when not in use to conserve battery power When you hear three beeps instead of one long tone at the end of a transmission the battery is low and you should recharge the battery at the end of the day To recharge the battery connect the power supply to the transmitter and plug the power cord into an outlet After about 7 hours the transmitter will be fully charged Do not recharge the battery until you hear three beeps indicating that it is low Set up the receiver The receiver has no batteries and is powered by the C Box 1 Attach an antenna to the top of the receiver 2 Connect the serial port 12 volt DC out cable to the C Box Make sure the positive and negative ends are inserted into the corresponding inputs Configure LinkGate settings To assign an ID to the transmitter 1 Make sure the transmitter is turned OFF 2 Setdipswitches 2 8 to the OFF down position 3 Turn the wheel The Signal Type arrow labeled on the transmitter indicates the device ID labeled on the side of the wheel If you are using only one transmitter we recommend you set the wheel to 0 Using the wheel with all of the dipswitches off down gives you 16 ID s Increase the number of ID s If you are using more than 16 transmitters please refer to ID Table below to learn how to set up to 64 ID s The SW interface allows you to connect up to 64 start signals and photo eyes to a single EtherLynx 2000 camera Link
163. n the Image How do Improve Image Readability How do Show Multiple Views of the Same Camera How Do Overlay Graphics on My Images On Image Start List Display Using the FinishLynx Keypad How do Indicate that Image has Been Cropped How do Indicate which Competitors have been Evaluated How do Print Evaluation Lines on Images INFORMATION ZONE REFINEMENTS Camera Settings Wind Readings How do I Pre Program the Capture Button RESULTS ZONE REFINEMENTS What does the New Result Icon do How do Delete a Result How do Produce Results for Different Classes of Competitors How do Use the Results Zone Schedule Icons How do Adjust the Precision of the Times How are Times Rounded How do adjust a Competitor s Status What is Delta Time Reading Close Races Automatic Speed and Pace Calculation BACKING UP KEYBOARD CAPTURE FUNCTION Enabling Keyboard Capture Using Keyboard Capture ATAATA AAAA Q Q EA EL ET RT BEET MES EE AET ET EET E AnD KRAOOND OORROOONDOo oOoo A AAW 3 Table of Contents SECTION 7 SCOREBOARDS AND WIND GAUGES INTRODUCTION TO SCOREBOARDS The Technique of Using FinishLynx with a Scoreboard OVERVIEW OF CONNECTING A SCOREBOARD Connecting the Scoreboard Configuring your System for use with a Scoreboard Running Time Configuration Results Configuration Using Scoreboards with Multiple Events INTRODUCTION
164. n the information zone If a camera name and information appears in red in the Hardware Control window the camera is not communicating to the software Check all connections to the camera power Ethernet etc Page 6 7 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics NOTE FinishLynx determines which cameras are connected when the software loads If a camera is not connected or is not being recognized the software will not allow the user to capture from it Advanced Evaluation Features The aim of this section is to introduce you to the features of the FinishLynx software which will enable you to progress to the next level of expertise as an operator These features when you have mastered them will make your life easier and the operation of the system faster For this reason we recommend that you try and develop the ability to use these features as part of your standard operating procedure Broadly speaking these refinements can be split up into three categories those which are of use when you are working in the Image Zone those which can be accessed through the Information Zone and those which are of use when you are working in the Results Zone Figure 65 Screen Zones A Information Zone B Results Zone C Image Zone Image Zone Refinements Most of the refinements in the Image Zone are controlled by using the icon bar that runs across the top of the zone as shown in Figure 65 Screen Zones The selection o
165. n the race is underway the Button Pushers should push the button every time their competitor passes the split point s usually the finish line 6 The FinishLynx operator will need to respond to alerts if Split Times fall outside the legal spectrum 11 12 Plug Ins 7 If any Split Times need to be edited or printed follow instructions below Editing Split Times To edit the splits for a competitor click on their name in the Results Zone so that they are highlighted in white and then select Edit Split from the Results drop down menu This will call up a dialog similar to the one shown below Figure 118 Edit Splits Dialog Lap Tae Splits x Spits aj Gardava Tere Lo BM Gn 43 50 10 75 Inet Delete When a new race is configured the start list shown in the Result Zone is simply the competitors in lane order The Cumulative Time at Last Split is blank Last Split Time is blank and Laps to Go is whatever the laps was in the setup When the first split for the first athlete is received this athlete has their laps to go reduced by one and their name rises to the top of the list in the Results Zone As splits for the other competitors come in this list is constantly sorted based first on laps to go lowest to highest and within this by cumulative time at last split In this way order of competitors in the Results Zone should always match the actual order of athletes in the race At the end o
166. nal athletic organizations It is the system of choice at horse and dog racing venues around the world Since 1995 FinishLynx has been the official timing system of the International Skating Union and in 1998 it was adopted by the Tour de France Standard Equipment All FinishLynx FAT systems must contain at least three components Timer Enabled Camera A timer enabled EtherLynx 2000 Camera This equipment takes visual information converts it into electronic data and time indexes it Software FinishLynx Software this transforms the electronic data controls the timing process and controls the interaction with the other items in the system Computer This runs the FinishLynx software and displays the digitized image of the finish on a monitor It needs to meet the specifications described in Chapters 2 and 3 of this guide Optional Equipment Depending on the system in use and the events being timed systems may also contain other items these may include e One or more FinishLynx Software Plug ins e Start Sensor e Photoeye s e Scoreboard Display s Results e Scoreboard Display s Running Time e Internet connection e Wind Gauge e Lap Count and or Split Time recording apparatus e Video Image Converter PAL SECAM NTSC e Uninterruptible Power Supply U P S Page 1 2 Fully Automatic Timing with FinishLynx How FinishLynx Cameras Work True line scan photo finish systems are based on our specially desi
167. nd a reverse angle from a second camera as shown below in Figure 64 Multiple Camera Views Page 6 6 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 64 Multiple Camera Views Iu EDENDI CD ETE TION Hundes inode iA ved M eun 11008 Ta ive Ranke How do I Set Up Two Cameras on the Same Finish Line It is logical to think that the rules for setting up a two camera system would not be any different than setting up a single camera system This is largely true but having a second camera allows more flexibility in the way they are set up As an example when using two cameras it is more common to set up the inside camera at slightly less than the recommended angle This means it can be closer to the ground or further from the edge of the track What this does is increase the size of individuals finishing nearer the camera and thus the likelihood of reading a hip or frame number Controlling Multiple Cameras There are independent controls for each of the cameras in a multi camera system The Rate Gain Density and Pixel Averaging settings for each camera can be set to be different values In order to capture image from more than one camera at the same time they must all be connected to the computer when the software is started It is then a simple matter of changing the relevant Capture settings to read yes in the Hardware Control window The cameras that are active for an event are listed i
168. ne 8 58 u 1350 3 Jim Nelson Mapa 8 53 02 1223 Chad Foster Logan 3 01 80 1158 17 Dan Gaston Huntington 9 02 07 n NOTE Because the computer has no way of knowing which competitor you chose to begin evaluating the image the ranking in the Place column will not necessarily be accurate until the whole picture has been read unless you read from first place in order back to last place Results Zone Explanations Once an operator has evaluated a competitor information will appear in the Results Zone How I Edit Results All the fields of the results board are editable except for Place and Delta Time To edit simply click in the box you wish to edit and type the changes NOTE These changes will not STICK until you press the Enter key Also if the cursor is in a field and data has been entered but the Enter key has not been pressed all other activities will take place in the background This can give the illusion that the system has locked up All that it is necessary to do to return the system to normal is to press the Enter key Page 5 12 Basic Race Evaluation You can move forward to the next box by using the TAB key and back to the previous box by using Shift TAB The l beam cursor is placed at the beginning of the field at which point new text can be typed or existing text can be typed over Hitting Enter enters the new information NOTE If the Time field is edited the edited times will appe
