JP2007097995A - Time measuring instrument and time measuring method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a time measuring instrument capable of appropriately measuring race times of individual racers. <P>SOLUTION: A wireless tag 100 receives a mat ID from an electromagnetic field generated on a loop coil 11, detects a pole change point of an electromagnetic field generated on a loop coil 21 and specifies a measured time in the mat ID (time measurement point). The wireless tag 100 generates the mat ID and time information including the mat ID and sends to a receiver 30. The wireless tag 100 stores the specified measured time relatedly to the mat ID in a storage section 107. The measured time measured at each time measurement point is stored relatedly to the mat ID to ensure that the times can be read during polling or after a race ends. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a time measuring device and a time measuring method capable of appropriately measuring the competition time of each athlete.

In recent years, in marathon competitions, attempts have been made to measure (clock) 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.
Recently, in order to be able to measure the competition time including the passing time at each timing point, an attempt has been made to measure the competition time of each athlete without contact. For example, a measurement system for measuring a competition time has been developed based on information sent from the tag transmitter by allowing a player to hold a tag transmitter, and an operation test for practical use has been attempted.

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 the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, the tag transmitter continues to transmit the ID without interruption while receiving the trigger signal in the timing area (Patent Document 2 at random intervals). Repeated transmission).
This is because a trigger signal is transmitted by a square loop coil, and it is extremely difficult to detect an accurate trigger point (for example, a time line such as a goal line) in the time measuring area with a tag transmitter. Due to For this reason, the tag transmitter starts transmitting ID as soon as the competitor enters the timing area and detects the trigger signal, and continues to transmit the ID until it exits the timing area and finishes detecting the trigger signal.
On the other hand, when receiving the ID for the first time, the ID receiving unit sets the time as the start time, and when receiving the ID, sets the time as the end time. And the competition time of the player corresponding to this ID was time-measured by calculating | requiring the intermediate | middle time from a start time to an end time.

However, with such techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a large number of athletes reach the timekeeping area at the same time, the ID receiving unit may not be able to properly receive the ID that should be transmitted. This is because a situation in which the processing on the ID receiving unit side cannot catch up due to a plurality of tag transmitters continuously transmitting IDs to each other in the timing area, or a collision occurs when each ID is transmitted. Because.
For this reason, the start time and end time cannot be obtained correctly in the ID receiving unit, and the inaccurate competition time is timed, or the competition time to be timed is lost with almost no ID reception. There was a problem.
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.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a timing device and a time counting method capable of appropriately timing the competition time of each athlete.

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,
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Electromagnetic field detection means for detecting first and second electromagnetic fields generated on the runway on which the athlete runs;
Identification information receiving means for receiving, when the first electromagnetic field is detected by the electromagnetic field detection means, unique identification information superimposed on the electromagnetic field;
A time point detection means for detecting a time point based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the second electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means;
When the time point is detected by the time point detection means, time specifying means for specifying the time measured by the time measurement means as a time measurement time;
Storage means for storing the time measured specified by the time specifying means in association with the identification information received by the identification information receiving means;
It is characterized by providing.

According to this invention, the time measuring means measures time synchronized with the reference time, for example. The electromagnetic field detection means detects a first electromagnetic field (for example, a modulated electromagnetic field) and a second electromagnetic field (an unmodulated electromagnetic field) generated on the runway on which the athlete runs. The identification information receiving means receives unique identification information (for example, mat ID) superimposed on the electromagnetic field when the first electromagnetic field is detected by the electromagnetic field detection means. The time point detection unit detects a time point based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the second electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection unit. The time specifying means specifies the time measured by the time measuring means as the time measured when the time measuring point is detected by the time measuring point detecting means. The storage means stores the time measured by the time specifying means in association with the identification information received by the identification information receiving means.
As described above, the timing device stores the specified timing time in association with the unique identification information. For this reason, it is clearly stored at which time point the measured time is measured.
As a result, it is possible to properly time the competition time of each individual athlete.

Said time measuring device is a time information transmitting means for transmitting time information including the time measured by the time specifying means and the identification information received by the identification information receiving means to a predetermined receiving device. May be further provided.
In this case, the receiving device that has received the time information can clearly determine at which time point the time is measured.

The storage means is provided with a plurality of storage areas, and among the plurality of storage areas, a pointer is provided that points to one storage area in which the timekeeping time should be stored in association with the identification information. And
A storage area control unit that increments the pointer each time the timing point is detected by the timing point detection unit may be further provided.

