Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To more quickly notify each participant of a more accurate lap time, split time, or finish time of each participant.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: storage means that stores, in association with a racing number linked to identification information, a notification destination; reception means that receives the identification information and data of a reception time being the time at which the identification information was received; calculation means that, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, calculates either a lap time, a split time, or a finish time of the participant with the racing number; and transmission means that, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, transmits data of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time to the notification destination associated with the racing number linked to the received identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that perform processing using identification information read from an RF (radio frequency) tag.

Background Art

[0002] In track events such as middle and long distance races in track and field, or in road races such as marathons and half marathons, participants wear RF tags and use the identification information read from the RF tags to measure the participants' lap times, split times, or finish times.

[0003] Conventionally, a measurement system has been proposed that includes a radio wave transmission device that emits measurement radio waves, and an electronic device that is attached to a moving body passing through a plurality of points and receives the measurement radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmission device, and the electronic device displays target time information indicating a target time for the moving body to pass through the next point based on at least receiving the measurement radio waves. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the lap time, split time, or finish time is displayed on a single display device, it was not possible to immediately know whether it was one's own lap time, split time, or finish time, or someone else's lap time, split time, or finish time. Also, during the competition or practice, it was not possible to know one's own exact lap time, split time, or finish time. Furthermore, there were times when there were discrepancies in the lap time, split time, or finish time known during the competition or practice.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and enables more accurate lap times, split times, or finish times of each participant to be notified to each participant more quickly.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that performs processing using identification information read from an RF tag worn by a participant who participates in a track event, a road race event, or a walking event among track and field events, and who wears a bib with each bib number described thereon. The information processing apparatus includes: storage means for storing a notification destination in association with the bib number associated with the identification information; receiving means for receiving the identification information transmitted from a receiving apparatus that reads the identification information with an antenna from the RF tag and data of the reception time which is the time when the identification information is received; calculating means for calculating any one of a lap time, a split time from a start point to an intermediate point where the antenna is installed, or a finish time from the start point to a goal point where the antenna is installed for the participant with the bib number associated with the received identification information; and transmitting means for transmitting data of any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time to the notification destination associated with the bib number associated with the received identification information when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received.

[0008] The storage means can store a notification method and a notification destination in association with the bib number, and the transmitting means can transmit data of any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time to the notification destination by the notification method associated with the bib number.

[0009] The storage means can store in association with the bib number a notification method including any one of push notification, e-mail, or short message.

[0010] The calculating means calculates the ranking of the participants wearing the bibs with the bib numbers associated with the received identification information, which is the ranking when receiving the data of the identification information and the reception time, and the transmitting means can transmit the calculated ranking data and any one of the lap time, split time, or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the bib number associated with the received identification information.

[0011] The calculating means can calculate any one of the lap time, split time, or finish time for the identification information read earlier among the identification information read from the RF tags of the participants wearing two RF tags by a set of antennas and a receiving device.

[0012] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that performs processing using the identification information read from the RF tags worn by participants who participate in track events, road races, practice sessions, or walking events in track and field, and who wear bibs with their respective bib numbers. It is an information processing method by an information processing apparatus that stores the notification destination in association with the bib number associated with the identification information. The information processing method includes a receiving step of receiving the identification information transmitted from the receiving device that reads the identification information with an antenna from the RF tag and the data of the reception time which is the time when the identification information is received, a calculating step of calculating any one of the lap time from the start point to the intermediate point where the antenna is installed, the split time, or the finish time from the start point to the goal point where the antenna is installed for the participant with the bib number associated with the received identification information when receiving the identification information and the data of the reception time, and a transmitting step of transmitting any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the bib number associated with the received identification information when receiving the identification information and the data of the reception time.

[0013] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer that performs processing using identification information read from an RF tag worn by a participant who participates in a track event, a road race event or practice, or a walking event in track and field, and who is wearing a bib with each bib number described thereon. The computer stores the destination of the notification in association with the bib number associated with the identification information. A reception control step for controlling the reception of the identification information transmitted from the receiving device that has read the identification information from the RF tag with the antenna and the data of the reception time which is the time when the identification information is received; When the identification information and the reception time data are received, a calculation step of calculating any one of the lap time, split time, or finish time from the start point to the intermediate point where the antenna is installed, or from the start point to the goal point where the antenna is installed, for the participant with the bib number associated with the received identification information; and a transmission control step of controlling the transmission of any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to the destination of the notification associated with the bib number associated with the received identification information when the identification information and the reception time data are received. The computer executes a process including these steps.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] As described above, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to quickly notify each participant of a more accurate lap time, split time, or finish time of each participant.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. To exemplify the correspondence between the constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the detailed description of the invention, it is as follows. This description is for confirming that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, even if there are embodiments not described here as embodiments corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention but described in the detailed description of the invention, that does not mean that those embodiments do not correspond to those constituent elements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a constituent element, that does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to constituent elements other than that one.

