WO2011116421A1 - Method, system and apparatus for tracking and monitoring moving objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to tracking objects and determining their position and/or progress and performance over time. In one form the invention provides a method of tracking at least one moving object traversing a predefined course, the method comprising the steps of: emitting line-of-sight EM radiation from at least one beacon, each beacon located to provide a means of reference for said at least one moving object; capturing at least one image including a representation of the transmitted EM radiation by digital image recording at one or more of a plurality of predetermined locations relative to the predefined course; extracting position information of the at least one transmitting beacon from the at least one captured image relative to each frame of the captured image; referencing each extracted position with predetermined survey data of the predefined course, to produce referenced position data; generating a model of the path traversed by the at least one moving object on the predefined course using the referenced position data.

Description

METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR TRACKING AND MONITORING

MOVING OBJECTS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2010901315 in the name of Satnet Pty Ltd, which was filed on 24 March 2010, entitled "Position detection for horses during exercise, races and trials using an infrared light source" and the specification thereof is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTIO

The present invention relates to the field of tracking objects for the purposes of determining their position and/or progress and performance over time. For the purposes of the disclosure herein, the term "object" may be taken as reference to Inanimate objects such as motor cars as well as animate or living objects such as human beings and animals. In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as a tracking system for monitoring race horses during training trials, exercise and/or racing events. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to such a system, however, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use, only.

BACKGROUND ART

Throughout this specification the use of the word "inventor" in singular form may be taken as reference to one (singular) inventor or more than one (plural) inventor of the present invention.

It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems b the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art In Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. 1

2

There is growing interest in the tracking of thoroughbred horses during races and trials in order to gather information on various aspects of the race, trial or exercise. For example:

1. To provide data on the performance of individual horses for the use of trainers, owners and punters.

2. To provide additional information on the conduct of individual jockeys during the race in order to prevent or detect tampering with the horse's performance or interference with other horses to prevent their optimal performance.

3. To provide the position of each horse during a race (i.e. the 'Running numbers') in real time for the convenience and entertainment of TV and broadcast viewers.

4. To augment, or replace, current race timing systems so as to provide more accurate race times.

5. To obtain the collection and dissemination of race results and performance analysis data in horse racing.

During a race it can be difficult for the punters and race callers, who use only visual means to identify each participant, to determine exactly where a particular horse and jockey are located in the race. These participants carry identifying numbers and colours but these can be difficult for an observer to distinguish during an actual race despite the input available from video cameras located about the track.

A number of methods have been employed to provide a solution to the system requirements outlined above. The majority are based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) or the use of radio frequency identification (RFID).

GPS systems typically employ a small transponder containing a two-way radio modem, antenna, small GPS receiver and a microchip attached to the horse in some manner. Typically, differential GPS correction signals are sent from a GPS reference receiver located in a precisely, measured position within the race course to the tag. Corrected GPS positions are sent from the tag at specified intervals, typically five corrected positions are sent once every three seconds or so, to a computation device located within the race course area and thence stored in a database. When using small, modern receivers, undifferentiated GPS 11 000331

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(standard GPS is not corrected for errors such as ionosphere errors) is considered accurate to about five meters (circular error probable, 95% of the time). As this is not accurate enough for the purposes of tracking race horses GPS must either be differentially corrected in real time or after the event (post processing). Differential correction of even small GPS receivers can provide tracking of individual horses to about plus or minus one meter and involves the transmission in real time of differential corrections, in one form or another, to the GPS receiver on the horse. However, it is also considered by some industry observers that the relative positions of the GPS receiver (i.e. from position to position) of even undifferentiated GPS are reasonably accurate. Nevertheless, under this scenario the start and finish of the race must be accurately recorded and later introduced into the calculation mix for race positioning to be within reasonable limits (i.e. plus or minus one meter, circular error probable, 95% of the time). Not all differentially corrected GPS methods are suitable for providing real time horse position detection systems. For example, some methods require substantial correction data to be transmitted to the tag for each position. This means that a wireless infrastructure capable of transmitting and receiving a wide bandwidth is necessary. In many cases the resulting tag is too heavy for the practical purpose of thoroughbred racing.

R FID systems typically comprise an RFID transponder, or 'tag', which is attached to the horse in some manner. Such a tag generally includes a small antenna and, optionally, a microchip designed to give a tailored response. An RFiD tag of this type can be 'interrogated' at a remote, non-contact distance by an electronic reader that includes a transmitter and antenna for generating a radio or microwave frequency (RF) signal. It is usually claimed that such a system can ^' more accurately provide the position of individual horses than a GPS system suitable for a similar tracking function and claims vary from plus or minus one meter and even less. To provide this accuracy an infrastructure comprising, for example, 10-30 trackside reader enclosures containing small wireless antennas are located at various points of convenience around the outermost track surface (e.g. camera turrets, light poles, grandstands, etc.) These trackside enclosures together with a computational server and database may provide the location of each horse, average and peak speed, trip distance per segment, and relative distance from the leader throughout the race in real time.

in general then, it may be said that real-time position detection of race horses using GPS. or RFID is viable if no more than ± one meter accuracy is required, certainly it is considered more accurate than the manual systems in use today. However, even this moderate accuracy requires an expensive system, typically from A$350,000 to A$1. ,000,000 per course. High precision GPS is available for survey and other applications but it cannot be used on horses because high precision GPS receivers are large, heavy and expensive. Further, it is well known that reflections from radio transmissions (multipathing) affect the accuracy of RFID or GPS, often to a considerable degree if there are large grandstands near the track. RFID requires heavy race course infrastructure that is not popular with the public, which prefers the traditional race course ambience.

There are cable-based race timing systems whereby a cable or wire is laid underground around the race track but they are expensive to acquire and maintain and are in-flexible. Horse tracks are normally grassed (normally in the USA horse racing tracks are clay) and this means that inner rail must be moved or re-positioned regularly so the horses hooves to do not ruin the sward. That is, the inner rail is moved so that the horses do not trample the same turf the next race day and so avoid damage to the laid cable.

In the past Both RFID and GPS have been used to track horses during races, exercises and trials but, as previously explained, they suffer from low accuracy, high expense and multipathing problems as outlined above. Cable systems are used but they are also expensive to install and maintain, apart from being inflexible

• Specifically, the problems with RFID and GPS are expense, multipathing, lack of accuracy and heavy on-course infrastructure. Cable is expensive and inflexible.

To further elaborate, post-processed GPS based horse tracking systems are viable as long as the race-day process used to implement such tracking systems is well-thought out and complimentary to the way that horses are managed before, during and after the race event. In addition, the user must be content to achieve modest goals such as ± one meter accuracy, be prepared to produce race reports after the race (i.e. not in real-time) and accept that race timing sectional reports (i.e. every two hundred meters) need not cover all sections of the race. Nonetheless, a GPS position detection system meeting^' the criteria laid down above will most likely be more accurate, provide more detail and probably less expensive than a manuall based race timing system. Equally, cable systems have proven to be accurate provided they are regularly maintained and their inflexible nature can be tolerated and despite the expense of an RFID system there are a number of installations world-wide (e.g. about six or seven) and these are confined to the major race courses. A cable system is installed in each of the major Melbourne metropolitan clubs.

