EP2747036B1 - Method for measuring time in a sporting contest using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing same - Google Patents

Method for measuring time in a sporting contest using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2747036B1
EP2747036B1 EP12198207.8A EP12198207A EP2747036B1 EP 2747036 B1 EP2747036 B1 EP 2747036B1 EP 12198207 A EP12198207 A EP 12198207A EP 2747036 B1 EP2747036 B1 EP 2747036B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transponder module
module
competition
motion sensor
transponder
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Application number
EP12198207.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2747036A1 (en
Inventor
Martin Bisig
André Zanetta
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Swiss Timing Ltd
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Swiss Timing Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by Swiss Timing Ltd filed Critical Swiss Timing Ltd
Priority to EP12198207.8A priority Critical patent/EP2747036B1/en
Priority to CA2835387A priority patent/CA2835387A1/en
Priority to AU2013267051A priority patent/AU2013267051B2/en
Priority to US14/100,881 priority patent/US10481560B2/en
Priority to CN201310696328.7A priority patent/CN103877718B/en
Priority to BR102013032676-3A priority patent/BR102013032676A2/en
Priority to JP2013262184A priority patent/JP2014122895A/en
Publication of EP2747036A1 publication Critical patent/EP2747036A1/en
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Publication of EP2747036B1 publication Critical patent/EP2747036B1/en
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    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for measuring at least one time or duration in a competitor's sports competition by means of a custom transponder module to the competitor and accompanying him during the competition in a measuring system. .
  • the invention also relates to a transponder module for implementing the method for measuring at least one time or duration of a sports competition.
  • the devices used in such a measurement system are, for example, contact strips, cameras, photocells and transponders.
  • the patent US 6,346,055 B1 describes a method of determining a golf game rhythm. To do this, an activation sensor device is disposed in each golf flag rod for each hole for measuring the gaming rate of each golfer. When the flag rod is bent an activation of the device occurs, whereas when the flag rod is straightened a reset operation is performed. However, it is not planned to determine a race time with a transponder module accompanying the competitor.
  • the patent US 5,511,045A describes a device and a system for measuring a running time.
  • a personalized portable object such as a transponder module watch, is worn by each competitor to allow the determination of intermediate times or arrival times in a race.
  • transmission of an identification code of the transponder module is performed to be picked up by each reader.
  • the transponder module accompanies the rider is only willing to transmit an identification code to each reader for the determination of intermediate times or arrival time.
  • the patent US 5,685,722 A describes electronic glasses for swimmers.
  • the glasses have an electronic device to calculate a time during the activity of the swimmer.
  • the device is turned on when entering the swimmer's water to measure the running time.
  • the device includes an accelerometer, which detects the movement of the swimmer for the purpose of establishing a time.
  • the accelerometer registers a stopping the swimmer's movement to establish a race time.
  • it is not defined an activation of a transponder module of a competitor, but only its activation.
  • the patent application US2006 / 0259275 A1 describes a training and therapy system for a patient to prevent his health by monitoring training activities.
  • the system includes a transponder module carried by the patient and includes a sensor for measuring physical parameters as well as means for enabling wireless communication and transmitting the measurement information to a remote computer after receiving an activation signal.
  • the invention relates to a method for measuring at least one time or duration of a competitor in a sports competition via a transponder module, which comprises the characteristics defined in the independent claim 1.
  • An advantage of the method of measuring a time or duration of a competitor in a sports competition is that there is little additional complexity in the measurement system with the use of one or more transponder modules customized to each competitor for saving the measurement time.
  • a very accurate detection of the passage time of a competitor to an intermediate position or the arrival of a competition can be performed in an automated manner by the measurement system.
  • Each transponder module can communicate on a given communication channel with a very small additional complexity.
  • the transponder module can be activated by at least one low-frequency signal transmitted by an antenna of a transmission unit of the measurement system. It can be activated from the start of the sports competition or in intermediate positions, which each include a low frequency signal transmission unit, or also at the arrival of said sports competition.
  • the motion sensor which can be an accelerometer, can also be activated in the transponder module as soon as the low frequency signal is received.
  • the transponder module can transmit all the information related to the detections of the motion sensor by a high frequency information signal to a decoder unit of the automated measurement system. Depending on the detections of movement variation or vibrations by the motion sensor, at least one race time or a duration on the race path can be determined by the automated measuring system.
  • the transponder module with the motion sensor of the measuring system can be used for any type of sports competition. It may be a track bike competition with detection of a movement variation or shock by the motion sensor on the front fork of the bike when passing a band of a certain thickness on the finish line.
  • the transponder module is activated from the start with a synchronization of an integrated time base and a storage of each passage time of the stakes is performed. All the stored information is transmitted to a decoder station at the crossing of the finish line.
  • the motion sensor is used to determine a duration of flight of the bike, that is to say all the durations during which the bike is not in contact with the ground or the track during the race .
  • it may be determined a number of strides of the runner for example by taking into account the time measured between each detection of variation of the level of the measuring signal of the motion sensor.
  • the invention also relates to a transponder module for implementing the method for measuring a time or duration in a sports competition, which comprises the characteristics defined in the independent claim 10.
  • transponder module is defined in dependent claims 11 to 18.
  • the transponder module comprises a motion sensor, which is connected to a microcontroller of the transponder module.
  • the transponder module can be of the active type, but woken up upon receipt of a low frequency signal from at least one transmission unit of the measurement system.
  • the motion sensor may be a triaxial accelerometer or an assembly comprising a triaxial accelerometer, a triaxial gyrometer and a triaxial magnetic sensor.
  • a triaxial accelerometer or an assembly comprising a triaxial accelerometer, a triaxial gyrometer and a triaxial magnetic sensor.
  • the figure 1 schematically represents an automated measurement system 1, which can be used in any type of sports competition. However on this figure 1 , there is shown such an automated measurement system, which can be used for example for a measurement of a time of passage or arrival in a track bike competition.
  • the time measurement system 1 consists mainly of one or more transponder modules 10, defined as TAG1, TAG2, TAG3.
  • Each transponder module 10 is personalized to each runner, and also comprises, as explained below, a motion sensor for detecting any variation in movement or vibrations. Normally motion sensor detection is provided for any motion variation or vibration level beyond a defined detection threshold.
  • the transponder module 10 can be mounted on the front fork of the bicycle.
  • the custom transponder module 10 is preferably a transponder module of the active type, that is to say provided with a battery for the power supply of the components constituting it. However to reduce its power consumption, it is usually in a mode of rest.
  • each transponder module 10 can be activated mainly, when it is able to pick up a low frequency signal LF emitted by a transmitting antenna 3 of a transmission unit 2 of the measurement system 1.
  • the low frequency signal emitted by said transmission unit 2 may be for example at a frequency of the order of 125 kHz.
  • This transmission unit can be controlled in a conventional manner by a data processing station 7 of the measurement system 1. It can transmit the low frequency signal LF by the transmitting antenna 3 during the entire duration of the competition.
  • the transmitting antenna 3 may be disposed in or on the ground of the track. It is preferably centered on the finish line 6 and may extend over the entire width of the track.
  • the width of the transmitting antenna 3 can be between 10 cm and 2 m, the normal width can be 60 cm.
  • each transponder module can be activated by the low frequency signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna at a distance of about 2 m from the finish line. The closer the transponder module 10 approaches the finish line 6, the more the level of the low frequency signal LF picked up by the transponder module increases.
  • the level of the low frequency signal LF captured by the transponder module varies depending on the position and the distance from the center of the antenna.
