Portable sports timing device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a portable sports timing device (1), for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event, comprising: a processor, a memory module having stored thereon an event route (R) comprising a timing geolocation (L), a GNSS module switchable from a default mode to a high accuracy mode, a mobile radio communication module, and a battery. The device determines current geolocation and switches into the high accuracy mode inside a geographical zone containing the timing geolocation, determines a time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes the timing geolocation (L) and transmits the time-point to a cloud-based server.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE SPORTS TIMING DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a device, system and method for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Sports events such as running or bicycle races require precise timing of participants to determine both their overall time for the event, as well as for intermediary (split) timechecks. This allows for providing each participant with their overall and split times and allows for ranking participants (determining a winner, for example). Particularly for sports events which have a lot of media coverage, in particular live media coverage, it is crucial to obtain timing results of participants crossing the finish line or intermediary lines on a real-time, or near real-time basis, such that up-to-date split-times and rankings can be displayed live, or almost live.

[0006] Prior art timing infrastructure with cameras and / or lasers are known. These are typically installed at the start, end and intermediate lines of an event, in order to measure the time-points at which participants crossed these lines. Participants would often have to be identified and their times manually recorded. Nowadays, active transponders or passive radio frequency solutions, such as RFID, are in use, which are carried by the participants, where crossing a line is detected by roadside timing infrastructure receiving a signal from the transponders. However, setting up roadside timing infrastructure is cumbersome, complex, and expensive.

[0007] Prior art devices such as sport and fitness watches are known. These devices use typically GNSS for determination of the current position and participants’ activity time and may have also means for detecting the participant’s vital parameters. These devices typically record the current position locally in the device memory and may feature functionality to share a recorded activity with a smart-phone via short range wireless communication. However, these sport and fitness watches cannot be operated for precise timing in races, for example, because they do not operate in a synchronous manner. In particular, each watch has its own time reference and they further have no means for precisely detecting a location where a time recording is to take place. Therefore, such devices must be combined with roadside timing infrastructure which requires the participant to wear or carry an additional timing chip.

[0008] For some sport events, the tracking of participants is important. In particular for events with long and challenging routes, such as trail running events or long distance triathlons, in which the participants may not always be visible to organizers and / or may be subject to hazards, it may be important to obtain information relating to the current geolocation of the participants. Such tracking not only improves the safety of the event by allowing the organizers to determine if the route has been followed correctly, whether a participant has stopped moving, etc., but also allows for verification after the event has finished to validate each participants route (e.g., that no shortcuts were taken or outside aid given). Such trackers which determine a geolocation of a participant using a global satellite navigation system (GNSS) receiver and report it using radio communication, are known.

[0009] Enabling both accurate timing and tracking of participants typically requires the participant to have two separate devices, one of enabling timing and one for enabling tracking, in addition to the roadside infrastructure which detects the passing of participants.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide a simpler and more compact solution which enables tracking and timing of a participant in a more advantageous manner. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] It is an object of the disclosure and embodiments disclosed herein to provide a device, systems and methods for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event.

[0012] In particular, it is an object of the disclosure and embodiments disclosed herein to provide a portable sports timing device, a system comprising a portable sports timing device and a cloud-based server, as well as a method for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event, which do not have at least some disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a portable sports timing device for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event. The portable sports timing device comprises a processor, a memory module having stored thereon an event route comprising at least one timing geolocation, a GNSS module, a mobile radio communication module, and a battery. The GNSS module is preferably switchable from a default mode to a high accuracy mode which provides a higher positional accuracy than a default positional accuracy in the default mode. The battery is configured to power the portable sports timing device. The memory module further comprises a tracking module, a timing module and a control module. The tracking module comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines, using the GNSS module in the default mode, a current geolocation of the portable sports timing device. The timing module may comprise program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines, using the GNSS module in the high accuracy mode, a time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes a particular timing geolocation of the at least one timing geolocation(s). The timing module comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor transmits, using the mobile radio communication module, the time-point, via a mobile radio communication network, to a cloud-based server. The control module comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor activates the timing module or the tracking module, depending on the portable sports timing device being within a defined geographical (timing) zone containing the particular timing geolocation, such that the timing module is active when the portable sports timing device is in the defined geographical zone.

[0014] The GNSS module is configured such that, in the high accuracy mode, the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device is determined to a higher positional accuracy relative to the low accuracy mode. As described herein, this may comprise the GNSS module having a higher update rate (i.e. how often it recalculates and / reports the position to the processor) in the high accuracy mode than in the default mode, the GNSS module receiving signals from more navigation satellite systems than in the default mode, and / or the GNSS module receiving and using GNSS correction data (preferably local and up-to-date) for providing a corrected or augmented current geolocation. In other words, in the high accuracy mode, the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device has a lower uncertainty or error margin than in the default mode. This allows for accurate determination time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes the timing geolocation.

[0015] In particular, the GNSS module having a higher update rate means the GNSS module recalculates and / or reports the position to the processor at a higher rate. This in turn may be based on a higher GNSS signal polling rate resp. GNSS signal polling frequency.

[0016] In an embodiment, the positional accuracy in the high accuracy mode is such that the determined time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes a particular timing geolocation is determined within an accuracy of below 1 second, preferably below 100 milliseconds, more preferably below 50 milliseconds, more preferably below 1 millisecond. Such high positional accuracy may be achieved through a high positional accuracy of GNSS data received from the GNSS module and / or a high update rate. Accordingly, the GNSS module may be configured to provide, to the processor, the current geolocation at a rate of over 1 Hz, over 10 Hz, or over 50 Hz. Achieving the required time accuracy further depends on the speed at which the port able sports timing device is moving, in that with a doubling of speed, doubled geolocation rate is advantageous, to interpolate over the same distance segment, which is particularly important for curved routes, for instance from a runner moving at 5 m / s to a cyclist moving at 10 m / s.

[0017] The portable sports timing device may be configured such that, between the defined one or more geographical zones associated with the one or more timing geolocations, it operates in the default mode.

[0018] Typically, the participant is located with the one or more geographical zones for only a fraction of the duration of the whole event (e.g., the event duration may be, for a typical participant, 4 hours, yet the participant may spend less than 5 minutes in the one or more defined geographical zones).

[0019] The portable sports timing device may consume less electrical energy in the default mode than in the high-accuracy mode. The lowered energy consumption may be due to lower computational demands in the default mode (i.e. less processor and / or GNSS module activity) and / or lower GNSS signal polling frequency, for example. Therefore, the portable sports timing device is designed for energy efficient operation and is suitable for tracking and timing events of a long duration.

[0020] The processor preferably activates the timing module only upon determining that the portable sports timing device has entered, or is in, a defined geographical zone comprising a particular timing geolocation(s). This further improves the energy efficiency of the portable sports timing device.

[0021] The portable sports timing device does not require a prohibitively large battery, even for long events, and therefore may be designed as a light-weight device. Specifically, the portable sports timing device may be designed such that it weighs less than 100 g, preferably less than 60 g. Thereby, it is light enough that it can be attached to the wrist or ankle of the participant without causing undue disturbance or discomfort.

[0022] In addition, a further advantage of the disclosed portable sports timing device is that, as opposed to prior art solutions, start-, end- and intermediate lines of an event route, as defined by the timing geolocations, need not to be physically indicated or provided by roadside infrastructure, but may be stored on the memory module of the portable sports timing device (in other words, the timing geolocations exist only virtually). Therefore, stationary technical infrastructure adjacent to the route is not necessarily required to accurately determine a time-point of crossing the timing geolocations.

[0023] In addition, a further advantage is that, as opposed to the prior art solutions involving roadside timing infrastructure which reports the time-points of passing participants, wireless communication from devices carried by participants may, on the whole, be reduced. This is because the determination of the time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes a particular timing geolocation is executed on the portable sports timing device itself, preferably using received GNSS signals, and is not determined using an external device which receives signals from a transponder carried by a participant.

[0024] In addition, a further advantage of the disclosed portable sports timing device is that both tracking and timing are enabled by the device, meaning that the participant does not need to carry any other separate device for timing and / or tracking purposes. Thereby, this reduces the number of devices and the overall weight a participant needs to carry.

[0025] In an embodiment, the control module further comprises program code configured to control the processor to receive the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device, in particular from the GNSS module. The GNSS module may be in the default mode and / or the high accuracy mode. This allows for the control module to activate the tracking module or the timing module according to the current geolocation.

[0026] In an embodiment, the control module further comprises program code configured to control the processor to initially (e.g., at the start of the event) activate the tracking module, in particular prior to an activation of the timing module. Alternatively, the control module may comprise program code configured to control the processor to initially activate the timing module.

[0027] In an embodiment, the control module further comprises program code configured to control the processor to (re)activate the tracking module upon the portable sports timing device leaving the defined geographical zone.

[0028] In an embodiment, the control module further comprises program code configured to control the processor to receive a current geolocation from the GNSS module and to check whether the portable sports timing device is in the geographical zone or not. In particular, this may be performed every 5 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably every 5 seconds to 30 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, the check may be performed at timepoints determined dynamically, for instance in a manner with a time interval that decreases when approaching the defined geographical zone.

[0029] In an embodiment, the control module further comprises program code configured to control the processor to deactivate the timing module when the tracking module is activated, and vice versa.

[0030] In an embodiment, the particular timing geolocation is defined as a line between two locations on Earth, in particular two points. Optionally, a timing geolocation has an associated direction of crossing. More specifically, a direction indicator (e.g., a geographical orientation) may be associated with each timing geolocation, such that a particular timing geolocation is only considered passed if the participant passes the timing geolocation in the defined direction.