Further to the above, since the sport of horse racing began, racing participants and officials have wanted access to detailed information on the performance and potential performance of competitors in racing. The more detailed the available information on a horse's past performances (form), the more confidence punters have to make wagers. The more money the punters wager the more money is available to the racing participants. Also the more information that is available to the officials (stewards, handicappers, veterinarians, etc.) the better they can police the sport and the more confidence punters have that they are betting on a fair contest. It is considered that to date, the only information consistently available about a horses performance has been their race time, finishing place and distance (margin) from the winner.

However, punters, trainers and other participants may also want access to horses' sectional times, (eg the time they run for each 200m section of the race), the position they are in when they cross each sectional point, and any other quantitative or qualitative information relevant to the horse's performance such as distance travelled, reaction time in the starting gates, average stride length, average stride frequency, and the number of changes in their stride. With access to this information participants and officials can better predict the performance of a horse in a race and, in combination with any other relevant information (eg horse's weight or jockey's weight) better analyse the performance and form of a horse. Detailed speed maps may therefore be produced based on the horse's previous patterns of racing and participants can better predict the outcome of races and officials can better police the participants and the integrity of the contest.

Similarly, horse trainers may want access to the same information as they prepare their horses. By accumulating accurate performance information over the course of a horse's preparation they can assess progress during a preparation and also compare progress to that experienced in previous preparations. It is taken that Speed = Stride Length / Stride Duration. By having access to this data, trainers can measure the efficiency of the horse's stride and predict their potential on the race track. With access to the right information, this can be done throughout the horses training program.

With respect to race scenarios, in the past, performance data such as race times have been either manually captured (hand timed) or recorded automatically from a timing system attached to the starting gates and linked to the photo finish system. Finishing positions and margins were originally determined by the official judge who watched the horses cross the line and recorded the results. With the arrival of the photo finish system this process has been automated to a large extent. Various attempts have been made to capture sectional times. Beams across the track have been used at various points around the track, however this can only capture the time the leading horse crosses the beam and as a result the performance of each individual horse cannot be captured. As a further example, the Equitime™ system was introduced where wires were laid in the track at various points (200m, 400m, 600m, etc.). Horses carried a sensor in their saddle cloth which recorded the time when each horse crossed over a respective wire, More recently, radio frequency (RF) based systems, TRAKUS™ (USA) and Turftraks™ (UK) have been developed that track horses by triangulating the horses position using RF transmitters on the horses and RF receivers located at -¾ multiple points around the track. Furthermore, the beam across the track only ever captured the time the leading horse crossed the beam, It could not capture the time for each individual horse. As well as this anomaly the leader may not be the same horse each time a beam is crossed, so the times did not accurately reflect the time for even one horse. The Equitime™ system has become difficult to maintain because the wires are embedded in the track and as they have deteriorated the accuracy of the system has suffered. Also, both systems cannot take into account the effect of rail moves changing the distance between the beam or the wires and as a result the data collected from race meeting to race meeting may not be for the same distance and therefore readily comparable.

The advantage of the beam across the track was that it was cheap and simple. However, the major disadvantage was that it could not capture times for individual horses or account for distance changes resulting from changes in the position of the running rail. The advantage of the Equitime™ system was that it could capture times for individual horses but the disadvantage was that it was difficult to maintain and could not be adjusted for changes in distance resulting from rail moves. The advantage of the RF based systems was they could capture times and positions in running for individual horses but the disadvantages were they were complicated to run, required substantial infrastructure (30+ receiving poles around the track), were expensive and were not easily portable. The RF based systems have also had reliability and accuracy problems as well as technical challenges due to interference with radio signals and the general expense and amount of infrastructure required.

It is considered that none of the previous systems can capture movement sensor data such as stride length and frequency, reaction times in the starting gates and lead changes in the horse. Also none of the systems had interfaces with the Industry's information systems, so data could not be instantly uploaded and disseminated to participants and officials.

With respect to training environments, it is considered there are currently no systems to provide trainers with all this information in the one simple package. There are systems that look at heart rate and speed but none that can collect stride data and GPS in the one device. The ETB Pegasus™ system in the UK does collect stride data but requires multiple devices, for example, two movement sensors, one on each front leg, a separate GPS device on the saddle cloth and a GPS receiver in the riders helmet).

Previous attempts such as E-Tracker™ and ETB Pegasus™ have been two complex and invasive and too expensive. E-Tracker™ only reports the relationship between heart rate and speed. ETB Pegasus™ does diagnostic stride analysis which is more than the average trainer wants. Both devices require more set-up time, the E-Tracker™ requires polar sensors placed under the girth strap and wires are then passed through the saddle cloth to the data logger and GPS receiver. The ETB Pegasus™ requires brushing boots to be worn on the front legs (containing the movement sensors), a separate GPS receiver for the riders helmet and a data logger on the saddle cloth

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks, disadvantages or problems of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of tracking at least one moving object traversing a predefined course, the method comprising the steps of:

emitting line-of-sight EM radiation from at least one beacon, located to provide a means of reference for said at least one moving object;

capturing at least one image including a representation of the transmitted

EM radiation by digital image recording at one or more of a plurality of predetermined locations relative to the predefined course;

extracting position information of the at least one transmitting beacon from the at least one captured image relative to each frame of the captured image; referencing each extracted position with predetermined survey data of the predefined course to produce referenced position data;

generating a model of the path traversed by the at least one moving object on the predefined course using the referenced position data.

The above method may further comprise the steps of:

capturing a plurality of images at one or more of the plurality of predetermined locations relative to the predefined course, each image comprising a representation of the transmitted EM radiation;

performing the steps of extracting and referencing;

aggregating referenced position data from the plurality of captured images; generating a model of the path traversed by and speed of the moving object on the predefined course using the referenced position data.

The step of extracting position information preferably comprises multiplexing pulses from each beacon with respect to a reference signal to U2011/000331

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identify each respective beacon. Preferably, the reference signal comprises a synchronisation signal for time division multiplexing. The step of capturing at least one image may be performed by video camera means. Preferably, the steps of extracting, referencing and generating are performed by digital processing means.

In a preferred embodiment, the above method further comprises the step of one or a combination of:

displaying the generated model;

storing the referenced position data and/or the generated model.

Preferably, the emitted EM radiation comprises infrared radiation and the method further includes the step of matching the EM radiation with a band-pass filter operatively associated with the digital image recording.

In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of analysing performance of a plurality of moving objects allocated to traverse a predefined course, the method comprising the steps of:

uniquely assigning a GPS enabled tracker adapted for motion sensing to each individual moving object;

invoking the tracker assigned to each object to start logging data prior to the object traversing the predefined course;

indicating operating status of each tracker with display means located on the tracker; .

locating each tracker upon its respective object such that the operating status of the tracker is perceptible;

invoking the tracker assigned to each object to stop logging data after the predefined course is traversed by the respective object;

downloading the logged data of each tracker for processing.

In this second aspect of embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of:

locating a reference GPS enabled tracker in a surveyed position on the predefined course for recording GPS data while the objects traverse the predefined course; correlating the GPS data logged by the reference tracker with each respective tracker assigned to objects to verify accuracy of the logged data in the respective trackers.

In a particularly preferred form, the steps of uniquely assigning, invoking and downloading are performed only when the tracker is connected to a cradle operatively associated with a race information management system.

The moving objects may be race horses and the predefined course may comprise a horse racing track.

