Abstract: The invention is a device that attaches to musical equipment/instruments or fitness equipment, that can automatically track and display the duration of time a user has used the equipment using novel multi-factor verification from multiple sensors. The device includes a piezo vibration sensor, an accelerometer/gyroscope, a light sensor and IR sensor, a microprocessor, a battery for power, non-volatile memory, a mounting system, an inbuilt display, an antenna with means of wireless communication, and at least one button. The device functions via a multi-level verification process to ensure correct usage has been detected. The sensors to detect use are a piezo vibration sensor, accelerometer/gyroscope and a light sensor. In addition, the device also allows a user to select and create configurations to detect use of a variety of different objects. This could involve changing different sensor priorities, changing sensors sensitivity or disabling sensors.

Abstract: A digital phase-frequency detector characterizes a delay between two input clock signals using a ring oscillator. A cycle count of a ring oscillator signal circulating through a loop in the ring oscillator during the delay provides a coarse measurement of the delay. A phase of the ring oscillator signal in the loop at the end of the delay provides a fine measurement of the delay. A digital phase-locked loop may control an oscillation frequency of a digitally-controlled oscillator responsive to the fine measurement of the delay and control a division within a clock divider responsive to the coarse measurement of the delay.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques for generating accurate time stamps. In one embodiment, a first timing reference signal corresponding to a first clock domain is combined with a first clock signal corresponding to a second clock domain to produce a second timing reference signal that includes quantization noise. The second timing reference signal is filtered to remove the quantization noise and generate a filtered timing reference signal. The filtered timing reference signal may be sampled in the second clock domain to obtain a time stamp. In one embodiment, a phase locked loop (PLL) is used as the filter. The PLL may generate first and second ramps that correspond to time. One of the ramps may be sampled to obtain a time stamp, for example.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device may be integrated in a chip of semiconductor material. The memory device may include circuitry for receiving a measure instruction for obtaining a numerical measure value of a selected one among a plurality of predefined memory operations of the memory device. The memory device may also include circuitry for enabling the execution of the selected memory operation in response to the measure instruction. The execution of the selected memory operation may generate a corresponding result. The memory device may further include circuitry for providing at least one time signal, different from the corresponding result, relating to the execution of each memory operation, and circuitry for determining the measure value according to the at least one time signal of the selected memory operation.

Abstract: An electronic device is described herein. The electronic device includes a processor, a display screen, and a computer-readable medium that includes instructions to direct the actions of a processor. The instructions are to direct the processor to display an analog clock on the display screen, receive information about a time event, and display a time event icon on the analog clock at a position that identifies a time of the time event.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and timing an athlete during a timed sporting event. The athlete is timed using image recognition technology in which one or more images of the athlete taken during the sporting event by a camera (106a, 106b, or 106c) is time-stamped to generate a finish time for the athlete. The athlete is identified by comparing one of the images taken during the sporting event with a profile image of the athlete.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamically controlling functional aspects of an MCU. In one embodiment an MCU includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory for storing instructions executable by the CPU, and a T/C channel coupled to receive control values generated by CPU and M event signals, wherein M is an integer greater than 1. The T/C channel is configured to select one or more of the M event signals based on the one or more of the control values. The T/C channel is configured to generate a control signal as a function of the selected one or more of the M event signals. A function of the T/C channel can be controlled by the control signal.