[0017] An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that performs processing using identification information read from an RF tag worn by a participant who participates in a track event or a road race event or practice or a walking event among track and field events, and who wears a bib with each bib number described thereon, and stores a notification destination in association with the bib number associated with the identification information (for example, the database 83 in FIG. 4), a receiving means (for example, the communication unit 59 in FIG. 3 controlled by the receiving control unit 81 in FIG. 4) that receives the identification information transmitted from the receiving apparatus that reads the identification information with an antenna from the RF tag and the data of the reception time which is the time when the identification information is received, a calculating means (for example, the time calculation unit 94 in FIG. 4) that calculates any one of a lap time or a split time from a start point to an intermediate point where an antenna is installed or a finish time from a start point to a goal point where an antenna is installed for a participant with a bib number associated with the received identification information when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, and a transmitting means (for example, the communication unit 59 in FIG. 3 controlled by the transmission control unit 82 in FIG. 4) that transmits any one of the calculated lap time or split time or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the bib number associated with the received identification information when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement system 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an example of the configuration of a measurement system 11 in which an antenna and a receiving apparatus are arranged on a track for track and field events is shown.

[0020] The measurement system 11 calculates the lap time from the start point to the intermediate point, the split time, or the finish time from the start point to the goal point, using the identification information read from the RF tag worn by a participant who participates in a track event or road race event or practice or a walking event among track and field events and wears a bib with each bib number, and the time when the identification information was read. The measurement system 11 transmits the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the bib number associated with the identification information.

[0021] The measurement system 11 is installed and operated by the operating side that operates a track event or road race event or practice or a walking event.

[0022] In this case, the notification can be a push notification to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a terminal device worn on the body such as an arm, an e-mail, or a short message. The notification can be sent to a predetermined application program installed on a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0023] Also, for example, the identification information read from the RF tag is information for identifying the RF tag or the person or object wearing the RF tag. For example, the identification information can be a tag ID unique to the RF tag. Also, for example, the identification information is information that is rewritably stored in the RF tag and can be information for identifying a person or object.

[0024] Here, track and field sports are a general term for sports mainly held on the tracks and fields of outdoor stadiums and on roads, centered around the three basic skills of running, jumping, and throwing. A track refers to the circuit of the part of the outdoor stadium where the competition is held. Track events are a general term for the events held on the track among track and field sports. Road races refer to the events such as marathons, relay races, or race walking that are basically contested on public roads among track and field sports. Walking is a walking exercise for health promotion. Walking events refer to walking competitions, festivals, or events. Participants include not only runners but also those who walk in walking, those who walk in race walking, and those who run in wheelchairs.

[0025] Numbers are also called athlete bibs, and different number numbers are represented for each participant.

[0026] Hereinafter, the events or practices of track events or road races among track and field sports will be described as an example.

[0027] The measurement system 11 includes and is composed of an antenna 21-1, an antenna 21-2, and an antenna 21-3, a receiving device 22-1, a receiving device 22-2, and a receiving device 22-3, the Internet 23, and a server 24. In FIG. 1, participants 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 who are wearing numbers (athlete bibs) with their respective number numbers and wearing RF tags start from the start alignment area 32 arranged in front of the start point and run on the track or public road.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the athlete bibs 41 worn by each of the participants 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3. FIG. 2(A) is a diagram showing the front-side configuration of the athlete bibs 41. FIG. 2(B) is a diagram showing the back-side configuration of the athlete bibs 41. The bib number 42 is described on the front side of the athlete bibs 41. That is, the bib number 42 is represented on the fabric constituting the athlete bibs 41 or on synthetic paper such as, for example, non-woven fabric. The participants 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 wear the athlete bibs 41 so that the bib number 42 represented on the front side of the athlete bibs 41 can be seen.

[0029] On the back side of the athlete bibs 41, a pad 43 made of a relatively soft material and an insulating foamed resin is provided. Between the fabric or synthetic paper constituting the athlete bibs 41 and the pad 43, RF tags 44-1 and 44-2 are provided.

[0030] The RF tags 44-1 and 44-2 are each composed of an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip and an antenna, and communicate with each of the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 via any one of the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3, and transmit the identification information, which is the tag ID stored in the IC chip, to each of the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3. The tag ID is identification information for identifying the person or object wearing the RF tag 44-1 or the RF tag 44-2 or both the RF tags 44-1 and 44-2. For example, the tag ID is the unique information of each of the RF tags 44-1 and 44-2 and is made different from the tag IDs of other RF tags.

[0031] Note that the RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 may each store rewritable identification information and transmit the stored identification information to each of the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 when communicating with each of them via any one of the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3.

