JP2006268660A - Timer equipment, athletic timer system, and operation mode control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide timer equipment or the like, capable of appropriately performing athletic timing or the like while saving power. <P>SOLUTION: A wireless tag (timer equipment) in a waiting mode is transferred, upon detecting arrival of a start point on a loop coil (T1), to a power-saved operation mode. The wireless tag is then transferred, upon detecting arrival of a clocking point onto the loop coil (T2), to a general operation mode. The wireless tag which is made communicable performs time communication operation (T3) and performs, upon detecting a polarity change point of electromagnetic field (T4), timing operation (T5) and polling operation (T7). When the polling operation is terminated, the wireless tag is transferred from the general operation mode to the power-saved operation mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a timing device, a competition timing system, and an operation mode control method capable of appropriately measuring a competition time and the like while saving power.

In recent years, in marathon competitions and the like, attempts have been made to measure (measure) the goal time of each individual athlete. For example, a measurement system that measures a competitor's individual goal time based on the time when a barcode was printed on a competitor's race bib and the reader's barcode was read by a reader has been put into practical use. Yes.
Nevertheless, in the conventional measurement system, since the barcode is read over a predetermined time after the goal, the goal time that was 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 goal time considerably delayed from actual measurement is measured.
In addition to the goal time, there is an increasing demand for measuring the competition time including the passing time at each timing point (relay point, etc.), but the conventional measurement system cannot cope with this.

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 the goal time that is closer to the actual measurement and to be able to measure the passing time at each timing point, the new measurement system is mainly used to measure the competition time of each individual player without contact. It has become.
For example, the player holds a tag transmitter and measures the competition time or the like based on information sent from the tag transmitter.

More specifically, a trigger signal is transmitted from a square loop coil or the like into the measurement area on the competition track, and when the athlete holding the tag transmitter travels within the measurement area, In response, an ID (such as an identification number) is transmitted from the tag transmitter. And ID receiving unit receives this ID, and measures the number of laps of each athlete, competition time, etc. (for example, refer to patent documents 1).
In addition to this, a technique is also disclosed in which the tag transmitter transmits an ID using weak radio waves in the UHF band, etc., so as to increase the communication distance of the tag transmitter (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-141497 A (page 2-4, FIG. 2) JP 2004-125765 A (page 3-4, FIG. 2)

In such techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a large number of athletes reach the measurement area at the same time, the ID receiving unit side may not be able to properly receive the ID that should be sent. This is because a plurality of tag transmitters continue to transmit IDs to each other in the measurement area, so that a situation in which the processing on the ID receiving unit side cannot catch up occurs or a collision occurs during ID transmission. It is.
In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the tag transmitter transmits IDs at random intervals to suppress the occurrence of collision. In reality, however, a collision occurred while each tag transmitter repeatedly transmitted an ID within the timing area.

Further, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the time is measured at the ID receiving unit side in the first place, even if ID is retransmitted from the tag transmitter when a collision occurs, an appropriate competition time can be obtained. There was a problem that it would not become (the competition time would shift).
In order to improve this point, it is also considered that the timing unit is built in the tag transmitter and the tag transmitter side measures the time, and the ID receiving unit side receives the ID and competition time sent from the tag transmitter. It is done. In other words, if the competition transmitter has finished counting the competition time, it can be prevented that the competition time is shifted even if the ID reception unit side receives the competition time and the like due to retransmission at the time of collision. .

However, when the time is measured on the tag transmitter side, the built-in timing unit not only needs to measure an accurate time (for example, a time synchronized with a standard time as a reference), but also takes a long time. Sufficient drive time is required to operate throughout the competition.
Moreover, since it is a premise that the athlete holds (wears) the tag transmitter, the tag transmitter is required to be as light as possible. For this purpose, it is necessary to reduce the capacity (electric capacity) of the battery for driving the tag transmitter as much as possible and to reduce the weight.
That is, the tag transmitter is required to have a power saving measure that can realize not only proper timekeeping but also long time driving with a small amount of power consumption.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a timing device, a competition timing system, and an operation mode control method capable of appropriately timing a competition time and the like while saving power. Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, a timing device according to the first aspect of the present invention is:
It is a timing device that can be carried by a competitor and can be switched to multiple operation modes.
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Electromagnetic field detection means for detecting the electromagnetic field generated on the runway;
Timing point detection means for detecting a predetermined timing point based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means;
Time specifying means for specifying a time measured by the time measuring means as a competition time when the time measuring point detecting means detects the time measuring point;
Transmitting means for transmitting the competition time specified by the time specifying means to a nearby receiving device;
When the electromagnetic field detection means detects the electromagnetic field during operation in a power saving mode in which the supply of drive power to the transmission means is stopped, the transmission means switches to a normal mode for supplying drive power to the transmission means, and the transmission means When the transmission of the competition time is finished, mode switching means for switching to the power saving mode again,
It is characterized by providing.