[0031] In an embodiment, the event route and the timing geolocation(s) are stored in a data module on the memory module.

[0032] In an embodiment, the tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor switches the GNSS module into default mode upon the processor determining that the portable sports timing device is crossing a start line represented as a (timing) geolocation and / or the portable sports timing device is leaving a geographical zone.

[0033] In an embodiment, the timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor switches the GNSS module into high accuracy mode upon the processor determining that the portable sports timing device is entering a defined geographical zone.

[0034] In an embodiment, the timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor receives, from the GNSS module, GNSS data, namely a geolocation of the portable sports timing device and a time-point corresponding to the portable sports timing device being at the respective geolocation, based on trilateration.

[0035] In an embodiment, the timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor receives, from the GNSS module, GNSS raw data (raw GNSS signal data), comprising location data and time data of the GNSS satellites, and the processor - instead of or in addition to the GNSS module as described above - determines the geolocation and the time-point corresponding to the portable sports timing device being at the respective geolocation. Based on that, the program code may in particular be configured to further control the processor, such that the processor determines the time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes a particular timing geolocation using the geolocation of the portable sports timing device and the respective time-point. In particular, the time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes a particular timing geolocation is determined using a plurality of determined geolocations and their respective time-points.

[0036] In an embodiment, the time-point is recorded in the memory module together with an indication of the therewith associated timing geolocation.

[0037] In an embodiment, the time-point is transmitted, using the mobile radio communication module, to the cloud-based server, immediately subsequent to its determination, in particular within 2 seconds, preferably within 0.5 seconds. This has the advantage of receiving, in the cloud-server a near real-time indication of the time-point at which the particular participant passed the particular timing geolocation. The cloud-server may then make the time-point available for further parties such as servers or devices operated or in possession of the media, coaches, viewers, and security personnel.

[0038] In particular, a low latency has the advantage of receiving, in the cloud-server a near real-time indication of the time-point at which the particular participant passed the particular timing geolocation.

[0039] In an embodiment, the timing module further comprises program code configured to activate the mobile radio communication module in order to provide a near real-time update to the further parties, such as servers or devices operated or in possession of the media, coaches, viewers, and security personnel.

[0040] In an embodiment, the mobile radio communication module is in particular a cellular radio communication module configured to communicate according to a mobile radio communication standard, in particular based on GSM / EDGE and / or UMTS / HSPA standards, e.g., 3G or LTE, LTE-M and / or NB-loT.

[0041] In an embodiment, the stored event route comprising at least one timing geolocation is stored onto the memory module resp. the data module of the memory module for a single or a group of portable sports timing devices designated for the particular sports event. This may take place during initialization or configuration, before distributing the portable sports timing devices to the participants of the event.

[0042] In an embodiment, the portable sports timing device is in particular implemented as a wearable device, worn on the body of the participant, for instance attached using a wrist strap or ankle strap. It may also be a device carried by the participant or attachable to clothing or equipment used by the participant. In particular, it may be attachable to a garment, headgear and / or bicycle of the participant. The portable sports timing device is therefore suitable for all manner of sports events, such as running events (e.g., a marathon), cycling events (e.g., a gran fondo or sportive), multi-sport events such as triathlons, etc. The portable sports timing device is suitable for amateur as well as professional events.

[0043] In an embodiment, the memory module further has a reference time-point and a defined update time-interval stored thereon. The tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines the current geolocation of the sports timing device at regularly spaced time-points defined by the reference time-point and the update time-interval. The tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor transmits, using the mobile radio communication module, the current geolocation, via the mobile radio communication network, to the cloud-based server. This has the advantage of receiving, in the cloud-based server, current geolocations of a plurality of portable sports timing devices in a synchronized manner. This allows knowing the current location of the participants at common time-points in relation to the reference time-point.

[0044] In particular, the current time is determined, by the portable sports timing device, by way of GNSS signals received by the GNSS module.

[0045] In an embodiment, the update time-intervals are comparably large as opposed to intervals generally used with GNSS modules. For example, the update time intervals may be greater than 5 minutes. In particular, the update time-intervals may be defined depending on the event duration and / or the battery energy capacity (and / or the remaining battery charge).

[0046] In an embodiment, the time-points is defined by the reference time-point and the update time-interval as follows: t = to +n*At, where to is the reference time-point, At is the update time-interval, and n is a natural number.

[0047] In particular, these time-points are the regularly spaced time-points defined by the reference time-point and the update time-interval.

[0048] In an embodiment, the transmittal of the current geolocation is in particular executed after a randomized time-interval of between 0 and 5 seconds after its determination, thereby avoiding an overload of the mobile radio communication network. In particular, signal collisions from multiple devices of multiple participants transmitting their current geolocation at the same time can be avoided.

[0049] In an embodiment, the defined update time-interval lies between 5 seconds and an hour, more preferably at 2 minutes to 5 minutes, depending in particular on an expected duration of the event and / or the participants progress along the event route with respect to time.

[0050] In an embodiment, the at least one reference time-point and the update time-interval are stored onto the memory module resp. the data module of the memory module prior to the event.

[0051] In an embodiment, the tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor records, in the memory module, the current geolocation, as a passed geolocation. The tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor transmits, using the mobile radio communication module, a plurality of recorded passed geolocations (i.e., past geolocations), via the mobile radio communication network, to the cloud-based server.

[0052] The plurality of recorded passed geolocations may be defined as the passed geolocations not yet having been transmitted. In other words, the recorded passed geolocations may be buffered (e.g., temporarily stored and flagged for transmission), such that a passed geolocation is not transmitted multiple times.

[0053] In an embodiment, the passed geolocations are recorded at the time-points at the regularly spaced time-points defined by the reference time-point and the update timeinterval, or at one or more time-points between the time-points at the regularly spaced time-points defined by the reference time-point and the update time-interval.

[0054] In an embodiment, the recorded passed geolocations are transmitted after a defined number, i.e. a batch size or number, of passed geolocations are recorded. The defined number may be dependent on an event duration and / or an event type. In an embodiment, the recorded passed geolocations are transmitted after a certain buffer time interval has passed.

[0055] In an embodiment, after transmittal, the transmitted passed geolocations may be deleted, or also retained for participant validation purposes.

[0056] In an embodiment, the timing module comprises program code further configured to control the processor, such that the processor receives, using the mobile radio communication module and / or the GNSS module, a DGNSS signal. The timing module comprises program code further configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines, using the GNSS module and geolocation correction information included in the DGNSS signal or based on the signal properties of the DGNSS signal, the time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes the particular timing geolocation. In an embodiment, the geolocation correction information is differential correction information. Determining the time-point using the geolocation correction information may be done by either providing the geolocation correction information to the GNSS module and receiving, from the GNSS module, a corrected geolocation, or in the processor, by receiving the uncorrected geolocation from the GNSS module and then correcting, in the processor, the uncorrected geolocation using the received geolocation correction information.

[0057] In an embodiment, the DGNSS signal is transmitted by a GBAS station, a cellular radio communication station, or a satellite. The signal may be received every 10 seconds, for example.

[0058] In an embodiment, the DGNSS signal comprises code based correction data, phase based correction data, and / or correction data received from one or more reference stations. In an embodiment, the GNSS module applies corrections to determine a more accurate current location, using the correction data (i.e. , the code based correction data, the phase based correction data, and / or the correction data receive from the one or more reference stations). The correction performed comprises a LADGNSS / GBAS correction.

[0059] In an embodiment, the GNSS module comprises a real-time-kinematic (RTK) submodule, and the performed correction comprises a phase based correction.

[0060] In an embodiment, the geolocation correction information may be determined, using a two-frequency GNSS module, based on signal properties of two GNSS signals at two distinct frequencies or frequency bands. Receiving further signals at further frequencies is also conceivable.

[0061] In an embodiment, the portable sports timing device further comprises an additional radio communication module. The timing module comprises computer program code further configured to control the processor, such that the processor receives, using the additional radio communication module, a plurality of Bluetooth signals from a Bluetooth transmitter array arranged at a particular one of the timing geolocations. The timing module comprises computer program code further configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines, using the plurality of Bluetooth signals, an angle of departure between the portable sports timing device and a longitudinal axis of the Bluetooth transmitter array. The timing module comprises computer program code further configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines the timepoint at which the portable sports timing device passes the particular timing geolocation as the time-point at which the angle of departure meets a defined criterion.

[0062] In an embodiment, the timing module comprises computer program code further configured to control the processor, such that the processor activates the additional radio communication module only once the portable sports timing device is within the defined geographical zone containing the particular timing geolocation. The timing module may further comprise computer program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor deactivates the additional radio communication module once the portable sports timing device is not in the defined geographical zone anymore.

[0063] In an embodiment, a flag indicating the usage of Bluetooth within a geographical zone of the respective timing geolocation may be stored on the memory module resp. on the memory space of the memory module. The timing module further comprises computer program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines whether the flag is set for an upcoming timing geolocation, and if so, activates the additional radio communication module and determines the time-point based on the angle of departure calculation as described above. The flag indicating the usage of Bluetooth may be linked in storage with the respective timing geolocation.

[0064] In an embodiment, the reception of signals from a Bluetooth transmitter array is preferably used in cases where GNSS signals are known to be less reliable, such as inside buildings, in valleys or urban environments with high buildings, or in a forest.

