NZ732239B2 - Determining the passing time of a moving transponder - Google Patents
Determining the passing time of a moving transponder Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ732239B2 NZ732239B2 NZ732239A NZ73223915A NZ732239B2 NZ 732239 B2 NZ732239 B2 NZ 732239B2 NZ 732239 A NZ732239 A NZ 732239A NZ 73223915 A NZ73223915 A NZ 73223915A NZ 732239 B2 NZ732239 B2 NZ 732239B2
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- Prior art keywords
- transponder
- signals
- laveryk
- coil
- time
- Prior art date
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- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 116
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 42
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 19
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 18
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 13
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 241001282736 Oriens Species 0.000 description 2
- 108010076504 Protein Sorting Signals Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002457 bidirectional effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 150000001768 cations Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000384969 Priva Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005352 clarification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000010363 phase shift Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000644 propagated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910000859 α-Fe Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
- G04F10/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by electric means
- G04F10/10—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by electric means by measuring electric or magnetic quantities changing in proportion to time
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C1/00—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
- G07C1/22—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people in connection with sports or games
- G07C1/24—Race time-recorders
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B17/00—Monitoring; Testing
- H04B17/30—Monitoring; Testing of propagation channels
- H04B17/309—Measuring or estimating channel quality parameters
- H04B17/318—Received signal strength
-
- H04B5/0043—
-
- H04B5/0068—
-
- H04B5/0081—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04J—MULTIPLEX COMMUNICATION
- H04J3/00—Time-division multiplex systems
- H04J3/02—Details
- H04J3/06—Synchronising arrangements
- H04J3/0635—Clock or time synchronisation in a network
- H04J3/0638—Clock or time synchronisation among nodes; Internode synchronisation
- H04J3/0658—Clock or time synchronisation among packet nodes
- H04J3/0661—Clock or time synchronisation among packet nodes using timestamps
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
- H04W4/023—Services making use of location information using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
Abstract
Methods and systems for determining the passing time of a moving transponder (202) passing a detection antenna (206) of a base station (204) are described wherein the method comprises: during said passing exchanging a sequence of first signals (210) between a first transponder coil (228) and said detection antenna and a sequence of second signals (214) between a second transponder coil (232) and the detection antenna; associating said first and/or second signals with time instances indicating the time when said first and/or second signals are exchanged between said transponder and said base station; and, determining the passing time of said transponder on the basis of the signal strengths of said first and second signals and said time instances. tection antenna and a sequence of second signals (214) between a second transponder coil (232) and the detection antenna; associating said first and/or second signals with time instances indicating the time when said first and/or second signals are exchanged between said transponder and said base station; and, determining the passing time of said transponder on the basis of the signal strengths of said first and second signals and said time instances.
Description
(12) Granted patent specificaon (19) NZ (11) 732239 (13) B2
(47) Publicaon date: 2021.12.24
(54) DETERMINING THE PASSING TIME OF A MOVING TRANSPONDER
(51) Internaonal Patent Classificaon(s):
G07C 1/24
(22) Filing date: (73) Owner(s):
2015.12.17 MYLAPS B.V.
(23) Complete specificaon filing date: (74) Contact:
2015.12.17 FPA Patent Attorneys Pty Ltd
(30) Internaonal ty Data: (72) Inventor(s):
EP 13.7 2014.12.19 SIX, Mark
URBANOWITZ, Rowan Waldemar
(86) Internaonal Applicaon No.: VERWOERD, Adriaan Klaas
(87) Internaonal Publicaon number:
WO/2016/097215
(57) Abstract:
Methods and systems for determining the passing me of a moving transponder (202) passing
a detecon antenna (206) of a base staon (204) are described wherein the method comprises:
during said passing exchanging a sequence of first signals (210) between a first transponder coil
(228) and said on antenna and a sequence of second signals (214) n a second
transponder coil (232) and the detecon antenna; associang said first and/or second s with
me instances indicang the me when said first and/or second signals are exchanged n
said transponder and said base staon; and, determining the passing me of said onder on
the basis of the signal strengths of said first and second signals and said me instances.
732239 B2
DETERMINING THE PASSING TIME OF A MOVING ONDER
Field 0: the invention
The invention relates to determining the passing time
of a transponder passing the detector antenna, and, in
particular, though not exclusively, to a method and a system
for determining the passing time of a moving transponder, a
transponder .C
“or enabling a determination of a passing timing
o: a moving transponder, a timing module for determining the
passing time of moving transponders passing a detection
antenna 0: a base station, a transponder for enabling the
passing time, and a computer program product for using such
method.
ound of the invention
Sports events such as car— or motor racing, athletics
and ating, typically require accurate and fast time
registration for tracking the participants during the event.
Such timing system is usually based on a itter—detector
based scheme, wherein each participant in the event is
provided with a transmitter (a transponder). The itter
may be configured to transmit packets at a certain frequency
and to insert a unique identifier into the packet such that a
detector is able to associate a packet with a certain
transmitter.
Each time a transmitter passes a loop antenna of the
detector, the or may receive le data packets
associated with the transmitter. The signal strength
associated with a received data packet (the R881) is a
function of diStance of the transmitter relative to the
antenna and the particular uration of the itter—
and detector antennae. Hence, by assigning time—stamp
information and by evaluating the signal strength associated
with each data packet, the deteCtor may determine at what time
the transponder passes the or antenna.
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es of such timing systems are described in
US5091895 and US20120087421. When using such system for
determining the passing time of a car of a bike, the
transponder is mounted on the s or frame of the vehicle.
In that case, the angle between the transponder and the loop
detector embedded in the road is fixed and known, e.g. zero or
90 degree depending on the type of onder. A simple
implementation of a passing time algorithm is to find the time
where the signal strength, e.g. the RSSI, is at a maximum or
minimum.
However, in certain situations, e.g. when the
transponder is worn by an athlete on the chest (e.g. a
runner), the angle between the transponder and the loop may
vary. The runner may finish leaning forward and/or sideward
and so that the angle does not stay on a fixed predetermined
angel. In that case, the algorithm that assumes a fixed angle
will make a significant error in ining the passing
. Hence, from the above it follows that there is a need
in the art for improved timing systems that allow accurate
determination of the passing time even when the angle between
the transponder and the antenna is variable.
Reference to any prior art in the specification is
not an acknowledgement or suggestion that this prior art forms
part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or
that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be
combined with any other piece of prior art by a skilled person
in the art.
By way of clarification and for avoidance of doubt,
as used herein and except where the context requires
otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term,
such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not
intended to exclude further additions, components, integers or
steps.
Summary of the invention
As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,
aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system,
method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of
40 the present invention may take the form of an entirely
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hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment
(including firmware, resident re, micro-code, etc.) or
an ment combining software and hardware aspects that may
all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," e"
or "system." Functions described in this disclosure may be
implemented as an algorithm executed by a microprocessor of a
computer. Furthermore, aspects of the present ion may
take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or
more computer readable (s) having computer readable
program code embodied, e.g., stored, thereon.
