EP0561940B1 - A high-efficiency apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack - Google Patents
A high-efficiency apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0561940B1 EP0561940B1 EP92901232A EP92901232A EP0561940B1 EP 0561940 B1 EP0561940 B1 EP 0561940B1 EP 92901232 A EP92901232 A EP 92901232A EP 92901232 A EP92901232 A EP 92901232A EP 0561940 B1 EP0561940 B1 EP 0561940B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- station
- racetrack
- frequency
- antenna
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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 high-efficiency apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack.
- a well-recognized requirement is that information on the partial and overall travel times of a running vehicle should be provided in real time.
- apparatus and recording systems which are based on the use of photocells being linked to PC's through a so-called telephone loop to record the pass of each vehicle.
- US-4449114 and US-3546696 describe systems for indicating vehicle positions and speeds on a racetrack by detection of signals, in which each vehicle has its own unique transmission frequency.
- Another object of the invention is to enable transmission and computer processing of the measurement information from each vehicle.
- an apparatus embodying this invention is an apparatus embodying this invention and being adapted to measure, in real time, operational parameters and times of vehicles 2, such as racing cars running around a race track.
- Track means here any generic racetrack, path, or closed-loop course, such as a motordrome, along which vehicles of varying description may have to face speed and/or endurance trials and compete with one another in a race.
- the apparatus 1 comprises a set of operational units which are structurally independent of but interact with one another.
- detecting stations 10 installed at selected locations on one side of the track.
- a preferred embodiment of the installation provides no less than thirty two stations 10 along the course which may be placed behind the conventional bumping barrier.
- FIG. 1 Shown in Figure 1 is a section 3 of a track, on one side whereof there are arranged two identical detecting stations whose constructions will be described in detail hereinafter.
- the unit 5 is secured under the bodyframe 6 of the vehicle 2.
- Each detecting station 10 includes an antenna 8 lying transversely to the track. Specifically, the antennae 8 would be buried beneath the track surface such that the vehicles 2 will cross the antennae along their travel path from an overlying position, as shown schematically in Figure 1.
- an interconnection looped or segmented structure 15 wherethrough all of the stations 10 are connected to a central processing unit 12 operative to supply, for each vehicle 2. full information pertaining to partial and overall travel times around the racetrack.
- the structure 15 is advantageously comprised of a wide band coaxial cable interconnecting the various stations 10 and the central unit 12.
- the transceiver unit 5 Upon one of the vehicles 2 in the race according to its travel path crossing or moving past one of the antennae 8, the transceiver unit 5 will pick up a signal from station 10. Preferably, this signal would be emitted at a frequency of 153.6 kHz or 143.6 kHz.
- the transceiver unit 5 On receiving this signal, the transceiver unit 5 will be driven, in turn, to emit an RF signal, which signal is emitted at a single selected frequency of vehicle identification in the 1.2 GHz band.
- the station 10 picks up the return signal on the same antenna 8.
- the detecting station transmits the received signals to the central unit 12.
- the transmission takes place over the wide band coaxial cable 15 interconnecting all of the detecting stations 10.
- each detecting station 10 will be described with reference in particular to the example of Figure 2.
- each station 10 includes an antenna 8 comprising a section of a cable conductor 9, essentially bent into a U-shape and having opposite ends which are run to an interface 11.
- the cable 9 is buried under the track surface transversely to the running direction thereof, and the interface 11 is housed and powered within a sealed case connected to the remaining circuitry of station 10 through a multipolar connector.
- the interface 11 incorporates electronic circuitry, not shown because conventional, for driving the RF emission from the antenna 8 under control by control signals F1, F2 which are received on an input terminal 13.
- Another input terminal 13a is arranged to receive test signals of the antenna operability.
- the signals F1 and F2 come from a low-frequency oscillator, such as a so-called crystal, installed at the station 10 and being controlled and powered over a six-way bus line.
