1.
SVs Javelin throwers (2 shots)
0.05

2.
SVs Taps being drawn out, and measurements noted (2 shots)
0.14

3.
SCU Javelin being removed from landing point, prismatic instrument inserted.
0.23

4.
CU Optical measuring instrument
0.28

5.
SV Computer (left) and measuring instrument
0.29

6.
SV Data on scoreboard
0.32

7.
ANIMATION SHOWING equipment and operation sequence:



Measuring instrument, computer, scoreboard
0.48


Measuring beams illustrated
0.54


Scoreboard
0.56

8.
TV Discus landing point being marked, and prismatic instrument placed
1.11

9.
MV Measuring instrument
1.03

10.
SCU Scoreboard result
1.05

11.
GV Hammer being thrown
1.09

12.
SVs Equipment in use (5 shots)
1.25



Initials BB/1800 GM/PW/BB/1910



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Nothing is being left to chance of guesswork at the Munich Olympic Games. Even the traditional figure of the official moving across the arena with tape measures in field events is missing at the latest Olympiad.

Instead, computers are doing the measuring, more quickly, more accurately and more efficiently than it has ever been done before.

In the new system, a small prism reflector is placed at the point of impact. A ray of light is beamed by a measuring instrument at the reflector, and a computer measures the distance. The result is then flashed on an electronic scoreboard.

The new system does away with the inaccuracies which result from twisted tape measures and uneven terrain. The result of each throw in discus and javelin events is also calculated and posted much more quickly than has bene the case in the past.