Any combination of one or more computer readable
medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be
1003384959
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a er readable signal medium or a computer readable
storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for
example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor , apparatus,
or device, or any suitable combination 0: the foregoing. More
ic examples (a non— exhaustive list) of the computer
readable storage medium would include the following: an
electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable
computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM),
a nly memory (ROM), an erasable mmable read—only
memory (:RROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable
compact disc read—only memory (CD—ROM), an optical storage
device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination
of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer
readable Storage medium may be any tangible medium that can
contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with
an instruCtion execution system, apparatus, or device.
A computer readable signal medium may include a
propagated data signal with computer le program code
embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a
r .C
wave. Such a ated signal may take any ol a
variety 0: forms, including, but not limited to, electro—
magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A
computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable
medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that
can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by
or in connection with an instruction ion system,
apparatus, or device.
Program code embodied on a computer readable medium
3O may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but
not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber, cable, RF,
etc., or any suitable combination 0: the foregoing. er
program code for ng out operations lor aspects of the
present ion may be n in any ation of one or
more programming languages, including an object oriented
programming language such as Java(T-), Smalltalk, C++ or the
like and conventioral procedural programming ges, such
as the "C" programning language or similar programming
lanages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's
4O computer, partly or the user's computer, as a stand—alone
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software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on
a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or
server. In the latter io, the remote computer may be
connected to the user's computer h any type of network,
including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network
(WAN), or the tion may be made to an external computer
(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service
Provider).
Aspects o: the present invention are described below
with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams of meohods, apparatus (systems), and computer program
ts according to embodiments of the invention. It will be
understood the: each block or the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the
flowchart illtstrations and/or block ms, can be
implemented by computer program instructions. These computer
program instrLc:ions may be provided to a sor, in
particular a microprocessor or central sing unit (CPU),
of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or
other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a
machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the
processor of the computer, other programmable data processing
tus, or othcr dovic 8 cr at m ans for implementing the
functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram
block or blocks.
These computer m instructions may also be
stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a
computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or
other devices to finction in a particular , such that
3O the instructions scored in the computer readable medium
produce an article of manufacture including instructions which
implement the func:ion/act specified in the art and/or
block diagram blOCk or blocks.
The computer program instructions may also be loaded
onto a er, ther programmable data processing apparatus,
or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be
performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or
other devices to produce a computer implemented process such
tthhe instructions which execute on the computer or other
4O programmable apparatus e processes for implementing the
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functions/acts specified in the art and/or block diagram
block or blocks.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures
rate the architecture, functionality, and operation of
possible implementations of systems, methods and computer
program products according to various embodiments of the
present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart
or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion
of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions
for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should
also be noted that, in some alternative entations, the
functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted
in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession
may, in fact, be ed substantially concurrently, or the
blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be
noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart
illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block
diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by
l purpose re-based systems that perform the
specified functions or acts, or combinations of special
purpose re and computer instructions.
It is an objective of the invention to reduce or
eliminate at least one of the cks known in the prior
art.
In a first aspect of the present ion there is
provided a method of determining the passing time of a moving
transponder passing a detection antenna of a base station, the
method comprising: during said passing exchanging a sequence
of first signals between a first transponder coil and said
detection antenna and a sequence of second signals between a
second transponder coil and the detection antenna, n the
direction of the magnetic axis of said first transponder coil
differs from the direction of the magnetic axis of said second
transponder coil; associating said first and/or second signals
with time instances ting the time when said first and/or
second signals are exchanged between said transponder and said
base station; and, determining the passing time of said
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5A page 6 follows
transponder on the basis of the signal strengths of said first
and second s and said time instances.
The invention aims to provide an accurate passing
time that is corrected for errors due to changes in the
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angular orientation of the transponder relative to the
detection antenna. This correction is based on the signal
strengths of two di 'erent signal sequences that are exchanged
during the passing between the transponder and the base
n. During this process, the signal strengths values may
be time—stamped in order to link the values to a time line.
The ors found out that the signal strengths of two
different signal sequences correlates with the angular
orientation of the transponder coil relative to the detection
antenna. Analysis of the signal strengths of the first and
second ce of signals that are exchanged during tqe
passing of the transponder, allows a determination of the
passing time that is corrected for the r orientation I]
the transponder coil relative to the detection a. This
way errors in the passing time can be eliminated or at least
substantially r ducod. Hence, the invention enables
determination o: a g time that is more accurate than
timing systems known from the prior art. The invention is
simple and does not require additional re, e.g. an
accelerometer or the like, in the transponder. Moreover, the
invention does not ent on the speed at which the
transponder passes the detection antenna.
In an embodiment, the direction of the magnetic axis
of said first transponder coil differs from the direction of
the magnetic axis 0“ said second transponder coil. In another
embodiment, the direction of the magnetic axis of said first
transponder coi-_ may be perpendicular to the direction 0“ the
magnetic axis of said second transponder coil. Hence, the
firSt and second signals are exchanged between the onder
3O and the base stations on the basis of transponder coils that
are oriented differently with respect to the detection antenna
(typically a detection coil that is embedded in the track or
over the track using e.g. a mat antenna.
In an embodiment, said passing time may be determined
on the basis 0: at least one time instance associated with at
least one maximim field strength value of said first signals
and at least one time instance ated with at least one
minimum field strength value 0: said second signals. Hence,
exDma in the field strength values of the first and second
4O signals may be used to accurately determine a passing time
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that is corrected for errors due to changes in the angular
orientation of the transponder relative to the detection
antenna.
In an embodiment, said time instances may indicate
the time ,he first and/or second signals are received by said
base station. In this embodiment, upon reception signals may
be tamped by the base station in order to provide a time
basis of the measures field strengths.
In an ment, said method may further comprise:
using said first transponder coil for receiving said first
signals itted by said detection antenna; and, using said
second transponder coil for transmitting said second signals
to said detection antenna, wherein said second signals
comprise first signal th values of said first signals.
In this embodiment, ,he field strengths 0: tne first signals
ed by the transponder are determined by the transponder
In an embodiment, said method may further comprise:
said transponder determining first signal strength values
ated with said first signals. In another embodiment,
said method may further comprise: if said signal th
values is above a ermined threshold, said transponder
determining second signals comprising said signal strength
va'ues for transmission to said detection antenna. In tnis
embodiment, the transmitter unit in the transponder may be
triggered if the signal strength 0: the signals transmitted by
the base n are strong enough (i.e. the transponder is
within a n distance from the detection antenna).
In an embodiment, said method may further comprise:
detecting said second signals; associating said second signals
3O with second field strength values.