Abstract: System and methods for simultaneous characterization of tracer light output and velocity by arranging a plurality of photodetectors along the flight path of the tracer and transmitting the detected light output over large distances using an array of analog/digital converter units arranged to correspond to each photodetector. The system can be scaled and configured to operate and control the photodetectors from a remote location.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for indexing and serving calendar event information. In accordance with some embodiments, information common to, and unique among, instances of a recurrent event may be determined. A markup document and search document including the common information and unique information may be generated, and a search index may be updated. Also, in accordance with some embodiments, a search query may be received and parsed, and recurrent event information can be scored as a possible search result.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamically controlling functional aspects of an MCU. In one embodiment an MCU includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory for storing instructions executable by the CPU, and a T/C channel coupled to receive control values generated by CPU and M event signals, wherein M is an integer greater than 1. The T/C channel is configured to select one or more of the M event signals based on the one or more of the control values. The T/C channel is configured to generate a control signal as a function of the selected one or more of the M event signals. A function of the T/C channel can be controlled by the control signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method that may allow for selectively tuning a delay of individual logic paths within a custom circuit or memory are disclosed. Circuitry may be configured to monitor a voltage level of a power supply coupled to the custom circuit or memory. A delay amount of a delay unit within the custom circuit or memory may be changed in response to a determination that the voltage level of the power supply has changed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telemetry methods and systems and more particularly, to telemetry network connectivity systems, devices and methods. In accordance with various embodiments, a suite of software components configured to provide machine-to-machine network connectivity includes a configurable device translation server module, a complex message constructor and at least one database. In some embodiments the suite of software components, specifically the complex message constructor, may be configured to authenticate commands between an interface and the device translation server. Additionally, the suite of software components, specifically the complex message constructor, may be configured to manage messages between the interface and the device translation server. Managing messages may include initiating alerts and notifications based on a comparison of programming and substantially synchronous and stored information.

Abstract: Embodiments of a synchronous digital system are disclosed that may include generation of clock and synchronization signals. Any of a plurality of available clock signals may be selected for use as a primary clock, without causing clock-induced errors in the synchronous digital system. A clock signal generated on-chip with the synchronous digital system may be automatically selected in response to detecting a condition indicating that use of a local clock may be necessary. Such conditions may include detection of tampering with the synchronous digital system. If an indication of tampering is detected, security measures may be performed.

Abstract: A test structure for an integrated circuit device includes one or more experiments selectively configured to receive one or more high-speed input signals as inputs thereto and to output at least one high-speed output signal therefrom, the one or more experiments each including two or more logic gates configured to determine differential delay characteristics of individual circuit devices, at a precision level on the order of picoseconds to less than 1 picosecond; and wherein the one or more sets of experiments are disposed, and are fully testable, at a first level of metal wiring (M1) in the integrated circuit device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to enable scoreboard time control system for referee(s) to accurately officiate a sporting event. The system includes a digital switch inside a whistle connected to a Communication Pack for one or more referees and a receiver at the Control Device for the official time clock of the sports event. This system allows the referee to control the clock starting and stopping at his command rather than putting that in the hands of a local official. The control device for the official time clock receives a signal to start the clock when the communication pack signals the control device and also stops the clock when the digital whistle is blown thereby transmitting a signal to the communications pack and then to the control device thereby stopping the official time clock.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to floating point timers and counters that are used in a variety of contexts. In some implementations, a floating point counter can be used to generate a wave form made up of a series of pulses with different pulse lengths. An array of these floating point counters can be used to implement a pool of delays. In other implementations, an array of floating point counters can be used to analyze waveforms on a number of different communication channels. Analysis of such waveforms may be useful in automotive applications, such as in wheel speed measurement for example, as well as other applications.

Abstract: A running watch includes: a time measurement portion which measures a lapse of time; an operation button which indicates a measurement with respect to the time measurement portion; a display portion which displays a measurement result in the time measurement portion on a display screen; and a display color switching portion which switches a display color of the display screen corresponding to a measurement state of the time measurement portion.

Abstract: An athletic device is worn by a participant during an athletic event (e.g., a race). In one example, a race course is provided with a plurality of mats or signal devices along the race course. The mats may have antennas and generate a magnetic field. The device may include a chip system having an RFID tag and a display. As the participant progress along the course, the tag is triggered at each mat and race data may be displayed on the device. Data relating to a location of the participant may also be provided to the participant during the athletic event.

