EP0600927B1 - Überwachungsvorrichtung für rennen - Google Patents

Überwachungsvorrichtung für rennen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0600927B1
EP0600927B1 EP92916385A EP92916385A EP0600927B1 EP 0600927 B1 EP0600927 B1 EP 0600927B1 EP 92916385 A EP92916385 A EP 92916385A EP 92916385 A EP92916385 A EP 92916385A EP 0600927 B1 EP0600927 B1 EP 0600927B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
race
transponder
scanner
computer
contestant
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP92916385A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0600927A1 (de
Inventor
Douglas A. Laird
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=4148245&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0600927(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0600927A1 publication Critical patent/EP0600927A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0600927B1 publication Critical patent/EP0600927B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Revoked legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F8/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by electromechanical means
    • G04F8/08—Means used apart from the time-piece for starting or stopping same
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C1/00—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
    • G07C1/22—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people in connection with sports or games
    • G07C1/24—Race time-recorders

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a race monitor. While the device of the present invention was specifically designed for running races, i.e. marathons, it will be appreciated that the device can be used to monitor other races such as biathlons, duathlons, triathlons, bicycle races and cross country ski races.
  • JP-A-2 200 280 discloses a race monitor, wherein each participant carries an active sender/receiver emitting continuously an ID Code.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above problems by providing a relatively simple race monitor which does not rely on a large number of race officials, and which can provide more or less simultaneous progress data as race participants pass through stations located in the path of the race.
  • the present invention relates to a race monitor for use in multi-contestant races
  • a race monitor for use in multi-contestant races
  • inert transponder means carryied by each contestant, each said transponder means having a unique identification code
  • a plurality of scanner means emitting an interrogation signal mounted on a plurality of aligned individual contestant gates for causing said transponder means to emit its identification code
  • reader means connected to each said scanner means for receiving said code
  • first computer means including clock means for receiving and storing information concerning race times from said reader means.
  • the basic elements of the invention include a transponder 1, which is carried by an athlete, a scanner 2 for mounting at a monitoring or timing station (not shown), a reader 3 attached to each scanner 2 and a computer 4 for receiving a signal from the reader 3.
  • the transponder 1 is a small device containing its own unique identification number.
  • the transponder is an inert device which is activated by a radio signal, which causes the transponder to respond with its own identifying number, which number is also assigned to a contestant.
  • a suitable transponder is the 9/16" TX1104 transponder available from Destron/IDI Inc. of Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A. which has a range of 34 billion unique identification combination. Each athlete in a race wears a wrist watch or band containing a transponder 1.
  • the transponder 1 is read by a scanner 2 when the transponder is placed in contact with a fiberglass, disc-shaped target 6 (Fig.1) containing the scanner.
  • the scanner 2 emits a low power 400 kHz interrogation signal which energizes an access card (not shown) in the transponder 1.
  • a signal from the transponder card is filtered and amplified by the scanner 2 and transmitted to the reader 3.
  • Suitable scanners and readers are also available from Destron/IDI Inc.
  • the reader 3 receives the improved signal from the scanner 2 and digitizes such signal, interprets the data and performs tests on the data to ensure the validity thereof.
  • a pair of targets 6 are mounted on a single monitor box 8 (Fig.2).
  • a plurality of such boxes 8 are mounted on a row of frames or ports (not shown) to define gates similar to those formed by supermarket checkout counters.
  • the gates are 30 to 36 inches wide, permitting the passage of only one athlete at a time.
  • the targets 6 are mounted at an angle of about 20° on one side of each gate, and at a height of approximately three feet from the ground.
  • An athlete passing either side of the box 8 will have access to a target 6.