In an embodiment, said method may further comprise:
said transponder using said first transponder coil for
transmitting said first signals to said deteCtion antenna;
and, using said second transponder coil for transmitting said
second signals to said detection antenna.
In an embodiment, said method may further comprise:
detecting said first and second signals; associating said
first and second signals with first and second field strength
vans respectively.
In an embodiment, said method may further comprise:
determining at least a first time instance T1 at which the
signal strength of said first signals has at least one minimum
signal strength value and at least a second time instance T2 at
which the signal th of said second signals has at least
one maximum signal strength value; determining a passing time
Tp by ting T1 or T2 on the basis of a difference between
T1 and T2.
In an embodiment, said first and/or second signals
may comprise an identifier for identifying said transponder.
In a second aspect of the present invention there is
provided timing system for determining the g time of
moving transponders passing a detection antenna of a base
station, said system being configured for: during the passing
of a transponder, exchanging a sequence of first signals
between a first transponder coil and said detection antenna
and a sequence of second signals between a second transponder
coil and said detection antenna, wherein the direction of the
magnetic axis of said first transponder coil differs from the
direction of the magnetic axis of said second transponder
coil; associating said first and/or second signals with time
instances indicating the time when said first and/or second
signals are exchanged between said transponder and said base
station; and, determining the passing time of said transponder
on the basis of the signal strengths of said first and second
signals and said time instances.
In yet a r aspect, the ion may relate to
a base station configured for determining the passing time of
moving transponders passing a detection antenna. In
embodiment, said base station may be configured for: during
the passing of at least one transponder, transmitting via said
detection a a sequence of first s to a first
transponder coil and receiving a sequence of second signals
transmitted by a second transponder coil to said detection
antenna, said second signals comprising signal strength values
of said first signals; associating said first and/or second
s with time ces ting the time when said
first and/or second s are exchanged between said
transponder and said base station; and, determining the
40 passing time of said onder on the basis of the signal
1003510750
5136
strengths of said first and second signals and said time
ces.
In another embodiment, said base station may be
configured for: during the passing of at least one
transponder, receiving a sequence of first signals transmitted
by a first transponder coil and receiving a sequence of second
signals transmitted by a second onder coil; associating
said first and/or second signals with time instances
ting the time when said first and/or second signals are
exchanged between said transponder and said base station; and,
determining the passing time of said transponder on the basis
of the signal ths of said first and second s and
said time instances.
In a third aspect of the present invention there is
provided a timing module for determining the passing time of
moving transponders passing a detection antenna of a base
n, said module being configured for: receiving first
signal strength values associated with a sequence of first
signals exchanged between a first transponder coil of a
transponder and said base station; and, receiving second
signal strength values associated with a sequence of second
signals exchanged between a second transponder coil of said
transponder and said base station, wherein the direction of
the magnetic axis of said first transponder coil differs from
the direction of the magnetic axis of said second transponder
coil; wherein said first and second strength values are
associated with time instances at which said first and/or
second signals are exchanged between said transponder and said
base station; determining at least a first time instance T1 at
which the signal strength of said first s has at least
one maximum signal strength value and at least a second time
instance T2 at which the signal strength of said second signals
has at least one minimum signal strength value; determining an
error tion on the basis of T1 and T2; and determining the
passing time Tp by correcting T1 or T2 with the error
correction.
Also described herein is transponder for exchanging
signals with a timing system that is configured for determine
the passing time when the transponder passes a detection
9A page 10 follows
antenna of said timing system wherein said transponder may
comprise: a detector unit using a first transponder coil for
detecting first signals transmitted at a first carrier
frequency by the timing system to said transponder; a
transmitter unit using a second transponder coil for
transmitting second s at a second carrier ncy to
the detection antenna; wherein the direction of
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the magnetic axis of said first transponder coil differs from
the direction of the magnetic axis of said second transponder
coil; and, wherein the direCtion oi the magnetic axis 0: the
first transponder coil is different from the direction of the
magnetic axis 0: the second transponder coil.
In an embodiment, the first (carrier) frequency may
be selected from a range between 10 and 1000 kHz, preferably
between 50 and 250 kHz. In ment, the second (carrier)
frequency may be selected from a range between 5 and 500 MHz.
In another embodiment, the second (carrier) frequency may be
selected from a range between 0.5 and 6 GHz.
The signal strength of signals that are exchanged
between the transponder and the timing system will depend on
the electromagnetic coupling between the transmitting
transponder coil and the detection antenna. Hence, when the
transponder moves towards the detection antenna, the
electromagnetic coupling between the transponder coils and the
ion coils — and hence the signal th of the
exchanged signais — wil; change as a on of the diStance
between the onder and the detection antenna. This
function, the distance innction, can be used for accurately
ining the passing time, i.e. the time instance the
transponder passes the timing line. The distance function
however also depends on the (angular) orientation of the
transponder coil(s) witn respect to the deteCtion loop. Only
for certain predetermined orientations of the transponder coil
relative to the detection coil, maximum magnetic or minima‘
coupling with the detection antenna is achieved directly above
the timing line. In that situation, the passing time can be
3O determined by an algorithm that monitors the signal strength
of tne transponder signal during the passing and that s
at wnich time instance a m or maximum in the signal
th appeared. This time instance is then determined as
the passing time.
In many situations r, the angular orientation
of the transponder coil and the detection antenna deviates
from the above—described ideal ion. The angular
orientation is not fixed but variable and s on
orutation of the body of the athlete (or the orientation H
4O thc vehicle) when h or she (it) passes the timing line.
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Hence, in many situations, the position 0: the extrema in the
signal strength signal no longer coincides with the passing of
the transponder over the timing line.
The transponder according to the invention s
determination o: the passing time o: transponders that
ent (angular) orientations with respect to the detection
antenna. In particular, the transponder enables ination
of the passing time for different transponder orientations due
to the fact that the ic axis of the transponder coils
are oriented in different directions so that — at a certain
diStance between the transponder and the detection antenna —
the electromagnetic coupling between the transponder and the
base station will be di "erent.
The inventors found out that the distance functions
associated with the first and second coil transponder coil
correlates with the angular ation of the transponder
coil and the detection antenna. Hence, analysis 0:: the signal
strengths of the first and second sequence of signals that are
exchanged during the passing 0: the transponder, allows a
determination of the passing time that is corrected for the
angular ation of the transponder coil re-_ative to the
detection antenna. This way errors in the passing time can be
eliminated or at least substantially rcduccd. chc , th
invention enables determination of a passing time that is more
accurate than timing systems known from the prior art.
In an embodiment, the direction of the magnetic axis
of said first transponder coil may be substantially
perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic axis of said
second transponder coil.