- a low-frequency oscillator such as a so-called crystal
- the antenna 8 is, therefore, set up for emitting the signals F1, F2 at two pre-determined frequencies: 153.6 kHz ⁇ 100 Hz and 143.6 kHz ⁇ 100 Hz.
- the antenna 8 also receives signals in the 1.2 GHz band.
- a high-frequency amplifier 14 is connected downstream from the interface 11.
- the station 10 further includes a mixer 16 having a first input connected to the amplifier 14 output and a second input receiving a signal generated by a local oscillator 17 which operates at 1.1435 GHz.
- the mixer 16 is adapted to convert the signal received in the 1.2 GHz frequency band to a useful signal for transmission over the coaxial cable 15.
- the modulator allows, therefore, the output signal from the mixer 16 to be modulated such that each of the different stations 10 can be identified by the central unit 12 during a data transmission.
- the one difference between the various stations 10 is given by the modulation of the signal that arrives at the central unit from each of them over the wide band cable 15.
- the working frequency of the cable 15 is within the range of 71.750 MHz to 137.075 MHz. Consequently, the carrier frequency identifying each of the vehicles 2, being emitted by the corresponding transceiver unit 5, will be converted through the mixer 16 to enable its transmission over the cable 15. The frequency of the output signal will depend, therefore, on which vehicle is moving above the antenna 8.
- a carrier frequency of 1.215 GHz is associated with a vehicle.
- the corresponding carrier on the wide band cable would be 71.75 MHz.
- a second vehicle having an identifying frequency of 1.2155 GHz there would correspond a frequency of 72.25 MHz downstream from the mixer 16.
- the frequency modulation wherewith these signals are transmitted over the cable 15 will enable the central unit 12 to also identify the emitting station 10.
- the output impedance to the coaxial cable of the modulator 20 is selected to be 75 R, thereby when the unit 5 on the vehicle is 500 millimeters above the antenna 8, the signal received by the central unit will be a level of -20 dBm or lower.
- any other services for which the cable 15 may be utilized would not interfere with the band used for the above-mentioned measurement.
- the station 10 is installed inside a sealed case affording a protection rating of IP65. and is suitable for operation within a temperature range of -25°C to +50°C.
- the electronic circuitry is supplied a voltage in the 37 to 65 Volts range at 50 Hz from the coaxial cable itself.
- a meter-amplifier 21 Connected downstream from the receiver 30 is a meter-amplifier 21 which has an output connected to a control circuit portion 40.
- a threshold detector 22 having an input connected to the amplifier 21 output.
- the amplifier 21 output is connected to the input of a differential amplifier 23 with an associated comparator 24.
- the respective outputs of the threshold detector 22 and the comparator 24 are connected to corresponding inputs of a logic gate 25 of the AND type which drives, through an output 26 thereof, a high-frequency transmitter 27 operative to emit signals in the 1.2 GHz band through an antenna 31.
- the frequency band allocated to this transmission is in the range of 1.215 GHz to 1.280325 GHz; in this way, a selected identification frequency can be associated with each vehicle.
- the transmitter 27 Upon the receiver 30 picking up the signal at 153.6 kHz or 143.6 kHz from the antenna 8, the transmitter 27 is operated to emit a carrier in the 1.2 GHz band concurrently with the amplitude peak of the received signal.
- the function of the threshold detector 22 is to define a minimum signal level above which the transmitter 27 should be operated. Concurrently therewith, the peak of the detected signal is identified by the amplifier 23 and its associated comparator to also identify the transmission frequency of the received signal.
- the unit 5 By having the unit 5 fitted under the body frame 6 of the vehicle 2, its vertical axis can be arranged to lie substantially normal to the axis of the vehicle wheels. Thus, the RF transmission between the unit 5 and the antenna 8 is favored.
- Each module 32 comprises a receiver 34 tuned to a frequency which corresponds to that of a given vehicle 2.
