EP3933788A1 - Method for timing a sports competition on different sites - Google Patents

Abstract

The timing method is provided for a sports competition at the same time on different sites (4) distributed in the world. In a first phase, all the time bases of the timing devices of a starting coordinator device (3) and of each site are synchronized. Subsequently, a measurement of the transmission times between the starting coordinator device and each site is carried out to determine a maximum transmission time. The start coordinator device establishes a start time equal to the time of day of each site and by adding a time difference greater than the determined maximum transmission time. The start time is adapted to each site where the competition is held to automatically control by each timing device, the start of the competition at the same time at each site and the base site of the start coordinator device to have a sports competition taking place live at all competition venues around the world.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method of timing a sports competition with participants at different sites. Preferably, the sites are sufficiently distant from each other and distributed throughout the world.

The invention also relates to a timing system for implementing the timing method.

Background of the invention

Usually, international sports competitions involve different trips and crowd meetings. A trend is now appearing with the organization of delocalized events with athletes and spectators spread all over the world. In order to keep the spirit of competition, athletes must compete against each other in real time as if they were in the same stadium.

However, the management of such competitions in different sites causes the problem of accuracy and validity of the time of each participant once past the finish line. The same race start for each participant in different sites does not guarantee the accuracy of the time of each participant, because the time bases of the different stopwatches are not necessarily calibrated or synchronized and depend on the weather conditions of the place of race. In addition, as departures are given at different sites which may be very distant from each other, transmission delays, which may be variable, are generally not taken into account. Thus, synchronized departures cannot be given to provide information via the Internet. in real time for both the participant and the spectator viewing the race.

Summary of the invention

The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art by proposing a method for timing a sports competition of participants or competitors on different sites, taking into account the variable transmission times of signals between the sites. to provide synchronized starts in real time for the participant or athlete or also the spectator viewing the sports competition.

To this end, the invention relates to a method for timing a sports competition in different sites, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claim 1.

Particular steps of the method of timing a sports competition at the same time at different sites are defined in dependent claims 2 to 10.

An advantage of the timing process is that it is a new format of competition taking place simultaneously at different venues around the world. Account must be taken of the varying transmission times between different sites in order to have all sites correctly receiving the start time. To do this and before the start, there is mainly a measurement of this transmission time between the starting coordinating device, and each site of the sports competition. A synchronization of the time base of each site and of the departure coordinator device is effected by transmission of GNSS or GPS signals. This transmission time information is repeated regularly and successively between the outgoing coordinator device and each site, for example every second. A maximum transmission time is determined to be taken into account to validate each departure. safely. Preferably, account may be taken of twice the maximum transmission time to go from the outgoing coordinator device to each site in order to have processing time security. Once you have precisely synchronized the time for each site, there will always be super precise starts once the start is given for each site, as the race time does not change according to local time. We know the different local times of the different sites which can be arranged around the world to run a race at the same time on each site distributed in the world.

Advantageously, after the synchronization of the different times of the time bases of the timing devices of the different sites and of the starting coordinator device, it is possible to provide the synchronized starts of the different sites in real time by a single starting coordinator device. Thus it is possible to view each race on television or on a display screen placed in the stadium for spectators, for example on each site. Timing with a reference to the start signal and measurement of the finish time is carried out locally. The time reference for these departure systems is based on the same GPS source. Thus, the reliability of the measured time is guaranteed, since the start and finish signals and the time reference remain local.

Advantageously, these sports competitions taking place on several sites at the same time can be carried out without problem for sports such as swimming, track cycling, or other sports which are not too dependent on the weather conditions during the competition. The starting signal for each of these sports competitions is commanded by voice by a race coordinator at a time well defined in advance and known to each athlete. The departure time on each site is therefore defined according to the maximum estimated transmission delay between all the sites and the departure coordinating device, which can give the departure. The goal is that the estimated delay is as small as possible so as to give the impression of a start in real time at each site. However, the start, once all the time bases have been synchronized, can be given at any place or site of the competition by the timing device of the coordinating start device.

Advantageously, the starting procedure is under the control of a starter for all the sites. He receives the information necessary to manage the start and the race.

The invention also relates to a system for timing a sports competition for implementing the timing method, which comprises the features defined in independent claim 11.