[0032] The RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 can each be a passive tag. The RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 which are passive tags are energized by radio waves or electromagnetic fields radiated from the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 among the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 which are readers and the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 to operate the IC chips. The RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 can each be an active tag. For example, the RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 can each be a so-called UHF (Ultra High Frequency) tag using radio waves in the frequency band from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. For example, the RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2 each use radio waves in the frequency band of 920 MHz.

[0033] Note that one RF tag 44 may be provided between the fabric and the pad 43 constituting the athlete bib 41. Hereinafter, the athlete bib 41 is also referred to as a license plate.

[0034] Hereinafter, a case where a tag ID is used as the identification information will be described as an example.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 1, the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 are each connected to each of the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3. The antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 are each called a mat antenna or a road laying type antenna and are placed on a truck or a course.

[0036] Note that instead of each of the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3, an antenna may be provided that is installed in a field adjacent to the truck and radiates radio waves or an electromagnetic field onto the truck. The antenna installed in a field adjacent to the truck and radiating radio waves or an electromagnetic field onto the truck is also referred to as a horizontal antenna or the like.

[0037] For example, the antenna 21-1 is placed at the starting point. For example, the antenna 21-2 is placed at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the starting point and in a position advanced from the starting point as the course to be traveled. For example, the antenna 21-3 is placed at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the point where the antenna 21-2 is placed and in a position advanced from the point where the antenna 21-2 is placed as the course to be traveled.

[0038] Note that in the case of a track race, by going around the track, the participants 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 pass over the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3, respectively, the number of times they go around the track. In this case, the lap time, which is the time to complete one lap of the track, can be measured and notified.

[0039] For example, the starting point is the goal point after going around the track a predetermined number of times. That is, for example, the starting point and the goal point are the same point on the track.

[0040] Note that a goal point may be provided at a position different from the starting point, and antennas 21 and receivers 22 similar to the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 and the receivers 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 may be provided at the goal point.

[0041] In addition, in FIG. 1, examples of the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 installed at the start point, and the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 are shown. Basically, in a road race contested on a public road, antennas 21 and receiving devices 22 similar to the antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 and the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 can be provided at intermediate points such as a position every predetermined distance from the start point, for example, every 1 Km, every 10 Km, a turning point at half the distance from the start point to the goal point, or a location of a specific landmark. In this case, the split time from the start point to the intermediate point can be measured and notified.

[0042] The antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 each radiate radio waves or an electromagnetic field. Each of the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 supplies power to the connected antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 respectively to radiate radio waves or an electromagnetic field. Each of the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 communicates with the RF tags 44-1 and 44-2 via the connected antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 respectively, and receives the identification information which is the tag ID stored in the IC chip.

[0043] In addition, each of the receiving devices 22-1, 22-2, and 22-3 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna and a receiving device, and measures the current time from the GPS signal.

[0044] When any one of Participant 31-1, Participant 31-2, and Participant 31-3 passes over any one of Antenna 21-1, Antenna 21-2, and Antenna 21-3, each of Receiver 22-1, Receiver 22-2, and Receiver 22-3 communicates with RF Tag 44-1 and RF Tag 44-2 attached to any one of Participant 31-1, Participant 31-2, and Participant 31-3 via any one of Antenna 21-1, Antenna 21-2, and Antenna 21-3, and receives the tag ID stored in each IC chip of RF Tag 44-1 and RF Tag 44-2.

[0045] When each of Receiver 22-1, Receiver 22-2, and Receiver 22-3 receives the tag ID stored in any one of the IC chips of RF Tag 44-1 and RF Tag 44-2, it connects to the Internet 23 via a wireless communication line such as a mobile phone line, a public wireless communication line, or a dedicated wireless line, and transmits the received tag ID and reception time data indicating the time when the tag ID was received to the server 24. Note that the reception time data indicates the time when each of Receiver 22-1, Receiver 22-2, and Receiver 22-3 received the tag ID.

[0046] Server 24 is an example of an information processing device. Using the tag ID transmitted from any one of Receiver 22-1, Receiver 22-2, and Receiver 22-3 via the Internet 23, it calculates the lap time or split time from the start point to the intermediate point or the finish time from the start point to the goal point. Measurement system 11 transmits the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to the destination of the notification associated with the bib number associated with the tag ID. Server 24 can be a server composed of dedicated hardware, a server using some functions of general-purpose hardware, or a virtual server also called a cloud server.

[0047] In this way, the server 24 performs processing using the identification information read from the RF tag 44 worn by a participant who participates in a track event, road race event or practice, or a walking event among track and field events, and who is wearing an athlete bib 41 (racing number) with each racing number 42 described thereon.