  According to this invention, the time measuring means measures the time such as the current time, for example. The electromagnetic field detection means detects an electromagnetic field generated on the runway. The time point detection unit detects a predetermined time point based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection unit. The time specifying means specifies the time measured by the time measuring means as the competition time when the time measuring point detecting means detects the time measuring point. The transmitting means transmits the competition time specified by the time specifying means to a nearby receiving device. The mode switching means switches to the normal mode for supplying drive power to the transmission means when the electromagnetic field detection means detects an electromagnetic field during operation in the power saving mode in which supply of drive power to the transmission means is stopped. When the means finishes transmitting the competition time, it switches to the power saving mode again.

In this way, the power saving mode is switched to the normal mode only when the competition time is specified and the competition time is transmitted. For this reason, during a lot of time in the competition, driving is performed in the power saving operation mode, and power saving can be effectively achieved.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately time the competition time and the like while saving power.

The timing device further includes receiving means for receiving time information for correcting the time being measured by the timing means transmitted from a nearby transmitting device,
The electromagnetic field detection means is
Detecting different first and second electromagnetic fields,
The time point detecting means is
Based on the increase / decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the second electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means, the time point that is defined in advance is detected,
The mode switching means is
When the electromagnetic field detection unit detects the first electromagnetic field during operation in the power saving mode, the mode is switched to a normal mode in which driving power is supplied to the transmission unit and the reception unit, and the reception unit receives time information. When the electromagnetic field detection unit detects the second electromagnetic field during operation in the power saving mode, the normal mode may be switched to allow the transmission unit to transmit the competition time.

  The timing device may be switched to the power saving mode when the electromagnetic field detecting unit detects the electromagnetic field while the mode switching unit is operating in a standby mode in which driving power is supplied only to the electromagnetic field detecting unit. Good.

In order to achieve the above object, a timing system for competition according to the second aspect of the present invention is:
A competition device that includes a timing device that can be carried by an athlete and can be switched to a plurality of operation modes, a magnetic field generation device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on a runway, and a reception device that receives information transmitted from the timing device. A timing system,
The timing device is
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Electromagnetic field detection means for detecting the electromagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator;
Timing point detection means for detecting a predetermined timing point based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means;
Time specifying means for specifying a time measured by the time measuring means as a competition time when the time measuring point detecting means detects the time measuring point;
Transmitting means for transmitting the competition time specified by the time specifying means to the receiving device;
When the electromagnetic field detection means detects the electromagnetic field during operation in a power saving mode in which the supply of drive power to the transmission means is stopped, the transmission means switches to a normal mode for supplying drive power to the transmission means, and the transmission means Mode transmission means for switching to the power saving mode again when transmission of the competition time is finished,
It is characterized by that.

  According to this invention, the time measuring means of the time measuring device measures the time such as the current time, for example. The electromagnetic field detection means detects an electromagnetic field generated on the runway. The time point detection unit detects a predetermined time point based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection unit. The time specifying means specifies the time measured by the time measuring means as the competition time when the time measuring point detecting means detects the time measuring point. The transmitting means transmits the competition time specified by the time specifying means to a nearby receiving device. The mode switching means switches to the normal mode for supplying drive power to the transmission means when the electromagnetic field detection means detects an electromagnetic field during operation in the power saving mode in which supply of drive power to the transmission means is stopped. When the means finishes transmitting the competition time, it switches to the power saving mode again.

In this way, the power saving mode is switched to the normal mode only when the timing device specifies the competition time and transmits the competition time. For this reason, during a lot of time in the competition, driving is performed in the power saving operation mode, and power saving can be effectively achieved.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately time the competition time and the like while saving power.

A transmission device that transmits time information;
The magnetic field generator is
A plurality of first and second electromagnetic fields of different types are generated,
The timing device is
Receiving means for receiving time information transmitted from the nearby transmitting device to correct the time being measured by the time measuring means;
The electromagnetic field detection means is
Detecting the first and second electromagnetic fields generated by each of the magnetic field generating devices;
The time point detecting means is
Based on the increase / decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the second electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means, a predetermined timing point is detected,
The mode switching means is
When the electromagnetic field detection unit detects the first electromagnetic field during operation in the power saving mode, the mode is switched to a normal mode in which driving power is supplied to the transmission unit and the reception unit. When the electromagnetic field detection means detects the second electromagnetic field while operating in the power saving mode, the mode is switched to the normal mode, and the transmission means informs the receiving device of the competition time. It may be possible to transmit.

