EP1078334A1 - Method for clocking athletes and corresponding bib - Google Patents

Method for clocking athletes and corresponding bib

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Publication number
EP1078334A1
EP1078334A1 EP98933727A EP98933727A EP1078334A1 EP 1078334 A1 EP1078334 A1 EP 1078334A1 EP 98933727 A EP98933727 A EP 98933727A EP 98933727 A EP98933727 A EP 98933727A EP 1078334 A1 EP1078334 A1 EP 1078334A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bib
label
signature
athletes
electromagnetic field
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98933727A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Thierry Lechevallier
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.)
Lechevallier Thierry
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1078334A1 publication Critical patent/EP1078334A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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

  • the present invention relates to a method of chronometry of athletes racing on a specific track, and a bib for implementing the above method.
  • the chronometry of sportsmen in race on a given track is generally carried out by relatively empirical means including photoelectric means to determine the respective moments when the starting line and when the finishing line are crossed. Equivalent means are also used to monitor the intermediate development of athletes. These means are of low cost, but require races in which each sportsman runs separately and successively with respect to each other.
  • Document FR-A-2,741,978 describes an example of such labels.
  • the electronic label is a normally passive element which comprises a coil intended to capture an electromagnetic field. When the label enters such an electromagnetic field, a sufficient voltage is locally generated which is rectified to supply an electronic circuit integrated in the label.
  • This circuit includes a memory and a transmitter. In the field, the memory is then read and its content is transmitted over the air to a beacon provided for this purpose in the immediate vicinity of the label.
  • Document FR-A-2738370 describes another example of such a label.
  • the present invention uses such an electronic label.
  • documents DE-A-4443 402 and 0-A-93/13500 are known in particular, a process for chronometry of sportsmen racing on a given track, in which each sportsman carries with him a normally passive and emitting electronic label. a signature determined in response to activation by an electromagnetic field.
  • the track has at least a first beacon placed at the entrance to the track and a second beacon disposed at the exit of the track, the two beacons emitting substantially permanently an electromagnetic field and comprising a receiver of the aforementioned signature.
  • the outputs of the receiver of each of the tags are connected to a means of calculation and storage determining for each label at least the time elapsed between the passage to the right of the first and second tags.
  • each label has its own signature determined in a one-to-one manner, the means of calculation and storage effecting, in addition, a temporal classification of the duration for all of the labels of the runners.
  • the label must be for single use and therefore cannot be reused during a subsequent sporting event.
  • each of the electronic tags is incorporated into a bib worn by the sportsman.
  • the invention relates to a bib for implementing the aforementioned method and forming a printed medium comprising, in particular, at least one piece of information with visual reading and / or with optical reading.
  • the bib bears a normally passive electronic tag and emits a determined signature paired with the information for visual and / or optical reading in response to activation by an electromagnetic field.
  • the electronic label is attached to the bib by means of an adhesive or by heat bonding.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows a bib according to the invention
  • Figure 2 schematically shows an electronic label for the bib of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 illustrates a method of producing bibs according to the invention
  • Figure 3 illustrates a control door for a beacon.
  • a bib 10 carrying, conventionally, a distinctive serial number 12 directly legible to the eye (the number 5158 in Figure 1 is a number taken here as example and completely at random).
  • Each bib of course, has a different number.
  • the serial number is repeated in the form of a bar code assembly 14 intended for an optical reading by laser or by infrared of the serial number of the bib, so as to automate the identification of the sportsman wearing a specific bib.
  • Such a bib 10 generally carries, in addition, advertising or equivalent inscriptions which have not been shown in the drawing. Note also that the bib 10 which has been shown in Figure 1 is not in the conventional format for clarity.
  • the bib 10 carries, in addition, an electronic label 16 which will be described in more detail later.
  • This label 16 carries in memory a signature corresponding to the serial number of the bib 10 and can be read by means of a tag (not shown in this Figure).
  • the electronic tag 16 is normally passive, since it carries no on-board autonomous power source. It is activated when it enters a high frequency electromagnetic field. To do this, it basically comprises a coil 22 generating, when it is in an inductive field, an alternating induced voltage which is first rectified, for example by means of a diode bridge 24, to supply the DC voltage to the following stages of the label 16.
  • the memory 26 can be constituted by a ROM type memory, by a simple wired logic memory, or by any other equivalent memory.
  • the information that it must contain can be entered well before the label is attached to the bib.
  • This pairing operation is then, for example, carried out by the manufacturer of the labels very upstream of the use of the label, and the pairing must be checked when the corresponding bib is produced.