[0048] Note that when the server 24 has received the tag ID stored in the IC chip of either the RF tag 44-1 or the RF tag 44-2 from the receiving device 22-2 or the receiving device 22-3, but has not received the tag ID stored in the IC chip of either the RF tag 44-1 or the RF tag 44-2 from the receiving device 22-1, the server 24 obtains the time at the start point by correcting the received reception time data, etc., from the tag ID received from the receiving device 22-2 or the receiving device 22-3 and the reception time data at the time of reception. By doing so, the time at the start point can be obtained more reliably. The same applies to the intermediate point or the goal point.

[0049] Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the antenna 21-1, the antenna 21-2, and the antenna 21-3, they are simply referred to as the antenna 21. Further, hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the receiving device 22-1, the receiving device 22-2, and the receiving device 22-3, they are simply referred to as the receiving device 22. Furthermore, hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the RF tag 44-1 and the RF tag 44-2, they are simply referred to as the RF tag 44. Also, hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the participant 31-1, the participant 31-2, and the participant 31-3, they are simply referred to as the participant 31.

[0050] Next, the hardware configuration of the server 24 will be described. Note that when the server 24 is a virtual server, the server 24 has resources of hardware allocated thereto and has functions corresponding to the hardware. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the server 24.

[0051] In server 24, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53 are interconnected by a bus 54.

[0052] Further connected to the bus 54 is an input / output interface 55. Connected to the input / output interface 55 are an input unit 56 composed of, for example, a keyboard or a mouse that is electrically connected as necessary or connected by a remote terminal, an output unit 57 composed of, for example, a display that is electrically connected as necessary or connected by a remote terminal, a storage unit 58 composed of a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, etc., and a communication unit 59 composed of a network interface, etc. Although not shown, a drive for driving a removable medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is connected as necessary.

[0053] In the server 24 (computer) configured as described above, a series of processes described later are performed when the CPU 51 loads and executes, via the input / output interface 55 and the bus 54, a program stored in the storage unit 58 into the RAM 53.

[0054] The program executed by the server 24 (CPU 51) is provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet 23, or digital satellite broadcasting, or is recorded on and provided by a removable medium that is a package medium composed of a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.), a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0055] Also, for example, the program can be installed on the computer by mounting a removable medium on the drive and storing it in the storage unit 58 via the input / output interface 55. Further, the program can be installed on the computer by receiving it by the communication unit 59 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and storing it in the storage unit 58. Additionally, the program can be pre-installed on the computer by pre-storing it in the ROM 52 or the storage unit 58.

[0056] That is, in the server 24 (computer), by executing the installed program, the functions described later are realized.

[0057] Note that in the server 24, the CPU 51 is not limited to one and can be provided as one or more.

[0058] Next, the functions of the server 24 that executes the program will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the functions of the server 24 realized by executing the program.

[0059] When the server 24 executes the program, a reception control unit 81, a transmission control unit 82, a database 83, a storage control unit 84, a calculation unit 85, a notification method and destination acquisition unit 86, a notification generation unit 87, and a status update unit 88 are realized. The reception control unit 81 controls the communication unit 59 to receive various data transmitted from the receiving device 22 via the Internet 23. The communication unit 59 controlled by the reception control unit 81 is an example of reception means, and receives the identification information read by the antenna 21 from the RF tag 44 from the receiving device 22 and the data of the reception time, which is the time when the identification information is received.

[0060] The transmission control unit 82 controls the communication unit 59 to transmit various data to a predetermined destination via the Internet 23. The communication unit 59 controlled by the transmission control unit 82 is an example of transmission means. When receiving data of identification information and reception time, the communication unit 59 transmits any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data, associated with the identification information received, to the notification destination corresponding to the license plate number associated with the received identification information.

[0061] The database 83 is an example of storage means and is a collection of electronically stored and accessibly organized data managed by a database management system. The collection of data managed by the database 83 is stored in the RAM 53 or the storage unit 58. For example, the database 83 can be a relational database or a NoSQL database such as a key-value type database.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a table arranged in the database 83 which is a relational database. In the database 83, a number notification correspondence table 101 and a time table 102 are arranged. In the number notification correspondence table 101, data of attributes of license plate number (represented as "License Plate No." in FIG. 5), notification method, and notification destination are stored. In each field of the license plate number, the license plate number 42 is stored. In each field of the notification method, a value indicating the notification method (notification format) when notifying the lap time or split time from the start point to the intermediate point or the finish time from the start point to the goal point is stored. For example, values such as push communication, e-mail, or short message are stored in the field of the notification method. In each field of the notification destination, a value indicating the notification destination is stored. For example, in the field of the notification destination, values indicating the destination ID in the case of push communication, e-mail address, or telephone number are stored.

[0063] For example, in the record of the license plate number notification correspondence table 101 where the license plate number is 301, a value indicating the notification method of push notification and a value indicating the notification destination of efgs12387 are stored. Also, for example, in the record of the license plate number notification correspondence table 101 where the license plate number is 302, a value indicating the notification method of e-mail and a value indicating the notification destination of aaa@fen.com are stored. Further, for example, in the record of the license plate number notification correspondence table 101 where the license plate number is 303, a value indicating the notification method of short message and a value indicating the notification destination of 090254XXX are stored.