Abstract: An electronic multi-lane stop watch is disclosed. Said multi-lane stop watch can record multi-athletes' split times and final times simultaneously. Said multi-lane stop watch can also automatically save collected data to files and export/import information and data to/from external devices such as computers or printers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting delay into a start signal of a metastable ring oscillator chain-based time-to-digital circuit (TDC). Included therein is a signal generating circuit that generates the start signal, a plurality of carry elements connected as a chain, each of the carry elements having an input to receive a stop signal, a delay chain circuit including one or more delay modules selected from the plurality of carry elements, at least one feedback line connected between at least one of the delay modules and the signal generating circuit, and a plurality of enable inputs each provided in a respective one of the delay modules. The delay chain circuit generates an amount of delay based on a delay selection signal that is received at the enable inputs and that selects the amount of delay. The delay chain circuit additionally provides the selected amount of delay to the signal generating circuit, which incorporates the delay into the start signal.

Abstract: A disposable timing tag is provided, including a thin, flexible planar sheet member having first and second end sections, and a middle section. A printed radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit is disposed on the middle section thereof and includes an integrated circuit chip, and a dipole antenna electrically coupled thereto. The dipoles of antenna extend generally along the longitudinal axis of the sheet member toward the first and second respective end sections thereof. The first and second end sections of the flexible planar member are separated from the middle section by fold lines formed in the surface of the planar member extending across the horizontal axis thereof, and the planar sheet member is folded such that the first and second ends thereof are connected to one another and the planar member forms a substantially D-shaped closed loop.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for timing athletic events. A radio-based starter unit and a radio based timer unit communicate wirelessly via radio. Push buttons/switches and lights and a speaker in the units provide an intuitive, easy to use interface. Handshaking occurs between the starter unit and the timer unit, and lights indicate that the event is ready to start. Real time clocks in the units are synchronized. Upon detection of race or other event start, such as from a starter's pistol, information indicative of the race start time is transmitted from the start unit to the timer unit. A camera in communication with the timer unit provides video frames, and the timer unit encodes and inserts elapsed time information in the video frames, which are then output from the timer unit for review and analysis on a computer.

Abstract: An instrument for counting duration for differentiated phases, including: plural mechanisms for recording a time duration, each actuatable, for activation and deactivation thereof, by a first controller; a general controller for controlling, from an inactive position in which all the recording mechanisms are deactivated, activation of only one of them, selected by a selector, and for again controlling, at a final moment, deactivation of all the recording mechanisms; a switch configured, during a command for activation of one of the recording mechanisms, to trigger the deactivation of all other recording mechanisms and to save totality of the recorded times, counted on each of the recording mechanisms. The selector is configured to be controlled by a user or/and by a measuring mechanism or/and by a signal to trigger the activation of one of the recording mechanisms.

Abstract: A watch provides a chronographic function while the watch is in a “sport” mode. If a user activates a button relating to the chronographic function, such as a “start/lap” button, then the light for the watch will automatically activate. The light may remain active for a significantly long time, such as a period of six seconds or more. Alternately or additionally, if a user activates a button while the watch is in a “performance” or “sport” mode, then the light will automatically activate regardless of the button being activated. Still further, the chronographic function of the watch may be configured to not measure a lap time that is lower than a preset threshold value, such as, for example, three seconds.

Abstract: The system for timing a sports competition includes a main timing device having a first time base, and a secondary timing device having a second time base (5). The two timing devices are capable of operating in parallel when the timing system is enabled. The two timing devices are arranged such that the second time base (5) is synchronized by using a reference timer signal (CLKref) generated by the first time base. The second time base (5) includes a phase lock loop (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17) for adapting the frequency of the second timer signal (CLK_T2) according to the frequency of the reference timer signal (CLKref).