169. ng FinishLynx at a fraction of its potential Linking the processing of results with a computer file of competitors should not be intimidating and when you can do it you will be amazed how smoothly your meets take place What is a Meet Management Program It may help to think of the connection between meet management software programs and FinishLynx in terms of their real life counterparts at a hand timed track meet The database software serves the same purpose as the Clerk of a track meet who sets up the heats and generates heat sheets so the participants know where and when to run FinishLynx is the equivalent of the head finish judge it gets the start lists from the Clerk and given the input of the official timers and pickers fills in the blanks with place and time When using meet management software and FinishLynx to replace the manual meet process there are four steps that are usually performed for every heat at a track meet Page 8 2 Databases Step 1 The start lists are sent to FinishLynx This is the equivalent of the Clerk writing up heat sheets for the Finish line judges To do this the FinishLynx operator selects an Event by using the Schedule GoTo icon and entering the eventi round and heat Or if a schedule is being used the FinishLynx operator can call the next Event by selecting the Schedule Next icon The Results Zone which at this stage of the proceedings is actually only a list of competitors
170. ng of the gun and sends a signal to the computer FinishLynx will operate with a variety of start signal generators The standard Lynx Start Sensor is a 3 long round metal case with an XLR three pronged connector on one end and an LED light emitting diode which is visible through the hole in the side of the sensor body These sensors are of the normally closed type and this is the default setting Normally Open means that the sensor is a switch that closes when a start is detected This is like a light being off in a room and going on when the start is detected Normally Closed means that the sensor is a switch that opens when a start is detected This is like a light being on in a room and going out when the start is detected The advantage of a normally closed set up is that the software can monitor to check that the Start Sensor is still connected The Start Sensor is connected to the XLR three pronged connector on the connection box labeled Start with the Start Signal cable provided If an extension cable is in use the cable should have a female connector on one end and a male connector on the other to maintain the polarity of the connectors Connect to Power Supply The power switch is located on the rear of the camera See Figure 11 EtherLynx 2000 Camera back view When an EtherLynx 2000 camera is first powered on both status lights will come on Running left most in green and Starting 2nd from left in red NOTE
171. nnection box The upper pair of black and red connectors on the connection box provide a constant 12v DC output which can be used to provide power to Photoeyes See Figure 13 Connection Box When the FinishLynx ACM plugin is used as a Photoeye there are no additional connections necessary to stop running time clocks See Internal Photoeye in Section 11 How Do Use a Different Start Signal Generator The older models of Start Sensors are of the normally open type as are Accutrack strobe light sensors If you want to use one of this type of sensor or if you wish to use a Tape Switch or Gate Switch to generate start signals you will need to verify that the Start Sensor setting accurately reflects whether the start signal generator is normally open or normally closed Instructions for changing this setting are described in the section on Camera Inputs See Section 3 How Do I Change the COM port used for the Capture Button See the Hardware tab in the Options menu as described in the section on Customizing your System Page 2 14 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Page 2 15 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera SECTION 3 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera In this Section BEFORE YOU BEGIN 3 2 WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS SECTION 3 5 HOW DO I ALIGN A CAMERA 3 6 STEPS 1 AND 2 EXPLAINED ESTABLISH A CAMERA POSITION AND MOUNT THE CAMERA 3 6 WHAT CAMERA MOUNTINGS CAN USE 3 6 WHAT IS THE PLANE OF THE F
172. nt s information in the ppl file when their ID number is entered 999 1 1 Men s 100 Meter 23 1 54 2 67 3 Mouse Michael Florida State 93 4 26 5 12 6 998 1 1 Men s 200 Meter Since this event line has no participants after it FinishLynx will look people up in the ppl file when an ID is entered 997 1 1 Women s 10000 Meter 15 0 48 0 29 0 94 0 38 0 8 8 Databases Events need not be listed in any particular order If the FinishLynx operator knows the event round and heat numbers of all the events any competition could be processed by FinishLynx using just this one file Creating the People List Optional Since it is tedious to have to type a participants name and other information over and over you can create a file called lynx ppl Here all the possible participants and their ID numbers are listed This allows you to only type the ID in the event file and FinishLynx will automatically look to the ppl file for the other information Purpose This file lynx ppl matches ID numbers with names and affiliations Format ID number last name first name affiliation ID number last name first name affiliation ID number last name first name affiliation Below is a sample lynx ppl file Notes Any line starting with a semicolon is ignored In general you can omit unnecessary or unknown information 23 Duck Don MIT 54 Bear Smokey Maine 94 Rabbit Jac
173. o export a bitmap save as a graphic file the chosen section of the image It is also used to define the area of the image to be used when setting the White Balance Page 4 2 Overview of FinishLynx Operation Note When the mouse points at an icon a brief description of the function of that icon will appear in the Help Zone at the bottom left corner of the screen Stage One of FinishLynx Operation Set Up the Hardware NOTE We suggest that new users of the system may want to consider using the system in Single Event Mode until they have mastered the basic operation of the system Selecting this option will prevent the software from opening more than one event at a time Single Event Mode see Section 10 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Prepare the Software Position the camera s Connect the hardware components in the appropriate manner for your system configuration Start the software Align the camera Adjust Camera Settings Adjust the Rate Gain and Density to the appropriate settings This means higher rates and gains for faster races higher density for reading numbers etc Connect and test Start Signal system Test Capture Button is working Open a New Event and press the button does image appear on the screen Figure 36 Start Selection Icons Page 4 3 Overview of FinishLynx Operation The Start Selection icon bar gives many options numbered from le
174. of the autocropping what degree of activity is left after autocropping can be adjusted as detailed in Auto Crop 10 percent in Section 10 It is also possible with the ACM plugin described in Section 11 to automatically crop the image as it is being drawn to the screen This can greatly speed up the evaluation process Enter the Results For a detailed explanation of this process see the next section of the manual Evaluate the image by lining up the hairline with each finisher entering any ID information and pressing the enter key The FinishLynx software keypad can also be used for entering ID data see Using the FinishLynx Keypad in Section 6 Save the Race After the results have been entered if you have not already saved the race and given it a name do so Print Results After the image has been processed and the race has been saved print the results by clicking on the print icon in the Results Zone Close Event Window When you have finished working with an event window and saved it you should close it Open the File menu and select Close If you attempt to close a window after changes have been made but before it has been saved the software will prompt you to save it before closing Page 4 10 Basic Race Evaluation SECTION 5 Basic Hace Evaluation In this Section INTRODUCTION HOW DO I EVALUATE AN IMAGE STARTING THE FINISHLYNX SOFTWARE WORKING WITH SAMPLE FILES OPENING A FILE SC