[0064] In the time table 102, data of each attribute of license plate number (represented as "License Plate No." in FIG. 5), two tag IDs, rank, status, start time, intermediate point 1 time, split time 1, intermediate point 2 time, split time 2, goal time, and finish time are stored. In each field of the license plate number, the license plate number 42 is stored. In this case, the license plate number is used as the primary key.

[0065] In each field of each of the two tag IDs, the value of the tag ID associated with the license plate number is stored. In each field of the rank, a value indicating the rank of the participant wearing the license plate with the license plate number described is stored. In each field of the status, a value indicating whether the participant wearing the license plate with the license plate number described has passed the start point, passed the intermediate point 1, passed the intermediate point 2, or reached the goal is stored.

[0066] In each of the fields for the start time, a value indicating the time when a participant wearing a bib with a bib number started is stored. In each of the fields for the intermediate point 1 time, at the intermediate point where the antenna 21 and the receiving device 22 are installed, which is the intermediate point passed next after the start point, a value indicating the time when a participant wearing a bib with a bib number passed is stored. In each of the fields for the split time 1, a value indicating the split time of a participant wearing a bib with a bib number from the start point to the intermediate point passed next after the start point is stored. In each of the fields for the intermediate point 2 time, at the intermediate point where the antenna 21 and the receiving device 22 are installed, which is the second intermediate point passed from the start point, a value indicating the time when a participant wearing a bib with a bib number passed is stored. In each of the fields for the split time 2, a value indicating the split time of a participant wearing a bib with a bib number from the start point to the second intermediate point passed from the start point is stored.

[0067] In each of the fields for the goal time, at the goal point where the antenna 21 and the receiving device 22 are installed, a value indicating the time when a participant wearing a bib with a bib number arrived is stored. In each of the fields for the finish time, a value indicating the finish time, which is the time taken by a participant wearing a bib with a bib number from the start point to the goal point, is stored.

[0068] Since the antenna 21 and the receiving device 22 are respectively provided at the start point, the intermediate point 1, the intermediate point 2, and the goal point, the start point, the intermediate point 1, the intermediate point 2, and the goal point are respectively measurement points, and the start time, the intermediate point 1 time, the intermediate point 2 time, and the goal time respectively indicate the times of the measurement points. Also, the split time 1, the split time 2, and the finish time are respectively the times from the start point to the measurement points.

[0069] For example, in the record of the time table 102 with the bib number 301, values indicating the tag ID of aaaaa, values indicating the tag ID of aaaaw, values indicating the rank of 2, values indicating the status of "goal", values indicating the start time of 0:00:00, values indicating the intermediate point 1 time of 0:30:00, values indicating the split time 1 of 0:30:00, values indicating the intermediate point 2 time of 1:00:00, values indicating the split time 2 of 1:00:00, values indicating the goal time of 1:30:00, and values indicating the finish time of 1:30:00 are stored. Also, for example, in the record of the time table 102 with the bib number 302, values indicating the tag ID of aaaab, values indicating the tag ID of aaan, values indicating the rank of 1, values indicating the status of "goal", values indicating the start time of 0:00:00, values indicating the intermediate point 1 time of 0:28:30, values indicating the split time 1 of 0:28:30, values indicating the intermediate point 2 time of 0:59:30, values indicating the split time 2 of 0:59:30, values indicating the goal time of 1:27:30, and values indicating the finish time of 1:27:30 are stored. Further, for example, in the record of the time table 102 with the bib number 304, values indicating the tag ID of aaaad, values indicating the tag ID of aaaaj, values indicating the rank of 4, values indicating the status of "goal", values indicating the start time of 0:00:03, values indicating the intermediate point 1 time of 0:32:28, values indicating the split time 1 of 0:32:25, values indicating the intermediate point 2 time of 1:06:42, values indicating the split time 2 of 1:06:39, values indicating the goal time of 1:42:05, and values indicating the finish time of 1:42:02 are stored.

[0070] Note that the example of the time table 102 shown in FIG. 5 shows the state after the participant has reached the goal, and a value is stored in a predetermined field every time the participant passes through an intermediate point or the goal. That is, in the start time field, the intermediate point 1 time field, the split time 1 field, the intermediate point 2 time field, the split time 2 field, the goal time field, and the finish time field of the time table 102, values are sequentially stored as the competition or practice progresses.

[0071] Further, the number notification correspondence table 101 and the time table 102 may be stored in the storage unit 58 as files, or may be expanded and stored in the RAM 53 as data.

