JP7502839B1 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To quickly notify each participant of a more accurate lap time, split time or finish time. [Solution] An information processing device includes a storage means for storing a notification destination in association with a bib number linked to identification information, a receiving means for receiving identification information and reception time data which is the time when the identification information was received, a calculation means for calculating either a lap time, split time or finish time of the participant with the bib number when the identification information and reception time data are received, and a transmission means for transmitting either the calculated lap time, split time or finish time data to a notification destination associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information when the identification information and reception time data are received. [Selected Figure] Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, and in particular to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that perform processing using identification information read from an RF (radio frequency) tag.

In track events such as middle- and long-distance athletics, or in road races such as marathons and half marathons, or in practice or competitions, participants wear RF tags, and the identification information read from the RF tags is used to measure the participants' lap times, split times, or finish times.

A measurement system has been proposed that includes a radio wave transmitting device that emits measurement radio waves, and an electronic device that is attached to a moving object that passes through multiple points and receives the measurement radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmitting device, and that displays target time information indicating the target time for the moving object to pass the next point based on the electronic device receiving at least the measurement radio waves (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-137068 A

However, when lap times, split times or finish times are displayed on a single display device, it is not possible to immediately know whether the lap time, split time or finish time is one's own or someone else's. Also, it is not possible to know one's exact lap time, split time or finish time during a competition or practice. Furthermore, there may be discrepancies in the lap time, split time or finish time known during a competition or practice.

The present invention has been made in light of these circumstances, and aims to enable each participant to be notified of their more accurate lap time, split time or finish time more quickly.

An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that performs processing using identification information read from two RF tags that transmit different unique identification information and are worn by participants who are either participants taking part in a track event or road race in track and field events, participants taking part in practice for a track event or road race, or participants taking part in a walking event, and who are wearing bibs with their respective bib numbers printed on them, and comprises: a storage means that stores notification destinations in association with one bib number linked to each of the identification information of the two RF tags ; The system includes a receiving means for receiving identification information transmitted from a receiving device that has read at least one of the identification information from either of the two RF tags with an antenna and reception time data which is the time when the identification information was received, and a storage means for storing reception time data which is the time when the identification information read earlier out of the identification information read by a pair of antennas and receiving devices from the RF tags of a participant wearing two RF tags, in association with the bib number linked to the received identification information, and further includes a calculation means for calculating, from the reception time data stored in the storage means when the identification information and reception time data are received, either a lap time or split time from the starting point to an intermediate point where an antenna is installed, or a finish time from the starting point to a finish point where an antenna is installed, of the participant with the bib number linked to the received identification information, and a transmission means for transmitting, when the identification information and reception time data are received, the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to a notification destination stored in the storage means in association with the bib number, and which is associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information.

The storage means can store the notification method and notification destination in association with the race bib number, and the transmission means can transmit data on either the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time to the notification destination using the notification method associated with the race bib number.

The storage means can store notification methods, including push notification, email, or short message, in association with the race bib number.

The calculation means calculates the ranking of participants wearing a bib with a bib number linked to the received identification information when the identification information and the reception time data are received, and the transmission means transmits the calculated ranking data and any one of lap time, split time, or finish time data to a notification destination associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information.

An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that performs processing using identification information read from two RF tags that transmit different unique identification information and are worn by participants who are either participants taking part in a track event or road race in track and field events, participants taking part in practice for a track event or road race, or participants taking part in a walking event, and who are wearing bibs with their respective bib numbers printed on them, and the information processing method is performed by an information processing device that stores in a storage means a notification destination in association with one bib number linked to each of the identification information of the two RF tags, The method includes a receiving step of receiving identification information transmitted from a receiving device that has read at least one of the identification information from either of the two RF tags with an antenna and reception time data which is the time when the identification information was received; a storage step of storing in a storage means reception time data which is the time when the earlier identification information read by a pair of antennas and receiving devices from the RF tags of a participant wearing two RF tags was received, in association with the bib number linked to the received identification information; a calculation step of calculating, from the reception time data stored in the storage means when the identification information and reception time data are received, either a lap time or split time from the starting point to an intermediate point where an antenna is installed, or a finish time from the starting point to a finish point where an antenna is installed, of the participant having the bib number linked to the received identification information; and a transmission step of transmitting, when the identification information and reception time data are received, either the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to a notification destination stored in the storage means in association with the bib number, which is associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer that performs processing using identification information read from two RF tags that transmit different unique identification information and are worn by participants who are either participants taking part in a track event or road race in track and field events, participants taking part in practice for a track event or road race, or participants taking part in a walking event , and who are wearing bibs with their respective bib numbers printed thereon, the program comprising: a computer that performs processing using identification information read from two RF tags that transmit different unique identification information and which are worn by participants who are either participants taking part in a track event or road race in track and field events, participants taking part in practice for a track event or road race, or participants taking part in a walking event, and the computer stores in a storage means a notification destination associated with one bib number linked to each of the identification information of the two RF tags; The system executes processing including a reception control step of controlling reception of identification information transmitted from a receiving device that has read at least one of the identification information from either of two RF tags with an antenna and data of the reception time which is the time when the identification information was received; a storage step of storing in a storage means reception time data which is the time when the identification information read earlier out of the identification information read by a pair of antennas and a receiving device from the RF tag of a participant wearing two RF tags was received in correspondence with the bib number linked to the received identification information; a calculation step of calculating, from the reception time data stored in the storage means when the identification information and reception time data are received, either a lap time or split time from the starting point to an intermediate point where an antenna is installed, or a finish time from the starting point to a finish point where an antenna is installed, of the participant having the bib number linked to the received identification information; and a transmission control step of controlling transmission of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to a notification destination stored in the storage means in correspondence with the bib number and which is associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information when the identification information and reception time data are received.