In order to achieve the above object, an operation mode control method according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
An operation mode control method for a timing device carried by a competitor,
A time measuring step for measuring time;
An electromagnetic field detection step for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the runway;
Based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected in the electromagnetic field detection step, a timing point detection step for detecting a predetermined timing point;
A time specifying step for specifying a time measured in the time measuring step as a competition time when the time measuring point is detected in the time measuring point detecting step;
A transmission step of transmitting the competition time identified in the time identification step to a nearby receiving device by a predetermined communication circuit;
When the electromagnetic field is detected in the electromagnetic field detection step during operation in the power saving mode in which the supply of driving power to the communication circuit is stopped, the mode is switched to the normal mode in which driving power is supplied to the communication circuit, and the transmission step is performed. When the transmission of the competition time is finished, a mode switching step for switching to the power saving mode again,
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, the time measuring step measures time such as the current time, for example. The electromagnetic field detection step detects an electromagnetic field generated on the runway. In the time point detection step, a predetermined time point is detected based on the increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected in the electromagnetic field detection step. In the time specifying step, the time measured in the time measuring step is specified as the competition time when the time measuring point is detected in the time measuring point detecting step. In the transmitting step, the competition time specified in the time specifying step is transmitted to a nearby receiving device by a predetermined communication circuit. And the mode switching step switches to the normal mode for supplying the driving power to the communication circuit when detecting the electromagnetic field in the electromagnetic field detecting step during the operation in the power saving mode for stopping the supply of the driving power to at least the communication circuit, When the transmission of the competition time is completed in the transmission step, the mode is again switched to the power saving mode.

In this way, the power saving mode is switched to the normal mode only when the competition time is specified and the competition time is transmitted. For this reason, during a lot of time in the competition, driving is performed in the power saving operation mode, and power saving can be effectively achieved.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately time the competition time and the like while saving power.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately time the competition time and the like while saving power.

  A game timing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game timing system applied to the embodiment of the present invention. This competition timing system is used, for example, to measure competition time in a marathon competition.

  As shown in the figure, this timekeeping system for competition includes a modulated magnetic field generator 10 installed at a start point, a loop coil 11, and a modulated magnetic field installed at a time point (a check point, a relay point, a goal point, etc.). The generator 10, the loop coil 11, the magnetic field generator 20, the loop coil 21, the time transmitter 30, the time receiver 40, and the wireless tag 50 that is carried by each player RN are configured. .

  The modulated magnetic field generator 10 is disposed along the road, for example, and generates an electromagnetic field on the loop coil 11. Specifically, the modulation magnetic field generator 10 includes a sine wave generation circuit that generates a sine wave synchronized with a predetermined frequency, a modulation circuit that modulates the generated sine wave by a predetermined method, and a modulated signal (modulation signal). And a power amplifying circuit that supplies the same to the loop coil 11.

The loop coil 11 is a coil formed in a substantially square shape, and is appropriately arranged on the runway on which the player RN runs.
As an example, the loop coil 11 is formed in a substantially square (rectangular) shape as shown in FIG. And it forms so that it may have the feeding point s on one side, and a current flows from this feeding point s in the direction of the arrow.
When the modulation signal is supplied from the modulation magnetic field generator 10 through the feeding point s, the loop coil 11 generates a modulated AC electromagnetic field on the coil. Specifically, an electromagnetic field as shown in FIG. 2B is generated.

  In an electromagnetic field as shown, an electromagnetic field detection coil is disposed in which the detection direction of the electromagnetic field (direction perpendicular to the detection coil surface D) is perpendicular to the runway (that is, the detection coil surface D is parallel to the runway). When C (an LF antenna 51 of the wireless tag 50 described later) moves in the direction of arrow B, an electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. 2C is obtained. That is, since the electromagnetic field detection coil C captures the magnetic flux in the direction perpendicular to the running path on the coil surface D, the electromagnetic field strength as shown in FIG. Detect intensity distribution.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the magnetic field generator 20 installed at the timing point is disposed, for example, along the road and generates an electromagnetic field on the loop coil 21. Specifically, the magnetic field generator 20 includes a sine wave generation circuit that generates a sine wave synchronized with a predetermined frequency, and a power amplification circuit that amplifies the generated sine wave and supplies the sine wave to the loop coil 21. .