In the storage means, a plurality of storage areas are provided in advance corresponding to the time points,
The storage means may store the measured time specified by the time specifying means in the storage area corresponding to the identification information received by the identification information receiving means.

  When the identification information receiving unit receives the same identification information on the runway on which the athlete circulates, the storage unit may further store the number of laps corresponding to the number of the same identification information.

In order to achieve the above object, a time counting method according to the second aspect of the present invention is:
A time counting method in a timing device carried by a competitor,
A time measuring step for measuring time;
An electromagnetic field detection step of detecting first and second electromagnetic fields generated on the runway on which the athlete runs;
An identification information receiving step of receiving unique identification information superimposed on the electromagnetic field when the first electromagnetic field is detected in the electromagnetic field detection step;
A timing point detection step for detecting a timing point based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the second electromagnetic field detected in the electromagnetic field detection step;
A time specifying step for specifying a time measured in the time measuring step as a time measuring time when the time measuring point is detected in the time measuring point detecting step;
A storage step of storing the time measured identified in the time identification step in a predetermined storage unit in association with the identification information received in the identification information reception step;
It is characterized by providing.

According to the present invention, the time measuring step measures time synchronized with the reference time, for example. In the electromagnetic field detection step, a first electromagnetic field (for example, a modulated electromagnetic field) and a second electromagnetic field (an unmodulated electromagnetic field) generated on the runway on which the athlete runs are detected. In the identification information receiving step, when the first electromagnetic field is detected in the electromagnetic field detection step, unique identification information (for example, mat ID) superimposed on the electromagnetic field is received. The time point detection step detects a time point based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field strength of the second electromagnetic field detected in the electromagnetic field detection step. The time specifying step specifies the time measured in the time measuring step as the time measuring time when the time measuring point is detected in the time measuring point detecting step. In the storing step, the time measured in the time specifying step is stored in a predetermined storage unit in association with the identification information received in the identification information receiving step.
As described above, in the time counting method, the specified time counting is stored in a predetermined storage unit in association with the unique identification information. For this reason, it is clearly stored at which time point the measured time is measured.
As a result, it is possible to properly time the competition time of each individual athlete.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately time the competition time of each athlete.

  A game timing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As an example, a case where the timing system for competition is applied to a marathon competition will be described.

(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.
As shown in the figure, this timekeeping system for competition includes a runway where a competition is performed and a modulated magnetic field generator 10 arranged around the track, a loop coil 11, a magnetic field generator 20, a loop coil 21, a receiver 30, and a transceiver 40. And the data processing device 50 and the wireless tag 100 held (carried) by the player RN.

The modulated magnetic field generator 10, the loop coil 11, the magnetic field generator 20, the loop coil 21, the receiver 30, and the transmitter / receiver 40 are respectively arranged at each timing point (and its vicinity) on the runway.
For example, in the case of a full marathon, as shown in FIG. 2, the modulated magnetic field generator 10 to the transmitter / receiver 40 are arranged at each of the time points P1 to P10. Note that a mat ID (different mat ID), which will be described later, is assigned in advance to each of the timing points P1 to P10.

Returning to FIG. 1, the modulated magnetic field generator 10 generates a modulated 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, and a modulation circuit that modulates the sine wave by a predetermined method in accordance with a mat ID (unique identification information) to be transmitted. And a power amplifier circuit that amplifies the modulated signal (modulated signal) and supplies the amplified signal to the loop coil 11.
In the modulated magnetic field generator 10, as shown in FIG. 2 described above, different mat IDs are defined according to the time points to be arranged. In this case, a special mat ID (H, F) is assigned to the time point P5 (intermediate point) and the time point P10 (finish point), and the other time points P1 to P4 and P6 to P9 are assigned. Serial numbers (1, 2,..., 7, 8) starting from 1 are assigned as mat IDs.

Returning to FIG. 1, the loop coil 11 is, for example, a substantially rectangular coil, and generates a modulated electromagnetic field based on a modulation signal supplied from the modulation magnetic field generator 10. In addition, the loop coil 11 is arrange | positioned on the runway before a timing point.
More specifically, 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 electromagnetic field on the coil. Specifically, an electromagnetic field as shown in FIG. For example, a mat ID (preamble and mat ID) modulated by an amplitude modulation method as shown in FIG. 3C is superimposed on the electromagnetic field.
Therefore, when the athlete RN passes on the loop coil 11, the wireless tag 100 receives the mat ID.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the magnetic field generator 20 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 is a coil formed in a substantially “8” shape, and generates an electromagnetic field based on a signal supplied from the magnetic field generator 20.
As an example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the loop coil 21 is formed in a figure 8 such that 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. The loop coil 21 is arranged so that the straight line b overlaps with a time point (time line) for measuring time.