[0072] In this way, the database 83 stores the notification destination in association with the bib number associated with the identification information.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 4, the storage control unit 84 causes the database 83 to store various types of data. The storage control unit 84 includes a time storage control unit 91, a time storage control unit 92, and a ranking storage control unit 93. The calculation unit 85 calculates time and ranking. The calculation unit 85 includes a time calculation unit 94 and a ranking calculation unit 95.

[0074] The time storage control unit 91 causes the database 83 to store the time value indicated by the reception time data. That is, the time storage control unit 91 is reception time data indicating the tag ID received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44 and the time when the receiving device 22 received the tag ID. When the server 24 receives the tag ID and the reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22, the value of the status field of the record of the time table 102 in which the received tag ID is arranged is referred to, and among the records of the time table 102 in which the received tag ID is arranged, the start time field, the intermediate point 1 time field, the intermediate point 2 time field, or the goal time field, the time value indicated by the reception time data is stored.

[0075] The time calculation unit 94 is an example of a calculation means, and calculates a lap time, a split time, or a finish time from the value of the time indicated by the reception time data. More specifically, for example, when the server 24 receives the tag ID received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44 and the reception time data indicating the time when the receiving device 22 received the tag ID, and the tag ID and the reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22, when the value of the time indicated by the reception time data is stored in any of the intermediate point 1 time field, the intermediate point 2 time field, or the goal time field, among the records of the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged, the split time or the finish time is calculated from the value of the time indicated by the reception time data stored in any of the intermediate point 1 time field, the intermediate point 2 time field, or the goal time field, and the value of the time indicated by the start time field. Also, for example, when the server 24 receives the tag ID received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44 and the reception time data indicating the time when the receiving device 22 received the tag ID, and the tag ID and the reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22, the split time or the finish time is calculated from the value of the time indicated by the reception time data and the value of the time indicated by the start time field.

[0076] In this way, when the time calculation unit 94 receives the identification information and the reception time data, it calculates either the lap time or the split time from the start point to the intermediate point where the antenna 21 is installed, or the finish time from the start point to the goal point where the antenna 21 is installed, for the participant with the bib number 42 associated with the received identification information.

[0077] Note that the time calculation unit 94 calculates the lap time, split time, or finish time for the identification information read earlier from the RF tags 44 of the participant 31 wearing two RF tags 44 by a set of antennas 21 and the receiving device 22.

[0078] The time storage control unit 92 causes the database 83 to store the lap time, split time, or finish time. That is, when the server 24 receives the tag ID received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44 and the reception time data indicating the time when the receiving device 22 received the tag ID, and the value of the time indicated by the reception time data is stored in any of the fields of the intermediate point 1 time, intermediate point 2 time, or goal time, the time storage control unit 92 stores the value of the split time or finish time calculated by the time calculation unit 94 in any of the fields of split time 1, split time 2, or finish time in the record of the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged.

[0079] The ranking calculation unit 95 calculates the ranking of the participants. More specifically, the ranking calculation unit 95 calculates the ranking corresponding to the bib number for each participant wearing a bib with the bib number by referring to the value of the status field, the value of the split time 1 field, the value of the split time 2 field, or the value of the finish time field.

[0080] The ranking storage control unit 93 causes the database 83 to store the ranking. That is, the ranking storage control unit 93 stores the ranking corresponding to the bib number calculated by the ranking calculation unit 95 in each of the ranking fields of the records corresponding to the bib number in the records of the time table 102.

[0081] The notification method and destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the notification method and the notification destination from the database 83. More specifically, the notification method and destination acquisition unit 86 uses the tag ID received by the receiving device 22 from the RF tag 44 and the reception time data indicating the time when the receiving device 22 received the tag ID. When the server 24 receives the tag ID and the reception time data transmitted from the receiving device 22, it refers to the value of the field of the serial number in the record of the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged, and among the data of the notification method and the attributes of the notification destination in the record of the number notification correspondence table 101, it acquires the values of the fields of the notification method and the notification destination corresponding to the referred serial number. That is, the notification method and destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the notification method and the notification destination associated with the serial number associated with the received tag ID.

[0082] The notification generation unit 87 generates notification data including the lap time, split time or finish time and the ranking. More specifically, the notification generation unit 87 sets the destination acquired by the notification method and destination acquisition unit 86 in the data in the format corresponding to the notification method acquired by the notification method and destination acquisition unit 86, and describes the value of the field of the ranking corresponding to the serial number associated with the received tag ID among the split time or finish time calculated by the time calculation unit 94 and the ranking calculated by the ranking calculation unit 95, thereby generating the notification data.