The data logged by each respective tracker may comprise one or a combination of:

sectional times;

relative race position at each sectional point;

distance travelled;

reaction time in a starting gate;

average stride length;

average stride frequency duration; and

the number of changes in stride.

In one preferred aspect all the above mentioned method steps may be . performed to provide a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In yet a further aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided apparatus adapted to analyse performance of a plurality of moving objects allocated to traverse a predefined course, said apparatus comprising:

processor means adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set,

said apparatus, in conjunction with said instruction set, being adapted to perform at least one of the methods as disclosed herein.

In still another aspect of preferred embodiments, there is provided apparatus for tracking at least one moving object traversing a predefined course, the apparatus comprising:

at least one beacon means for transmitting line-of-sight EM radiation, each beacon located to provide a means of reference for said at least one moving object; image capture means for capturing at least one image including a representation of the transmitted EM radiation by digital image recording, said image capture means located at one or more of a plurality of predetermined locations relative to the predefined course;

extracting means for extracting position information of the at least one transmitting beacon from the at least one captured image relative to each frame of the captured image;

referencing means for referencing each extracted position with predetermined survey data of the predefined course to produce referenced position data;

model generating means for generating a model of the path traversed by the at least one moving object on the predefined course using the referenced position data.

In the apparatus noted above, the beacon means may comprise at least one or a combination of:

at least one pulse modulated LED beacon located upon the moving object; at least one reference beacon fixed to predetermined locations on the predefined course; and,

at least one printed image fixed to predetermined locations on the predefined course. Further, the beacon means may comprise transceiver means for receiving a synchronisation signal. Moreover, the apparatus may further comprise:

a synchronisation module for generating and transmitting a synchronisation signal to each beacon means for synchronising an internal clock of each beacon means with respect to a frame rate of the image capture means.

Preferably,. the image capture means comprises at least one video camera operatively connected to video processing means and the synchronisation module for recording positional information of the beacon means and communicating said positional information to a central server.

Preferably, the extracting means and/or the referencing means is adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set, said extracting and/or referencing means, in conjunction with said instruction set, being adapted to perform one or a combination of: determine beacon position information in real time, and;

store said beacon position information for later retrieval or display.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the EM radiation comprises infrared radiation. Furthermore, it is preferred that the image capture means comprises a band pass filter matched to the EM radiation.

In other preferred embodiments the present invention may reside in a computer program product comprising:

a computer usable medium having computer readable program code and computer readable system code embodied on said medium for tracking or analysing performance of a moving object traversing a predefined course within a data processing system, said computer program product comprising;

computer readable code within said computer usable medium for performing the method steps of any one of the methods disclosed herein.

Advantageously, in one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for the tracking of individual horses on a racing track in real-time by processing a video camera image of small infra-red emitting beacons that are worn on the jockey's cap. By optically filtering out unwanted image details the video image can be processed to extract the positions of the individual beacons in the field of view (frame by frame). Since each race course is accurately surveyed, the extracted positions of the beacons from each video frame may then be used to construct a three dimensional mathematical model of the race or trial. When multiple cameras are used, this aggregate information can be used to accurately plot the course and speed of each beacon wherever it is on the race track. The information can be displayed in real-time or stored to be displayed and analysed after the event. The preferred embodiment enables race participants to be identified and tracked in real time, capturing speed, trajectory, distance travelled and the position of each horse relative to others in the race at any given time. Information such as the running order (placing) of horses during the race and the speed and distance travelled by each horse could be displayed in real time during the race. Compilation of individual horse performance data can be provided promptly after the race by post-processing the video camera data. Such data can be used for post-race analysis or added to existing 'form' databases for future analysis by owners, trainers, jockeys and/or punters. Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that whereas prior art systems for tracking of objects on a predefined course can provide resolution in the order of one metre or slightly less, with the use of line-of-sight radiation source, eg infrared, combined with digital image capture, the accuracy or resolution can be enhanced such that it is limited only by pixel resolution. Furthermore, it has been recognised by the inventor that by the combination of GPS devices with movement sensors, a comprehensive analysis of an object's performance can be obtained. This improvement may be utilised to enhance the tracking of objects using line-of-sight etc as above.

Advantages provided by embodiments of the present invention comprise the following:

• It is inexpensive, flexible, provides real-time results, readily lends itself to computer and TV interfaces and requires minimal race course infrastructure;

• The cost of the system is far lower than GPS or RFID systems;

• Whereas, positioning race horses using an infrared light source is cheap, very accurate and, can be used in all weathers including night racing, it does not suffer from reflections and can be automatically adjusted for changes to the race course layout;

• The minimal design concept of preferred embodiments enables the system to be moved from course to course (portable) with little effort. A basic requirement for horse tracking systems in some countries as it will lower the cost of using the system across a large number of regional facilities. Some infrastructure, such as cables between the steward's towers, computer interfaces and camera mounting points will have to be permanently installed at each course, however this infrastructure is already present at most tracks. Cameras, computers and beacons are portable;

• Accuracy is measured in millimetres and not meters; assuming a sufficient number of cameras are provided. The accuracy of the system is only limited by focal length, field of view and camera definition (ie the pixel count);

• Moreover, 'drift' as experienced by GPS type tracking systems is negligible and accuracy can readily be increased by using more cameras;

• Extensive and intrusive infrastructure, such as that used in RFID based tracking systems, is not required, nor is the extensive use of wireless technology with all its inherent reliability issues required;

• Captures all the information relevant to the horse's raceday or

training performance.

Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates beacon behaviour, with synchronisation signal and corresponding simulated video output in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates in plan view a typical horse racing track with camera positions located on Steward's towers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates in plan view an example of a beacon being viewed using multiple cameras in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a topology of the tracking system embodying the present invention;

Figure 5 represents images based on two photographs taken during testing of the tracking system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates schematically the position of a motor vehicle in relation to a video camera in the vertical direction in accordance with the testing performed on an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 represents a frame from a video of the beacon in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with reduced exposure;

Figures 8a and 8b are flow chart of a race day process for tracking and monitoring performance in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 9a to 9c show a portable set up of devices in accordance with the embodiment of figures 8a and 8b;

Figures 10, 11 and 12 show exemplary arrangements for a tracking device utilised in the method and system shown in figures 8 and 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

As stated above an embodiment of the invention will be described in terms of its application to horse, or other racing, around an identifiable course or track, While the concept behind embodiments of the invention is relevant to the tracking of horses it can be applied to the real time tracking of many moving objects both ' animate and inanimate.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed at real-time position detection of horses during a race, trial or exercise. In a particularly preferred embodiment the present invention is directed at real-time position detection of horses using an infrared light source. In this respect, the embodiment relies on the transmission of an infrared light signal at the speed of light from a beacon located preferably on the jockey's helmet to a video camera(s) located at points of convenience, typically a steward's tower, around the track. .The beacon may be housed within an appropriate device such as a tag. Such a tag can be small, rugged, of light weight and safely incorporated into the jockey's helmet. The accuracy of the system is only limited by pixel resolution which in turn is limited by the number of cameras and the field and depth of view. Similarly, pixel resolution (accuracy) can be increased by using more cameras incorporating both side and head-on views. Position accuracy, or 'drift', as it is sometimes known and experienced with GPS systems is negligible. Moreover, for preferred forms, the beacon electronics are comprised of simple, well proven, and rugged existing semiconductor products. System accuracy is measured in millimetres and not meters; assuming a sufficient number of image capture devices is provided.