3O In an embodiment, said transponder may further
comprises a transponder sor configured for measuring the
signal strength of said second signals, for providing one or
more data packets, for inserting one or more measured signal
strength values of said second s as payload in said one
or more data s and for providing said one or more data
packets to said transmitter unit for transmitting first
signals sing said one or more data packets to said
detection antenna.
D In an embodiment, the sequence in which two or more
4O signal Strength values are ed in the payload of at least
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one of said data packets is determined by the order in which
the onder has ed the first signals.
In an embodiment, the transponder processor may be
configured to activate said receiver unit and/or said
transmitter unit, if the signal strength of said second
signals is above a ermined signal strength threshold or
if said second signals comprise a ermined modulation
pattern.
Also described herein is a sports bib sing: a
t sheet affixable to clothing and/or body for supporting
a transponder, preferably said support sheet comprising a
printed identifier on a front side of said support sheet; and,
a transponder as described above. In an embodiment, said
transponder may be attached to said support sheet such that
one of the direction of the magnetic axis of the first or
second transponder coil is substantially parallel to the plane
of said support sheet and one of the ic axis of said
first or second transponder coil is ntially
dicular to the plane of said support sheet.
In accordance with a further aspect, there is
provided a computer program or suite of computer programs
comprising at least one software code portion or a computer
program product storing at least one software code portion,
the software code portion, when run on a computer system,
being configured for executing the method ing to one or
more of the above-described methods.
The invention will be further illustrated with
reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will
show embodiments according to the invention. It will be
understood that the invention is not in any way restricted to
these specific embodiments.
Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1 schematically depicts a sports timing system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 depicts a schematic of at least part of a
timing system according to an embodiment of the invention.
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Fig.
3A and 3B depiCts the signal strengths I]
0; a
transponder that passes a detection antenna for a first
angular orientation of the onder coils with respect to
the detection loop.
Fig.
4A and 4B illuStrate the signal strengths of a
transponder that passes a detection antenna as a function of
the distance between the onder and the timing line for a
particular coil uration.
Fig.
5A and 5B rate the signal strengths of a
transponder that passes a detection antenna as a function of
the distance between the transponder and the timing line for
further coil configurations.
Fig.
6 illustrate the signal strengths 0; a
transponder that passes a detection antenna as a fanction of
tte distance between the transponder and the timing line for a
particular coil configuration and the signal strength values
that are used for determining the passing time.
Fig.
7A and 7B depict the relation of delta A and the
argu' ar orien cation of the transponder plane and linear
relation between delta and the error that is introduced by the
argu' ar orien cation of the onder plane..
Fig. 8 shows the error of the passing time as a
ftnction of t 1e angle.
Fig. 9 depicts a flow diagram of a processes for
ining t 1e passing time o: a moving transponder according
to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig 10A and 10B depicts a transponder —
. base station
configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig.
11A and 11B depict embodiments of a timing
3O syStem that allows exchange 0: signals between the transponder
and the base Station on the basis 0: at leaSt two different
coil configurations.
Fig.
12 depicts a block diagram illustrating an
ary data processing syStem that may be used in systems
and s as described in tqis application.
Detailed description
D Fig.
1 schematically depicts a timing system
40 according to an ment o: the invention. In particular,
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Fig. 1 schematically depicts a timing system 100 that may be
used for timing .C
0 moving transponders. For example, the
timing syStem may be used in sporting events such as motor
bike and bicycle races, marathons and triathlons etc. n
ipants 102 o: an event may wear a transponders 106 that
is associated with a unique fier. In an embodiment, the
transponder may be attached to the clothing or a bib 104 of
the participant or the vehicle of the participant. A bib may
comprise a support sheet affixable to clothing and/or body for
supporting the transponder n the support sheet comprises
a d identifier on a front side 0: said support sheet.
I—‘v_he timing system may further comprise a base station
112 connected to one or more base deteC':ion antenna 110, e.g.
one or more detection loops, which may be embedded in the
ground or ed over or next to the track. For example, in
an ment, one or more detection loops may be implemented
as a mat antenna. The detection antenna may be d with a
timing line 108, e.g. a finish plane or the like, that is used
as the reference mark at which the passing time, i.e. the time
inStance -hat -he a particular part of the participant passes
es) the timing line. The base station and the
transponder may be configured to exchange signals in order to
enable .C
te determination of passing time.
To that end, the base station may comprise a receiver
118 for detecting transponder signa "s 116. In case of
bidirectional commnnication between the transponder and the
base station that base station may further co nprise a
transmitter 119 for itting base station signals 114 via
the detection antenna or another an :enna to t ne transponder.
3O During tne passing of a transponder over the timing line, the
base station receiver may detect a sequence 0: transponder
signals. The base Station may further determine signal timing
information, e.g. a reception time, and signa l strength
ation associated with the received transponder signals.
A base station processer 120 may determi ne a passing time on
the basis of the transponder signals and the associated signal
timing and signal strength information. ?art of the data
processing may be done remotely by a data sing module
12uosted on a server. In that case, the base station may be
4O COD:figured to transmit the information via one or more
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networks 124 to a data sing module. A database 126
connected to the server may be used to store passing times for
later use.
The signal strength of transponder signals that are
received by the base n will depend on the
electromagnetic coupling between the transmitting transponder
coil and the detection antenna. Hence, when the transponder
moves s the detection antenna, the electromagnetic
coupling between the transponder coils and tie ion coils
— and hence the signal strength of the detected transponder
signai — will change as a function of the distance between the
onder and the detection antenna. This function, which
hereafter may be referred to as the distance function, can be
used for accurately determining the passing time, i.e. the
time instance the transponder passes the timing line. qu
distance function however also depends on the (angular)
orientation of the transponder coil(s) with t to the
detection loop. Only for certain predetermined angular
orientations of the transponder coil relative to the detection
coil, maximum ic or minimal coupling with the detection
antenna is achieved directly above the timing line. In that
situation, the passing time can be determined by an algorithm
that monitors the signal strength of the transponder signal
during the passing and that detects at which time instance a
minimum or maximum in the signal strength appeared. This time
inStance is then determined as the passing time.
In many situations however, the angular orientation
of the transponder coil and the detection antenna es
from the above—described ideal situation. The angular
3O orientation is not fixed but variable and depends on
orientation of the body of the athlete (or the orientation I]
the vehicle) when h or she (it) passes the timing line.
Hence, in many situations, the on of the extrema in the
signal strength signal no longer coincides with the passing of
the transponder over the timing line. The r orientation
of the transponder with respect to the detection loop may
cause significant errors in the determined passing time.
Hence, in order to tee accurate time measurements, a
paung time thm is needed that takes the angular
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orientation of the transponder with respect to the detection
antenna into account.
