Abstract: A process and system for measuring information concerning movement factors, and to values, which can be calculated therefrom, particularly stride length, stride number, stride time and running time, via a pair of shoes (1, 2), each of which is provided with a transmitter (S1 or S2), a receiver (E1 or E2), and a signal time measuring device (counter Z1 or Z2). A direct signal (t.sub.dir.) emitted by the front shoe (1) in response to ground contact is received by the rearward shoe (2), is transferred in conformance to time parameters to the first shoe 1 as a reflected signal (refl.). The direct and reflected signals as well as the readouts of both counters (Z1 and Z2) are transmitted to a computer unit, particularly, a high-frequency computer unit for use in determination of the movement information.

Abstract: An improved reaction time and force feedback system including a first portable housing for placement on the limb of a sporting participant for detecting the time and magnitude of force incurred by the limb during a sporting activity. A second portable housing is located on the body of the participant and receives signals proportional to the magnitude of force and time from the first portable housing in order to transmit the magnitude and time information to a remote location. At the remote location is located a central control which is capable of receiving the transmitted information and displaying that information.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus electronically times and records a moving object as it travels over a measured course. The apparatus is especially useful in recording and timing an athlete running over a measured course in order to determine the overall athletic prowess of the athlete. The apparatus provides more accurate and uniform testing of an athlete's ability to run a predetermined distance as fast as possible. The apparatus includes a plurality of ultrasonic detectors positioned in predetermined spaced relationship along a course over which an athlete runs (object moves). A sequence of RF detection signals are sent to a timing circuit which computes the elapsed times of the athlete (object) over the course. The times are recorded along with video information produced by a video camera. When the timing information and recorded scene are played back on a video monitor, the timing information is displayed along with the video image to facilitate analysis of the recorded event.

Abstract: A system with pressure sensors (5, 12), transmitters (8, 16, 18) and receivers (10, 21) provided in running shoes (2, 3) that upon the shoes (2, 3) leaving or contacting the ground (14) emit and/or receive respective signals (S1, S2, S3, S4). Signals (S1, S2, S4) are formed which are received by a receiver (21) that is independent of the shoes and which are evaluated in an evaluation unit (23). The distance between the feet (FA) is determined from when a front striding foot hits the ground and the rear foot lifts off based upon the timing between the signals using an approximating formula. From the times and the stride length other values movement characteristics of the user may be determined as well.

Abstract: A device for pacing a series of exercise repetitions whereby, in one mode, the user interrupts a light beam with each repetition and a light signal indicates if the period for each repetition is longer than a preset value. In a second mode, the user performs a single event beginning at a position remote from the light beam and finishes the event by interrupting the light beam and a signal light indicates if time for the single event is longer than a preset period.

Abstract: An athletic shoe system for running disciplines and a process for emitting and/or exchanging information concerning movement factors of running disciplines enabling the athlete to always be sufficiently informed regarding his/her training program that is in progress or completed. In particular, in an area of the sole that is less stressed during use, at least one free space is provided where a transmitter is housed which, via a sensor provided in the sole, can emit at least one output signal. In accordance with preferred embodiments, a transmitter in a first shoe of a pair of shoes receives the signals from the sensor and transmits emissions in correspondence with their receipt. The transmitted emissions are received by a remote receiver, that is linked with a computer, and the remote receiver receives the transmitted emissions directly from the transmitter of the first shoe and indirectly via a receiver and transmitter of a second shoe of the pair.

Abstract: An athletic training unit having a radio receiver and speakers for informing a music and instructor's messages to an exerciser by a wireless manner. A desired rhythm signal is selectively supplied to the speakers from a rhythm generator so as to provide the musical rhythm to the exerciser. The unit further has a sensor for detecting the pulse of the exerciser so that the exerciser is noticed a fact that his pulse exceeds his safety upper limit for exercising. As the pulse sensor, a pair of an infrared LED and a photo transistor is used.

Abstract: A waterproof audible sound producing device for use by swimmers to adjust their stroke rate. A frequency control moves through a spectrum of frequencies on an incremental basis when a signal is received from a pressure sensitive signaling button. A slide switch allows the user to choose between at least two sets of frequencies and each set of frequencies contains less than five discrete frequencies and a zero output where there is no audible sound produced.