  • a signal analysis algorithm makes it possible to determine the position of the transponder module with respect to the finish line 6.
  • the first transponder module TAG1 is on the arrival line 6. It is activated by the low frequency signal LF of the transmitting antenna 3.
  • the second transponder module TAG2 is at a distance close to the Transmitting antenna 3. It is able to be already activated by the low frequency signal LF of the transmitting antenna 3, but the level of said low frequency signal LF captured is at a low level.
  • the third transponder module TAG3 is at a distance remote from the transmitting antenna 3. Under these conditions, the third transponder module is not activated by the low frequency signal LF of the transmitting antenna and remains in a rest mode.
  • the transponder module Since the transponder module is disposed on the front fork of the bicycle, the height of the module relative to the track varies only very little. This makes it possible to measure the runner's arrival time or arrival time in the decoder unit 4 by calculating the maximum value of the field captured by the transponder module. To do this, the transponder module measures by a signal strength indication circuit received different levels of the low frequency signal captured. It transmits in an information signal the different levels of the field measured at the decoder unit 4, which thus determines the time of passage or arrival of the rider on his bike. However, the measurement of the passage or arrival time by determining only the maximum value of the field captured by the transponder module is not sufficiently precise.
  • the finish line is formed by a strip 6 of a determined thickness likely to generate shock when passing a bicycle wheel.
  • the thickness of said strip may be of the order of 1 to 3 mm. This leads to each pass on the line to the supply of a measurement signal in the form of a pulse of the motion sensor. This pulse generated by said motion sensor can be used to trigger the time at each passage of the line, and also to determine the time at the arrival of the runner precisely in the decoder unit 4.
  • the measurement signal in the form of a pulse supplied by the motion sensor can be managed and transmitted by the transponder module 10.
  • An information signal is transmitted by the transponder module to be picked up by a reception antenna 5 of a decoder unit 4 of the measurement system 1.
  • This information signal may be of a frequency between 800 MHz and 900 MHz.
  • the information transmitted by the transponder module is accurate because it is triggered at moment of the passage of the bicycle on said finish line by detecting a movement variation of the motion sensor.
  • the information signal transmitted by the transponder module 10 contains the measurement on the three measurement axes.
  • the measurement is made generally every 3 ms and the information signal, which contains all these measurements, is transmitted by the active transponder module 10 to the decoder unit 4 every 12 ms.
  • other time values can be envisaged depending on the electronic components used in the transponder module.
  • the decoder unit 4 can also be connected to the data processing station 7 of the measurement system 1. This station 7 can be used for the processing of the information of the decoder unit 4 and the display of the different times of the runners with their rankings.
  • the decoder unit 4 can also be used to program each transponder module 10 to customize said module to the respective rider.
  • the decoder unit 4 can synchronize a transponder module time base at the time of departure of the runner. Under these conditions, it is no longer necessary to use a transmission unit 2 of a low frequency signal LF, since the measurement of the time can be carried out directly in the transponder module.
  • the transponder module transmits the information signal of the arrival time of the runner to the decoder unit 4, at the moment when the motion sensor detects the passage of the finish line by the front wheel of the bicycle.
  • the transponder module 10 may also operate a time measurement or provide position information based on measurement of the level of the sensed field. This well-known measurement of the sensed field is performed in the transponder module by an RSSI circuit, which is a signal strength indication circuit received. The closer the transponder module approaches the center of the transmitting antenna, the stronger the captured field. In principle, this transmitting antenna is centered in the ground at the finish line. The transponder module is turned on when it approaches this antenna, and can from this moment operate several force measurements of the captured field. If the height of the transponder module is constant during the movement of the runner, the defined captured field level curve is of Gaussian form with the maximum level at the center of said transmitting antenna.
  • the transponder module mainly comprises a motion sensor 11 capable of providing at least one measurement signal of at least one detection of a variation of movement of said module or of a vibration level of said module.
  • An information signal relating to one or more detections of the motion sensor can be transmitted to a decoder unit 4 of a measurement system 1 for determining a time or duration of a competitor when a sports competition.
  • the motion sensor 11 of the transponder module may be an accelerometer with three measurement axes or an assembly, which comprises a triaxial accelerometer, a triaxial gyrometer and a triaxial magnetic sensor.
  • the motion sensor 11 is connected to a microcontroller 12 of the transponder module for the management of the measurement signals or the recording of different measurement signals of the motion sensor.
  • the transponder module may comprise a low frequency signal receiver 14 for receiving low frequency signals by a triaxial antenna 13.
  • the transponder module may be of the active type with a battery for the power supply of the electronic components of the transponder module.
  • a power management unit 18 may be provided.
  • the battery can be part of this management unit or be there connected.
  • the management unit makes it possible to control the power supply of the electronic components of the module. Normally, the power management unit 18 makes it possible to control the power supply as soon as a low frequency signal is received by the transponder module.
  • the transponder module further comprises a high frequency transceiver 16 for loop antenna transmission of one or more information signals at a carrier frequency between 800 MHz and 900 MHz.
  • the information signal or signals are transmitted on command of the microcontroller 12 to a decoder unit 4 of a measurement system 1.
  • the transponder module may further comprise a time base in connection with the microcontroller 12, in the case where the transponder module must be activated at the start of the competition. This time base is likely to be synchronized at the time of departure of the sports competition by receiving loop antenna 15 a synchronization signal or parameterization of the decoder unit.
  • the low frequency signal receiver 14 of the transponder module is connected to the microcontroller and to the power management unit 18. At the output, the receiver is still connected to an amplifier 17, which provides an amplified reception signal to the microcontroller 12 for measuring the level of the field captured by the transponder module. This increases the measurement dynamics. Thus it is possible to pick up very small low frequency signals or very strong low frequency signals.
  • the motion sensor 11 connected to the microcontroller 12 may be used for determining a speed or an acceleration. This measure of speed or acceleration of a competitor can be useful in athletics, especially for a sprint.
  • the method of measuring a time or a duration of the present invention can also be applied for a sports competition such as mountain biking, BMX, skiing, snowboarding or even athletics. It makes it possible, for example, to determine a duration of flight of the bicycle, that is to say all the durations during which the bicycle is not in contact with the ground or the track during the race. For a race in athletics, it may be determined a number of strides of the runner for example by taking into account the time measured between each detection of variation of the level of the measuring signal of the motion sensor.
  • the method of measuring a time or duration of the present invention may also be applied for a sports event such as long distance swimming.
  • the measurement system is similar to that described with reference to the figure 1 .
  • Each swimmer wears at least one wrist a bracelet with the transponder module.
  • the pulse generated by the motion sensor is directly transmitted by the transponder module to a decoder unit.
  • This pulse provides accurate and personalized information to the swimmer at the decoder unit to automatically establish the time of each swimmer and define their ranking directly.
  • the active type transponder module can be activated when it is at a distance of about 30 cm from the finish plate of the swim race.
  • the transponder module can be activated manually and throughout the duration of the sports competition. Activation and synchronization of the time base of the transponder module can be performed by the low frequency signal transmission unit.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
  • Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un procédé de mesure d'au moins un temps ou d'une durée dans une compétition sportive d'un compétiteur au moyen d'un module à transpondeur personnalisé au compétiteur et l'accompagnant durant la compétition dans un système de mesure.The invention relates to a method for measuring at least one time or duration in a competitor's sports competition by means of a custom transponder module to the competitor and accompanying him during the competition in a measuring system. .