The loop coil 21 is configured such that a current flows in the direction of the arrow from the feeding point s in FIG. 4A. 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. 4B, an electromagnetic field 210a is generated on one coil part, and an electromagnetic field 210b is generated on the other coil part.
That is, the electromagnetic fields 210a and 210b are generated adjacent to each other, and the magnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field on the straight line b is extremely smaller than the electromagnetic field strengths on both sides of the electromagnetic field 210a and the electromagnetic field 210b due to the cancellation of the magnetic force of the electromagnetic field. (For example, the electromagnetic field 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 101 of the wireless tag 100 described later) moves in the direction of arrow B, an electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. 4C 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 is extremely small just at the center (for example, the electromagnetic field strength is “0”). The electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. 4C is detected.
For this reason, when the player RN passes over the loop coil 21 along the arrow B direction, the wireless tag 100 moves the electromagnetic field between the electromagnetic field 210a and the electromagnetic field 210b on the timing point (on the straight line b). It can be detected as an inflection point (a trigger point described later).

Returning to FIG. 1, the receiver 30 is arranged in the vicinity of the timing point and receives information sent from the wireless tag 100.
Specifically, the receiver 30 receives time information (mat ID, time measurement, tag ID, etc.) sent from the wireless tag 100 that has passed over the loop coil 21.

When the time information is not transmitted from the wireless tag 100 (when the receiver 30 cannot receive the time information), the transceiver 40 requests the wireless tag 100 to transmit the time information by polling. .
At that time, the transceiver 40 designates a mat ID or the like and requests transmission of time information at the time point (or another time point that has passed).
The transceiver 40 receives time information sent from the wireless tag 100 in response to the request.

The data processing device 50 collects the time measured by each player RN from the time information acquired via the receiver 30 or the like.
Specifically, the data processing device 50 acquires time information received by the receiver 30 and acquires time information that could not be acquired by polling reception by controlling the transceiver 40. And the time-measurement time of each player RN in each time-measurement point is collected from the received time information.

On the other hand, the wireless tag 100 carried (held) by the player RN moves on the track together with the player RN after the start of the game and reaches the finish (goal).
At this time, the wireless tag 100 receives the mat ID from the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 11, detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 21, and detects the mat ID (time point). Specify the time measured at. Then, the wireless tag 100 generates time information including the mat ID and the measured time, and transmits the time information to the receiver 30. Note that the time measured (specified) at each time point is all stored in association with the mat ID so that it can be read out after the competition.

  As an example, the wireless tag 100 includes an LF antenna 101, an amplifier circuit 102, a detection circuit 103 as an electromagnetic field detection unit and a time point detection unit, a demodulation circuit 104, a control unit 105 as a time specification unit, and a time measurement unit. The timer unit 106 as a storage unit, a storage unit 107 as a storage unit, and a communication circuit 108 as an information transmission unit.

An LF (Low Frequency) antenna 101 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 101 supplies a detection signal indicating the detected electromagnetic field intensity to the amplifier circuit 102.

  The amplifier circuit 102 appropriately amplifies the detection signal supplied from the LF antenna 101 and supplies the amplified detection signal to the detection circuit 103.

The detection circuit 103 detects the arrival on the loop coils 11 and 21 according to the detection signal supplied from the amplification circuit 102, and further detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 21.
More specifically, the detection circuit 103 includes, as an example, resistors R1 to R3, a capacitor C, and an operational amplifier OP as shown in FIG. The detection circuit 103 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 103 detects an increase in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field to become “HI”, detects a decrease in the electromagnetic field strength, and detects “LO " Note that the detection circuit 103 also detects the presence or absence of modulation. That is, if the modulation can be detected in the state of “HI”, the detection circuit 103 detects that the wireless tag 100 (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 103 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 103 detects that the wireless tag 100 has reached the loop coil 21.

