FinishLynx

Over the 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 five stages and operators can contribute to the timing and results management based on their level of proficiency.

Stages of FinishLynx operations

• Computer & Hardware Setup
• Camera Alignment
• Testing & Preparation
• Record Data
• Evaluate the Image

Fully Automatic Timing (FAT) is a popular kind of sports timing that captures digital race results accurate to at least 1/100th of a second (0.01). Fully Automatic Timing systems require a start signal, running time, and capture device to be digitally synchronized and ensure accuracy. True FAT also requires the timing device be activated automatically by a start signal, rather than manually (e.g., like with a stopwatch). The finish time must also be captured digitally to remove any human error or delays from the equation. Most importantly, the finish line results must be accurate to at least 1/100th of a second—but preferably to 1/1000th of a second or more.

What are the Core Components of a Fully Automatic Timing System?

1. Start Device Detects the start signal and instantly relays it to the system for accurate fully automatic timing and results.

2. Line-Scan Camera Aimed at the finish line, photo-finish cameras capture 1,000 frames per second (or more) for accurate, time-stamped photo-finish images.

3. Timing Software Displays photo-finish images, produces results & integrates hardware like scoreboards, wind gauges and additional cameras.

FinishLynx is a world leader in photo-finish cameras & fully automatic sports timing systems that supports a variety of sports at every level of competition.

All FinishLynx systems must contain at least three components:

1. Timer-enabled camera EtherLynx photo-finish cameras that take visual information, convert it into electronic data, and time indexes it.
2. FinishLynx software Transforms the electronic data, controls the timing process, and controls the interaction with the other items in the system.
3. Windows PC Runs the FinishLynx software and displays the digitized image of the finish on a monitor.

Innovations

The list of innovations in the world of sports timing which were first developed by Lynx engineers continues to grow. Please 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.

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 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 drop-down Window menu.

Of course, it is also possible to manipulate the windows in the same way as any other Windows program: windows can be re-sized, 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.

Plug-ins

FinishLynx 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. For more information, see the Plug-Ins page.

True line-scan photo-finish systems are based on our specially designed 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 or thousands of times a second and displayed on the screen side by side. A FinishLynx Digital Image 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.

Reading the times from a FinishLynx image (evaluating) is simply a question of using the mouse to move a marker we call the “hash line” to the position you choose on the screen (a competitor’s chest for running events) and clicking the mouse button. The image being "time indexed", it tells the 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 guide will enable you to use your FinishLynx system as far more than an incredibly precise stopwatch.

• Level I
  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.
• Level II
  Operators at this level of proficiency can not only use the software as detailed in Stage I, but they can also set up the equipment and correctly align the camera.
• Level III
  Operators at this level of proficiency have all the skills of a Stage I and Stage II operator, but they can, in addition, use the tools and functions described in Key Features.
• Level IV
  Operators at this level of proficiency can use the system interactively with a commercial database software package; can connect and control a scoreboard display; and are comfortable using a multiple camera set up.

Alternatively, new users who want to quickly experience the ease of operations in FinishLynx may choose to practice with the sample images provided. See Working with Sample Files to get going.