Answer'N'Time Recorder Releases

• v 4.11.12 && 4.12 (6.1.2025)
  These versions are resolving Android version issues. Some changes may affect your server scripts implementations.
  • Punching device mode removed (e-card is still available)
  • In the whole application, the term Event is replaced with Race
  • Audio recording and replaying of competitor's answering is available
  • Displaying a screen with startlist is available
  • E-card mode menu-locking PIN can be configured via the INI file
  • Manually reloaded startlists are stored to the local disk and automatically loaded when a locally stored INI file is used for race configuration
  • Chip readout improvements:
    • Proper course selection is possible for unknown chips
    • Successful upload is reported with a toast, not a dialog
    • The report page scrolls down automatically to the end of text
• v 4.11.11 build 4 (28.6.2024)
  No need to use Vacants - in all situations the course can be selected and chip or start numbers used for identification
  • Course selection when reading out unknown chips.
  • BT print out contains course time and missing punches.
  • Sending preliminary result after the last timed control answer.
• v 4.11.10 build 1 (10.6.2024)
  Improved read-out of ToePunch chips for races organized in preoresultat.se
• v 4.11.9 build 0 (1.6.2024)
  Start numbers became a sufficient identification and a regular part of startlist and results records
• v 4.11.8 build 4 (20.4.2024)
  ANT Master Server can display per-answer results in a biathlon-like shooting range style
  • Added Polish localization (thanx to Adrian Król).
  • AMS can send startlist-only
  • Improved ToePunch system chips read-out.
  • Titles added to important dialogs.
• v 4.11.6 build 1 (27.2.2024)
  File with punches read out from ToePunch chips was renamed from ...TP0... to ...TR0... — please change your server implementations.
  • Confirmation of competitor change when editing timed station results.
• v 4.11.5 build 13 (13.1.2024)
  Version prepared for Google Play publishing
  • Refreshing startlist from top.yq.cz without configuration change.
  • Chip readout added to main menu.
  • Some marginal issues found by the google robot.
• v 4.11.3 build 5 (7.8.2023)
  
  • ANT can write the Event admin chip of the ToePunch system.
  • The Information page contains also basic data from the event configuration.
  • It is possible to define Master and Backup marshal device. The Backup one does not upload results automatically regardless of the configuration.
  • ANT checks whether the Time and Alt Time differ by more than one second.
  • Answers and times editation in portrait mode was implemented.
  • An ANT-to-marshal interaction was slightly reduced.
• v 4.11.2 build 3 (15.5.2023)
  
  • Some Android versions do not allow to set the Do Not Disturb mode. (Thanx to Andrius Jovaiša for reporting it.) ANT now offers a configuration option that allows it to run without the DND mode set. It is useful when using special devices, e.g. without a SIM card. Otherwise, it is necessary to manage the device, e.g. to turn off the ringtone.
  • ANT writes course time after reading out a ToePunch chip.
• v 4.11.1 build 7 (27.2.2023)
  
  • If the startlist contains startnumbers separately, ANT adds them to competitor names for searching by numbers and prepends zeros so that the number is at least 3 digits long
• v 4.11 build 1 (27.11.2022)
  A new algorithm for checksum calculation — please change your server implementations.
  • Upload report dialog doesn't dismiss unless confirmed
• v 4.10.4 (6.10.2022)
  
  • Reloading an event configuration does not change some parameters if they are not included in the INI file (e.g. username and password)
  • Splittimes are printed with 3 decimal digits
• v 4.10.3 (21.8.2022)
  