As described above, the present invention makes it possible to more quickly notify each participant of their more accurate lap time, split time or finish time.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a measurement system 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an athlete bib 41. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the server 24. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the server 24 realized by executing a program. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table arranged in a database 83, which is a relational database. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a notification process.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the correspondence between the constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the detailed description of the invention is exemplified as follows. This description is for the purpose of confirming that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment that is described in the detailed description of the invention but is not described here as an embodiment that corresponds to a constituent element of the present invention, this does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to that constituent element. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a constituent element, this does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to constituent elements other than that constituent element.

An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that performs processing using identification information read from two RF tags that transmit different unique identification information and are worn by participants who are either participants taking part in a track event or road race in track and field events, participants taking part in practice for a track event or road race, or participants taking part in a walking event, and who are wearing bibs with their respective bib numbers printed on them, and that includes: a storage means (e.g., database 83 in FIG. 4 ) that stores notification destinations in association with one bib number linked to each of the identification information of the two RF tags; The system includes a receiving means (e.g., the communication unit 59 in FIG. 3 controlled by the reception control unit 81 in FIG . 4) that receives identification information transmitted from a receiving device that has read at least one of the pieces of identification information from either of the two RF tags with an antenna and data on the reception time that is the time when the identification information was received, and a storage means that stores data on the reception time that is the time when the identification information that was read earlier out of the pieces of identification information read by a pair of antennas and receiving devices from the RF tags of participants wearing two RF tags, in association with the bib number linked to the received identification information, and further, when the identification information and data on the reception time are received, stores data on the reception time that is the time when the identification information that was read earlier out of the pieces of identification information read by a pair of antennas and receiving devices from the RF tags of participants wearing two RF tags, in association with the bib number linked to the received identification information, and The system includes a calculation means (e.g., time calculation unit 94 in FIG. 4) that calculates either the lap time or split time from the starting point to the intermediate point where an antenna is installed, or the finish time from the starting point to the finish point where an antenna is installed, of a participant with a bib number, and a transmission means (e.g., communication unit 59 in FIG. 3 controlled by the transmission control unit 82 in FIG. 4) that, upon receiving the identification information and the reception time data, transmits the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to a notification destination stored in a storage means in association with the bib number, and which is associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement system 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, an example of the configuration of a measurement system 11 is shown in which an antenna and a receiving device are placed on an athletics track.

The measurement system 11 calculates a lap time or split time from the start point to the midpoint, or a finish time from the start point to the goal point, using identification information read from an RF tag worn by a participant who is taking part in a track event or road race, or practice, or a walking event, and who is wearing a bib number bearing the participant's bib number, and the time when the identification information was read. The measurement system 11 transmits the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to a notification destination associated with the bib number linked to the identification information.

The measurement system 11 is installed and operated by the organizers of the track or road race competition or practice, or walking event.

In this case, the notification can be a push notification, e-mail, or short message to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a terminal device worn on the body such as the arm. The notification can be sent to a specific application program installed on the mobile terminal such as a mobile phone.

For example, the identification information read from the RF tag is information that identifies the RF tag or the person or object to which the RF tag is attached. For example, the identification information can be a tag ID that is unique to the RF tag. For example, the identification information can be information that is rewritably stored in the RF tag and that identifies a person or object.

Here, athletics is a general term for events that are held mainly on tracks or fields in outdoor stadiums, or on roads, and that focus on the three basic skills of running, jumping, and throwing. A track is the circular running path in the part of an outdoor stadium where events take place. Track events is a general term for athletics events that take place on tracks. Road races are athletics events that are basically held on public roads, such as marathons, relay races, and race walking. Walking is walking exercise for health promotion. Walking events refer to walking competitions, festivals, and events. Participants are not limited to runners, but also include people who walk, people who race, and people who walk in wheelchairs.

The bibs are also called athlete bibs, and each participant has a different bib number.

The following explanation uses track events or road races as examples.

The measurement system 11 is configured to include antennas 21-1, 21-2 and 21-3, receiving devices 22-1, 22-2 and 22-3, the Internet 23 and a server 24. In FIG. 1, participants 31-1, 31-2 and 31-3, each wearing a bib (athlete bib) with their bib number printed on it and equipped with an RF tag, start from a starting alignment area 32 located in front of the starting point and run on a track or public road.

Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of athlete bibs 41 worn by participants 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3. Figure 2(A) shows the configuration of the front side of athlete bibs 41. Figure 2(B) shows the configuration of the back side of athlete bibs 41. A bib number 42 is printed on the front side of athlete bibs 41. That is, the bib number 42 is printed on the fabric or synthetic paper, such as nonwoven fabric, that makes up athlete bibs 41. Participants 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 wear athlete bibs 41 so that the bib number 42 printed on the front side of athlete bibs 41 is visible.

A pad 43 made of a relatively soft, insulating foam resin is provided on the back of the athlete bib 41. RF tags 44-1 and 44-2 are provided between the cloth or synthetic paper that constitutes the athlete bib 41 and the pad 43.

The RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 are each composed of an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip and an antenna, and communicate with the receiving device 22-1, the receiving device 22-2, and the receiving device 22-3, respectively, via either the antenna 21-1, the antenna 21-2, or the antenna 21-3, and transmit identification information, which is the tag ID stored in the IC chip, to the receiving device 22-1, the receiving device 22-2, and the receiving device 22-3, respectively. The tag ID is identification information for identifying the RF tag 44-1 or the RF tag 44-2, or the person or object to which the RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 are attached. For example, the tag ID is unique information for each of the RF tags 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2, and is different from the tag IDs of other RF tags.

In addition, RF tag 44-1 and RF tag 44-2 may each store rewritable identification information, and when communicating with receiving device 22-1, receiving device 22-2, and receiving device 22-3, respectively, via antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3, the stored identification information may be transmitted to receiving device 22-1, receiving device 22-2, and receiving device 22-3, respectively.

The RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 may each be a passive tag. The RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2, which are passive tags, are generated by radio waves or electromagnetic fields emitted from the readers 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3, and from the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3, among which are the receivers 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3, and operate the IC chip. The RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 may each be an active tag. For example, the RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 may each be a so-called UHF (Ultra High Frequency) tag that uses radio waves in the frequency band from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. For example, the RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 each use radio waves in the frequency band of 920 MHz.

In addition, an RF tag 44 may be provided between the fabric constituting the athlete bib 41 and the pad 43. Hereinafter, the athlete bib 41 will also be referred to as a bib number.

The following explains an example in which a tag ID is used as identification information.

Returning to FIG. 1, antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3 are connected to receiving device 22-1, receiving device 22-2, and receiving device 22-3, respectively. Antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3 are each called a mat antenna or a road-mounted antenna, and are placed on a track or course.

In addition, instead of antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3, an antenna that is installed in a field adjacent to the track and radiates radio waves or an electromagnetic field onto the track may be provided. An antenna that is installed in a field adjacent to the track and radiates radio waves or an electromagnetic field onto the track is also called a horizontal antenna.

For example, antenna 21-1 is placed at the starting point. For example, antenna 21-2 is placed at a position a predetermined distance away from the starting point, and is positioned at a position further along from the starting point as the course to be traveled. For example, antenna 21-3 is placed at a position a predetermined distance away from the point where antenna 21-2 is placed, and is positioned at a position further along from the point where antenna 21-2 is placed as the course to be traveled.

In the case of a track event, by going around the track, participant 31-1, participant 31-2, and participant 31-3 pass over antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3, respectively, the same number of times as they go around the track. In this case, the lap time, which is the time it takes to go around the track once, can be measured and notified.

For example, the starting point is the finish point after a predetermined number of laps around the track. That is, for example, the starting point and the finish point are the same point on the track.

It is also possible to set up a finish point at a location different from the start point, and provide antennas 21 and receiving devices 22 similar to antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3, and receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 at the finish point.

In addition, FIG. 1 shows an example of antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 and receivers 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 installed at the starting point, but in road races which are basically held on public roads, antennas 21 and receivers 22 similar to antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 and receivers 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 can be installed at intermediate points at a predetermined distance from the starting point, such as every 1 km, every 10 km, a turnaround point half the distance from the starting point to the finish point, or a specific landmark. In this case, the split time from the starting point to the intermediate point can be measured and notified.

Antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3 each radiate radio waves or electromagnetic fields. Receiving device 22-1, receiving device 22-2, and receiving device 22-3 each supply power to antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3 connected thereto, respectively, to cause them to radiate radio waves or electromagnetic fields. Receiving device 22-1, receiving device 22-2, and receiving device 22-3 each communicate with RF tag 44-1 and RF tag 44-2 via antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3 connected thereto, respectively, to receive identification information, which is the tag ID stored in the IC chip.

In addition, each of receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna and receiving device, and measures the current time from the GPS signal.

When any of participant 31-1, participant 31-2, and participant 31-3 passes over any of antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3, receiving device 22-1, receiving device 22-2, and receiving device 22-3 communicate with RF tag 44-1 and RF tag 44-2 attached to participant 31-1, participant 31-2, and participant 31-3 via antenna 21-1, antenna 21-2, and antenna 21-3, respectively, and receive the tag ID stored in the IC chip of each of RF tags 44-1 and RF tags 44-2.