- Said receiver 34 comprises a demodulator 35 having an output connected to a microprocessor 37 of the integrated type which is operated on the basis of a timing pulse CK.
- the coupling between the demodulator 35 and the microprocessor 37 provides for the former of these components to supply on respective outputs a digital signal indicating which of the detecting stations 10 is transmitting over the coaxial cable 15, as well as which signal has been picked up on a vehicle moving past that station.
- each module 32 will output a series of digital information, preferably in the ASCII code, relating to an identification code of the vehicle, a code identifying the detecting station 10, and the acknowledgment of that said vehicle has run past the station at a given time.
- This information is used by an electronic processor, not shown because conventional, which is supplied the signals output by all of the various modules 32 to calculate the partial and overall times.
- the central unit 12 is able as such to compute the partial and overall travel times around the course of at least a hundred vehicles competing with one another.
- the measuring accuracy is on the order of one thousandth of a second for vehicles which can attain a top speed of 400 kilometers per hour.
- the apparatus of this invention allows each vehicle running around a racetrack to be identified in real time, while also recording its partial and overall run times. In addition, it allows of the transmission of parameters relating to engine, electric, or aerodynamic performance as issued by monitoring units, sensors or transducers installed on the vehicle.
- a major advantage comes from the circuit being split through a plurality of measuring points, which enables the racing record of each vehicle to be substantially re-constructed.
- a further advantage is the ability to have a racetrack equipped with the apparatus of this invention on a permanent basis, thus avoiding the costly installation and adjustment operations entailed by conventional systems in current use.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a high-efficiency apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack.
- In the specific applicative field of this invention, a well-recognized requirement is that information on the partial and overall travel times of a running vehicle should be provided in real time.
- The difficulties encountered in filling this demand are intensified where several vehicles competing in a race are running around the same one track. In fact. it is not so easy to identify each of the vehicles and record all the run times around the track.
- While some solutions have been proposed in the prior art to meet the above-mentioned requirement, these have shown to be less than fully satisfactory.
- For instance, apparatus and recording systems have been known which are based on the use of photocells being linked to PC's through a so-called telephone loop to record the pass of each vehicle.
- Other approaches make use of an RF transmitter installed on each vehicle in a race and a single receiver antenna buried beneath the track finish line.
- While serving their purpose to some extent. the above prior solutions have presently become obsolete because they can only operate with a limited number of vehicles running at one time. In neither instances. moreover, can such conventional solutions provide for the transmission of engine, electrical or aerodynamic parameters of the running vehicles.
- In addition. the apparatus employed in conventional measuring apparatus have operating rates which are liable to much interference from the traffic volume of data being transmitted, thereby they require intense maintenance by skilled personnel.
- It should be further added that such prior apparatus are not permanent intallations. but are installed temporarily on a racetrack according to necessity, which entails considerable adjustment work by skilled personnel. lasting several hours before each race.
- US-4449114 and US-3546696 describe systems for indicating vehicle positions and speeds on a racetrack by detection of signals, in which each vehicle has its own unique transmission frequency.
- The underlying technical problem of this invention is to provide an apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack in real time, which has such structural and functional features as to enable prompt identification of any of the vehicles in the race while providing measurements of partial and overall speed and travel times over the racetrack for each of the vehicles.
- Another object of the invention is to enable transmission and computer processing of the measurement information from each vehicle.
- This technical problem is solved by an apparatus as set out in the appended claims.
- The features and advantages of an apparatus according to the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of illustration and not of limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- In the drawings:
- Figure 1 is a diagramatic representation of an apparatus according to the invention;
- Figure 2 is another diagramatic view, showing a detail of the apparatus in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a diagramatic view showing a further detail of the apparatus in Figure 1; and
- Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a data processing unit associated with the apparatus in Figure 1.
