Light induction system

Abstract

As a pacemaker for competitions, it provides a highly visible optical guidance system that ensures long-term synchronization accuracy regardless of the number of connected light-emitting devices or the duration of the competition. [Solution] The system comprises a light-emitting device 1 in which multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a linear fashion, a control device 2 that controls the light-emitting state of the light-emitting device, and a host device 3 that issues commands to the control device. The control device 2 is characterized by comprising: a position update unit that updates the logical current position representing the moving object by floating-point calculation based on a preset target pace or target speed and elapsed time; an automatic correction unit that eliminates the delay time that occurred between the current position and the current time and synchronizes the current position with absolute time; and a comet-type light-emitting unit that performs sequential light emission control to control a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the light-emitting device so that the light-emitting elements corresponding to the current position are emitted sequentially, and sequential dimming control to control the light-emitting elements that have been emitted sequentially.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the fields of sports engineering and electronic control engineering. Specifically, it relates to a light pacing device (Light Pacing System) that visually presents the target pace of athletes using a light-emitting element array such as an LED. In particular, it relates to real-time rendering using a microcontroller, a time synchronization protocol between a host and a client via serial communication, and signal control technology during long-distance laying.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been made to install a light pacing device (Light Pacing System) using a light-emitting element array such as an LED on the track of an athletics stadium and use it as a pacemaker for competitions.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a "light guiding pacemaker unit" is disclosed, in which a conductor is unitized so that each unit has a memory and an arithmetic unit, and each unit can be connected by a connector, and a mechanism is provided in which the next unit starts to emit light triggered by the end of light emission of the previous unit.

[0004] Also, in Patent Document 2, a "light guiding pacemaker" is disclosed, in which a conductor for guiding an athlete with light and a pace controller for setting and controlling the pace are connected, the conductor is composed of a plurality of divided light-emitting members, and a mechanism is provided in which the light-emitting members are sequentially turned on and off by the pace controller.

[0005] Also, in Patent Document 3, a "pacemaker for track and field competitions" is disclosed, which has a plurality of guiding lights arranged on the track of an athletics stadium and a running beam main body for controlling these guiding lights to emit light sequentially. Each guiding light has a structure that can be directly placed on the track, but an LED rendering algorithm and a high-precision long-distance synchronization mechanism are not disclosed.

[0006] Furthermore, while Patent Document 4 discloses a pacemaker for track and field using Wavelight technology, it assumes a stadium-embedded system and does not show implementation logic for a portable, interconnected system using a general-purpose microcontroller. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-80877 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-224681 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-35020 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-37014 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in Patent Document 1, since each unit measures time with an independent clock (oscillator), "cumulative drift," where errors in clock accuracy accumulate as the number of units increases, is unavoidable. While the error may be minor for a 400m lap (20 units), there is a risk that it will develop into a discrepancy of several seconds during long-distance running of 10,000m (25 laps). Furthermore, it is a simple ON / OFF control of the "lamp (light-emitting member 7)," making it impossible to express "afterimages" that indicate the sense of speed and direction of the moving object.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a system where, once started, the lights simply illuminate sequentially according to a set timer, and there is no feedback loop to compensate for communication delays or processing lags that occur during operation. Also, it only describes monotonous "sequential lighting," and does not disclose multi-threaded control (I: setting up for multiple people) that allows multiple runners (teams) to run simultaneously with different colors.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 focuses primarily on displaying world and Japanese record paces, and assumes a stadium-embedded system; it does not show implementation logic for a portable "20m unit linked system" using a general-purpose microcontroller. It also lacks detailed descriptions of LED control algorithms (such as attenuation calculations).

[0011] In this invention, in order to solve the three major problems of conventional simple flashing pacemakers—lack of visibility, cumulative synchronization error (drift), and rigidity of installation—we have realized an optical guidance system with millisecond-level synchronization accuracy and fluid visual effects by using our independently developed "Comet Effect" algorithm, "Hybrid Sync" system, and "Auto Correction" logic technologies.