When receiving device 22-1, receiving device 22-2, and receiving device 22-3 each receive the tag ID stored in the IC chip of either RF tag 44-1 or RF tag 44-2, they connect to the Internet 23 via a wireless communication line such as a mobile phone line, a public wireless communication line, or a dedicated wireless line, and transmit the received tag ID and reception time data indicating the time the tag ID was received to server 24. The reception time data indicates the time when receiving device 22-1, receiving device 22-2, and receiving device 22-3 each received the tag ID.

The server 24 is an example of an information processing device, and calculates a lap time or split time from the start point to the midpoint, or a finish time from the start point to the goal point, using a tag ID transmitted from any of the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 via the Internet 23. The measurement system 11 transmits the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to a notification destination associated with the race bib number linked to the tag ID. The server 24 can be a server made of dedicated hardware, a server that uses some of the functions of general-purpose hardware, or a virtual server also known as a cloud server.

In this way, the server 24 performs processing using identification information read from the RF tags 44 worn by participants who are taking part in track events or road races, or practice events, or walking events, and who are wearing athlete bibs 41 (bibs) bearing their respective bib numbers 42.

Note that if the server 24 receives the tag ID stored in the IC chip of either RF tag 44-1 or RF tag 44-2 from receiving device 22-2 or receiving device 22-3, but does not receive the tag ID stored in the IC chip of either RF tag 44-1 or RF tag 44-2 from receiving device 22-1, the server 24 determines the time at the start point by, for example, correcting the received reception time data from the tag ID and reception time data received from receiving device 22-2 or receiving device 22-3. In this way, the time at the start point can be determined more reliably. The same applies to the midpoint or the goal point.

Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3, they will simply be referred to as antennas 21. Also, when there is no need to distinguish between receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3, they will simply be referred to as receiving devices 22. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between RF tags 44-1 and 44-2, they will simply be referred to as RF tags 44. Also, when there is no need to distinguish between participants 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3, they will simply be referred to as participants 31.

Next, the hardware configuration of server 24 will be described. Note that if server 24 is a virtual server, hardware resources are allocated to server 24 and server 24 has functions equivalent to hardware. Figure 3 is a block diagram explaining the hardware configuration of server 24.

In the server 24, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53 are interconnected by a bus 54.

An input/output interface 55 is also connected to the bus 54. Connected to the input/output interface 55 are an input unit 56 consisting of a keyboard or mouse that is electrically connected or connected by a remote terminal as required, an output unit 57 consisting of a display that is electrically connected or connected by a remote terminal as required, a storage unit 58 consisting of a hard disk or non-volatile memory, and a communication unit 59 consisting of a network interface. Although not shown in the figure, drives for driving removable media such as magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, or semiconductor memories are connected as required.

In the server 24 (computer) configured as described above, the CPU 51 loads a program stored in the storage unit 58, for example, into the RAM 53 via the input/output interface 55 and the bus 54, and executes the program, thereby performing a series of processes described below.

The programs executed by the server 24 (CPU 51) are provided via wired or wireless transmission media, such as a local area network, the Internet 23, or digital satellite broadcasting, or are provided by recording them on removable media, which is a package medium such as a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.), a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

For example, the program can be installed in the computer by inserting a removable medium into a drive and storing it in the storage unit 58 via the input/output interface 55. The program can also be installed in the computer by receiving it at the communication unit 59 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and storing it in the storage unit 58. In addition, the program can be pre-installed in the computer by storing it in the ROM 52 or the storage unit 58 in advance.

In other words, the server 24 (computer) executes the installed program to realize the functions described below.

Note that the number of CPUs 51 in the server 24 is not limited to one, and one or more CPUs can be provided.

Next, the functions of the server 24 that executes the program will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram that illustrates an example of the functions of the server 24 that are realized by executing the program.

By the server 24 executing the program, a reception control unit 81, a transmission control unit 82, a database 83, a storage control unit 84, a calculation unit 85, a notification method notification destination acquisition unit 86, a notification generation unit 87, and a status update unit 88 are realized. The reception control unit 81 controls the communication unit 59 to receive various data transmitted from the receiving device 22 via the Internet 23. The communication unit 59 controlled by the reception control unit 81 is an example of a receiving means, and receives the identification information transmitted from the receiving device 22 which has read the identification information from the RF tag 44 by the antenna 21, and the reception time data which is the time when the identification information was received.

The transmission control unit 82 controls the communication unit 59 to transmit various data to a specified destination via the Internet 23. The communication unit 59 controlled by the transmission control unit 82 is an example of a transmission means, and when it receives the identification information and the data of the reception time, it transmits the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information.

