Abstract: A system, installed in the extension of a line across which an object or a person passes, includes: an optical device for projecting an image of this line onto a photosensitive sensor capable of providing an image signal; at least a processor for processing the image signal; and a screen, connected to the processor, for displaying an image representative of the image signal, called the video image, connected to said processor, wherein the sensor is formed of a pixel matrix. A reticule signal is generated and superposed onto the video image displayed on the screen, the system also being capable of generating electric signals originating from a pixel column which corresponds to the position of the reticule on the screen.

Abstract: The electro-optical display device includes at least one electro-optical assembly, in particular an electro-optical cell (4), electrically connected to a supply unit (12) by means of elongated flexible supports (6, 8). Metallized tracks are arranged on the flexible supports which support integrated circuits (16). The flexible supports are assembled to the electro-optical cell and have loose intermediate portions formed by folds (42) which are free and thus allow positioning of each segment (44) situated between two consecutive folds with respect to the electro-optical cell which is independent of the positioning of the other segments.

Abstract: The electronic chronometry device (D) comprises an acquisition cell (2) arranged to receive time data (6) coming from at least one time events measurement sensor (8), a storing unit (9) for storing said time data (6), and a processing unit (4) of said time data (6) and associated with said acquisition cell (2). This device is characterized in that said storing unit (9) is associated with an interface (1) which is arranged so as to allow said processing unit (4) to access said storing unit (9) and to read certain of said time data (6) stored in said storing unit (9) without allowing modification of said storing unit (9) by said processing unit (4).

Abstract: This arrangement enables the identification of a plurality of vehicles (4) and determination of the instant of their passing over a reference line (30). It includes a moving station (1) mounted on the vehicle and a fixed station (2) arranged alongside a racetrack (3). The fixed station broadcasts a low-frequency synchronization signal of period T which is received by the moving station, the latter in turn broadcasting a series of signals of duration Tn located in a predetermined rank relative to the time t.sub.o marking each start of period T. Conjointly the moving station allocates an identification code peculiar to a given moving object to each signal Tn. The signals received by the fixed station are stored in a memory which for each signal memorizes its absolute time, its association with a given vehicle and its amplitude. The arrangement is used for motor vehicle races which include a large number of competitors.

Abstract: This race timing apparatus of the video finish type includes a photo sensitive CCD bar (5) which may be read at a predetermined frequency in correspondence with the run past speed (Vi) of the image of the race. The images are stored and visualized by means of a commercial recorder (22) and monitor (23) of a fixed standardized sweep frequency. Since the image acquisition frequency by the bar is not synchronous with the visualization frequency, one proceeds with the generation of image parts using buffer memories (19, 20), the image parts being next stored in an image memory (21) and then read in a discontinuous manner by jumping over image parts in synchronism with a standard TV sweep. The apparatus enables the offering of a system at a low overall cost price since it employs a recorder and a monitor currently obtainable on the market.

Abstract: The discharge lamp energizing arrangement of this invention comprises a starter and a generator adapted to maintain a discharge current in the lamp. The generator includes a first circuit arranged to couple in series a D.C. voltage source, a first switch and a second switch. When the first switch is closed the second is open and vice versa. A second circuit arranged to couple an inductance and the lamp in series is connected in parallel with the second switch. The switches are operated by a control means which combines signals received from an oscillator and a comparator so as to regulate the current flow in the lamp. The generator appears as a source of stabilized current for any load which is applied thereto and may just as well be employed for a lighting fixture as for energizing the luminous points of a matrix display board.

Abstract: A discharge lamp energizing arrangement comprises a starter and a generator adapted to maintain a discharge current in the lamp. The generator includes a first circuit arranged to couple in series a D.C. voltage source, a first switch and a second switch. When the first switch is closed the second is open and vice versa. A second circuit, arranged to couple an inductance and the lamp in series, is connected in parallel with the second switch. The switches are operated by a first control means which employs the signals received from an oscillator. The starter includes a third switch connected in parallel with the lamp terminals. The third switch is operated by a second control means itself operated by the first control means. When the energizing arrangement is turned on the third switch is closed and it subsequently reopens on the first occasion that the first switch passes from the closed to the open state.

Abstract: A departure gate for sporting runs includes two riser members forming an outlet, each riser member bearing a device comprising a bar arranged to be angularly movable, the bar extending at least halfway over the width of the outlet. Each device includes an electrical contractor controlled by the bar and operated thereby as soon as the bar has traversed a predetermined angle (.alpha.). The contactors are coupled in a manner such that an electrical output signal is produced only when at least one of the bars has traversed the angle .alpha.. The gate minimized or eliminates the influence that the starting position of the contestant may have on his result.

Abstract: This light emitting element comprises three differently colored luminous sources the excitation of which varies as a function of a signal developed by a physical phenomenon sensor, in particular a microphone. The analog signal emitted by the sensor is initially converted into a sequence of electrical pulses in a suitable converter. The leading edges of said pulses are next applied to a counter the output of which provides a coded signal which changes with the arrival of each such edge and thus determines a different state of excitation of the luminous sources. The arrangement as described enables changing the color of the element from a musical signal.

Abstract: The arrangement of the invention enables control of a light emitting element comprising at least one discharge tube. Firing of the tube is effected by a generator which provides voltage pulses at predetermined periodic intervals (T.sub.r). The luminous intensity of the tube is controlled by a D.C. source which enables application of a discharge maintenance current to the tube, the duration of application (T.sub.c) of which depends on an instruction signal. A circuit is provided to assure synchronism between the application of the voltage pulse and the maintenance current. The arrangement may be applied in matrix displays.

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.