Returning to FIG. 1, the demodulation circuit 104 demodulates and acquires the mat ID when detecting that the detection circuit 103 has reached the loop coil 11 (detecting modulation in a state of “HI”). That is, the mat ID superimposed on the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 11 is received.
For example, when the mat ID (preamble and mat ID) as shown in FIG. 6B is superimposed on the electromagnetic field as shown in FIG. 6A, the demodulation circuit 104 is shown in FIG. As shown, the mat ID is demodulated after level adjustment by AGC (Automatic Gain Control). Thereby, even when the level of the generated electromagnetic field differs due to individual differences or the environment of the loop coil 11 (modulated magnetic field generator 10), the mat ID can be appropriately acquired.

Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 105 controls the entire wireless tag 100. For example, when the communication circuit 108 receives the reference time after the competition starts, the time measured by the time measuring unit 106 is appropriately set (corrected) so as to synchronize with the reference time.
In the control unit 105, the detection circuit 103 detects an electromagnetic field (with modulation), and the demodulation circuit 104 demodulates (receives) the mat ID. Further, the control unit 105 specifies the time measured by the time measuring unit 106 as the time measured at the timing when the detection circuit 103 detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 21.
Then, the control unit 105 generates time information including the received mat ID and the specified time measurement time, and transmits the time information to the receiver 30 via the communication circuit 108.

Further, the control unit 105 stores the mat ID and the time measurement in the storage unit 107. In addition, in order to memorize | store time keeping time in all the time points, the memory area in the memory | storage part 107 will be changed and stored for every time point.
For example, the control unit 105 sequentially increments a pointer that points to the storage area in the storage unit 107 after detecting the inflection point of the electromagnetic field (after specifying the timing time). Then, the mat ID and the measured time are stored in the storage area pointed to by the pointer.

  In addition, after storing timekeeping time etc. in a storage area, when the value of mat | matte ID is not continuous with reference to the storage area ahead in the memory | storage part 107 (time-measurement point P5 of an intermediate point, and time-measurement point P10 of a finish point) The control unit 105 determines that a timing leak (detection leak) has occurred at the timing point of the missing mat ID. Then, the latest mat ID and timing time are appropriately moved to another storage area, and correction such as storing the missing mat ID and timing time (set to 0 as an initial value) in the target storage area is performed.

  Further, when the control unit 105 receives a polling transmission request specifying the mat ID via the communication circuit 108, the control unit 105 reads the time measured from the storage unit 107 using the mat ID as a key. Similarly, time information including a mat ID and a time measurement time is generated and transmitted to the transceiver 40 via the communication circuit 108.

The timer 106 corrects (sets) as appropriate by the controller 105 and measures the time synchronized with the reference time received by the communication circuit 108.
Note that the timekeeping unit 106 includes a highly stable crystal oscillator, and can stably keep timing of time after synchronization.

The memory | storage part 107 consists of non-volatile memories, for example, and memorize | stores mat ID and time-measurement time.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 107 is provided with storage areas corresponding to the total number of times (total time points), and each storage area has a mat ID and a time measurement. It can be stored.
Moreover, the memory | storage part 107 has previously memorize | stored tag ID etc. which differ for every radio | wireless tag 100 (every player RN) previously, for example in another area.

The communication circuit 108 communicates with the receiver 30 and the transceiver 40 via a predetermined communication antenna.
For example, the communication circuit 108 is controlled by the control unit 105 and transmits the mat ID received by the control unit 105 and time information including the specified time measurement time to the receiver 30.
When the communication circuit 108 receives a transmission request by polling from the transceiver 40, it returns time information to the transceiver 40.
Note that the communication circuit 108 also receives a reference time transmitted from a reference time transmitter (not shown).

  Hereinafter, the operation of the above-described competition timing system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a time measurement process performed by the wireless tag 100 during the competition. Prior to this timing process, it is assumed that a reference time (time information) is transmitted from a predetermined reference time transmitter, and the time counter 106 performs time synchronization with the reference time.

  First, the wireless tag 100 waits until it detects an electromagnetic field (step S10). That is, the wireless tag 100 performs the subsequent processing until the traveling player RN reaches the loop coil 11 or the loop coil 21 and the detection circuit 103 detects the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coils 11 and 21. Wait.

  When detecting the electromagnetic field, the wireless tag 100 determines whether or not there is modulation (step S11). That is, the detection circuit 103 determines whether or not the detected electromagnetic field is modulated. When the electromagnetic field is modulated, it is determined that it has reached the loop coil 11, and conversely, when the electromagnetic field is not modulated, it is determined that it has reached the loop coil 21.