[0012] In other words, the objective of the present invention is to provide a light-guided system that ensures long-term synchronization accuracy regardless of the number of connected light-emitting devices or the duration of the competition, and that offers excellent visibility, for use as a pacemaker in competitions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objective, the system according to the first invention is: A light-guided system that visually presents the target pace for athletes, The system comprises a light-emitting device in which multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a linear fashion, a control device for controlling the light-emitting state of the light-emitting device, and a host device for issuing commands to the control device. The control device is A position update unit updates the logical current position representing the moving object using floating-point calculations, based on a preset target pace or target speed and elapsed time. and, before A comet-shaped light-emitting unit that performs sequential light emission control to control multiple light-emitting elements arranged in the light-emitting device so that the light-emitting elements corresponding to the current position are sequentially illuminated, and sequential dimming control to control the illuminated light-emitting elements so that they are sequentially dimmed. An automatic correction unit detects the delay time that occurs in CPU processing including LED drawing processing and garbage collection, and continuously repeats the processing of the position update unit until the delay time is eliminated, thereby controlling the sequential light emission control and the sequential dimming control of the comet-shaped light emission unit to be executed in synchronization with the current time. characterized by comprising

[0014] The system according to the second invention is, in the first invention, in the optical induction system according to claim 1, wherein the comet-shaped light emitting part has afterimage generation means for generating afterimage data in which the luminance gradually decreases over a predetermined length toward the rear in the traveling direction with the current position as the head, synthesis rendering means for adding and synthesizing the afterimage data respectively generated for a plurality of different moving bodies on the same light emitting element coordinates and causing the light emitting element to emit light based on the total luminance value, characterized by having

[0015] The system according to the third invention is, in the first or second invention, wherein the control device includes a receiving part for receiving a communication command from the host device, when the receiving part receives a traveling command including a target pace and a start point offset value from the host device, it forcibly sets the current position of the position updating part to the start point offset value and starts relative time management by its own internal timer, which is characterized in that.

[0016] The system according to the fourth invention is, in the first or second invention, a connection control part is provided in an input part of the light emitting device to shape and retransmit an input signal, so that when a plurality of light emitting devices are connected in series, sequential light emission control and sequential dimming control of the light emitting elements are seamlessly executed between the light emitting devices, characterized by comprising

[0017] The program according to the fifth invention is an optical induction program for visually presenting a target pace of a competitor using a light emitting device in which a plurality of light emitting elements are linearly arranged, to a computer A position update that updates a logical current position representing a moving object by floating-point arithmetic based on a preset target pace or target speed and elapsed time Procedure and, before For a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a light-emitting device, sequential light-emitting control for controlling the light-emitting elements corresponding to the current position to emit light sequentially, and sequential dimming control for controlling the light-emitting elements that have emitted light to dim sequentially are executed. Comet-type light emission procedure and An automatic correction procedure that detects the delay time that occurs in CPU processing including LED drawing processing and garbage collection, and continuously repeats the processing of the position update procedure until the delay time is eliminated, thereby controlling the sequential illumination control and the sequential dimming control in the comet-type illumination procedure to be executed in synchronization with the current time, It is characterized by causing the above to be executed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, as a competitive pacemaker, it is possible to provide an optical guidance system that ensures long-term synchronization accuracy without depending on the number of connected light-emitting devices or the competition time and has excellent visibility.

