Method and system to control multiple types of scoreboards

1. A method for controlling at least one scoreboard using a processor, custom software and custom hardware at a timed sporting event, with multiple clocks, the method comprising:

initializing a first clock, wherein the first clock times the sporting event;

loading a second clock with whole seconds and wherein the first clock and second clock are synchronized; and

displaying digits less than whole seconds.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying a single digit whole second in the leftmost digit of a two digit display under 10seconds, and displaying a single digit tenth of a second in the rightmost digit of a two digit display under 10 seconds.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising:

displaying a special character left of the tenth of a second digit.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying digits for whole seconds and tenths of a second on a clock display of greater than 2 digits.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising of the step of adjusting time to any clock to automatically adjust the other clock(s) to maintain timing relationship.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

synchronizing a video signal with all scoreboard displays.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein a black signal is used for synchronization.

8. A controller for controlling at least one scoreboard at a timed sporting event, the controller comprising:

a processor;

custom software;

at least one user controlled switch box;

a custom hardware interface for interfacing with the processor, at least one user controlled switch box and the at least one scoreboard; and

a game clock and a second clock that displays portions of a second less than one second, wherein the game clock and second clock are synchronized.

9. A system for providing a scoring controller for at least one scoreboard in a sporting activity, the system comprising:

a processor, wherein the processor: maintains synchronization of game and subordinate clocks; notifies the operator of mandatory timeouts; sets initial values of a beginning of a period; automatically records user actions; starts, stops and sets at least a game clock, scores, fouls, timeouts, period changes;

a graphical user interface wherein the graphical user interface allows a user to: input and edit game clock; input and edit shot clock; input and edit team fouls; input and edit timeouts; input and edit period;

a hardware interface, wherein the hardware interface includes: a scoreboard specific interface with a sign display control signal; at least one clock control box; an accurate timer; implemented as hardware counters; real time hardware delivery to arena displays; a synchronization signal with the video signal; and a timer that provides time signals to the processor.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the system records clock operator inputs.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein the system records clock operator inputs and a time of day at which the inputs occurred.

12. The system of claim 9 wherein the system records clock operator inputs and the time on the game clock at which they occurred.