Particular embodiments of the timing system are defined in dependent claims 12 to 15.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente de manière simplifiée un système de chronométrage d'une compétition sportive en temps réel et en même temps sur plusieurs sites différents pour la mise en œuvre du procédé de chronométrage selon l'invention et en tenant compte des temps de transmission entre les sites,
• la figure 2 représente une forme d'exécution du système de chronométrage d'une compétition sportive en même temps sur différents sites avec synchronisation des bases de temps par signaux GPS selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 définit les différentes étapes d'un procédé de chronométrage d'une compétition sportive en même temps dans plusieurs sites différents selon l'invention, et
• la figure 4 représente un exemple d'implémentation de l'application du dispositif coordinateur de départ, pouvant gérer plusieurs sites différents dans le monde avec des indications sur les commandes du dispositif coordinateur jusqu'au moment du départ et l'affichage du temps de réaction, différents sites pouvant être utilisés pour chaque course.

The aims, advantages and characteristics of the method and system for timing a sports competition at the same time on different competition sites according to the invention will appear better in the following description of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings. on which ones :

• the figure 1 represents in a simplified manner a system for timing a sports competition in real time and at the same time on several different sites for the implementation of the timing method according to the invention and taking into account the transmission times between the sites,
• the figure 2 represents an embodiment of the timing system of a sports competition at the same time on different sites with synchronization of the time bases by GPS signals according to the invention,
• the figure 3 defines the different steps of a method of timing a sports competition at the same time in several different sites according to the invention, and
• the figure 4 represents an example of implementation of the application of the departure coordinator device, able to manage several different sites in the world with indications on the controls of the coordinator device until the moment of departure and the display of the reaction time, different sites that can be used for each race.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following description, all the elements of a timing system for a sports competition, which are well known to those skilled in the art in this technical field, will only be described in a simplified manner.

The figure 1 schematically shows an overview of the timing system 1 of a sports competition taking place at the same time in several different sites 4 in the world, as shown. A remote operations center 2, defined ROC (Remote Operation Center in English terminology), is provided in the system 1 on a base site or on another site 4, in particular to process all the results of the sports competition in progress and at the end of the competition. The timing system 1 further comprises a starting coordinator device 3, in which there is a timing device. The start coordinator device 3 also has the function of controlling the start of the sporting competition both on the site where the start coordinator device 3 is located, and on all the other sites 4 of the same sporting competition. The starting coordinator device 3 can also be integrated into the remote operations circuit 2 if it is also located on the base site.

As shown in figure 1 , the communication can go through a cloud computing service 5 for each component, because it is possible that the remote operations center 2 is not in the same place as the outgoing coordinator device 3, but for example on one of the sites 4.

As shown in figure 2 described below, a start coordinator device 3 is generally provided in the system 1 for example to control vocally the moment of the start of a sports competition or of a race in each site 4 at the same time. The time of the start of the sports competition is given for each site at the same time once all the necessary conditions have been fulfilled, as explained below at figure 3 of the timing process. This starting coordinator device 3 can of course be located in any site 4 as there is communication, in particular by means of wired or wireless internet communication between the various sites 4, or even in the remote operations center 2. . However, it is preferably defined that the starting coordinator device 3 is at the base site. Communication can go through a cloud computing service 5 for each component as shown also in figure 1 .

Precise synchronization of the time bases of each timing device of each site 4 is carried out locally by a GPS signal. Precise synchronization of the time base of the outgoing coordinator device 3 is carried out locally by a GPS signal. The time synchronization is applied to all the timing devices of all the sites 4 in communication for the progress of the sports competition and the starting coordinator device 3.

It should also be noted that other means or methods of synchronizing the different sites 4 can be provided for the system 1 for timing a sports competition. The other methods are for example related to the NTP network time protocol or the PTP precision time protocol [IEEE1588].

When wirelessly communicating control or data signals or for synchronization, account must be taken of a transmission time from the outgoing coordinator device 3 to each remote site 4, and also a transmission time. transmission from each site 4 to the starting coordinating device 3.

As shown at the bottom of the figure 1 in particular in the case of transmission by the starting coordinator device 3, there is a first transmission time Δt01 to be determined between the starting coordinator device 3 and the first site 4. As a response is transmitted by the first site 4, there is a first transmission response time Δt10 to be determined from the first site 4 to the starting coordinator device 3. The same operations are carried out between the starting coordinating device 3 and on the one hand the second site 4 and on the other hand the third site 4. A second transmission time Δt02 is determined for the communication between the outgoing coordinator device 3 and the second site 4, and a second transmission response time Δt20 is determined for the communication between the second site 4 and the coordinator device start 3. A third transmission time Δt03 is determined for the communication between the starting coordinator device 3 and the third site 4, and a third response time Δt30 transmission is determined for the communication between the third site 4 and the outgoing coordinator device 3.

As explained below at figure 3 of the timing method, the maximum transmission time is determined during communication between all the sites 4 and the starting coordinator device 3. This maximum transmission time is preferably at least doubled for the transmission time of the coordinating device of start 3 at each site 4. This ensures safety when ordering the start of the sporting competition at the same time at each site by the departure coordinator device 3 and authorizes the cancellation of the departure procedure if a site does not respond to the order.

The figure 2 schematically describes a view of timing technology. There is shown the different elements or components of the timing system 1 of a sports competition in several remote sites 4 at the same time. The timing system 1 can first of all comprise a remote operations center 2, which is controlled by an operator 12 during the course of the sports competition. This remote operations center 2 is particularly intended for processing the race results to be memorized and to transmit the results of the sports competition in question or of several successive sports competitions on television or on local display panels. A ranking of each participant at 4 different sports competition running venues can be displayed for viewing by spectators at each 4 venues.

The system 1 further comprises a start coordinator device 3, which is preferably controlled by a judge of the sports federation 13. This start coordinator device 3 is provided so that the operator signals the moment of departure of all the participants by voice. on each site 4 at the same time, of course once all the necessary conditions have been fulfilled as defined in the timing process described below. Voice instructions can also be pre-recorded and stored at each remote site in the timing device and then played simultaneously at all sites by operator command. The starting coordinator device 3 for timing can be located with the remote operations center 2 on the same base site.

It should also be noted that the information of the starting signal of the sports competition is given to the participants of the sports competition in advance. As explained in the process below, the departure time is defined according to the estimated delay (maximum) or transmission time between all the sites 4 and the outgoing coordinator device 3.

As there must be a synchronization of the different time bases of the sites 4, the starting coordinator device 3 may be responsible for transmitting a command for synchronizing the time bases of the timing devices of all the sites 4 in communication. Under these conditions, its time base must already be synchronized. This synchronization is performed by GPS signals passing through a cloud computing service 5. As also shown in figure 1 , this cloud computing service also connects the remote operations center 2, the starting coordinator device 3, the various other sites 4 and also a link with sports commentators 6 to comment on the progress of the sports competition.

As previously explained, the starting coordinator device 3 comprises a time-based timing device, which can also be synchronized by GPS signals. The starting coordinator device 3 can be placed in the remote operations center 2 while being on the same base site, which is the main site where the sports competition takes place, or on different sites.

The figure 3 describes all the steps in the timing process of a sports competition on several different venues at the same time. The starting coordinator device is simplified and defined by the term COOR in the description of the steps of the process. This term COOR is mainly mentioned in the figures.

In the first step 100, a synchronization of the time bases of each site and of the starting coordinating device must be carried out if the timing time base is included in this device. In the second step 110, a measurement of the signal transmission time is carried out between each site and the starting coordinator device COOR. Following this in the third step 120, a voice command is provided by the operator or the judge of the starting coordinator, at all sites before the start of the race. In the fourth step 130, the departure coordinator device CORR initiates the automatic departure procedure. In the fifth step 140, the automatic start procedure programs the start time in the sites. In the sixth step 150, it is checked whether or not all the sites have correctly received the start time. If so, we go to the seventh step 160, in which the start coordinator device CORR with timing device generates the start at the start time set in the sites. In the eighth step 170, the start appears or is carried out at the same time on all the sites, with only a possible slight deviation due to the transmission time of the signals explained below.

In the sixth step 150 in the negative, if it is checked that all the sites do not correctly receive the start time, we go to a ninth step in which the starting coordinator device automatically removes the start procedure from the sites and provides to determine an adequate transmission time above a maximum possible transmission time between the site and the outgoing coordinator device CORR. In this case, therefore, there must be an adaptation of the departure time as a function of the transmission time to be communicated to each site by the departure coordinator device CORR in the tenth step 190.

où Δtn0 est un temps de transmission du dispositif coordinateur de départ à un site, alors que Δtn1 est un temps retour de transmission du site au dispositif coordinateur de départ. Il est préféré doubler le temps de transmission maximum déterminé du dispositif à chaque site et en ajoutant une marge de tolérance de sécurité comprenant le temps retour de transmission du site au dispositif.It is now explained the calculation of this safety transmission time to be taken into account to allow precise timing and at the same time for each site to represent a traditional race with participants located at several sites distant from each other. The departure time is equal to the time of the day at the site in question plus a time difference defined as Δtime. This time difference must be greater than the maximum transmission time determined between each site and the outgoing coordinator device, preferably with a safety tolerance margin. This time difference can be defined according to the equation below: $$\mathrm{\Delta time}=\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="MAX"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">MAX</figure-callout>}\left[2\cdot \mathrm{\Delta tn}0+\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="\Delta tn"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\Delta tn</figure-callout>}1+\mathrm{safety\; for\; transmission\; time}\right]$$

where Δtn0 is a transmission time from the outgoing coordinator device to a site, while Δtn1 is a return transmission time from the site to the outgoing coordinator device. It is preferred to double the determined maximum transmission time of the device at each site and by adding a safety tolerance margin including the transmission return time from the site to the device.