Abstract: An electrically conductive tennis ball comprising a cover of woven fabric in which the yarn used for weaving the fabric in at least one direction is made by twisting together a blend of electrically conductive and electrically nonconductive filament fibers. The electrically nonconductive fibers may predominate, and the woof yarn may be thicker than the warp yarn which may be so woven with the woof yarn that the latter occupies the major part of the ball's surface. To promote continuity of the electrical paths in the ball's cover, an electrically conductive adhesive, or mat, or scrim or other base may be interposed between the woven cover, and an electrically conductive coating may be applied to the inner, or back, side of the cover. Needling may also be employed to reorient the fibers in the cover and thereby enhance the conductivity of the electrical paths along the inner side of the cover.

Abstract: A plurality of coils (2) are situated beneath a playing surface (4), for example of a tennis court, and extending end to end adjacent a boundary line (5). An oscillator circuit (FIG. 2) associated with each coil produces an electromagnetic field 9 in the coil vicinity. A detector circuit associated with each oscillator issues a detection signal when the field is disturbed by a ball comprising a metal or ferromagnetic material. A processor interrogates the detectors to determine which, if any, have issued a detection signal. Desirably, the ball has a metal or ferromagnetic material internally thereof. More preferably the metal is a foil urged against an interior wall of the ball by a resilient mass or bladder.

Abstract: A warning device for indicating a position of a golf cart on a golf course with respect to a restricted area includes a transmitter of an energy wave and a receiver of the energy wave. In one embodiment, the receiver is mounted on the golf cart and the transmitter is located at the restricted area. In another embodiment, both the transmitter and receiver are mounted on the golf cart and a reflector for the energy wave is mounted at the restricted area. The energy wave contains information about the position of the golf cart with respect to the restricted area such that an indication of the position can be generated by lighting a lamp, or by generating a sound, or by generating a digital visual display.

Abstract: An instant television penalty flag alert system is provided which superimposes a video flag upon video images of sports events in progress, such as football or hockey. A plurality of spotters are equipped with transmitter which are activated whenever a predetermined event, such as a penalty call, is observed. A receiver detects the transmitted signal and superimposes the video flag which alerts the viewer that a penalty has been called. Transmitters may be frequency coded to identify the spotter to a control operator, and/or announcer, and/or the viewing audience. Alternatively, various modulation schemes, such as amplitude modulation, frequency modulation or pulse width modulation may be used. The actual position of the play may be transmitted using a transmitter with alpha-numeric input.

Abstract: A unit point scoring system and scoreboard for use with a series of athletic games or other contests in even or odd numbers, or a single athletic game or other contest that is divided into even or odd numbered units of play. The individual competitions in a series or the individual units in a single contest are scored in the traditional manner, but the unit point scoring system takes the scoring history into account in order to maintain the competitive urge in contestants and interest in spectators by providing for the award of points for units of play won under a formula that positions both contestants in such a way that neither can be determined the winner before the conclusion of the series or single contest.

Abstract: A light-flash starting accessory for the electronic clock of a photofinish and elapsed time recorder located at the finish line for timing a race for record establishing purposes comprising a starting gun, means for generating a light-flash simultaneously with the firing of said starting gun and located in relative close proximity to the starting line of said race, a flash finder located in the vicinity of said photofinish recorder and connected thereto by electronic cable, said flash finder being adapted for aiming at and sighting a designated mark for identifying the location of the source of said light-flash when emitted, said flash finder having means detecting said flash and generating an electronic pulse transmitted through said cable to start said electronic clock.

Abstract: The electromagnetic transmission in an interference-laden environment of events defined by the time of their occurrence is accomplished by repeatedly generating, at equal intervals after occurrence of the event, signals representing the occurrence of the event. An event which must be defined by the time t.sub.e at which it occurs triggers a switch which in turn triggers a time base whose signal is sent to a counter. The counter produces at its output a sequence of pulses which are coded in a coder. The code indicates for each pulse the deviation in time .DELTA.T.sub.i which separates it from the time at which the event occurred. The sequence of pulses is sent electromagnetically to a receiver via a transmitter. The first interference-free pulse received is processed by a decoder which provides the value .DELTA.T.sub.i to an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit subtracts the value .DELTA.T.sub.i from the time of day t.sub.h to obtain the time of day t.sub.e of the event.

