Athlete Finish Time Correction Using Gyroscope Transponder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring athlete arrival times in foot races, particularly sprint races, face inaccuracies due to athletes leaning forward at the finish line, leading to significant differences between unofficial and official times, which can affect rankings and delay the publication of unofficial rankings until official times are available.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system using a transponder module with a gyroscope and processing unit placed on the athlete's upper body, which measures the angle of inclination at the finish line to correct the unofficial time, allowing for immediate and accurate classification of athletes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the transponder module is placed on the athlete's body to record unofficial time, then the time recording is immediate, but the accuracy of the arrival time is reduced due to athlete's forward lean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical positioning method (relying on transponder module placement on the athlete's body) with an optical/image processing system. The system uses photofinish images and image processing algorithms to accurately determine the athlete's torso position at the finish line, substituting the inaccurate mechanical measurement with an optical measurement system that can precisely analyze the athlete's posture and torso position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism that uses the photofinish image and image processing to calculate a correction value. This correction value acts as an intermediary that adjusts the unofficial time recorded by the transponder module, bridging the gap between the immediate but inaccurate transponder time and the accurate but delayed official photofinish time.
2Measurement precision
If the official photofinish image time is used to determine accurate arrival time, then the measurement precision is improved, but the time delay for publishing unofficial rankings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing the photofinish image at the moment the athlete crosses the finish line. This image is then processed using image processing algorithms to determine the precise arrival time. By preparing and processing this preliminary data immediately, the system can provide accurate timing information much faster than traditional methods, reducing the delay in publishing unofficial rankings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the photofinish image and image processing results are used to calculate a correction value that is applied to the unofficial time. This feedback loop continuously refines the timing accuracy by comparing the transponder module data with the photofinish image analysis, allowing the system to provide both immediate and accurate timing information.
3Measurement precision
If image processing is used to correct the transponder module time, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the photofinish image serving multiple functions: it records the official arrival time, provides visual evidence for dispute resolution, and serves as the basis for calculating the correction value. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved measurement precision.
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
The system provides immediate and accurate unofficial finish times by correcting for the delay caused by athletes' inclination at the finish line, reducing the time gap between unofficial and official times and enhancing the precision of athlete rankings.
Implementation Method 1
The transponder module includes at least one motion sensor, in particular an inertial motion sensor, for example a gyroscope
Implementation Method 2
The gyroscope must, in principle, be initially calibrated to be able to determine a difference in orientation, that is, an angle of inclination relative to a vertical or horizontal direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The measurement system corrects an athlete's (20) finish time in a running race. The system includes a custom transponder module (1) placed on the athlete's upper body and a base station (10). The transponder module includes a signal receiver unit (3), a data, measurement, or command processing unit (4), a data and/or measurement and/or command signal transmission unit (5), and a motion sensor (7) to provide measurement signals to the processing unit. The motion sensor may be a gyroscope (7) connected to the processing unit in the transponder module and configured to determine the athlete's body tilt angle relative to a vertical direction upon crossing the finish line (30) for race finish time correction.