-
- With reference to the drawing figures, generally and schematically shown at 1 is an apparatus embodying this invention and being adapted to measure, in real time, operational parameters and times of
vehicles 2, such as racing cars running around a race track. - Track means here any generic racetrack, path, or closed-loop course, such as a motordrome, along which vehicles of varying description may have to face speed and/or endurance trials and compete with one another in a race.
- The apparatus 1 comprises a set of operational units which are structurally independent of but interact with one another.
- provided along the track may be
plural detecting stations 10 installed at selected locations on one side of the track. A preferred embodiment of the installation provides no less than thirty twostations 10 along the course which may be placed behind the conventional bumping barrier. - Shown in Figure 1 is a
section 3 of a track, on one side whereof there are arranged two identical detecting stations whose constructions will be described in detail hereinafter. - Each
vehicle 2 mounts atransceiver unit 5 operative to receive and transmit RF information from/to eachstation 10. - In a preferred embodiment, the
unit 5 is secured under thebodyframe 6 of thevehicle 2. - Each detecting
station 10 includes anantenna 8 lying transversely to the track. Specifically, theantennae 8 would be buried beneath the track surface such that thevehicles 2 will cross the antennae along their travel path from an overlying position, as shown schematically in Figure 1. - Also provided is an interconnection looped or segmented
structure 15 wherethrough all of thestations 10 are connected to acentral processing unit 12 operative to supply, for eachvehicle 2. full information pertaining to partial and overall travel times around the racetrack. - The
structure 15 is advantageously comprised of a wide band coaxial cable interconnecting thevarious stations 10 and thecentral unit 12. - The method of operation of the inventive apparatus will be now described briefly: further on, this method will be discussed in greater detail.
- Upon one of the
vehicles 2 in the race according to its travel path crossing or moving past one of theantennae 8, thetransceiver unit 5 will pick up a signal fromstation 10. Preferably, this signal would be emitted at a frequency of 153.6 kHz or 143.6 kHz. - On receiving this signal, the
transceiver unit 5 will be driven, in turn, to emit an RF signal, which signal is emitted at a single selected frequency of vehicle identification in the 1.2 GHz band. - The
station 10 picks up the return signal on thesame antenna 8. - Through a frequency conversion, the detecting station transmits the received signals to the
central unit 12. The transmission takes place over the wide bandcoaxial cable 15 interconnecting all of the detectingstations 10. - The information received by the
central unit 12 is processed to obtain the parameter of the time when avehicle 2 has moved past a givenstation 10. - Now, the structure of each detecting
station 10 will be described with reference in particular to the example of Figure 2. - As mentioned above. each
station 10 includes anantenna 8 comprising a section of a cable conductor 9, essentially bent into a U-shape and having opposite ends which are run to aninterface 11. The cable 9 is buried under the track surface transversely to the running direction thereof, and theinterface 11 is housed and powered within a sealed case connected to the remaining circuitry ofstation 10 through a multipolar connector. - The
interface 11 incorporates electronic circuitry, not shown because conventional, for driving the RF emission from theantenna 8 under control by control signals F1, F2 which are received on aninput terminal 13. Anotherinput terminal 13a is arranged to receive test signals of the antenna operability. - The signals F1 and F2 come from a low-frequency oscillator, such as a so-called crystal, installed at the
station 10 and being controlled and powered over a six-way bus line. - The
antenna 8 is, therefore, set up for emitting the signals F1, F2 at two pre-determined frequencies: 153.6 kHz ± 100 Hz and 143.6 kHz ± 100 Hz. - The
antenna 8 also receives signals in the 1.2 GHz band. For picking up such signals, a high-frequency amplifier 14 is connected downstream from theinterface 11. - The