The database 83 is an example of a storage means, and is a collection of electronically stored and accessible organized data managed by a database management system. The collection of data managed by the database 83 is stored in the RAM 53 or the storage unit 58. For example, the database 83 can be a relational database or a NoSQL database such as a key-value database.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of tables arranged in database 83, which is a relational database. In database 83, a number notification correspondence table 101 and a time table 102 are arranged. In number notification correspondence table 101, data on the attributes of bib number (represented as "bib No." in FIG. 5), notification method, and notification destination are stored. In each of the bib number fields, bib number 42 is stored. In each of the notification method fields, a value indicating the notification method (notification method) when notifying the lap time or split time from the start point to the intermediate point, or the finish time from the start point to the goal point is stored. For example, in the notification method field, a value such as push communication, e-mail, or short message is stored. In each of the notification destination fields, a value indicating the notification destination is stored. For example, in the notification destination field, a value indicating the destination ID, email address, or telephone number in the case of push communication is stored.

For example, a record in the call number notification correspondence table 101 with the bib number 301 stores a value indicating the notification method as push notification and a value indicating the notification destination as efgs12387. Also, for example, a record in the call number notification correspondence table 101 with the bib number 302 stores a value indicating the notification method as e-mail and a value indicating the notification destination as aaa@fen.com. Furthermore, for example, a record in the call number notification correspondence table 101 with the bib number 303 stores a value indicating the notification method as short message and a value indicating the notification destination as 090254XXX.

Timetable 102 stores data on the attributes of the race bib number (represented as "race bib No." in Figure 5), two tag IDs, ranking, status, start time, waypoint 1 time, split time 1, waypoint 2 time, split time 2, goal time, and finish time. Each of the race bib number fields stores race bib numbers 42. In this case, the race bib number is used as the primary key.

Each of the two tag ID fields stores the value of the tag ID linked to the bib number. Each of the ranking fields stores a value indicating the ranking of the participant wearing the bib with the bib number. Each of the status fields stores a value indicating whether the participant wearing the bib with the bib number has passed the start line, passed waypoint 1, passed waypoint 2, or reached the finish line.

Each start time field stores a value indicating the start time of a participant wearing a bib with a bib number. Each waypoint 1 time field stores a value indicating the time when a participant wearing a bib with a bib number passes an waypoint where the antenna 21 and receiving device 22 are installed, which is the next waypoint to be passed after the start point. Each split time 1 field stores a value indicating the split time from the start point to the next waypoint to be passed after the start point for a participant wearing a bib with a bib number. Each waypoint 2 time field stores a value indicating the time when a participant wearing a bib with a bib number passes an waypoint where the antenna 21 and receiving device 22 are installed, which is the second waypoint to be passed after the start point. Each Split Time 2 field stores a value indicating the split time from the starting point to the second intermediate point that the participant wearing the race bib number passes through.

Each of the goal time fields stores a value indicating the time when a participant wearing a race bib with a bib number reaches the goal point where the antenna 21 and receiving device 22 are installed. Each of the finish time fields stores a value indicating the finish time, which is the time it takes for a participant wearing a race bib with a bib number to travel from the start point to the goal point.

Incidentally, an antenna 21 and a receiving device 22 are provided at each of the start point, midpoint 1, midpoint 2 and finish point, so that the start point, midpoint 1, midpoint 2 and finish point are each measurement points, and the start time, midpoint 1 time, midpoint 2 time and finish time indicate the time at each measurement point. Also, split time 1, split time 2 and finish time are each the time from the start point to the measurement point.

For example, the record with bib number 301 in timetable 102 stores a value indicating the tag ID of aaaaa, a value indicating the tag ID of aaaaw, a value indicating the ranking of 2, a value indicating the status of the goal, a value indicating the start time of 0:00:00, a value indicating the waypoint 1 time of 0:30:00, a value indicating split time 1 of 0:30:00, a value indicating the waypoint 2 time of 1:00:00, a value indicating split time 2 of 1:00:00, a value indicating the goal time of 1:30:00, and a value indicating the finish time of 1:30:00. Also, for example, the record in timetable 102 with bib number 302 stores a value indicating a tag ID of aaaab, a value indicating a tag ID of aaaan, a value indicating a ranking of 1, a value indicating a status of goal, a value indicating a start time of 0:00:00, a value indicating waypoint 1 time of 0:28:30, a value indicating split time 1 of 0:28:30, a value indicating waypoint 2 time of 0:59:30, a value indicating split time 2 of 0:59:30, a value indicating a goal time of 1:27:30, and a value indicating a finish time of 1:27:30. Furthermore, for example, the record with bib number 304 in timetable 102 stores a value indicating a tag ID of aaaad, a value indicating a tag ID of aaaaj, a value indicating a ranking of 4, a value indicating a status of goal, a value indicating a start time of 0:00:03, a value indicating waypoint 1 time of 0:32:28, a value indicating split time 1 of 0:32:25, a value indicating waypoint 2 time of 1:06:42, a value indicating split time 2 of 1:06:39, a value indicating a goal time of 1:42:05, and a value indicating a finish time of 1:42:02.

