JP2006058019A - Timing apparatus, time receiver and correction method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a timing apparatus etc., capable of properly correcting the time of every athlete. <P>SOLUTION: The receiving unit 32 receives the reference time (e.g. running time, present time etc.) transmitted from a transmitter arranged at the timing spot. The time correction unit 33 determines the justification of the reference time received by the receiver unit 32. If the justification of the reference time is determined, the time correction unit 33 corrects the time which is timed by the timing unit 34 according to this reference time. The time specification unit 37 specifies the time timed by the timing unit 34 as the measured time. The transmission unit 39 transmits the time specified by the time specification unit of the specification means to the time receiver arranged at the timing spot. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a timing device, a time receiver, and a correction method that can appropriately correct the time of each athlete.

In recent years, attempts have been made to measure individual athletes' times in marathon competitions and the like. For example, a measurement system that measures a competitor's individual time based on the time when a barcode is printed on the athlete's race bib and the reader reads the barcode of the athlete who finished the goal has been put into practical use. .
Nevertheless, since this measurement system reads the barcode over a predetermined time after the goal, the time delayed from the actual measurement was measured in the first place. In particular, when a large number of athletes have scored at the same time, there is a problem that waiting for bar code reading occurs and a time considerably delayed from the actual measurement is measured.
In addition to the goal time, there is an increasing demand to measure the passing time at each timekeeping point (intermediate point, etc.), but this measurement system could not cope.

In order to solve such problems, various measurement systems have been developed, and operation tests and the like for practical use have been attempted. In order to measure time closer to actual measurement and to enable measurement at each timing point, the new measurement system is mainly used to measure the time of each individual player without contact. .
Specifically, the time is measured by a radio signal emitted from a transmitter (attached to the bib) carried by the athlete, or the competitor or bib etc. is identified from the photographed video. It is to measure.

Among other things, various devices have been devised for the practical use of measuring systems that allow athletes to carry transmitters. As an example, there is also a technology in which a trigger signal is transmitted by a transmitter within a narrow range along the goal line, and a unique number signal is automatically transmitted from the transmitter when the transmitter reaches the goal line together with the competitor. It is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-8-57104 (Page 3-6, Fig. 1)

  The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 measures the time (time) from the start when the receiver receives the unique number signal transmitted from the transmitter. When a large number of athletes reach the goal line at the same time, the unique number signals transmitted from the transmitters may overlap each other and cannot be identified. For this reason, the transmitter does not transmit the unique number signal only once, but transmits the unique number signal a plurality of times, thereby preventing the receiver from reading (missing) the unique number.

However, since the time to be measured is counted when the unique number signal can be received, if the unique number signal overlaps, the receiver misses the unique number signal and receives the next unique number, There was a problem that the measured time was somewhat delayed from the actual measurement.
In addition, since the measurement of the time due to the reception of the unique number signal must be performed within a limited range (within a narrow range in which the trigger signal is transmitted), there are many overlapping of the unique number signals. There is a problem that even if a plurality of transmissions are made, the unique number signal may be missed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a timing device, a time receiver, and a correction method capable of appropriately correcting the time of each player.

In order to achieve the above object, a timing device according to the first aspect of the present invention is:
A timing device carried by the competitor,
Receiving means for receiving a reference time sent from the transmitter;
Discriminating means for discriminating legitimacy of the reference time received by the receiving means;
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Time correcting means for correcting the time measured by the time measuring means according to the reference time at which the determining means has determined validity;
A specifying means for specifying, as a measurement time, a time measured by the time measuring means based on a predetermined trigger signal transmitted at a time point;
Time transmitting means for transmitting the measurement time specified by the specifying means to a time receiver;
It is characterized by providing.

According to this invention, the receiving means receives the reference time (for example, running time, current time, etc.) sent from the transmitter. The discriminating unit discriminates the validity of the reference time received by the receiving unit. The time measuring means measures time. The time correction means corrects the time counted by the time measuring means according to the reference time when the determination means determines the validity. The specifying means specifies a time measured by the time measuring means as a measurement time based on a predetermined trigger signal transmitted at the time measuring point. The time transmitting means transmits the measurement time specified by the specifying means to the time receiver.
As a result, the time of each individual player can be corrected appropriately.

  The determining unit may determine that the reference time is valid when a time difference between the reference time received by the receiving unit and the time measured by the time measuring unit is within a predetermined threshold. .

The receiving means receives a plurality of reference times sent from the transmitter at the time of initial time setting,
The time correction unit may set a valid time in the time measuring unit based on a plurality of reference times received by the receiving unit.

The timing device further includes a storage unit that stores a correction value of the time corrected by the correction unit and identification information for identifying the transmitter that has transmitted the reference time,
The time transmitting unit may transmit the correction value and identification information stored in the storage unit together with the measurement time to a time receiver.