  • Each target 6 also carries a light 9, which provides a visible signal that the scanner 2 has read the transponder 1 of the athlete passing through the gate.
  • a post 10 extending upwardly form the box 8 carries a sponsor's sign 11 containing lights 12 (Fig. 1).
  • a horn or tweeter 13 or another noise maker is mounted in each end of the sign 12 for providing an audible signal that an athlete has passed through the gate and his/her transponder identification has been read.
  • the box 8 contains a pair of readers 3, computers 4, printers 14 and a radio 15 for transmitting data to remote central results and/or announcer radios 17 and 18 (Fig. 1), respectively.
  • the radios 15, 17 and 18 are off-the-shelf two-way RF frequency devices.
  • Acceptable data communication equipment is available from Data Radio Inc., Town of Mount Royal, Quebec, the equipment including models BDLC, BDL5-S5, Dataradio T-Modem 96, Dataradio 4800 SRM, 9600 SRM Radio Modem, MDLC modem data link and Dataradio S-1, S-5 Series 4800 and 9600 model.
  • the radio 17 is connected to a central results computer 20, which is connected to a central results printer 21.
  • the radio 18 is connected to an announcer's computer 23, which is connected to an announcer's printer 24.
  • each entrant is issued a unique bib number for identification purposes.
  • the number typically on a paper bib is attached to the athlete's clothing.
  • the number is also written on the arms or legs of the participants, because they may not be wearing their bibs at all times during a race.
  • This identification system is standard for all races and would continue to be used in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention.
  • Each athlete in a race carries a wrist strap containing a transponder 1.
  • the transponder 1 can be built into a wristwatch, can be mounted in a wristwatch-like housing, or can be otherwise attached to an athlete. In any event, a transponder 1 is provided for each athlete.
  • a computer file is built equating the athlete's transponder number to the race number. Such a computer file can be created prior to race day.
  • the timing stations equipped with boxes 8 can be used for race check-in procedures, in which case the race monitoring stations are located so that each entrant must pass through a gate to enter the staging area where the race starts.
  • the length of the race, type of event and number of entrants will dictate the number of stations required, so that there is little or no congestion. Because it does not matter which gate the athlete passes through, the athletes will naturally enter gates which are not in use.
  • the use of a large target such as a disc carrying the scanner 2 makes it easy for an athlete to quickly locate the scanner prior to each race. If necessary, as the athletes approach timing stations, race officials instruct them to touch the transponder 1 in the center of the target 6 as they pass through a chute.
  • the identification number of the transponder is sent from the scanner to the reader 3 and thence to the computer 4.
  • the computer 4 is preferably a personal computer, it could be replaced by a device capable of reading the identification numbers from the reader and matching the number to an internal clock, storing the data, and transmitting the data to a computer.
  • the computer 4 reads the identification number received from the reader, reads its own clock which is the elapsed time from the start of the race, creates a file of identification numbers and times and causes printing of the numbers and times for backup purposes. Simultaneously, a signal is emitted to illuminate the lights 9 and 12, and to activate the tweeter 13.
  • the identification number and time records from each timing station can be instantly relayed by the radios 15, 17 and 18 to central computers 20 and 23 (which may be one device) for announcing and television identification.
  • a combination of individual chutes or gates and lights/horns or tweeters immediately indicate whether a successful read has occurred. If a contestant does not contact the scanner 2 or if there is an equipment failure, both the timing crew and the athlete are immediately aware of the problem.
  • the monitor includes the transponder 1, the scanner 2, the reader 3 and a computer 4 for receiving and storing data.
  • the other elements of the invention are indented to provide visual and audible indications of whether each transponder is being read, and to provide instantaneous information to others concerning the times and locations of contestants.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
  • Time Recorders, Dirve Recorders, Access Control (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Lubrication Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Spinning Or Twisting Of Yarns (AREA)
  • Jib Cranes (AREA)

Claims (5)