The loop coil 21 installed at the timing point is a coil formed in a substantially “8” shape, and is appropriately arranged on the runway on which the player RN runs.
As an example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the loop coil 21 is formed in an 8-character shape in which two rectangular (rectangular) coil portions are connected in the running direction (arrow A direction) of the player RN. ing. More specifically, the loop coil 21 is wound in the forward direction of the figure 8, and is formed so as to have a feeding point s at the center (middle point) of the figure 8, that is, at the intersection, and passes through the feeding point s. The upper and lower portions of the figure 8 are formed along the straight lines a and b that are substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined distance, with the straight line b extending in the direction orthogonal to the running direction of the player RN as the center line. Note that the loop coil 21 is arranged so that the straight line b overlaps with a timing line L for timing.

The loop coil 21 is configured such that a current flows in the direction of the arrow from the feeding point s in FIG. 3A. When a sine wave is supplied from the magnetic field generator 20, an alternating electromagnetic field is generated on the coil. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first electromagnetic field 210a is generated on one coil part, and the player RN runs on the other coil part with respect to the first electromagnetic field 210a. A second electromagnetic field 210b that is adjacent to the direction (direction of arrow A) and that cancels the electromagnetic force with the first electromagnetic field 210a is generated.
That is, the magnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field on the straight line b is extremely smaller than the electromagnetic field strength on both sides of the first electromagnetic field 210a and the second electromagnetic field 210b due to the cancellation of the magnetic force of the electromagnetic field (for example, the electromagnetic field). The intensity is “0”).

In an electromagnetic field as shown, an electromagnetic field detection coil is disposed in which the detection direction of the electromagnetic field (direction perpendicular to the detection coil surface D) is perpendicular to the runway (that is, the detection coil surface D is parallel to the runway). When C (the LF antenna 11 of the wireless tag 50 described later) moves in the arrow B direction, an electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. That is, since the electromagnetic field detection coil C captures the magnetic flux in the direction perpendicular to the running path on the coil surface D, the electromagnetic field strength is extremely small just at the center (for example, the electromagnetic field strength is “0”). The electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. 3C is detected.
Therefore, when the player RN passes over the loop coil 21 along the arrow B direction, the wireless tag 50 moves along the time line L (on the straight line b) with the first electromagnetic field 210a and the second electromagnetic field. It can be detected as an inflection point (trigger point described later) of the electromagnetic field between 210b.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the time transmitter 30 installed at the time point accurately counts the current time (time information) toward the wireless tag 50 that has moved in the vicinity with the player RN while accurately measuring the current time. Transmit (time communication operation in normal operation mode to be described later).

The time receiver 40 installed at the timing point receives the competition time sent from the wireless tag 50 that has passed over the loop coil 21 (time transmission operation in the normal operation mode described later).
The time receiver 40 stores a polling table for managing the player RN (wireless tag 50) that has moved to the time point. For example, the competition time is not transmitted from the wireless tag 50 within a predetermined time. In some cases, the time receiver 40 requests transmission of the competition time by polling toward the wireless tag 50.

The wireless tag 50 carried by the player RN moves from the start point to each timing point (relay point or goal point) together with the player RN. Then, for example, an inflection point of the electromagnetic field is detected on the timing line L that is a timing point of each timing point, and the time measured at that time is specified as the competition time.
The wireless tag 50 is switched to three modes: a standby mode with the least power consumption, a power saving operation mode that operates with a small power consumption, and a normal operation mode that operates with a normal power consumption. It is possible. The wireless tag 50 operates while appropriately switching between these modes to save power. Details of each mode will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the wireless tag 50. As shown in the figure, the wireless tag 50 includes an LF antenna 51, an amplifier circuit 52, a magnetic field terminal CT1, a detection circuit 53 as an electromagnetic field detection means and a time point detection means, and a control as a time specification means and a mode switching means. Unit 54, a timing unit 55 as a timing unit, a storage unit 56, a communication circuit 57 as a transmission / reception unit, a serial IF 58, a power supply terminal CT2, a battery 59, and a battery terminal CT3. The

An LF (Low Frequency) antenna 51 detects an electromagnetic field generated from the loop coil 11 and the loop coil 21 described above. That is, an electromagnetic field (with modulation) generated on the loop coil 11 by the modulated magnetic field generator 10 or an electromagnetic field (without modulation) generated on the loop coil 21 by the magnetic field generator 20 is detected.
Then, the LF antenna 51 supplies a detection signal indicating the detected electromagnetic field strength to the amplifier circuit 52.

  The amplifier circuit 52 appropriately amplifies the detection signal supplied from the LF antenna 51 and supplies the amplified detection signal to the detection circuit 53. When a predetermined antenna checker is connected via the magnetic field terminal CT1, the amplifier circuit 52 amplifies the detection signal supplied from the LF antenna 51 and supplies the amplified signal from the magnetic field terminal CT1 to the antenna checker.

