StoryTiming offers a race timing system with integrated video replay. It allows race organizers to easily capture finish line footage, synchronize it with timing data, and generate shareable result videos for participants. These videos show each finisher crossing the line with their time and placing overlaid, enhancing the race experience and providing a personalized memento. The system is designed to be simple to set up and operate, aiming to streamline the timing process for races of various sizes.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Race Timing with Integrated Replay" introduces StoryTiming, a novel approach to race timing that goes beyond simply recording finishing times. This system offers a comprehensive platform for capturing and visualizing race data, seamlessly integrating timing functionality with an interactive replay feature. Instead of relying on static results, StoryTiming allows users to dynamically explore the race's progression. The system meticulously tracks each participant's position throughout the event, enabling the creation of a dynamic, animated replay that showcases the unfolding competition. This replay isn't just a visual aid; it's deeply integrated with the timing data, allowing viewers to select any point in the race and instantly see the precise times and positions of all racers at that moment.
StoryTiming appears designed for various racing formats, from running and cycling to swimming and potentially other timed sporting events. The platform emphasizes user-friendliness, offering a streamlined interface for both race organizers and participants. Organizers can easily set up and manage events, inputting participant information and configuring race parameters. Participants, in turn, can readily access their results and analyze their performance within the context of the overall race dynamics. The integrated replay offers a unique opportunity for post-race analysis, allowing athletes to review their strategic decisions and understand how they fared against the competition at various stages of the race. While the post primarily showcases the system's capabilities, it implies a potential future where StoryTiming could become a valuable tool for both competitive analysis and enhanced spectator engagement in timed sporting events. The demonstration emphasizes the visual clarity and interactive nature of the replay, suggesting its potential to revolutionize how race results are presented and analyzed.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42765560
HN users generally praised the clean UI and functionality of the race timing app. Several commenters with experience in race timing pointed out the difficulty of getting accurate readings, particularly with RFID, and offered suggestions like using multiple readers and filtering out spurious reads. Some questioned the scalability of the system for larger races. Others appreciated the detailed explanation of the technical challenges and solutions implemented, specifically mentioning the clever use of GPS and the value of the instant replay feature for both participants and organizers. There was also discussion about alternative timing methods and the potential for integrating with existing platforms. A few users expressed interest in using the system for other applications beyond racing.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: Race Timing with Integrated Replay" at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42765560 generated several comments discussing the project.
Several commenters expressed appreciation for the clean interface and the intuitive nature of the replay feature. One commenter specifically highlighted how useful the "rewind to start" button is, especially when trying to understand the dynamics of a race from the beginning. They felt it offered a much better experience than scrubbing through a video.
The creator of the project, responding to comments, clarified that the project stemmed from their involvement in RC car racing, where they wanted a better way to visualize and analyze races. They explained that the timing system relies on transponders in each car, which trigger sensors on the track to record lap times and positions. This data is then used to generate the interactive replay. They also mentioned that the system is currently limited to a specific type of RC racing and expressed openness to expanding its compatibility in the future.
One commenter inquired about the potential use of GPS for timing, to which the creator responded that the required precision for RC racing makes GPS unsuitable due to its inherent latency and inaccuracy at high speeds and small scales. They further explained their preference for a local system, citing potential internet connectivity issues at race tracks as a concern.
Another thread of conversation revolved around the technical details of the implementation. Commenters discussed the choice of using SVG for rendering the track and cars, with some suggesting alternative technologies like WebGL for potentially improved performance, particularly for races with a large number of participants. The creator acknowledged these suggestions and indicated they might explore them in future iterations.
There was also a discussion about the possibility of adding features like showing the speed of each car or displaying a leaderboard alongside the replay. The creator responded positively to these suggestions, viewing them as valuable additions for enhancing the analysis capabilities of the system.
Finally, a few commenters praised the project's simplicity and focus, appreciating that it doesn't try to do too much, instead concentrating on providing a clear and efficient solution for race visualization and analysis within its niche.