[0065] In an embodiment, in particular, in order to calculate the angle of departure, no two-way Bluetooth communication is necessary, but a simple broadcast signal suffices.

[0066] In an embodiment, the portable sports timing device further comprises an inertial measurement unit. The timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines, using a plurality of recorded geolocations of the portable sports timing device, a current velocity vO of the portable sports timing device. The timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor receives, from the inertial measurement unit, motion data of the portable sports timing device. The timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines an augmented current geolocation and velocity by combining, using a data fusion algorithm, data from the GNSS module, and the motion data, in simplest form via v = v0+ a*t, where vO is the current velocity, t is the time between vO and v, and a is the acceleration known from motion data. The timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines the timepoint at which the portable sports timing device passes the particular timing geolocation using the augmented current geolocation and velocity.

[0067] In an embodiment, in particular, the motion data comprises acceleration data and angular rate measurement data.

[0068] In an embodiment, in particular, the used data fusion algorithm may be a loosely coupled data fusion algorithm, in that the used data is: the current geolocation as determined by the GNSS module, a current estimated or measured velocity, and the motion data. A tightly coupled data fusion algorithm is also conceivable, in which the processor receives and uses the raw GNSS signals directly provided by the GNSS module.

[0069] In an embodiment, in particular, the velocity is a vector with direction and speed magnitude.

[0070] In an embodiment, the data fusion algorithm includes a dead reckoning (DR) algorithm and / or an extended Kalman filter.

[0071] In an embodiment, the velocity is provided by the GNSS module based on at least two geolocations, Doppler shift measurements, carrier phase measurements, and / or an estimated output by the inertial measurement unit.

[0072] In an embodiment, the timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor receives, preferably using the additional radio communication module, from a nearby further portable sports timing device, geolocation correction information. The timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines, using the GNSS module and the geolocation correction information, the time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes the particular timing geolocation.

[0073] In an embodiment, in particular, the received geolocation correction information is broadcast by the nearby further portable sports timing device, using its respective additional radio communication module.

[0074] The information may be received at an interval of 10 seconds, for example.

[0075] In an embodiment, the additional radio communication module comprises short range transceivers such as Bluetooth and / or ANT+ transceivers. In particular, the geolocation correction information and / or motion data is received by a signal at 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz.

[0076] In an embodiment, the timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor switches the GNSS module into the high accuracy mode having a GNSS signal polling rate of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 25 Hz. The timing module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines, using the GNSS module, the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device at a rate of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 25 Hz.

[0077] In an embodiment, the high accuracy mode of the GNSS module comprises, a multiband mode in which the GNSS module tracks more than one radio signal from each satellite on different frequencies. In particular, the GNSS module may receive two or more different frequencies. In an embodiment, the defined geographical zone is defined to extend along the event route such that a first distance between the geographical zone boundary before a particular timing geolocation is greater than a second distance between the timing geolocation and the geographical zone boundary.

[0078] Such an asymmetrical geographical zone is designed to ensure that the timing module is activated well before the portable sports timing passes the timing geolocation, such that there is sufficient time to receive geolocation correction information and / or further correction information such as motion data for correcting or augmenting the determined geolocation, and / or powering up resp. activating the additional radio communication module.

[0079] In addition, geolocations which lie ahead of a timing geolocation within the geographical zone may already be determined, in order to determine the time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes the timing geolocation. Defining the geographical zone such that it is shorter after having passed the timing geolocation, on the other hand, saves power as it ensures a timely deactivation of the timing module, due to the portable sports timing device consuming greater energy consumption when the timing module is active.

[0080] The geographical zone may have any predefined or determinable form. It may be a circle, ellipse, square, rectangle, etc.

[0081] In an embodiment, the control module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines the geographical zonecomprising an upcoming respective timing geolocation, in particular the geographical zone size, using one or more of: a defined distance or a defined time, the defined time calculated using a current velocity of the sports timing device. In particular, the control module may be configured such that the processor dynamically determines the geographical zone, using one or more of: a defined distance to the timing geolocation, or a defined time until arrival at the timing geolocation. The defined time is compared to an expected time until arrival at the timing geolocation, which expected time may be calculated using a current geolocation and a current velocity of the sports timing device.

[0082] In an embodiment, the geographical zone boundaries are determined dynamically in the portable sports timing device, based on a current or average velocity of the portable sports timing device. In other words, the geographical zone may be scaled with velocity. This reduces the need for sport or event-specific configuration.

[0083] In particular, in an embodiment, the geographical zone boundaries is determined depending on an approach vector.

[0084] In particular, in an embodiment, the geographical zone has a race specific defined form and its size is either fixed or dynamically scaled according the participant’s and therefore the device’s velocity.

[0085] In an embodiment, the velocity may be measured or estimated, for instance with data from an inertial measurement unit, data from the GNSS module or a combination thereof.

[0086] In an embodiment, the geographical zones are pre-defined and stored on the memory module in association with the timing geolocations, respectively.

[0087] In an embodiment, the memory module has further stored thereon a perimeter region of at least parts of the event route. The tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor transmits, using the mobile radio communication module, a notification message to the cloud based server, if the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device is outside the perimeter region of the event route. This has the advantage of increasing participants’ safety by providing a notification to the organizers.

[0088] In an embodiment, the portable sports timing device further comprises LED(s) and / or a vibration motor, and the tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor activates the LED(s) and / or the vibration motor. This has the advantage of notifying the participant that he or she has left the perimeter region of the event route.

[0089] In an embodiment, a bidirectional communication is implemented, such that the vibration motor or LEDs may be activated remotely after reception of an appropriate signal from the cloud-based server.

[0090] In an embodiment, the tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor periodically activates the GNSS module, after a defined time-out period, from a shutdown mode into an active mode. The GNSS module may be configured such that the GNSS module consumes little to no energy in the shutdown mode as compared to the active mode. The tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor determines the current geolocation, while the GNSS module is in the active mode. The tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor deactivates the GNSS module, after the current geolocation has been determined. This has an advantage of saving battery during the sports event or event after the sports event.

[0091] In an embodiment, the deactivation of the GNSS module is executed only while being a defined distance and / or time from the upcoming geolocation, in order not be shut down when entering the geographical zone comprising a upcoming respective timing geolocation. The defined distance and / or time may be dependent on the required time to start up the GNSS module, which may be in the range of 5 to 10 seconds. The current velocity of the participant may be taken into account.

[0092] In an embodiment, the time-out period may be approx. 5 seconds, 30 seconds, or even up to 3 to 10 minutes, preferably 5 to 10 minutes, depending, for example, on the expected duration of the event. The expected duration, or alternatively, the route length and a lowest expected average speed, may be stored onto the memory module resp. the data module of the memory module for a single or a batch of portable sports timing devices designated for the particular sports event, for example during initialization, before distributing the portable sports timing devices to the participants of the event.

[0093] In an embodiment, the same or a varying time-out period is implemented for the mobile radio communication module.

[0094] In an embodiment, the cloud server is configured to put the portable sports timing device into energy saving mode or into a mode corresponding to having reached the end of event, if the portable sports timing device has not been returned to the distributor resp. owner of the portable sports timing device.

[0095] In an embodiment, the tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor deactivates transmission of the current geolocation using the mobile radio communication module, if battery level of the battery falls below a first defined threshold value. The tracking module further comprises program code configured to control the processor, such that the processor optionally deactivates transmission of the recorded time-point(s) using the mobile radio communication module, if the battery level falls below a second defined threshold value, the second defined threshold value lower than the first defined threshold value. The present disclosure further relates to a system for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event. The system comprises at least one portable sports timing device as described herein. The system further comprises a cloud-based server. The at least one portable sports timing device is configured to transmit, using the mobile radio communication module, the recorded time-point(s) associated with the passed timing geolocation(s). The cloud-based server is configured to receive time-point(s) associated with the passed timing geolocation(s), via a mobile radio communication network, transmitted by the portable sports timing device. The cloud-based server is optionally configured to record the time-point(s) and generate a ranking of the at least one portable sports timing devices by ordering the time-point(s) associated with the passed timing geolocation(s) of the portable sports timing device.

[0096] The present disclosure further relates to a method for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event, using a portable sports timing device. The portable sports timing device comprises a processor, a GNSS module, a mobile radio communication module, a battery and a memory module. The GNSS module may be switchable from a default mode to a high accuracy mode which provides a higher positional accuracy than the default positional accuracy in the default mode. The battery is configured to power the portable sports timing device. The memory module has stored thereon an event route comprising at least one timing geolocation, and the memory module further comprises a tracking module, a timing module, and a control module. The method comprises determining, by the processor, according to computer program code included in the tracking module, a current geolocation of the portable sports timing device. The method further comprises activating the timing module, by the processor, according to computer program code included in the control module, depending on the portable sports timing device being within a defined geographical zone containing a particular timing geolocation, such that the processor activates the timing module if the portable sports timing device is in the geographical zone. The method further comprises determining, by the processor, according to computer program code included in the timing module and preferably using the GNSS module in the high accuracy mode, a time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes a particular timing geolocation of the at least one timing geolocation(s). The method further comprises transmitting, by the processor, according to computer program code included in the timing module and using the mobile radio communication module, the time-point, via a mobile radio communication network, to a cloud-based server.

[0097] The present disclosure further relates to a computer program product comprising computer program code for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event. The computer program code is configured such that when it is executed by a processor, in particular a processor of a portable sports timing device as described herein, the processor performs the steps of the method described herein.