  • the bib manufacturing machine may activate the label in order to know the signature, which is then printed in the form of the corresponding order number 12 and / or a barcode 14 on bib 10.
  • the bib manufacturing machine which generates the serial number can print the signature of the label and write it in memory 26 when printing the bib. The pairing is then carried out substantially simultaneously with the manufacture of the bib.
  • FIG. 3 A system is shown in Figure 3 according to which the pairing is carried out after printing of the bib.
  • the bib 10 is worn on an endless band 40 and therefore already includes the elements printed in ink, a direct reading number 12 and, possibly a bar code 14.
  • This number or code is read by a reading means 42 , for example a laser or infrared camera, making it possible to give a one-to-one pairing instruction.
  • This reading means 12 transmits the information to a computer 44 which then processes the information and delivers the instruction to an electronic means 46 of pairing the electronic label 16 when it will appear before the electronic means 46.
  • the electronic label 16 is fixed to the bib either by means of a simple adhesive known in the art and sufficiently resistant to a substantially hostile environment (perspiration, acidity, heat, rain, etc.), or by thermo-bonding if the temperature to which the opposite parts must be worn is not likely to adversely affect the technical characteristics of the label.
  • the lifespan of such a bib must imperatively be the time of a single race, which may however include several successive sporting events, that is to say of the order of a few seconds for a short race and a few hours maximum, for example for a marathon or a multi-event race. After which, the bib is discarded and the label must be destroyed to avoid any risk of subsequent re-use. Therefore, the label 16 must be as simple and as inexpensive as possible.
  • a beacon 36 comprises, of course, a generator of an electromagnetic field of high frequency, but of very short range, connected to a suitable antenna. It further comprises a receiver of the radio signature emitted by the electronic label.
  • FIG 4 there is shown a control door of a tag 36.
  • a control door of a tag 36 Such a door is known to athletes in that it comprises two masts 34 arranged on either side of a strip 30 that they support.
  • the banner 30 includes a lot of information, generally advertising.
  • To this strip 30 is fixed a set of antennas 32 disposed in an inclined manner relative to the horizontal, so as to be able to activate and read the electronic label 16 whatever the position and the inclination of the bib 10. In fact, these positions and inclinations can vary depending on the sport practiced, cycling, skiing, walking, horse riding, etc.
  • the set of antennas 32 is connected to the corresponding tag 16.
  • the set of antennas 32 has been shown here below the strip 30 for clarity. Obviously, it can be placed on one of the faces of the strip 30, by printing, heat-bonding or by any other technique known to those skilled in the art. It can also be incorporated into the strip 30, for example by inlaying, or else be placed between two parallel films constituting the final strip 30.
  • the track taken by the sportsman includes a first beacon at the entrance to the track and a second beacon at the finish of the track.
  • the two beacons emit the inductive electromagnetic field substantially permanently.
  • the signature is first verified to be sure that the athlete is duly registered for the race. Then, the signature is recorded in a means of calculation and memorization, as well as the precise time of the passage of the sportsman to the right of the first beacon.
  • the signature and the precise time are again recorded in the same means of calculation and memorization (generally constituted by a computer). It is then easy to calculate in real time the duration of the race for a signature determined by simple subtraction of the precise hours of passage to the right of the two beacons.
  • the calculation means can easily perform a sorting to deliver a time classification of all athletes.
  • the signatures of the labels are then one-to-one, that is to say that a signature corresponds to a single bib, therefore a single athlete.
  • the method of the invention makes it possible to ensure the chronometry in real time of the race of a large number of athletes passing almost simultaneously in front of the beacons, at least in line with the starting beacon, this without any discomfort for sportsmen.
  • intermediate beacons are arranged along the track between the first and second beacons to determine and display intermediate durations for each of the runners.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for clocking competing athletes on a predetermined track, and the corresponding bib for implementing the method. The invention is characterised in that each athlete carries a normally passive electronic label (16) emitting a predetermined signature in response to an activation by an electromagnetic field. The track comprises at least a first marker arranged at the track start and a second marker at the track finish, the two markers emitting a substantially permanent an electromagnetic field and comprising a receiver for each bib (10) signature, the receiver outputs of the markers being connected to computing and memorising means determining for each label (16) at least the time elapsed between the passage perpendicular to the first and second markers. Each bib (10) carries an electronic label whereof the signature is paired with an information with visual and/or optic reading (12, 14) in response to an activation by an electromagnetic field.