[0019] In particular, when a plurality of light-emitting devices in units of 20 m are connected and used as a competitive pacemaker, synchronization accuracy in milliseconds is ensured, and an excellent visual effect with high visibility is obtained by the image processing approach "comet-type light emission algorithm" for generating light that moves like a fluid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration diagram when the optical guidance system according to the present embodiment is installed on a track in an athletics stadium. [Figure 2] FIG. is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device in the optical guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration diagram of the optical guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration when the optical guidance system according to this embodiment is installed on the track of an athletics stadium. As shown in Figure 1, the optical guidance system of the present invention is used as a pacemaker for competition that visually presents the target pace of an athlete, and comprises a light-emitting device 1 in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in a straight line, a control device 2 that controls the light-emitting state of the light-emitting device 1, and a host device 3 that issues commands to the control device 2.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device 1 in a light-guided system. As shown in Figure 2, the light-emitting device 1 is a unitized array of light-emitting elements, such as multiple LEDs, arranged in a straight line, with each unit designed to be 20m long. The "20m unit" is designed to balance physical installation convenience with electrical signal quality, and the unit configuration includes, for example, "multiple high-brightness LEDs," "a 20m long flexible wiring duct," and "connection connectors." Therefore, when introducing a light-guided system to a 400m track in an athletics stadium, 20 units of the light-emitting device 1 are connected in series.

[0024] The control device 2 is a device that controls the illumination state of the light-emitting device 1 in order to visually present the competitor's target pace. For example, it is configured to use a small and inexpensive microcontroller board such as a Raspberry Pi Pico to perform high-speed driving of the LED strip, physical calculations (position and brightness calculation), drift correction, and serial command analysis.

[0025] The host device 3 is a device that issues commands to the control device 2. For example, it is configured to use a single-board computer such as a Raspberry Pi to perform tasks such as user interface (Web API), session management, absolute time calculation, and sequence control of complex training menus (such as interval running). The host device 3 can also have a web server function using a Python-based application and be configured to accept operations from external devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals.

[0026] Furthermore, the communication protocol between the light-emitting device 1, the control device 2, and the host device 3 should preferably utilize, for example, USB serial communication (UART over USB), and the baud rate should be set to ensure stability while maintaining high-speed communication (usually 115200 bps or higher).

[0027] Figure 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an optical guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the optical guidance system 10 includes a position update unit 11, an automatic correction unit 12, a comet-type light-emitting unit 13, a receiving unit 14, and a coupling control unit 15, and is configured to ensure long-term synchronization accuracy regardless of the number of connected light-emitting devices 1 or the duration of the competition, thereby realizing a mechanism that provides a highly visible pacemaker for competitions.

[0028] The position update unit 11 updates the logical current position representing the moving object using floating-point calculations, based on a preset target pace or target speed and elapsed time.

[0029] Here, we use our proprietary "Hybrid Sync" technology, which combines "absolute time management" on the host side (host device 3) and "relative step driving" on the client side (control device 2) to eliminate the effects of communication delays while guaranteeing long-term synchronization. Details of this technology will be described later.

[0030] The automatic correction unit 12 detects the delay time that has occurred between the current position and the current time, and synchronizes the current position to absolute time by continuously repeating the processing of the position update unit until the delay time is eliminated. Here, "absolute time" refers not to the universally recognized standard time (UTC), but to a monotonically increasing elapsed time such as "session reference elapsed time" or "monotonic clock".

[0031] Here, a proprietary "Auto Correction Logic" technology is used as a dynamic correction mechanism that operates on a microsecond basis and is completed within the client side (control device 2). Details of this technology will be described later.

[0032] The comet-shaped light-emitting unit 13 performs sequential light emission control, which controls the multiple light-emitting elements arranged in the light-emitting device to sequentially emit light from the light-emitting elements corresponding to the current position, and sequential dimming control, which controls the light-emitting elements to sequentially dim the light-emitting elements.

[0033] Furthermore, the comet-shaped light-emitting unit 13 includes afterimage generation means that generates afterimage data in which the brightness gradually decreases over a predetermined length, starting from the current position and moving backward in the direction of travel, and composite rendering means that adds and combines the afterimage data generated for multiple different moving bodies on the same light-emitting element coordinates, and causes the light-emitting element to emit light based on the total brightness value.

[0034] Here, instead of conventional "flashing," we use our proprietary "Comet Effect" technology, an image processing approach to generate light that moves like a fluid. Details of this technology will be described later.