[0098] The present disclosure also relates to a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer program code configured to control a processor, in particular a processor of a portable sports timing device as described herein , such that the processor performs steps of the method described herein.

[0099] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings in which:

[0101] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an event route corresponding to a road, the event route comprising a timing geolocation and a defined geographical zone and a plurality of participants;

[0102] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a system comprising a portable sports timing device and a cloud-based server for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event;

[0103] Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event, the program code comprised by the control module, by determining whether the current geolocation of a sports timing device is within a geographical zone;

[0104] Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for tracking a participant during a sports event by determining the current geolocation;

[0105] Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for timing a participant during a sports event, by determining a time-point of passing a timing geolocation;

[0106] Fig. 6 shows a further flow diagram illustrating a method for timing a participant during a sports event specifically using DGNSS signals to determine the time-point of passing a timing geolocation;

[0107] Fig. 7 shows a further flow diagram illustrating a method for timing a participant during a sports event, using Bluetooth signals in order to determine the timepoint of passing a timing geolocation; Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for timing a participant during a sports event using motion data in order to determine the time-point of passing a timing geolocation;

[0108] Fig. 9 shows a timing diagram for determining, for each of several portable sports timing devices, whether it is in the geographical zone, and synchronously determining, for each sports timing device, its respective current geolocation;

[0109] Fig. 10 shows a timing diagram of determining whether a portable sports timing device is in the geographical zone, and synchronously determining, the respective current geolocation, additionally showing the time-point of transmitting the current geolocation to a cloud-based server with a randomized time-interval;

[0110] Fig. 11 shows several schematic examples in Fig. 11a, 11b and 11c of geographical zones around a timing geolocation as well as a direction of movement along which the sports timing device crosses the timing geolocation, according to an embodiment of the claimed sports timing device;

[0111] Fig. 12 shows schematically, in the diagram of Fig. 12a, and graphically, in the chart of Fig. 12b, how the time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes a particular timing geolocation is determined using the GNSS module, according to an embodiment of the claimed sports timing device;

[0112] Fig. 13 shows schematically, in the diagram of Fig. 12a, and graphically, in the chart of Fig. 12b, how time-point at which the portable sports timing device passes the particular timing geolocation as the time-point at which the angle of departure of a Bluetooth signal meets a defined criterion, according to an embodiment of the claimed sports timing device.

[0113] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0114] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components resp. modules or parts.

[0115] Figure 1 shows an event route R. The event route R is stored in a memory module of a portable sports timing device 1 , for example as a series of geolocations (waypoints). The event route R has associated with it one or more timing geolocations L stored in the memory module, located on the event route R. Each timing geolocation L has a defined geographical zone Z surrounding the timing geolocation L. The defined geographical zone Z may be pre-defined and stored in the memory module, or calculated in the portable sports timing device using the geolocation of the timing geolocation L and optionally other parameters as described herein.

[0116] A participant of the sports event may carry the portable sports timing device 1 , for instance attached to his or her body with an ankle strap (not shown in the figure). The portable sports timing device 1 is in communication with a cloud-based server 7 via mobile (cellular) radio network, as illustrated by the arrows.

[0117] The event route R relates to a defined path for the event along which the participants must move to complete the event. The event route R may, for example, relate to a physical track or path on Earth of a certain length and width, along which the sports event such as a running, cycling or multi-sport event takes place. It may lead through cities, forests, mountain areas or other remote areas. Its length between start line and end line may vary from several tens of meters to, in extreme cases, thousands of kilometers, though typically between several kilometers and hundreds of kilometers.

[0118] The one or more timing geolocation(s) L are defined as a point on the event route R and / or a line intersecting the event route R, preferably orthogonally intersecting the event route R. The timing geolocation(s) L relate, for example, to a start line, a finish line, and / or one or more intermediate lines, at which a time-point at which the participant (in particular the portable sports timing device carried by the participant) crosses resp. passes the timing geolocation is to be calculated. These lines do not necessarily need to be physically indicated or provided by roadside infrastructure, but may only exist in a virtual manner, stored on the memory module of the portable sports timing device.

[0119] The geographical zone Z may have any predefined or determinable form or shape, for example a circle, ellipse, square, or rectangle. Based on program code comprised by a control module comprised by the portable sports timing device 1 , the processor activates a tracking module in case the sports timing device 1 is outside the one or more geographical zones Z and activate a timing module in case the sports timing device 1 is within at least one of the one or more geographical zones Z.

[0120] In an embodiment, the tracking and timing of the participant requires no particular infrastructure located at or near the participants and / or near the route R. The tracking and timing requires only that the portable sports timing device receives signals from the GNSS and transmits the time-points at which the participant crosses the timing geolocations to the cloud-based server via the mobile radio communication network.

[0121] Figure 2 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a system 10 comprising a portable sports timing device 1 and a cloud-based server 7 for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event. The portable sports timing device 1 comprises a processor 2, a memory module 3, a GNSS module 4, a mobile radio communication module 5 and a battery 6. The portable sports timing device 1 may further comprise an additional radio communication module 8 and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 9.

[0122] The modules of the portable sports timing device 1 are connected to each other via a data communication system, such that they can transmit and / or receive data. Depending on its configuration, the data communication system is wired such as a system bus and or / a cable. The data communication system may also include a wireless connection. Preferably, the modules are connected to one or more printed circuit boards (PCB), preferably a single PCB, the data communication system provided by PCB traces. The modules may be discrete modules, for example implemented in discrete integrated circuits. At least some of the modules may be integrated on a common integrated chip, such as in a system in a package (SIP). For example, the SIP may implement the processor, the memory module 3, and the mobile radio communication module 5 in a single package (i.e. , in a single chip carrier passage).

[0123] The modules are preferably arranged within a single common casing or housing of the portable sports timing device 1. The casing or housing may be designed to be weather sealed. The casing or housing may comprise an electronic interface, in particular for charging the battery 6 and / or for initializing and / or configuring the portable sports timing device 1 , in particular loading the event route R onto the memory module 3. The portable sports timing device 1 , in an embodiment, has no buttons or other means for providing input. The portable sports timing device 1 may comprise one or more LEDs for displaying a current status, for example related to whether it is powered on or not, a battery status, etc.

[0124] The mobile radio communication module 5, is configured to enable data communication between the portable sports timing device 1 and other entities, in particular the cloudbased server 7. The mobile radio communication module 5 provides a wireless data connection. The mobile radio communication module 5 is preferably configured for communication via data communication networks, such as, mobile radio networks (e.g., LTE, LTE-M, NB-loT, GSM, GPRS, CDMA2000, EDGE, and / or UTMS), the Internet, and / or wide or local area networks (WANs and LANs). Preferably, the mobile radio communication module 5 is a cellular radio communication module, e.g., according to the LTE standard. Preferably, messages transmitted to the cloud-based server include an identifier of the portable sports timing device 1 , the identifier linked to the participant.

[0125] The cloud-based server 7 may be implemented in a cloud computing center, in a dedicated, on-premises server computer, and / or on a local computer, such as a personal computer.

[0126] The portable sports timing device 1 comprises a processor 2, configured to perform one or more of the methods, steps, and / or functions as described herein. The processor 2 may comprise one or more systems on a chip (SoC), central processing units (CPUs), and / or other more specific processing units such as graphical processing units (GPUs), tensor processing units (TPUs) or other application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or reprogrammable processing units such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0127] It is apparent that at least some of the steps disclosed as being performed by the processor 2 may also be performed at other modules of the portable sports timing device 1. As such, the processor 2 may be considered implemented across a plurality of separate processing units distributed across the portable sports timing device 1. This may enable more efficient execution of particular methods or steps, for example by use of dedicated circuitry configured for the particular methods or steps.

[0128] The portable sports timing device 1 further comprises a memory module 3. The memory module 3 comprises one or more volatile (transient) and / or non-volatile (non-transient) storage modules. The storage modules may be removable and / or non-removable, and can also be integrated, in whole or in part, with the processor 2 or other modules (e.g. implemented in an SoC or SiP. Examples of storage modules include RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, data memory. The memory module 3 comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer program code configured to control the processor 2, such that the portable sports timing device 1 performs one or more steps and / or functions as described herein. Depending on the embodiment, the computer program code is compiled or non-compiled program logic and / or machine code. As such, the portable sports timing device 1 is configured to perform one or more steps and / or functions.

[0129] In particular, the memory module 3 has the event route R comprising the at least one timing geolocation L, stored in a data module 34. In addition, the computer program code configured to control the processor 2, such that the portable sports timing device 1 performs one or more steps and / or functions as described herein, is stored in a tracking module 31 , a timing module 32 and a control module 33, respectively.

[0130] While particular steps and / or functions are described herein as being performed by a particular module of the portable sports timing device 1 , specific steps and / or functions may be performed in other modules or devices connected to the portable sports timing device 1. For example, specific steps disclosed as being performed by the processor 2 may be performed by other modules, and steps disclosed as being performed by other modules, in particular the GNSS module 4, may be performed by the processor 2. In particular, the processor 2 may determine time-points and geolocations based on raw data comprised by the GNSS signals.