Abstract: A device for measuring the speed of a person while running along a surface is disclosed. A pressure switch or transducer located in a shoe senses when a foot of the runner is in contact with the surface and produces a foot contact signal having a duration proportional to the time the foot is in contact with the surface. A radio frequency transmitter is coupled to the pressure switch or transducer and transmits the foot contact signal. A radio frequency transmitter receives the foot contact signal transmitted by the frequency transmitter and a microprocessor coupled to the radio frequency receiver calculates, solely from the foot contact signal, an output speed signal representing the speed of the runner. A liquid crystal display coupled to the output of the microprocessor displays the speed of the runner in accordance with the output speed signal.

Abstract: An electronic dart game scoring device includes individual game select switches for each of several games including cricket, team select switches, numerical entry keys for score entry and numerical score displays. The device is particularly adapted for scoring the game of cricket by including a number of score entry switches dedicated to particular dart board beds and visual indicators associated with the dedicated switches for displaying dart scores on each of the particular beds, separately from the numerical score displays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to compute the trajectory of a moving object by remote, non-interfering sensors. The particular application computes the trajectory of a pitched baseball throughout its flight, including the ball's trajectory as it passes in the vicinity of a three-dimensional strike zone. The apparatus includes two pairs of video cameras, an alignment mechanism, video-storage means, a digitizer, a computer, output devices, and an operator's console. This apparatus is required to identify the ball, compute its position in three dimensions as a function of time, compute ball speed trajectory, and present the output via computer graphics to present the viewer with essentially any desired view of the pitch.

Abstract: A way of enhancing spectator enjoyment of football. Each referee has a holder for the flag. When an off-side, clipping, backfield in motion, etc., is observed, the referee drops the flag to signal a rules infraction. The holder senses the removal of the flag. By virtue of a radio link, the sensing of the flag removal is relayed as to a receiving station. In turn, a signal flashes on the stadium scoreboard and on the televised transmission as viewed on a television receiver screen. By virtue of this arrangement, the spectators know that the play may be called back, even though the players themselves may not be aware that a flag has been dropped to signal a rules infraction and will continue to play.

Abstract: An apparatus for communication of instructing information comprises a transmitter (1), a receiver (2) and a data setting portion (5). A random access memory (22) of the transmitter (1) is in advance stored with a plurality of pieces of instructing data and any one of the pieces of instructing data, as stored, is read out and is displayed by a display (13). Any one of the pieces of instructing data is selected by a selection key (12) and the address data corresponding to the instructing data as selected is transmitted by the transmitter (18). On the other hand, the receiver (3) receives the transmitted address data. The receiver (3) is provided with a random access memory (37) for storing the instructing data as is similar to that of the transmitter (1). The corresponding instructing data is read from the random access memory (37) as a function of the received address data and the instructing information is reproduced as a speech sound by means of a speech synthesizing circuit (39).

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the validity of a kill shot in racketball or handball, or the like, or of an "out" ball in tennis includes light beam arrays and the interruption of one or more light beams and the timing involved in the interruption is used to provide an appropriate signal.

Abstract: This invention is a device for keeping track of swimmer's time and distance; including a case containing a split timer, an elapsed timer and a lap counter in an electric circuit activated by a kickpad contacted by the swimmer at each lap.

Abstract: A ski stress signaling device comprising a pair of strain gauges mounted on the top surface of each of a pair of skis with one strain gauge in front of the boot and the other strain gauge behind the boot. Each pair of strain gauges is connected by electrical conductor wires to a bridge circuit. The magnitude and polarity of the voltage output of the bridge circuit is determined by the amount of strain measured at the tops of the skis by the four gauges. The amplified output of the bridge circuit is used by a pair of LED (light emitting diode) drivers to control the illumination of two pluralities of LEDs mounted around the periphery of a pair of goggles worn by the skier.

Abstract: A sound generating device for a jogger has a generator circuit for generating pace signals the frequencies of which are different from each other in correspondence with different tempos and for generating reference clock pulses, a time counter for receiving and counting the reference clock pulses, and circuits for selectively supplying pace signals the frequencies of which are different from each other and which are supplied from the generator circuit. In response to an instruction signal generated by a switching operation, the time counter starts counting. Simultaneously, based on a selected pace signal from the generator circuit, a desired pace sound can be produced.

Abstract: A game apparatus enabling a person to learn the standard orders of development in or to solve a problem of the game of Go, shogi (Japanese chess), chess or the like. In the case of learning the standard orders of development in the game, this game apparatus detects and displays the move of a game piece, and in the case of the game problem, the game apparatus counts the number of error moves of the game piece and does not display the correct move of the game piece until the counted number of error moves of the game piece is greater than a predetermined value, and then displays the correct move of the game piece.