In order to enable correction 0: these angular
effects, tie timing system in Fig. 1 is configured to exchange
— during tie passing of transponder over the detection coil —
a first and second sequence of signals wherein the first
sequence 0:. signals is ged on the basis of a first
transponder coil/detection coil uration (a first coil
uration) and the second sequence 0: signals is exchanged
on the basis of a second transponder coil/detection coil
configuration (a second coil configuration). In an embodiment,
the coil configuration may be formed by two different
transponder coils and a detection coil connec ted to the base
station. For example, the first coil configuration may
comprise a first transponder coil a 1d a deteCtor coil and the
second coil configuration may comprise a second onder
coil and the detector coil wherein the magnetic axis of the
first and second transponder coils have different
orientations. Based on the signal s trengths o. the first and
second sequence of signals that are exchanged during the
passing 0: the transponder, a passing time can be determined
that is corrected for the ang Jlar orientation of the
transponder coil ve to the de :ection antenna. This way
errors in the g time can be eliminated or at least
substantially reduced. Tie details of the timing system will
be described hereunder in more detail.
Fig. 2 depicts a schematic of at least part 0; a
timing system according to an embodiment of the invention. In
particular, Fig. 2 depicts a transponder module 202 and a base
3O station 204 connected to a detection antenna 206, e.g.
ion loop, wherein the detection a qtenna may be aligned
witn a timing line 205 (e.g. parallel to the y—axis). In this
ular embodiment, tie timing syste n is ured for
bidirectional data excha age between the transponder and the
base station. To that end, the transponder may comprise a
itter unit 208 for transmitting first (transponder)
signals 210 comprising data packets 230 to a base station and
a receiver unit 212 for receiving second (base n)
siuls 214 from the base station. Similarly, the base station
4O may comprise a receiver unit 216 for receiving signals from
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transponders that are within the range of the ion
antenna and a transmitter unit 220 for transmitting
transponder signals to the transponder. The base station may
comprise a (real time) clock such that the received and/or
transmitted signals may be time—stamped upon receipt or
transmission.
The onder may comprise a power source in the
form of a battery or the like. In an embodiment, the receiver
unit of the transponder may be implemented as a low—power
p receiver such that the er unit will be activated
only in case it receives a wake—up signal. This way, the life
of the power source may be substantially extended. In an
embodiment, the wake—up signal may be a signal that has a
predetermined carrier frequency and a signal strength wherein
the signal strength is above a predetermined signal strength
threshold value. In another embodiment, the wake—up signal may
be a base station signal that has a predetermined carrier
frequency and a predetermined modulation pattern. The
predetermined modulation pattern may be used for
diStinguishing the carrier frequency from the surrounding
white noise.
A processor 4 in the transponder and the base
station may be configured to control the transmitter and
receiver units in order to transmit and e (exchange)
signals on the basis of a le data ission scheme.
es of such data transmission schemes may include a
quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), frequency shift keying
(FSK), phase shift keying (PSK) and amplitude shift keying
(ASK). To that end, the processor in the onder and base
3O station may be configured to generate data packets of a
certain data format that complies with the data transmission
scheme. A data paCket may comprise a header and a payload. The
header information may comprise a (unique) transponder
identifier so that a receiver, e.g. the receiving unit in the
base station, is able to link a transponder signal comprising
one or more data packets to a particular transponder. The
processor in tqe transponder and tie base station may further
da‘Elcom rise a modJlator for transforming data s in a RF
signal and .C
a demodulator or trans"orming RF data signals
4O received by the detection unit of the transponder into data
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packets. A decoder in the processor may t information
from data packets, e.g. the header information and/or the
payload, which may be used by a passing time algorithm in the
determination of the passing time. In order to avoid
ions an anti—collision scheme, e.g. a TDMA scheme, may
be used. Typical transmission s are within the range of
l and 10 ms and typical data signal lengths may be within a
range between 50 and 300 us.
The transponder may further comprise at least two
magnetic coils arranged on a planar substrate 226 ng a
transponder plane. A first (receiver) coil 228 may be
connected to the receiver unit of the transponder wherein the
first coil has a ic axis 230 in a "‘rst direction (e.g.
in the transponder plane). The first receiver coil and the
detection coil may form a first coil con"guration for
exchanging signals between the transponder and the base
station. A second (transmission) coil 232 connected to the
transmitter unit of the transponder may have its magnetic axis
234 in a second direction (e.g. dicular to the
transponder plane). The second transponder coil and the
detection coil second .C
may form a coil uration for
exchanging signals between the transponder and the detection
coil. The coils may be implemented in various ways, e.g. as a
dipole—type thin—film or wire—wound coil (either with or
without a ferrite core). The distance function will depend on
the type of antenna that is used by the transponder.
The transmitter unit of the base station may transmit
the transponder signals at a first (carrier) frequency, e.g.
125 KHZ (the wake—up frequency of the receiver unit of the
3O transponder) however other frequencies however are also
envisaged. For example, in an embodiment, the first (carrier)
frequency may be selected from a range between 10 and 1000
kHz, preferably between 50 and 250 kHz. When an atqlete moves
towards the timing line, the transponder will move towards the
transmitting deteCtion coil so that the transponder coil may
start picking up base station signals at the first carrier
frequency. The onder process may determine the signal
strength of the received base n s and if the
siul th is above the signal strength threshold value
4O it may Start storing signal strength values 0: detected base
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station signals in a bu"”er. Further, the transponder
processor may switch the transmitter unit from a sleeping mode
into an active mode. During the active mode, the transponder
processer may generate data packets of a predetermined data
format and transmit these data packets in transponder signals
to the base station.
In an ment, the transponder signals may be
transmitted to the base station at a second (carrier)
frequency, e.g. 6,78 MHz, that is ent rom the first
carrier frequency. Other frequencies however are also
envisaged. For example, in an embodiment, the second (carrier)
frequency may be selected from a range between 5 and 500 MHz.
Alternatively, the second (carrier) .C “requency may be selected
from a range between 0.5 and 6 GHz. .—jhe transponder processor
may generate data packets comprising a header 232 comprising —
amongst others — an transponder ID for enabling the base
station to identify the origin of a data packet. Further, the
transponder process may insert one or more signal strength
values 23413 of detected base station s in the payload of
the data packets. In an embodiment, a data packet that is sent
in a transponder signal to the base station may comprise one
signal th value. In r ment, the data packet
may comprise two, three, four or a p urality of signal
strength values. The sequence in which the signal strength
values .C
are inserted in the d or a data packet may
dct rmin thc co in which the transponder has detected
the base station signals.
In an embodiment, the onder processor may start
a counter when the detector unit 0: the transponder determines
3O that the signal strength of the received base station signals
is above a certain threshold. The counter may be sed or
sed until a certain end—value is reached. During the
counting, the transponder may transmit transponder s.
When the counter reaches its end value, the transponder
processor may turn the transmitter unit in the onder
back to its sleeping mode. Therea_,er, the transponder
processor may activate the transmitter unit in case it still
receives base Station s that have a signal strength
abD the old. The counter tqus ensures that that the
4O transmitter unit is switched after a predetermined time. This
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way, the transmitter unit is only in the active mode when the
base station signals are above a predetermined signal strength
threshold, i.e. within a certain range 0: the detector
antenna.