Description

PROCEDE DE CHRONOMETRIE DE SPORTIFS ET DOSSARD CORRESPONDANT PROCESS FOR CHRONOMETRY OF SPORTSMEN AND CORRESPONDING BIB
La présente invention concerne un procédé de chronométrie de sportifs en course sur une piste déterminée, et un dossard pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé précité.The present invention relates to a method of chronometry of athletes racing on a specific track, and a bib for implementing the above method.
La chronométrie de sportifs en course sur une piste déterminée est généralement effectuée par des moyens relativement empiriques comprenant des moyens photo-électriques pour déterminer les moments respectifs où la ligne de départ et où la ligne d'arrivée sont coupées. Des moyens équivalents sont, en outre, mis en oeuvre pour suivre l'évolution intermédiaire des sportifs. Ces moyens sont d'un faible coût, mais requièrent des courses dans lesquelles chaque sportif court séparément et successivement les uns par rapport aux autres.The chronometry of sportsmen in race on a given track is generally carried out by relatively empirical means including photoelectric means to determine the respective moments when the starting line and when the finishing line are crossed. Equivalent means are also used to monitor the intermediate development of athletes. These means are of low cost, but require races in which each sportsman runs separately and successively with respect to each other.
Dans une course telle qu'une course à pieds, un marathon ou équivalent, il y a simultanément plusieurs sportifs au départ et il n'est pas matériellement possible d'utiliser des moyens photoélectriques pour déterminer un gagnant parmi plusieurs coureurs arrivant presque en même temps au but. De ce fait, on utilise généralement, de façon additionnelle, des moyens vidéo ou photographiques pour déterminer le gagnant avec une plus grande fiabilité.In a race such as a running race, a marathon or the like, there are simultaneously several athletes at the start and it is not physically possible to use photoelectric means to determine a winner among several runners arriving almost at the same time to goal. As a result, additional video or photographic means are generally used to determine the winner with greater reliability.
Dans cet esprit, on connait de FR-A-2673740 un moyen pour imprimer un code à barres sur le dossard d'un sportif, de manière à permettre une détermination à distance du porteur du dossard par un moyen de type à laser ou à infrarouge. Cependant, un tel moyen ne permet pas de chronométrer la durée de la course, puisque le moment exact auquel le code à barres est lu ne peut pas être fixé avec précision. En outre, il est possible que le code à barres ne puisse pas être lu dès le premier essai parce que son support est plissé ou sali. Enfin, la difficulté de mise en oeuvre d'un tel procédé croit avec le nombre de coureurs passant quasiment simultanément devant le lecteur correspondant.In this spirit, we know from FR-A-2673740 a means for printing a bar code on the bib of an athlete, so as to allow remote determination of the bib holder by laser or infrared type means. However, such a means does not make it possible to time the duration of the race, since the exact moment at which the bar code is read cannot be fixed with precision. In addition, the barcode may not be able to be read on the first try because its backing is wrinkled or soiled. Finally, the difficulty of implementing such a process increases with the number of runners passing almost simultaneously in front of the corresponding reader.
On connait, par ailleurs, les étiquettes électroniques interrogeables à distance. Le document FR-A-2 741 978 décrit un exemple de telles étiquettes. L'étiquette électronique est un élément normalement passif qui comprend un bobinage destiné à capter un champ électromagnétique. Lorsque l'étiquette entre dans un tel champ électromagnétique, est engendrée localement une tension suffisante qui est redressée pour alimenter un circuit électronique intégré dans l'étiquette. Ce circuit comprend une mémoire et un émetteur. Dans le champ, la mémoire est alors lue et son contenu est émis par voie hertzienne à une balise prévue à cet effet à proximité immédiate de l'étiquette. Le document FR-A-2738370 décrit un autre exemple d'une telle étiquette.We also know electronic tags that can be interrogated remotely. Document FR-A-2,741,978 describes an example of such labels. The electronic label is a normally passive element which comprises a coil intended to capture an electromagnetic field. When the label enters such an electromagnetic field, a sufficient voltage is locally generated which is rectified to supply an electronic circuit integrated in the label. This circuit includes a memory and a transmitter. In the field, the memory is then read and its content is transmitted over the air to a beacon provided for this purpose in the immediate vicinity of the label. Document FR-A-2738370 describes another example of such a label.
La présente invention met en oeuvre une telle étiquette électronique.The present invention uses such an electronic label.