The example of timetable 102 shown in FIG. 5 shows the state after a participant has reached the finish line, and each time a participant passes a waypoint or the finish line, values are stored in a specified field. That is, values are stored in the start time field, waypoint 1 time field, split time 1 field, waypoint 2 time field, split time 2 field, goal time field, and finish time field of timetable 102 in sequence as the competition or practice progresses.

The number notification correspondence table 101 and the time table 102 may be stored as files in the memory unit 58, or may be expanded and stored as data in the RAM 53.

In this way, database 83 stores notification destinations in association with the race bib numbers linked to the identification information.

Returning to FIG. 4, the storage control unit 84 stores various data in the database 83. The storage control unit 84 includes a time storage control unit 91, a time storage control unit 92, and a ranking storage control unit 93. The calculation unit 85 calculates the time and ranking. The calculation unit 85 includes a time calculation unit 94 and a ranking calculation unit 95.

The time storage control unit 91 stores the value of the time indicated by the reception time data in the database 83. That is, when the server 24 receives the tag ID and reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22, which are tag IDs received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44, the time storage control unit 91 references the value of the status field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed, and stores the value of the time indicated by the reception time data in any of the start time field, waypoint 1 time field, waypoint 2 time field, or goal time field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed.

The time calculation unit 94 is an example of a calculation means, and calculates a lap time, split time, or finish time from the time value indicated by the reception time data. More specifically, for example, when the server 24 receives the tag ID and reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22, which are tag IDs received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44, and the time value indicated by the reception time data is stored in the waypoint 1 time field, the waypoint 2 time field, or the goal time field, the time calculation unit 94 calculates the split time or finish time from the time value indicated by the reception time data stored in the waypoint 1 time field, the waypoint 2 time field, or the goal time field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is located, and the time value indicated in the start time field. Also, for example, the time calculation unit 94 calculates a split time or finish time from the time value indicated in the reception time data and the time value indicated in the start time field when the server 24 receives the tag ID and reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22, which are the tag ID received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44 and reception time data indicating the time when the receiving device 22 received the tag ID.

In this way, when the time calculation unit 94 receives the identification information and the reception time data, it calculates either the lap time or split time from the starting point to the midpoint where the antenna 21 is installed, or the finish time from the starting point to the finish point where the antenna 21 is installed, for the participant with the bib number 42 linked to the received identification information.

The time calculation unit 94 calculates the lap time, split time, or finish time for the identification information that is read first from the RF tags 44 of the participants 31 wearing two RF tags 44, among the identification information read by a pair of antennas 21 and receivers 22.

The time storage control unit 92 stores the lap time, split time or finish time in the database 83. That is, when the server 24 receives the tag ID received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44 and the reception time data indicating the time when the receiving device 22 received the tag ID, and the tag ID and reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22 are stored in the waypoint 1 time field, waypoint 2 time field or finish time field, the time storage control unit 92 stores the split time or finish time value calculated by the time calculation unit 94 in the split time 1 field, split time 2 field or finish time field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed.

The ranking calculation unit 95 calculates the ranking of the participants. More specifically, for each participant wearing a bib with a bib number written on it, the ranking calculation unit 95 refers to the value in the status field, the value in the split time 1 field, the value in the split time 2 field, or the value in the finish time field, and calculates the ranking corresponding to the bib number.

The ranking storage control unit 93 stores the ranking in the database 83. That is, the ranking storage control unit 93 stores the ranking corresponding to the bib number calculated by the ranking calculation unit 95 in each of the ranking fields of the records in the timetable 102 that correspond to the bib number.

The notification method/notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the notification method and notification destination from the database 83. More specifically, the notification method/notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the tag ID received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44 and the reception time data indicating the time when the receiving device 22 received the tag ID, and when the server 24 receives the tag ID and reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22, the notification method/notification destination acquisition unit 86 references the value of the bib number field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed, and acquires the notification method and notification destination field values corresponding to the referenced bib number from the notification method and notification destination attribute data of the record of the number notification correspondence table 101. In other words, the notification method/notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the notification method and notification destination associated with the bib number linked to the received tag ID.

The notification generation unit 87 generates notification data including the lap time, split time or finish time, and ranking. More specifically, the notification generation unit 87 sets the destination acquired by the notification method notification destination acquisition unit 86 to data in a format corresponding to the notification method acquired by the notification method notification destination acquisition unit 86, and generates notification data by writing the value of the ranking field corresponding to the bib number linked to the received tag ID, among the split time or finish time calculated by the time calculation unit 94 and the ranking calculated by the ranking calculation unit 95.

The status update unit 88 updates the status included in the database 83. More specifically, when the time storage control unit 91 stores the time value indicated by the received time data in the start time field, the waypoint 1 time field, the waypoint 2 time field, or the goal time field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed, the status update unit 88 updates the value of the status field to match the field in which the time value is stored in the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed. For example, if the value of the status field is a value indicating that a participant wearing a bib number with a bib number has passed the start point, the waypoint 1, the waypoint 2, or reached the goal, when the time value indicated by the received time data is stored in the waypoint 1 time field, the status update unit 88 updates the value of the status field to a value indicating that the waypoint 1 has been passed.