175. ome 3 29 plugin 6 13 precision individual competitor 6 23 Umes cuiii 6 22 DPI settings noiire 5 14 printing hairline 2 ries 5 15 image cerit N 5 14 images ettet aret ee 6 18 Quality on cite ite 5 14 results ten 4 10 5 14 SEUNG eco atin teet 5 14 titles ieri centeno eri 5 14 Targa files targa files writing 1 9 10 R Rates 3 23 3 26 suggested values 3 21 readings aene 6 19 remote 3 9 adjustment en ioia 3 11 remote positioner 3 7 3 9 adjustment eenas a 3 11 resizing 1 amp 5 13 Window 1 5 results alla a DEEE A E 5 12 lm aa 6 21 ELIA E PE E AT E T 5 14 resizing columns 5 13 us sii at e t tr 5 13 poy Mmm 5 12 results filter Gyellngzzz 6 21 default setting 6 22 LD 6 21 CONS cu 6 21 Results Zone Pace 6 26 S od eden ende xil erede dee nea 9 4 Save 9 4 saving ce
176. on icon is clicked the Camera Information dialog box will appear Capture Before you can actually begin taking pictures of races you need to tell the software to accept the image sent from a camera To do this go to the Hardware Control window and check that the Capture setting is configured to Yes for the camera s you wish to use The advantage to being able to turn the capture capability on and off is that in a multiple camera set up you may not need image from all of the cameras all of the time Camera Information Dialog Setup Tab Figure 32 Camera Information Setup Setup inputs Capes Indes 2 RAM F 0003 57 Name pe imagen f pao Hg Bi T Hera Lee C d Loren Rf Freres Larne cie wheelie Gen meh e Information This line displays information about the camera obtained automatically by the software It shows the amount of internal memory in the camera and the IP address Page 3 26 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera e Name A name can be assigned by the user to the camera For example Primary or Outside Track or Sprint Camera if a different finishline is being used for the sprint events Orientation This sets the side of the screen where the camera first starts displaying image It is useful if you have an inside camera and an outside camera and you want the finishers to appear to be traveling in the same direc
177. onnection e Remote Lens Positioner Connection f 10baseFl Ethernet Fiber Optic Transceiver Connection g Power Status Lights h Connection box Connection i Power cord Connection 1 On Off Switch k Fuse Holder Figure 11 EtherLynx 2000 Camera back view shows the rear panel of the EtherLynx 2000 camera The Active Link Light next to the 10baseT connector comes on when the camera is connected to an Ethernet network with 10 baseT cabling and the camera detects a good link Page 2 11 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware If no Ethernet connections are made at the camera or if 10base2 cabling is used the link light next to the 10base2 connector Coax will come on regardless of the functionality of the connection The Transmit and Receive LED s flash when information is being sent over the network Connection Box Figure 12 DB15 Connector The DB15 connectors on the ends of the Connection Box cable are connected between the back of the Camera and the Connection Box Figure 13 Connection Box a Start Sensor Connection b 10BaseT Ethernet ports c Camera Serial Data Port d Photoeye Switch Connections e Camera Connection f Photoeye Power Connections 12 volt Page 2 12 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Figure 14 Start Sensor The FinishLynx Start Sensor detects the changes in air pressure caused by the firi
178. ont of them To select the Automatic Pack Leader feature simply click on the Automatic Pack Leader icon in the Results Zone Figure 86 Pack Leader z v Page 6 25 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics What is Delta Time The Delta Time Distance separation between competitors can be set by clicking on the Delta Time Distance column heading There are preset options for horse racing dog racing and cycling The display can be set as required by choosing the Custom option choosing this option will cause the dialog shown below Figure 87 Delta Lengths Menu Horse Dag Cycling w From previous From next From winner From none Fack leaders v Time Lengths fraction Lengths decimal The default values can be set in the Options dialog as detailed in Section 10 Reading Close Races When reading a close race FinishLynx will often place one participant ahead of another even though they appear to have the same time in the Time column of the Results Zone This is because FinishLynx always uses its ability to time to 1 1000th to determine order of finish There are a few safety features built in however to prevent the FinishLynx operator from inadvertently picking a race incorrectly If a time is read which places a participant close to an already entered finisher the system will warn the operator This allows closer investigation of the situation and ensures that the race was chosen as expected It also prevents
179. ou as the button is pressed Stage Four of FinishLynx Operation Unless the pre programmed capture feature see How do Pre Program the Capture Button in Section 5 or the Automatic Capture plugin see Section 11 are being used the button must be pressed to record every finisher in the race as they cross the finish line Begin Evaluation Evaluation can begin as soon as the first finisher has crossed the line and the image has appeared on the computer screen However the operator should ensure that the other finishers are being recorded during the evaluation process For details of the Evaluation process see the next section of the manual Crop Extra Space Reduce the image until it all fits on one screen or until the people can just barely be made out whichever comes first and remove all the empty image either by using automatic cropping or with the manual cropping function as detailed below Page 4 8 Overview of FinishLynx Operation Empty image is the dead space between competitors Pieces of the image can be removed or cropped either permanently or temporarily This can be useful when reading a picture that has a lot of space between the participants To crop an image select a region of the image by pressing and holding the right mouse button and moving the mouse in any direction until a region is defined Release the mouse button You can either select the Crop option from the popup menu which appears or click on
180. p down list that corresponds with the transmitter ID you selected using the wheel For example if the transmitter wheel is set to 0 select 000 from the ID drop down list See table at the end of this section for more FinishLynx ID s 5 Select Start Sensor Optional Type a name in the text box provided If you are using more than one transmitter we suggest you name each transmitter something different for example 400 meter start 200 meter start Click OK 8 Turn on the transmitter by flipping its switch to and practice a test start to make sure you have properly configured the transmitter and FinishLynx If you are connecting a photo eye Note You must use a photo eye that has its own power supply such as battery power 1 Atthe Camera Settings Inputs tab select Photo Eye None 2 Click the Serial Wireless tab 3 Select On 11 21 Plug Ins 4 Select an ID from the drop down list that corresponds with the transmitter ID you selected using the wheel For example if the transmitter wheel is set to 0 select 000 from the ID drop down list See table at the end of this section for help Select Photo Eye 6 Optional Type a name in the text box provided If you are using more than one transmitter we recommend you name each transmitter something different for example 400 meter split 200 meter split 7 If you are using a single beam photo eye we suggest you
181. p eren 4 9 INDEX camera alignment 3 10 delete result 5 7 6 21 6 12 find object 6 12 full screen 6 10 identify 3 28 NOW event enini trii 4 4 new result essssssesesee 6 20 print image 5 14 print results eseesssss 5 14 remote 1 3 11 remote 3 11 result 2 6 20 results filter 6 21 unenhance 6 12 ZOOMIN siete veel dese ges 5 10 ZOOM OUL ee ere eer eme rone 5 10 identifying competitors 6 21 default settings 3 28 fee 5 8 identify by sees 3 28 image adjustments 6 13 autocropping 4 9 centering esse 5 11 contrast enhance 6 12 contrast unenhance 6 12 Gron M 4 8 derislty 1 iet initi eet 5 10 enhiatiee a ree 4 2 evaluating akn 5 9 TINGSODJOCE uci erect 6 12 graphic overlay 6 15