L'invention concerne également un module à transpondeur pour la mise en œuvre du procédé de mesure d'au moins un temps ou d'une durée d'une compétition sportive.The invention also relates to a transponder module for implementing the method for measuring at least one time or duration of a sports competition.

Dans une compétition sportive, il doit souvent être utilisé plusieurs dispositifs pour la détection et la conservation du temps mesuré d'une course, afin de garantir une bonne fonctionnalité du système de mesure. Ces dispositifs doivent encore garantir une bonne précision de mesure et une sécurité de la mesure pour pouvoir réaliser un système de mesure automatisé. Les dispositifs utilisés dans un tel système de mesure sont par exemple des bandes de contact, des caméras, des cellules photo-électriques et des transpondeurs.In a sporting competition, several devices must often be used for the detection and conservation of the measured time of a race, in order to guarantee a good functionality of the measuring system. These devices still need to guarantee good measurement accuracy and measurement safety in order to realize an automated measurement system. The devices used in such a measurement system are, for example, contact strips, cameras, photocells and transponders.

Il est encore à noter que si l'écart temporel entre athlètes est en dessous de la précision des transpondeurs utilisés, il doit être utilisé aussi une opération manuelle de contrôle. Le système de mesure conventionnel ne peut donc pas être entièrement automatisé, ce qui constitue un inconvénient.It should also be noted that if the time difference between athletes is below the accuracy of the transponders used, it must be used also a manual control operation. The conventional measuring system can not be fully automated, which is a disadvantage.

Pour la mesure du temps d'une compétition de vélo sur piste, il a été souvent utilisé un contacteur électrique disposé sur la ligne d'arrivée. Ce contacteur électrique est fermé par le passage du vélo sur la ligne d'arrivée, ce qui permet de déterminer chaque temps intermédiaire ou le temps d'arrivée de chaque coureur. Une opération manuelle de contrôle doit encore être prévue, car aucune information relative à chaque coureur n'est transmise à chaque passage de la ligne d'arrivée. De plus avec ce type de contacteur électrique, il peut survenir des décharges électrostatiques susceptibles d'être fortement ressenties par chaque coureur au passage de la ligne d'arrivée. Cela constitue donc des inconvénients d'un tel système de mesure, qui n'est pas automatisé.For the measurement of the time of a track bike competition, it has often been used an electrical contactor arranged on the finish line. This electric switch is closed by the passage of the bike on the finish line, which makes it possible to determine each intermediate time or the arrival time of each rider. A manual control operation must still be planned, as no information relating to each rider is transmitted at each crossing of the finish line. Moreover with this type of electric contactor, electrostatic discharges can occur which can be strongly felt by each runner when crossing the finish line. This is therefore a disadvantage of such a measurement system, which is not automated.

Le brevet US 6,346,055 B1 décrit un procédé de détermination d'un rythme de jeu au golf. Pour ce faire, un dispositif à capteur d'activation est disposé dans chaque tige de drapeau de golf pour chaque trou pour la mesure de la cadence de jeu de chaque golfeur. Quand la tige du drapeau est pliée une activation du dispositif intervient, alors que quand la tige du drapeau est redressée une opération de remise à zéro est effectuée. Il n'est par contre pas prévu de déterminer un temps d'une course avec un module à transpondeur accompagnant le compétiteur.The patent US 6,346,055 B1 describes a method of determining a golf game rhythm. To do this, an activation sensor device is disposed in each golf flag rod for each hole for measuring the gaming rate of each golfer. When the flag rod is bent an activation of the device occurs, whereas when the flag rod is straightened a reset operation is performed. However, it is not planned to determine a race time with a transponder module accompanying the competitor.

Le brevet US 5,511,045 A décrit un appareil et un système pour le mesure d'un temps de course. Un objet portable personnalisé, tel qu'une montre à module à transpondeur, est porté par chaque compétiteur pour permettre la détermination de temps intermédiaires ou temps d'arrivée dans une course. A la détection de chaque signal de détection de lecteurs sur le champ de course, une transmission d'un code d'identification du module à transpondeur est effectuée pour être captée par chaque lecteur. Le module à transpondeur accompagnent le coureur est uniquement disposé à transmettre un code d'identification à chaque lecteur pour la détermination de temps intermédiaires ou d'un temps d'arrivée.The patent US 5,511,045A describes a device and a system for measuring a running time. A personalized portable object, such as a transponder module watch, is worn by each competitor to allow the determination of intermediate times or arrival times in a race. Upon detection of each reader detection signal on the race field, transmission of an identification code of the transponder module is performed to be picked up by each reader. The transponder module accompanies the rider is only willing to transmit an identification code to each reader for the determination of intermediate times or arrival time.

Le brevet US 5,685,722 A décrit des lunettes électroniques pour des nageurs. Les lunettes disposent d'un dispositif électronique pour calculer un temps lors de l'activité du nageur. Le dispositif est mis en fonction à l'entrée dans l'eau du nageur pour mesurer la durée de course. Le dispositif comprend un accéléromètre, qui détecte le mouvement du nageur dans le but d'établir un temps. A la fin d'une course, l'accéléromètre enregistre un arrêt du mouvement du nageur pour établir un temps de course. Cependant il n'est pas défini une activation d'un module à transpondeur d'un compétiteur, mais uniquement sa mise en fonction.The patent US 5,685,722 A describes electronic glasses for swimmers. The glasses have an electronic device to calculate a time during the activity of the swimmer. The device is turned on when entering the swimmer's water to measure the running time. The device includes an accelerometer, which detects the movement of the swimmer for the purpose of establishing a time. At the end of a race, the accelerometer registers a stopping the swimmer's movement to establish a race time. However, it is not defined an activation of a transponder module of a competitor, but only its activation.

La demande de brevet US2006/0259275 A1 décrit un système d'entraînement et de thérapie pour un patient afin de prévenir sa santé par un suivi d'activités d'entraînement. Le système comprend un module à transpondeur porté par le patient et comprend un capteur de mesure des paramètres physiques ainsi que des moyens pour permettre une communication sans fil et transmettre les informations de mesure vers un ordinateur distant après réception d'un signal d'activation.The patent application US2006 / 0259275 A1 describes a training and therapy system for a patient to prevent his health by monitoring training activities. The system includes a transponder module carried by the patient and includes a sensor for measuring physical parameters as well as means for enabling wireless communication and transmitting the measurement information to a remote computer after receiving an activation signal.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un procédé de mesure d'au moins un temps ou d'une durée d'un compétiteur dans une compétition sportive via un module à transpondeur, qui comprend les caractéristiques définies dans la revendication indépendante 1.To this end, the invention relates to a method for measuring at least one time or duration of a competitor in a sports competition via a transponder module, which comprises the characteristics defined in the independent claim 1.

Des étapes particulières du procédé de mesure d'au moins un temps ou d'une durée sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 2 à 9.Particular steps of the method for measuring at least one time or duration are defined in the dependent claims 2 to 9.

Un avantage du procédé de mesure d'un temps ou d'une durée d'un compétiteur dans une compétition sportive réside dans le fait qu'il y a une faible complexité additionnelle dans le système de mesure avec l'utilisation d'un ou plusieurs modules à transpondeur personnalisé à chaque compétiteur pour la sauvegarde du temps de mesure. Une détection très précise du temps de passage d'un compétiteur à une position intermédiaire ou à l'arrivée d'une compétition peut être effectuée d'une manière automatisée par le système de mesure. Chaque module à transpondeur peut communiquer sur un canal déterminé de communication avec une complexité additionnelle très faible.An advantage of the method of measuring a time or duration of a competitor in a sports competition is that there is little additional complexity in the measurement system with the use of one or more transponder modules customized to each competitor for saving the measurement time. A very accurate detection of the passage time of a competitor to an intermediate position or the arrival of a competition can be performed in an automated manner by the measurement system. Each transponder module can communicate on a given communication channel with a very small additional complexity.