station 10 further includes amixer 16 having a first input connected to theamplifier 14 output and a second input receiving a signal generated by alocal oscillator 17 which operates at 1.1435 GHz. Themixer 16 is adapted to convert the signal received in the 1.2 GHz frequency band to a useful signal for transmission over thecoaxial cable 15. - Accordingly, the difference between the values of the signals at the respective inputs of the
mixer 16 will be addressed to the input of amodulator 20 connected in thecoaxial cable 15 to enable the transmission of information to thecentral unit 12. - The modulator allows, therefore, the output signal from the
mixer 16 to be modulated such that each of thedifferent stations 10 can be identified by thecentral unit 12 during a data transmission. In fact, the one difference between thevarious stations 10 is given by the modulation of the signal that arrives at the central unit from each of them over thewide band cable 15. - The working frequency of the
cable 15 is within the range of 71.750 MHz to 137.075 MHz. Consequently, the carrier frequency identifying each of thevehicles 2, being emitted by thecorresponding transceiver unit 5, will be converted through themixer 16 to enable its transmission over thecable 15. The frequency of the output signal will depend, therefore, on which vehicle is moving above theantenna 8. - For instance, if a carrier frequency of 1.215 GHz is associated with a vehicle. the corresponding carrier on the wide band cable would be 71.75 MHz. Likewise. to a second vehicle having an identifying frequency of 1.2155 GHz. there would correspond a frequency of 72.25 MHz downstream from the
mixer 16. - In any case. the frequency modulation wherewith these signals are transmitted over the
cable 15 will enable thecentral unit 12 to also identify the emittingstation 10. - The output impedance to the coaxial cable of the
modulator 20 is selected to be 75 R, thereby when theunit 5 on the vehicle is 500 millimeters above theantenna 8, the signal received by the central unit will be a level of -20 dBm or lower. - Any other services for which the
cable 15 may be utilized would not interfere with the band used for the above-mentioned measurement. - It should be mentioned for completeness that the
station 10 is installed inside a sealed case affording a protection rating of IP65. and is suitable for operation within a temperature range of -25°C to +50°C. The electronic circuitry is supplied a voltage in the 37 to 65 Volts range at 50 Hz from the coaxial cable itself. - While co-operating directly with the detecting
station 10, thetransceiver unit 5 is illustrated in detail by Figure 3. - It is powered, in a mannner known per se, from resident batteries, but alternative powering from the vehicle standard battery is also contemplated.
-
Said unit 5 comprises anRF signal receiver 30 having a first winding tuned to the frequency of 153.6 kHz and a second winding tuned to 143.6 kHz. - Connected downstream from the
receiver 30 is a meter-amplifier 21 which has an output connected to acontrol circuit portion 40. - Provided on the one side in the
portion 40 is athreshold detector 22 having an input connected to theamplifier 21 output. On the other side. theamplifier 21 output is connected to the input of adifferential amplifier 23 with an associatedcomparator 24. - The respective outputs of the
threshold detector 22 and thecomparator 24 are connected to corresponding inputs of alogic gate 25 of the AND type which drives, through anoutput 26 thereof, a high-frequency transmitter 27 operative to emit signals in the 1.2 GHz band through anantenna 31. - Specifically, the frequency band allocated to this transmission is in the range of 1.215 GHz to 1.280325 GHz; in this way, a selected identification frequency can be associated with each vehicle.
- As an example, there may be associated with a first vehicle a frequency of 1.15 GHz. and with a second vehicle, another frequency of 1.2155 GHz, 625 kHz apart from the former.
- Accordingly, by selecting frequencies which lie 500 kHz or 625 kHz apart, it becomes possible to identify, within the above-specified band, up to over one hundred vehicles competing on the same racetrack.