  1. Renn-Monitor zur Anwendung in Rennen zwischen mehreren Läufern, der aus einer inerten Transponder-Vorrichtung (1) besteht, die jeder Läufer mit sich führt, wobei die genannte Transponder-Vorrichtung einen eindeutigen Identifikations-Code enthält; mehrere Scanner-Vorrichtungen (2), die ein Abfragesignal aussenden und an mehreren ausgerichteten individuellen Zieltoren angebracht werden, an denen verursacht wird, daß die genannte Transponder-Vorrichtung ihren Identifikations-Code sendet; an jede genannte Scanner-Vorrichtung angeschlossene Lesevorrichtung (3) zum Empfang des genannten Codes; und eine erste Computer-Vorrichtung (4) einschließlich einer Uhrzeit-Vorrichtung für Empfang und Speicherung von Laufzeit-Informationen von der genannten Lesevorrichtung.
  2. Renn-Monitor nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Lichtmittel (9) an die genannte ersten Computer-Vorrichtung angeschlossen sind, um visuell darzustellen, daß der Identifikations-Code einer Transponder-Vorrichtung von der genannten Lesevorrichtung gelesen worden ist.
  3. Renn-Monitor nach Anspruch 2, einschließlich einer and die genannte erste Computer-Vorrichtung angeschlossenen Tongeber-Vorrichtung (13) zur Ausgabe einer hörbaren Meldung, daß der Identifikations-Code einer Transponder-Vorrichtung von der genannten Lesevorrichtung gelesen worden ist.
  4. Renn-Monitor nach Anspruch 1, einschließlich einer mit der genannten ersten Computer-Vorrichtung verbundenen ersten Drucker-Vorrichtung (14) zum Ausdrucken der Informationen von dcr genannten ersten Computer-Vorrichtung.
  5. Renn-Monitor nach Anspruch 1, einschließlich einer an die genannte erste Computer-Vorrichtung (4) angeschlossenen Funk-Vorrichtung (15) zum Senden der Informationen über ein Rennen; zweite zentrale Computer-Vorrichtung (20) zum Empfang von Informationen von mehreren genannten ersten Computer-Vorrichtungen und zur Darstellung eines Überblicks über das Rennen.
EP92916385A 1991-08-23 1992-07-31 Überwachungsvorrichtung für rennen Revoked EP0600927B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002049783A CA2049783A1 (en) 1991-08-23 1991-08-23 Race monitor
CA2049783 1991-08-23
PCT/CA1992/000329 WO1993004446A1 (en) 1991-08-23 1992-07-31 Race monitor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0600927A1 EP0600927A1 (de) 1994-06-15
EP0600927B1 true EP0600927B1 (de) 1996-10-23

Family

ID=4148245

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92916385A Revoked EP0600927B1 (de) 1991-08-23 1992-07-31 Überwachungsvorrichtung für rennen

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0600927B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH07500934A (de)
AT (1) ATE144637T1 (de)
AU (1) AU2368292A (de)
CA (1) CA2049783A1 (de)
DE (1) DE69214826D1 (de)
WO (1) WO1993004446A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9319761U1 (de) * 1993-12-22 1994-07-28 Diehl GmbH & Co, 90478 Nürnberg Zeitnahmeeinrichtung für sportliche Wettbewerbe
EP0660272A3 (de) * 1993-12-22 1996-05-22 Diehl Gmbh & Co Zeitnahmeeinrichtung für sportliche Wettbewerbe.
AUPN861396A0 (en) * 1996-03-12 1996-04-04 Dorian Industries Pty. Ltd. Timing apparatus and method
NL1014083C2 (nl) * 2000-01-17 2001-07-18 Championchip B V Werkwijze voor het aanbieden van informatie per telefoon.
DE20112701U1 (de) * 2001-08-01 2001-10-18 Sport Ident Timing Systems Ab, Stockholm Sportleridentifikationsbogen
FR2832016A1 (fr) * 2001-11-08 2003-05-09 Auguste Pizzanelli Systeme polyvalent mobile modulaire autonome de gestion de donnees informatiques vocales et video et ses applications

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4823367A (en) * 1987-08-07 1989-04-18 Rikagaku Kenkyujyo and Hochiki Corp. Method and apparatus for automatic lap counting
JPH0348794A (ja) * 1989-07-18 1991-03-01 Seiko Instr Inc タイマー機能付電子時計
DE3929048A1 (de) * 1989-09-01 1991-03-07 Johann Nowotny Automatischer zeitnehmer
AU636184B2 (en) * 1989-12-15 1993-04-22 Kazuo Takahashi Method for determining sequence of arrival and racing time of runners at finish line by use of bar codes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2368292A (en) 1993-03-16
DE69214826D1 (de) 1996-11-28
WO1993004446A1 (en) 1993-03-04
ATE144637T1 (de) 1996-11-15
EP0600927A1 (de) 1994-06-15
JPH07500934A (ja) 1995-01-26
CA2049783A1 (en) 1993-02-24

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