182. re you have properly configured the transmitter and FinishLynx Optional Use the mask feature Use the mask feature if you have set up more than one transmitter and if you want FinishLynx to ignore a start signal or photo eye beam break 1 Click the information icon and then click the Serial Wireless tab 2 Click the Start Mask or Photo Eye Mask drop down list to view the ID s you have set up 3 To mask a start signal or a photo eye beam break uncheck the name of the Start Sensor or photo eye in the drop down list by clicking it once For example if you want to mask the start signal called Start 001 uncheck it To disable the mask or to enable a start signal or photo eye beam break check the ID in the drop down list by clicking on it once ID Table To use the ID Table 11 22 Plug Ins 1 Choose a dipswitch configuration from the Dipswitches row Set the dipswitches on the transmitter to match the configuration Remember that a switch turned on up is indicated by the value 1 A switch turned off down is indicated by the value 2 Find the wheel setting from the Wheel column 3 Inthe FinishLynx SW plug in dialog box select the ID from the table that corresponds with the transmitter s dipswitch configuration and wheel settings For example if your dipswitches are set to 0100000 and your wheel setting is D the corresponding ID in SW is 02D
183. rinting and this option is chosen the software will present a dialog box offering the user the option of writing a TARGA or a JPG JPEG format graphic file containing the area of image selected TGA and JPG format files can be imported by practically all drawing software programs JPG files are compatible with all major Internet Browsers and are therefore useful if the operator wishes to post results and images to the Internet Options image The use of this dialog box is discussed in detail in Section 10 Page Setup image This option enables the user to set left right top and bottom margins These settings can be entered in inches or in centimeters Printer Setup image Choosing this option calls up the Printer Setup dialog box for the Image printer Print image This calls up the image printing dialog and enables you to print the area of image that you have selected with the right mouse button Page 9 10 Menu Bar Reference Results amp File Edit Event Image Results Scoreboard windo New result Delete result Find id Filters Set pack leaders Accept split time Insert split time Mask split time E dit split times Print split times Options Import ReacT ime data Page setup Printer setup Print This places a blank line in the Results Zone It is useful at small meets and is used as described in Chapter 6 Delete Result If a result is m
184. rite LIF Off WIND GAUGE OPTIONS Wind Module Off Wind Gauge Serial Port None Default Mode Manual Page 6 Table of Contents LAP TIME OPTIONS Lap Time Module Serial Port Final Split SECTION 11 PLUG INS INTRODUCTION TO PLUG INS Plug ins Installation AUTOMATIC CAPTURE PLUG IN Pre Cropped Capture Settings Pre Cropped Automatic Capture Settings Automatic Capture No Button Internal Photoeye Automatic Configuration of Internal Photoeye MULTIPLE REGION ENHANCEMENT PLUG IN Setting Up Regions LAP TIME PLUG IN Introduction Legal Split Times Identifying Hardware Components Tag Heuer PTB605 Hardware Setup Tag Heuer PTB605 Lap Time Software Installation Software Configuration Hardware Interface Software Configuration Race Information Operation Editing Split Times Displaying and Printing Split Times Projecting Finish Times MULTIPLE SPLITS INTERFACE PLUG IN Hardware Setup Multiple Split Interface Software Installation Operation Overview MSI Adding and Deleting Split Locations Adding and Deleting Cameras to a Split Location Capture Options SERIAL WIRELESS PLUG IN Installation and Setup Configure FinishLynx settings ID Table 7 Table of Contents Page 8 Fully Automatic Timing with FinishLynx sectont Fully Automatic Timing with FinishLynx In this section WHAT IS FINISHLYNX ACCREDITATION STANDARD EQUIPME
185. rsor is moved against the edge of the Image zone the image will scroll towards the side of the image where the cursor is positioned This feature is known as rolling scrolling Page 5 9 Basic Race Evaluation In addition there are scroll bars on the right side and bottom of the Image zone that allow you to move either up and down or across the image They can be operated in one of the following three ways e Clicking on the small arrow moves the image 1 4 of a screen width e Dragging the shaded box that appears between the arrows allows the image to be moved to any point within it e Clicking in the region between the box and the arrow moves a full screen width of the image Standard Zooms Position the crosshair at the center of the area of the image you wish to enlarge Click on the zoom in icon marked with a This will zoom in 2x on the picture Clicking the zoom out icon marked with zooms back out Pixellation It should be noticed that after a while of zooming in the picture becomes very jagged or pixellated How much the image can be magnified before this happens is tied to the density of the image as it was taken and also related to the size of the file There is a very simple trade off between image quality and the size of the stored image on disk the more information is kept i e the bigger the file the clearer the image stays at high magnification What Happens to the Cross Hair and Hairline Posit
186. s Indoor Track and 12 75 mm Field c mount Sprints lens Indoor Track and 12 75 mm Field c mount Distance Events lens Outdoor Track and Field Sprints Outdoor Track and Field Distance Events Cycling 28 35mm Sprints F mount lens Cycling 28 35mm Mountain Climbs F mount lens Horse Racing Greyhound Racing F mount lens Speed Skating 12 75 mm c mount lens NOTE These settings assume that the Camera s are set up in the positions recommended Page 3 22 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Detailed Explanations of Camera Settings First time users may be advised to skip over this section and return to it after they have explored the next few chapters on using FinishLynx Operators exploring this section should experiment with variations of the default settings and note the effects that changes have on image quality and file size What is Rate For those who have used film based systems in the past frame rate should be thought of as the equivalent of film speed There two factors to be considered when setting the frame rate of the Lynx Camera Higher speeds are used for faster events When timing a 100m dash it is normal to use a higher rate than for a 10 000m The reason is simply that faster objects need to have their picture taken more often in order to keep a discernible distance between them in the picture As a point of reference a world class 100m could be taken a
187. s NOT granted for the use of any IJG author s name or company name in advertising or publicity relating to this software or products derived from it This software may be referred to only as the Independent JPEG Group s software We specifically permit and encourage the use of this software as the basis of commercial products provided that all warranty or liability claims are assumed by the product vendor Release v4 0 FinishLynx 32 Manual 09 20 01 Copyright 1992 2001 by Lynx System Developers Inc All rights reserved Table of Contents Table of Contents SECTION 1 FULLY AUTOMATIC TIMING WITH FINISHLYNX WHAT IS FINISHLYNX Accreditation Standard Equipment Optional Equipment How FINISHLYNX CAMERAS WORK LEARNING FINISHLYNX WHERE DO START FINISHLYNX 32 FEATURES Simultaneous Capture and Evaluation Multiple Open Events Plug ins SECTION 2 SETUP OF ETHERLYNX 2000 HARDWARE SoFTWARE HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY ETHERLYNX 2000 WHAT ComPuUTER Do NEED ETHERLYNX 2000 HARDWARE SETUP OVERVIEW Installing the FinishLynx Program and Help Software Installing the Ethernet Card Ethernet Connections 10baseT and NO hub Setting up 10baseT and a Hub Setting Up 10base2 Coaxial Cable Setting Up Setup 10baseFL Fiber Optic Cable Cable Length Restrictions Capture Button EtherLynx 2000 Camera Connection Box Start Sensor Connect to Power Supply Starting the Software Photoeye Etc How Do Use a Different S
188. s and Wind Gauges Step 3 Finally enter the values from your wind gauge by typing in the information in the Reading fields Hit the Enter key to store these values when the file is saved Using a Wind Gauge Automatic Data Entry Step 1 Connect the wind gauge to any available serial port on the computer or the connection box The Connection Box port is shown in the chapter on equipment setup Step 2 Select Options from the File pull down dialog box Step 3 Choose the tab marked Wind This will show the dialog box shown in Figure 94 Step 4 Enter the data communication settings as required by your wind gauge manufacturer Step 5 Set the Wind Module radio button to On Step 6 Exit and restart the FinishLynx software Step 7 Double click the Mode field for Wind in the Information Zone This will call up the dialog box shown in Figure 96 Step 8 Choose the required settings for the Event as detailed in Table 3 If the values you want are not configured edit a selected choice by selecting Manual in the Event pull down menu This will call up the dialog box shown in Figure 97 Enter the values you want and click Ok Step 9 To force a wind gauge to begin taking readings either use the key stroke Alt W or go to the Event pull down menu and select Manual Wind Figure 96 Wind Gauges Pre Set Values Manual Custom 100M w 200M 100M Hurdles 110M Hurdles Page 7 8 Scoreboards and Wind Gauges F