- The
unit 5 is also provided with afrequency discriminator 28 which is connected to thereceiver 30 output and operative to generate a signal U1 indicative of the vehicle having moved past, over anantenna 8. A second signal U2 from the output of the ANDgate 25 indicates whichantenna 8 has been run over. - These signals U1, U2 are addressed to a
serial connector 29 which is connected to a pair of inputs of the transmitter 27 to supply information and a timing pulse where theunit 5 is used for telemetric transmissions at 256 kbaud. - Upon the
receiver 30 picking up the signal at 153.6 kHz or 143.6 kHz from theantenna 8, the transmitter 27 is operated to emit a carrier in the 1.2 GHz band concurrently with the amplitude peak of the received signal. - The
unit 5 is designed to transmit telemetric format information via a suitable modulator. - The function of the
threshold detector 22 is to define a minimum signal level above which the transmitter 27 should be operated. Concurrently therewith, the peak of the detected signal is identified by theamplifier 23 and its associated comparator to also identify the transmission frequency of the received signal. - By having the
unit 5 fitted under thebody frame 6 of thevehicle 2, its vertical axis can be arranged to lie substantially normal to the axis of the vehicle wheels. Thus, the RF transmission between theunit 5 and theantenna 8 is favored. - With reference in particular to the example shown in Figure 4. the structure and operation of the
central unit 12 running to the various detectingstations 10 will be now described. - The input side of the
unit 12 receives one end of the coaxialwide band cable 15. and through a frequency conversion followed by amplification at an intermediate frequency by aninterface 33, makes an electric signal IF available which can be analyzed by amodule 32, - The
modules 32 are structurally identical with one another, and theunit 12 is formed by two sets of fifty such modules each; each module being paired with one vehicle in the race. - Each
module 32 comprises areceiver 34 tuned to a frequency which corresponds to that of a givenvehicle 2. Saidreceiver 34 comprises ademodulator 35 having an output connected to amicroprocessor 37 of the integrated type which is operated on the basis of a timing pulse CK. - A
circuit portion 38 is also provided for analyzing the spectrum of the signal IF and allowing, on anoutput 39, the identification and demodulation of any telemetric transmissions of information directed to an external unit. - The coupling between the demodulator 35 and the
microprocessor 37 provides for the former of these components to supply on respective outputs a digital signal indicating which of the detectingstations 10 is transmitting over thecoaxial cable 15, as well as which signal has been picked up on a vehicle moving past that station. - The microprocessor will then supply, on an
output 36, the above information in the RS232 serial format. That is, eachmodule 32 will output a series of digital information, preferably in the ASCII code, relating to an identification code of the vehicle, a code identifying the detectingstation 10, and the acknowledgment of that said vehicle has run past the station at a given time. - This information is used by an electronic processor, not shown because conventional, which is supplied the signals output by all of the
various modules 32 to calculate the partial and overall times. - The
central unit 12 is able as such to compute the partial and overall travel times around the course of at least a hundred vehicles competing with one another. - The measuring accuracy is on the order of one thousandth of a second for vehicles which can attain a top speed of 400 kilometers per hour.
- The apparatus of this invention allows each vehicle running around a racetrack to be identified in real time, while also recording its partial and overall run times. In addition, it allows of the transmission of parameters relating to engine, electric, or aerodynamic performance as issued by monitoring units, sensors or transducers installed on the vehicle.
- A major advantage comes from the circuit being split through a plurality of measuring points, which enables the racing record of each vehicle to be substantially re-constructed.
- A further advantage is the ability to have a racetrack equipped with the apparatus of this invention on a permanent basis, thus avoiding the costly installation and adjustment operations entailed by conventional systems in current use.
Claims (9)
- A high-efficiency apparatus (1) for real time measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles (2) running around a racetrack, comprising at least one detecting station (10) arranged at a location along said racetrack and being set up to receive and transmit radio frequency signals from/to a unit (5) installed on each vehicle (2), characterized in that said station is provided with electronic frequency-converter means (16,20) for transmitting and modulating the received signals over a wide band coaxial cable (15).
- An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising :a plurality of detecting stations arranged at selected locations along said racetrack;a transceiver unit (5) mounted on each vehicle (2) and operative to receive and transmit information from/to each station (10);wherein said wide band coaxial cable forms a loop connection structure (15) whereby said stations are interconnected with a central processing unit (12).
