Phase-Based Passing Detection for Real-Time Sports Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional timing systems for sports events face challenges in accurately and quickly determining the passing of transponders due to limited data packets and signal strength data, leading to inaccuracies and processing delays, especially in real-time applications and when integrated with video systems.

Innovation Solution

The method utilizes phase information to accurately determine the passing time by monitoring the phase transition of detected signals, allowing for real-time processing and generation of accurate trigger signals, using techniques like quadrature amplitude modulation and phase shift keying to extract in-phase and quadrature components for precise phase determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If data processing algorithms are used to determine passing time based on limited data packets and signal strength data, then passing time can be determined, but accuracy is negatively influenced and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassing time accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes phase information from the received signal, separating it from conventional signal strength-based processing. By focusing specifically on phase transitions rather than processing the entire data set, the system achieves accurate passing time determination without the computational burden of comprehensive data processing algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors phase information in real-time and identifies phase transitions as they occur. This preliminary detection of phase changes enables immediate passing time determination without waiting for complete data collection, eliminating processing delays while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If conventional timing systems use limited data packets and signal strength data, then processing can be performed, but accuracy of passing time determination is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassing time accuracyVSAvoiddata availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal strength to phase information. Phase transitions provide distinct, easily identifiable markers for passing events, enabling accurate determination even with limited data packets. This parameter change transforms insufficient signal strength data into reliable phase transition detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If data processing algorithms process complete data sets before determining passing time, then accuracy can be maintained, but real-time processing capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassing time accuracyVSAvoidreal-time processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts phase information as a specific feature from the received signal, separating it from complete data set processing. This extraction enables focused analysis of only the critical phase transition moments, achieving both accuracy and real-time processing capability by eliminating unnecessary computational steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Phase information is continuously monitored and phase transitions are detected in real-time as they occur. This preliminary detection eliminates the need to wait for complete data collection, enabling immediate passing time determination while maintaining accuracy through continuous phase monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides a sharp and distinct signal for accurate passing time determination, enabling efficient data processing and suitable for real-time applications, improving accuracy and reducing processing time delays compared to conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter module for transmitting a plurality of signals to a detection module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 2

detecting the phase of a detected signal; determining a passing time on the basis of the phase information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2439703B1Detecting the passing between a transmitter and a detector
Publication Date: 2015.12.30 MYLAPS BV
  • EP2439703B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2439703B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2439703B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method and a system for detecting the passing between a transmitter module and a detecting module is described. The method may comprise: detecting a plurality of signals transmitted by said transmitter module; determining phase information associated with at least a part of said plurality of detected signals; and, determining said passing on the basis of said phase information.