When the base station detects the transponder
signals, it will determine the signals strength, e.g. the
RSS", 0‘ received transponder signals, convert the signals
into digital data packets comprising one or more signal
strength values as payload and assign timestamps to the data
packets.
The signal strength of transponder signals that are
received by the base station will depend on the
electromagnetic coupling between the transmitting ,ransponder
coil and the detection antenna. When the transponder moves
towards the detection antenna, the electromagnetic coupling —
and hence the signal strength of the detected onder
signal — will change as a function of the distance between the
transponder and the detection antenna. The signal strengtns of
the base n s (transmitted by the deteCtion coil
and received by the first (receiving) coil of the transponder)
and the signal strengths of the (time stamped) transponder
s (transmitted via the second (transmitter) coil and
received by the base station) ,ha, are determined during the
passing 0: the transponder over the detection coil are used to
accurately determine the passing time o: the transponder.
Fig. 3A and 3B depiCts measured signal strengths 0:
transponder that passes a detection antenna for a ular
orientation of the transponder coils with respect to the
ior loop. In particular, Fig. 3A and 3B s a
3O situatior wherein the angular orientation of the transponder
coil relative to the detection coil provides maximum magnetic
or minimal coupling witn the detection antenna when the
transponder is located above the timing line. Fig. 3A depicts
the oriertation of ,he transponder with respect to the
detectior coil in more . The transponder 302 moves with
a certair velocity v in the direction 0: the z—axis towards
the detection coil. Ideally the onder plane is ed
in the x,y plane and the detection coil is ed in the x,z
plD n the longitudinal side of the detection coil
4O being substantially parallel to the z—axis (and the timing
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line). In the transponder configuration of Fig. 3A, the
magnetic axis of the first transponder coil 308 is parallel to
the y—axis and the magnetic axis of the second transponder
coil 310 is parallel to the z—axis.
Fig. 3B depicts a plot of the signal strengths values
that are exchanged between the first transponder coil 308 and
the detection coil 306 (signal strengths values denoted by a
circle) and the second transponder coil 310 and the detection
coil 306 l th values denoted by a triangle) versus
the distance between the transponder and the timing line
(wherein zero corresponds to a position on the timing line).
It is noted that although the x—axis mentions distance between
the transponder and the timing line, it actually represents a
time measured by the base station, in particular the time that
the transponder signals are received by the base station.
Fig. 3B shows that for this transponder
configuration, the electromagnetic coupling between the first
transponder coil 308 and the deteCtion coil 306 may be given
by a firSt distance function 322 wnerein the signal strength
exhibits a maximum 322 when the transponder is oned
above the timing line and minima (not shown) at positions when
the transponder is oned above a part 0: the coil is
oriented parallel to the timing line. In contrast, the
eleCtromagnetic coupling between tne second transponder coil
310 and the detection coil 306 is given by a second distance
funCtion 314 which exhibits a minimum signal strength 322 when
the transponder is positioned above the timing line and minima
(not shown) at ons when the transponder is positioned
above a part 0: the coil is oriented parallel to the timing
3O line.
Hence, by measuring the signal strengths of signals
that are ged n the firSt transponder coil and the
base station and the second transponder coil and the base
station, both distance functions can be obtained. The measured
signal strengths can be associated with a time by time—
stanping the signals that are ged between the
transponder and the base n so that the time—instance
associated with minimum in the firSt distance funCtion and/or
manum in the second distance functions can be determined as
4O a passing time. As already mentioned above, Fig. 3A and 3B
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depict the ideal case wherein m/minimum coupling between
the transponder coils and the detection coils is realized when
the transponder is above the timing line. However, when an
athlete passes the timing line, there is a large chance that
the orientation, in particular the orientation of the
transponder coils with respect to the detection loop does not
correspond to the situation depicted in Fig. 3A and 3B.
Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate signal strengths of a
transponder that passes I]
a detection antenna as a function 0'
the distance between the transponder and the timing line
wherein the orientation of the transponder coils with respect
to the detection loop s from the situation illustrated
in Fig. 3A and 3B. "n particu' ar, Fig. 4A depicts a situation
r to the one of Fig. 3A with the exception that the
transponder 402 sing a fi rst coil 408 and second coil
410 is rotated over an angle 9 418 of l5 degrees about the x—
axis (i.e. the angle between the normal n 416 of the
transponder plane and the z—axis is 9). This rotation will
result in distance functions that are different from the ones
shown in Fig. 3B. As shown in Fig. 4B, rotation of the
transponder about the x—axis w1‘l resulo in 'irst and second
distance functions 2 n the maximum signal strength
420 of the first distance funCt ion and the minimum signal
strength 424 of the second diSt ance function no longer
coincide with a transponder pos ition above the timing line.
Fig. 4A and 4B show that deviat ions from the ”ideal"
onder ation as shown in Fig. 3A and 3B will cause
an error in the determination 0 f the passing time.
Fig. 5A and 5B show first and second distance
3O funCtions 502L2,5041g for further angular orientations between
the transponder coils and the detection coil, i.e. 30 degrees
resp. 45 degrees rotation of the transponder about the x—axis.
As sqown in this figures, the r otation will cause a further
shil, in the position of the extrema in the signal strength
with respect to the position 0: the timing line and with
respect to each other. .—She onal relation of the position
of the extrema of the two distance functions thus correlate
with the position oz: the transponder coils relative to the
deDtion coil. This correlation is described in more detail
4O with reference to Fig. 6 and 7A and 7B and can be used in an
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passing time algoriohm "or accurate ination of a passing
time that is ted for (angular) deviations in the
ation of Lhe ,ransponder coils with respect to the
detection loop.
Fig. 6 depicts a first and second distance on
602,604 that are r to those described with reference to
Fig. 4B. Hence, during the g 0: a transponder over the
detection coil, the timing system may measure the signal
strength 0 a 'irst and second sequence 0: signals that are
exchanged between the transponder and the base station. On the
basis 0: the measured signal strength values a first and
second distance function may be derived which are used by the
passing time algorithm in order to determine a passing time.
The passing time algorithm may comprise the steps of
determining:
— a first time instance T1 at which a first distance
function 602 has a minimum signal th value 610;
— a second time instance T2 at which the second ce
function 604 has a maximum signal strength value 608;
— a parameter delta A defined as a difference between T1
and T2;
— A passing time Tp by calculating T1 — A*K, wherein K is
a constant that depends on the height of the transponder
and the loop width.