Avantageusement, le module à transpondeur peut être activé par au moins un signal basse fréquence transmis par une antenne d'une unité d'émission du système de mesure. Il peut être activé dès le départ de la compétition sportive ou dans des positions intermédiaires, qui comprennent chacune une unité d'émission du signal basse fréquence, ou également à l'arrivée de ladite compétition sportive. Le capteur de mouvement, qui peut être un accéléromètre, peut également être activé dans le module à transpondeur dès la réception du signal basse fréquence. Le module à transpondeur peut transmettre toute l'information liée aux détections du capteur de mouvement par un signal d'information à haute fréquence à une unité à décodeur du système de mesure automatisé. En fonction des détections de variation du mouvement ou de vibrations par le capteur de mouvement, au moins un temps de course ou une durée sur le trajet de la compétition peut être déterminé par le système de mesure automatisé.Advantageously, the transponder module can be activated by at least one low-frequency signal transmitted by an antenna of a transmission unit of the measurement system. It can be activated from the start of the sports competition or in intermediate positions, which each include a low frequency signal transmission unit, or also at the arrival of said sports competition. The motion sensor, which can be an accelerometer, can also be activated in the transponder module as soon as the low frequency signal is received. The transponder module can transmit all the information related to the detections of the motion sensor by a high frequency information signal to a decoder unit of the automated measurement system. Depending on the detections of movement variation or vibrations by the motion sensor, at least one race time or a duration on the race path can be determined by the automated measuring system.

Avantageusement, le module à transpondeur avec le capteur de mouvement du système de mesure peut être utilisé pour tout type de compétition sportive. Il peut s'agir d'une compétition de vélo sur piste avec une détection d'une variation de mouvement ou d'un choc par le capteur de mouvement sur la fourche avant du vélo au passage d'une bande d'une épaisseur déterminée sur la ligne d'arrivée.Advantageously, the transponder module with the motion sensor of the measuring system can be used for any type of sports competition. It may be a track bike competition with detection of a movement variation or shock by the motion sensor on the front fork of the bike when passing a band of a certain thickness on the finish line.

Il peut s'agir d'une compétition de natation longue distance avec détection par choc de la main du nageur portant le module à transpondeur contre une paroi d'arrivée de la compétition.It may be a long-distance swimming competition with shock detection of the swimmer's hand carrying the transponder module against a finish wall of the competition.

Il peut s'agir d'une course de ski avec détection de chaque virage effectué par le skieur au passage de chaque piquet de slalom ou de descente. Dans ce cas, le module à transpondeur est activé dès le départ avec une synchronisation d'une base de temps intégrée et une mémorisation de chaque temps de passage des piquets est effectuée. Toute l'information mémorisée est transmise à une station à décodeur au passage de la ligne d'arrivée.It can be a ski race with detection of each turn made by the skier at the passage of each slalom or downhill post. In this case, the transponder module is activated from the start with a synchronization of an integrated time base and a storage of each passage time of the stakes is performed. All the stored information is transmitted to a decoder station at the crossing of the finish line.

Il peut s'agir également d'une course de vélo de montage, de BMX, voire d'une course d'athlétisme. Dans ce cas de figure, le capteur de mouvement est utilisé pour déterminer une durée de vol du vélo, c'est-à-dire toutes les durées pendant lesquelles le vélo n'est pas en contact du sol ou de la piste durant la course. Dans le cas de l'athlétisme, il peut être déterminé un nombre de foulées du coureur par exemple en tenant compte du temps mesuré entre chaque détection de variation du niveau du signal de mesure du capteur de mouvement.It can also be an assembly bike race, BMX or even an athletics race. In this case, the motion sensor is used to determine a duration of flight of the bike, that is to say all the durations during which the bike is not in contact with the ground or the track during the race . In the case of athletics, it may be determined a number of strides of the runner for example by taking into account the time measured between each detection of variation of the level of the measuring signal of the motion sensor.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne également un module à transpondeur pour la mise en œuvre du procédé de mesure d'un temps ou d'une durée dans une compétition sportive, qui comprend les caractéristiques définies dans la revendication indépendante 10.To this end, the invention also relates to a transponder module for implementing the method for measuring a time or duration in a sports competition, which comprises the characteristics defined in the independent claim 10.

Des formes d'exécution particulières du module à transpondeur sont définies dans des revendications dépendantes 11 à 18.Particular embodiments of the transponder module are defined in dependent claims 11 to 18.

Avantageusement, le module à transpondeur comprend un capteur de mouvement, qui est relié à un microcontrôleur du module à transpondeur. Le module à transpondeur peut être du type actif, mais réveillé dès la réception d'un signal basse fréquence d'au moins une unité d'émission du système de mesure.Advantageously, the transponder module comprises a motion sensor, which is connected to a microcontroller of the transponder module. The transponder module can be of the active type, but woken up upon receipt of a low frequency signal from at least one transmission unit of the measurement system.

Avantageusement, le capteur de mouvement peut être un accéléromètre triaxial ou un ensemble comprenant un accéléromètre triaxial, un gyromètre triaxial et un capteur magnétique triaxial. Chaque détection d'une variation de mouvement ou de vibrations est communiquée au microcontrôleur, afin d'être traitée par le microcontrôleur et mémorisée.Advantageously, the motion sensor may be a triaxial accelerometer or an assembly comprising a triaxial accelerometer, a triaxial gyrometer and a triaxial magnetic sensor. Each detection of a variation of movement or vibrations is communicated to the microcontroller, in order to be processed by the microcontroller and stored.

Les buts, avantages et caractéristiques du procédé de mesure d'au moins un temps ou d'une durée dans une compétition sportive via un module à transpondeur dans un système de mesure automatisé, et le module à transpondeur pour sa mise en œuvre selon l'invention apparaîtront mieux dans la description suivante d'au moins une forme d'exécution non limitative illustrée par les dessins sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement un système de mesure automatisé, qui comprend plusieurs modules à transpondeur pour la mise en œuvre du procédé de mesure d'au moins un temps d'une compétition sportive selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 2 représente une forme d'exécution d'un module à transpondeur pour la mise en œuvre du procédé de mesure d'au moins un temps selon l'invention.
The aims, advantages and characteristics of the method of measuring at least one time or duration in a sports competition via a transponder module in an automated measuring system, and the transponder module for its implementation according to the The invention will become more apparent in the following description of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 schematically represents an automated measuring system, which comprises several transponder modules for implementing the method for measuring at least one time of a sports competition according to the invention, and
  • the figure 2 represents an embodiment of a transponder module for implementing the method for measuring at least one time according to the invention.

Dans la description suivante, tous les éléments du module à transpondeur pour la mise en œuvre du procédé de mesure d'un temps ou d'une durée, ou du système de mesure, qui sont bien connus de l'homme du métier dans ce domaine technique, ne seront relatés que de manière simplifiée.In the following description, all the elements of the transponder module for implementing the method for measuring a time or duration, or the measurement system, which are well known to those skilled in the field in this field technical data, will only be described in a simplified way.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement un système de mesure automatisé 1, qui peut être utilisé dans tout type de compétition sportive. Cependant sur cette figure 1, il est représenté un tel système de mesure automatisé, qui peut être utilisé par exemple pour une mesure d'un temps de passage ou d'arrivée dans une compétition de vélo sur piste.The figure 1 schematically represents an automated measurement system 1, which can be used in any type of sports competition. However on this figure 1 , there is shown such an automated measurement system, which can be used for example for a measurement of a time of passage or arrival in a track bike competition.

Le système de mesure du temps 1 est principalement constitué d'un ou plusieurs modules à transpondeur 10, définis comme TAG1, TAG2, TAG3. Chaque module à transpondeur 10 est personnalisé à chaque coureur, et comprend également comme expliqué ci-après un capteur de mouvement pour détecter toute variation de mouvement ou des vibrations. Normalement une détection du capteur de mouvement est fournie pour toute variation de mouvement ou pour un niveau de vibrations au-delà d'un seuil défini de détection. Pour une compétition de vélo sur piste, le module à transpondeur 10 peut être monté sur la fourche avant du vélo.The time measurement system 1 consists mainly of one or more transponder modules 10, defined as TAG1, TAG2, TAG3. Each transponder module 10 is personalized to each runner, and also comprises, as explained below, a motion sensor for detecting any variation in movement or vibrations. Normally motion sensor detection is provided for any motion variation or vibration level beyond a defined detection threshold. For a track bike competition, the transponder module 10 can be mounted on the front fork of the bicycle.