  • ToePunch system support improvement (CLEAR function, improved readout, better error checking, sample cfg...)
  • Smarter sorting of the starlist
  • Relay courses configuration
  • A lot of minor bug fixes and improvements
• v 4.10.1 (1.1.2022)
  ToePunch system support (read-out, print), preliminary results calculation, sending timed control answers after each task
  • A new form of result files, common for all result types including the ToePunch system units was introduced — please change your server implementations.
  • ToePunch chipsets can re read into ANT result files format.
  • After reading a ToePunch chipset, the answers can be printed on a Bluetooth printer. The printer setting is configured in the Preferences menu.
  • Timed control results can be stored to a competitor's ToePunch chip and later read-out together with the course punching.
  • ANT can be configured to send competitor's answers to a server immediately after recording the answer by a marshal.
  • After merging the result files, a preliminary results are created and can be published (either detailed or only rank). The correct answers can be set in the configuration, or directly on the device.
  • A single configuration for all possible usages (e.g. classic couse punching and timed controls operation) in a single race can be made.
  • Improved support of classic courses (limit for open/para, marking ability of competitors).
  • Result and configuration files are stored in separate folders.
  • In various lists, ANT scrools to the end of the list.
  • The latest version of Android allow to split the screen; ANT denies this feature when running.
  • (build 12) Reprint of punching available.
  • (build 12) Longer timeout for upload.
  • (build 13) More compact error report from chip readout.
  • (build 13) Start and finish ToePunch station can have different numbers.
• v 4.9.2 (24.1.2021)
  
  • A list of a tasks for a selection the one to be answered at a punching station has a form of buttons with
    • a task number and the answered letter if the user has identified by an NFC chip
    • a task number and a green border if a task was not answered yet
    • a task number and no border if a task was answered but the user is identified by keyboard (not a chip).
  • At all types of stations (start, punch, finish), the current time is displayed and the screen-off timeout is set to an hour.
  • When a marshal logs in, the screen contains a button for results upload and a button for starting the device again.
  • All samples are included directly into the app so you can test them not being connected to the internet.
  • ANT can merge all result files from different stations to a single file for easier uploading or processing.
  • All downloaded configurations are stored to the local disc so that you can later load any of them locally.
• v 4.9.1 (20.10.2019)
  Punching station (start, finish, control/task punch) mode
  • Competitors identify themselves primarily by an NFC chip which can be included in the starlist or assigned during the start operation, alternatively by a keyboard.
    The chip number field is also added to the result files — please change your server implementations.
  • ANT Master Server respects automatic results upload configuration — when receiving data from another device, they are automatically resent to the final destination.
  • AMS can also receive and resend logs from other devices.
  • For easier uploading of a set of result files, a button for "Upload all unsent files" is added and a more understandable uploading screen is implemented.
  • Very easy configuration of samples and testing events.
  • Samples can run in a testing mode when device need not to change system permitions.
  • Punching and registering answers can be done in the vertical orientation of a device.
  • The embedded help has hyperlinks implemented.
  • In the mobile card mode, competitors can recall their results from the menu in a more readable format.
• v 4.8.1 (17.4.2019)
  ANT Master Server
  • On any ANT device having an IP address (e.g. due to a WiFi hotspot), a special web server (called ANT Master Server) can be started. Then, any other ANT can download the configuration directly from the Master and it also can upload results to the Master.
  • When a competitor is once selected from the startlist, small changes of his/her name have no influence to the competitor's identity. If there is a substantial change, ANT requests a confirmation of the change, but minor changes (like an unintentional adding a space behind the name) are simply ignored.
  • Organiser can decide the way how the time limit will be spoken to competitors – either as a number of seconds, or as minutes and seconds.
  • For the classic course, the answer corrections strategy can be defined:
    • competitors can change any answer
    • competitors can change only the last answer (misclick prevention)
    • competitors cannot change answers.
• v 4.8 (11.12.2018)
  New way of authetication of competitors by using NFC chips (being inspired by Sami Hyvönen) and using ANT as a punching station.
  • Menu locking and unlocking
  • NFC reader localization hint
  • Added using of several course parts in the e-card mode
  • Added three ways to protect against unintended task selection and punching (competitor can choose):
    • hiding the app by a LOCK button
    • obligatory doubleclicking to a button with a task number
    • or acknowledging the task selection by special buttons.
  • Tested on Android 8.1 (Oreo).
  • Configuration download does not show the protocol if it is successful.
• v 4.7.2 (11.11.2018)
  E-card mode: competitors cary a device and punch on it.
  • TLS 1.2 used for HTTPS connections by default.
  • Improved displaying of server responses.
  • A marshal can make corrections to the last competitor results even after saving it to the disc; there is a Special Action item in the main menu.
  • When a marshal changes the list of answers so that the primary time changes, the secondary time changes as well.
  • ANT comments out all competitor's results but the last one when sending data to the server.
  • A timeout and a content (whole file vs. unsent records only) can be set also for the manual upload to HTTP(S) server.
  • Maps directory selection was completely redesigned to a more understandable principle.
  • Loading and showing maps during configuration was improved a bit.
• v 4.6.1 (9.7.2018)
  
  • Displaying the final time after the last answer so that unexperienced marshals recognize that time was really measured.
  • The possibility of inserting an answer (typically an X answer in case of turning two maps at a time).
  • The possibility to switch instruction language to English (when a foreigner comes to a local competition).
  • More uderstandable distribution of configuration options among menus.
  • Some minor fixes.
• v 4.6 (21.9.2017)
  
  • A new screen for permission settings forced by another approach to permissions in the new Android version 7 (Nougat).
  • Improvements of the competitor mode with maps included directly on the tablet.
  • New instructions to competitors (like Sit down, please); the admin can select also the requested order of them.
  • For application error log upload, no authorization is needed, every device with ANT can send log to ant.yq.cz.
  • Some minor improvements in station editation, result editation, configuration reading etc.
• v 4.5 (27.11.2016)
  Competitor-driven mode with maps on the tablet, rotated properly by the app itself
  • Working directory moved to public accesible folder so that the files are easier accessible.
  • Bluetooth communication embeded directly to the app.
  • Grouping stations — startlists of all classes at one station can be grouped together and ANT chooses appropriate class according to the competitor.
  • A non-UTF charset of the inifile/startlist can be set in the configuration.
  • File lister has the "classic" scrollbar implemented for better viewing of large files.
  • Easier troubleshooting — the log management was moved to the main menu and a comment can be added to a log file.
• v 4.4.3 (8.9.2016)
  
  • Competitor instructions: more (configurable) instructions (speak/point, loose/bound maps).
  • Proper gramatics of plurals in some languages (Czech, Slovak).
  • Main screen has better layout on tablets.
  • Added new feature: download a list of available events from web server and select one just by clicking on it. (Thanx to Martin Fredholm.)
  • Both the Event configuration page and the configuration parser protocol page contain current number of stations and competitors to ease recognition of misconfigured states.
  • URL parameters (event ID, username and password) are trimmed (leading and trailing whitespaces are removed).
  • The startlist for relay contain leg numbers. (Thanx to Martin Fredholm.)
  • The startlist used for selecting a correct competitor after completing the station is sorted.
  • When selecting a competitor from the startlist, while part of competitor name/number matches anyone from startlist, application does not allow to continue until a competitor from the startlist is properly selected. When a new name/number is entered, app allows to continue, too.
• v 4.4.2 (10.7.2016)
  
  • The HTTP/HTTPS connection has a configurable timeout, so even in poor conditions the transfer attempt doesn't hook for a long time.
  • It is possible to select the batch mode of the on-line results upload, i.e. a new transfer attempt is repeated after several competitors. And the application requests a permission from the marshal before such a transfer.
  • If the on-line result upload fails, the application offers a configuration dialog for changing transfer parameters (e.g. switching it off).
  • Slower operations display a progress bar for impatient users.
  • Faster start of Stations dialog and more contrast class names in it.
  • Errors in configuration of inactive stations can be ignored.
  • The title bar contains competitor counter (when selecting a competitor).
  • Display darking is suppressed not only during measuring but also during results saving.
  • When a result record is deleted, the same competitor is preselected in a new attempt at the same station.
• v 4.4.1 (17.6.2016)
  
