Well, these are problems that we need to know about. I will attempt to
answer your issues below...
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-ba-autox@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-ba-autox@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Jerry Mouton
> Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 8:48 AM
> To: Chris Warner; Bay_Area_Autocross_List
> Subject: Re: Preregistration and computerized timing/scoring
>
>
> Chris,
>
> Right, this is pretty similar to the system Josh and
> the team considered.
>
> The question I would have is
>
> What would be gained by this new system?
>
> - Currently our results are produced, fully cross-linked
> on the web within two days, often within one day of the
> event.
With an automated timing and scoring we could potentially post to the web
live, as it happens.
>
> - With time posting, competitors can see what
> everybody has done on their last run, and set themselves
> up for the next run, as well as know their results on site
> in real time.
>
The timing and scoring could be setup to post times live. We would need a
CRT or flat screen display for the current run group, then when the run
group is finished, the results could be printed out and posted. No need for
a time poster here. It would be really neat if we could use a touch screen
system here because then we could allow the competitors to search and
compare their times to their friends who may or may not be in the same run
group. It is nothing that we can't do now, but we're just changing the
presentaion of the results.
> - The results process produces a
> complete database of all our competitors (currently over
> 3,000 entries according to Pat), and provides machine
> readable data for analysis of run group size, attendance,
> retention of competitors, novice participation, and whatever
> else we want.
This would be completely automated. Competitors could enter their
information over the web, or at registration. Over time, this information
becomes more accurate as the information is updated or entered by each
competitor. SCCA Members could "pre-register" over the web and create or
modify a database entry before an event. the great part is this would be
done automatically, releiving Pat of the hassle over time. Honestly this is
information that does not change often, and we can educate the members to
use the same numbers, etc. It's just a thought but, we could use this
process to assign permentent numbers to everyone. If we make it easy,
people will get used to it quicker.
The tabulation of run group sizes, attendance, etc, can be easily calculated
at the registration computer, and then compared dynamically, as the event
unfolds. theorectially, by the end of the day, you would have all those
stats tabulated and presented to the competitors before the course is torn
down for the day!
>
> - In addition, if anything goes wrong, anybody
> present can fix the system without any technical knowledge
> (except for our electronic equipment, like displays and timer lights).
> There is no way a system failure can stop or ruin an event.
>
Agreed. This is why we cannot completely get rid of the paper system until
a completely redundant system is in place. My proposal is to augment the
current system and automate where we can. Over time, I think these technical
issues could be solved as simply as what we did to fix the timing lights
after they were punted out of position. This is not an issue we can solve
overnight.
> - There does not really
> have to be an expert on the system on site, since it's a dumb
> paper based system. There is not really a need for any specialized
> expertise to speak of during the whole process.
>
True, but since most of our members live and work in proxcimity to silicon
valley, I don't think it would be a problem finding a specialist.
> - Works pretty well on rainy days or sunny,
> can be dropped without any significant impact to the process
> or our bank account. The grit of windy sites like Marina or
> 3COM don't foul up the cards, either.
>
Weather is a problem. It can be accomidated by using keyboard skins, and
common sense.
> - Drivers or workers who are careles,
> distracted, clueless, or technically challenged can operate in this
> system without causing major damage to the event itself,
> though sometimes a careless scorer can screw up some people's
> times.
>
Touch screens are great for this. I worked for an company that developed a
coin-operated bar top machine, designed to take the abuses of drunken
patrones and lots of spilled beer. I think I have a few ideas to get around
this problem. If these technically challenged competitors can use a web
browser, then they could use our program.
> - The equipment required to make it work is purchased so
> cheaply that occasionally some of us provide it out of pocket, and
> don't even bother to ask for reimbursement.
>
So far, my hardware requirements are not to steep.
1) 2 computers, laptops preferably for portability and power issues. If you
go for new computers, warrentees could help if there is hardware failures.
Both Dell and IBM offer onsite 24hour turn around times.
2) A wireless lan
3) Upgrading the timing and scoring equipment so we can hook up one of the
computers to it to get automated timing results.
> - And, there's absolutely no risk that
> anybody is going to steal what we need to run the current system.
> OK, a pen could be stolen, but the system goes right on.
>
Well, one computer will be physically and securly mounted in the motor home.
The other could be under supervision of the registration desk. At that
point its the same deal with the cash box right? We certainly don't want
that cash box walking off!
|