Abstract: A fork for engaging and holding a food item while the food item is cooking includes an elongate fork body; a fork distal end including at least one tine; a fork proximal end with a fork handle; a stopwatch timer with a timer display mechanism and a timer actuating mechanism for timing the emersion of a food item within a fondue liquid to determine that the food item is cooked sufficiently but not excessively; and a timer power source connected to the timer.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking race participants via a Global Positioning System, providing feedback in substantially real time to the race participant, and optionally to other remote individuals via web publication at the user's preference. The feedback includes graphical and tabular presentation of such information as geographic position, race route, current race performance metrics, projection of future milestone and final race performance, projected position at a given time, projected time to a given position, relative performance to historical participants, to personal historical performance and to other members of the current race that are being tracked in aggregate or by demographic or otherwise subdivided.

Abstract: A watch provides a chronographic function while the watch is in a “sport” mode. If a user activates a button relating to the chronographic function, such as a “start/lap” button, then the light for the watch will automatically activate. The light may remain active for a significantly long time, such as a period of six seconds or more. Alternately or additionally, if a user activates a button while the watch is in a “performance” or “sport” mode, then the light will automatically activate regardless of the button being activated. Still further, the chronographic function of the watch may be configured to not measure a lap time that is lower than a preset threshold value, such as, for example, three seconds.

Abstract: There is described a mobile device comprising a display screen for displaying an image of a clock having a resolution of at least a first digit representing a tenth of a second and a second digit representing a hundredth of a second; and a processor having an internal clock, the processor adapted to update at least the first digit of the image of the clock on the display screen with true elapsed time, and to update the second digit with a non-true number.

Abstract: An electronic charge retention circuit for time measurement, including: at least a first capacitive element, a first electrode of which is connected to a floating node (F); at least a second capacitive element, a first electrode of which is connected to the floating node, the first capacitive element having a leakage through its dielectric space and the second capacitive element having a capacitance greater than the first; and at least a first transistor having an isolated control terminal connected to the floating node.

Abstract: An athletic performance measurement system determines the reaction time, performance time and response time for an athlete to perform an event. A timing processor is in communication with two spaced-apart switches and when the athlete activates the first switch, it sets in motion a system for randomly activating a transducer that alerts the athlete to start the test. The athlete manipulates the first switch in response to detecting the activated transducer while the device measures the time it takes for this activity, thereby defining the athlete's reaction time. Then, the athlete manipulates the spaced apart second switch while the system monitors the time it takes to perform this task, thereby defining the athlete's performance time. The total response time is then calculated by adding the reaction time to the performance time. A testing protocol for performing a plurality of timed tests and averaging the scores is also disclosed.

Abstract: A watch provides a chronographic function while the watch is in a “sport” mode. If a user activates a button relating to the chronographic function, such as a “start/lap” button, then the light for the watch will automatically activate. The light may remain active for a significantly long time, such as a period of six seconds or more. Alternately or additionally, if a user activates a button while the watch is in a “performance” or “sport” mode, then the light will automatically activate regardless of the button being activated. Still further, the chronographic function of the watch may be configured to not measure a lap time that is lower than a preset threshold value, such as, for example, three seconds.

Abstract: A timing skew characterization apparatus comprises a coarse timing skew characterization circuit, a fine timing skew characterization circuit and a coarse delay cell calibration circuit. The coarse timing skew characterization circuit comprises a plurality of coarse delay cells whose delays can be calibrated through the coarse delay cell calibration circuit. The calibration of fine delay cells can be implemented through a trail and error process. Both coarse delay step and fine delay step can be characterized through a single measurement setup. As a result, the timing skew characterization apparatus provides a high resolution setup and hold time measurement.