189. s of the image have been removed by cropping manual or automatic Removed image is indicated by a dashed line running from top to bottom of the image The choices controlling the use of this feature can be accessed by calling up the Options dialog from the Image drop down menu shown in Figure 66 Image Options Dialog Box The feature can be switched on or off and the color of the lines can be altered by entering the required information in the Time Gap Lines fields How do I Indicate which Competitors have been Evaluated To assist in the evaluation of large fields of competitors the software can place a line at every position where a time has been entered in the results This makes it much easier to see which competitors still need to be evaluated The choices controlling the use of this feature can be accessed by calling up the Options dialog from the Image drop down menu shown in Figure 66 Image Options Dialog Box The feature can be switched on or off and the color of the lines can be altered by entering the required information in the Show Lines fields How do I Print Evaluation Lines on Images In some instances it may be desirable to print the evaluation lines on all images The choices controlling the use of this feature can be accessed by calling up the Options dialog from the Image drop down menu shown in Figure 66 Image Options Dialog Box The feature can be switched on or off and the color of the lines can be alt
190. sage which warns you All Start Sensors Failed To Arm you should check the connections to the Start Sensor and also check that the settings in the Camera information Dialog accurately reflect the type of sensor you are using Name the Event If you wish you can at any time change the name of the event from Untitled To do this click on the Save option in the File pull down menu and type in the name of the event in the File Name space in the file browser The new name you have entered will appear on the Menu Bar at the top of the window and in the open event list NOTE An Event name will be prefixed by a lower case a if the event is ready to receive the next start signal also a yellow indicator box will appear next to the camera information icon An example of the letter c display can be seen in Figure 43 Armed and Capture Indicators Check the Start Sensor It is important to test the Start Sensor at each new starting line For instance when the starter moves to the 200 start be sure to communicate with him or her to test the gun with the timing system before the athletes are in the blocks This will not only save time but also much stress on the part of the athletes officials and spectators Page 4 5 Overview of FinishLynx Operation In the case of the Lynx Start sensor simply have the starter blow sharply into the sensor to test it or clap their hands together to simulate the firing of the gun A new start ti
191. seful at smaller meets where there is less time pressure between events and where there is no prewritten database The operator can prior to an event enter a blank result for each of the competitors Into this blank result the operator can enter all an athlete s information in the relevant fields Figure 79 New Result Icon arre To use this feature follow the following steps PRIOR to the event Step 1 Get a start list list of competitors for the event from the Starter Clerk or other meet official Step 2 Create a new event Page 6 20 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Step 3 Use the blank result icon to create a blank result for each of the competitors Step 4 Enter the competitors information into the blank fields of the blank result Name Affiliation I D license lane etc To enter informa tion in a field move the cursor to the required position and double click with the mouse button The I beam cursor should appear in that field Type the information you want to record and hit Enter to store the infor mation Step 5 To move to the next field you can either click in it with the mouse or simply hit the Tab key You do not need to fill all the fields but you do need to make sure that you have a method of identifying the competitors in the Identify By box Step 6 Repeat steps 2 5 for each competitor Once the image has been captured evaluate in the normal way matching eac
192. sistently sends incorrect information after a while nothing on the scoreboard will be believed e is very difficult to get the toothpaste back in the tube If you show a time on the display clock which is quicker than the athlete actually ran because the Photoeye was broken by a hand in front of the body for instance you will have a hard time convincing anybody that your official slower time read from the torso by FinishLynx is correct For this reason you should set the offset as described in Chapter 12 to ensure that the time on the display clock is preferably about a hundredth of a second or so slower than the official time from FinishLynx If you do this athletes will be pleased by their times on the official results and not disappointed Overview of Connecting a Scoreboard Step 1 Open the Scoreboard pull down menu Step2 Select Options This will bring up the dialog box shown in Figure 93 Step 3 Click on New Step4 Select the Scoreboard you wish to configure by clicking on it Step5 Give the Scoreboard a Name in Figure 93 we have named it Infield Clock Step 6 Select Script and choose from the pull down menu the name of the lss file that corresponds to your display manufacturer and model from the list in Table 3 Step 7 Configure the software to show the information you want to display as detailed below under Running Time or Further Results step 7 instructions below Step 8 Hit O
193. st in evaluating images where the finishline is banded with areas of light and shade the Multiple Region Enhancement plugin described in Section 11 can prove invaluable Contrast Brightness and Gamma Adjustments In some situations automatic image enhancement might not be the correct action to take to enhance the brightness of an image For example it may be desirable to apply a small brightness function to all images This is particularly useful in events where the background of the image is very similar in color to the objects passing through as is most common in horse racing Fine adjustments to the Brightness Contrast and the Gamma values of an image can be made by selecting Adjustments from the Image pull down menu Doing this will call up the Image Adjustments Dialog shown in Figure 72 Page 6 13 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 72 Image Adjustments Dialog Image Adjustments x Brightness Contrast 0 0 Gamma E 00 tee By using either the sliders or the arrows at the ends of the slider boxes the values for the Brightness Contrast and Gamma value of the image can be changed The result of making any changes in this dialog can be seen instantly in the image and it is considerably easier to discover for yourself the effects of altering these values than it is to explain Feel free to experiment because even if the image is saved the changes can still be undone by returning the sli
194. t 1000 frames per second and the resulting picture would have about as much space separating the finishers as there was in real life If the picture was taken at 2000 frames per second the people would appear fat in the image but there would also be more space in between the participants therefore making it easier to pick a close race NOTE The higher the rate at which the picture is taken the more information the picture contains and the more disk space the resulting image will consume on the hard disk e Higher speeds require more light If the electronic sensor is given less time to expose by taking faster images the picture is going to be darker Fortunately we can compensate for this by artificially boosting the signal Setting the frame rate is simply a matter of clicking on the box that contains the frame rate backspacing over the present value typing in a new value and hitting the Enter key What is Density Density refers to the number of pixels of the image that are transmitted to the computer by the camera Having a density control allows the operator to trade off the level at which a picture can be zoomed for the speed at which it can be taken NOTE The higher the density of the image the less jagged it will be at high zoom levels and the more disk space an image will consume If you are relying on being able to read hip numbers as your means of identifying the competitors in an event then you will need to ensure th