Par ailleurs, on connait notamment des documents DE-A-4443 402 et 0-A-93/13500, un procédé de chronométrie de sportifs en course sur une piste déterminée, dans lequel chaque sportif porte sur lui une étiquette électronique normalement passive et émettant une signature déterminée en réponse à une activation par un champ électromagnétique. La piste comporte au moins une première balise disposée à l'entrée de la piste et une deuxième balise disposée à la sortie de la piste, les deux balises émettant de façon sensiblement permanente un champ électromagnétique et comportant un récepteur de la signature précitée. Les sorties du récepteur de chacune des balises sont connectées à un moyen de calcul et de mémorisation déterminant pour chaque étiquette au moins la durée écoulée entre le passage au droit des première et deuxième balises.Furthermore, documents DE-A-4443 402 and 0-A-93/13500 are known in particular, a process for chronometry of sportsmen racing on a given track, in which each sportsman carries with him a normally passive and emitting electronic label. a signature determined in response to activation by an electromagnetic field. The track has at least a first beacon placed at the entrance to the track and a second beacon disposed at the exit of the track, the two beacons emitting substantially permanently an electromagnetic field and comprising a receiver of the aforementioned signature. The outputs of the receiver of each of the tags are connected to a means of calculation and storage determining for each label at least the time elapsed between the passage to the right of the first and second tags.
De préférence, chaque étiquette a sa propre signature déterminée de façon biunivoque, le moyen de calcul et de mémorisation effectuant, en outre, un classement temporel de la durée pour l'ensemble des étiquettes des coureurs.Preferably, each label has its own signature determined in a one-to-one manner, the means of calculation and storage effecting, in addition, a temporal classification of the duration for all of the labels of the runners.
Le problème posé dans un tel système tient dans le fait que cette étiquette doit impérativement pouvoir être interrogée et lue quelques soient les conditions de port (orientation par rapport aux balises), les conditions de l'environnement (présence de masses métalliques telles que des bicyclettes) et les conditions atmosphériques (présence de boues sur une étiquette).The problem posed in such a system lies in the fact that this label must imperatively be able to be interrogated and read whatever the wearing conditions (orientation relative to the beacons), the environmental conditions (presence of metallic masses such as bicycles ) and atmospheric conditions (presence of sludge on a label).
En outre, l'étiquette doit être à usage unique et, donc, ne pas pouvoir être réutilisée au cours d'un événement sportif ultérieur.In addition, the label must be for single use and therefore cannot be reused during a subsequent sporting event.
Enfin, l'étiquette ne doit en aucun cas apporter une gêne physique au sportif.Finally, the label must in no case bring physical discomfort to the athlete.
La présente invention se situe dans ce contexte et a pour but un procédé de chronométrie permettant d'apporter une solution à ces problèmes et de chronométrer simultanément plusieurs coureurs de façon extrêmement fiable sans nécessiter de moyens additionnels. Selon l'invention, chacune des étiquettes électroniques est incorporée à un dossard porté par le sportif.The present invention is situated in this context and aims at a chronometry method making it possible to provide a solution to these problems and to simultaneously time several runners in an extremely reliable manner without requiring additional means. According to the invention, each of the electronic tags is incorporated into a bib worn by the sportsman.
Selon un autre aspect, l'invention concerne un dossard pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé précité et formant support imprimé comportant, notamment, au moins une information à lecture visuelle et/ou à lecture optique. Le dossard porte une étiquette électronique normalement passive et émettant une signature déterminée apairée avec l'information à lecture visuelle et/ou optique en réponse à une activation par un champ électromagnétique.According to another aspect, the invention relates to a bib for implementing the aforementioned method and forming a printed medium comprising, in particular, at least one piece of information with visual reading and / or with optical reading. The bib bears a normally passive electronic tag and emits a determined signature paired with the information for visual and / or optical reading in response to activation by an electromagnetic field.
De préférence, l'étiquette électronique est fixée au dossard au moyen d'un adhésif ou par thermo-collage.Preferably, the electronic label is attached to the bib by means of an adhesive or by heat bonding.
L'invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres buts, avantages et caractéristiques de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit d'un mode préféré de réalisation donnés à titre non limitatif, et à laquelle deux planches de dessins sont annexées sur lesquelles : la Figure 1 représente schématiquement un dossard conforme à l'invention ; la Figure 2 représente schématiquement une étiquette électronique destinée au dossard de la Figure 1 ; la Figure 3 illustre un procédé de réalisation des dossards conformes à l'invention ; et la Figure 3 illustre une porte de commande d'une balise.The invention will be better understood, and other objects, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment given without limitation, and in which two plates of drawings are attached in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a bib according to the invention; Figure 2 schematically shows an electronic label for the bib of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a method of producing bibs according to the invention; and Figure 3 illustrates a control door for a beacon.