In one embodiment there is provided a means whereby objects such as horse race participants can be identified and tracked in real time so that statistical information on the positions of individual horses during the race can be identified.

In preference, the means for determining the position of an object, including both animate and inanimate objects, includes an identifier associated with the object which is adapted to be sensed by at least one camera. However, it is preferred that a plurality of cameras be used such that the precise location of the object can be determined at any given time.

It is further preferred that appropriate software be associated with each camera such that its output can be used to determine real time positional information. Each object emits a unique frequency signal in the infrared ^■ spectrum, such as a pufse unique to that horse, jockey or object, that it can be identified by each camera. The precise type of signal used is not restricted in embodiments of the invention and any appropriate means can be used. For example, it could well be the length of an object that could be detected by an appropriate camera. In this embodiment of the invention the transmitted signal is worn on the object to be tracked in the form of a hat device or other such device. 1. Components of the beacon tracking system The proposed system of a first preferred embodiment comprises the following components:

1. Infra-red LED beacons;

It is envisaged that the beacons, mounted by suitable means on the jockey's helmet, may comprise pulse width modulated (PWM) infrared LEDs. The beacons may also have a radio transceiver, preferably low power RF transceivers with suitable range for a horse racing track, for receiving reference signals, preferably in the form of synchronisation signals from a 'synchronisation module' and be adapted for transmitting other useful information. The PWM modulation may be driven by the synch signal.

2. Fixed reference beacons or printed images:

The fixed reference beacon is similar to the infra-red LED beacon worn by the jockey in that the fixed reference beacons are in sync with the 'synchronisation module' but af fixed locations around the race course within the view of at least one video camera. Alternatively, printed images in view of at least one video camera can be used to identify reference points on the fence.

3. Synchronisation module

The synchronisation module is used to synchronise each beacon's internal clock for accurate time division multiplex communications with respect to the frame rate and timing of each video camera. It is envisaged that in one embodiment, the synchronisation module may comprise a GPS time module.

Separate beacon synchronisation and camera synchronisation modules are envisaged in preferred embodiments. The camera synchronisation module may take GPS time signal data and feed each camera with a frame synchronisation signal.

4. Video cameras

Each video camera is connected to a video processor unit and together with the synchronisation module logs beacon positional information and sends it to a central server. For optimum performance, the video camera may include optical filtering and variable focal lenses with external TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) synch input. As shown in figure 4, video processing means is also included and this may comprise a computing means for each camera. The processing means may take the form of a PC module running a Windows™ operating system or may use Linux operating system.

5. Central server(s)

Collates information from the video processors and displays and or stores results. The server may comprise a database to store beacon trajectory data. The database may utilise SQLite for simplicity and speed of data manipulation and retrieval.

6. Positional calculation software

Software to extract beacon position information in real time and stored for later retrieval and display.

2. Communication scheme for the beacon tracking system

With reference to figure 1 , each jockey wears a small battery powered light weight beacon on their cap which preferably emits a pulsed infra-red light that is at the same wavelength as a pass band filter on the video cameras used in the tracking system. Infra-red emitting beacons are preferred because most CCD cameras, for example, are very sensitive to infra-red light. In the event of referencing the beacon signals by way of time division multiplexing, each beacon has a small radio transceiver that may receive a synchronisation signal from a 'synchronisation module'. The synchronisation of each beacon to a base reference time ensures that they remain synchronised with the video camera frame rate that has been initially chosen to be 30 frames per second.

To be able to extract positional information, each beacon needs to be identified from the video footage and this is done by referencing the signals emitted by the beacon means. Whilst it would be understood by the person skilled in the art that a system like frequency division multiplexing may be used, it is preferable to use time division multiplexing where each beacon pulses its infrared LEDs off in turn for a calculated period of time after a synchronisation signal. Hence, this period identifies the beacon number, as shown in Fig 1 where the off period for each respective beacon #1 to #4 corresponds to that beacon being absent in the simulated video frame aligned with the signal diagram of figure 1. When the video is processed the identity of each beacon can be determined based on the time between the synchronisation pulse and the time when the beacon pulses its infra-red LEDs off. LED beacon pulsing options

It should be noted that there are a number of possible IR beacon LED pulsing options apart from the example presented in this specification. Some examples include, but are not limited to, where the LED flashes on for one frame per second, or, one where the LED flashes off for one frame per second.

3. Beacon timing drift

To extract the beacon identifier number accurately, the internal clock of the beacon must be accurate.

This is achieved by the beacon receiving a synchronisation signal near the horse's starting gate or in the mounting yard to resynchronise the beacon's internal reference time and hence maintain the accuracy of the time division multiplexing transmission system. The crystal oscillator used in the beacon's micro-controller is accurate enough to maintain synchronisation to within ½ a camera frame. A typical calculation, may be based on the following exemplary parameters and is calculated, as follows:

Frame rate: 30 fps (33.3ms frame time or 1 bit time)

Crystal oscillator accuracy: 10 ppm

Pulse time tolerance: ± 16.7 ms (i.e. ± ½ a bit time) therefore:

TDRIFT = TTOLERANCE / (A / 10⁶) ^ where.

DRIFT is the elapsed time before a beacon is out of synchronisation with the reference signal.

TTOLERANCE is the maximum allowed deviation in a beacon's pulse off delay time.

"A" is the accuracy of a beacon's oscillator expressed in parts per million

(ppm).

Substituting the values:

TDRIFT = 16.7 x 10-3 / (10 / 10⁶) = 1667 seconds

As a consequence, over 27 minutes can elapse before a resynchronisation pulse is needed by each beacon if synchronisation is to be maintained. As a typical horse race lasts only 3 to 4 minutes the drift in the beacons response from the starting gate to the completion of the race is considered negligible. Moreover, since each beacon has a transceiver, other information can be exchanged between it and the reference module such as test and status information. This "pre-race check" ensures that all the beacons are functional and operating normally.

Since each video camera has a narrow infra-red band pass filter, each video frame shows the infra-red beacon(s) against a dimmed low contrast background so as to make the image processing simpler. Once the image processing extracts the pixel position from a video frame of all the respective beacons in view, this information is then compared to previous frames and the synchronisation pulse. By counting the number of frames from the synchronisation pulse to when the beacon turns its infra-red LED off the beacon identification number can be determined.

By utilising fixed infra-red reference beacons or reference images located along the predefined course, eg a fence, at points that have been accurately surveyed and are in the field of view of the cameras, the position in 3 dimensional space of each of the jockey's beacons can be calculated for each frame. By inserting the frame rate of the video camera into the equation the speed and path of each beacon can be determined.

4. Infra-red Video Camera Layout

At every race course there are Stewards Towers located at the corners of the race course for the purpose of providing a viewing point for stewards who are monitoring the behaviour of the jockeys and horses during each race. These towers provide a convenient point to locate the video cameras as this provides a suitable vantage point to keep all the beacons i view. It is envisioned that the video cameras would be positioned as shown in figure 2.

Each steward's tower 1 would house multiple cameras 2 offering multiple views 3 of any given beacon 4 on the race track. An example of multiple camera views of any beacon on the track is shown in figure 3, Note that the cameras 2 in close range where the beacon image traverses pixels at the highest rate offers the greatest accuracy in beacon positioning.