195. t everything left after autocropping is an object Calls up a dialog that allows you to set the default precision for the event e Seconds e Fifths e Tenths e Hundredths e Thousandths e Ten thousandths Calls up a dialog that allows you to set image Brightness Contrast and Gamma values These values can always be undone by returning the sliders to the central position Enhance Unenhance Enhance will increase the contrast on the basis of a sample selected by drawing a box with the right mouse button The purpose is to assist in accurate placement of the hairline when light levels are low Unenhance returns the image to normal White Balance This adjusts the settings of the color camera to adapt for varying color temperatures of light by controlling the mix of Red Green and Blue in the image that it takes It is set as described in Section 6 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Photoeye Balance When the ACM plugin is installed a previously selected area of the image will be used to automatically generate values for the settings for the Internal Photoeye feature Page 9 9 Menu Bar Reference This calls up a menu of available TARGA format graphic overlay files The selected file will be positioned on the image centered on the hairline crosshair Remove Overlays This redraws the screen without any previously chosen graphic overlays Export Bitmap If an area of image is selected as if for p
196. t is that if it is set correctly things which should be perfectly white in the image will be white rather than a shade of some other color To white balance the FinishLynx camera it is necessary to capture some image into a event which is white a piece of blank paper or an item of clothing for example It is recommended that the lens aperture is set to a value which makes the white area clearly visible but not overexposed when the camera is aligning NOTE Do not overexpose the image with sufficient overexposure you can make practically anything look white For the same reason the Gain setting should be manually set so that the image is a little darker than it would normally be Capture a small amount of image which contains a white object into a new event When you have quit capturing and can see on your screen the object that should be white but which at this point looks grayish or has a slight color cast select an area inside this white area using the right mouse button as if it were to be printed With the area still selected choose White Balance from the Image drag down menu This will automatically set the White Balance settings Reset the Gain values to the values they had before you white balanced the image Now if the same image is captured again it should be much whiter in this region Once the white balance procedure has been performed look in the Camera Settings dialog to see the value of the White Balance
197. t narrower and thus harder to find the further away from it the camera is Very little angular movement in the tripod head can translate into an enormous physical distance on the track As a side effect of the point above an extremely solid mounting should be used on windy days Also no one should be allowed near the area where the camera is mounted as the vibrations of someone climbing a scaffold for example can put the camera in and out of alignment This will appear as alternating black and white stripes on the image Step 3 Explained How do I Connect the System Components The setup of EtherLynx Hardware is described in Section 2 of this guide Remote Control of Camera Position and Lens Settings FinishLynx provides the option of remote control units for all aspects of positioning the camera and for lens function The remote positioner is a platform on which the camera is placed which has three degrees of motion controlled by micrometer stepper motors This not only gives the FinishLynx operator remote control over position but also allows much finer movement than is possible with a standard tripod head Remote control lenses simply have motors that move the iris focus and zoom rings of the lens Figure 20 Remote Positioner label at front Connecting a Remote Positioner or Lens e Connecting the Remote Positioner Only To connect only the remote positioning unit simply plug one end of the cable included into the back of the
198. t of this combining of cells oversampling is that images taken with a higher value of Mode are sharper and have a higher signal to noise ratio An effect of changing the Averaging Mode setting say from Average 2 to Average 1 while keeping the Density setting at 500 is to accomplish a virtual zoom in The computer will display 500 pixels taken from the output of 500 individual cells at the center of the camera sensor instead of using groups of two cells from an area of the sensor 1000 cells high There are four options for Averaging Mode Average 1 Worst signal to noise ratio greatest virtual zoom in effect Average 2 Average 3 Average 4 Best signal to noise ratio greatest virtual zoom out effect What is Compression The Minimum Compression setting sets a lower limit on the compression as a percentage that the camera must achieve If the camera cannot achieve this level of compression the image will be sent uncompressed This setting is useful in situations where compression is not having much of an effect such as when taking image of a constantly changing background of wind on water In these situations forcing the display software to uncompress large files can have a detrimental effect on the speed with which images can be evaluated The default value of this setting is 65 which corresponds to a 3 1 compression ratio a setting of 100 would effectively turn compression off and 0 would force it to be on at all tim
199. tart Signal Generator How Do Change the COM port used for the Capture Button SECTION 3 POSITIONING THE FINISHLYNX CAMERA BEFORE YOU BEGIN WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS SECTION How ALIGN A CAMERA STEPS 1 AND 2 EXPLAINED ESTABLISH A CAMERA POSITION AND MOUNT THE CAMERA What Camera Mountings Can Use What is The Plane of the Finishline Positioning the Camera Distant Mounting STEP 3 EXPLAINED How DO CONNECT THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS Remote Control of Camera Position and Lens Settings Connecting a Remote Positioner or Lens STEP 4 EXPLAINED How Do START FINISHLYNX STEP 5 EXPLAINED How Do START ALIGNING THE CAMERA Controlling a Remote Positioner or Lens How Do Know What My Camera Settings Are Set Image Orientation STEP 6 EXPLAINED ADJUST FOCUS STEP 7 EXPLAINED How Do ADJUST FOR LIGHT CONDITIONS What is the Gain Value What is the Aperture Value Setting Gain and Aperture STEP 8 EXPLAINED ADJUST TILT AND ZOOM AND MODE TO COVER ALL LANES TNT Li AGKARONMNND rie ies ea amp Qo Q5 CO Co ww C Co CO C Co Co CO Aaa
200. tered in the Duration field then capture will be available for this period of time or until capture is advanced Note Capture always moves to the latest Split Location if two are configured to be active at the same time When the capture is active for a Split Location a lower case letter will be visible to the left of the camera listing in the Information Zone Pressing the capture button will then capture image into the selected Split Location Manual ACM With this setup the operator should select the camera listing in the Information Zone click on the blue Camera Information icon and set the capture method to ACM in the Capture tab of the Camera Information dialog The operator will advance the Capture function to the next Split Location when needed in one of two ways e Clicking on the Advance Capture icon the yellow down arrow shown in the Information Zone of Figure 119 Multiple Split Interface Screen Capture e Selecting the Advance Capture option from the Event drop down menu When the capture is active for a Split Location a lower case letter c will be visible to the left of the camera listing in the Information Zone Capture will take place whenever there is sufficient activity at the finish line to satisfy the requirements of the ACM settings 11 17 Plug Ins Timed ACM With this setup the operator should select the camera listing in the Information Zone click on the blue Camera Information
201. that needs to happen is for the different categories of riders to be given a discrete set of I D or license numbers Page 6 21 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Armed with this information the FinishLynx operator evaluates the image as normal and enters the identification information for each of the competitors in the normal way for ALL the riders in the image This will produce an unfiltered result board all the riders from all the categories The operator then clicks on the results filter icon This will summon up the dialog box shown in Figure 81 The operator enters the upper and lower defining limits of one of the categories of competitors in this dialog box deletes the default category and the results board will now only show those riders who meet the criteria defined in the filter If an offset time is to be used for a category of competitors it should be entered in the dialog box NOTE The default filter allows all the competitors to meet the criteria and therefore to be displayed in the results board When filters are combined by the FinishLynx software each filter is applied in turn to the result if a result meets the criteria of that filter it is displayed if it does not meet the first set of criteria the next filter is applied if it meets that criteria it is displayed and so on through all the filters The filters are normally used on the numeric ranges of the results however the filter can be used to s