Le module à transpondeur personnalisé 10 est de préférence un module à transpondeur du type actif, c'est-à-dire muni d'une batterie pour l'alimentation électrique des composants le constituant. Cependant pour réduire sa consommation électrique, il est généralement dans un mode de repos. Dans la forme d'exécution présentée à la figure 1, chaque module à transpondeur 10 peut être activé principalement, quand il est en mesure de capter un signal basse fréquence LF émis par une antenne d'émission 3 d'une unité d'émission 2 du système de mesure 1. Le signal basse fréquence émis par ladite unité d'émission 2 peut être par exemple à une fréquence de l'ordre de 125 kHz. Cette unité d'émission peut être contrôlée de manière conventionnelle par une station de traitement des données 7 du système de mesure 1. Elle peut transmettre le signal basse fréquence LF par l'antenne d'émission 3 durant toute la durée de la compétition.The custom transponder module 10 is preferably a transponder module of the active type, that is to say provided with a battery for the power supply of the components constituting it. However to reduce its power consumption, it is usually in a mode of rest. In the form of execution presented in figure 1 , each transponder module 10 can be activated mainly, when it is able to pick up a low frequency signal LF emitted by a transmitting antenna 3 of a transmission unit 2 of the measurement system 1. The low frequency signal emitted by said transmission unit 2 may be for example at a frequency of the order of 125 kHz. This transmission unit can be controlled in a conventional manner by a data processing station 7 of the measurement system 1. It can transmit the low frequency signal LF by the transmitting antenna 3 during the entire duration of the competition.

L'antenne d'émission 3 peut être disposée dans ou sur le sol de la piste. Elle est de préférence centrée sur la ligne d'arrivée 6 et peut s'étendre sur toute la largeur de la piste. La largeur de l'antenne d'émission 3 peut être située entre 10 cm et 2 m, la largeur normale pouvant être de 60 cm. Généralement chaque module à transpondeur peut être activé par le signal basse fréquence émis par l'antenne d'émission à une distance voisine de 2 m de la ligne d'arrivée. Plus le module à transpondeur 10 s'approche de la ligne d'arrivée 6, et plus le niveau du signal basse fréquence LF capté par le module à transpondeur augmente. Le niveau du signal basse fréquence LF capté par le module à transpondeur varie en fonction de la position et de la distance par rapport au centre de l'antenne. Un algorithme d'analyse du signal permet de déterminer la position du module à transpondeur par rapport à la ligne d'arrivée 6.The transmitting antenna 3 may be disposed in or on the ground of the track. It is preferably centered on the finish line 6 and may extend over the entire width of the track. The width of the transmitting antenna 3 can be between 10 cm and 2 m, the normal width can be 60 cm. Generally each transponder module can be activated by the low frequency signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna at a distance of about 2 m from the finish line. The closer the transponder module 10 approaches the finish line 6, the more the level of the low frequency signal LF picked up by the transponder module increases. The level of the low frequency signal LF captured by the transponder module varies depending on the position and the distance from the center of the antenna. A signal analysis algorithm makes it possible to determine the position of the transponder module with respect to the finish line 6.

Comme il est représenté sur la figure 1, le premier module à transpondeur TAG1 se trouve sur la ligne d'arrivée 6. Il est activé par le signal basse fréquence LF de l'antenne d'émission 3. Le second module à transpondeur TAG2 se trouve à une distance proche de l'antenne d'émission 3. Il est en mesure d'être déjà activé par le signal basse fréquence LF de l'antenne d'émission 3, mais le niveau dudit signal basse fréquence LF capté est à un bas niveau. Le troisième module à transpondeur TAG3 se trouve à une distance éloignée de l'antenne d'émission 3. Dans ces conditions, le troisième module à transpondeur n'est pas activé par le signal basse fréquence LF de l'antenne d'émission et reste dans un mode de repos.As he is represented on the figure 1 , the first transponder module TAG1 is on the arrival line 6. It is activated by the low frequency signal LF of the transmitting antenna 3. The second transponder module TAG2 is at a distance close to the Transmitting antenna 3. It is able to be already activated by the low frequency signal LF of the transmitting antenna 3, but the level of said low frequency signal LF captured is at a low level. The third transponder module TAG3 is at a distance remote from the transmitting antenna 3. Under these conditions, the third transponder module is not activated by the low frequency signal LF of the transmitting antenna and remains in a rest mode.

Etant donné que le module à transpondeur est disposé sur la fourche avant du vélo, la hauteur du module par rapport à la piste ne varie que fort peu. Cela permet d'effectuer une mesure du temps de passage ou d'arrivée du coureur dans l'unité à décodeur 4 par le calcul de la valeur maximale du champ capté par le module à transpondeur. Pour ce faire, le module à transpondeur mesure par un circuit d'indication de force du signal reçu différents niveaux du signal basse fréquence capté. Il transmet dans un signal d'information les différents niveaux du champ mesurés à l'unité à décodeur 4, qui détermine ainsi le temps de passage ou d'arrivée du coureur sur son vélo. Cependant la mesure du temps de passage ou d'arrivée par la détermination uniquement de la valeur maximale du champ capté par le module à transpondeur n'est pas suffisamment précise.Since the transponder module is disposed on the front fork of the bicycle, the height of the module relative to the track varies only very little. This makes it possible to measure the runner's arrival time or arrival time in the decoder unit 4 by calculating the maximum value of the field captured by the transponder module. To do this, the transponder module measures by a signal strength indication circuit received different levels of the low frequency signal captured. It transmits in an information signal the different levels of the field measured at the decoder unit 4, which thus determines the time of passage or arrival of the rider on his bike. However, the measurement of the passage or arrival time by determining only the maximum value of the field captured by the transponder module is not sufficiently precise.

Pour une telle compétition de vélo sur piste, la ligne d'arrivée est formée par une bande 6 d'une épaisseur déterminée susceptible de générer un choc lors du passage d'une roue du vélo. L'épaisseur de ladite bande peut être de l'ordre de 1 à 3 mm. Cela conduit à chaque passage sur la ligne à la fourniture d'un signal de mesure sous la forme d'une impulsion du capteur de mouvement. Cette impulsion générée par ledit capteur de mouvement peut être utilisée pour déclencher le temps à chaque passage de la ligne, et également pour déterminer le temps à l'arrivée du coureur précisément dans l'unité à décodeur 4.For such a race track bike, the finish line is formed by a strip 6 of a determined thickness likely to generate shock when passing a bicycle wheel. The thickness of said strip may be of the order of 1 to 3 mm. This leads to each pass on the line to the supply of a measurement signal in the form of a pulse of the motion sensor. This pulse generated by said motion sensor can be used to trigger the time at each passage of the line, and also to determine the time at the arrival of the runner precisely in the decoder unit 4.

Le signal de mesure sous la forme d'une impulsion fournie par le capteur de mouvement peut être gérée et transmise par le module à transpondeur 10. Un signal d'information est transmis par le module à transpondeur pour être capté par une antenne de réception 5 d'une unité à décodeur 4 du système de mesure 1. Ce signal d'information peut être d'une fréquence située entre 800 MHz et 900 MHz. L'information transmise par le module à transpondeur est précise, car elle est déclenchée au moment du passage du vélo sur ladite ligne d'arrivée par la détection d'une variation de mouvement du capteur de mouvement.The measurement signal in the form of a pulse supplied by the motion sensor can be managed and transmitted by the transponder module 10. An information signal is transmitted by the transponder module to be picked up by a reception antenna 5 of a decoder unit 4 of the measurement system 1. This information signal may be of a frequency between 800 MHz and 900 MHz. The information transmitted by the transponder module is accurate because it is triggered at moment of the passage of the bicycle on said finish line by detecting a movement variation of the motion sensor.