En référence maintenant aux dessins, on a représenté sur la Figure 1 un dossard 10 portant, de façon classique, un numéro d'ordre distinctif 12 directement lisible à l'oeil (le numéro 5158 sur la Figure 1 est un numéro pris ici à titre d'exemple et totalement au hasard). Chaque dossard porte, bien sûr, un numéro différent. De façon préférée, mais non nécessaire, le numéro d'ordre est répété sous forme d'un ensemble de code à barres 14 destiné à une lecture optique par laser ou par infrarouge du numéro d'ordre du dossard, de manière à automatiser l'identification du sportif portant un dossard déterminé.Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Figure 1 a bib 10 carrying, conventionally, a distinctive serial number 12 directly legible to the eye (the number 5158 in Figure 1 is a number taken here as example and completely at random). Each bib, of course, has a different number. In a way preferred, but not necessary, the serial number is repeated in the form of a bar code assembly 14 intended for an optical reading by laser or by infrared of the serial number of the bib, so as to automate the identification of the sportsman wearing a specific bib.
Un tel dossard 10 porte généralement, en outre, des inscriptions publicitaires ou équivalentes qui n'ont pas été représentées sur le dessin. A noter également que le dossard 10 qui a été représenté sur la Figure 1 n'est pas au format classique pour plus de clarté.Such a bib 10 generally carries, in addition, advertising or equivalent inscriptions which have not been shown in the drawing. Note also that the bib 10 which has been shown in Figure 1 is not in the conventional format for clarity.
Conformément à l'invention, le dossard 10 porte, en outre, une étiquette électronique 16 que l'on va décrire plus en détails ultérieurement. Cette étiquette 16 porte en mémoire une signature correspondant au numéro d'ordre du dossard 10 et est lisible au moyen d'une balise (non représentée sur cette Figure).According to the invention, the bib 10 carries, in addition, an electronic label 16 which will be described in more detail later. This label 16 carries in memory a signature corresponding to the serial number of the bib 10 and can be read by means of a tag (not shown in this Figure).
En référence maintenant à la Figure 2, l'étiquette électronique 16 est normalement passive, puisqu'elle ne porte aucune source de puissance autonome embarquée. Elle est activée lorsqu'elle rentre dans un champ électromagnétique à haute fréquence. Pour ce faire, elle comporte fondamentalement une bobine 22 engendrant, lorsqu'elle est dans un champ inducteur, une tension induite alternative qui est d'abord redressée, par exemple au moyen d'un pont de diodes 24, pour alimenter sous tension continue les étages suivants de l'étiquette 16.Referring now to Figure 2, the electronic tag 16 is normally passive, since it carries no on-board autonomous power source. It is activated when it enters a high frequency electromagnetic field. To do this, it basically comprises a coil 22 generating, when it is in an inductive field, an alternating induced voltage which is first rectified, for example by means of a diode bridge 24, to supply the DC voltage to the following stages of the label 16.
Lorsque la tension continue est appliquée, une mémoire 26 contenant la signature ou le numéro d'ordre précité qui constitue une signature biunivoque du dossard 10, est lue et l'information est transmise à un émetteur 28 d'un signal hertzien. Bien évidemment, la mémoire 26 peut être constituée par une mémoire de type ROM, par une simple mémoire logique câblée, ou par toute autre mémoire équivalente.When the DC voltage is applied, a memory 26 containing the aforementioned signature or serial number which constitutes a one-to-one signature of the bib 10, is read and the information is transmitted to a transmitter 28 of a radio signal. Obviously, the memory 26 can be constituted by a ROM type memory, by a simple wired logic memory, or by any other equivalent memory.
Lorsqu'il s'agit d'une mémoire de type ROM, l'information qu'elle doit contenir peut être inscrite bien avant la fixation de l'étiquette sur le dossard. Cette opération d'apairage est alors, par exemple, réalisée par le fabricant des étiquettes très en amont de l'utilisation de l'étiquette, et l'apairage doit être vérifié au moment de la réalisation du dossard correspondant.In the case of a ROM type memory, the information that it must contain can be entered well before the label is attached to the bib. This pairing operation is then, for example, carried out by the manufacturer of the labels very upstream of the use of the label, and the pairing must be checked when the corresponding bib is produced.
D'une façon pratique, dans ce cas, il peut être avantageux que la machine de fabrication du dossard active l'étiquette pour en connaître la signature, laquelle est alors imprimée sous forme du numéro d'ordre correspondant 12 et/ou d'un code à barres 14 sur le dossard 10.In a practical way, in this case, it may be advantageous for the bib manufacturing machine to activate the label in order to know the signature, which is then printed in the form of the corresponding order number 12 and / or a barcode 14 on bib 10.