[0035] The receiving unit 14 receives a communication command from the host device 3, and when it receives a driving command from the host device 3 including the target pace and the starting point offset value, it forcibly sets the current position of the position update unit 11 to the starting point offset value and then starts relative time management using its own internal timer.

[0036] The linking control unit 15 provides a buffer circuit at the input of the light-emitting device 1 to reshape and retransmit the input signal, thereby controlling the sequential illumination and sequential dimming of the light-emitting elements between the series-connected light-emitting devices 1 so as to be executed seamlessly. In long-distance wiring, the control unit absorbs the discrepancy in the display position by repeatedly updating the position based on absolute time (catch-up processing using a while loop) to compensate for the accumulation of minute transmission delays that occur each time the signal passes through numerous buffer circuits (linking control unit 15) and processing losses associated with the transmission of long drawing data, thereby maintaining the time and distance accuracy necessary for a race pacemaker.

[0037] As described above, the light-emitting device 1 is a unitized array of light-emitting elements, such as multiple LEDs, arranged in a straight line. Each unit is designed to be 20m long. For example, when introducing a light guidance system to a 400m track in an athletics stadium, 20 units of the light-emitting device 1 are connected in series. When 20 units are connected in series, "data signal attenuation" and "voltage drop" become issues.

[0038] To solve the "data signal attenuation" mentioned above, for example, a buffer circuit is provided at the input of each unit of the light-emitting device 1, and the linking control unit 15 shapes and retransmits the data signals input to each unit, thereby controlling the sequential illumination control and sequential dimming control to be executed seamlessly between the series-connected light-emitting devices 1. The software of the control device 2 manages the multiple linked light-emitting devices as a single continuous logical array in memory and outputs a single serial data to the first light-emitting device. The linking control unit 15 (buffer circuit) in each light-emitting device shapes and retransmits this signal in hardware, so that the software can directly reflect the high-precision floating-point position calculation results over the entire long-distance track without having to consider physical signal attenuation or split control.

[0039] Furthermore, to address the "voltage drop" issue, for example, power lines may be connected between each unit, but power may also be supplied from an external power source every few units.

[0040] Next, we will describe the proprietary technologies of the optical induction system "Luxion" of the present invention, including the "Comet Effect" optical emission algorithm, the "Hybrid Sync" hybrid synchronization system, the "Auto Correction" auto correction logic, and the "Interval Logic" and "Partial Distance Calculation" technologies.

[0041] 1. Comet Effect Algorithm The comet-type emission algorithm is a proprietary technology developed as an image processing approach to generate fluid-like moving light, rather than the conventional "flashing" of light. It is implemented by the draw_head_with_tail function and rendering loop within the control device's firmware (code.py). The comet-type emission algorithm is generated by the following mathematical model.

[0042] (1) Floating-point management of head position: The leading position of the light, P_{head}, is managed as a floating-point number (e.g., 100.45) rather than an integer (LED number). This allows for smooth movement calculations even if the movement per frame is less than 1 LED. (2) Tail damping calculation (Linear Decay): For each pixel i (0 \le i < L) of the "tail" extending backward from the head, the brightness weight W_i is calculated using the following formula. W_i = \max\left(0.0, 1.0 - \frac{i}{L}\right) Here, L is the tail length (tail_len). This linear decay creates a gradient where the beginning is brightest and gradually fades out towards the end. (3) Additive Blending: The most important point is this "additive blending." When multiple runners (e.g., Team A and Team B) pass each other, conventional techniques would overwrite one of the colors, but Luxion adds the new color to the existing color C_{buf} in the buffer. C_{final} = \min\left(255, C_{buf} + C_{team} \times W_i\right) As a result, the areas where the light overlaps shine brighter, maintaining the presence of both. This mimics the physical behavior of light and dramatically improves visibility. (4) Environmental decay (Global Exponential Decay): Furthermore, at the end of each frame's rendering process, a decay_all(0.90) process is performed, which multiplies all pixels by a constant decay coefficient (e.g., 0.90).1 C_{buf}(t+1) = C_{buf}(t) \times 0.90 This prevents the LEDs from turning off instantly, leaving a slight afterimage (motion blur) that complements the smoothness of the movement. This creates a visual effect similar to that of a CRT monitor or fluid behavior.