Abstract: Implementations are presented herein that include a time delay path.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for timing athletic events. A radio-based starter unit and a radio based timer unit communicate wirelessly via radio. Push buttons/switches and lights and a speaker in the units provide an intuitive, easy to use interface. Handshaking occurs between the starter unit and the timer unit, and lights indicate that the event is ready to start. Real time clocks in the units are synchronized. Upon detection of race or other event start, such as from a starter's pistol, information indicative of the race start time is transmitted from the start unit to the timer unit. A camera in communication with the timer unit provides video frames, and the timer unit encodes and inserts elapsed time information in the video frames, which are then output from the timer unit for review and analysis on a computer.

Abstract: A watch provides a chronographic function while the watch is in a “sport” mode. If a user activates a button relating to the chronographic function, such as a “start/lap” button, then the light for the watch will automatically activate. The light may remain active for a significantly long time, such as a period of six seconds or more. Alternately or additionally, if a user activates a button while the watch is in a “performance” or “sport” mode, then the light will automatically activate regardless of the button being activated. Still further, the chronographic function of the watch may be configured to not measure a lap time that is lower than a preset threshold value, such as, for example, three seconds.

Abstract: A watch provides a chronographic function while the watch is in a “sport” mode. If a user activates a button relating to the chronographic function, such as a “start/lap” button, then the light for the watch will automatically activate. The light may remain active for a significantly long time, such as a period of six seconds or more. Alternately or additionally, if a user activates a button while the watch is in a “performance” or “sport” mode, then the light will automatically activate regardless of the button being activated. Still further, the chronographic function of the watch may be configured to not measure a lap time that is lower than a preset threshold value, such as, for example, three seconds.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a high-speed high resolution and accuracy time interpolator circuit. The interpolator uses basic dual ramp time-to-digital converter architecture, but provides circuits and methodologies to improve the accuracy, reduce the effective intrinsic jitter, and reduce the measurement time. Improved aspects of the present subject matter correspond to the introduction of a current mirror for improved settling time, a high frequency clock for improved resolution and ADC sample processing to improve resolution and accuracy.

Abstract: A pulse width measurement circuit generates a time difference signal that corresponds to the pulse width of the input pulse signal PULSE. A delay circuit delays the input pulse signal PULSE by a predetermined amount, and outputs a start signal. An inverter inverts the input pulse signal PULSE, and outputs a stop signal. A time measurement circuit measures the time difference between a positive edge in the start signal and a positive edge in the stop signal, and outputs a time difference signal that corresponds to the time difference.

Abstract: A watch provides a chronographic function while the watch is in a “sport” mode. If a user activates a button relating to the chronographic function, such as a “start/lap” button, then the light for the watch will automatically activate. The light may remain active for a significantly long time, such as a period of six seconds or more. Alternately or additionally, if a user activates a button while the watch is in a “performance” or “sport” mode, then the light will automatically activate regardless of the button being activated. Still further, the chronographic function of the watch may be configured to not measure a lap time that is lower than a preset threshold value, such as, for example, three seconds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for computing a duration of a reduced power consumption state. A time of exiting from the reduced power consumption state is read prior to an execution of an interrupt routine. The read time of exiting is then stored in a register and a calculation of a reduced power consumption state duration may be performed.

Abstract: A watch provides a chronographic function while the watch is in a “sport” mode. If a user activates a button relating to the chronographic function, such as a “start/lap” button, then the light for the watch will automatically activate. The light may remain active for a significantly long time, such as a period of six seconds or more. Alternately or additionally, if a user activates a button while the watch is in a “performance” or “sport” mode, then the light will automatically activate regardless of the button being activated. Still further, the chronographic function of the watch may be configured to not measure a lap time that is lower than a preset threshold value, such as, for example, three seconds.

Abstract: When it is judged that a chronograph second counter and a chronograph minute counter have measured a maximum measurement time, a maximum measurement control unit controls a drive pulse generation circuit so as to drive and stop a motor such that chronograph hand stops at predetermined positions. When, in this state, a restarting operation is performed on a start/stop button, a normal chronograph measurement operation is restarted. At this time, a mechanical structure has been restored to a reset state, so that even at the time of restarting after the measurement of the maximum measurement time, the load at the starting operation is the same as that of the normal operation, thus generating no sense of incongruity.