One embodiment of the invention is to use a single camera 2 for multiple views of the track 6 (i.e. a foreground view) near the foot of the steward's tower 1 and background view at the far side of the track 6. Each camera 2 would be coupled to video processing electronics 8 which would perform extraction in the manner described herein to compute the position and speed o each beacon 4 and then send this information to a central server 7. The central server 7 is adapted to process data from the video processors 8 and to display on a display means 9 (shown in enlarged view in figure 3) and/or store the data in a database (not shown).

Another embodiment uses multiple cameras 2 from different viewpoints. In either case, each camera 2 is coupled to video processing electronics 8 that send spatial information to a central server 7. This is shown in Figure 3. Note, that whatever the configuration, the system is preferably designed so that all the beacons 4 in a race are in view of at least one camera 2 for positioning to work correctly.

5. Video Processing System Layout

The tracking system equipment connection layout, or topology, is shown in Figure 4.

The server 7 processes the trajectories of the beacons 4 from each of the video processors 8 and collates it for real time display on a display device 9 and later analysis, if required. The collated data provides increased accuracy as well as redundancy in case a beacon 4 became obscured from one of the video cameras 2.

6. Example: (a) - The general case - system concept issues and test site setup

a) To prove the system concept several issues were investigated:

1. In a preferred embodiment the EM radiation was chosen to be infra- red. Due to the large amount of infra-red in bright sunshine it was necessary to determine whether the infra-red LEDs used in the beacons 4 are bright enough and hence visible to a filtered video camera 2 under these conditions during hot, summer days.

2. A further question examined was, does a typical video camera 2 have enough resolution to provide accurate positional information?

3. Furthermore, is it possible to extract positional information with enough resolution from a video to accurately position horses during a race or trial event? In order for this to be done similar spatial conditions to a horse race were created.

The following test was conducted:

1. A video camera 2 was set up on a tripod with an infra-red band pass filter where the wavelength matched the infra-red LED wavelength. The infra-red band pass filter had a bandwidth of approximately 100nm.

2. The day chosen for the test was a relatively hot day (30° Celsius) with bright sunshine. The time of day was around noon.

3. The video camera was set up on an overpass 12 approximately 8 metres above a curving road 13. This simulates the vantage point of a steward's tower 1 over a curving race track 6. Image 1 of Figure 5 shows an overhead view of the test site with the viewing area. shown in rectangular mark up projection 11.

4. The video camera 2 used had the following specifications:

a) Model: D K21AU04 - this is a monochrome industrial CCD video camera with no infra-red blocking filter as is commonly used

b) Resolution: 640 x 480 pixels

c) Pixel size: 5.6pm (square)

d) Active window size: 3:6 x 2.7 mm

e) Lens: 25mm focal length, F1.4

f) Angular view: 8.2^e wide x 6.2° high

5. A pre-existing simple infra-red LED beacon 4 was mounted on a motor vehicle 14. This beacon 4 is set to flash every second for 40ms. Although this flashing scheme is inverted compared to the preferred system, the test here was to determine whether the infrared beacon is visible in bright sunshine.

Θ. Since the video frame rate is 30 fps and the beacon flash time is 1/25th of a second, it is expected that the video would capture all the beacon's flashes (i.e. no missing flashes).

7. The speed of the vehicle was set to 60 km/h, which is the approximate speed of a horse in full gallop. Image 2 of Figure 5 shows the vehicle travelling at 60 km/h with an infra-led LED beacon 4. Even though the video is taken in bright sunshine the beacon LED cluster 4 was clearly visible, as shown.

6 (b) - The test results

Based on the test set up as outlined above it is possible to calculate approximately what distance is travelled for every pixel that the beacon 4 moves within the image. The calculations are based on the characteristics of the video cameras CCD size and lens focal length.

Referring now to Figure 6, when the beacon 4, situated on a moving object 10 being a vehicle in the case shown in figure 6, is a known horizontal and vertical distance away from the camera 2, each pixel that the beacon 4 moves vertically in the image can be translated to travel towards or away from the camera 2 as follows:

Similarly, for horizontal movement of the beacon 4 a simpler formula can be used:

ADBH^■* (DB / f) . P

where:

ADB is the distance the beacon 4 moves either towards or away from the camera 2 to register movement of one pixel vertically on the CCD 2.

ADBH is the distance the beacon 4 moves either left or right for the camera 2 to register movement of one pixel horizontally on the CCD 2.

D is the horizontal distance of the beacon 4 from the camera 2.

Hv is the height of the camera from the level of the road that the vehicle 10 is travelling on.

D_B is the distance of the beacon 4 from the camera 2 which equates to V(HV2 + D2)

f is the focal length of the lens used on the camera 2.

P is the size of one pixel on the CCD.

If the vehicle 10 is 60 metres horizontally from the camera 2 then:

ADBV » (60.5 / 25x10^'3) . (60 / 8) . 5.6x 0^_B = 0.10 metres

ADBH ^b (60.5 / 25x10^'3) . 5.6x10^'6 = 0.014 metres If the vehicle 10 is 130 metres horizontally from the camera 2 then the camera 2 can resolve movement as follows:

ADBV « (130.2 / 25x10^"3) . (130 / 8) . δ.θχ θ^"6 = 0.47 metres

AD_BH * (130.2 / 25x10^"3) . 5.6x10 = 0.029 metres

The outcome of the accuracy test is that when the vehicfe 10 is 60 metres horizontally away from the camera 2 the position of the beacon 4 can be obtained to about 14 millimetres left and right and 100 millimetres forwards and backwards. At 130 metres, the resolution is 29 millimetres left and right and 470 millimetres forwards and backwards.

6 (c) ~ The result of using a higher definition camera

If a larger, high definition (HD) CCD camera 2 is substituted for the camera 2 described above and a different lens is used to give the same view, then we can use 2.8 x 1 ^*6 for the pixel size. At 60 metres horizontally from the camera 2, movement accuracy is resolved to:

AD_Bv * (60.5 / 25x10 ) . (60 / 8) . 2.8x10^"6 = 0.05 metres

ADBH = (60.5 / 25x10^"3) . 2.8X10^-6 = 0.007 metres

That is: 50 millimetres in the forwards and backwards direction, 7 millimetres left and right.

The above figures are theoretical and could be closely matched computationally if conditions were ideal. However, some accuracy would be lost due to blurring (as seen by the slightly out of focus photograph of the vehicle that prompted Image 2 of figure 5), blooming (where a bright point source light illuminates a larger area on the camera's CCD) and other optical aberrations.

6 (d) - Reduction of background detail

A fundamental advantage of embodiments of the invention is the assumption that by using video cameras 2 with infra-red filters there would be a reduction in background detail and hence the complexity of extracting the beacon 4 positions in the video frame would be reduced. To demonstrate, a short video of the beacon 4 was taken in bright sunshine with the exposure deliberately shortened so that the background was underexposed.

As can be seen from the image of the photograph represented in Figure 7, although the background is dark, the beacon LEDs can still be clearly seen.

Following is a list of possible further modification to this preferred embodiment of the invention that may increase, but do not limit, its scope:

Higher resolution cameras 2 are more common than the one used in the test described above, see item 6(a). A full high definition (HD) camera 2 would yield much greater resolution, although image processing will take longer but this limitation could be overcome by the use of more powerful computer processing equipment.