Dans le cas d'un capteur de mouvement sous la forme d'un accéléromètre à trois axes de mesure, le signal d'information transmis par le module à transpondeur 10 contient la mesure sur les trois axes de mesure. La mesure est effectuée généralement toutes les 3 ms et le signal d'information, qui contient toutes ces mesures, est transmis par le module à transpondeur actif 10 à l'unité à décodeur 4 toutes les 12 ms. Cependant d'autres valeurs temporelles peuvent être envisagées en fonction des composants électroniques utilisés dans le module à transpondeur.In the case of a motion sensor in the form of an accelerometer with three measurement axes, the information signal transmitted by the transponder module 10 contains the measurement on the three measurement axes. The measurement is made generally every 3 ms and the information signal, which contains all these measurements, is transmitted by the active transponder module 10 to the decoder unit 4 every 12 ms. However, other time values can be envisaged depending on the electronic components used in the transponder module.

L'unité à décodeur 4 peut également être reliée à la station de traitement des données 7 du système de mesure 1. Cette station 7 peut être utilisée pour le traitement des informations de l'unité à décodeur 4 et l'affichage des différents temps des coureurs avec leur classement. L'unité à décodeur 4 peut aussi être utilisée pour programmer chaque module à transpondeur 10 pour personnaliser ledit module au coureur respectif. De plus, dans le cas où le module à transpondeur doit être activé dès le départ de la compétition, l'unité à décodeur 4 peut synchroniser une base de temps du module à transpondeur au moment du départ du coureur. Dans ces conditions, il n'est plus nécessaire d'utiliser une unité d'émission 2 d'un signal basse fréquence LF, car la mesure du temps peut être effectuée directement dans le module à transpondeur. Le module à transpondeur transmet le signal d'information du temps d'arrivée du coureur à l'unité à décodeur 4, au moment où le capteur de mouvement détecte le passage de la ligne d'arrivée par la roue avant du vélo.The decoder unit 4 can also be connected to the data processing station 7 of the measurement system 1. This station 7 can be used for the processing of the information of the decoder unit 4 and the display of the different times of the runners with their rankings. The decoder unit 4 can also be used to program each transponder module 10 to customize said module to the respective rider. In addition, in the case where the transponder module must be activated from the start of the competition, the decoder unit 4 can synchronize a transponder module time base at the time of departure of the runner. Under these conditions, it is no longer necessary to use a transmission unit 2 of a low frequency signal LF, since the measurement of the time can be carried out directly in the transponder module. The transponder module transmits the information signal of the arrival time of the runner to the decoder unit 4, at the moment when the motion sensor detects the passage of the finish line by the front wheel of the bicycle.

Le module à transpondeur 10 peut également opérer une mesure du temps ou fournir une information de position sur la base de mesure du niveau du champ capté. Cette mesure bien connue du champ capté est effectuée dans le module à transpondeur par un circuit RSSI, qui est un circuit d'indication de force du signal reçu. Plus le module à transpondeur s'approche du centre de l'antenne émettrice et plus le champ capté est fort. En principe cette antenne émettrice est centrée dans le sol au niveau de la ligne d'arrivée. Le module à transpondeur est mis en fonction, lorsqu'il s'approche de cette antenne, et peut dès cet instant opérer plusieurs mesures de force du champ capté. Si la hauteur du module à transpondeur est constante lors du mouvement du coureur, la courbe du niveau du champ capté défini est de forme gaussienne avec le niveau maximum au centre de ladite antenne émettrice.The transponder module 10 may also operate a time measurement or provide position information based on measurement of the level of the sensed field. This well-known measurement of the sensed field is performed in the transponder module by an RSSI circuit, which is a signal strength indication circuit received. The closer the transponder module approaches the center of the transmitting antenna, the stronger the captured field. In principle, this transmitting antenna is centered in the ground at the finish line. The transponder module is turned on when it approaches this antenna, and can from this moment operate several force measurements of the captured field. If the height of the transponder module is constant during the movement of the runner, the defined captured field level curve is of Gaussian form with the maximum level at the center of said transmitting antenna.

Une forme d'exécution du module à transpondeur 10, qui peut être utilisé pour tout type de compétition sportive, notamment une compétition sportive de vélo sur piste, est représentée à la figure 2. Le module à transpondeur comprend principalement un capteur de mouvement 11 susceptible de fournir au moins un signal de mesure d'au moins une détection d'une variation de mouvement dudit module ou d'un niveau de vibrations dudit module. Un signal d'information relative à une ou plusieurs détections du capteur de mouvement peut être transmis à une unité à décodeur 4 d'un système de mesure 1 pour la détermination d'un temps ou d'une durée d'un compétiteur lors d'une compétition sportive.An embodiment of the transponder module 10, which can be used for any type of sporting competition, in particular a track bike sports competition, is represented in FIG. figure 2 . The transponder module mainly comprises a motion sensor 11 capable of providing at least one measurement signal of at least one detection of a variation of movement of said module or of a vibration level of said module. An information signal relating to one or more detections of the motion sensor can be transmitted to a decoder unit 4 of a measurement system 1 for determining a time or duration of a competitor when a sports competition.

Le capteur de mouvement 11 du module à transpondeur peut être un accéléromètre à trois axes de mesure ou un ensemble, qui comprend un accéléromètre triaxial, un gyromètre triaxial et un capteur magnétique triaxial. Le capteur de mouvement 11 est relié à un microcontrôleur 12 du module à transpondeur pour la gestion des signaux de mesure ou l'enregistrement de différents signaux de mesure du capteur de mouvement.The motion sensor 11 of the transponder module may be an accelerometer with three measurement axes or an assembly, which comprises a triaxial accelerometer, a triaxial gyrometer and a triaxial magnetic sensor. The motion sensor 11 is connected to a microcontroller 12 of the transponder module for the management of the measurement signals or the recording of different measurement signals of the motion sensor.

Le module à transpondeur peut comprendre un récepteur de signaux basse fréquence 14 pour recevoir des signaux basse fréquence par une antenne triaxiale 13. Le module à transpondeur peut être du type actif avec une batterie pour l'alimentation électrique des composants électroniques du module à transpondeur. Pour réduire la consommation électrique du module à transpondeur, une unité de gestion de puissance 18 peut être prévue. La batterie peut faire partie de cette unité de gestion ou y être reliée. L'unité de gestion permet de commander l'alimentation électrique des composants électroniques du module. Normalement l'unité de gestion de puissance 18 permet de commander l'alimentation électrique dès la réception d'un signal basse fréquence par le module à transpondeur.The transponder module may comprise a low frequency signal receiver 14 for receiving low frequency signals by a triaxial antenna 13. The transponder module may be of the active type with a battery for the power supply of the electronic components of the transponder module. To reduce the power consumption of the transponder module, a power management unit 18 may be provided. The battery can be part of this management unit or be there connected. The management unit makes it possible to control the power supply of the electronic components of the module. Normally, the power management unit 18 makes it possible to control the power supply as soon as a low frequency signal is received by the transponder module.