Abstract: In response to an instruction to start time measurement given by a start/stop button, an in-phase drive control unit outputs an in-phase control signal of a predetermined time width to a drive pulse generation circuit such that a stepping motor is driven, instead of by a first drive pulse, by an initial drive pulse of a longer drive time than the drive pulse. The drive pulse generation circuit rotates the stepping motor by a motor drive signal including a plurality of in-phase main drive pulses. The stepping motor is rotated by one of the main drive pulses included by the motor drive signal to rotate the chronograph hands.

Abstract: A clock device is held by a moving body, and receives a modulated wave from two electromagnetic fields generated by an antenna formed in a predetermined shape and disposed on a path. The clock device demodulates the modulated wave and acquires unique identification information. The clock device determines a non-detection period after the identification information is acquired. The clock device acquires a reference time corresponding to a middle of the non-detection period, and specifies the acquired reference time as a pass time when the moving body has passed through a point where the antenna is disposed.

Abstract: The timepiece display device includes a rotating analogue indicator member (21), a first counter wheel set (38) and a second counter wheel set (44), whose positions are respectively representative of two magnitudes to be displayed by said indicator member (21), and a switch mechanism (40) with manual control (23) for selectively displaying the first or second magnitude via the indicator member. The display device is characterized in that the switch mechanism includes a rotating arbour (73) kinematically connected to the indicator member (21) and a sliding wheel set (71) secured to the arbour in rotation and provided for sliding, via the action of the manual control device (23), so as to selectively occupy on the arbour (73) a first axial position, in which the sliding wheel set (71) is coupled with the first counter wheel set (38), and a second axial position, in which the sliding wheel set (71) is coupled with the second counter wheel set (44).

Abstract: A time-to-digital converter includes a circular delay chain, a phase interpolator, and a time-to-digital (TDC) core. The circular delay chain receives a first input clock and generates a first set of multi-phase clocks by propagating the first input clock through delay cells in the delay chain. The phase interpolator performs phase interpolation with a second input clock and another clock to generate a second set of multi-phase clocks. The other clock may be a delayed version of the second input clock. The TDC core uses the first and second set of multi-phase clocks to determine the time difference between the first and second input clocks.

Abstract: A device is dislosed for measuring a plurality of time intervals.

Abstract: A TDC circuit having a small scale circuit and high resolution is disclosed, which is a time-to-digital converter that detects a phase with respect to a reference clock of a signal to be measured, comprising a first delay line in which a plurality of first delay elements with a first delay amount is connected in series, a second delay line group that is connected to a plurality of connection nodes of the first delay line or an input node in the first stage and in which at least one or more second delay elements with a second delay amount different from the first delay amount are connected in series, a plurality of judgment circuits that judge whether the changing edge of the signal to be measured is advanced or delayed with respect to the changing edges of a delayed clock output from the first delay element and the second delay element, and an operation circuit that calculates a phase with respect to the reference clock of the changing edge of the signal to be measured from the judgment results, wherein a dif

Abstract: Automated Interval Timing Method Devices and System for automatically timing a plurality of moving entities over a course with predetermined finish line are delineated. Each moving entity wears, carries or has mounted on it a timing unit which is actuated by an acoustic starting signal. A device is located at the finish line so as to create an acoustic field that is narrow in the direction of travel of the moving entities. As each moving entity crosses the finish line, the timing unit detects the finish line acoustic field and records and displays the elapsed time from the acoustic starting signal to the crossing of the finish line. More particularly the timing system comprises wearable or mountable stopwatches, and an array of narrow-beam acoustic transmitters located at the finish line. Each participant or vehicle in a race wears or carries a stopwatch. Each stopwatch is started by the sound of a starting pistol or an electronically generated starting tone or other distinctive acoustic starting signal.