In order to achieve the above object, a time receiver according to the second aspect of the present invention provides:
A time receiver for receiving a measurement time measured by a timing device carried by the athlete,
The measurement time synchronized with the reference time obtained at the timing point, sent from the timing device, and receiving means for receiving a correction value when synchronizing with the reference time;
A discriminating means for discriminating the necessity of correcting the measurement time received by the receiving means at the time point;
Correction means for correcting the measurement time using the correction value when it is determined by the determination means that correction is required;
It is characterized by providing.

According to this invention, the receiving means receives the measurement time synchronized with the reference time obtained at the time point and the correction value when synchronizing with the reference time, sent from the timing device. The discriminating unit discriminates the necessity of correcting the measurement time received by the receiving unit at the timing point. The correction unit corrects the measurement time using the correction value when it is determined that correction is necessary by the determination unit.
As a result, the time of each individual player can be corrected appropriately.

In order to achieve the above object, a correction method according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
A correction method for a timing device carried by a competitor,
A receiving step for receiving a reference time sent from the transmitter;
A determining step of determining the validity of the reference time received by the receiving means;
A time measuring step for measuring time;
A time correction step for correcting the time measured in the time measurement step according to the reference time in which the validity is determined in the determination step;
A specific step of specifying the time measured in the time measurement step as a measurement time based on a predetermined trigger signal transmitted at the time point;
A time transmission step of transmitting the measurement time identified in the identification step toward a time receiver;
It is characterized by providing.

According to this invention, the receiving step receives a reference time (for example, running time, current time, etc.) sent from the transmitter. The determining step determines the validity of the reference time received in the receiving step. The time measuring step measures time. In the time correction step, the time measured in the time measurement step is corrected according to the reference time whose validity is determined in the determination step. In the specifying step, the time measured in the timing step based on a predetermined trigger signal transmitted at the timing point is specified as the measurement time. In the time transmission step, the measurement time specified in the specific step is transmitted to the time receiver.
As a result, the time of each individual player can be corrected appropriately.

In order to achieve the above object, a correction method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes:
A time receiver correction method for receiving a measurement time measured by a timing device carried by a competitor,
A receiving step for receiving a measurement time synchronized with a reference time obtained from a time measuring point and a correction value sent from the time measuring device;
A determination step of determining the necessity of correcting the measurement time at the time point;
A correction step of correcting the measurement time using the correction value when it is determined that correction is required in the determination step;
It is characterized by providing.

According to this invention, a receiving step receives the measurement time and correction value which were sent from the timing device and synchronized with the reference time obtained at the timing point. In the determination step, it is determined whether the measurement time needs to be corrected at the time point. The correction step corrects the measurement time using the correction value when it is determined in the determination step that correction is necessary.
As a result, the time of each individual player can be corrected appropriately.

  According to the present invention, each player's individual time can be corrected appropriately.

  A competition measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, as an example, it demonstrates as a measurement system for competitions which measures time etc. at a plurality of points in a marathon competition.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a competition measurement system 1 applied to the embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the relay points and goal points at which time is measured will be collectively described as time points for convenience. That is, the time point indicates a relay point or a goal point. A case where the goal point is different from the start point will be described.

  As shown in the figure, the competition timing system 1 includes a timer console 11, a GPS receiver 12, a wireless communication terminal 13, a time display device 14, a running time transmitter 15, a tag ID receiver 16, which are installed at the start point, and Tag console 17, timer console 11, GPS receiver 12, radio communication terminal 13, time display device 14, running time transmitter 15, tag ID receiver 16, installed at a timekeeping point (relay point or goal point), tag Console 17, trigger signal generation device 18, measurement time receiver 19 as a time receiver, photographing device 20, video recording device 21, data server 22, and wireless tag as a timing device carried by each competitor RN 30.

A start pistol SP is connected to the timer console 11 at the start point, and a grip switch GS is connected to the timer console 11 at the time point.
The start pistol SP supplies a start signal to the timer console 11 in response to the starter operation. In addition, the grip switch GS supplies a grip signal to the timer console 11 in response to an operation by a referee or the like.

The timer console 11 is a control unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a timer for measuring a running time, and an operation of a keyboard, etc. Part.
The timer console 11 executes time synchronization processing before the start of the competition, and starts measuring the current time synchronized with the standard time received by the GPS receiver 12.

When the start signal is input from the start pistol SP at the start of the competition, the timer console 11 at the start point holds the time as its start time (time information) in its own memory and the wireless communication terminal 13 is controlled to transmit the start time to the timer console 11 at the time point.
On the other hand, when the timer console 11 at the time point receives the start time sent from the wireless communication terminal 13 at the start point, the timer console 11 acquires the start time from the wireless communication terminal 13 and holds it in its own memory. To do.
After holding the start time in its own memory in this way, the timer console 11 sequentially generates a running time based on the difference between the current time measured by its own timer and the held start time. The information is supplied to the time display device 14 as information.
In addition, when a grip signal is input from the grip switch GS, the timer console 11 at the time measuring point supplies the time as grip time (time information) to the video recording device 21 or the like.

  A GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 12 receives a standard time (GPS time) transmitted from a GPS satellite, and supplies the received standard time to the timer console 11.