Next, the notification process performed by the server 24 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart explaining the notification process. In step S11, the reception control unit 81 determines whether or not the tag ID transmitted from the receiving device 22 has been received, and if it is determined that the tag ID has not been received, the procedure of step S11 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S11 that the tag ID has been received, the procedure proceeds to step S12, where the time storage control unit 91 obtains the tag ID and the reception time data transmitted together with the tag ID from the reception control unit 81.

In step S13, the time storage control unit 91 refers to the value of the status field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed, and stores the reception time data in the time field of one of the measurement points linked to the tag ID. For example, the time storage control unit 91 stores the reception time data (the time value indicated by) in the start time field, waypoint 1 time field, waypoint 2 time field, or goal time field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed.

In step S14, the time calculation unit 94 calculates the lap time, split time, or finish time. For example, the time calculation unit 94 calculates the split time or finish time from the time value indicated in the received time data and the time value indicated in the start time field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed. Also, for example, the time calculation unit 94 calculates the split time or finish time from the time value stored in any of the start time field, waypoint 1 time field, or waypoint 2 time field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed, and the time value indicated in the received time data.

In step S15, the time storage control unit 92 stores the lap time, split time, or finish time in the time field for any of the measurement points that is linked to the tag ID. In step S16, the ranking calculation unit 95 calculates the ranking of all participants. The ranking storage control unit 93 stores the ranking in the database 83.

In step S17, the notification method/notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the ranking linked to the received tag ID from the database 83. In step S18, the notification method/notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the race bib number linked to the received tag ID from the database 83. In step S19, the notification method/notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires, from the database 83, the notification method and notification destination associated with the race bib number acquired in step S18.

In step S20, the notification generation unit 87 generates notification data by setting the destination acquired in step S19 to data in a format corresponding to the notification method acquired in step S19, and writing the lap time, split time or finish time calculated in step S14 and the ranking acquired in step S17. In step S21, the transmission control unit 82 controls the communication unit 59 to transmit the notification data to the notification destination using the acquired notification method. In step S22, the status update unit 88 updates the status contained in the database 83. That is, the status update unit 88 updates the value of the status field of the record of the timetable 102 in which the received tag ID is placed.

In step S23, the status update unit 88 refers to the status contained in the database 83 to determine whether or not all of the participants have reached the finish line. If it is determined that none of the participants have reached the finish line, the process returns to step S11 and the above-described procedure is repeated.

If it is determined in step S23 that all participants have reached the finish line, the notification process ends.

In this way, each participant can be notified more quickly of their more accurate lap time, split time, or finish time. When the measurement system 11 is installed and operated by the organizers of a track or road race competition or practice, each participant can be notified of their lap time, split time, or finish time measured by the organizers of the competition or practice.

As described above, the server 24 performs processing using identification information read from the RF tags 44 worn by participants 31 who are taking part in track events or road races, or practice events, or walking events, and who are wearing athlete bibs 41 bearing their respective bib numbers 42.

The database 83 stores the notification destination in association with the race bib number 42 linked to the identification information.

The communication unit 59, which is controlled by the reception control unit 81, receives the identification information transmitted from the receiving device 22, which reads the identification information from the RF tag 44 using the antenna 21, and the reception time data, which is the time when the identification information was received.

When the calculation unit 85 receives the identification information and the reception time data, it calculates either the lap time or split time from the starting point to the midpoint where the antenna 21 is installed, or the finish time from the starting point to the finish point where the antenna 21 is installed, for the participant 31 with the bib number 42 linked to the received identification information.

When the communication unit 59, which is controlled by the transmission control unit 82, receives the identification information and the reception time data, it transmits the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the race bib number 42 linked to the received identification information.

The database 83 stores the notification method and notification destination in association with the bib number 42, and the communication unit 59 controlled by the transmission control unit 82 can transmit data on either the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time to the notification destination using the notification method associated with the bib number 42.

The database 83 can store a notification method, including push notification, email, or short message, in association with the race bib number 42.

The calculation unit 85 can calculate the ranking of the participant 31 wearing the athlete bib 41 bearing the bib number 42 linked to the received identification information when the identification information and the reception time data are received, and the communication unit 59 controlled by the transmission control unit 82 can transmit the calculated ranking data and either the lap time, split time or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the bib number 42 linked to the received identification information.

The calculation unit 85 can calculate either the lap time, split time or finish time for the identification information that is read first from the RF tag 44 of a participant 31 wearing two RF tags 44, among the identification information read by a pair of antenna 21 and receiving device 22.

Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

11 Measurement system, 21-1 to 21-3 or 21 Antenna, 22-1 to 22-3 or 22 Receiving device, 23 Internet, 24 Server, 31-1 to 31-3 or 31 Participant, 32 Start lining area, 41 Athlete bib (bib), 42 Bib number, 43 Pad, 44-1 or 44-1 or 44 RF tag, 51 CPU, 52 ROM, 53 RAM, 54 Bus, 55 Input/output interface, 56 Input unit, 57 Output unit, 58 Memory unit, 59 Communication unit, 81 Reception control unit, 82 Transmission control unit, 83 Database, 84 Storage control unit, 85 Calculation unit, 86 Notification method/notification destination acquisition unit, 87 Notification generation unit, 88 Status update unit, 91 Time storage control unit, 92 Time storage control unit, 93 Ranking storage control unit, 94 Time calculation unit, 95 Ranking calculation unit, 101 Number notification correspondence table, 102 Time table

Claims (6)

An information processing device performs processing using identification information read from two RF (radio frequency) tags that transmit different unique identification information and are worn by participants who are either participants taking part in track events or road races in track and field events, participants taking part in practice for the track events or road races , or participants taking part in a walking event, and who are wearing bibs with their respective bib numbers printed thereon, the information processing device comprising:
A storage means for storing a notification destination in association with one of the race bib numbers linked to the identification information of each of the two RF tags ;
a receiving means for receiving data of the identification information and a reception time, which is a time when the identification information is received, transmitted from a receiving device that has read at least one of the identification information from either of the two RF tags by an antenna;
Including,
the storage means stores data of the reception time, which is the time when the identification information read first out of the identification information read by one set of the antenna and the receiving device from the RF tag of the participant wearing two of the RF tags, in association with the bib number linked to the received identification information;
moreover,
a calculation means for calculating, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, from the data of the reception time stored in the storage means, either a lap time or a split time from the starting point to the intermediate point where the antenna is installed, or a finish time from the starting point to the finish point where the antenna is installed, of the participant having the bib number linked to the received identification information;
a transmitting means for transmitting, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, the calculated data of either the lap time, the split time or the finish time to a notification destination stored in the storage means in association with the bib number, the notification destination being associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1,
The storage means stores a notification method and a notification destination in association with the race bib number,
The transmission means transmits data on any one of the calculated lap time, the split time, or the finish time to a notification destination in the notification method associated with the race bib number. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2,
The information processing device, wherein the storage means stores the notification method, which includes any one of push notification, e-mail, and short message, in association with the race bib number. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1,
the calculation means calculates a ranking of the participant wearing the bib number associated with the received identification information, the ranking being determined at the time of receiving the identification information and the data of the reception time;
The transmission means transmits the calculated ranking data and any one of the lap time, the split time, or the finish time to the notification destination associated with the race bib number linked to the received identification information. An information processing device performs processing using identification information read from two RF tags that transmit different unique identification information and are worn by participants who are either participants taking part in a track event or road race in track and field events, participants taking part in practice for the track event or road race , or participants taking part in a walking event, and who are wearing bibs with their respective bib numbers printed thereon, and the information processing method by the information processing device stores in storage means a notification destination in association with one of the bib numbers linked to each of the identification information for the two RF tags ,
a receiving step of receiving data of the identification information and a reception time, which is a time when the identification information is received, transmitted from a receiving device that has read at least one of the identification information from either of the two RF tags by an antenna;
a storage step of storing in the storage means data on the reception time, which is the time when the identification information read first from the RF tags of the participants wearing two RF tags is received by a pair of the antenna and the receiving device, in association with the bib number linked to the received identification information;
a calculation step of calculating, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, from the data of the reception time stored in the storage means, either a lap time or a split time from the starting point to the intermediate point where the antenna is installed, or a finish time from the starting point to the finish point where the antenna is installed, of the participant having the bib number linked to the received identification information;
a sending step of, when the identification information and the reception time data are received, sending the calculated lap time, split time or finish time data to a notification destination stored in the storage means in association with the bib number, the notification destination being associated with the bib number linked to the received identification information. A computer that performs processing using identification information read from two RF tags that transmit different unique identification information and that are worn by participants who are either participants taking part in a track event or a road race in track and field events, participants taking part in practice for the track event or the road race, or participants taking part in a walking event, and who are wearing bibs with respective bib numbers printed thereon, the computer storing in a storage means a notification destination in association with one of the bib numbers linked to each of the identification information of the two RF tags ,
a reception control step of controlling reception of the identification information transmitted from a receiving device that has read at least one of the identification information from either of the two RF tags by an antenna and data of the reception time that is the time when the identification information was received;
a storage step of storing in the storage means data of the reception time, which is the time when the identification information read first from the RF tag of the participant wearing two of the RF tags by one set of the antenna and the receiving device, in association with the bib number linked to the received identification information;
a calculation step of calculating, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, from the data of the reception time stored in the storage means, either a lap time or a split time from the starting point to the intermediate point where the antenna is installed, or a finish time from the starting point to the finish point where the antenna is installed, of the participant having the bib number linked to the received identification information;
a transmission control step of controlling, when the identification information and the reception time data are received, the transmission of the calculated lap time, split time or finish time data to a notification destination stored in the storage means in association with the bib number, the notification destination corresponding to the bib number linked to the received identification information.

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