Following this, there is indeed an adaptation of the start time according to the transmission time.

Even if there remains a small time difference at the time of the start to take into account the maximum transmission time from the starting coordinator device to each site, this does not change the time of the race from start to finish and is not visible. by viewers, given that this small time difference is of the order of a millisecond. Everything therefore seems to the spectator to take place live on all the sites in the world for the same sports competition in progress.

The figure 4 only represents a notice board for races taking place at several different venues around the world. Indications can be displayed on the controls of the departure coordinating device until the actual departure time. These controls are shown on the left side of the figure 4 . For example, for an athletics race, the various functions F1 to F4 are specified for the preparation of each participant before the actual start or the false start. The table also illustrates the race results including the different reaction times of the participants, and the display of the race result and reaction time. The different race locations are also shown with information on the status of the local timing system, for example whether it is ready or not for a start.

From the description which has just been given, several variants of the method of timing a sports competition on several sites in same time can be scheduled.

Claims (15)

A method of timing a sports competition at the same time on different sites (4) distributed around the world with participants or competitors willing to start following a start time defined for all the sites, for which a timing system (1) comprises at least one remote operations center (2) at a base site or other site (4) to process all race results, a start coordinator device (3) having a timing device, and various devices timing devices arranged in sites (4) distributed around the world, the method comprising the steps of: - synchronize the time bases of the timing devices of the starting coordinator device (3) and of each site (4) of the sports competition on the basis of GPS signals, or according to an NTP network time protocol or a time protocol PTP precision, - measuring signal transmission times between the starting coordinator device (3) and each site (4) of the sports competition to determine in the communications between each site and the starting coordinating device (3) a maximum transmission time, - establish a start time of the competition equal to the time of day for each site by adding a defined time difference greater than the maximum determined transmission time, and - transmit from the start coordinator device (3), the start time adapted to each site where the competition takes place to automatically control by each timing device, the start of the competition at the same time on each site (4) and on the base site of the starting coordinator device (3) to have a sports competition taking place live on all the competition sites (4) around the world. Timing method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the measurement of the transmission times is carried out several times in succession. Timing method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the measurement of the transmission times is carried out every second. Timing method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the time difference, which is added to the start time transmitted by the start coordinating device (3) to all the sites (4) of the sports competition, is established. by at least doubling the value of the determined maximum transmission time from the outgoing coordinator device (3) to each site (4). Timing method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the time difference is established by further adding the maximum transmission response time of each site (4) to the starting coordinating device (3) si and a safety margin. Timing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the start coordinator device (3) vocally commands the start time of a sports competition to be transmitted to each site (4) of the sports competition at the same time. A timing method according to claim 6, characterized in that the voice instructions are prerecorded and stored on each remote site in the timing device and then played simultaneously on all the sites by a command from an operator or judge. Timing method according to claim 1, characterized in that an automatic start procedure is performed from the start coordinating device (3) which programs the start time of the competition venues, and in that it is determined if all venues receive the start time correctly, if so, the adapted start time is transmitted to each sport competition venue by the departure coordinator device (3), while if not, the departure coordinator device (3) cancels the automatic departure procedure for the sites to adapt the departure time as a function of the determined maximum transmission time. Timing method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the starting coordinating device (3) can carry out a synchronization control of the time bases of the timing devices of all the sites (4) in communication. Timing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the starting coordinator device (3) transmits a command for synchronizing the time bases of the timing devices of all the sites (4) in communication by a cloud computing service ( 5). System (1) for timing a sports competition for implementing the timing method according to one of the preceding claims, the system being characterized in that it comprises at least one remote operations center (2) at a base site or another site (4) for processing race results, a start coordinator device (3) having a timing device, and various timing devices arranged in sites (4), the coordinator device for start (3) being arranged to determine a maximum transmission time in communication with each site, and to determine a suitable start time so as to be transmitted to the sports competition venues for automatic start control of the sports competition at the same time on each site. A timing system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the remote operations center (2) is placed at the base site for display control of a scoreboard to represent the results of the race on all the sites (4). Timing system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the starting coordinating device (3) is integrated in the remote operations center (2) on the base site. Timing system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the starting coordinating device (3) is arranged to transmit a command for synchronizing the time bases of the timing devices of all the sites (4) in communication by a cloud computing service (5). Timing system (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the starting coordinating device (3) is arranged to measure transmission times successively for the determination of a maximum transmission time.

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