Decoding Timecodes In Roller Derby JSON Scoreboard Files

by Alex Johnson 57 views

Hello fellow roller derby enthusiasts and data sleuths! Ever wondered how to extract those precious timecodes and jammer names from a roller derby game's JSON save file? If you're like me, you're probably looking to chapter a game video and make it easier for everyone to navigate. It's like creating a table of contents for a fast-paced, hard-hitting sport!

But let's be honest, diving into the depths of a JSON file can feel like trying to decipher an ancient scroll. The keys and values dance before your eyes, and you're left scratching your head, especially when it comes to those mysterious clock-related values. Fear not! We're going to unravel one of those mysteries today: the enigmatic PeriodClockElapsedEnd.

Understanding the Clock Values

Before we dive into PeriodClockElapsedEnd, let's quickly recap the other clock values we encounter in the JSON file. This will give us a solid foundation to build upon.

  • PeriodClockElapsedStart: This is the time elapsed since the start of the period, usually measured in milliseconds. Think of it as a running timer that starts ticking when the period begins. This value is fairly straightforward and gives us a clear indication of where we are in the period.
  • PeriodClockDisplayEnd: This represents the time displayed on the scoreboard clock. It's often a countdown, showing the remaining time in the period. However, as you've noticed, it's not always a clean 1800000 milliseconds (30 minutes) at the start of the first jam. This could be due to pre-game configurations or slight variations in how the clock is initialized.

Now, let's tackle the main question: What is PeriodClockElapsedEnd?

Decoding PeriodClockElapsedEnd

This is where things get interesting. PeriodClockElapsedEnd represents the elapsed time at the end of a specific game event (like a jam or timeout) since the beginning of the period. This value is usually measured in milliseconds.

Why is it sometimes so close to PeriodClockElapsedStart, and other times vastly different? The key here is to understand what event PeriodClockElapsedEnd is marking. Consider these scenarios:

  1. Short Jams: If a jam ends quickly due to a lead jammer call or a penalty, PeriodClockElapsedEnd will be only a few seconds apart from PeriodClockElapsedStart. This makes sense because the jam didn't last long.
  2. Long Jams: If a jam goes the full two minutes (or close to it), PeriodClockElapsedEnd will be significantly larger than PeriodClockElapsedStart, reflecting the longer duration of the jam.
  3. Timeouts and Penalties: PeriodClockElapsedEnd can also mark the end of a timeout or a penalty. In these cases, the difference between PeriodClockElapsedStart and PeriodClockElapsedEnd will represent the length of the timeout or penalty.

In essence, PeriodClockElapsedEnd is like a bookmark, marking the point in time when a specific event concludes. It's crucial for accurately timing the different segments of the game.

Practical Implications for Chaptering Your Video

So, how can you use this information to chapter your roller derby video? Here's a step-by-step approach:

  1. Identify the Jams: Parse the JSON data to identify the start and end times of each jam. Look for the relevant keys that indicate the beginning and end of a jam.
  2. Extract Timecodes: Use PeriodClockElapsedStart as the start timecode and PeriodClockElapsedEnd as the end timecode for each jam. Convert these millisecond values into a human-readable time format (e.g., minutes:seconds).
  3. Get Jammer Names: Extract the jammer names associated with each jam. This might involve looking at other keys in the JSON that link the jam to the participating skaters.
  4. Create Chapters: Use a video editing software to create chapters based on the extracted timecodes and jammer names. This will allow viewers to easily skip to specific jams of interest.

Example Scenario

Let's say you have the following data from your JSON file:

  • Jam 1:
    • PeriodClockElapsedStart: 120000 (2 minutes)
    • PeriodClockElapsedEnd: 240000 (4 minutes)
    • Jammer: Skater A
  • Jam 2:
    • PeriodClockElapsedStart: 300000 (5 minutes)
    • PeriodClockElapsedEnd: 330000 (5 minutes, 30 seconds)
    • Jammer: Skater B

This tells you that Jam 1 started at 2 minutes, ended at 4 minutes, and featured Skater A. Jam 2 started at 5 minutes, ended at 5 minutes and 30 seconds, and featured Skater B. You can then use this information to create chapters in your video.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

  • Inconsistent Data: Sometimes, the JSON data might be inconsistent or contain errors. Always double-check your extracted timecodes and jammer names to ensure accuracy.
  • Missing Data: In rare cases, some data might be missing from the JSON file. Be prepared to manually fill in any gaps.
  • Clock Resets: Be aware of any clock resets that might occur during the game (e.g., due to technical issues). These resets can throw off your timecodes, so you'll need to adjust accordingly.

Leveraging the JSON Data for Advanced Analysis

Once you've mastered the basics of extracting timecodes and jammer names, you can start using the JSON data for more advanced analysis. For example, you could:

  • Calculate Jam Lengths: Determine the average length of jams in a game.
  • Analyze Jammer Performance: Track the performance of individual jammers over time.
  • Identify Key Moments: Identify the most crucial moments in a game based on scoring and penalties.

The possibilities are endless! The JSON data is a treasure trove of information waiting to be unlocked.

Conclusion

Decoding the timecodes in a roller derby JSON scoreboard file can seem daunting at first, but with a little understanding, it becomes much easier. PeriodClockElapsedEnd is simply the elapsed time at the end of a game event, and it's crucial for accurately timing your video. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to chapter your roller derby videos like a pro and unlock the full potential of the JSON data.

So go forth, analyze, and share your findings with the roller derby community! Happy chaptering!

For more information on roller derby rules and gameplay, check out the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) website. WFTDA