[0083] The status update unit 88 updates the status included in the database 83. More specifically, when the time storage control unit 91 stores the value of the time indicated by the reception time data in any of the fields of the start time, the intermediate point 1 time, the intermediate point 2 time, or the goal time in the record of the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged, the status update unit 88 updates the value of the status field according to the field in which the value of the time is stored in the record of the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged. For example, when the value of the status field indicates whether a participant wearing a bib with a bib number has passed the start point, passed the intermediate point 1, passed the intermediate point 2, or reached the goal, the status update unit 88 updates the value of the status field to a value indicating that the intermediate point 1 has been passed when the value of the time indicated by the reception time data is stored in the intermediate point 1 time field.

[0084] Next, the process of the notification performed by the server 24 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the notification. In step S11, the reception control unit 81 determines whether the tag ID transmitted from the reception device 22 has been received. If it is determined that the tag ID has not been received, the procedure of step S11 is repeated.

[0085] In step S11, if it is determined that the tag ID has been received, the procedure proceeds to step S12, and the time storage control unit 91 acquires the tag ID and the reception time data transmitted together with the tag ID from the reception control unit 81.

[0086] In step S13, the time storage control unit 91 refers to the value of the status field of the record in the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged, and stores the reception time data in the time field of any measurement point associated with the tag ID. For example, the time storage control unit 91 stores the reception time data (the time value indicated by ) in any one of the start time field, the intermediate point 1 time field, the intermediate point 2 time field, or the goal time field of the record in the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged.

[0087] In step S14, the time calculation unit 94 calculates the lap time, split time, or finish time. For example, the time calculation unit 94 calculates the split time or finish time from the time value indicated by the reception time data and the time value indicated by the start time field of the record in the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged. Also, for example, the time calculation unit 94 calculates the split time or finish time from the time value stored in any one of the start time field, the intermediate point 1 time field, and the intermediate point 2 time field of the record in the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged and the time value indicated by the reception time data.

[0088] In step S15, the time storage control unit 92 stores the lap time, split time, or finish time in the time field of any measurement point associated with the tag ID. In step S16, the ranking calculation unit 95 calculates the ranking of all participants. The ranking storage control unit 93 stores the ranking in the database 83.

[0089] In step S17, the notification method notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the rank associated with the received tag ID from the database 83. In step S18, the notification method notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the license plate number associated with the received tag ID from the database 83. In step S19, the notification method notification destination acquisition unit 86 acquires the notification method and the notification destination associated with the license plate number acquired in step S18 from the database 83.

[0090] In step S20, the notification generation unit 87 sets the destination acquired in step S19 in the data in the format corresponding to the notification method acquired in step S19, and describes the lap time, split time or finish time calculated in step S14 and the rank acquired in step S17 to generate the notification data. In step S21, the transmission control unit 82 controls the communication unit 59 to transmit the notification data to the notification destination by the acquired notification method. In step S22, the status update unit 88 updates the status included in the database 83. That is, the status update unit 88 updates the value of the status field in the record of the time table 102 where the received tag ID is arranged.

[0091] In step S23, the status update unit 88 refers to the status included in the database 83 to determine whether all the participants have reached the goal. If it is determined that not all the participants have reached the goal, the process returns to step S11 and the above-described procedure is repeated.

[0092] In step S23, if it is determined that all the participants have reached the goal, the notification process ends.

[0093] In this way, the more accurate lap time, split time, or finish time of each participant can be notified to each participant more quickly. When the measurement system 11 is installed and operated by the operator who operates track events or road race events or practices, the lap time, split time, or finish time of each participant measured by the operator of the event or practice can be notified to each participant.

[0094] As described above, the server 24 performs processing using the identification information read from the RF tag 44 worn by the participant 31 who participates in track events or road race events or practices or walking events among track and field events, and who is wearing the athlete bib 41 with each bib number 42 described thereon.

[0095] The database 83 stores the notification destination in association with the bib number 42 associated with the identification information.

[0096] The communication unit 59 controlled by the reception control unit 81 receives the identification information transmitted from the reception device 22 that reads the identification information with the antenna 21 from the RF tag 44 and the data of the reception time which is the time when the identification information is received.

[0097] When receiving the data of the identification information and the reception time, the calculation unit 85 calculates either the lap time or split time from the start point to the intermediate point where the antenna 21 is installed, or the finish time from the start point to the goal point where the antenna 21 is installed, for the participant 31 with the bib number 42 associated with the received identification information.

[0098] When receiving the data of the identification information and the reception time, the communication unit 59 controlled by the transmission control unit 82 transmits the data of either the calculated lap time or split time or finish time to the notification destination associated with the bib number 42 associated with the received identification information.

[0099] In the database 83, the notification method and the destination of the notification are stored in association with the license plate number 42. In the communication unit 59 controlled by the transmission control unit 82, any of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data can be transmitted to the destination of the notification in the notification method associated with the license plate number 42.

[0100] In the database 83, a notification method including any of push notification, e-mail, or short message can be stored in association with the license plate number 42.