Greater camera resolution in the video cameras 2 may be provided to ensure the identification of a beacon 4 when it is between 2 steward's towers.

Narrower infra-red band pass filters can be used to further remove the background detail. The filter used in the road test described above had a broad bandwidth of 100nm and the bandwidth of the LEDs used was approximately 50nm. Thus a narrower band pass filter should improve the contrast between the background and the beacon.

It has been assumed that optical filters may filter out more of the background image to make the image processing task simpler.. If this assumption is not correct it is possible to use a pair of synchronised video cameras with slightly different filter characteristics where subtracting two images, will result in only the beacons 4 being visible. • Due to the relatively high current consumption of the infra-red LEDs, it is planned to only turn them on for a portion of the frame. In bright sunshine, the automatic exposure control of the video camera 2 shortens the exposure for each frame. Thus, there is no advantage in keeping the infra-red LEDs on when the video camera 2 has ceased exposure for any given frame. However, the beacon could have a photo diode to detect the level of ambient light. Since the LEDs are preferably synchronised to the frame rate, they could then be switched off for the portion of the frame time that the CCD is not collecting light. This would improve the battery life of the beacons 4 significantly.

• It has been assumed that the steward's towers 1 do not move significantly in windy conditions enough to upset the extraction of beacon positions. However, if they do, the reference beacons or

• images placed on the rails around the track and placed in the field of view should compensate for this, Note that reference beacons are not the onl medium that could be used as, for example, images printed on plastic could also be used. As they are inexpensive many could be placed around the track at little cost if it were deemed to be necessary.

• The use of multiple cameras 2 will overcome accuracy problems that may arise if the beacon ID's become obstructed (e.g. poles, birds, overhead cabling etc.) and improve the capacity of the invention to recover the beacon IDs. However, there is no evidence to date to suggest that the system as described would not be robust.

• It is envisaged that variations to this preferred embodiment of the invention can be adopted for use with existing broadcasting cameras 2.

7 GPS tracking with movement sensors

In another embodiment of the invention, there is specific provision for the determination of the performance of an animate object such as a race horse in trials, exercise and or race situations. This embodiment combines, high frequency, precision GPS functionality with movement sensors in the one simple light weight device, preferably weighing less than 100 grams. The data produced provides a complete picture of each individual horse's speed, trajectory and stride pattern at any point in a race or exercise gallop. Reaction times, acceleration/deceleration and impacts are also identified. The stride data can be used to measure the efficiency of the horses stride and point to the potential performance of the horse. Data is provided at a summary level or available in minute levels of detail. A database in the preferred application software stores the data, and web and text interfaces enable the data to be sent to the desired audience at the push of a button. The information is processed within the database to enable it to be quickly and easily disseminated to other industry databases for sale or distribution to their clients.

In this embodiment, there is use of only one tiny device to capture all relevant information regarding a horse's racing and training performance. These include sectional times, position in running, distance travelled, stride length and frequency (stride efficiency), lead changes and reaction times in the starting gates for each individual horse. Data captured is consistent and accurate. The location of each sectional crossing can be automatically adjusted for rail movements to ensure that time over the correct distance is being measured in every case. The system is completely portable and requires no racecourse infrastructure to operate given that the relevant device is adapted for being located on the moving object, eg horse. The software may be we enabled and interfaces with industry databases to facilitate rapid dissemination and/or sale of information. Diagnostic software may automatically measure the accuracy of the system when it is in operation.

Completeness and ease of access to the information will make the information invaluable to form analysts, bookmakers, punters and racing officials such as stewards, handicappers and veterinarians. The information provided is an invaluable tool in promoting wagering activity through significantly enhanced race form which in turn promotes betting activity and returns to industry participants. For trainers it provides easy access to critical management information about each horse includihg information that can indicate a horses potential. Sectional times and positions in running for the entire race regardless of length may be made available. Sensor information which enables the horse's health and performance to be further assessed! Automatic interface with industry databases such as RiSA (Racing Information Services Australia) is facilitated.

With reference to figures 9 to 12, figure 1 1 shows example trackers, which may be in the form of either a training version 16a (larger tracker with screen) or a raceday tracker 16b (small, no screen). Figure 12a shows how the training version of the tracker is attached to saddle cloth. Figures 12b, 2c and 10a to 10c show how the raceday version is attached to the raceday saddle cloth.

Also shown in figures 9a to 9c are images of a raceday system 17 which is designed to take 3 groups of 21 trackers (63 trackers in total). There are 63 cradles 18 for charging and 2 additional cradles; one for data transfer and the other for a dedicated reference tracker that records the GPS environment for the duration of the race meeting to a record the GPS environment prevailing at the time of each race.

The software is designed to support a dedicated raceday process that reduces the risk of data error and mishandling. ,

The system is essentially a "management information system that captures performance data arid enables rapid dissemination, storage and re-use of the information". .

A reference tracker is placed in a surveyed position on the race course for the duration of the race meeting and is used to record the GPS environment experienced throughout the day. This enables the accuracy of the GPS data collected during each race to be quantitatively assessed.

The system is designed so that tracking devices are always assigned to the correct horse. Three groups of trackers are used, (group A, group B and group C). These are rotated through every third race. The unique serial number of each device is allocated to a number in the system software, e.g., 1a, 2a, etc. When devices are assigned to a particular horse the software expects to see a specific device number allocated to a specific horse number, e.g., 1a for horse 1 in races 1 , 4 and 7 or 2b for horse 2 in races 2, 5 and 8 and so on.

However should a device fail for any reason, the software allows any device to be assigned to any horse simply by accepting the warning message that comes up when the operator tries to assign the wrong tracker to a horse. When each device is in the programming cradle, the unique serial number of each device is assigned to the entry code for each horse in the SM database. Simultaneously, the time for the tracker to start logging data is programmed into the device. This is the race start time minus 10 minutes. This process enables the trackers to be programmed well before races commence without creating huge data files and running down the battery. Two LEDs 19a and 19b in Figures 10a-c on each device show battery status and GPS status, respectively. The devices are placed into the saddle cloths so that the LEDs are visible from the near side of the horse. Importantly, as Figure 10c shows the LEDs 19a and 19b are visible once the receptacle on the saddle cloth is closed by virtue of an opening. This enables the status of each device to be checked in the mounting yard before each race, as they will have commenced tracking by this time. If a faulty tracker is identified it can be replaced before the horses leave the mounting yard. Note, the trackers are sealed units and can only be turned on/off by the system software.

When the trackers are returned after the race. they are removed from the saddle cloths and placed one by one into the programming cradle. When USB power is received by the tracking device it turns off the data collection and the file is automatically downloaded to the system software for processing. The device is then removed and returned to the charging rack until it is required again.

Data from the photo finish system (official placings, margins and race times) are imported to the system after each race and combined with data from the trackers. When all trackers from a race have been processed the race results file is automatically produced. The operator can then export the file directly to RISA through an internet/WiFi link.