The wireless communication terminal 13 is a mobile phone or the like capable of data communication with another wireless communication terminal 13 through a public line (such as a mobile communication network).
Then, the wireless communication terminal 13 at the start point transmits communication data including the start time supplied from the timer console 11 to the wireless communication terminal 13 at the time point.
On the other hand, the wireless communication terminal 13 at the timing point receives the start time sent from the wireless communication terminal 13 at the start point, and supplies the received start time to the timer console 11.

  The time display device 14 includes an electric bulletin board or the like, and displays a running time or the like according to time information sequentially supplied from the timer console 11.

The running time transmitter 15 transmits the running time measured by the timer console 11 to each competitor RN (each wireless tag 30) and appropriately corrects (or sets) the time counted by the wireless tag 30. )
Specifically, the running time transmitter 15 at the start point transmits information including the running time, the gateway ID, and the threshold value n to all the wireless tags 30 immediately after the start by broadcasting. This gateway ID is identification information unique to the running time transmitter 15 (starting point or timing point), and the threshold value n is determined by the wireless tag 30 to determine the accuracy of the transmitted running time. Is the value used to
The running time transmitter 15 at the start point transmits the running time and the like continuously over a plurality of times (for example, three times or more at intervals of one second) in order to cause the wireless tag 30 to set the time first.
On the other hand, the running time transmitter 15 at the time point is arranged in front of the measurement point (time line L described later) as viewed from the traveling player RN, and toward the wireless tag 30 of the player RN located in the vicinity. , Information including running time and gateway ID is transmitted.
Note that the running time transmitter 15 at the start point transmits test data such as the current time to each wireless tag 30 for operation confirmation before starting.

The tag ID receiver 16 receives a tag ID returned from the wireless tag 30 in response to the running time transmitted by the running time transmitter 15 (identification information unique to the wireless tag 30). Then, the received tag ID is supplied to the tag console 17.
As with the running time transmitter 15, the tag ID receiver 16 at the timing point is also placed in front of the measurement point when viewed from the running player RN, and the player RN reaches a measurement zone Z described later. Before, the tag ID returned from the wireless tag 30 is received.
Further, the tag ID receiver 16 at the start point also receives a tag ID returned from the wireless tag 30 in response to test data (current time, etc.) for operation confirmation before starting.

The tag console 17 includes a control unit such as a CPU, a memory such as a RAM, a display unit such as an LCD, and an operation unit such as a keyboard, and manages information transmitted from the wireless tag 30.
The tag console 17 at the start point manages only the tag ID supplied from the tag ID receiver 16, and the tag console 17 at the timing point receives the tag ID and measurement measured from the tag ID receiver 16. The measurement time supplied from the time receiver 19 is also managed.
Specifically, the tag console 17 at the start point confirms the competition start of each player RN from each tag ID acquired after the start. In addition, when the tag ID for the test data is not acquired before the start, the wireless tag 30 that should transmit the tag ID may be out of order or the battery may run out.

Further, the tag console 17 at the timing point appropriately generates a polling list as shown in FIG. 2 in its own memory, and controls the measurement time receiver 19 to receive the measurement time and the like from the wireless tag 30.
Specifically, when the tag console 17 at the timing point acquires the tag ID from the tag ID receiver 16, it registers the tag ID in the polling list shown in FIG. When the tag ID cannot be acquired (the tag ID receiver 16 cannot receive the tag ID), the tag console 17 registers the target tag ID in the polling list by an input from the operation unit. It is also possible.
According to the polling list generated in this way, the tag console 17 at the timing point controls the measurement time receiver 19 and includes the tag ID, measurement time, gateway ID, and correction value α sent from the wireless tag 30. To get. The correction value α is a value obtained from the accumulated time difference β obtained by accumulating the corrected time (time difference) every time the wireless tag 30 receives the running time.
When the gateway ID is different from the gateway ID of the running time transmitter 15 at the timing point (when it is the gateway ID of the running time transmitter 15 at the timing point or the start point that has passed before), the tag console 17 Controls the measurement time receiver 19 and uses the correction value α acquired together with the measurement time to appropriately correct the measurement time. The details of the measurement time correction performed by the measurement time receiver 19 will be described later.

  Then, the tag console 17 transmits the measurement time acquired by controlling the measurement time receiver 19 or the measurement time corrected by controlling the measurement time receiver 19 to the data server 22 together with the tag ID. After transmitting the measurement time and the like to the data server 22, the tag console 17 deletes the corresponding tag ID from the polling list. If there is a tag ID that remains without being deleted from the polling list after a certain period of time, the tag console 17 designates the player RN corresponding to the tag ID as a non-passing player in the video recording device 21 or the like. Notify and request the identification (determination) of the presence or absence of the passage and the measurement time.

The trigger signal generator 18 installed at the timing point is installed, for example, toward the timing line L as a timing point from the roadside of the traveling road, and triggers within a predetermined measurement zone Z centering on the timing line L. Send a signal.
As an example, the trigger signal generation device 18 generates a microwave of 24 GHz and transmits a trigger signal toward the measurement zone Z by a predetermined parabolic antenna. Note that the trigger signal generator 18 only needs to be able to obtain the trigger signal directivity and transmit the trigger signal into the measurement zone Z in the same manner. Therefore, even if a communication technique such as UWB (Ultra Wide Band) is applied. Good.

