The camera records narrow images of the finish line. After the race those image slices are blended into one large image that shows a continuos time.
SprintTimer has three separate time measurement tools: Photo Finish, Video Finish and Motion Finish. All three use the same functionality for starting the clock . The difference lies in the way the time is measured at the finish line. Both Photo- and Video Finish can give a 0.01 s time resolution. Photo finish is aimed at shorter races and Video finish at longer, but they overlap so much that it is worthwhile to try out both too see which you find most convenient.
Start
The clock can be started manually by a tap on a button, or by a sound, e.g. from a starting gun. SprintTimer can also act as an automatic starter playing a start sequence.
Photo Finish
The camera records narrow images of the finish line. After the race those image slices are blended into one large image that shows a continuos time.
Photo Finish characteristics + 0.01 s resolution directly while scrolling + All participants on one image + Easy to see the order and distance between participants + The runners stands out from the background if high frame rate is used - Image distortion, especially at low frame rate, can complicate interpretation - Large time differences (long races) generates very large images
Video Finish
The camera uses motion detection and records images when something moves in the vicinity of the finish line. Video Finish therefore shows one full screen image for each time interval.
Video Finish characteristics
+ An image covering more than the finish line can facilitate identification
+ The time difference between participants can essentially be unlimited
- 0.01 s resolution requires dual mode
Motion Finish
Motion Finish relies on motion detection and does not save any images.
Motion Finish characteristics
+ Quick and easy to use
+ Direct time feedback (including voice)
- Less accurate
- Less documentation (no images)