With reference to figures 8a and 8b showing a flowchart; a raceday performance and results analysis system is specifically designed to support and streamline existing raceday processes and ensure accurate data capture and dissemination to industry databases. At step 801 , final fields and scratching files are downloaded directly from an industry database such as RISA, the Australian racing industry controlled database prior to raceday. This data contains codes for club, venue, meeting, condition, course, race, horse and entry. These codes are used throughout the system of this embodiment. The system can then be loaded with selection of the venue, and track and load survey coordinates for rail position. At step 802 on race day, the latest scratching file is downloaded from RISA then a check of all devices is carried out: On/Off / Batt charge / GPS acquisition / Data Capacity. A reference tracker is then set up. At step 803, 1 hour before Race 1 , the first group, Group A, of trackers is assigned to horses in race 1 as shown in the flow chart. The tracker device is then removed from its cradle and placed in the saddle cloth, as shown in figures 10 and 12b and 12c. At step 804, after race 1 is held, saddle cloths are retrieved and trackers are removed therefrom. The devices are placed in cradles 8 for downloading data to system and Group A devices are returned to charging rack. After further download, the official race results are exported to RISA. One hour before race 2, the procedures of step 805 are carried out, which are similar to the process steps of step 803 in relation to preparation for race 1. Post race 2, the procedures of step 806 are performed similar to those of step 804. A similar process is followed for race 3 at steps 807 to 809 and, thereafter, at step 810, an end of race day procedure is carried out where a download of data from the reference tracker is performed; a diagnostic is run for software review and a routine back up and save is performed. .

In other preferred embodiments, at least two data capture methodologies are catered for with the software.

The training methodology calculates distance travelled by the horse (usually in 200m sections) then measures the time taken. This ensures data accumulates for a standard distance travelled so data for a particular horse can be compared to other data captured for this horse as it accumulates in the data base - ie, "compares apples to apples".

The raceday methodology utilizes classic sectional timing methodology by calculating the time taken by each horse between two sets of coordinates ("geofences") or 200m sectionals in the same race, thus enabling punters to compare the performance of one horse to another in a race.

Is a low cost portable solution that can be operated by one person.

Requires no additional infrastructure or investment on the part of the race club or Principal Racing Authority.

Data format is compatible with existing industry data base systems. Because the data is so rich and detailed it can be packaged up and sold to bookmakers, form analysts and punters generating an additional revenue source for race clubs

Data can be transformed into graphical representations of the race which can be easily transmitted over the internet instead of large video files

Automated and intuitive data analysis:

The software can also provide computerised analysis of the sensor information and automatically generate Stewards reports for each race. Because the sensor data can identify changes in the horses gait and trajectory, an automatic report can be provided highlighting when and where horses have been checked or suffered interference. This can be used by stewards when reviewing the video footage of the race and help streamline the stewards reporting process.

Sensor data can also be used as evidence in stewards enquiries.

Changes^' in gait (stride length and frequency, stride efficiency and lead change) can also be used by veterinary stewards to review a horses health and fitness, eg, a shortening stride can indicate fatigue, multiple lead changes can indicate soreness or discomfort, overall stride efficiency can be an indicator of a horse's performance potential.

None of the above information has ever been available before.

The raceday process and supporting software are specifically designed to eliminate errors in data capture - refer process flow chart

The inventor has realised that embodiments of the invention provide simultaneous capture of speed and movement data from a single device matched to an efficient data capture, storage and dissemination process. The result is cost effective data capture of critical performance factors for the performance horse to provide trainers, owners, punters, betting agencies/bookmakers and officials with critical management information.

Data from movement sensors provides the trainer with information that has not previously been available, including predictive data about horses' performance potential.

Accurate and consistent data means comparisons with other horses are more reliable. The use of readily available and cost effective text and web based technologies for distribution means accurate management information is placed in the hands of trainers and others in a consistent and timely way, regardless of whether or not they are present at training sessions or the races.

In the racing context, the operator of preferred embodiments imports the final race fields and scratching files for a race meeting into the system application through an interface to the national racing database (RISA).

The system operator selects the race meeting to be covered on the day.

Venue and track details including the rail position are downloaded.

The system software assigns the correct 200m sectional coordinates for the applicable rail position.

The system software displays the race fields race by race.

Starting with race 1 the system operator selects a race to be tracked and assigns a tracker to each horse in the race.

Three sets of trackers are provided.

Each set of trackers is used for every third race.

Each tracker has a unique serial number.

There is a default setting in the software that expects a numbered tracker, to be assigned to a horse with the same number, however for flexibility any tracker can be assigned to any horse.

When the trackers are assigned to a horse the software programs them to start tracking a set number of minutes before the official start time.

The trackers are loaded into the saddle cloths.

Trainers collect the saddle cloths prior to the race and saddle up their horses.

Horses come into the mounting yard approx. 10 to 15 minutes prior to start time.

The trackers are positioned at the back of the horse's saddle cloth with one end of the tracker visible to the near side of the horse.

Two LEDs at the end of the tracker signify the status of the tracker's battery and GPS signal

If there is a problem with a tracker It can be identified and replaced before the horse leaves the mounting yard. The horses leave the mounting yard and go to t e start. The race is run. When the horses return to the mounting yard after the race the saddle cloths are collected. The trackers are removed from the saddle cloths and inserted into the communications cradle for data download.

The data file from the race is identified automatically by the software and posted to the assigned horse. When the data from all horses has been downloaded a results page is produced detailing the sectional times and positions in running for each horse. This results page is then exported to RISA.

All of the data remains. in the application and is automatically backed up to the race clubs own server.

The stored data also contains the following data for each horse; stride length and frequency, stride efficiency, lead change and reaction times in the starting gates.

This data is retained in the application and can be distributed to the customer's client base as required.

The data can also be converted to graphical images for broadcast on racing TV or over the web.

In the context of training, names of horses in the trainer's stable are maintained In the system database.

The trainer selects the horses which are to be exercised on the day.

The system operator inserts a tracker into the communications cradle.

The system operator (usually the trainer or the stable foreman) selects the name of the horse being exercised from the application and assigns a tracker to this horse.

The operator then selects the track that is being used (grass, sand, synthetic, etc.) and the condition of the track (good, rain affected or heavy).

When the tracker is removed from the cradle, tracking commences.

The tracker is inserted into the pouch on the horses saddle cloth and it then commences its exercise program.

When the horse returns to the stable after completing its exercise program the tracker is removed from the saddle cloth and inserted into the communications cradle.

Data is uploaded to the application and is processed by the software. Summary screens display the sectional times, cumulative times, stride length and frequency, lead changes and stride efficiency.

The results are displayed both numerically and graphically.

The summary results are then texted directly to the trainer's mobile phone. Summary reports can also be sent directly to owners or uploaded onto the trainer's website for owners to access the information. . ^'

What the applicant desires to provide by one embodiment is a tracking system for recording the exercise performance of competition horses. The system combines GPS and movement sensors in the one small device to measure speed, trajectory, stride data and response times in both racing and training environments. The device has accompanying software that performs analysis of the data and provides reports to the user. A database enables comparison of performance data. The software provides the means for disseminating the information to interested parties via web and text services. The software is used by trainers and officials to assess the horse's performance and potential performance capability.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices, systems, methods and apparatus.

While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). For example, it is envisaged that the embodiments involving the position tracking device and method may be enhanced by the GPS assisted movement sensing performance analysis embodiments of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth. As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

It should be noted that where the terms "server", "secure server" or similar terms are used herein, a communication device is described that may be used in a communication system, unless the context otherwise requires, and should not be construed to limit the present invention to any particular communication device type. Thus, a communication device may include, without limitation, a bridge, router, bridge-router (router), switch, node, or other communication device, which may or may not be secure.

