Athletic Transponder Module for Real-Time Hurdle Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring and predicting hurdle race times in athletics lack real-time data on passage times over each hurdle, making it difficult to determine the leading athlete, especially in 400m races where visibility is limited, and there is no automatic way to provide this information to spectators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a transponder module with an accelerometer and gyroscope placed on the athlete's body to detect movement and rotation, allowing for real-time measurement and prediction of hurdle passage times, which can be transmitted to a base station for display to spectators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual timing by coaches is used to measure hurdle passage times, then the measurement system is simple, but the measurement precision and real-time capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical timing by coaches with an electronic sensor-based measurement system. Sensors integrated into hurdles detect athlete passage automatically, substituting human reaction-based timing with electronic detection that provides higher precision and real-time data capture without requiring complex centralized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hurdle sensors perform self-measurement by automatically detecting when an athlete passes over them. The hurdles themselves become the measuring devices, eliminating the need for external timing equipment and manual operation, thereby improving precision while keeping the system relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into hurdles to detect passage automatically, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function directly into the hurdle structure itself. Rather than adding separate timing equipment, the sensors are integrated into the hurdle components, combining the mechanical support function with the detection function in a single unified structure.
3Loss of information
If no real-time prediction system is implemented, then the system remains simple, but the ability to determine leading athletes and provide real-time information to spectators is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensor data from hurdle passages is continuously collected and fed into a prediction algorithm. This feedback loop processes real-time performance data to calculate predicted finish times and current race positions, providing spectators with up-to-date information without requiring overly complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of predicted finish times based on current hurdle passage performance. By computing these predictions in advance during the race rather than waiting for completion, the system provides real-time information about leading athletes and potential winners before the race actually ends.
4Measurement precision
If transponder modules with motion sensors are placed on athletes, then real-time passage time detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and weight on athletes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach where lightweight transponder modules on athletes communicate with sensor-equipped hurdles. The measurement function is distributed between the athlete's simple transponder and the hurdle's detection sensors, rather than requiring heavy equipment on the athlete alone, thereby improving precision while minimizing added weight.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate prediction of final race times and real-time ranking of athletes, allowing spectators to know the leader, with an accuracy of ±0.02s per hurdle passage time, and potential prediction of record-breaking performances.
Implementation Method 1
a transponder module (1) for the competition placed on a part of an athlete's body... comprising a movement sensor for detecting a movement variation
Implementation Method 2
comprising a movement sensor for detecting a movement variation... to determine a time of passage of the athlete over the hurdle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The method allows for the measurement or prediction of an athlete's time in a hurdles race using a customized transponder module (1) worn by the athlete and a base station (10). The module comprises a receiving unit (3), a processing unit (4), a data signal transmission unit (5), and a motion sensor (7, 8) to provide measurement signals to the processing unit. The module is activated by a received wake-up signal, and the sensor measures the athlete's movement after the start of the race as they pass each hurdle. The data signals are transmitted to the base station, and a passing time for each hurdle is determined.