RFID Athletic Timing Device with Microprocessor Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic timing systems using RFID technology are limited in providing runners with control and access to their timing data, requiring devices to be returned to organizers and lacking utility beyond specific race events.
Innovation Solution
A personal athletic device equipped with an RFID-enabled chip system that includes a microprocessor, display, and user input, allowing runners to automatically record and display split times and finish times, with wireless communication capabilities for data access and reuse across multiple events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional RFID transponders are used in race events, then automatic timing functionality is achieved, but user control and access to timing data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The personal athletic device combines multiple functions into a single unit: RFID transponder for race timing, stopwatch with lap timing, target time setting, and data storage. This multi-functional design allows the device to serve both as a passive RFID tag for organizer-controlled timing and as an active personal timing device with user control, eliminating the need for separate devices and improving user accessibility to timing data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the RFID transponder functionality with a personal stopwatch and data management system into one integrated device. The microprocessor unit combines RFID reception capabilities with local timing functions, allowing the device to automatically receive timing data from RFID readers while also independently recording split times and comparing them with target times, thus providing both automatic timing and user control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If race organizer-controlled timing systems are used, then automated timing is achieved, but device must be returned and has limited utility beyond specific events
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be versatile across multiple race events by incorporating both RFID transponder functionality for organizer-controlled timing and independent stopwatch capabilities for personal timing. The programmable target times and data storage allow the device to be reused across different events with different timing systems, eliminating the need to return the device to organizers and maintaining utility beyond specific events.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows users to pre-program target split times and performance goals before participating in races. This preliminary setup enables automatic comparison of actual performance against targets during and after events, providing immediate feedback and making the device adaptable to various racing conditions and personal goals across multiple events.
3Productivity
If manual lap timing is used, then user control is maintained, but automated timing and data collection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines automatic RFID-triggered timing with manual stopwatch functionality in a single integrated system. The microprocessor automatically records timing data when RFID signals are detected from readers at various course points, while also maintaining manual lap timing capabilities. This dual-mode operation provides both automated data collection efficiency and user control, eliminating the trade-off between automatic and manual timing.
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 runners to have immediate access to their timing data, set target split times, and compare performance, with enhanced functionality for multiple event use and integration with other devices, improving user control and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a miniature transponder that interacts with the mats as the runner progresses along the face course. As the runner runs the event, time is automatically kept via interaction between the transponder and the mats
Data Source
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AI summary
A personal athletic device is worn by a runner during a race. A race course is provided with a plurality of mats along the race course. The mats have antennas and generate a magnetic field. The personal athletic device has a chip system having an RFID tag and a display. As the runner progress along the course, the RFID tag is triggered at each mat and race data is displayed on the device.