The measurement time receiver 19 installed at the timing point is controlled by the tag console 17 and receives measurement time and the like by polling from the wireless tag 30 of the player RN located in the vicinity (after passing through the measurement zone Z). To do.
The measurement time receiver 19 requests each wireless tag 30 to transmit the measurement time in accordance with the order of the polling list of the tag console 17, and the measurement time transmitted from the wireless tag 30 in response (tag ID, measurement time, The gateway ID and the correction value α) are received.
When a polling request is transmitted from the wireless tag 30 side as will be described later, the measurement time receiver 19 requests the wireless tag 30 to transmit the measurement time and receives the measurement time and the like.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the measurement time receiver 19 includes an antenna 41, a receiving unit 42 as a receiving unit, a time correcting unit 43 as a determining unit and a correcting unit, a temporary storage unit 44, and an output. Unit 45.

The antenna 41 is a receiving antenna. The receiving unit 42 receives the tag ID, the measurement time, the barrier ID, and the correction value α transmitted from the player RN (wireless tag 30) that has passed through the measurement zone Z via the antenna 41.
The receiving unit 42 receives a measurement time and the like transmitted at a unique response timing that differs depending on the wireless tag 30. In addition, when the wireless tag 30 transmits a measurement time or the like over a plurality of times in consideration of duplication with other wireless tags 30, the receiving unit 42 tries to receive each measurement time or the like.

The time correction unit 43 determines the necessity for correction of the measurement time based on the gateway ID received by the reception unit 42 and the gateway ID held by the temporary storage unit 44, and corrects the measurement time based on the result.
Specifically, when there is a timekeeping point at each 5 km interval (for example, 5 km point, 10 km point, 15 km point, etc.) of the marathon course, if the gateway ID matches at the timekeeping point (for example, 15 km point) The running time is corrected by the wireless tag 30 at the timing point. On the other hand, if the gateway IDs do not match, the running time is not corrected at the timekeeping point, and is measured based on the running time corrected at the previous timekeeping point (eg, 10 km point). The time is being timed.
Therefore, when the gateway ID matches, correction of the measurement time is not necessary. However, when the gateway ID does not match, the time correction unit 43 uses the correction value α to calculate the measurement time. It is necessary to correct. At this time, the measurement time is corrected in consideration of the correction value α at the previous timing point (10 km point). As an example, the time correction unit 43 corrects the measurement time as shown in Equation 1 below.

(Equation 1)
Ta = T + α · T
Ta: Corrected measurement time T: Measurement time α: Correction value

The temporary storage unit 44 temporarily stores the tag ID, measurement time, barrier ID, correction value α, and measurement time corrected by the time correction unit 43 received by the reception unit 42. The temporary storage unit 44 has a sufficient capacity for storing even when the receiving unit 42 receives a large number of tag IDs or the like from a large number of competitors RN (different wireless tags 30) at the same time. ing.
The output unit 45 sequentially outputs each tag ID stored in the temporary storage unit 43 (tag ID, received measurement time, or corrected measurement time) to the tag console 17.

The imaging device 20 installed at the timing point is composed of, for example, a video camera or the like, and captures an image of the player RN passing through the timing line L.
Specifically, the imaging device 20 is disposed farther (forward) than the trigger signal generator 18 as viewed from the running athlete, and the front (front) image of the athlete so that the athlete's race bib, face, etc. can be seen. Shoot. Then, the captured video (video signal) is supplied to the video recording device 21.

  The video recording device 21 installed at the timing point is composed of a video recording device or the like, and synthesizes time data such as grip time and running time supplied from the timer console 11 with the video signal supplied from the photographing device 20. Record (synchronized).

The data server 22 installed at the timing point appropriately acquires data from the tag console 17 and the video recording device 21 and determines the official time and arrival order.
In addition, when the player information of the player RN, the tag ID of the wireless tag 30 to be used, and the like are input from a predetermined operation unit, the data server 22 stores these information in association with each other, and the timer console 11 and the tag It supplies to the console 17 suitably. The determined official time and the like are also supplied to the timer console 11.

The wireless tag 30 as a timing device carried by the player RN receives the running time transmitted from the starting time or the running time transmitter 15 at the timing point, and measures the time synchronized with the running time. And the trigger signal emitted from the trigger signal generator 18 is detected, the measurement time in the time measuring line L is specified, and measurement time is transmitted to the measurement time receiver 19 according to polling.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the wireless tag 30 includes an antenna 31, a receiving unit 32 as a receiving unit, a time correcting unit 33 as a discriminating unit and a time correcting unit, and a timing unit 34 as a timing unit. The trigger antenna 35, a trigger detection unit 36 as detection means, a time specification unit 37 as specification means, a storage unit 38 as storage means, and a transmission unit 39 as time transmission means.

