Lap Timing Transponder Module With Local Field-Curve Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lap time measurement systems face challenges in accurately processing a large number of transponder modules simultaneously, leading to reduced accuracy and increased radio bandwidth usage due to the need for multiple data points and incomplete field strength curves, especially in harsh radio environments.
Innovation Solution
A transponder module that reconstructs the magnetic field curve using multiple measurement points and determines passage time directly, reducing data transmission and allowing for parallel processing of multiple modules, with the option to transmit results at regular or variable intervals using the Aloha protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple data points are transmitted from transponder modules to ensure accurate passage time detection, then measurement precision is improved, but radio bandwidth consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the curve reconstruction and passage time detection functionality from the central decoder and relocates it to the transponder module itself. Each transponder module independently reconstructs the magnetic field curve from multiple measurement points and determines its own passage time, transmitting only the final result rather than all raw data points. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing radio bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection task by assigning independent curve reconstruction and passage time detection capabilities to each individual transponder module. Instead of one centralized decoder processing all data from multiple transponders, each module performs its own local analysis. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple transponder modules simultaneously, improving productivity while reducing the radio bandwidth required for data transmission.
2Productivity
If multiple transponder modules are processed in parallel to improve productivity, then output per time is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incomplete field strength curves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having each transponder module collect multiple magnetic field measurement points and reconstruct the complete field curve locally before passage time detection. This preliminary curve reconstruction ensures that even when multiple modules are processed in parallel with potentially intermittent radio communication, each module has sufficient data to accurately determine its passage time. The preliminary action of local curve reconstruction resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while enabling parallel processing.
3Use of energy by moving object
If data transmission is reduced to minimize energy consumption and extend battery life, then use of energy by moving object is improved, but loss of information increases due to message loss in harsh radio environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each transponder module to independently reconstruct the magnetic field curve and determine passage time locally without relying on continuous data transmission to a central decoder. The module uses its own stored measurement points to perform curve reconstruction and detection autonomously. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by minimizing radio transmissions (saving energy) while ensuring information completeness (avoiding message loss) since the critical processing occurs locally rather than through vulnerable radio channels.
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
This approach enables efficient processing of up to 100 transponder modules in parallel, reduces radio bandwidth, and maintains accuracy even in harsh environments, while also extending battery life by minimizing data transmission and allowing for easy firmware updates.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna placed on the ground near a split line, such as the finish line, transmitting a low-frequency signal, such as one around 125 kHz
Implementation Method 2
the awakened transponder module measures the magnetic field strength of the low-frequency signal transmitted by the ground or side antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
The transponder module (10) of a lap time measurement system includes a time base (121) in a microcontroller (12), which is activated upon receiving a low-frequency electromagnetic field signal from a transmitting antenna of the measurement system, which is positioned at a lap line. Once activated, the microcontroller is capable of measuring several successive intensities of the received electromagnetic field signal to reconstruct an electromagnetic field curve and determine the lap time of the transponder module via its activated time base, in order to transmit a signal of the lap time determined by the microcontroller to a decoder unit of the measurement system.