D'une façon alternative, la machine de fabrication des dossards qui génère le numéro d'ordre, peut imprimer la signature de l'étiquette, et l'inscrire en mémoire 26 lors de l'impression du dossard. L'apairage est alors effectué de façon sensiblement simultanée à la fabrication du dossard.Alternatively, the bib manufacturing machine which generates the serial number can print the signature of the label and write it in memory 26 when printing the bib. The pairing is then carried out substantially simultaneously with the manufacture of the bib.
On a représenté un système sur la Figure 3 selon lequel l'apairage est effectué après impression du dossard. Le dossard 10 est porté sur une bande sans fin 40 et comporte donc déjà les éléments imprimés à l'encre, un numéro à lecture directe 12 et, éventuellement un code à barres 14. Ce numéro ou code est lu par un moyen de lecture 42, par exemple une caméra à laser ou à infrarouge, permettant de donner une instruction d'apairage biunivoque. Ce moyen de lecture 12 transmet l'information à un ordinateur 44 qui traite alors l'information et délivre à un moyen électronique 46 l'instruction d'apairage de l'étiquette électronique 16 lorsqu'elle va se présenter devant le moyen électronique 46.A system is shown in Figure 3 according to which the pairing is carried out after printing of the bib. The bib 10 is worn on an endless band 40 and therefore already includes the elements printed in ink, a direct reading number 12 and, possibly a bar code 14. This number or code is read by a reading means 42 , for example a laser or infrared camera, making it possible to give a one-to-one pairing instruction. This reading means 12 transmits the information to a computer 44 which then processes the information and delivers the instruction to an electronic means 46 of pairing the electronic label 16 when it will appear before the electronic means 46.
L'étiquette électronique 16 est fixée au dossard soit au moyen d'un adhésif simple connu dans le métier et résistant suffisamment à un milieu sensiblement hostile (transpiration, acidité, chaleur, pluie, etc.), soit par thermo-collage si la température à laquelle doivent être portées les pièces en regard n'est pas susceptible d'affecter négativement les caractéristiques techniques de l'étiquette.The electronic label 16 is fixed to the bib either by means of a simple adhesive known in the art and sufficiently resistant to a substantially hostile environment (perspiration, acidity, heat, rain, etc.), or by thermo-bonding if the temperature to which the opposite parts must be worn is not likely to adversely affect the technical characteristics of the label.
La durée de vie d'un tel dossard, donc d'une telle étiquette électronique, doit impérativement être le temps d'une unique course, pouvant cependant comporter plusieurs épreuves sportives successives, c'est à dire de l'ordre de quelques secondes pour une courte course et de quelques heures au maximum, par exemple pour un marathon ou une course à épreuves multiples. Après quoi, le dossard est jeté et l'étiquette doit être détruite pour éviter tout risque de ré-emploi ultérieur. De ce fait, l'étiquette 16 doit être la plus simple et la moins coûteuse possible.The lifespan of such a bib, therefore of such an electronic tag, must imperatively be the time of a single race, which may however include several successive sporting events, that is to say of the order of a few seconds for a short race and a few hours maximum, for example for a marathon or a multi-event race. After which, the bib is discarded and the label must be destroyed to avoid any risk of subsequent re-use. Therefore, the label 16 must be as simple and as inexpensive as possible.
En course, le sportif porte le dossard 10. Lorsqu'il passe à côté d'une balise d'activation, l'étiquette électronique est automatiquement activée et lue. Une telle balise 36 comporte, bien sûr, un générateur d'un champ électromagnétique de fréquence élevée, mais de très faible portée, relié à une antenne appropriée. Elle comporte, en outre, un récepteur de la signature hertzienne émise par l'étiquette électronique.During the race, the sportsman wears bib 10. When he passes by an activation tag, the electronic label is automatically activated and read. Such a beacon 36 comprises, of course, a generator of an electromagnetic field of high frequency, but of very short range, connected to a suitable antenna. It further comprises a receiver of the radio signature emitted by the electronic label.