Abstract: An electronic score-keeper for table tennis or Ping-Pong having a digital read-out for display of the score and having lamps which are energized to indicate responsibility for the serve. Each player presses a button at the side of the table to register his points. Proper serve indication is given throughout the course of the game, as prescribed by the international rules of table tennis.

Abstract: A system associated with, and attached to, a golf club bag, for monitoring the presence or absence of at least certain ones of the golf clubs carried in a golf bag. This comprises an assembly of a plurality of laterally spaced long tubular parallel receptacles each one adapted to receive the shaft of a golf club. The assembly is adapted to be inserted into and supported by the open top of the golf bag. Sensors means are associated with each of the tubular receptacles for determining when the shaft of a golf club is inserted into the receptacle. Electronic detectors are provided for monitoring the action of each of these sensors so that an immediate indication can be given, by activating an alarm of selected type when any of the clubs are not in position in their selected tubular receptacle.

Abstract: An electronic device for decisions and scoring using a master and two slave controls to give a summation of at least two decisions characterized by digital logic to indicate to the referee the majority decision and when play should be stopped, initiating an audible signal.

Abstract: A remote gaming system for use with a wagering or gambling establishment such as a casino to enable a player's participation in a selected one of a plurality of wagering games from a remote location. The system includes a croupier station, a credit station and a player station remotely located from the croupier station and the credit station. The player station includes a live game display for displaying a selected one of a plurality of games being played at the croupier station, such as craps, roulette or keno. The player station includes a changeable playboard for displaying a selected one of a plurality of wagering possibilities corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of games being played and for displaying the results of the game played at the croupier station. The player station also includes a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the live game display and the changeable playboard.

Abstract: A system for detecting the location and identification of a number of vehicles at multiple points on a given track against a time gauge which includes an on-board transmitter on each vehicle of a unique identifying frequency, spaced receiving circuit elements along the track at multiple points connected to individual transmitters to receive and modify the identifying signal and transmit the signal to a programmed computer for translating the multiple signals of the different unique identifying frequencies into signals ascertainable on a portable hand apparatus selectively to indicate the speed of any selected vehicles as in a race, and to keep track of position standings and lap times.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed for making automated decisions in tennis based on analyzing effects resulting from the bounce of a tennis ball by means of pattern recognition in order to determine whether the detected "bounce" was a valid bounce of a tennis ball and not caused by other events. The tennis court is laid out with electrical circuits which can define "in" and "out" areas of the court. These circuits are connectable to a network of micro-computers which can analyze the makes and breaks in the electrical circuits resulting from the bounce of an electrically conductive tennis ball and compare said results with predetermined patterns of makes and breaks caused by known valid ball bounces. The systems are designed on a flexible basis to operate with or without an umpire.The systems use an electrically conductive tennis ball which makes and breaks electrical circuits when bouncing on them.

Abstract: A cyclic power monitor measures a cyclically applied force applied by animal muscle power to a device and calculates the work done by the application of the force. The time between cyclic applications of the force is calculated to produce a value which may be used to divide the calculated work to calculate applied power. An indicating device may be employed to indicate departure in applied power from a predetermined value. A cadence alarm may be employed by itself or in combination with the cyclic power monitor to indicate departures in cadence of the pedalling effort from a predetermined value of cadence. In addition, departures in the force applied to the device from a predetermined force may also produce an indication for the operator.

Abstract: The detection and indication of volleyball out of bounds occurrences is realized by means of a light beam type system that distinguishes between the volleyball and other beam disrupting agents. Two juxtaposed light beams, one over the other, and separated by a distance equal to 1.5 volleyball diameters are projected along and 0.5 volleyball diameters outside of the sideline and endline bounds of the volleyball court. The beams are separately monitored by detectors that respond to beam interruptions. The lower beam is spaced from the playing surface by about three inches. Visual out of bounds indicators are actuated by a control circuit that responds exclusively to lower beam interruptions.

Abstract: An indicator device to inform golfers of the position of the cup on the green and other play aspects of a hole of a golf course. It has a display panel carrying a graphic representation of the hole including the tee and green, a grid of electrically energizable indicators associated with the green representation, an array of electrically energizable indicators associated with the tee representation and electrical circuitry for energizing predetermined indicators in the grid and the array.