- An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein each said station (10) includes an antenna (8) laid across the racetrack, and wherein each antenna is buried under the racetrack surface, wherein each antenna (8) comprises a section of a cable conductor (9) bent essentially into a U-shape and having opposite ends run to a drive/receive interface (11).
- An apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that each said station (10) includes a low-frequency oscillator (7) input connected to an interface (11) associated with an antenna (8) and whence interface drive pulses are drawn for RF transmission at at least two discrete frequencies, wherein said discrete frequencies are 153.6 kHz and 143.6 kHz.
- An apparatus according to claim 2 in which each said station (10) further includes a transceiver antenna (8), an interface (11) associated with the antenna and a high-frequency amplifier (14) connected downstream from the interface, and wherein said electronic frequency converter means comprises a signal mixer (16) having one input connected to the amplifier (14) output and a second input to receive a signal generated by an oscillator (17), and a modulator (20) connected in said coaxial cable (15) and driven by the output from the mixer (16).
- An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said transceiver unit (5) comprises a low frequency receiver (30) and a high frequency transmitter (27), wherein said transmitter (27) is linked operatively to the detection of a signal by said receiver (30), and said transmitter transmits RF signals in the 1.2GHz frequency band.
- An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said transceiver unit (5) is installed under the bodyframe of the vehicle (2).
- An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said central processing unit (12) comprises a plurality of structurally independent modules (32) corresponding in number to that of the vehicles (2) taking part in the racing event, each module being provided with a receiver (34) tuned to a frequency corresponding to that transmitted by a vehicle in the race and with a microprocessor (37) connected thereto to encode parameters identifying the vehicle, the detecting station (10), and the time when said vehicle has moved past said station.
- Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising :a plurality of detecting stations (10) arranged at selected locations around said racetrack;a transceiver unit (5) installed on each vehicle (2) and operative to receive and transmit information from/to each station (10); andwherein said wide band coaxial cable forms a segmental interconnection structure (15) whereby said stations (10) are interconnected with a central processing unit (12).
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT02239090A IT1244338B (en) | 1990-12-14 | 1990-12-14 | Highly efficient apparatus for recording operational times and parameters of vehicles on a race circuit |
IT2238990 | 1990-12-14 | ||
IT2239090 | 1990-12-14 | ||
IT02238890A IT1244336B (en) | 1990-12-14 | 1990-12-14 | Highly efficient apparatus for recording operational times and parameters of vehicles on a race circuit |
IT2238890 | 1990-12-14 | ||
IT02238990A IT1244337B (en) | 1990-12-14 | 1990-12-14 | Highly efficient apparatus for recording operational times and parameters of vehicles on a race circuit |
PCT/EP1991/002419 WO1992010811A1 (en) | 1990-12-14 | 1991-12-16 | A high-efficiency apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0561940A1 EP0561940A1 (en) | 1993-09-29 |
EP0561940B1 true EP0561940B1 (en) | 1999-06-09 |
Family
ID=27273276
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92901232A Expired - Lifetime EP0561940B1 (en) | 1990-12-14 | 1991-12-16 | A high-efficiency apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0561940B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH05508954A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69131324T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1992010811A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AUPN861396A0 (en) * | 1996-03-12 | 1996-04-04 | Dorian Industries Pty. Ltd. | Timing apparatus and method |
ES2289959A1 (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2008-02-01 | Universidad Politecnica De Madrid | System for detecting and discriminating moving objects |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3546696A (en) * | 1969-06-17 | 1970-12-08 | Digimetrics Inc | Sports computer system |
US3714649A (en) * | 1970-05-18 | 1973-01-30 | Stewart Warner Corp | Vehicle race monitoring system |
US3946312A (en) * | 1974-06-25 | 1976-03-23 | Oswald Robert A | Timing apparatus and system |