[0101] The calculation unit 85 calculates the ranking of the participant 31 wearing the athlete bib 41 with the license plate number 42 associated with the received identification information, which is the ranking when the data of the identification information and the reception time are received. In the communication unit 59 controlled by the transmission control unit 82, the calculated ranking data and any of the lap time, split time, or finish time data can be transmitted to the destination of the notification associated with the license plate number 42 associated with the received identification information.

[0102] The calculation unit 85 can calculate any of the lap time, split time, or finish time for the identification information read earlier among the identification information read by the set of antennas 21 and the receiving device 22 from the RF tags 44 of the participant 31 wearing two RF tags 44.

[0103] Also, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0104] 11 Measurement system, 21-1 to 21-3 or 21 Antenna, 22-1 to 22-3 or 22 Receiver, 23 Internet, 24 Server, 31-1 to 31-3 or 31 Participant, 32 Start alignment area, 41 Athlete bib (number plate), 42 Bib number, 43 Pad, 44-1 or 44-1 or 44 RF tag, 51 CPU, 52 ROM, 53 RAM, 54 Bus, 55 Input / output interface, 56 Input section, 57 Output section, 58 Storage section, 59 Communication section, 81 Reception control section, 82 Transmission control section, 83 Database, 84 Storage control section, 85 Calculation section, 86 Notification method notification destination acquisition section, 87 Notification generation section, 88 Status update section, 91 Time storage control section, 92 Time storage control section, 93 Ranking storage control section, 94 Time calculation section, 95 Ranking calculation section, 101 Number notification correspondence table, 102 Time table

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that performs processing using identification information read from an RF (radio frequency) tag worn by a participant who participates in a track event, road race event, or practice thereof, or a walking event in track and field, and who is wearing a bib with each bib number described thereon, a storage means for storing a notification destination in association with the bib number associated with the identification information; a receiving means for receiving the identification information transmitted from a receiving device that has read the identification information from the RF tag with an antenna and data of a reception time that is the time when the identification information was received; a calculating means for calculating, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, any one of a lap time, a split time from a start point to an intermediate point where the antenna is installed, or a finish time from the start point to a goal point where the antenna is installed, for a participant wearing the bib with the bib number associated with the received identification information; a transmitting means for transmitting, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, data of any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time to the notification destination associated with the bib number associated with the received identification information An information processing apparatus comprising.

2. In the information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, the storage means stores a notification method and the notification destination in association with the bib number, the transmitting means transmits data of any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time to the notification destination by the notification method associated with the bib number An information processing apparatus.

3. In the information processing apparatus according to Claim 2, the storage means stores the notification method including any one of push notification, e-mail, or short message in association with the bib number An information processing apparatus.

4. In the information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, the calculating means calculates a rank of a participant wearing the bib with the bib number associated with the received identification information, which is the rank at the time when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, The transmission means transmits the calculated ranking data and any one of the lap time, split time, or finish time data, associated with the notification destination associated with the license plate number associated with the received identification information. Information processing apparatus. **Claim 5** In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, Among the identification information read by the set of antennas and the receiving device from the RF tags of the participants wearing two of the RF tags, for the identification information read earlier, any one of the lap time, split time, or finish time is calculated. Information processing apparatus. **Claim 6** An information processing apparatus that performs processing using the identification information read from the RF tags worn by participants who participate in track events, road races, practice, or walking events in track and field, and who wear license plates with their respective license plate numbers. In the information processing method by the information processing apparatus that stores the notification destination in association with the license plate number associated with the identification information, A receiving step of receiving the identification information transmitted from the receiving device that reads the identification information with an antenna from the RF tag and the data of the reception time that is the time when the identification information is received; A calculation step of calculating any one of the lap time or split time from the start point to the intermediate point where the antenna is installed, or the finish time from the start point to the goal point where the antenna is installed, for the participant with the license plate number associated with the received identification information when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received; A transmission step of transmitting any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the license plate number associated with the received identification information when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received An information processing method including. **Claim 7** A computer that performs processing using identification information read from an RF tag worn by a participant who participates in a track event, road race event, or practice thereof, or a walking event in athletics, and who is wearing a bib with each bib number described thereon, the computer storing a notification destination in association with the bib number associated with the identification information. A reception control step of controlling reception of the identification information transmitted from a receiving device that has read the identification information from the RF tag with an antenna and data of a reception time that is the time when the identification information was received. A calculation step of calculating, when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received, any one of a lap time or split time from a start point to an intermediate point where the antenna is installed, or a finish time from the start point to a goal point where the antenna is installed, for the participant with the bib number associated with the received identification information. A transmission control step of controlling transmission of any one of the calculated lap time, split time, or finish time data to the notification destination associated with the bib number associated with the received identification information when the identification information and the data of the reception time are received. A program for executing a process including these steps.

Images