Abstract: A display device is coordinated with a keyboard which permits a preselection of time and effort to be spent in a given repetitive physical exercise. The display graphically compares the elapsed time on a scale of total time to be taken with proportion of the total repetitions of exercise performed on a comparable scale representative of total repetition to the exercise. Thus, the display shows the relative pace of the exerciser so that the person doing the exercise can see whether or not he is keeping up the pace which he has set for himself. A preferred display uses adjacent parallel bar graphs which progressively become visible as time expires and the exercise is performed to permit a direct comparison of the bar graphs. A suitable computation device sets the bar graph scales in accordance with the keyboard inputs.

Abstract: An improved indicia display apparatus particularly useful for displaying indicia indicating the number of down to be played in football competition and locating the position of the ball along the sideline, for example, the apparatus comprising an opaque outer cylinder with a domed top and bottom, with three evenly spaced openings, said outer cylinder fitting over a translucent inner cylinder with two rows of printed indicia. Illumination within the inner cylinder is attached to a center pole that attaches to the domed top of the outer cylinder by a male and female plastic threaded screw fittings. The inner cylinder having a sleeve that slides up and down and rotates on the center pole for selecting desired indicia representing chosen down. Top dome and bottom dome of the outer cylinder are attached to outer cylinder body with metal screws for securing assembly together and removing to replace illuminating device.

Abstract: Volleyball net touch violations are detected and an indicator identifying the offending team is actuated by a system that incorporates antennas into the volleyball net and utilizes radiant energy generated by court illuminating lights. A wire mesh antenna is affixed to each side of the net. The outputs of the antennas are amplified and compared with a reference. A player touching either net adds capacitance to the system producing a measurable signal. A NAND gate logic circuit determines which net was touched and actuates the appropriate indicator. The system does not respond to the volleyball which is a dielectric material does not add capacitance to the system.

Abstract: An electronic pace timing device whereby a physically perceptible pace timing signal can be repetitively generated, and whereby the repetition frequency of this pace timing signal can be set into the pace timing device as a numeric value, by actuation of external operating members. No calculations are performed in order to convert the numeric value specifying the repetition frequency of the pace timing signal into an actual pace timing signal, so that the overall circuit configuration can be very simple.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a speedboat or racing car is equipped with a magnetic sensing coil (22) for producing electrical signals in response to detection of magnets disposed at one or more positions along the course. In the case of buoy-mounted markers, the magnets (26) may be mounted on certain of the buoys (10,13,14,17). The output from the sensing coil (22) is used to control on-board timing circuitry to enable the average vehicle speed over the course to be determined and displayed.

Abstract: A practice pitching apparatus for identifying whether a ball pitched would be considered a strike or a ball based upon delineation of a strike area and a ball area on an upright target. The apparatus includes a frame member oriented in an upright position with a forward-facing front surface segmented into a recessed strike zone impact panel and a surrounding ball zone arrangement of impact panels. Disposed behind each impact panel is a paired arrangement of switches which are coupled to ball-counting circuitry and strike-counting circuitry. A display with a series of lights is provided for a continuously visible indication of how many balls, strikes, walks and outs have been delivered. When the third out is recorded, the entire system is reset signifying the end of an inning and the pitcher begins anew.

Abstract: A portable electronic card game simulator having a housing mounting a display and input keys and containing electronic data processing circuitry organized to provide the automatic play of a hand of Gin Rummy in opposition to an operator. The simulator deals a hand to the operator and to the electronic opponent. The play of the electronic opponent is controlled by circuitry to simulate the play of a human in accordance with the rules of the game. The simulator includes circuitry for determining the presence of runs, of cards of the same value, and of the value of cards left in a hand.

Abstract: A pedometer is disclosed which calculates the distance a user walks, jogs or runs by electronically measuring the length of each stride taken by the user. Stride length is measured using ultrasonic waves. The pedometer comprises an ultrasonic generator module which is strapped to one leg of the user. An ultrasonic detector module is strapped to the other leg of the user. The generator module emits pulses of ultrasonic energy which are detected by the detector module. A processor and display module in the form of a wristwatch is also provided. The processor module is used to calculate stride length based on the speed of sound and the time delay between pulses emitted and detected by the leg-mounted modules. The pedometer is capable of displaying on a digital display the distance traveled, time per unit distance, elapsed time and time of day. The pedometer is also programmed to compensate for a variety of measurement errors.