The antenna 31 is a transmission / reception antenna.
The receiving unit 32 receives the running time transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 through the antenna 31.
Specifically, the receiving unit 32 receives information including the running time, the barrier ID, and the threshold value n transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 at the start point immediately after the start. At this time, the running time transmitter 15 continuously receives a running time transmitted over a plurality of times (for example, three times or more at intervals of 1 second).
The receiving unit 32 receives information including the running time and the gateway ID transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 at the time point.
Then, the receiving unit 32 supplies the received running time and the like to the time correction unit 33.
In addition, the receiving unit 32 receives a measurement time transmission request (polling) from the measurement time receiver 19 at the time point. Then, the received transmission request is supplied to the transmission unit 39.

The time correction unit 33 corrects the running time counted by the timing unit 34 based on the running time received by the receiving unit 32 at the timing point. At that time, the time difference (time difference between the received running time and the running time measured by the time measuring unit 34) is obtained and added to the accumulated time difference β of the storage unit 38 and stored. Then, a correction value α per unit time is obtained from the accumulated time difference β and stored (updated) in the storage unit 38. In addition, in order to clarify the timing point where the time correction is performed, the gateway ID sent together with the running time is stored (updated) in the storage unit 38.
Since the running time has not been set in the timing unit 34 until the start of the competition, the time correction unit 33 indicates the running time sent from the running time transmitter 15 at the start point. After receiving three or more times at 1-second intervals, a valid running time is set in the timing unit 34.
Specifically, when the running time is transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 at a normal time of “1:01, 1:02, 1:03” three times at 1 second intervals, the time correction unit 33 In consideration of the three running times that should change with time, a valid running time is set in the timing unit 34. That is, even if one of the three running times is an inaccurate value (garbled characters such as “1:99”), it is valid (accurate) from the remaining two normal running times by majority vote. The running time is specified and set in the timing unit 34.
As an example, when three running times “1:01, 1:99, 1:03” are received, a valid “1:03” is set in the timing unit 34 after receiving the running time. Similarly, when the running time “1:99, 1:02, 1:03” is received, “1:03” is set in the timing unit 34. Further, when the running time of “1:01, 1:02, 1:99” is received, “1:03” is specified and set in the timing unit 34.
At this time, the time correction unit 33 stores the threshold value n sent together with the running time from the running time transmitter 15 at the start point in the storage unit 38.

  In addition, when the time difference between the running time received at the timing point and the running time measured by the timing unit 34 is larger than the threshold value n stored in the storage unit 38, the time correction unit 33 performs time correction. Absent. This is because, for some reason, the transmitted running time or the received running time may be garbled, etc., so the time correction unit 33 discards the inaccurate running time as it is. To do. In this case, the gateway ID is not updated.

The time measuring unit 34 is appropriately corrected (set) by the time correcting unit 33 and measures the running time synchronized with the running time received by the receiving unit 32.
The timekeeping unit 34 includes a highly stable crystal oscillator, and can stably keep the running time.

The trigger antenna 35 is tuned to the microwave emitted by the trigger signal generator 18 and receives the trigger signal.
The trigger detection unit 36 detects a trigger signal via the trigger antenna 35. Then, the detection result is notified to the time specifying unit 37. For example, the trigger detection unit 36 detects the ON timing of the trigger signal (the timing when the trigger signal is first detected from the state where the trigger signal is not detected) and the OFF timing of the trigger signal (when the trigger signal is detected). The timing at which the detection is finished) is notified to the time specifying unit 37.

The time specifying unit 37 determines the measurement zone Z based on the trigger signal detected by the trigger detection unit 36, and specifies the running time measured by the time measuring unit 34 in the measurement zone Z as the measurement time.
For example, when the athlete RN reaches the measurement zone Z and the ON timing of the trigger signal is notified from the trigger detection unit 36, the time specifying unit 37 uses the running time counted by the time measuring unit 34 as the start time. Store in the storage unit 38. Thereafter, when the player RN passes through the measurement zone Z and the trigger detection unit 36 is notified of the trigger signal OFF timing, the running time counted by the timing unit 34 is stored in the storage unit 38 as the end time. . And the time specific unit 37 calculates | requires the intermediate value of start time and end time, and specifies as the measurement time which the player RN passed the time measuring line L. FIG.
The time specifying unit 37 deletes the start time and the end time from the storage unit 38 and stores the specified measurement time in the storage unit 38.

The storage unit 38 stores the threshold value n received by the receiving unit 32, the correction value α obtained by the time correction unit 33, the accumulated time difference β, the gateway ID of the point where the time correction is performed, and the time specifying unit 37. The measured measurement time and the like are stored.
Moreover, the memory | storage part 38 has memorize | stored beforehand unique tag ID different for every radio | wireless tag 30 (every player RN).