Le module à transpondeur comprend encore un émetteur-récepteur haute fréquence 16 pour la transmission par une antenne en boucle 15 d'un ou plusieurs signaux d'information à une fréquence porteuse située entre 800 MHz et 900 MHz. Le ou les signaux d'information sont transmis sur commande du microcontrôleur 12 à une unité à décodeur 4 d'un système de mesure 1. De préférence, le module à transpondeur peut encore comprendre une base de temps en liaison avec le microcontrôleur 12, dans le cas où le module à transpondeur doit être activé dès le départ de la compétition. Cette base de temps est susceptible d'être synchronisée au moment du départ de la compétition sportive par la réception à l'antenne en boucle 15 d'un signal de synchronisation ou de paramétrage de l'unité à décodeur.The transponder module further comprises a high frequency transceiver 16 for loop antenna transmission of one or more information signals at a carrier frequency between 800 MHz and 900 MHz. The information signal or signals are transmitted on command of the microcontroller 12 to a decoder unit 4 of a measurement system 1. Preferably, the transponder module may further comprise a time base in connection with the microcontroller 12, in the case where the transponder module must be activated at the start of the competition. This time base is likely to be synchronized at the time of departure of the sports competition by receiving loop antenna 15 a synchronization signal or parameterization of the decoder unit.

Le récepteur de signaux basse fréquence 14 du module à transpondeur est relié au microcontrôleur et à l'unité de gestion de puissance 18. En sortie, le récepteur est encore relié à un amplificateur 17, qui fournit un signal de réception amplifié au microcontrôleur 12 pour la mesure du niveau du champ capté par le module à transpondeur. Ceci permet d'augmenter la dynamique de mesure. Ainsi il est possible de capter de très petits signaux basse fréquence ou de très forts signaux basse fréquence.The low frequency signal receiver 14 of the transponder module is connected to the microcontroller and to the power management unit 18. At the output, the receiver is still connected to an amplifier 17, which provides an amplified reception signal to the microcontroller 12 for measuring the level of the field captured by the transponder module. This increases the measurement dynamics. Thus it is possible to pick up very small low frequency signals or very strong low frequency signals.

Il est encore à noter que le capteur de mouvement 11 relié au microcontrôleur 12 peut être utilisé pour la détermination d'une vitesse ou d'une accélération. Cette mesure de vitesse ou d'accélération d'un compétiteur peut être utile en athlétisme notamment pour un sprint.It should also be noted that the motion sensor 11 connected to the microcontroller 12 may be used for determining a speed or an acceleration. This measure of speed or acceleration of a competitor can be useful in athletics, especially for a sprint.

Le procédé de mesure d'un temps ou d'une durée de la présente invention peut être appliqué à une compétition de ski, par exemple une course de ski, comme un super géant, un slalom géant ou un slalom spécial. Dans ce cas avec le module à transpondeur, il peut être prévu de détecter les virages effectués par le skieur à chaque passage de piquets. Pour ce faire, il peut être prévu que le module à transpondeur soit activé au moment du départ du coureur avec une synchronisation de la base de temps intégrée dans le transpondeur. Ainsi le module à transpondeur peut mémoriser l'instant de chaque virage effectué par le skieur par la détection fournie par le capteur de mouvement, tel qu'un accéléromètre. Une fois la ligne d'arrivée franchie, toutes les données mémorisées durant le temps de course par le module à transpondeur peuvent être transmises à une unité à décodeur du système de mesure pour le traitement de toutes les données personnalisées à chaque coureur.The method of measuring a time or a duration of the present invention can be applied to a ski competition, for example a ski race, such as a super giant, a giant slalom or a slalom special. In this case with the transponder module, it can be provided to detect the turns made by the skier at each passage of pegs. To do this, it can be provided that the transponder module is activated at the time of departure of the runner with a synchronization of the time base integrated in the transponder. Thus the transponder module can memorize the instant of each turn made by the skier by the detection provided by the motion sensor, such as an accelerometer. Once the finish line is crossed, all the data stored during the run time by the transponder module can be transmitted to a decoder unit of the measurement system for the processing of all the personalized data to each runner.

Le procédé de mesure d'un temps ou d'une durée de la présente invention peut aussi être appliqué pour une compétition sportive comme le vélo de montagne, le BMX, le ski, le snowboard, voire l'athlétisme. Il permet de déterminer par exemple une durée de vol du vélo, c'est-à-dire toutes les durées pendant lesquelles le vélo n'est pas en contact du sol ou de la piste durant la course. Pour une course en athlétisme, il peut être déterminé un nombre de foulées du coureur par exemple en tenant compte du temps mesuré entre chaque détection de variation du niveau du signal de mesure du capteur de mouvement.The method of measuring a time or a duration of the present invention can also be applied for a sports competition such as mountain biking, BMX, skiing, snowboarding or even athletics. It makes it possible, for example, to determine a duration of flight of the bicycle, that is to say all the durations during which the bicycle is not in contact with the ground or the track during the race. For a race in athletics, it may be determined a number of strides of the runner for example by taking into account the time measured between each detection of variation of the level of the measuring signal of the motion sensor.

Le procédé de mesure d'un temps ou d'une durée de la présente invention peut aussi être appliqué pour une compétition sportive comme la natation longue distance. Dans ce cas de figure, le système de mesure ressemble à celui décrit en référence à la figure 1. Chaque nageur porte à au moins un poignet un bracelet muni du module à transpondeur. Au moment du contact de la main du nageur contre une plaque d'arrivée portant une antenne d'émission de l'unité d'émission du système de mesure, l'impulsion générée par le capteur de mouvement est directement transmise par le module à transpondeur à une unité à décodeur. Cette impulsion fournit une information précise et personnalisée au nageur à l'unité à décodeur pour établir de manière automatisée le temps de chaque nageur et définir directement leur classement. Le module à transpondeur de type actif peut être activé, quand il se trouve à une distance voisine de 30 cm de la plaque d'arrivée de la course de natation.The method of measuring a time or duration of the present invention may also be applied for a sports event such as long distance swimming. In this case, the measurement system is similar to that described with reference to the figure 1 . Each swimmer wears at least one wrist a bracelet with the transponder module. At the moment of contact of the swimmer's hand against an arrival plate carrying a transmitting antenna of the transmission unit of the measuring system, the pulse generated by the motion sensor is directly transmitted by the transponder module to a decoder unit. This pulse provides accurate and personalized information to the swimmer at the decoder unit to automatically establish the time of each swimmer and define their ranking directly. The active type transponder module can be activated when it is at a distance of about 30 cm from the finish plate of the swim race.

A partir de la description qui vient d'être faite, plusieurs variantes du procédé de mesure d'au moins un temps ou d'une durée dans une compétition sportive peuvent être conçues par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention définie par les revendications. Le module à transpondeur peut être activé manuellement et pendant toute la durée de la compétition sportive. Une activation et une synchronisation de la base de temps du module à transpondeur peuvent être effectuées par l'unité d'émission de signaux basse fréquence.From the description that has just been given, several variants of the method for measuring at least one time or duration in a sports competition can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. defined by the claims. The transponder module can be activated manually and throughout the duration of the sports competition. Activation and synchronization of the time base of the transponder module can be performed by the low frequency signal transmission unit.