It should also be noted that where a flowchart is used herein to demonstrate various aspects of the invention, it should not be construed to limit the present invention to any particular logic flow or logic implementation. The described logic may be partitioned into different logic blocks (e.g., programs, modules, functions, or subroutines) without changing the overall, results or otherwise departing from the true scope of the invention, Often, logic elements may be added, modified, omitted, performed in a different order, or implemented using different logic constructs (e.g., logic gates, looping primitives, conditional logic, and other logic constructs) without changing the overall results or otherwise departing from the true scope of the invention.

Various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms, including computer program logic for use with a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or general purpose computer), programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device (e.g., a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other PLD), discrete components, integrated circuitry (e.g., an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)), or any other means including any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, predominantly all of the communication between users and the server is implemented as a set of computer program instructions that is converted into a computer executable form, stored as such in a computer readable medium, and executed by a microprocessor under the control of an operating system,

Computer program logic implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be embodied in various forms, including a source code form, a computer executable form, . and various intermediate forms (e.g., forms generated by an assembler, compiler, linker, or locator). Source code may include a series of computer program instructions implemented in any of various programming languages (e.g., an object code, an assembly language, or a high- level language such as Fortran, C, C++, JAVA, or HTML) for use with various operating systems or operating environments. The source code may define and use various data structures and communication messages. The source code may be in a computer executable form (e.g., via an interpreter), or the source code may be converted (e.g., via a translator, assembler, or compiler) into a computer executable form.

The computer program may be fixed in any form (e.g., source code form, computer executable form, or an intermediate form) either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g. a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM), a PC card (e.g., PCMCIA card), or other memory device. The computer program may be fixed in any form in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth), networking technologies, and inter-networking technologies. The computer program may be distributed in any form as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web).

Hardware logic (including programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device) implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be designed using traditional manual methods, or may be designed, captured, simulated, or documented electronically using various tools, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), a hardware description language (e.g., VHDL or AHDL), or a PLD programming language (e.g., PALASM, ABEL, or CUPL).

Programmable logic may be fixed either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM), or other memory device. The programmable logic may be fixed in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth), networking technologies, and internetworking technologies. The programmable logic may be distributed as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web).

"Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise' , 'comprising', 'includes', including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims

1. A method of tracking at feast one moving object traversing a predefined course, the method comprising the steps of:

emitting line-of-sight EM radiation from at least one beacon, located to provide a means of reference for said at least one moving object;

capturing at least one image including a representation of the transmitted EM radiation by digital image recording at one or more of a plurality of predetermined locations relative to the predefined course;

extracting position information of the at least one transmitting beacon from the at least one captured image relative to each frame of the captured image;

referencing each extracted position with predetermined survey data of the predefined course to produce referenced position data;

generating a model of the path traversed by the at least one moving object on the predefined course using the referenced position data.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

capturing a plurality of images at one or more of the plurality of predetermined locations relative to the predefined course, each image comprising , a representation of the transmitted EM radiation;

performing the steps of extracting and referencing;

aggregating referenced position data from the plurality of captured images; generating a model of the path traversed by and speed of the moving object on the predefined course using the referenced position data.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the step of extracting position information comprises:

. multiplexing pulses from each beacon with respect to a reference signal to identify each respective beacon.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the reference signal comprises a synchronisation signal for time division multiplexing.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the step of capturing at least one image is performed by video camera means.

6. A method as claimed, in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the steps of 5 extracting, referencing and generating are performed by digital processing means.

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising the step of one or a combination of:

10 displaying the generated model;

storing the referenced position data and/or the generated model,

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the emitted EM radiation comprises infrared radiation.

15

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising the step of :

matching the EM radiation with a band-pass filter operatively associated with the digital image recording.

20

10. A method of analysing performance of a plurality of moving objects allocated to traverse a predefined course, the method comprising the steps of: uniquely assigning a GPS enabled tracker adapted for motion sensing to each individual moving object;

25 invoking the tracker assigned to each object to start logging data prior to the object traversing the predefined course;

indicating operating status of each tracker with display means located on the tracker;

locating each tracker upon its respective object such that the operating 30. status of the tracker is perceptible;

invoking the tracker assigned to each object to stop logging data after the predefined course is traversed by the respective object;

downloading the logged data of each tracker for processing.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10 further comprising the step of:

locating a reference GPS enabled tracker in a surveyed position on the predefined course for recording GPS data while the objects traverse the predefined course;

correlating the GPS data logged by the reference tracker ith each respective tracker assigned to objects to verify accuracy of the logged data in the respective trackers.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein the steps of uniquely assigning, invoking and downloading are performed only when the tracker is connected to a cradle operatively associated with a race information management system.

13. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the moving objects are race horses and the predefined course is a horse racing track.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the data logged by each respective tracker comprises one or a combination of:

sectional times;

relative race position at each sectional point;

distance travelled;

reaction time in a starting gate;

average stride length;

average stride frequency duration; and

the number of changes in stride. 5. A _cmethod as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising the steps of any one of claims 10 to 14. 16. Apparatus adapted to analyse performance of a plurality of moving objects allocated to traverse a predefined course, said apparatus comprising:

processor means adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set, said apparatus, in conjunction with said instruction set, being adapted to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. Apparatus for tracking at least one moving object traversing a predefined course, the apparatus comprising:

at least one beacon means for transmitting line-of-sight EM radiation, each beacon located to provide a means of reference for said at least one moving object;

image capture means for capturing at least one image including a representation of the transmitted EM radiation by digital image recording, said image capture means located at one or more of a plurality of predetermined locations relative to the predefined course;

extracting means for extracting position information of the at least one transmitting beacon from the at least one captured image relative to each frame of the captured image;

referencing means for referencing each extracted position with predetermined survey data of the predefined course to produce referenced position data;

model generating means for generating a model of the path traversed by the at least one moving object on the predefined course using the referenced position data.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the beacon means comprises at least one or a combination of:

at least one pulse modulated LED beacon located upon the moving object; at least one reference beacon fixed to predetermined locations on the predefined course; and,

at least one printed image fixed to predetermined locations on the predefined course.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the beacon means comprises transceiver means for receiving a synchronisation signal.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19 further comprising: a synchronisation module for generating and transmitting a synchronisation signal to each beacon means for synchronising an internal clock of each beacon means with respect to a frame rate of the image capture means.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the image capture means comprises at least one video camera operatively connected to video processing means and the synchronisation module for recording positional information of the beacon means and communicating said positional information to a central server.

22. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein the extracting means and/or the referencing means is adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set, said extracting and/or referencing means, in conjunction with said instruction set, being adapted to perform one or a combination of:

determine beacon position information in real time, and;

store said beacon position information for later retrieval or display.

23. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the EM radiation comprises infrared radiation.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23 wherein the image capture means comprises a band pass filter matched to the EM radiation. 25. A computer program product comprising:

a computer usable medium having computer readable program code and computer readable system code embodied on said medium for tracking or analysing performance of a moving object traversing a predefined course within a data processing system, said computer program product comprising:

computer readable code within said computer usable medium for performing the method steps of any one of claims 1 to 15.

26. A method, process or protocol as herein disclosed. An apparatus, system and/or device as herein disclosed.