When the reception unit 32 receives the running time, the transmission unit 39 transmits the tag ID read from the storage unit 38 to the tag ID receiver 16 as a response. At that time, in order to suppress the occurrence of collision, the tag ID is transmitted at a different response timing determined for each wireless tag 30.
Further, when the receiving unit 32 receives a measurement time transmission request (polling), the transmission unit 39 reads the tag ID, measurement time, gateway ID, and correction value α from the storage unit 38 and receives the measurement time. To the machine 19.
The transmission unit 39 may itself transmit a polling request to the measurement time receiver 19 when a measurement time transmission request (polling) is not transmitted from the measurement time receiver 19. For example, taking into account that the tag ID of itself is not registered in the polling list of the tag console 17, a predetermined time elapses after the time specifying unit 37 stores the measurement time in the storage unit 38 (from the measurement time to the predetermined time). When the transmission request for the measurement time is not received by (after the elapse), the transmission unit 39 voluntarily transmits a polling request to the measurement time receiver 19. At this time, the transmission unit 39 may shift the timing in consideration of the transmission of the other wireless tag 30, or may transmit a polling request in a band of a different channel.

Hereinafter, operation | movement of the measurement system 1 for competitions of the structure mentioned above is demonstrated with reference to drawings.
First, the operation of the wireless tag 30 that receives the running time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the running time reception process executed by the wireless tag 30. The running time reception process is started when the running time is transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 at the start point or the timing point.

  First, the wireless tag 30 receives the running time (step S11). That is, the receiving unit 32 receives information including the running time and the gateway ID transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 via the antenna 31. Note that the running time, the gateway ID (value is 0), and information including the threshold value n are received from the running time transmitter 15 at the start point.

  The wireless tag 30 determines whether or not the received gateway ID is 0 (step S12). That is, it is determined whether or not the received running time is sent from the starting time running time transmitter 15.

  If the wireless tag 30 determines that the barrier ID is 0 (the running time sent from the running time transmitter 15 at the start point), the wireless tag 30 receives a plurality of running times (step S13). In other words, the running time transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 at the start point is continuously transmitted a plurality of times (for example, three times or more at intervals of 1 second).

  The wireless tag 30 identifies a valid running time from a plurality of running times (step S14). That is, since the running time has not been set so far, the time correction unit 33 specifies a valid running time in consideration of a plurality of running times that should change over time.

  The wireless tag 30 sets the specified running time (step S15). That is, the time correction unit 33 sets the specified running time in the time measurement unit 34.

  The wireless tag 30 stores the threshold value n (step S16). That is, the time correction unit 33 stores the threshold value n sent together with the running time in the storage unit 38.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the gateway ID is not 0 (the running time sent from the running time transmitter 15 at the time point), the wireless tag 30 determines that the running time is A time difference is obtained (step S17). That is, the time correction unit 33 obtains the time difference between the running time received at the timing point and the running time counted by the timing unit 34.

The wireless tag 30 determines whether or not the obtained time difference is larger than the threshold value n (step S18). That is, the time correction unit 33 determines whether or not the running time received at the timing point is accurate.
If the wireless tag 30 determines that the calculated time difference is greater than the threshold value n, the wireless tag 30 proceeds to step S22 described later. That is, the running time that seems to be inaccurate is discarded as it is, and the gateway ID is not updated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the obtained time difference is not larger than the threshold value n (within the threshold value n), the wireless tag 30 corrects its running time (step S19). That is, the time correction unit 33 corrects the running time counted by the time measuring unit 34 so as to synchronize with the received running time.

  The wireless tag 30 adds the time difference to the accumulated time difference β to obtain and store the correction value α (step S20). That is, the time correction unit 33 adds the calculated time difference to the accumulated time difference β in the storage unit 38 and stores it, and calculates the correction value α per unit time from the accumulated time difference β and stores it in the storage unit 38 (updates). ).

  The wireless tag 30 updates the barrier ID (step S21). That is, the time correction unit 33 stores (updates) the gateway ID sent together with the running time in the storage unit 38 in order to clarify the time-measurement point where the time correction is performed.

  The wireless tag 30 transmits a tag ID as a response to receiving the running time (step S22). That is, the transmission unit 39 transmits the tag ID read from the storage unit 38 to the tag ID receiver 16.

  As described above, the running time reception process performed by the wireless tag 30 sets a valid running time in the timing unit 34 from the plurality of received running times at the start point. On the other hand, at the time point, the accuracy of the received running time is verified by the threshold value n. If the running time is inaccurate, the timing unit 34 is not corrected. If the running time is accurate, the timing unit 34 is corrected, the time difference is added to the accumulated time difference β to obtain the correction value α, and the gateway ID indicating the time point at which the correction is performed is stored.

  Next, the operation of the measurement time receiver 19 controlled by the tag console 17 (the tag console 17 at the time point) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining measurement time acquisition processing executed by the measurement time receiver 19. This measurement time acquisition process is appropriately started after the tag console 17 generates a polling list as shown in FIG.

