On Course Rating Systems Pace Targets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cross country and road racing performances are difficult to compare due to varying course difficulties, making it challenging for athletes to determine their competitive level and set effective pace targets for races on different courses.

Innovation Solution

The On Course Rating Systems (OCRS) provides performance equivalence data and pace targets by calculating energy-efficient paces per mile based on course difficulty ratings, using heart rate and energy data from test runs to distribute additional seconds needed to achieve a goal time on challenging courses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If performance times are recorded on cross country or road race courses, then race results are obtained, but the results cannot be accurately compared across different courses due to varying course difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance comparison accuracyVSAvoidcourse variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms raw performance times by applying course-specific adjustment factors that account for difficulty variations. These factors modify the original time measurements to produce normalized performance equivalents that can be accurately compared across different courses, effectively changing the parameter of time to account for course characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation system that acts as a mediator between raw performance times and comparable results. This system uses course difficulty ratings and adjustment factors as intermediate steps to transform incomparable raw times into comparable performance equivalents, enabling accurate cross-course comparison

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If athletes run on challenging courses, then competitive racing occurs, but athletes may start too fast due to lack of pace guidance, leading to poor performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverace performance qualityVSAvoidpace management difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent calculates and provides pace targets before the race begins, allowing athletes to plan their strategy in advance. These pre-calculated paces are derived from the goal time and course difficulty factors, enabling athletes to start at the correct pace rather than guessing, thus preventing the common mistake of starting too fast

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides athletes with target pace information that serves as feedback guidance throughout the race. By comparing actual pace against target pace, athletes can adjust their effort to maintain optimal speed, ensuring they achieve their goal time without burning out early

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11638865B2Pace targets with on course rating systems

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 TUCKER JOHN N

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to on course rating systems (OCRS) and, more particularly, to its pace targets on cross country or road race course segments and related systems and methods of use. The method includes: obtaining performance equivalences (PEQs) of a first rated course including a track equivalent time of the first rated course; and obtaining a goal time, the equivalent of the first course but on a second course; and providing pace targets on selected segments for the second rated course using the track equivalent time and the goal time in order to cumulatively produce the goal time of the second rated course.