The detection circuit 53 detects the arrival at the loop coils 11 and 21 and the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 21 in accordance with the detection signal supplied from the amplification circuit 52.
More specifically, the detection circuit 53 includes, as an example, resistors R1 to R3, a capacitor C, and an operational amplifier OP as shown in FIG. The detection circuit 53 outputs a signal having a predetermined voltage when the voltage of the input detection signal increases, and does not output a signal when the voltage of the input detection signal decreases.
Therefore, on the loop coil 11, as shown in FIG. 5B, the detection circuit 53 detects an increase in electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field to become “HI” and detects a decrease in electromagnetic field strength to detect “LO " The detection circuit 53 also detects the presence or absence of modulation. That is, if the modulation can be detected in the “HI” state, the detection circuit 53 detects that the wireless tag 50 (the player RN) has reached the loop coil 11.
On the other hand, on the loop coil 21, as shown in FIG. 5C, the detection circuit 53 detects an increase in the electromagnetic field strength of the generated electromagnetic field, and the inflection point of the electromagnetic field when the second electromagnetic field strength increases. Detect as. That is, the second rise shown in FIG. 5C is specified as the trigger point on the loop coil 21. If no modulation is detected in the state of “HI” first (first rise), the detection circuit 53 detects that the wireless tag 50 has reached the loop coil 21.

Returning to FIG. 4, the control unit 54 controls the entire wireless tag 50. For example, the control unit 54 appropriately sets (corrects) the current time received by the communication circuit 57 described later in the time measuring unit 55. Moreover, the control part 54 specifies the present time which the time measuring part 55 timed as competition time at the timing when the detection circuit 53 detected the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 21. Then, the specified competition time is sequentially stored in the storage unit 56.
In addition, when connected to a predetermined reader / writer via the serial IF 58, the control unit 54 displays the current time measured by the timing unit 55 and the competition time stored in the storage unit 56 (each timing). Etc.) are read out and transmitted to the reader / writer via the serial IF 58.

The timer 55 corrects (sets) appropriately by the controller 54 and measures the current time synchronized with the current time received by the communication circuit 57.
Note that the timekeeping unit 55 includes a highly stable crystal oscillator, and can stably keep timekeeping of the current time.

The memory | storage part 56 consists of non-volatile memories, for example, and memorize | stores the competition time which the control part 54 specified sequentially.
The storage unit 56 is provided with storage areas for at least all timing points, and the competition time measured at each timing point can be stored in each storage area. For example, each storage area is managed in a ring shape by a ring counter, and whenever the competition time is stored, the ring counter is counted up and the competition time is stored in order.
In addition, the memory | storage part 56 has memorize | stored beforehand the specific identification information (tag ID) etc. which are different for every radio | wireless tag 50 (each player) etc. in the separate area, for example.

The communication circuit 57 receives the current time transmitted from the time transmitter 30 described above via a predetermined communication antenna.
Further, the communication circuit 57 transmits the competition time specified by the control unit 54 toward the time receiver 40 described above.

  The serial IF 58 is an interface that performs communication with a predetermined reader / writer. That is, when connected to the reader / writer via the serial IF 58, the wireless tag 50 transmits the current time, competition time, and the like to the reader / writer.

  For example, when a USB terminal of a reader / writer having a USB terminal capable of supplying power is connected, the power terminal CT2 acquires a voltage / current supplied from the reader / writer and supplies it to the entire wireless tag 50.

The battery 59 supplies voltage and current to the entire wireless tag 50 during a competition or the like to drive the wireless tag 50.
Further, when a predetermined battery checker is connected via the battery terminal CT3, the battery 59 supplies a voltage / current from the battery terminal CT3 to the battery checker.

Note that the wireless tag 50 configured as described above is driven by supplying the current / voltage from the battery 59 only to the above-described amplifier circuit 52 (LF antenna 51) and detection circuit 53 in the standby mode. In the power saving operation mode, the amplifier circuit 52, the detection circuit 53, the control unit 54 (storage unit 56), and the time measuring unit 55 described above are driven. In the normal operation mode, all circuits including the communication circuit 57 described above are driven.
The wireless tag 50 appropriately switches between these three modes to minimize the power consumption of the battery 59 during the competition. For example, until the competition is started after the wireless tag 50 is distributed to the competitor RN (until the athlete RN reaches the loop coil 11 at the start point), it is only necessary to detect the electromagnetic field. Minimize power consumption in mode.
Further, since it is only necessary to measure the current time until the next timing point, the mode is shifted to the power saving operation mode. When the time point is reached, it is necessary to set and correct the current time (time communication operation), specify the competition time (time measurement operation), and transmit the competition time (polling operation, etc.). Transition.