Sur la Figure 4, on a représenté une porte de commande d'une balise 36. Une telle porte est connue des sportifs en ce qu'elle comporte deux mâts 34 disposés de part et d'autre d'un bandeau 30 qu'ils supportent. Le bandeau 30 comporte de nombreuses informations, généralement publicitaires. A ce bandeau 30 est fixé un jeu d'antennes 32 disposées de façon inclinée par rapport à l'horizontale, de manière à pouvoir activer et lire l'étiquette électronique 16 quelque soit la position et l'inclinaison du dossard 10. En effet, ces positions et inclinaisons peuvent varier en fonction du sport pratiqué, course à bicyclette, à ski, à pieds, à cheval, etc.. Bien évidemment, le jeu d'antennes 32 est relié à la balise correspondante 16.In Figure 4, there is shown a control door of a tag 36. Such a door is known to athletes in that it comprises two masts 34 arranged on either side of a strip 30 that they support. The banner 30 includes a lot of information, generally advertising. To this strip 30 is fixed a set of antennas 32 disposed in an inclined manner relative to the horizontal, so as to be able to activate and read the electronic label 16 whatever the position and the inclination of the bib 10. In fact, these positions and inclinations can vary depending on the sport practiced, cycling, skiing, walking, horse riding, etc. Obviously, the set of antennas 32 is connected to the corresponding tag 16.
Le jeu d'antennes 32 a été ici représenté au-dessous du bandeau 30 pour plus de clarté. Bien évidemment, il peut être disposé sur l'une des faces du bandeau 30, par impression, thermo-collage ou par toute autre technique connue de l'homme de l'art. Il peut également être incorporé au bandeau 30, par exemple, par incrustation, ou bien être disposé entre deux films parallèles constituant le bandeau final 30.The set of antennas 32 has been shown here below the strip 30 for clarity. Obviously, it can be placed on one of the faces of the strip 30, by printing, heat-bonding or by any other technique known to those skilled in the art. It can also be incorporated into the strip 30, for example by inlaying, or else be placed between two parallel films constituting the final strip 30.
La piste empruntée par le sportif comprend une première balise à l'entrée de la piste et une deuxième balise à l'arrivée de la piste. Les deux balises émettent le champ électromagnétique inducteur sensiblement en permanence. Lorsque le sportif passe devant la première balise, la signature est, d'abord, vérifiée pour être certain que le sportif est dûment enregistré pour la course. Ensuite, la signature est enregistrée dans un moyen de calcul et de mémorisation, ainsi que l'heure précise du passage du sportif au droit de la première balise. Lors du passage du sportif au droit de la deuxième balise, la signature et l'heure précise sont à nouveau enregistrées dans le même moyen de calcul et de mémorisation (généralement constitué par un ordinateur). Il est alors aisé de calculer en temps réel la durée de la course pour une signature déterminée par simple soustraction des heures précises de passage au droit des deux balises.The track taken by the sportsman includes a first beacon at the entrance to the track and a second beacon at the finish of the track. The two beacons emit the inductive electromagnetic field substantially permanently. When the athlete passes the first tag, the signature is first verified to be sure that the athlete is duly registered for the race. Then, the signature is recorded in a means of calculation and memorization, as well as the precise time of the passage of the sportsman to the right of the first beacon. During the passage of the sportsman to the right of the second beacon, the signature and the precise time are again recorded in the same means of calculation and memorization (generally constituted by a computer). It is then easy to calculate in real time the duration of the race for a signature determined by simple subtraction of the precise hours of passage to the right of the two beacons.
Lorsque la course implique plusieurs sportifs, le moyen de calcul peut aisément effectuer un tri pour délivrer un classement temporel de tous les sportifs. Les signatures des étiquettes sont alors biunivoques, c'est à dire qu'à une signature correspond un unique dossard, donc un unique sportif.When the race involves several athletes, the calculation means can easily perform a sorting to deliver a time classification of all athletes. The signatures of the labels are then one-to-one, that is to say that a signature corresponds to a single bib, therefore a single athlete.
En outre, le procédé de l'invention permet d'assurer la chronométrie en temps réel de la course d'un grand nombre de sportifs passant quasiment simultanément devant les balises, au moins au droit de la balise de départ, ceci sans aucune gêne pour les sportifs.In addition, the method of the invention makes it possible to ensure the chronometry in real time of the race of a large number of athletes passing almost simultaneously in front of the beacons, at least in line with the starting beacon, this without any discomfort for sportsmen.
De préférence, des balises intermédiaires sont disposées le long de la piste entre les première et deuxième balises pour déterminer et afficher des durées intermédiaires pour chacun des coureurs.Preferably, intermediate beacons are arranged along the track between the first and second beacons to determine and display intermediate durations for each of the runners.
Bien que l'on ait représenté et décrit ce que l'on considère actuellement être le mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, il est évident que l'Homme de l'Art pourra y apporter différents changements et modifications sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention tel que défini ci-après. Although we have represented and described what is currently considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is obvious that those skilled in the art will be able to make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined below.