When it is determined that the electromagnetic field is modulated (when it is determined that the electromagnetic field has reached the loop coil 11), the wireless tag 100 receives the mat ID (step S12). That is, the demodulation circuit 104 demodulates the mat ID superimposed on the electromagnetic field, and the control unit 105 acquires (receives) the demodulated mat ID.
Then, the wireless tag 100 returns the process to step S10 described above.

  When it is determined in step S11 described above that the electromagnetic field is not modulated (when it is determined that the electromagnetic field has reached the loop coil 21), the wireless tag 100 waits until an inflection point is detected (step S13). That is, it waits until the detection circuit 103 detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 21. The detection circuit 103 detects an inflection point of the electromagnetic field when detecting the second increase of the electromagnetic field strength after detecting the increase of the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field.

  When the inflection point is detected, the wireless tag 100 specifies the time measurement time (step S14). That is, the control unit 105 specifies the time measured by the time measuring unit 106 as the time measured at the timing when the detection circuit 103 detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 21.

The wireless tag 100 increments a pointer indicating the storage area of the storage unit 107 (step S15). That is, the control unit 105 sets the next storage area as a storage target storage area.
The wireless tag 100 stores the specified time measured in the storage unit 107 in association with the mat ID or the like (step S16). That is, the control unit 105 stores the mat ID and the timed time in the storage area pointed to by the pointer.

The wireless tag 100 generates time information and transmits it to the receiver 30. (Step S17). In other words, the control unit 105 generates time information including the tag ID and the measured time, and the communication circuit 108 transmits the time information to the receiver 30.
When receiving a transmission request by polling that specifies a mat ID from the transmitter / receiver 40, the wireless tag 100 reads the target time from the storage unit 107 using the mat ID as a key, and similarly generates time information. To the transceiver 40.

The wireless tag 100 determines whether or not a time leak has occurred (step S18). That is, the control unit 105 refers to the storage area ahead of the currently stored storage area, and determines whether or not the mat ID values are continuous.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the mat ID of the storage area indicated by the current pointer (3) is “3” and the mat of the storage area indicated by the previous pointer (2). When the ID is “1”, the control unit 105 determines that a timing leak has occurred at the timing point where the mat ID is “2”.

If the wireless tag 100 determines that there is no time leakage, the wireless tag 100 returns the process to step S10 described above.
On the other hand, when it is determined that a time leak has occurred, the wireless tag 100 corrects the storage unit 107 (step S19).
For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 9A, as shown in FIG. 9B, the control unit 105 stores the contents of the storage area of the current pointer (3) in the storage of the next pointer (4). Move to area. Then, the missing mat ID (2) and the initial time count (0) are stored in the storage area of the current pointer (3). Finally, the pointer is incremented (set to 4).
In other words, the storage unit 107 is modified so that all the timekeeping times and the like are stored while adding the information of the timekeeping points that have been missed.
Then, the wireless tag 100 returns the process to step S10 described above.

By such a time measurement process, the time measured at each time point is specified and stored in the storage unit 107 in association with the mat ID. Then, after the athlete RN finishes, the wireless tag 100 is collected, and the timed time and the like are read out for verification and the like.
For example, the wireless tag 100 can be connected to a predetermined data reading device and the time measured at each time point can be read sequentially while specifying the mat ID, or the time measured at each time point can be read at once.

  As a result, it is possible to properly time the competition time of each individual athlete.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the storage area in the storage unit 107 is managed with a pointer, and the time is stored while the pointer is incremented when a time point is detected. However, the timekeeping time or the like may be stored in the storage unit 107 without using such a pointer.
For example, before starting the competition, each mat ID (all mat IDs) is stored (assigned) in a different storage area in an index format. When the mat ID is received and the time count is specified, the wireless tag 100 specifies the mat ID and stores the time count in the storage unit 107.
Note that when each mat ID is assigned to a different storage area, the area in which the time is stored is initialized (0).
In this case, the timekeeping time is stored (written) and read by specifying the mat ID.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the timing system for competition is applied to a marathon competition has been described, but the present invention can be applied to other competitions as appropriate. For example, the present invention may be applied to a land cross-country competition.
As shown in FIG. 10, the competition course in the cross country competition includes a start runway ST, an orbital runway SK, and a finish runway FN. A clock point P1 is provided on the circuit SK, and a clock point P2 is provided on the finish track FN.
As in the case of the marathon competition, the modulated magnetic field generator 10 to the transmitter / receiver 40 are arranged at each of the timing points P1 and P2. A numeric mat ID (1) is assigned to the timing point P1, and an alphabetic mat ID (F) is assigned to the timing point P2.