202. the Crop icon Figure 44 Crop Icon A cropped image is smaller than an uncropped image and thus takes up less disk space when it is saved The regions cropped out of an image can be restored unless the file has been saved since the material was cropped simply by clicking again on the Crop icon NOTE When you have clicked on the Crop icon it will change to the Uncrop icon Alternatively you can select the image in the same way and choose the Crop option from the Image pull down menu on the Menu Bar When you do either of these things a region as wide as you have selected and the full height of the image is removed from the image NOTE FinishLynx keeps track of the fact that there is time missing from that portion of the image now move the hash line across the image and see how the time jumps ahead when it reaches a gap How do Remove Empty Image Automatically In many cases the software is able to automatically crop the image by analyzing changes in the image To automatically crop the image click the Autocrop icon A status bar will appear in the bottom right corner of the screen while the computer works Page 4 9 Overview of FinishLynx Operation Figure 45 AutoCrop Icon Automatic cropping may not be effective in situations where the background is changing continuously Some examples of this are the water in a rowing race or officials moving on the opposite side of the finish line The aggressiveness
203. the cursor over the name of the file you wish to open and double clicking the mouse button Alternatively you can click the mouse button once on the name of the file you have chosen and then select the Open button from the right hand side of the dialog box For the purposes of this initial explanation we suggest you open BOYS3000 evn We will discuss evaluating races that have been run in lanes afterward You can however open any previously saved file by this procedure If you open BOYS3000 evn the image shown in Figure 49 Sample Screen Capture will appear on the screen Page 5 5 Basic Race Evaluation Figure 49 Sample Screen Capture S Figure 50 Screen Zones shows the location of the three major zones that comprise a FinishLynx window creen Zones Page 5 6 Basic Race Evaluation Figure 50 Screen Zones a Information Zone b Results Zone c Image Zone Rename the Sample File Use the Save As option from the File pull down menu to rename the file before closing it Give it any name you choose We also suggest that before you begin entering your own results you use the delete result icon shown below to clear all the entries in the Results Zone as described in How do I Delete a Result in Section 6 Page 5 7 Basic Race Evaluation Figure 51 Delete Result Icon w Set the Identification Mode Before you begin reading the times
204. the same time and the operator needs to choose which information to display This will usually happen when an operator needs to open a new Event before completing the evaluation of the previous one To connect the scoreboard to the new Event before closing a previous one the FinishLynx operator should bring the Event window that they wish to display information about to the front pull down the Scoreboard dialog from the menu bar and select Display current event The operator can then bring the desired Event window back to the front The scoreboard will continue to display the information from the previously selected Event window Introduction to Wind Gauges FinishLynx has the ability to work with practically all standard wind gauges If you wish to send information to a wind gauge which is not currently supported please contact our technical support staff In Track and Field applications it is customary to use the wind gauge for the sprint events 100 meter dash 100 meter hurdles 110 meter hurdles and 200 meter dash FinishLynx comes with prewritten settings for each of these events however the operator can either modify these settings or configure new ones as needed Most of the settings are configured in the Wind tab of the Options dialog box as shown in Figure 94 below Figure 94 Wind Tab Options Dialog ep nnd image Moma Hiera Choate drei pri taste tte ENNEN Beam ore xm Cats T F
205. time has been cropped The color of the broken line can be configured using this option The available choices are as follows Never Black Red White Dark Gray Light Gray Green Blue Cyan Magenta Yellow Auto Crop 10 percent The degree of image activity that the Autocrop function looks for before deciding where to begin removing image can be set here The higher the percentage value the more Page 10 5 Options Customizing your System aggressively Auto Crop removes image Remember that image can always be restored by using the uncrop function as long as you do so before you save the file Results Options Figure 105 Options Results Tab gt sl TTE Lug hii ed Deed oo COS e Peor ites Pubes f Fonti jis 132523 Tham casn nis Es roii CE Iiom Log Breaks Off Determines whether the system should remember the times when the Photoeye was tripped Useful for printing proof of pace in any race with multiple laps or in charting intermediate times in pari mutuel events Print Breaks Off Determines whether the split times logged by the Photoeye will be printed on the standard results printout Length Time 0 200 The value of a single unit of length in the Delta Times field can be set here It represents the average time in seconds for this unit of measurement to cross the finish line i e the length of a
206. tion Zone of Figure 119 Multiple Split Interface Screen Capture e Selecting the Advance Capture option from the Event drop down menu When the capture is active for a Split Location a lower case letter c will be visible to the left of the camera listing in the Information Zone To switch on capture for the entire time a Split Location is active follow the steps below e Click on the Results line in the desired Split Location Two fields are available Start and Duration e f these fields are both left blank then capture will take place the entire time the Split Location is active 11 18 Plug Ins Fully Automatic With this setup the operator should select the camera listing in the Information Zone click on the blue Camera Information icon and set the capture method to Timed in the Capture tab of the Camera Information dialog The software will automatically advance the Capture function to the next Split Location at a predetermined time after the gun and capture image for a preset period of time To set the times when capture will take place follow the steps below e Click on the Results line in the desired Split Location Two fields are available Start and Duration e In the Start field enter the time after gun when you want capture to be available and then press the Tab key e In the Duration field enter the period of time you wish the camera to capture at this location Serial Wireless Plug in The FinishLyn
207. tion in both images on your screen In order to reduce color fringing an example of which is shown below in Figure 33 Extreme Color Fringing the camera needs to be correctly configured Image Orientation is set in the Setup tab of the Camera Settings dialog If the camera is seeing competitors Set your Image Orientation to moving in this direction in front of the lens lt lt lt lt lt lt lt lt Left gt gt gt gt gt gt gt gt Right You should note that this means that a camera on the outside of the track anda camera on the inside of the track will have different Image Orientation settings Page 3 27 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Figure 33 Extreme Color Fringing Identify by This toggles the default setting of the Identify by icon described e Lanes This sets the number of lanes that can be used in automatic lane recognition mode e White Balance A color image is actually produced by a combination of red green and blue light The relative intensity of each of these values can be adjusted so that an area of white material captured by the camera is displayed as white on the screen Page 3 28 Positioning the FinishLynx Camera Camera Information Dialog Parameters Tab Figure 34 Camera Settings Parameters Paimets iru Carte Depth T Siima T Sha 24 Coke Aigle C 0C my X cepawctior