Claims

R E V E N D I C AT I O N SR E V E N D I C AT I O N S
1 - Procédé de chronométrie de sportifs en course sur une piste déterminée, chaque sportif portant sur lui une étiquette électronique (16) normalement passive et émettant une signature déterminée en réponse à une activation par un champ électromagnétique, et la dite piste comportant au moins une première balise disposée à l'entrée de la piste et une deuxième balise disposée à la sortie de la piste, les dites balises émettant de façon sensiblement permanente un champ électromagnétique et comportant un récepteur de la dite signature, les sorties du récepteur des dites balises étant connectées à un moyen de calcul et de mémorisation déterminant pour chaque étiquette (16) au moins la durée écoulée entre le passage au droit des dites première et deuxième balises, caractérisé en ce que chacune des dites étiquettes électroniques (16) est incorporée à un dossard (10) porté par le dit sportif.1 - Method for chronometry of athletes racing on a specific track, each athlete carrying an electronic label (16) normally passive and emitting a signature determined in response to activation by an electromagnetic field, and said track comprising at least one first beacon disposed at the entrance to the runway and a second beacon disposed at the exit from the runway, said beacons emitting a substantially permanent electromagnetic field and comprising a receiver of said signature, the outputs of the receiver of said beacons being connected to a means of calculation and storage determining for each label (16) at least the time elapsed between the passage to the right of said first and second beacons, characterized in that each of said electronic labels (16) is incorporated in a bib (10) worn by the said sportsman.
2 - Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'un jeu d'antennes (32) est fixé au bandeau (30) d'une porte de commande d'une balise, les dites antennes (32) étant disposées de façon inclinée par rapport à l'horizontale.2 - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a set of antennas (32) is fixed to the strip (30) of a control door of a beacon, said antennas (32) being arranged in an inclined manner with respect to the horizontal.
3 - Dossard (10) pour la mise en ouvre du procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes et formant support imprimé comportant, notamment, au moins une information à lecture visuelle et/ou à lecture optique (12, 14), caractérisé en ce que il porte une étiquette électronique normalement passive (16) et émettant une signature déterminée apairée avec la dite information à lecture visuelle et/ou optique (12, 14) en réponse à une activation par un champ électromagnétique.3 - Bib (10) for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims and forming a printed medium comprising, in particular, at least one piece of information with visual reading and / or with optical reading (12, 14), characterized in that it carries a normally passive electronic label (16) and emitting a determined signature paired with said information with visual and / or optical reading (12, 14) in response to activation by an electromagnetic field.
4 - Dossard (10) pour sportif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la dite étiquette (16) est fixée au dit dossard (10) au moyen d'un adhésif ou par thermo-collage.4 - Bib (10) for athletes according to claim 3, characterized in that said label (16) is fixed to said bib (10) by means of an adhesive or by heat bonding.
5 - Dossard (10) pour sportif selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que la dite étiquette (16) est apairée avant d'être fixée au dit dossard (10).5 - Bib (10) for athletes according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said label (16) is paired before being attached to said bib (10).
6 - Dossard (10) pour sportif selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que la dite étiquette (16) est apairée lors de l'étape d'impression de la dite information à lecture visuelle et/ou optique (12, 14) sur le dit dossard (10).6 - Bib (10) for athletes according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said label (16) is matched during the printing step of said information with visual and / or optical reading (12, 14 ) on the said bib (10).
7 - Dossard (10) pour sportif selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que la dite étiquette (16) est apairée après impression de la dite information à lecture visuelle et/ou optique (12, 14) sur le dit dossard (10), un moyen de lecture (42) de la dite information imprimé permettant de donner l'instruction d'apairage biunivoque. 7 - Bib (10) for athletes according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said label (16) is matched after printing of said information with visual and / or optical reading (12, 14) on said bib ( 10), a reading means (42) of said printed information making it possible to give the one-to-one pairing instruction.
EP98933727A 1997-06-26 1998-06-26 Method for clocking athletes and corresponding bib Withdrawn EP1078334A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9708048 1997-06-26
FR9708048A FR2765371B1 (en) 1997-06-26 1997-06-26 PROCESS FOR CHRONOMETRY OF SPORTSMEN AND CORRESPONDING BIB
PCT/FR1998/001356 WO1999000771A1 (en) 1997-06-26 1998-06-26 Method for clocking athletes and corresponding bib

Publications (1)

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EP1078334A1 true EP1078334A1 (en) 2001-02-28

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EP (1) EP1078334A1 (en)
AU (1) AU8344998A (en)
FR (1) FR2765371B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999000771A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2765371A1 (en) 1998-12-31
WO1999000771A1 (en) 1999-01-07
FR2765371B1 (en) 1999-08-20
AU8344998A (en) 1999-01-19

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