  Specifically, transition of each mode in the wireless tag 50 during competition will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the wireless tag 50 is driven in the standby mode before the start of the competition.

  When the wireless tag 50 in the standby mode detects arrival of the start point on the loop coil 11 after the competition is started (T1), the wireless tag 50 shifts to the power saving operation mode. That is, the wireless tag 50 is further driven by supplying power to the control unit 54, the timing unit 55, and the like.

Thereafter, when the wireless tag 50 in the power saving operation mode detects arrival of the timekeeping point on the loop coil 11 (T2), the wireless tag 50 shifts to the normal operation mode. That is, the wireless tag 50 is further driven by supplying power to the communication circuit 57.
The wireless tag 50 that has become communicable performs a time communication operation with the time transmitter 30 (T3).

When the wireless tag 50 that has finished the time communication operation detects an inflection point on the loop coil 21 at the time measurement point (T4), it performs a time measurement operation (T5).
If arrival on the loop coil 21 is detected instead of T2 described above (T6), the wireless tag 50 in the power saving operation mode shifts to the normal operation mode, and the loop coil 21 is switched to the normal operation mode at T4 described above. When the inflection point is detected, a time counting operation is performed (T5).

  The wireless tag 50 that has finished the time counting operation performs a polling operation (T7). In more detail, the wireless tag 50 transmits the competition time to the time receiver 40 at a predetermined timing after timing the time, and further waits for a polling request from the time receiver 40 for a predetermined time. If there is a polling request in the meantime, the competition time is transmitted and the polling operation is finished. On the other hand, the polling operation is also finished when a predetermined time has elapsed without a polling request.

The wireless tag 50 that has finished the polling operation shifts from the normal operation mode to the power saving operation mode. That is, power supply to the communication circuit 57 is stopped to save power.
Then, when a certain time (for example, 2 hours) elapses in the power saving operation mode (T8), the wireless tag 50 automatically turns off the power.

As described above, the wireless tag 50 performs maximum power saving in the standby mode until the competition is started, and appropriately saves power in the power saving operation mode when the competition is started. Then, only when a time communication operation or a time counting operation is required at the timing point, the mode is shifted to the normal operation mode. Thereafter, when the polling operation is finished, the mode again shifts to the power saving operation mode.
In other words, the wireless tag 50 is driven in the power saving operation mode in a section (period) from when the player RN passes the time point until it reaches the next time point. For this reason, during many times in the marathon competition, driving is performed in the power saving operation mode, and power saving can be effectively achieved.

Also, after passing the goal point, the wireless tag 50 similarly shifts to the power saving operation mode. Still, since there is no need to keep timing indefinitely, the wireless tag 50 automatically turns off the power when, for example, 2 hours elapses after shifting to the power saving operation mode. In other words, after 2 hours have elapsed since the goal, the current time measurement performed by the time measuring unit 55 is also stopped.
In addition, the reason for maintaining the time measurement in the time measuring unit 55 over the two hours is to be able to cope with an objection or protest regarding the competition time from the competitor RN or the like.
That is, in the power saving operation mode, if the current time is being measured by the timer unit 55, the wireless tag 50 is connected to a predetermined reader / writer, and the reader / writer is connected to a predetermined verification terminal. By connecting, the current time measured by the wireless tag 50 can be displayed on the monitor or the like of the verification terminal. Thereby, the accuracy of the current time, which is the basis of the competition time, can be presented to the player RN and the like. At the same time, the competition time at each timing point can also be presented.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the above-described game timing system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a time counting process performed by the wireless tag 50 during the competition. Note that this time counting process is started in a state where the wireless tag 50 is driven in the standby mode.

First, the wireless tag 50 waits for processing until an electromagnetic field is detected (step S11). That is, the wireless tag 50 in standby mode waits for detection of an electromagnetic field.
When the competition is started and an electromagnetic field is detected, the wireless tag 50 determines whether or not there is modulation (step S12). That is, it is determined whether it has reached either the loop coil 11 (with modulation) or the loop coil 21 (without modulation).
If it is determined that there is no modulation, the wireless tag 50 returns to step S11 and waits for detection of an electromagnetic field.

  When the wireless tag 50 determines that there is modulation (has reached the loop coil 11), it shifts from the standby mode to the power saving operation mode (step S13). That is, the wireless tag 50 is further driven by supplying power to the control unit 54 and the time measuring unit 55.