[0131] The portable sports timing device 1 comprises a GNSS module 4 switchable from a default mode to a high accuracy mode which provides a higher positional accuracy than a default positional accuracy in the default mode. The GNSS module may comprise several submodules, such as a real-time-kinematic submodule, or submodules for receiving signals at different frequencies (specifically from different global navigation satellite systems), which submodules may be activated or deactivated depending on the GNSS module being in the default mode or the high accuracy mode, or depending on a trigger received by the processor 2. In particular, the GNSS module 4 comprises a signal receiver for receiving GNSS signals transmitted by a GNSS satellite system (e.g., GPS, Galileo, GLONASS), the GNSS signal comprising location data and time data of one or more satellites from which the GNSS module 4 receives GNSS signals. The GNSS module 4 receives a plurality of GNSS signals, in order to determine its own (current) geolocation and the time-point at which it was at the geolocation, based on trilateration. Typically, the determined geolocation and time-point are more precise if GNSS signals from more GNSS satellites of a particular GNSS are taken into account, and more precise still if GNSS satellites of a plurality of GNSS are taken into account. The GNSS module 4 may perform the trilateration in a dedicated processing unit integrated into the GNSS module 4 and provide the output of geolocation and time-point, for instance to the processor 2, and / or provide the (raw) GNSS signal data to the processor 2.

[0132] The GNSS module 4 and / or the processor 2 may be capable of correcting GNSS data comprising time-point and geolocation information, using geolocation correction information, for instance with Differential GNSS (DGNSS). The geolocation correction information may be, in a first case, included in the DGNSS signal or may, in a second case, be determined based on the signal properties of the DGNSS signal. Without correction, and for unobstructed outdoor open space areas, the accuracy of GNSS is typically in the range of 2 to 10 meters.

[0133] While there are a number of methods considered to fall under the term DGNSS, a common feature of DGNSS correction methods is that the original GNSS data is corrected by combining it in a weighted combination of alternative data comprising timepoints and geolocations, by applying an offset-error to the original GNSS data, and / or by providing information about the accuracy, integrity and availability of signals.

[0134] The main source of error for geolocation determined using GNSSs is related to the ionosphere weather, which includes freely moving electrons, as well as other atmospheric layers, which interfere with the GNSS signals transmitted from GNSS satellites above the ionosphere, increasing the error in geolocation of the receiver calculated using the system of equations which are solved using the GNSS signals and their time-stamp of detection in the GNSS module 4.

[0135] A typical correction of an error by geolocation correction information included in the DGNSS signal is to assume that the weather is substantially homogenous within a certain boundary / geographical area, and having a reference ground station with an accurately known geolocation. Based on this, the ground station can determine an offset error by comparing its accurately known geolocation with the location determined using GNSS signal data.

[0136] The correction performed in the GNSS module 4 of the portable sports timing device 1 , or by the processor 2 of the portable sports timing device, uses a received DGNSS signal. The DGNSS signal may comprise, for example, the offset error determined by a local ground station. The DGNSS signal may be received, by the portable sports timing device, by any means of communication, preferably via the mobile radio communication network, using the mobile radio communication module 5. The DNGSS signal may additionally and / or alternatively be received using the additional radio communication module 8 described herein. The DGNSS signal may additionally and / or alternatively be received by the GNSS module 4. The DGNSS signal may have been originally generated by and / or transmitted by a Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) station, a cellular radio communication station, or a satellite for instance for Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) correction.

[0137] Examples of SBAS methods are EGNOS, WAAS, MSAS, GAGAN. Geostationary satellites with a substantially stationary location above the Earth’s ground, thus hovering above the Earth’s ground, receive correction data from SBAS ground stations with an accurately known geolocation via an uplink station. The geostationary satellites, covering an area of countries resp. continents, then broadcast the geolocation correction information to receiving devices such as the portable sports timing device 1.

[0138] When correcting with GBAS, ground stations with an accurately known geolocation comparatively close to the portable sports timing device 1 , usually within 25 to 50 km, directly communicate the geolocation correction information to portable sports timing device 1. The accuracy can be improved down to centimeters for a stationary portable sports timing device 1 , the accuracy worsening for a fast moving portable sports timing device 1. Therefore, in an embodiment, in particular, the GNSS module 4 comprises a real-time-kinematic submodule.

[0139] In an embodiment, the portable sports timing device 1 corrects or augments the current geolocation, in the high accuracy mode, using the signal properties of the DGNSS signal, and geolocation correction information is determined using carrier properties, such as phase properties the DGNSS signal determined in the GNSS module 4. The GNSS module 4 may, for example be a two-frequency GNSS module, and the geolocation correction information may be determined based on signal properties, such as a phase difference, between two DGNSS signals at two distinct frequencies.

[0140] The portable sports timing device 1 further comprises a battery 6. The battery is configured to power the portable sports timing device 1. The battery is ideally a lithium ion battery providing high energy density. The battery may further comprise a battery management module, which may be comprised by the processor, to optimize battery charge and configured to switch to an energy-saving mode when the battery level falls below a threshold remaining battery charge / energy level. The capacity of the battery 6 is selected depending on the particular implementation, but is in the range of 50 to 500 mAh, preferably 200 - 400 mAh. The additional radio communication module 8 may be any of the radio communication modules 5 as described above. Preferably, the radio communication module 8 is a short range communication module. Preferably, the additional radio communication module 8 is configured to implement a Bluetooth protocol stack such that it may receive Bluetooth signals.

[0141] The inertial measurement unit (IMU) 9 is configured to measure the motion of the portable sports timing device 1 , in particular a linear acceleration and / or an angular rate measurement, and as such comprises one or more accelerometers (typically three, arranged in a 3-axis formation) and / or gyroscopes. The IMU 9 provides motion data.

[0142] Through integration and in combination with geolocation information and in particular an initial velocity determined using geolocation information, the motion data may be used to estimate resp. determine velocity and geolocation of the portable sports timing device 1 for purposes of interpolation, extrapolation and / or augmenting the determination of the current geolocation.

[0143] The IMU 9 is preferably arranged together with the other modules of the portable sports timing device 1 , in particular in the same casing or housing. Additionally and / or alternatively, the IMU 9 and / or further IMUs may be attached to another part of participant’s body and / or equipment, in order to provide more motion data to the processor 2. The communication between the parts may be wireless or wired. For example, the communication may be established at least in part through a smart textile comprising woven electrical connections.

[0144] The portable sports timing device 1 , in particular the IMU 9, may be configured for a specific worn or attached location and / or sport type. For example, the portable sports timing device 1 may be configured to receive, during configuration or initialization, an indicator corresponding to a particular location on the body or equipment of the participant on which the portable sports timing device 1 is to be attached. The processor 2 and / or the IMU 9 is configured to use the indicator (i.e. take into account the location of the portable sports timing device) with the data fusion algorithm in order improve geolocation and time-point determination. Thereby, particular data fusion algorithms may be used which are specifically adapted to particular locations on the body (e.g., ankle or wrist), or equipment (e.g. bicycle), as well as take into consideration different sports and movement patterns associated with these sports.

[0145] As a further example, there may be two IMlls 9, one of which is to be carried on the left ankle, and the other is to be carried on the right ankle, and their motion data can be combined with the data fusion algorithm.

[0146] Figure 3 shows a method for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event. The method for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event is performed by the portable sports timing device, in particular by the processor, as defined according to program code stored in the control module 33, and comprises a number of steps S31 to S33.

[0147] The method is performed recurrently during the sports event, for example every time a new geolocation is determined by the GNSS module, or periodically, for instance every 5 seconds to 5 minutes, more preferably every 5 seconds to 30 seconds, even more preferably in a dynamic manner, for instance in a manner with decreasing time interval upon approaching the geographical zone.

[0148] In step S31 , the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device is received in the processor. The current geolocation is determined by the GNSS module using received GNSS signals from GNSS satellites of one or more GNSSs. The GNSS module may be operating in the high accuracy or low accuracy mode. In step S32, the processor determines whether the current geolocation is in the geographical zone. In particular, the processor determines whether the current geolocation is within a boundary defined by the geographical zone. In case the portable sports timing device is in the geographical zone, the processor activates the timing module 32 according to step S33. In case the portable sports timing device is not in the geographical zone, the processor activates the tracking module 31 according to step S34.

[0149] The geographical zone may be predefined, i.e. stored in the memory module and associated with the particular timing geolocation. The geographical zone may, additionally or alternatively, be defined dynamically by the processor, for example by taking into account a defined distance between a current geolocation and the timing geolocation, or by taking into account a defined time until arrival at the timing geolocation. For example, the defined distance may be between 30 m and 1 km, depending on the event type and / or sport type, with shorter distances applicable to slower moving participants (e.g., swimming, running, rowing) and longer distances applicable to faster moving participants (e.g., cycling, outdoor ice skating). The defined time until arrival may be between 5 seconds and 1 minute, depending on the time it takes for the GNSS module to switch into the high accuracy mode (which may include receiving DGNSS signals or correction information). The defined time until arrival is compared with an expected time until arrival, calculated based on a current or moving average velocity of the portable sports timing device, with the geographical zone considered entered when the expected time until arrival falls below the defined time until arrival.

[0150] As such, the control module is permanently active, switching the portable sports timing device between further operating according to program code of the tracking module and program code of the timing module, depending on whether the portable sports timing device is in one of the at least one geographical zones or not. Figure 4 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for tracking a participant during a sports event by determining the current geolocation. In particular, it shows a method performed by the processor according to program code included in the tracking module 31 . The method is performed upon activation by the processor, for example as described in step S34 of Figure 3.

[0151] The method for tracking a participant during a sports event as shown in Figure 4 is defined according to program code stored in the tracking module 31. The method comprises a number of steps S10 to S14, at least some of which may be optional.