Claims (18)

  1. Method of measuring at least one time or an elapsed period of a competitor in a sports competition via a transponder module (10) personal to the competitor and accompanying the competitor during the competition in a measuring system (1), the method including the steps consisting in:
    - activating the personalised transponder module (10) at the start of the competition or in one or more intermediate positions of the competition or at the finish line of the competition via a low frequency signal transmitted by at least one antenna (3) of a transmission unit (2) of the measuring system (1) on the competition route,
    - transmitting, by the transponder module (10) to a decoder unit (4) of the measuring system (1), various measured amplitude levels of the low frequency signal detected via a received signal strength indicator circuit in an integrated microcontroller (12) of the transponder module (10),
    - detecting at least one variation in motion or a level of vibrations via a motion sensor (11), which is integrated in the transponder module (10),
    characterized in that the method further comprises the step of:
    - transmitting, via the transponder module (10), a signal of data linked to one or more detections effected by the motion sensor (11) on the competition route or in intermediate positions or at the finish line of the competition and the various measured amplitude levels of the low frequency signal detected by the transponder module (10), to the decoder unit (4) of the measuring system (1) in order to determine at least one running time or an elapsed period linked to one or more detections by the motion sensor of the competitor in the decoder unit (4).
  2. Measuring method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transponder module (10) is activated by the low frequency signal transmitted by at least one antenna (3) arranged in or on the ground of the competition route in an intermediate position or at the finish line of the competition.
  3. Measuring method according to claim 1, characterized in that the motion sensor (11) is activated upon the reception by the transponder module (10) of the low frequency signal from at least one antenna (3) of the transmission unit (2), and in that a detection of a variation in the level of a motion sensor (11) measurement signal is detected in the transponder module (10) so as to define at least one time of the competitor on the competition route by the transmission of a data signal from the transponder module.
  4. Measuring method according to claim 3, wherein the measuring system (1) is arranged to measure at least one time of a track cycling race, the transponder module (10) personal to the cyclist being arranged on a front fork of the bicycle and the antenna (3) of the transmission unit (2) being arranged centred on a finish line, which includes a strip (6) of determined thickness for generating a variation in the motion sensor (11) measurement signal when the front wheel of the bicycle crosses the finish strip, characterized in that the motion sensor detects a variation in the measurement signal when the finish line is crossed, so that the transponder module transmits to the decoder unit (4) of the measuring system (1), the data relating to the measurement signal to determine an intermediate time or a finish time for the cyclist.
  5. Measuring method according to claim 4, characterized in that as soon as the transponder module (10) is activated upon the reception of the low frequency signal from the transmission unit (2), the transponder measures various amplitude levels of the received low frequency signal via the received signal strength indicator circuit in the integrated microcontroller (12), and transmits, in the data signal, to the decoder unit (4), the various measured amplitude levels to determine an intermediate time or a finish time or a position data of the transponder module (10), on the measurement base of the level of the detected field of the cyclist on the basis of a maximum amplitude calculated from the various levels measured by the transponder.
  6. Measuring method according to any of claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the transponder module (10) transmits a data signal at a carrier frequency of between 800 MHz and 900 MHz to the decoder unit (4) of the measuring system (1).
  7. Measuring method according to claim 1, wherein the transponder module (10) is intended to be worn on a part of a skier's equipment for a ski competition, characterized in that the transponder motion sensor (11) detects each turn made by the skier passing each slalom or downhill pole, in that the time at which a certain number of poles are passed is recorded in the microcontroller (12) after detection of a variation in motion by the motion sensor connected to the microcontroller (12) of the transponder module, and in that the transponder module transmits a data signal to the decoder unit (4), the data signal including the stored times at which the poles were passed.
  8. Measuring method according to claim 7, characterized in that the data signal is transmitted to the decoder unit (4) when the ski competition finish line is crossed.
  9. Measuring method according to claim 1, wherein the transponder module (10) is intended to be placed on a competitor or on a bicycle, to determine an off ground time in a mountain biking, BMX, skiing or snowboarding competition or in athletics to calculate a number of a competitor' strides, characterized in that the motion sensor can detect several variations in motion or several levels of vibration for determining several times or periods of non-vibration to define an off ground time, in that the times and periods are stored in the microcontroller (12) following detection of the variations in motion or vibrations by the motion sensor, which is connected to the microcontroller (12) of the transponder module, and in that the transponder module transmits a data signal to the decoder unit (4), on the basis of the stored times or periods, the data signal including the stored times at which the poles were passed.
  10. Transponder module (10) suitable for implementing the measuring method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder module, which is arranged so as to be capable of being activated by a low frequency signal transmitted by at least one antenna (3) of a transmission unit (2) of the measuring system (1) on the competition route, comprises a received low frequency signal strength indicator circuit in an integrated microcontroller (12), includes a motion sensor (11) able to deliver at least one measurement signal of at least one detection of a variation in motion of said module or a level of vibrations of said module, in order to transmit a data signal linked to one or more detections of the motion sensor and the various measured amplitude levels of the low frequency signal detected by the transponder module (10), to a decoder unit (4) of a measuring system (1) to determine a time or an elapsed period of a competitor in a sports competition.
  11. Transponder module (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the motion sensor (11) is an accelerometer with three measurement axes.
  12. Transponder module (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the motion sensor (11) is a unit including a triaxial accelerometer, a triaxial gyrometer and a triaxial magnetic sensor.
  13. Transponder module (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the motion sensor (11) is connected to the microcontroller (12) of the transponder module for controlling the measurement signals or storing the various motion sensor measurement signals.
  14. Transponder module (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the module includes a low frequency signal receiver (14) for receiving low frequency signals via a triaxial antenna (13), and in that the transponder module (10) is of the active type with a battery for the electrical powering of the electronic components of the module.
  15. Transponder module (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the module includes a power handling unit (18) for enabling the electrical powering of the electronic components of the module upon the reception of a low frequency signal by the transponder module.
  16. Transponder module (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the transponder module includes a high frequency transceiver (16) for the transmission by a loop antenna (15) of one or more data signals at a carrier frequency of between 800 MHz and 900 MHz to a decoder unit (4) of a measuring system (1).
  17. Transponder module (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the module includes the time base in conjunction with the microcontroller (12), said time base being able to be synchronised at the start of a sports competition via a decoder unit (4) of the measuring system.
  18. Transponder module (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the motion sensor (11) connected to the microcontroller (12) also enables the speed or acceleration of the competitor to be determined for an athletics competition for a sprint.
EP12198207.8A 2012-12-19 2012-12-19 Method for measuring time in a sporting contest using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing same Active EP2747036B1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12198207.8A EP2747036B1 (en) 2012-12-19 2012-12-19 Method for measuring time in a sporting contest using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing same
CA2835387A CA2835387A1 (en) 2012-12-19 2013-11-27 Method of measuring a time in a sports competition using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing the method
AU2013267051A AU2013267051B2 (en) 2012-12-19 2013-12-05 Method of measuring a time in sports competition using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing the method
US14/100,881 US10481560B2 (en) 2012-12-19 2013-12-09 Method of measuring a time in a sports competition using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing the method
CN201310696328.7A CN103877718B (en) 2012-12-19 2013-12-18 Method for measuring time in a sporting contest using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing same
BR102013032676-3A BR102013032676A2 (en) 2012-12-19 2013-12-18 TIME MEASUREMENT METHOD IN A SPORTS COMPETITION USING A TRANSPONDER MODULE, AND A TRANSPONDER MODULE TO IMPLEMENT THE METHOD
JP2013262184A JP2014122895A (en) 2012-12-19 2013-12-19 Method of measuring time in sports competition using transponder module, and transponder module for implementing the method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12198207.8A EP2747036B1 (en) 2012-12-19 2012-12-19 Method for measuring time in a sporting contest using a transponder module, and transponder module for implementing same

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EP2747036A1 EP2747036A1 (en) 2014-06-25
EP2747036B1 true EP2747036B1 (en) 2019-11-20

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EP (1) EP2747036B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2014122895A (en)
CN (1) CN103877718B (en)
AU (1) AU2013267051B2 (en)
BR (1) BR102013032676A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2835387A1 (en)

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CN103877718B (en) 2017-01-11
CN103877718A (en) 2014-06-25
AU2013267051B2 (en) 2018-03-22
BR102013032676A2 (en) 2014-12-16
AU2013267051A1 (en) 2014-07-03
EP2747036A1 (en) 2014-06-25
US20140169140A1 (en) 2014-06-19
CA2835387A1 (en) 2014-06-19
JP2014122895A (en) 2014-07-03

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