First, the measurement time receiver 19 reads one tag ID from the polling list (step S31). That is, the measurement time receiver 19 reads the tag IDs registered in the polling list in a predetermined order.
For example, the measurement time receiver 19 reads one tag ID according to the order of registration time. When this step S31 is repeatedly executed and the reading of the tag ID with the latest registration time is finished, the measurement time receiver 19 starts again from the top in the order of the registration time when the previous tag ID remains. Read the tag ID again.

  The measurement time receiver 19 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the tag ID was registered in the polling list (step S32). That is, it is determined whether or not the read tag ID is in a state in which polling reception cannot be performed and the tag ID remains without being deleted from the polling list even after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  If the measurement time receiver 19 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the measurement time receiver 19 polls and receives the measurement time (step S33). That is, the measurement time receiver 19 requests the wireless tag 30 with the tag ID read from the polling list to transmit the measurement time, and in response, the tag ID, measurement time, gateway ID, and , Information including the correction value α is acquired.

  The measurement time receiver 19 determines whether or not the gateway ID matches that at the time point (step S34). That is, the measurement time receiver 19 determines whether or not the received gateway ID is the same as the gateway ID of the running time transmitter 15 at the timing point. Here, when the gateway IDs match, the running time of the wireless tag 30 is corrected at the timing point. On the other hand, when the gateway IDs do not match, correction is performed at the timing point. Is not performed, and correction is performed at the previous timing point. Specifically, when there is a timing point at each 5 km interval (for example, 5 km point, 10 km point, 15 km point, etc.) of the marathon course, if the gateway IDs match at the timing point (for example, 15 km point) The running time of the wireless tag 30 is corrected at the timing point. On the other hand, when the barrier IDs do not match, the correction is not performed at the timing point, and the correction is performed only at the previous timing point (for example, 10 km point).

If the measurement time receiver 19 determines that the barrier IDs match, the measurement time correction is unnecessary, and thus the process proceeds to step S36 described later.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the barrier IDs do not match, the measurement time receiver 19 corrects the measurement time using the correction value α (step S35). For example, the measurement time receiver 19 corrects the measurement time according to the above mathematical formula 1. That is, the measurement time is corrected in consideration of the correction value α at the previous time point (10 km point).

  The measurement time receiver 19 transmits the measurement time to the data server 22 through the tag console 17 (step S36). That is, the measurement time receiver 19 transmits the acquired measurement time or the corrected measurement time to the tag console 17 together with the tag ID, and the tag console 17 transmits the tag ID and the measurement time to the data server 22.

  The measurement time receiver 19 deletes the target tag ID from the polling list (step S37). That is, the tag ID of the wireless tag 30 that has become unnecessary after the acquisition of the measurement time is deleted from the polling list through the tag console 17.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the above-described step S32 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the measurement time receiver 19 sets the player RN corresponding to the tag ID through the tag console 17 as a non-passed by the video recording device 21. (Step S38).

Then, the measurement time receiver 19 determines whether or not another tag ID is registered in the polling list (step S39).
If it is determined that there is another tag ID, the measurement time receiver 19 returns the process to step S31 and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S31 to S39 described above.
On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no other tag ID, the measurement time receiver 19 ends the measurement time acquisition process.

  Thus, the measurement time is sequentially acquired from each wireless tag 30 according to the order of the polling list by the measurement time acquisition process performed by the measurement time receiver 19. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a collision can be avoided appropriately. Further, if there is a tag ID that remains without being deleted from the polling list even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the player RN corresponding to the tag ID is notified to the video recording device 21 or the like as a non-passer. For this reason, the presence or absence of the player RN and the measurement time can be specified (determined) by the video recording device 21 or the like.

Further, as described above, the wireless tag 30 itself sends the measurement time receiver 19 to the measurement time receiver 19 when a measurement time transmission request (polling) is not sent from the measurement time receiver 19 controlled by the tag console 17. A polling request may be transmitted.
In this case, since the measurement time receiver 19 receives the measurement time from the wireless tag 30 in response to this polling request, the measurement time can also be acquired from the wireless tag 30 with the tag ID that has been registered in the polling list. .

  As a result, the time of each individual player can be corrected appropriately.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the running time is transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 toward the wireless tag 30 and the time synchronized with the running time is counted by the timing unit 34 of the wireless tag 30 has been described.
However, what is transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 is not limited to the running time, and other time information may be transmitted. For example, the current time measured by the timer console 11 is transmitted from the running time transmitter 15 to the wireless tag 30, and the wireless tag 30 (timer unit 34) measures the time synchronized with the current time. It may be.

More specifically, the running time transmitter 15 at the start point includes the current time, the gateway ID, and the threshold value n all at once by broadcast to all the wireless tags 30 before the competition starts. Send information. At this time, the running time transmitter 15 transmits the current time and the like continuously over a plurality of times (for example, three times or more at intervals of 1 second).
On the other hand, the wireless tag 30 sets a valid current time in the time measuring unit 34 in consideration of a plurality of current times that should change with time. Then, the threshold value n and the first set time sent together with the current time are stored in the storage unit 38.