[0152] The method, or at least some steps of the method, is performed recurrently, for example periodically, every 5 seconds and to an hour, more preferably every 2 minutes to 5 minutes, depending in particular on an expected duration of the event and / or the participants progress along the event route with respect to time. As explained below in more detail, at least one of the steps may be performed with a defined timing, i.e. performed at predetermined time-points.

[0153] In the initial optional step S10, the processor switches the GNSS module to the default mode, for example if the GNSS module was previously in the high-accuracy mode.

[0154] In step S11 , using the GNSS module in the default mode, the processor determines a current geolocation of the portable sports timing device.

[0155] The processor may be configured to determine (for example by polling the GNSS module) the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device at time-points which are predetermined or predefined with reference to a reference time-point to. The reference time-point to is stored in the memory module and may be defined during initialization or configuration. In addition to the reference time-point to, an update timeinterval At is also stored in the memory module. The processor determines the current geolocation at regularly spaced time-points defined by the reference time-point and integer multiples of the update-time interval, i.e. at time-points which satisfy the following relation: t = to + n*At. Thereby, the current geolocations are determined at predefined time-points.

[0156] In step S12, which is optional, the processor records, in the memory module, a current geolocation, i.e. the geolocation determined in step S11 , as a passed geolocation, intended to be transmitted to the cloud-based server 7 either immediately or at a defined later point in time. In other words, the determined geolocations can be stored in the memory and / or buffered for subsequent transmission to the cloud-based server.

[0157] In step S13, the processor transmits the current geolocation determined in step S11 and / or the passed geolocation recorded in step S12 to the cloud-based server, using the mobile radio communication module.

[0158] Steps S11 and S12 of determining and recording geolocations may be repeated, for instance, every 5 seconds or every hour. There may be a defined batch size number of recorded passed geolocations, after which the geolocations are transmitted according to step S13. For instance, after recording 10 geolocations, each at 10 second intervals, these may transmitted to the cloud-based server. In an embodiment, step S13 may be omitted, in particular if the battery of the portable sports timing device falls below a defined threshold value. The geolocations can then be read out of the portable sports timing device after the event has concluded.

[0159] Figure 5 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for timing a participant during a sports event by determining a time-point of passing a timing geolocation. In particular, the method is defined according to program code included in the timing module 32, which may be activated by the processor as described in step S33 of Figure 3. The method comprises a number of steps S20a to S29, at least some of which may be optional. The method is performed upon the portable sports timing device entering the geographical zone in which the timing geolocation is located.

[0160] In an optional step S20a, the processor switches the GNSS module to the high accuracy mode, in particular if the GNSS module 4 was previously in the default mode.

[0161] In step S20b, the processor repeatedly receives GNSS data from the GNSS module. The GNSS data may comprise a (current) geolocation and a (current) time-point. The GNSS data is received at a defined polling rate, e.g. 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 25 Hz. The GNSS data may further comprise the (raw) GNSS signals. The processor may correct or augment the received geolocations to improve the accuracy, as described herein.

[0162] In a step S28a, based on the received GNSS data, preferably at least two geolocations where the portable sports timing device was located and their respective time-points, the time-point of passing a timing geolocation is determined, as described in more detail with reference to Figure 12. The time-point may be recorded in the memory module, preferably with reference to the timing geolocation.

[0163] In step S29, the determined time-point of passing a timing geolocation is transmitted to the cloud-based server substantially immediately for generating a near real-time rank list to be forwarded, by the cloud-based server, to third party devices operated, for example, by the media, using the mobile radio communication module. In case there are a plurality of timing geolocations L in one geographical zone, the steps S20b to S29 may be repeated.

[0164] Figure 6 shows a further flow diagram illustrating a method for timing a participant during a sports event, specifically using DGNSS signals to determine the time-point of passing a timing geolocation. The method may be performed as an alternative, or an addition to, the method shown in Figure 5. The method shown in Figure 6 includes a number of steps S20a to S29. Some of these steps have been described already with reference to Figure 5. The method is performed by the processor according to program code stored in the memory module 32. The method is in particular performed while the portable sports timing device is in one of the one or more geographical zones around the one or more timing geolocations.

[0165] Steps S20a and 20b correspond to the steps as described with reference to Figure 5 above.

[0166] In step S21 , the processor receives a DGNSS signal, using the mobile radio communication module or the GNSS module. The DGNSS signal may originate from a surveyed GNSS ground station, for example, preferably located within a defined range of the timing geolocation, in particular within 100 km, preferably within 50 km.

[0167] In step S28b, the processor determines the time-point of passing a timing geolocation, based on both the received GNSS data from the GNSS satellites of the one or more GNSSs, and the received DGNSS signal.

[0168] In particular, the processor determines a corrected current geolocation using the current geolocation, as provided by the GNSS module, and geolocation correction information included in the DGNSS signal. Alternatively and / or additionally to the geolocation correction information included in the DGNSS signal, the corrected current geolocation may be determined using signal properties of the DGNSS signal as received from one or more GNSS satellites. The processor preferably determines a series of such corrected current geolocations at a defined rate, preferably higher than 1 Hz.

[0169] The processor is configured to use the one or more correct current geolocations and the respective time-points at which the portable timing device was located at those geolocations to determine the time-point of passing the timing geolocation. Further details are provided with reference to Fig. 12.

[0170] In step 29, the processor then transmits the time-point to the cloud-based server, as already described with reference to Figure 3.

[0171] Figure 7 shows a further flow diagram illustrating a method comprising steps S20c to S29a for timing a participant during a sports event, using Bluetooth signals received in the portable sports timing device to determine the time-point of passing a timing geolocation. The method may be performed as an alternative, or additionally, to the method described in Figure 7. For example, the method may be performed for an even more accurate determination of the time-point at particularly important timing geolocations, such as the finish line of the event. The method may also be performed in situations where a GNSS based geolocation determination is inaccurate or not possible, for example indoors or in other environments where the sky is partly or fully obstructed.

[0172] In step S20c, the processor activates the additional radio communication module 8 upon determining that the current geolocation is located within the geographical zone associated with a particular timing geolocation. In an embodiment, the particular timing geolocation may have associated with it a flag or indicator indicating that the additional radio communication module is to be activated for determining the time-point associated with the particular timing geolocation.

[0173] It is sufficient for the additional radio communication module to be a receiver only, though it may also be a transmitter.

[0174] In step S22, the processors receives, using the additional radio communication module, a plurality of Bluetooth signals. Specifically, the plurality of Bluetooth signals are received from a Bluetooth transmitter array comprising a plurality of Bluetooth antennas, in particular arranged in a horizontal line at the timing geolocation. Preferably, the Bluetooth transmitter array extends across the timing geolocation, i.e. across the point and / or line of the timing geolocation. In case the timing geolocation is a line between two points, preferably, the Bluetooth transmitter extends perpendicular to the line.

[0175] The participant will typically move past the timing geolocation in a direction substantially in parallel with the Bluetooth transmitter array.

[0176] The Bluetooth transmitter array is configured to transmit, using the plurality of Bluetooth antennas, Bluetooth signals, preferably broadcast signals. The Bluetooth signals are transmitted sequentially with a defined timing and sequence.

[0177] In step S23, the processor determines an angle of departure A and based on the plurality of Bluetooth signals. In particular, the additional radio communication module is configured to measure the phase differences of the different incoming Bluetooth signals and determine an angle of departure (AoD) A between an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the Bluetooth transmitter array (the longitudinal axis coinciding with the longitudinal extension of the array) and the portable sports timing device.

[0178] In step S28c, the processor determines the time-point of passing a timing geolocation L. In particular, the point of origin of the angle of departure may be defined to coincide with the timing geolocation such that, once the AoD is 0°, the portable sports timing device is considered to be located on the timing geolocation.

[0179] Figure 13 shows an example how this may be implemented, based on the angle of departure (AoD) A and a time-point associated with receiving the signal at the respective angle of departure A.

[0180] In step S29, the processor then transmits the time-point to the cloud-based server as described with reference to the previous figures. In step S29a, the processor may deactivate (i.e. power down, switch off, or set into an energy saving mode) the additional radio communication module in order to save power.

[0181] Figure 8 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for timing a participant during a sports event using motion data in order to determine the time-point of passing a timing geolocation. The method includes steps S20a to S29. The method has at least some of these steps in common with steps which are also performed in other methods described herein, in particular the method described with reference to Figure 4.

[0182] Steps S20a and 20b correspond to the steps as described with reference to Figure 3 above.

[0183] In step S24, the processor determines a current velocity of the portable sports timing device using a plurality of recorded geolocations of the portable sports timing device. The current velocity may be determined, for example, as a moving average current velocity determined using a defined number of previous geolocations of the portable sports timing device, along with the time-points at which the portable sports timing device was at those geolocations.

[0184] In step S25, the processor receives motion data of the portable sports timing device 1 from the IMU. The motion data comprises, for example, a current acceleration of the portable sports timing device in 3-space, i.e. in the x-, y-, and z-direction. The motion data may further comprise an angular velocity or acceleration of the portable sports timing device, preferably also in 3D. The motion data may be received from the IMU at a sampling rate or polling frequency preferably over 100 Hz, most preferably over 300 Hz.