  After shifting to the power saving operation mode, the wireless tag 50 determines the detection of the next electromagnetic field (step S14). That is, it is determined whether or not it has reached the loop coils 11 and 12 at the next timing point.

  When the electromagnetic field is detected, the wireless tag 50 shifts from the power saving operation mode to the normal operation mode (step S15). That is, the wireless tag 50 is further driven by supplying power to the communication circuit 57.

The wireless tag 50 determines whether or not the detected electromagnetic field is modulated (step S16).
If it is determined that there is no modulation (has reached the loop coil 21), the wireless tag 50 proceeds to step S22 described later.

  If it is determined that there is modulation (has reached the loop coil 11), the wireless tag 50 determines whether or not there is time communication with the time transmitter 30 (step S17). That is, it is determined whether or not the current time has been received from the time transmitter 30.

When the time communication with the time transmitter 30 is performed, the wireless tag 50 updates the current time of the time measuring unit 55 and notifies the completion of the update (step S18).
Then, the wireless tag 50 shifts from the normal operation mode to the power saving operation mode (step S19).
After shifting to the power saving operation mode, the wireless tag 50 returns the process to step S14 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S17 described above that the time communication has not been performed, the wireless tag 50 determines the detection of the next electromagnetic field (step S20).
When the electromagnetic field is detected, the wireless tag 50 determines the presence or absence of modulation (step S21).
When the electromagnetic field is not detected in step S20, or when it is determined in step S21 that there is modulation even when the electromagnetic field is detected (has reached the loop coil 11), the wireless tag 50 is described above. The process returns to step S17.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no modulation (has reached the loop coil 21) in the above-described step S21, or when it is determined that there is no modulation in the above-described step S16, the wireless tag 50 has an inflection point in the electromagnetic field. Is detected (step S22). That is, it waits until the inflection point of the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 21 is detected. As described above, it is assumed that an electromagnetic field having an electromagnetic field intensity distribution that is an inflection point on the timing line L is generated on the loop coil 21.

  When the wireless tag 50 detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field, it counts the competition time (step S23). That is, the wireless tag 50 specifies the current time that the time measuring unit 55 has measured as the competition time at the timing when the inflection point (the time measuring line L) of the electromagnetic field is detected.

  The wireless tag 50 stores the competition time and transmits the competition time (step S24). That is, the wireless tag 50 stores the measured competition time in one of the storage areas in the storage unit 56 according to the counter. Further, the wireless tag 50 transmits the measured competition time to the time receiver 40.

Then, the wireless tag 50 determines whether or not there is a polling request from the time receiver 40 (step S25).
While there is no polling request, the wireless tag 50 measures a predetermined time and waits for polling while determining the timeout (step S26). When the timeout occurs, the wireless tag 50 returns the process to step S19 described above.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that there is a polling request, the wireless tag 50 polls and transmits the competition time (step S27). Then, the wireless tag 50 returns the process to step S19 described above. That is, the normal operation mode is shifted to the power saving operation mode.

If it is determined in step S14 that the electromagnetic field is not detected, the wireless tag 50 determines whether or not two hours have passed in the power saving operation mode (step S28).
If it is determined that 2 hours have not elapsed, the wireless tag 50 returns the process to step S14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that 2 hours have passed in the power saving operation mode, the wireless tag 50 automatically turns off the power (step S29). Then, the wireless tag 50 finishes the time counting process.

In this way, when the wireless tag 50 (competitor RN) moves to each timing point by the time counting process, it automatically shifts to the normal operation mode and performs time communication, competition time counting, polling transmission, etc. Do. And after finishing these (after passing each timing point), it transfers to a power saving operation mode automatically.
For this reason, the wireless tag 50 is driven in the power saving operation mode after passing the time point until it reaches the next time point. That is, a lot of time during the competition becomes the power saving operation mode, and power saving can be appropriately achieved.

  As a result, it is possible to appropriately time the competition time and the like while saving power.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the wireless tag 50 measures the current time as the competition reference time has been described. However, the wireless tag 50 may be configured to measure the running time as the competition reference time. For example, at the start point, the wireless tag 50 starts timing in response to the start signal, and at the time point, the time measured when the wireless tag 30 detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field is specified (stored) as the competition time. It may be.

In the above-described embodiment, the wireless tag 50 that measures the competition time in 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.