US4142680A (en) * | 1977-03-21 | 1979-03-06 | Oswald Robert A | High resolution timing recording system |
US4449114A (en) * | 1980-03-27 | 1984-05-15 | Dataspeed, Inc. | System for identifying and displaying data transmitted by way of unique identifying frequencies from multiple vehicles |
IN165970B (en) * | 1984-10-17 | 1990-02-17 | Int Identification Systems | |
FR2619644A1 (en) * | 1987-08-19 | 1989-02-24 | Braconnier Dominique | Detection device, particularly for timing vehicles in sporting competitions |
-
1991
- 1991-12-16 EP EP92901232A patent/EP0561940B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-12-16 WO PCT/EP1991/002419 patent/WO1992010811A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-12-16 JP JP50206992A patent/JPH05508954A/en active Pending
- 1991-12-16 DE DE69131324T patent/DE69131324T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69131324T2 (en) | 1999-12-30 |
EP0561940A1 (en) | 1993-09-29 |
JPH05508954A (en) | 1993-12-09 |
DE69131324D1 (en) | 1999-07-15 |
WO1992010811A1 (en) | 1992-06-25 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5666101A (en) | High-efficiency apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack | |
US4985705A (en) | Method and apparatus for compiling and evaluating local traffic data | |
US4932617A (en) | System for transmitting broadband data and/or instructions between a moving element and a control station | |
US6693562B2 (en) | System and a method for locating a rail vehicle at points along a rail track equipped with beacons and an antenna adapted to be fitted to the system | |
CA2210908A1 (en) | Method for detecting an interference radiation on board of an aircraft | |
US5837909A (en) | Telemetry based shaft torque measurement system for hollow shafts | |
US5250955A (en) | State entry beacon system | |
TW339488B (en) | Circuitry and method for time division multiple access communication system | |
EP0561940B1 (en) | A high-efficiency apparatus for measuring operational parameters and times of vehicles running around a racetrack | |
JPH11209978A (en) | Construction work control device for pile drive | |
US4873531A (en) | Identification transponder for use when a vehicle passes a given point | |
US4342021A (en) | Position or movement sensor, e.g. for conveyances such as lifts | |
DK1152939T3 (en) | Method of transmitting data via an electric drive current to a driving current conductor driving a vehicle | |
CA2001495A1 (en) | Transmission and reception of electric signals carrying information | |
US5900828A (en) | Modemless transmitter for test vehicle tracking system | |
US4508298A (en) | Apparatus for localizing of a train | |
JP4007707B2 (en) | Obstacle detection device for railway | |
KR950014241B1 (en) | Apparatus for transmitting and receiving the data of a car | |
IT9022390A1 (en) | HIGH EFFICIENCY EQUIPMENT TO DETECT PARAMETERS AND OPERATING TIMES OF VEHICLES RUNNING ON A CIRCUIT | |
IT9022389A1 (en) | HIGH EFFICIENCY EQUIPMENT TO DETECT PARAMETERS AND OPERATING TIMES OF VEHICLES RUNNING ON A CIRCUIT | |
CN1050670C (en) | Method and device for the bidirectional transmission of data signals | |
IT9022388A1 (en) | HIGH EFFICIENCY EQUIPMENT TO DETECT PARAMETERS AND OPERATING TIMES OF VEHICLES RUNNING ON A CIRCUIT | |
CN218974594U (en) | Radar speed measurement system for rail transit | |
JPS6322652B2 (en) | ||
CA1179040A (en) | Device for the contact-less measuring of the velocity of and/or the distance covered by a vehicle and a method for carrying out measurements with the device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19930622 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19951124 |
|
GRAG | Despatch of communication of intention to grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA |
|
GRAG | Despatch of communication of intention to grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA |
|
GRAH | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA |
|
GRAH | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 19990609 Ref country code: ES Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY Effective date: 19990609 |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 69131324 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19990715 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19991216 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed | ||
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 19991216 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20000831 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20001003 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |