Route recording, marking, and scoring apparatus for sport climbing walls

摘要

This invention comprises an electronic control system for recording, and marking hold sequences or 'routes' on structures for recreational and competitive climbing and for scoring a climber's performance in ascending such routes. When used by a climber during a new route, sensitive holds electronically transmit their identifying addresses to a computerized recording system. Upon completion of the new route climbers assign a name and grade of difficulty using the computer. Climbers may also use the computer to recall routes previously designed by others. Electronically activated markers are then used to rapidly and conveniently designate the particular holds comprising the route. As the climber ascends, the holds now function to inform the computer if the climber has used an illegal hold, that is a hold which is 'off route'. The system also keeps track of how high and how fast the climbers ascend, thus providing a convenient method of scoring their performance.