[0185] In step S26, the processor determines an augmented current geolocation by combining, using a data fusion algorithm, data from the GNSS module and the motion data. For example, a Kalman filter (preferably an extended Kalman filter) may be used as part of such a data fusion algorithm. Alternatively or additionally, a dead reckoning (DR) algorithm may be used as part of such a data fusion algorithm. The processor may select a particular data fusion algorithm from amongst a plurality of data fusion algorithms, depending on the particular type of sports event and / or a location on which the wearable device is worn or attached, as defined by an indicator in the memory module. Alternatively, the data fusion algorithm may be configured to receive such an indicator as part of its initialization, configuration, and / or input.

[0186] The data fusion algorithm is in particular configured to receive, as an input, the current geolocation and the current velocity (including speed and directional heading). Alternatively, the data fusion algorithm may be configured to receive a plurality of geolocations, for example determined by the GNSS module. The data fusion algorithm is further configured to receive the motion data. The data fusion algorithm then provides, as an output, an augmented geolocation of the portable sports timing device, in particular augmented current geolocation data.

[0187] The augmented (current) geolocation may refer to interpolated positions of the portable sports timing device (i.e. interpolated between defined past geolocations as determined using GNSS signal data), extrapolated positions of the portable sports timing device (i.e. extrapolated into the future beyond a defined past geolocation as determined using GNSS signal data), and / or smoothed positions of the portable sports timing device (i.e. positions determined using both a current geolocation as determined using GNSS signals, as well as using the motion data.

[0188] In step S28d, the processor determines the time-point of passing the timing geolocation L based on the augmented current geolocation. Specifically, the processor determines, using the output of the data fusion algorithm, the time-point at which the geolocation of the portable sports timing device corresponds or corresponded to the timing geolocation. Step S26 may also be incorporated into step S28d, in that also (raw) GNSS signal data with which the augmented current geolocation is determined - alone or in combination with the augmented current geolocation - is used to determine the time-point of passing the timing geolocation L.

[0189] As described in the embodiments above, the processor then transmits the time-point to the cloud-based server in step S29.

[0190] It shall be noted that the methods described with reference to Figures 5 to 8 may be combined. For example, information resp. data used to determine the time-point of passing the timing geolocation L, described as being performed in steps S28a to S28d, may be used in a combined manner. Further, the step of determining the time-point of passing the timing geolocation L may comprise determining and using a weighted combination of the time-point of passing the timing geolocation L of steps S28a toS28d.

[0191] Figure 9 shows a timing diagram of determining, for a plurality of sports timing devices 1a, 1 b, 1c, their respective current geolocation. The respective current geolocations may be used to determine whether the respective sports timing devices 1a, 1b, 1c, are in the geographical zone. The respective current geolocations may, in an embodiment, further be transmitted to the cloud-based server, either immediately, or buffered for a predetermined time-period before being transmitted. The circles are indicative of time-points at which the devices 1a, 1 b, 1c determine their current geolocation for purposes of determining whether they are located in one of the one or more geographical zones. The vertical lines are indicative of time-points at which the devices 1a, 1 b, 1c determine a time-point for tracking purposes, i.e. for subsequent transmission to the cloud-based server. Intervals between time-points at which the devices 1a, 1 b, 1c determine their current geolocation for purposes of determining whether they are located in one of the one or more geographical zones may be pre-determined or dynamic. For example, the portable sports timing device 1a may be closer to a geographical zone and therefore determine whether it is in the geographical zone at a higher rate, as compared to the portable sports timing device 1c, which has higher time intervals because it is further away from a geographical zone Z.

[0192] In addition, the sports timing devices 1a, 1 b, 1c determine (and optionally transmit) their current geolocation at a defined rhythm based on a common reference time, a common defined update time- interval, and a random offset. This determination of the current geolocation may preferably be at a rate independent of the rate of determining whether the sports timing devices 1a, 1b, 1c are in a geographical zone Z. The reference time point tO and a defined update time-interval At is stored in the memory modules all sports timing devices 1a, 1b, 1c, prior to the event, i.e. during configuration or initialization. The reference time point tO is, for illustrative purposes, set to zero in Figure 9. Each portable sports timing device, however has a random offset. Thereby, not all portable sports timing devices determine (and optionally transmit) their geolocations simultaneously, leading to a reduced load on the mobile radio communication network.

[0193] Figure 10 shows a timing diagram illustrating a synchronous determination of the current geolocation of a plurality of sports timing device 1a, 1 b, 1c. As above in Figure 9, the circles are indicative of time-points at which the devices 1a, 1 b, 1c determine their position for purposes of determining whether they are located in one of the one or more geographical zones. The inverted triangles are indicative of synchronous time-points at which the devices 1a, 1 b, 1c determine a time-point for tracking purposes, i.e. for subsequent transmission to the cloud-based server. The arrows are indicative of timepoints at which the devices 1a, 1b, 1c transmit the current geolocation, determined earlier, to the cloud-based server. In an embodiment, only the “tracking” geolocation, i.e. the geolocation determined at the time-point which satisfies the relation t = to + n* At is transmitted to the cloud-based server.

[0194] As illustrated, the time-point of transmitting the current geolocation to a cloud-based server does not occur in all devices 1a, 1b, 1c simultaneously. Rather, each device 1a, 1 b, 1c has an offset time which it does not share with at least one of the other devices 1a, 1b, 1c. Preferably, the offset time is randomly determined or distributed and defines a randomized time-interval of preferably between 0 and 5 seconds. The transmission to the cloud-based server of the geolocation is performed by each device 1a, 1 b, 1c upon elapse of the offset time. In summary, while each device 1a, 1b, 1c determines their current geolocations, in particular for tracking, simultaneously, they transmit their geolocations asynchronously, thereby avoiding an overload of the mobile radio communication network. In particular, signal collisions can be avoided.

[0195] Figure 11 shows several schematic examples (a), (b), (c) of shapes of geographical zones Z around a timing geolocation L, the timing geolocation L located on an event route R. Additionally, a direction of movement along which the portable sports timing device crosses the timing geolocation L is indicated by the arrow crossing the timing geolocation L. The particular timing geolocation L is represented by the dashed line is defined as a line between two points. In particular, the top example shows a geographical zone Z in the shape of a circle centered on the timing geolocation L. The circle may have a radius of between 20 meters and 1 kilometer, depending on the event type and / or on event route R details. The middle example shows a geographical zone in the shape of a circle, however having a center offset from the timing geolocation, in particular such that the center of the circle is located on or near the event route R upstream / before the timing geolocation. Thereby, the timing module is activated sufficiently in advance of the portable sports timing device crossing the timing geolocation L, and is deactivated in a timely manner after crossing of the timing geolocation L. Such a geographical zone Z may have a smaller size than the top example. The bottom example shows a geographical zone Z in the shape of a polygon. The polygon is defined to encompass a defined segment of the event route before and after the timing geolocation L. As in the middle example, the polygon is defined to encompass a greater stretch of the event route prior to the timing geolocation L than subsequent to it. This may help to distinguish routes which are crossing each other or running nearby.

[0196] Figure 12 shows schematically in Fig. 12(a), and graphically, in the chart of Fig. 12b, how the time-point at which the portable sports timing device 1 passes a particular timing geolocation L is determined.

[0197] In particular, the GNSS module is switched to the high accuracy mode, as described in step S28a of Figure 5. In particular, within a geographical zone Z, the GNSS module is used to determine at least two geolocations along with the respective time-points at which the portable sports timing device was at those geolocations. Figure 12a shows four such exemplary geolocations, together with the orthogonal distances to the timing geolocation L, as indicated by the arrows. Figure 12b shows a chart illustrating how the processor determines the time-point of crossing the timing geolocation L from the plurality of geolocations and their respective time-points.

[0198] The processor records a plurality of geolocations and their respective time-points within the geographical zone, the geolocations located along the event route in front of and optionally also behind the timing geolocation.

[0199] The processor determines and records a distance, along the event route, between the recorded geolocations and the timing geolocation. The distance may be defined as an orthogonal distance to a timing geolocation line, if the timing geolocation is defined as a line. The processor determines a trajectory resp. a path of the portable sports timing device 1 by determining a best fit, using the recorded orthogonal distances and the recorded time-points, using a fitting algorithm, such as linear regression. In Figure 12b, this is shown with each cross X corresponding to a data point, the vertical coordinate being the distance to the particular timing geolocation L and the horizontal coordinate being the time-point at which the portable sports timing device 1 was at the geolocation.

[0200] The processor then determines a time-point of crossing the timing geolocation point as the time-point at which the trajectory crosses the timing geolocation, using the determined best fit.

[0201] In the graph, the slope of the dashed line of best fit between these points corresponds to the speed of the portable sports timing device 1 , the intersection point of the dashed slope and the horizontal axis corresponding to the interpolated crossing time. The intersection point corresponds to the time-point at which the portable sports timing device 1 passed the particular timing geolocation L.

[0202] Figure 13 shows schematically, in Fig. 13a, and graphically, in Fig. 13b, how the timepoint at which the portable sports timing device 1 passes the particular timing geolocation is determined, particular when using received Bluetooth signals from a Bluetooth transmitter array.

[0203] Figure 13a shows a Bluetooth transmitter array 11 arranged adjacent to the particular timing geolocation L, its central longitudinal axis intercepting the particular timing geolocation L, in this case represented by a line.

[0204] The Bluetooth transmitter array 11 may have a length of, e.g., 1m. The Bluetooth transmitter array 11 comprises a plurality of antennas extending along the array, each of which transmit a Bluetooth signal, preferably sequentially. The plurality of Bluetooth signals are received by the portable sports timing device which calculates an angle of departure AoD, for example an angle of the Bluetooth signals with respect to a line intercepting the timing geolocation and the longitudinal axis of the Bluetooth transmitter array. The angle is determined using the phase of the received signals. As the participant with the portable sports timing device advances towards the timing geolocation L, the angle changes. The processor determines the angles and compares them to a predefined angle of departure indicative of the portable sports timing device crossing the timing geolocation. The angle may be defined as 0°, for example.