  As described above, it is possible to appropriately time the competition time and the like while saving power.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the timing system for competitions concerning embodiment of this invention. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the shape (substantially rectangular shape) of a loop coil, (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the electromagnetic field produced | generated, (c) demonstrates intensity distribution of an electromagnetic field. It is a schematic diagram for doing. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the shape (substantially 8 character shape) of a loop coil, (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the electromagnetic field produced | generated, (c) is intensity distribution of an electromagnetic field It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a wireless tag. (A) is a circuit diagram which shows an example of a detection circuit, (b), (c) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the mode of detection of an electromagnetic field. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the transition of the mode of a wireless tag. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the time-measurement process which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Modulation magnetic field generator 11 Loop coil 20 Magnetic field generator 21 Loop coil 30 Time transmitter 40 Time receiver 50 Wireless tag

Claims (6)

It is a timing device that can be carried by a competitor and can be switched to multiple operation modes.
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Electromagnetic field detection means for detecting the electromagnetic field generated on the runway;
Timing point detection means for detecting a predetermined timing point based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means;
Time specifying means for specifying a time measured by the time measuring means as a competition time when the time measuring point detecting means detects the time measuring point;
Transmitting means for transmitting the competition time specified by the time specifying means to a nearby receiving device;
When the electromagnetic field detection means detects the electromagnetic field during operation in a power saving mode in which the supply of drive power to the transmission means is stopped, the transmission means switches to a normal mode for supplying drive power to the transmission means, and the transmission means When the transmission of the competition time is finished, mode switching means for switching to the power saving mode again,
A timing device characterized by comprising: Receiving means for receiving time information for correcting the time measured by the time measuring means sent from a nearby transmitting device,
The electromagnetic field detection means is
Detecting different first and second electromagnetic fields,
The time point detecting means is
Based on the increase / decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the second electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means, the time point that is defined in advance is detected,
The mode switching means is
When the electromagnetic field detection unit detects the first electromagnetic field during operation in the power saving mode, the mode is switched to a normal mode in which driving power is supplied to the transmission unit and the reception unit, and the reception unit receives time information. When the electromagnetic field detection means detects the second electromagnetic field during operation in the power saving mode, the mode is switched to the normal mode, and the transmission means can transmit the competition time.
The time measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The mode switching means is
When the electromagnetic field detection means detects the electromagnetic field during operation in a standby mode for supplying driving power only to the electromagnetic field detection means, the mode is switched to the power saving mode.
The timing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A competition device that includes a timing device that can be carried by an athlete and can be switched to a plurality of operation modes, a magnetic field generation device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on a runway, and a reception device that receives information transmitted from the timing device. A timing system,
The timing device is
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Electromagnetic field detection means for detecting the electromagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator;
Timing point detection means for detecting a predetermined timing point based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means;
Time specifying means for specifying a time measured by the time measuring means as a competition time when the time measuring point detecting means detects the time measuring point;
Transmitting means for transmitting the competition time specified by the time specifying means to the receiving device;
When the electromagnetic field detection means detects the electromagnetic field during operation in a power saving mode in which the supply of drive power to the transmission means is stopped, the transmission means switches to a normal mode for supplying drive power to the transmission means, and the transmission means Mode transmission means for switching to the power saving mode again when transmission of the competition time is finished,
A timekeeping system for competitions. A transmission device that transmits time information;
The magnetic field generator is
A plurality of first and second electromagnetic fields of different types are generated,
The timing device is
Receiving means for receiving time information transmitted from the nearby transmitting device to correct the time being measured by the time measuring means;
The electromagnetic field detection means is
Detecting the first and second electromagnetic fields generated by each of the magnetic field generating devices;
The time point detecting means is
Based on the increase / decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the second electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means, a predetermined timing point is detected,
The mode switching means is
When the electromagnetic field detection unit detects the first electromagnetic field during operation in the power saving mode, the mode is switched to a normal mode in which driving power is supplied to the transmission unit and the reception unit. When the electromagnetic field detection means detects the second electromagnetic field while operating in the power saving mode, the mode is switched to the normal mode, and the transmission means informs the receiving device of the competition time. Enable transmission,
The competition timekeeping system according to claim 4, wherein: An operation mode control method for a timing device carried by a competitor,
A time measuring step for measuring time;
An electromagnetic field detection step for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the runway;
Based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected in the electromagnetic field detection step, a timing point detection step for detecting a predetermined timing point;
A time specifying step for specifying a time measured in the time measuring step as a competition time when the time measuring point is detected in the time measuring point detecting step;
A transmission step of transmitting the competition time identified in the time identification step to a nearby receiving device by a predetermined communication circuit;
When the electromagnetic field is detected in the electromagnetic field detection step during operation in the power saving mode in which the supply of driving power to the communication circuit is stopped, the mode is switched to the normal mode in which driving power is supplied to the communication circuit, When the transmission of the competition time is finished, a mode switching step for switching to the power saving mode again,
An operation mode control method comprising:

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