The present invention relates to a programmable digital chess clock that includes a QR code, other 2D barcode, and/or 1D barcode reader for reading a QR code, other 2D barcode, and/or 1D barcode that encodes instructions for programming and setting the digital chess clock. In some embodiments, the digital chess clock comprises a microcontroller operatively arranged to program and set the digital chess clock, wherein the QR code, other 2D barcode, and/or 1D barcode reader is operatively arranged to read the QR code, other 2D barcode, and/or 1D barcode and send a signal to the microcontroller to program and set the digital chess clock.

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices for facilitating officials during a sporting event. According to one embodiment, a device is disclosed including a processor, a memory electrically coupled with the processor, a microphone interface electrically coupled with the processor, a user interface electrically coupled with the processor, a haptic feedback device electrically coupled with the processor; and a wireless transceiver electrically coupled with the processor. The processor is configured for receiving a first audio signal via the microphone interface; determining the first audio signal is associated with a first whistle blow; and upon determining the first audio signal is associated with the first whistle blow, transmitting a first device message via the wireless transceiver to an access point; receiving a first access point acknowledgment message from the access point; and upon receiving the first access point acknowledgement message, activating the haptic feedback device for a first period of time.

A method (300) for managing time-outs in a game, including: putting a receiver unit (14) in a ready state (205); receiving at the receiver unit (14) a desired time-out signal from a transmitter unit (12); putting the receiver unit in a time-out approval state (210, 215) and indicating to the game official through a receiver user interface (62) that the desired time-out signal has been received; receiving from the game official through the receiver user interface (62) one of an allow command and a deny command. When the allow command is received, the time-out counter (78, 80) is incremented, and, when the deny command is received, the receiver unit (14) is returned to the ready state (205) while keeping constant the time-out counter (78, 90).

A method (300) for managing time-outs in a game, including: putting a receiver unit (14) in a ready state (205); receiving at the receiver unit (14) a desired time-out signal from a transmitter unit (12); putting the receiver unit in a time-out approval state (210, 215) and indicating to the game official through a receiver user interface (62) that the desired time-out signal has been received; receiving from the game official through the receiver user interface (62) one of an allow command and a deny command. When the allow command is received, the time-out counter (78, 80) is incremented, and, when the deny command is received, the receiver unit (14) is returned to the ready state (205) while keeping constant the time-out counter (78, 90).

A performance information notification device according to an application example includes: an acquisition unit which acquires information indicating at least one of load exercise and rest in interval exercise; and a notification unit which reports performance information about at least one of a time during which the load exercise is carried out and a time during which the rest is carried out, based on the information indicating at least one of the load exercise and the rest.

A performance information notification device according to an application example includes: an acquisition unit which acquires information indicating at least one of load exercise and rest in interval exercise; and a notification unit which reports performance information about at least one of a time during which the load exercise is carried out and a time during which the rest is carried out, based on the information indicating at least one of the load exercise and the rest.

A method (300) for managing time-outs in a game, including: putting a receiver unit (14) in a ready state (205); receiving at the receiver unit (14) a desired time-out signal from a transmitter unit (12); putting the receiver unit in a time-out approval state (210, 215) and indicating to the game official through a receiver user interface (62) that the desired time-out signal has been received; receiving from the game official through the receiver user interface (62) one of an allow command and a deny command. When the allow command is received, the time-out counter (78, 80) is incremented, and, when the deny command is received, the receiver unit (14) is returned to the ready state (205) while keeping constant the time-out counter (78, 90).

A method (300) for managing time-outs in a game, including: putting a receiver unit (14) in a ready state (205); receiving at the receiver unit (14) a desired time-out signal from a transmitter unit (12); putting the receiver unit in a time-out approval state (210, 215) and indicating to the game official through a receiver user interface (62) that the desired time-out signal has been received; receiving from the game official through the receiver user interface (62) one of an allow command and a deny command. When the allow command is received, the time-out counter (78, 80) is incremented, and, when the deny command is received, the receiver unit (14) is returned to the ready state (205) while keeping constant the time-out counter (78, 90).

A sonic generator for use with timing and data collection systems is a button activated device operated by a referee during a live sporting event. It can be hand-held or integrated with a referee's belt pack and replaces a conventional exhalation-powered whistle. It can be configured to record and replay a custom sonic signal, a sonic signal selected from a database of pre-recorded sounds, or a standard sonic signal such as a generic whistle sound. Each sonic generator generates a unique sonic signal which is compared to digitally stored sonic fingerprints at a given sporting event to identify a match, and starts or stops the game clock in response to that match. This prevents inadvertent game clock starts and stops resulting from ambient noise. The sonic generator can be configured as a two-way voice communication system to allow referees to communicate with other game officials.

A sonic generator for use with timing and data collection systems is a button activated device operated by a referee during a live sporting event. It can be hand-held or integrated with a referee's belt pack and replaces a conventional exhalation-powered whistle. It can be configured to record and replay a custom sonic signal, a sonic signal selected from a database of pre-recorded sounds, or a standard sonic signal such as a generic whistle sound. Each sonic generator generates a unique sonic signal which is compared to digitally stored sonic fingerprints at a given sporting event to identify a match, and starts or stops the game clock in response to that match. This prevents inadvertent game clock starts and stops resulting from ambient noise. The sonic generator can be configured as a two-way voice communication system to allow referees to communicate with other game officials.