208. tured image For this reason it may be a wise option to use when you are first learning the system Default Event Name e Event Title e Event Round Heat number Event Directory The user can select the directory where Lynx files for the current competition are stored When used in conjunction with the Backup Directory below it will enable all material from this directory to be backed up to a remote drive for security purposes Page 10 3 Options Customizing your System Backup Directory The operator can set a drive and directory a zip disk for example to which the FinishLynx files can be backed up To back up files select the Backup option from the File menu Language English English Spanish French Arabic German Italian Korean Portuguese Brazil Russian Swedish Chinese Simp Chinese Trad Japanese Image Options Figure 104 Options Image Tab lees enge emis mnn rom hamami Wirt oam Ted Bam E amp m Pele ale gi aie ni Eja C F 67 Rame ema b am sb oii ne Rate s Lie nas VO dh Tina Dag Lisa Bi mr im j Tool Bar All Selected Unchecking the box by an icon will remove it from the screen the next time FinishLynx is run Checking an unchecked icon will return it to the screen Time Tracking Off Off No time tracking between cameras e Same Camera A hairlin
209. ug Ins Lap Time Plug in This plugin either requires a suitable External Split Signal generator the most often used is a TAG Heuer PTB605 or it can be configured to use the FinishLynx camera to produce Split Times When the TAG Heuer PTB605 is properly setup and connected to the FinishLynx computer the FinishLynx operator can view the split times for every competitor on every lap of a multi lap race that have been generated by the PTB605 operators Introduction This plugin will solve three common issues that occur in sports where long races with multiple lap are common 1 It is difficult to prove that an Competitor has been told to go the correct number of laps With Lap Time the operator has proof of pace or a list of times the competitor turned in for each lap of the race If these lap times are consistent with the finish time i e there are no 10 second laps in a race that where most laps took 70 seconds then it is reasonable to assume that the race was the right distance The generated split times are useful and interesting information that can be displayed on Scoreboards and used by announcers to enhance the appreciation of an event Updating split times and lap counting during an event not only makes the competitor more comfortable regarding the number of laps they have remaining but can make for interesting real time data displays regarding things like who in a race is really moving quickly and might be catch
210. variables set by the FinishLynx operator or read from the race data file generated by certain database programs Pace Distance and Distance Pace Distance is the basis against which the Distance value is compared The Pace Distance value is set in the Results Tab of the Options dialog shown below Page 6 27 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 89 Results Tab Options Dialog gt S omi P T wr Lag t EU 4 Ee Eun E lewis fie lera eme D Vua ed lz 31 Thamgn Hrs irg iam min Po edt mr preted m The Distance value is set by clicking in the field to the right of the Results field in the Information Zone as shown below The desired Distance value should be entered here To calculate these values see below Figure 90 Information Zone FinishLynx Boys3000 Z File Edit Event Image Resv 4 Scoreboard Cameral 80 Results 2 Pace or Time for distance FinishLynx time Distance Pace Distance To Display Race Set the Pace Set the Pace in these Distances are Distance to Distance to nie Units in these Units this Value this Value Time per Mile Meters 1609 Race distance Meters per 400 800 1500 second etc Page 6 28 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics To Display Race Set the Pace Set the Pace in these
211. will produce time indexed images whether or not the timer enabled camera is being used to capture image This means that adding a second or subsequent camera to an FAT system can be very affordable What Computer Do I Need EtherLynx 2000 systems require that an Ethernet card is installed and that TCP IP Networking is installed and correctly configured Any time that the software is run it will automatically check the viability of the current computer setup An IBM compatible PC capable of running FinishLynx 32 the Windows NT or Windows 95 versions of FinishLynx needs to have the following minimum capabilities e Any version of the Windows operating system greater than 3 1 installed and running e 32Mb of RAM is recommended e 16 bit video mode 800x600 preferred One available 9 pin DB9 serial port for the capture button e Optionally One available serial port for database data transfer e Optionally One available serial port for scoreboard data transfer e Optionally One available serial port for wind gauge data transfer Page 2 2 Setup of EtherLynx 2000 Hardware EtherLynx 2000 Hardware Setup Overview NOTE This list is intended as a checklist to help you keep track of your progress For full instructions cautions and other important information you must read the relevant sections contained in the rest of this section Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 4a Step 5 Step 6 Step 7
212. x software s Serial Wireless SW plug in allows you to connect numerous start signals and photo eyes to a single EtherLynx 2000 camera Currently SW supports LinkGate by Microgate Installation and Setup 1 Insert the SW disk into your computer s disk drive 2 Click the Windows Start button and select Run 3 Type a setup exe and then click OK 4 Follow the setup instructions on the screen and type your company name and SW plug in serial number when prompted 5 Click Finish at the Setup Complete dialog box The SW plug in is now installed onto your computer and usable from within FinishLynx Set up the LinkGate System 1 Attach an antenna to the top of the transmitter 2 Insert the banana clip into the inputs on the bottom of the transmitter The black clip goes into the black input and the red clip goes into the green input Leave the red input open 3 If you are using the transmitter to send a start signal connect a normally open Start Sensor or a Start Button to the XLR3 cable end If you are using the transmitter to send a beam break signal from a photo eye transmitter connection instructions will vary depending on your photo eye type Call Lynx Technical Support at 781 935 6959 if you need assistance Tip You can attach any length of start signal wire to the XLR3 cable end 11 19 Plug Ins Recharge the batteries A fully charged LinkGate transmitter lasts about 2 000 pulses We recommend you tur
213. y in very rare situations it is not the standard mode of reading pictures Typically the greatest precision that is needed is 1 1000th of a second and this is usually only used to distinguish between runners in different heats of a qualifying round of an event USA T amp F Rule 74 1 Page 6 22 FinishLynx Software Beyond the Basics Figure 82 Precision Dialog Seconds Fifths Tenths w Hundredths Thousandths Ten thausandths NOTE Events which have received a manual start signal see Manual Starts may not have the precision raised above 1 10th of a second There are four separate places where the precision can be adjusted It is important to note that these adjustments are only controlling the precision with which times are displayed not the accuracy of the times being recorded by the camera The operator can control the precision at four different levels 1 Atthe Meet or Universal level 2 At the Event level 3 For each individual Competitor 4 For the data being sent to a Database e Competitor Level The precision of an individual competitors time can be adjusted by double clicking on the chosen competitors entry in the Place column and then by choosing the Precision option e Event Level The results display precision for an entire event can be selected by clicking on the Time column heading and choosing the required option e Meet Level The precision for the entire meet can also be adjusted by sele
214. years that FinishLynx systems have been in place around the world we have seen many thousands of operators work with the system We feel that learning FinishLynx can be broken down into four stages NOTE At least one person in a timing team needs to be proficient at stages through III before FinishLynx is used to manage a meet e Stage These operators can use an already set up and aligned system to capture and evaluate competitors in an event Operators at this level of proficiency are often vital to the smooth running of an event even though they may have no idea how the equipment is initially set up e Stage Il Operators at this level of proficiency can not only use the software as detailed in Stage Il but they can also set up the equipment and correctly align the camera as described in Section 3 e Stage lll Operators at this level of proficiency have all the skills of a Stage and Stage II operator but they can in addition use the Advanced FinishLynx features described at the end of Section 4 e Stage IV Operators at this level of proficiency can use the system interactively with a commercial database software package either over a serial connection or by using a network can connect and control a scoreboard display and are comfortable using a multiple camera set up FinishLynx 32 Features The list of innovations in the world of sports timing which were first developed by Lynx engineers continues to grow Please

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