By the way, in the cross country competition, the athlete RN travels the predetermined number of laps on the circuit SK and then travels on the finish track FN to finish. Therefore, the wireless tag 100 needs to count the number of laps at the timing point P1.
That is, the wireless tag 100 receives the same mat ID (1) from the loop coil 11 on the circuit SK, counts up the number of circuits, and detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 21. Thus, the time measured at the time point P1 is specified. Further, in the finish track FN, a different mat ID (F) is received from the loop coil 11, and the inflection point of the electromagnetic field generated by the loop coil 21 is detected to specify the time measured at the time point P2. .

When the time measurement is specified in this way, the wireless tag 100 generates time information and transmits it to the receiver 30 or the like. At this time, the generated time information includes the number of laps. That is, the wireless tag 100 generates time information including the mat ID, the number of laps, and the timekeeping time, and transmits the time information to the receiver 30 or the like.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the wireless tag 100 stores the mat ID, the number of laps, and the timed time in the storage unit 107 (each storage area). When the mat ID is F (when the timing point P2), the number of laps is not stored.

Further, when the wireless tag 100 determines that a time leak has occurred, the wireless tag 100 corrects the storage unit 107. Unlike the marathon competition described above, since the mat ID does not change, the time leakage is determined from the time difference between the time measurements.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the time difference between the time measured in the storage area indicated by the current pointer (4) and the time measured in the storage area indicated by the previous pointer (3). Is greater than the specified value, it is determined that a time leakage has occurred between them.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 12B, the wireless tag 100 copies the contents of the storage area of the current pointer (4) to the storage area of the next pointer (5). Then, the time measured by the pointer (4) is changed to the initial value (0), the pointer is incremented (after being set to 5), and then the current number of rounds of the pointer (5) is incremented (changed to 4).
Instead of correcting the time leakage data on the wireless tag 100 side, the data processing device 50 side may correct the data while adding the operator's judgment.

Furthermore, the timing system for competitions can be applied as appropriate to competitions other than marathon competitions and cross-country competitions. For example, you may apply to a racewalking competition.
As shown in FIG. 13, the competition course in the racewalking includes a course including a track course TC and a circuit course SC. As an example, timing points P1 and P2 are provided on the 2 km circuit course SC (every 1 km), and a timing point P3 is provided on the track course TC.
Similarly to the above, the modulated magnetic field generator 10 to the transmitter / receiver 40 are arranged at each of the timing points P1 to P3. Further, a numeric mat ID (1, 2) is assigned to the timing points P1, P2, and an alphabet mat ID (F) is assigned to the timing point P3.

By the way, also in a racewalking, after driving | running the circumference | surroundings course SC for a regular lap | circulation, it will drive | work and finish the track course TC. For this reason, the wireless tag 100 needs to count the number of laps at any one of the timing points P1 and P2.
Moreover, the time measurement data required in the circuit course SC is a value every 5 km. Therefore, the wireless tag 100 needs to transmit time information to the receiver 30 or the like at the timing points P1 and P2 corresponding to every 5 km.

For example, the wireless tag 100 specifies and stores timekeeping times at the timekeeping points P1 and P2 each time in the circuit course SC. It should be noted that the number of laps is counted up at the timing point P1.
That is, the mat ID is received from the loop coil 11 and the inflection point of the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 21 is detected to specify the time measured at the time points P1 and P2. Each time the mat ID (1) is received from the loop coil 11, the number of turns is counted up.
Then, in the track course TC, the mat ID (F) is received from the loop coil 11, and the inflection point of the electromagnetic field generated by the loop coil 21 is detected, and the time measured at the time point P3 is specified.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the wireless tag 100 stores a mat ID, the number of laps, and a time measurement time in the storage unit 107 (each storage area). When the mat ID is F (in the case of the timing point P3), the number of laps is a fixed value F.
When the clock points P1 and P2 are specified every 5 km, the wireless tag 100 generates time information including the mat ID, the number of laps, and the clock time, and transmits the time information to the receiver 30 and the like.