[0205] Figure 13b shows a chart illustrating how the processor determines the time-point of crossing the timing geolocation L from the plurality of angles of departure A and their respective time-points, as also described with reference to Figure 7.

[0206] The processor receives a plurality of Bluetooth signals within the geographical zone, the plurality of Bluetooth signals being received along the event route in front of and optionally also behind the timing geolocation.

[0207] The processor then determines an angle of departure A based on the plurality of Bluetooth signals and records the angle of departure A and their respective time-points.

[0208] The processor then determines a trajectory resp. a path of the portable sports timing device 1 by determining a best fit, using the angles of departure A and the recorded timepoints, using a fitting algorithm, such as linear regression.

[0209] In Figure 13b, this is shown with each cross X corresponding to a data point, the vertical coordinate being angles of departure A and the horizontal coordinate being the timepoint.

[0210] The processor then determines a time-point of crossing the timing geolocation point as the time-point at which the trajectory crosses the timing geolocation, using the determined best fit. In the graph, the dashed line of best fit between these points corresponds to the angular speed of the portable sports timing device, the intersection point of the dashed slope and the horizontal axis corresponding to the interpolated crossing time. Thereby, the intersection point corresponds to the time-point at which the portable sports timing device 1 passed the particular timing geolocation L.

[0211] The above-described embodiments of the disclosure are exemplary and the person skilled in the art knows that at least some of the modules and / or steps described in the embodiments above may be rearranged, omitted, or introduced into other embodiments without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable sports timing device (1) for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event, the portable sports timing device (1) comprising: a processor (2), a memory module (3) having stored thereon an event route (R) comprising at least one timing geolocation (L), a GNSS module (4) switchable from a default mode to a high accuracy mode which provides a higher positional accuracy than a default positional accuracy in the default mode, a mobile radio communication module (5), and a battery (6) configured to power the portable sports timing device (1), wherein the memory module (3) further comprises: a tracking module (31) comprising program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2) determines (S11), using the GNSS module (4) in the default mode, a current geolocation of the portable sports timing device (1); and a timing module (32) comprising program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): determines (S28 a, S28b, S28c, S28d), using the GNSS module (4) in the high accuracy mode, a time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes a particular timing geolocation (L) of the at least one timing geolocation(s), and transmits (S29), using the mobile radio communication module (5), the time-point, via a mobile radio communication network, to a cloud-based server (7); and a control module (33) comprising program code configured to control the processor(2), such that the processor (2):activates (S33, S34) the timing module (32) or the tracking module (31) depending on the portable sports timing device (1) being within a defined geographical zone (Z) containing the particular timing geolocation (L), such that the timing module (32) is active when the portable sports timing device (1) is in the geographical zone (Z).

2. The portable sports timing device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the GNSS module (4) has a higher update rate in the high accuracy mode than in the default mode and / or the GNSS module (4) is configured to receive signals from more navigation satellite systems than in the default mode.

3. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the positional accuracy in the high accuracy mode is such that the determined time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes a particular timing geolocation (L) is determined within an accuracy of below 1 second, preferably below 100 milliseconds, more preferably below 10 milliseconds, even more preferably below 1 millisecond.

4. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the timing module (32) comprises program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2) transmits (S29), using the mobile radio communication module (5), the time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes the particular timing geolocation (L) to the cloudbased server (7) immediately subsequent to the time-point’s determination, in particular within 2 seconds, preferably within 0.5 seconds.

5. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (3) further has a reference time-point (tO) and a defined update time-interval (At) stored thereon and the tracking module(31) further comprises program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): determines (S11) the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device (1) at regularly spaced time-points (t1 , t2) defined by the reference time-point (tO) and the update time-interval (At), and transmits (S13), using the mobile radio communication module (5), the current geolocation, via the mobile radio communication network, to the cloud-based server (7).

6. The portable sports timing device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the regularly spaced time-points (t1 , t2) at which the current geolocation of the sports timing device (1) are determined are defined by the reference time-point and the update time-interval as follows: t = tO + n*t, where tO is the reference time-point, t is the update time-interval, and n is a natural number.

7. The portable sports timing device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the tracking module (31) further comprises program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): records (S12), in the memory module (3), the current geolocation, as a passed geolocation; and transmits (S13), using the mobile radio communication module (5), a plurality of recorded passed geolocations, via the mobile radio communication network, to the cloud-based server (7).

8. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the timing module (32) comprises program code further configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): receives (S21), using the mobile radio communication module (5) and / or the GNSS module (4), a DGNSS signal; and determines (S28), using the GNSS module and geolocation correction information included in the DGNSS signal or based on the signal properties of the DGNSS signal, the time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes the particular timing geolocation (L).

9. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional radio communication module (8), wherein the timing module (32) comprises computer program code further configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): receives (S22), using the additional radio communication module (8), a plurality of Bluetooth signals from a Bluetooth transmitter array arranged at a particular one of the timing geolocations; determines (S23), using the plurality of Bluetooth signals, an angle of departure (A) between the portable sports timing device (1) and a longitudinal axis of the Bluetooth transmitter array; and determines (S28) the time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes the particular timing geolocation as the time-point at which the angle of departure (A) meets a defined criterion.

10. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable sports timing device (1) further comprises an inertial measurement unit (9) and the timing module (32) further comprises program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): receives (S25), from the inertial measurement unit, motion data of the portable sports timing device (1); determines (S26) an augmented current geolocation by combining, using a data fusion algorithm, data from the GNSS module (4), and the motion data; and determines (S28) the time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes the particular timing geolocation (L) using the augmented current geolocation.

11. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the timing module (32) further comprises program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): receives (S27), preferably using the additional radio communication module (8), from a nearby further portable sports timing device (1), geolocation correction information; and determines (S28), using the GNSS module and the geolocation correction information, the time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes the particular timing geolocation (L).

12. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the timing module (32) further comprises program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): switches the GNSS module (4) into the high accuracy mode having a GNSS signal polling rate of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 25 Hz; and determines, using the GNSS module (4), the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device at a rate of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 25 Hz.

13. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the defined geographical zone (Z) is defined to extend along the event route (R) such that a first distance between the geographical zone boundary before a particular timing geolocation is greater than a second distance between the timing geolocation and the geographical zone boundary.

14. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (33) further comprises program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2) determines the geographical zone (Z) comprising an upcoming respective timing geolocation (L) using one or more of: a defined distance or a defined time, the defined time calculated using a current velocity of the sports timing device (1).

15. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (3) has further stored thereon a perimeter region of at least parts of the event route (R) and wherein the tracking module (31) further comprises program code configured to control the processor (2),such that the processor (2) transmits, using the mobile radio communication module (5), a notification message to the cloud based server (7), if the current geolocation of the portable sports timing device (1) is outside the perimeter region of the event route (R).

16. The portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking module (31) further comprises program code configured to control the processor (2), such that the processor (2): periodically activates the GNSS module (4), after a defined time-out period, from a shutdown mode into an active mode, the GNSS module (4) configured such that the GNSS module (4) consumes little to no energy in the shutdown mode as compared to the active mode; determines the current geolocation, while the GNSS module (4) is in the active mode; and deactivates the GNSS module (4).

17. A system (10) for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event, the system (10) comprising: at least one portable sports timing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: transmit, using the mobile radio communication module (5), the recorded time-point(s) associated with the passed timing geolocation(s), to the cloud-based server (7); the cloud-based server (7) configured to:receive time-point(s) associated with the passed timing geolocation(s), via a mobile radio communication network, transmitted by the portable sports timing device (1); record the time-point(s) and generate a ranking of the at least one portable sports timing devices by ordering the time-point(s) associated with the passed timing geolocation(s) of the portable sports timing device (1).

18. A method for tracking and timing a participant during a sports event, using a portable sports timing device (1), the portable sports timing device (1) comprising: a processor (2), a GNSS module (4) switchable from a default mode to a high accuracy mode which provides a higher positional accuracy than the default positional accuracy in the default mode, a mobile radio communication module (5), a battery (6) configured to power the portable sports timing device (1), and a memory module (3) having stored thereon an event route (R) comprising at least one timing geolocation (L), the memory module (3) further comprising a tracking module (31), a timing module (32), and a control module (33), the method comprising the following steps: determining, by the processor (2), according to computer program code included in the tracking module (31), a current geolocation of the portable sports timing device (1); activating the timing module (32), by the processor (2), according to computer program code included in the control module (33), depending on the portable sports timing device (1) being within a defined geographical zone (Z) containing a particular timing geolocation (L), suchthat the processor (2) activates the timing module (32) if the portable sports timing device (1) is in the geographical zone (Z); determining, by the processor (2), according to computer program code included in the timing module (32) and using the GNSS module (4) in the high accuracy mode, a time-point at which the portable sports timing device (1) passes a particular timing geolocation (L) of the at least one timing geolocation(s); and transmitting, by the processor (2), according to computer program code included in the timing module (32) and using the mobile radio communication module (5), the time-point, via a mobile radio communication network, to a cloud-based server (7).

19. A computer program product comprising computer program code which, when the computer program code is executed by a processor (2), causes the processor (2) to perform the steps of the method according to claim 18.

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