Abstract: A euchre scoring computer which computes and displays euchre scores and performs the method of the invention comprising the steps of inputting first and second unit point information to respective first and second totalizers, totalizing the first and second unit point information at the respective first and second totalizers, generating first and second game point information at respective first and second generators responsive to first and second totalizers, respectively, zeroing the first and second totalizers in response to the first and second generators, respectively, establishing first and second skunk point information at respective first and second establishers responsive to the first and second generators and the first and second totalizers, respectively, and displaying the first and second unit, game and skunk point information.

Abstract: An electronic calculator is disclosed for use in golf play and includes a keyboard providing a number of keys or switches representative of digits and commands. A preprogrammed microprocessor functions in combination with the keyboard and memory means to store various data on players, courses, and contest arrangements for the players. Further manipulation of the keys provides commands to the microprocessor for performing predetermined computations on the data, and a display receives the results to indicate the scores and results of specified contests between individual players both during the game and at its conclusion.

Abstract: A system for aiding a person in determining whether a ball has struck one of a plurality of boundary lines of a playing court. A plurality of laminated, pressure sensitive contact type switches extend along the boundary lines of the court. Digital circuitry connected to the switches repeatedly examines the status of the switches before and after the closure of any one of the switches to determine if the closure lasted for a predetermined time interval, e.g., more than 800 microseconds and less than 5 milliseconds, and therefore resulted from the impact of a ball. A plurality of resistors interconnect the switches so that the simultaneous closure of any pair of switches by a player's foot and the ball will uniquely determine a plurality of resistor networks. The amplitudes of the currents in the networks are determined by a measuring circuit which outputs signals that enable logic circuitry to determine the location on the court where the impact of the ball has occurred.

Abstract: A chess instruction apparatus comprises a board defining a playing area consisting of an array of playing squares, and a plurality of playing pieces of opposing colors. Each playing square contains a spacial configuration of switches, the configuration being the same in each square, and each playing piece provides a set of switch actuating members positioned to engage selected ones of said switches when the playing piece is placed on the square, the switch actuating members being arranged in a coded configuration corresponding uniquely to the color and function of the playing piece. A plurality of display circuits are provided to display the pattern of control, each display circuit being assigned to a respective playing square and being operable to denote control of the square by a playing piece.

Abstract: A remote gaming system for use with a wagering or gambling establishment such as a casino to enable a player's participation in a selected one of a plurality of wagering games from a remote location. The system includes a croupier station, a credit station and a player station remotely located from the croupier station and the credit station. The player station includes a live game display for displaying a selected one of a plurality of games being played at the croupier station, such as craps, roulette or keno. The player station includes a changeable playboard for displaying a selected one of a plurality of wagering possibilities corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of games being played and for displaying the results of the game played at the croupier station. The player station also includes a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the live game display and the changeable playboard.

Abstract: A pace timing device for timing steps or other actions during physical exercise, providing audible tone bursts as timing information, and equipped with means for setting the repetition rate and rhythm of the tone bursts to suitable values. Audible and visible indications can be given of elapsed time and of numbers of actions completed during an exercise period, and pulse rate or other physiological parameters can be measured while exercise is being undertaken, and visible or audible indications thereof provided.

Abstract: An electronic simulated football game includes provision for displaying and moving a multiplicity of offensive players on a display panel that includes an array of light-emitting diodes in response to commands entered from a keyboard to an operational circuit that controls the display. The provision of more than one offensive player affords the possibility of simulating blocking and passing, provisions for which are made in the operational circuit. Additionally, the operational circuit controls the display to provide and move a symbol representing a football during passing and kicking plays. Finally, status information, such as the score and the down number, is displayed on the same part of the display panel as that on which play action is shown.

Abstract: Each competitor in a race is provided with a transmitter. At the finishing line, two receiving antennae (10,11) are mounted which, when the finishing line is passed, are responsive to the field of the corresponding transmitter and permit an accurate determination of the moment when the finishing line is passed. The two receiving antennae (10,11) are arranged so that their directional sensitivities are rectangular relative to each other. One of the two antennae is responsive to horizontal and the other to vertical fields. A signal (25) representing the passing of the finishing line is produced when the signal of the one receiving antenna (10) is above a high first threshold value (20) and the signal of the other receiving antenna (11) is below a low second threshold value.