GB2468840A

GB2468840A - Swimming Lap Counter and Timer

Info

Publication number: GB2468840A
Application number: GB0904507A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Joy; Julian Charity
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-16
Filing date: 2009-03-16
Publication date: 2010-09-29
Also published as: GB0904507D0

Abstract

A swimming lap counter and timer comprises an RFID tag 1, worn by a user and a separate display unit 2, when within wireless communication range, the display unit 2 receives an update signal from the tag land lap or timing information is automatically displayed by the display unit 2. Preferably a read/write terminal 3 is provided to add additional information to the tag 1 such as a user email address, the read/write unit 3 may automatically send lap information via email.

Description

Swimming Lap Counter and Timer Application Patent apDlication: Title: Swimming Lap Counter and Timer System

Background:

This invention overcomes the necessity of a swimmer to retain a lap count in their head. In addition other useful information such as lap times cannot be easily tabulated in a swimming pool environment.

The Lap counting system should also allow for multiple swimmers.

Statement of Invention

To overcome the above problems, this proposal uses a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system that retains the required information on the swimmers RFID Tag.

The system will use compatible RFID Tags that have the capability to have data read from them and written to them.

Thus, each swimmer having a compatible tag can use the RFID system that will write their information (such as lap count and times, names, email address) to their Tag only.

The reading/writing and update of information only takes place when their tag is placed within the operating field of the RFID Processor Display Unit (PDU) part of the system. This system will also display some information (e.g. Name, lap count, lap time).

Advantages The advantage of this system is that the swimmers do not need to remember their lap count and/or lap times.

The system allows for any number of swimmers.

The RFID processing part of the system does not retain any personal information, this is retained by the swimmer on their Tag. This overcomes any issues with the data protection act.

Preferably the Processor Display unit will be self sufficient in power (e.g. Solar or wave movement). However, it may have the capability, if necessary, to be charged from an external charge unit.

Preferably the PDU may also have a visual (LED) or/and an audible acknowledgment when a successful read write read has occurred i.e (from the tag to the PDU, PDU to the tag and tag confirmation to the PDU).

Page 1 Swimming Lap Counter and Timer Application Preferably the PDU will allow the swimmer to reset their lap count information.

Preferably the PDU and tags will be waterproof (1P67).

Introduction to drawings

Drawing Sheet 1: This drawing shows the two basic elements of the system: (1) The RFID Tag (Tag) worn by the swimmer (2) The RFID Processor & Display Unit (PDU) and Additional Element (3) Read/Write Terminal (RWT), a computer with compatible RFID unit.

Detailed description

Element 1: Is an RFID Tag.

Each swimmer using the invention will wear a compatible RFID tag. This tag will be of a type that can read and write data many times, to retain information about that swimmer performance and personal data. (For example; this information may be Name, Lap count, lap times, dates, email address, PIN number.) The data on the swimmers tag can only be updated when it is in Radio range of the PDU (Element 2). Initially the Lap count and data will be updated each time the Tag is in radio range of the PDU. Later, algorithms may determine if an actual lap occurred and therefore if an update is valid.

The data stored on the swimmers Tag can be security locked by the Tags encoding system.

Element 2: The RFID Processor and Display Unit (PDU) The PDUs are intended to be located at each end of the swimming lane/pool. When a swimmer offers their Tag to the PDU it will read the relevant data from it, process it and write back any relevant data, such as the Lap count and times. The PDU will then display selected data. Initially this may only be the lap count, but may include data such as lap time and swimmers name. The PDU may also have a visual (LED) or/and an audible acknowledgment of a successful update.

The lap counter can be reset at a PDU by holding the swimmers Tag in the PDU radio range for a set period of time (approx 10 seconds).

Page 2 Swimming Lap Counter and Timer Application Element 3: RFID read/write Terminal (RWT) The swimmer may access their data stored on their Tag by the use of a computer terminal with a RFID compatible read/write device (RWT). This information may be viewed or emailed to the email address stored on the Tag.

This emailing function may even be automated, such that an RWTs remote antenna is placed in a location (such as the pool exit door), so when the Tag passes within the Radio range of the antenna, the data (including the email address) is read and forwarded automatically.

Other data, such as personal data may be added using an RWT. This data may include information such as: name, display name, date of birth, PiN number, email address, automated emailing option.

Page 3

Claims

Swimming Lap Counter and Timer Application Claims 1. The swimmers Tag will contain that swimmers Lap count information, which will be updated and displayed automatically by the PDU when in RFID radio range.
2. The swimmers Tag according to claim 1, in which Lap times/date data are also written to the Tag by the PDU automatically, when in RFID radio range.
3. The PDU according to claim 2, in which the calculated lap time will be displayed.
4. The swimmers Tag according to claim 1, or claim 2, in which additional information can be added to the Tag by means of a Read/Write Terminal.
5. The Read/Write Terminal according to claim 4, in which the data stored in the Tag is automatically forwarded to the email address stored in the Tag.