[0043] 2. Hybrid Sync System Hybrid synchronization is a proprietary technology developed by combining "absolute time management" on the host side (host device 3) and "relative step driving" on the client side (control device 2), eliminating the effects of communication delays while guaranteeing long-term synchronization.

[0044] 2.1. Challenges: Limitations of pure real-time communication In a method where the host sends an instruction every frame to "light up LED number XX," the movement of the light becomes jerky due to OS task scheduling and USB communication jitter. Conversely, in a method where only "start" is sent to the client and the rest is left to it (Patent Document 2), the clock drift accumulates over time.

[0045] 2.2. Solution: Start Offset Logic In Luxion, synchronization is performed using the following steps. (1) Host side (absolute coordinate calculation): The host calculates the ideal distance D_{ideal} based on the elapsed time T_{elapsed} since the session started. Then, it calculates the "start offset S_{offset}" for when the command is sent. S_{offset} = D_{ideal} \pmod{\text{TrackLength}} This generates a LAP command that includes this S_{offset}. LAP {team} {pace} 400 -1 R {r} {g} {b} {w} {tail} {decay} {offset} (2) Client side (relative start): When Pico receives a LAP command, it immediately resets its internal state, but sets the position counter to the received S_{offset} instead of 0. It then records that moment as T_{start} (internal clock) and operates autonomously based on the internal clock thereafter. (3) The magic of synchronization: Even if a communication packet arrives with a 1-second delay, the host sends the absolute position at the time of command generation, rather than sending the position one second in the future as an offset. Since the client starts running the moment it receives the packet, a small discrepancy may occur, but forced synchronization using the absolute position is performed again at the next session switch (such as during an interval), so the discrepancy does not accumulate indefinitely. This is what makes it a "hybrid" system.

[0046] 3. Automatic Correction Logic The automatic correction logic is a proprietary technology developed as a dynamic correction mechanism that operates on a microsecond basis and is completed entirely within the client side (control device 2).

[0047] 3.1. Implementation of the Catch-up Loop In a normal program, the process written as if (time > next_frame) update() is implemented as a while loop in Luxion. <Core part of the Python library code.py> while now >= t["next_t"]: t["next_t"] += t["step_s"] # Update the scheduled time for the next step t["pos"] = (t["pos"] + t["dir"] * t["inc"]) % NUM_PIXELS # Update the position #... (Distance subtraction process)... <Intention of the logic> When CPU processing is temporarily blocked due to LED drawing processing (flush_pixels) or garbage collection, and the actual time now greatly exceeds the scheduled time next_t (for example, when it is 3 frames behind), this while loop rotates at high speed three times continuously. <Effect> Although the drawing to the screen (LED) is skipped, only the internal calculations of "position" and "distance" catch up with the actual time at a fierce pace. As a result, even if processing drops occur, the light "warps" and returns to the correct position, and the physical pace (average speed) is always perfectly maintained.

[0048] 3.2. Host-Driven Distance Management (D2) In the present invention, the host device 3 is responsible for managing the travel distance. The host device 3 calculates the travel duration from the target distance and pace specified at the start of the session, and ends the session by transmitting a STOP command to the control device when the elapsed time reaches the target duration. As a result, even for an intermediate distance such as "half a lap (200m)", it is possible to control the session with time conversion accuracy, and it can flexibly respond to any distance setting compared to the fixed timer method disclosed in Patent Document 2.

[0049] 4. Automatic Cycle Switching (Interval Logic) The host-side global_manager_loop is implemented as a state machine and manages three states: "IDLE (stopped)", "PRE_WAIT (preparation for start)", and "RUN (running)". In the PRE_WAIT state, an LED countdown display function can be invoked just before the start. This function uses the LAP command to display a special representation where "remaining seconds" are likened to "distance" (for example, placing a light 3 pixels ahead if there are 3 seconds remaining). This allows competitors to visually grasp the timing of the start. This is similar to the "On Your Mark" control disclosed in Patent Document 4 (Wavelight-related patent), but Luxion is characterized by realizing this within a general-purpose command system.