The loop width may be a fixed parameter 0: about 50
to 100 cm. The transponder height is a system parameter, which
is ted to be approximately 150 cm. Fig. 7A depicts the
3O relation of delta A en the angular orientation of the
transponder plane. This graphs shows that the difference
between the position of the maximum signal strength of the
first distance function and the position of the minimum signal
strength of tne second ce function correlates with the
angular orientation of the onder plane in a substantial
linear way. Fnrther, Fig. 7B depiCts the substantially linear
relation between delta and the error that is introduced by the
aniular orienuauion of the transponder plane. Hence, when
an ar orientation of the transponder p-_ane increases, the
4O error increases.
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The passing time algorithm may use T1 as the initial
passing time and correct this time value with K times the
delta value. For example in Fig. 7A the passing time may be
determined as: Tp = T1 — A*2,7. Fig. 8 shows the error of the
passing time as a function 0" the angle. This graph shows that
the error in the position of the timing line due to angular
effects can be kept very low. Moreover, the algorithm is speed
independent. Althoagh in the above—mentioned passing time
algorithm the passing time is determined on the basis 0: T1, it
is clear for the sxilled person that also T2 could be used as a
basis for ining the passing time.
Fig. 9 depicts a flow m of a ses for
determining the g time o: a moving transponder according
to an embodiment of the invention. Here, the process may start
with the base station transmitting base Station s to the
transponder (step 902) at a first (carrier) frequency. When
the detector is witqin range of the base station, the
transponder may detect the base station signals and if the
signal strength of the base station signal is above a certain
threshold and/or a certain modulation pattern is detected
(step 904), the transponder may be triggered to send a
transponder signal to the base station at a second er)
frequency, wherein the onder signal comprises an
transponder identifier and the signal strength of the base
station signal (step 906). The transponder signal comprising
the signal strength and the transponder TD may be detected by
the bases station. Upon detection, the base station may
determine the signal strength of the received transponder
signal and the reception time of the transponder signal (step
3O 908). Process steps 902—908 may be repeated as long as signal
strengtk of the base station signal received by the
transponder is above the threshold (steps 910—924). This way,
the sigral strengths of a sequence of first s (the
signal strength of the base n signals) and the signal
strengtks of a sequence of second signals (the signal strength
of the transponder signals) may be determined. This signal
strengtks may define first and second distance functions which
can be used by the time passing algorithm in for determining a
paung time that is ted for angular orientations of the
4O transponder relative to the detection antenna.
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Fig. 10A and 10B depicts a transponder — base station
configuration according to r embodiment of the
invention. In particular, Fig. 10A depicts a transponder 1002
comprising a processor 1004 and a receiver unit 1006 and
transmitter unit 1008. The transponder further comprises three
magnetic coils 1010,1012,1014 wherein the magnetic axis of
each coil 1016,1018,1020 is oriented in a di"erent ion
(e.g. a first coil with a magnetic axis in the y direction, a
second coil with a magnetic axis in the x direction and a
third coil with its ic axis in the z direction).
As ed in Fig. 10B, the orientation of the
transponder plane relative to the x,y and z—axis can be
bed on the basis 0: spherical coordinates, including an
inclination angle 9 and an azimuthal angle @, wherein the
inclination angle is defined with respect to the z—axis (the
axis normal to the (top) surface of the wavelength conversion
layer) and wherein the azimuthal angle @ is d with
respect to the x or y axis. When the transponder moves towards
the detection antenna, the electromagnetic coapling between
each of the onder coils and the detection coils will
change as a function of the distance between the transponder
and the detection antenna. The three di_feren-ly oriented
coils may correct for angular deviations in two r
directions 6 and ¢ using a similar scheme as described in
detai with reference to Fig. 1—9 above.
It is submitted that the process of determining
signal strengths ol a first sequence of signals exchanged
between the transponder and the base station on the basis of a
first coil uration (e.g. a first transponder coil and
3O the detection coil) and a second coil configuration (e.g. a
second transponder coil and the detection coil) can be
implemented in various ways. For e, Fig. 11A and 11B
depict embodiments .C timing I]
o a syStem that allows exchange 0;
signals between the transponder and the base station on the
basis of at least two di"".Cerent coil configurations. For
example, in the embodiment of Fig. 11A :lrSt and second
signals 1114,1116 may be exchanged between the transponder
11021 and the base n 1108 using two alternatingly
trumitting transponder coils 1110,1112 wherein the direction
4O of the magnetic axis of the first transmitting transponder
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coil and the direction of the magnetic axis of the second
transmitting transponder coil have a different orientation.
Hence, during the passing of the moving transponder over the
timing line, the transponder is transmitting a sequence of
first and second signals that are detected by the detection
antenna 1106 once the transponder comes within reach of the
detection antenna. The base station 1108 may detect the first
and second signals, determine their signal strength and
determining time instances indicating at which time the
signals were received by the base station. A passing time
algorithm in the base station may uently ate the
passing time on the basis of the signal strengths and
associated time instances.
Fig. 11B depicts a further embodiment, wherein first
and second signals 1114,1116 may be exchanged between the
transponder 11022 and the base station 1108 using one
transponder coil 1113 and at least two differently oriented
ion antennas 1106L2. Hence, during the passing of the
moving onder over the timing line, she ,ransponder may
alternatingly receive a first signal transmitted by the first
detection antenna 11061, determine the signal strength 0: the
received first signal and subsequently transmit a second
signal to the second detection antenna 11062 wherein the second
signal comprises a signal strength value of the associated
first signal. The base station 1108 may detect the second
signals, determine their signal strength and determining time
instances indicating at which time the second signals were
received by the base station. A passing time algorithm in the
base station may subsequently ate the passing time on
3O the basis of the signal strength values of the first and
second signals and associated time instances.
Fig. 12 depicts a block diagram illustrating an
exemplary data processing syStem that may be used in systems
and s as described with reference to Fig. 1—11. The data
processing system 1200 may include at least one processor 1202
coupled to memory elements 1204 through a system bus 1006. As
such, the data sing system may store program code within
memory elements 1204. Further, processor 1202 may execute the
pruam code accessed from memory elements 1204 via syStem bus
4O 1256. In one aspect, data processing syStem may be implemented
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as a computer that is suitab'e for storing and/or executing
program code. It should be appreciated, however, that data
processing syStem may be implemented in the form of any system
including a processor and memory that is capable of performing
the functions bed within this specification.
Memory elements 1204 may include one or more physical
memory devices such as, for example, local memory 1208 and one
or more bulk storage devices 1210. Local memory may refer to
random access memory or other rsistent memory device(s)
generally used during actual execution of the program code. A
bulk storage device may be implemented as a hard drive or
other persistent data storage device. The processing system
may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that
provide temporary storage of at least some program code in
order to reduce the number 0: times program code must be
retrieved from bulk storage device 1210 during execution.
