Abstract: The times which elapse while the participants in a race or another contest cover the distance between a starting line and a finish line are ascertained, at an accuracy of one hundredth of a second, with a camera which takes pictures of the finish line at a first frequency and transmits picture signals to a pulse amplifier as well as to a mixing stage which latter transmits picture signals to a video recorder. A timing pulse generator transmits signals at a frequency of one thousandth of a second; such signals are processed in a second generator which transmits processed signals to a pulse separator connected with the output of the amplifier of picture signals. This ensures that each picture receives and exhibits information denoting the exact instant of taking the respective picture irrespective of the frequency of picture taking.

Abstract: The times of participants in automobile, foot, dog, bicycle or other races are ascertained by employing a video camera which takes pictures of the finish line and its surroundings at intervals of 1/25 second and by employing at least one photoelectronic detector which generates a signal when the winner or any other participant crosses the finish line and interrupts the beam of radiation between the radiation source and the transducer of the detector. Information denoting the times of taking the pictures and the times of those participants who or which have interrupted the beam of radiation is recorded on the pictures. The times of other participants who or which do not individually interrupt the beam of radiation are calculated on the basis of the recorded information and, if necessary, with assistance from a calculator which applies to the pictures a scale with lines spaced apart from each other by distances corresponding to those covered by a participant within 1/100 second.