  • Enabling a second time from another marshal's device (e.g. stopwatches). Both times are then being sent to the server.
  • If the filter of competitors is displayed after a partial match of the name/number, a marshal is not allowed to start measuring prior to selecting a person.
  • When correcting answers, marshall uses answer buttons, instead of the keyboard.
  • Solved problem with text size of messages on xxxhdpi displays.
  • Small improvement was made in the app behavior after a language change.
• v 4.4 (4.6.2016)
  Co-operation with preoresultat.se server (config download, results upload).
  • Classes; the logic of station identification has changed to the couple <class,number> where the class can be category, stage, heat etc.
  • The startlist can be part of the INI file and there can be separate startlists for classes; the marshall can browse the startlist.
  • The Clear Event button.
  • Selecting the station (done by marshalls) is separated from the station configuration (done by organisers). A marshall can still change number of flags to get the competitor instructions correct even when it is not configured by organisers.
  • The starlist for a particular station is reduced during the time by people already having visited the station; the marshall can choose to filter competitors from the current (reduced) or complete (full) startlist.
  • Preliminary timer start solutions: removing of the whole record (and starting the measuring again), or removing the first "answer" and time if the marshall clicks to any answer button in the moment of real start of the timer).
  • After completing the marshalling process all answers and times are temporarily stored, so if application crashes before the final approval and saving the results, it starts this dialog again when started anew.
  • Competitor instructions can be shown in local language (not just in English).
  • The automatic on-line upload can contain full result file, or just the records not uploaded yet.
  • Better user interface adaptation for tablets.
  • More trusted rounding of the splittimes.
• v 4.3.2 (1.4.2016)
  
  • Added localization to Norwegian, Slovak and Swedish.
  • Added special buttons with digits to ease entering competitor numbers and Clear button to clear competitor name.
  • Instructions to be told to competitors (in English) are displayed at the beginning of measuring.
  • Added the 'X' button for any incorrect answer or competitor mistake.
  • Keypress feedback: echo switched off, but pressed key has a red border (until blocked against false doubleclick) and the answer in the list has green background.
  • Incoming calls and SMS and display darking are blocked during time measuring.
  • Post-measuring editation: Remove an Answer button, Time Increment and Decrement buttons
  • On-line sending results to a server after each competitor.
  • New event attributes: ID and date
  • Log management: user can send log from application failure to developers.
  • Help keeps the last position when turning the device and zooming the text.
• v 4.2 (25.11.2015)
  
  • The primary storage for result files was moved to the internal filesystem. Thus, the configuration was simplified because if you don't want to share the files via USB or Bluetooth (i.e. you plan to just rewrite results to paper control cards, or to upload them via HTTP), you need not to specify the storage folder. The drawback is that if you uninstall the application, you loose all results not uploaded somewhere.
  • Also, the configuration of resources is simplified — you can choose options like "No startlist" or "No INI file" if you don't have them.
  • For every screen, there is a short help and the complete set of them is available on the main screen (and also on the ANT web page).
  • Before the first call of Flight mode setting (required for time measuring), the user is warned what will happen.
  • All editing dialogs show a "toast" with a hint what parameter is currently being entered, the Next button behavior is more meaningful, some values are precalculated (e.g. time limit), some settings was changed to a listbox (e.g. character set selection), more validity checks were added.
  • Maximum number of tasks was changed (to 10) and all competitor's answers are displayed when accepted so that the marshall can check proper button pressing sequence.
  • When uploading the result file, a charset can be specified; HTTP results upload is secured by a password.
  • When more than one station is marshalled, the competitor measured on the previous station is preselected for easier selection on the next station.
  • All listings (startlist, results etc.) have a zoom button.
• v 4.1.1 (2.11.2015)
  
  • The BACK key is forbidden from time start to successful saving the results.
  • Added Comment field to competitor's result dialog.
  • Unintentional "doubleclick" prevention (0.500 sec key press denial) added.
  • Unsuccessful recording to local results file handling.
  • Several layout changes.
• v 4.1 (30.10.2015)
  The first Android testing version released.