Input/output (I/O) devices depicted as input device
1212 and output device 1214 optionally can be coupled to the
data sing system. ?xamples O“ input device may include,
but are not limited to, for example, a keyboard, a ng
device such as a mouse, or the like. es of output device
may include, but are not limited to, for example, a monitor or
display, speakers, or the like. Input device and/or output
device may be coupled to data sing system either
directly or through intervening I/O controllers. A network
adapter 1216 may also be coupled to data processing system to
enable it to become coupled to other syStems, computer
systems, remote network devices, and/or remote storage devices
through intervening priva :e or public networks. The network
3O adapter may comprise a da :a er for receiving data that
is transmitted by said s, devices and/or networks ":0
said data and a data transmit :er for transmitting data to said
syStems, devices and/or networks. Modems, cable modems, and
Ethernet cards are examples 0" dif"erent types of network
adapter that may be used with data processing .
As pictured in Fig. 12, memory elements 1204 may
store an ation 1218. It should be appreciated that data
processing system 1200 may further execute an operating system
(nDshown) that can facilitate execution of the application.
4O Application, being ented in the form of executable
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program code, can be executed by data processing system 1200,
e.g., by processor 1202. Responsive to executing application,
data sing system may be configured to perform one or
more operations to be described herein in further detail.
In one aspect, for example, data processing system
1200 may represent a client data processing system. In that
case, application 1218 may represent a client application
that, when executed, configures data processing system 1200 to
perform ,he various functions bed herein with reference
to a t". Examples of a client can include, but are not
limited to, a al computer, a portable computer, a mobile
phone, or the like.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to
be limiting o: the ion. As used herein, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural
lorms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be further understood that the terms ises"
and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify
the presence 0: stated features, integers, steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude th pr scnc
or addition 0: one or more other features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or groups tqereo;.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents 0: all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material,
or act for performing the function in combination with other
claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of
the present ion has been presented for purposes 0;
3O illustration and description, but is not intended to be
exhaustive or d to the invention in the form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in tqe art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and
described in order to best explain the ples of the
invention and the practical application, and to enable others
of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for
various embodiments with various modifications as are suited
tone particular use contemplated.
1003585106
Claims (14)
1. Method of determining the passing time of a moving transponder passing a detection antenna of a base station, the 5 method comprising: during said passing ging a sequence of first signals between a first onder coil and said detection antenna and a sequence of second s between a second transponder coil and the detection antenna, wherein the 10 direction of the magnetic axis of said first transponder coil differs from the direction of the magnetic axis of said second transponder coil; associating said first and/or second signals with time instances indicating the time when said first and/or 15 second signals are exchanged between said onder and said base station; and, determining the passing time of said transponder on the basis of the signal strengths of said first and second signals and said time instances.
2. Method according to claim 1 wherein the direction of the magnetic axis of said first transponder coil being substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic axis of said second transponder coil.
3. Method according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said passing time is determined on the basis of at least one time instance associated with at least one maximum field strength value of said first signals and at least one time instance 30 associated with at least one minimum field th value of said second s.
4. Method according to any of claims 1-3 r comprising: 35 using said first transponder coil for ing said first signals transmitted by said detection antenna; and, using said second transponder coil for transmitting said second signals to said detection antenna, wherein said 5106 second s comprise first signal strength values of said first signals.
5. Method according to claim 4 further comprising: 5 determining first signal strength values associated with said first s; inserting one or more of said first signal strength values as payload in data packets; and, transmitting second signals comprising said data 10 packets to said ion antenna.
6. Method according to claims 4 or 5 further comprising: ing said second signals; 15 associating said second signals with second field strength values.
7. Method according to any of claims 1-3 further comprising: 20 said onder using said first transponder coil for transmitting said first signals to said detection antenna; and, using said second transponder coil for transmitting said second signals to said detection antenna. 25
8. Method ing to any of claims 1-7 further comprising: detecting said first and second signals; determining first field strength values associated with the strength of said first signals and second field 30 strength values associated with the strength of said second signals.
9. Method according to any of claims 1-8 further comprising: 35 determining at least a first time instance T1 at which the signal strength of said first signals has at least one maximum signal strength value and at least a second time instance T2 at which the signal strength of said second signals has at least one minimum signal strength value; 1003585106 determining an error correction on the basis of T1 and T2; and, determining the passing time Tp by correcting T1 or T2 with the error tion.
10. Timing system for determining the passing time of moving transponders passing a detection antenna of a base station, said system being configured for: during the passing of a transponder, exchanging a 10 sequence of first signals n a first transponder coil and said detection antenna and a sequence of second signals between a second transponder coil and said detection antenna, n the ion of the magnetic axis of said first transponder coil differs from the ion of the magnetic 15 axis of said second transponder coil; associating said first and/or second signals with time instances indicating the time when said first and/or second signals are exchanged between said transponder and said base station; and, 20 determining the passing time of said transponder on the basis of the signal strengths of said first and second signals and said time instances.
11. Timing system according to claim 10, wherein 25 exchanging a sequence of first signals comprises transmitting via said ion antenna a sequence of first signals to said first transponder coil and receiving a sequence of second signals transmitted by said second onder coil to said detection antenna, said second signals comprising signal 30 strength values of said first signals.
12. Timing system according to claim 10, n exchanging a sequence of first signals comprises receiving said sequence of first signals transmitted 35 by said first transponder coil and receiving said sequence of second signals transmitted by said second transponder coil. 1003585106
13. A timing module for determining the passing time of moving transponders passing a detection antenna of a base station, said module being ured for: receiving first signal th values associated 5 with a sequence of first signals exchanged between a first transponder coil of a transponder and said base station; and, receiving second signal strength values associated with a sequence of second signals exchanged between a second transponder coil of said transponder and said base station, 10 wherein the ion of the magnetic axis of said first transponder coil differs from the direction of the magnetic axis of said second transponder coil; wherein said first and second strength values are associated with time ces at which said first and/or 15 second signals are exchanged n said transponder and said base station; determining at least a first time instance T1 at which the signal strength of said first signals has at least one maximum signal strength value and at least a second time 20 instance T2 at which the signal strength of said second s has at least one minimum signal strength value; determining an error correction on the basis of T1 and T2; and determining the passing time Tp by correcting T1 or T2 25 with the error correction.
14. A computer program or suite of computer programs comprising at least one re code portion or a computer program product g at least one software code portion, 30 the software code portion, when run on a computer system, being configured for executing the method according to one or more of the claims 1-9.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP14199413.7A EP3035298B9 (en) | 2014-12-19 | 2014-12-19 | Determining the passing time of a moving transponder |
EP14199413.7 | 2014-12-19 | ||
PCT/EP2015/080352 WO2016097215A1 (en) | 2014-12-19 | 2015-12-17 | Determining the passing time of a moving transponder |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ732239A NZ732239A (en) | 2021-08-27 |
NZ732239B2 true NZ732239B2 (en) | 2021-11-30 |
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