[0050] 5. Partial distance calculation As mentioned earlier, D2 enables distance management in steps rather than laps. This makes it possible to set an unconventional training goal at any point on the track (e.g., 135m).

[0051] Based on the above, the "Luxion" optical guidance system of the present invention can ensure long-term synchronization accuracy regardless of the number of connected light-emitting devices or the duration of the competition, and can realize a highly visible pacemaker for competitions.

[0052] Furthermore, the position update unit 11, automatic correction unit 12, comet-type light emission unit 13, receiving unit 14, and coupling control unit 15, which are shown in Figure 3 as an example of the functional configuration in the optical guidance system, may be implemented, for example, as a program to be executed in the control device 2 or host device 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1…Light-emitting device 2…Control device 3…Host device 10… Light-guided systems 11...Position update section 12...Automatic correction unit 13...Comet-shaped light-emitting section 14... Receiver 15…Coupling Control Unit

Claims

1. A light-guided system that visually presents the target pace for athletes, The system comprises a light-emitting device in which multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a linear fashion, a control device for controlling the light-emitting state of the light-emitting device, and a host device for issuing commands to the control device. The control device is A position update unit updates the logical current position representing a moving object using floating-point calculations based on a preset target pace or target speed and elapsed time. A comet-shaped light-emitting unit that performs sequential light emission control to control a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the light-emitting device so that the light-emitting elements corresponding to the current position are sequentially illuminated, and sequential dimming control to control the illuminated light-emitting elements so that they are sequentially dimmed. An automatic correction unit detects the delay time that occurs in CPU processing including LED drawing processing and garbage collection, and continuously repeats the processing of the position update unit until the delay time is eliminated, thereby controlling the sequential light emission control and the sequential dimming control of the comet-shaped light emission unit to be executed in synchronization with the current time. A light induction system characterized by comprising the following features.

2. In the optical induction system according to claim 1, The aforementioned comet-shaped light-emitting section is A residual image generation means generates residual image data in which the brightness gradually decreases over a predetermined length, with the current position as the leading edge and moving backward in the direction of travel. A composite rendering means that adds and combines the afterimage data generated for multiple different moving objects on the same light-emitting element coordinates, and causes the light-emitting element to emit light based on the total brightness value, A light induction system characterized by having the following features.

3. In the optical induction system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The control device is The device includes a receiving unit that receives communication commands from the host device, The optical guidance system is characterized in that, when the receiving unit receives a driving command from the host device including a target pace and a starting point offset value, it forcibly sets the current position of the position update unit to the starting point offset value and then starts relative time management using its own internal timer.

4. In the optical induction system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The control device is An optical induction system characterized by having a coupling control unit that controls the sequential illumination control and sequential dimming control of the light-emitting elements between multiple light-emitting devices when multiple light-emitting devices are connected in series, by providing a buffer circuit at the input of the light-emitting device to reshape and retransmit the input signal.

5. A light-guided program that visually presents an athlete's target pace using a light-emitting device in which multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a straight line, On the computer, A position update procedure that updates the logical current position representing a moving object using floating-point calculations based on a preset target pace or target speed and elapsed time, A comet-type emission procedure that performs sequential emission control to control a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the light-emitting device so that the light-emitting elements corresponding to the current position are emitted sequentially, and sequential dimming control to control the emitted light-emitting elements so that they are dimmed sequentially, An automatic correction procedure that detects the delay time that occurs in CPU processing including LED drawing processing and garbage collection, and continuously repeats the processing of the position update procedure until the delay time is eliminated, thereby controlling the sequential illumination control and the sequential dimming control in the comet-type illumination procedure to be executed in synchronization with the current time, A light-induction program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

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