When the competition starts and the competitor RN advances to the time point, the wireless tag 30 receives the current time sent from the running time transmitter 15 at the time point. When this current time is received, the wireless tag 30 (time correction unit 33) corrects the time counted by the time measurement unit 34 based on the received current time. At this time, the corrected time difference (the time difference between the received current time and the time measured by the time measuring unit 34) is obtained and added to the accumulated time difference β of the storage unit 38 and stored. Then, a correction value α per unit time is obtained from the accumulated time difference β and stored (updated) in the storage unit 38. In addition, in order to clarify the corrected timing point, the gateway ID sent together with the current time is stored (updated) in the storage unit 38.
In this case as well, when the time difference between the current time received at the timing point and the time measured by the timing unit 34 is larger than the threshold value n stored in the storage unit 38, the time correction unit 33 Do not make corrections.

The wireless tag 30 detects the trigger signal, stores the specified measurement time in the storage unit 38, and then responds to polling to store the tag ID, measurement time, barrier ID, and correction value α in the storage unit 38. And is transmitted to the measurement time receiver 19.
On the other hand, when the tag console 17 acquires these pieces of information via the measurement time receiver 19, the correction acquired along with the measurement time when the gateway ID is different from the gateway ID of the running time transmitter 15 at the timing point. The measurement time is appropriately corrected using the value α. The tag console 17 transmits the acquired measurement time or the corrected measurement time to the data server 22 together with the tag ID. And the data server 22 specifies each competitor's time from start time and measurement time.
Also in this case, the time of each competitor can be corrected appropriately.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the start point and the goal point are different has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the start point and the goal point are the same.

In the above embodiment, the marathon competition has been described as an example, but the competition to be timed is not limited to this and is arbitrary.
For example, the present invention can be applied as appropriate to relay races, racewalking, disabled wheelchair road races, bicycle road races, triathlons, and mountain sports such as running and orientation.
In the case of Ekiden, since the player RN changes according to the section, the time point where the player RN is changed also plays a role as a starting point as appropriate. That is, the measurement time is acquired from the player RN (wireless tag 30) before the change, and the running time is set for the player RN (wireless tag 30) after the change.
Also in this case, the time of each competitor can be corrected appropriately.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the time of each player can be corrected appropriately.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the measurement system for competitions concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a polling list. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a measurement time receiver. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a wireless tag. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the running time reception process which a wireless tag performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the measurement time acquisition process which a measurement time receiver performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Competition measuring system 11 Timer console 12 GPS receiver 13 Wireless communication terminal 14 Time display device 15 Running time transmitter 16 Tag ID receiver 17 Tag console 18 Trigger signal generator 19 Measurement time receiver 20 Shooting device 21 Video recording device 22 Data server 30 Wireless tag

Claims (7)

A timing device carried by the competitor,
Receiving means for receiving a reference time sent from the transmitter;
Discriminating means for discriminating the legitimacy of the reference time received by the receiving means;
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Time correcting means for correcting the time measured by the time measuring means according to the reference time at which the determining means has determined validity;
A specifying means for specifying, as a measurement time, a time measured by the time measuring means based on a predetermined trigger signal transmitted at a time point;
Time transmitting means for transmitting the measurement time specified by the specifying means to a time receiver;
A timing device characterized by comprising: The determining means determines that the reference time is valid when the time difference between the reference time received by the receiving means and the time measured by the time measuring means is within a predetermined threshold.
The time measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving means receives a plurality of reference times sent from the transmitter at the time of initial time setting,
The time correction means sets a valid time to the time measuring means based on a plurality of reference times received by the receiving means.
The timing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A storage unit for storing a correction value of the time corrected by the time correction unit and identification information for identifying the transmitter that has transmitted the reference time;
The time transmission means transmits the correction value and identification information stored in the storage means together with the measurement time to a time receiver.
The timing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A time receiver for receiving a measurement time measured by a timing device carried by the athlete,
The measurement time synchronized with the reference time obtained at the timing point, sent from the timing device, and receiving means for receiving a correction value when synchronizing with the reference time;
A discriminating means for discriminating the necessity of correction of the measurement time at the time point;
Correction means for correcting the measurement time using the correction value when it is determined by the determination means that correction is required;
A time receiver comprising: A correction method for a timing device carried by a competitor,
A receiving step for receiving a reference time sent from the transmitter;
A discriminating step for discriminating legitimacy of the reference time received in the receiving step;
A time measuring step for measuring time;
A time correction step for correcting the time measured in the time measurement step according to the reference time in which the validity is determined in the determination step;
A specific step of specifying the time measured in the time measurement step as a measurement time based on a predetermined trigger signal transmitted at the time point;
A time transmission step of transmitting the measurement time identified in the identification step toward a time receiver;
A correction method comprising: A time receiver correction method for receiving a measurement time measured by a timing device carried by a competitor,
A receiving step for receiving a measurement time synchronized with a reference time obtained from a time measuring point and a correction value sent from the time measuring device;
A determination step of determining the necessity of correcting the measurement time at the time point;
A correction step of correcting the measurement time using the correction value when it is determined that correction is required in the determination step;
A correction method comprising:

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