Further, when the wireless tag 100 determines that a time leak has occurred, the wireless tag 100 corrects the storage unit 107. Note that, unlike the above-described cross country competition, the mat IDs are alternately changed, and therefore, when the same mat ID continues, the time leakage is determined.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the mat ID of the storage area indicated by the current pointer (3) is “2” and the mat of the storage area indicated by the previous pointer (2). When the ID is also “2”, the control unit 105 determines that a time leak has occurred at the time point where the mat ID is “1”.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 15B, the control unit 105 moves the contents of the storage area of the current pointer (3) to the storage area of the next pointer (4). Then, the initial time count (0) and the missing number of laps (1) are stored in the storage area of the current pointer (3). Finally, the pointer is incremented (set to 4).
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 15C, the mat ID of the storage area indicated by the current pointer (12) is “1”, and the storage area indicated by the previous pointer (11) When the mat ID is also “1”, the control unit 105 determines that a time leak has occurred at the time point where the mat ID is “2”.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 15D, the control unit 105 moves the contents of the storage area of the current pointer (12) to the storage area of the next pointer (13). Then, the initial time count (0) is stored in the storage area of the current pointer (12). Finally, the pointer is incremented (set to 13).

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately time the competition time of each athlete.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the timing system for competitions concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship between each timing point provided in a marathon competition, and mat ID. (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) is a mat superimposed on an electromagnetic field It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating ID etc. FIG. (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. (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. (A) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the electromagnetic field produced | generated, (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating mat ID etc. which are superimposed on an electromagnetic field, (c) After performing level adjustment It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that a mat ID is demodulated. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in a wireless tag (memory | storage part). It is a flowchart for demonstrating the time measuring process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is information which shows an example of the recording omission in a memory | storage part, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the memory | storage part after correction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship between each timing point provided in a cross country competition, and mat | matte ID. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in a wireless tag (memory | storage part). (A) is information which shows an example of the recording omission in a memory | storage part, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the memory | storage part after correction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship between each timing point provided in a racewalking competition, and mat | matte ID. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in a wireless tag (memory | storage part). (A), (c) is information which shows an example of the recording omission in a memory | storage part, (b), (d) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the memory | storage part after correction.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Modulation magnetic field generator 11 Loop coil 20 Magnetic field generator 21 Loop coil 30 Receiver 40 Transmitter / receiver 50 Data processing device 100 Wireless tag

Claims (6)

A timing device carried by the competitor,
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Electromagnetic field detection means for detecting first and second electromagnetic fields generated on the runway on which the athlete runs;
Identification information receiving means for receiving, when the first electromagnetic field is detected by the electromagnetic field detection means, unique identification information superimposed on the electromagnetic field;
A time point detection means for detecting a time point based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the second electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field detection means;
When the time point is detected by the time point detection means, time specifying means for specifying the time measured by the time measurement means as a time measurement time;
Storage means for storing the time measured specified by the time specifying means in association with the identification information received by the identification information receiving means;
A timing device characterized by comprising: A time information transmitting unit that transmits time information including the time measured by the time identifying unit and the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit to a predetermined receiving device;
The time measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage means is provided with a plurality of storage areas, and among the plurality of storage areas, a pointer is provided that points to one storage area in which the timekeeping time should be stored in association with the identification information. And
Storage area control means for incrementing the pointer each time the time point is detected by the time point detection means;
The timing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In the storage means, a plurality of storage areas are provided in advance corresponding to the time points,
The storage means stores the time measured by the time specifying means in the storage area corresponding to the identification information received by the identification information receiving means;
The timing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When the identification information receiving means receives the same identification information on the runway on which the athlete circulates, the storage means further stores the number of laps corresponding to the number of the same identification information.
The timing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A time counting method in a timing device carried by a competitor,
A time measuring step for measuring time;
An electromagnetic field detection step of detecting first and second electromagnetic fields generated on the runway on which the athlete runs;
An identification information receiving step of receiving unique identification information superimposed on the electromagnetic field when the first electromagnetic field is detected in the electromagnetic field detection step;
A timing point detection step for detecting a timing point based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the second electromagnetic field detected in the electromagnetic field detection step;
A time specifying step for specifying a time measured in the time measuring step as a time measuring time when the time measuring point is detected in the time measuring point detecting step;
A storage step of storing the time measured identified in the time identification step in a predetermined storage unit in association with the identification information received in the identification information reception step;
A time measuring method characterized by comprising:

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