Integrated RFID Geodetic Timing System for Event Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current event timing systems, such as those using RFID and GPS technologies, face challenges in accurately tracking participants' locations and times during events, especially in harsh conditions, and are not adaptable for integration with event timing systems, leading to inaccuracies in determining participants' progress and times.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines RFID tag readers with location devices capable of receiving location information from various sources, transmitting this data wirelessly, and integrating it with a timing system to monitor and display participants' locations and times in real-time, using a location determination module and wireless communication interface to associate participant identifiers with their geographic locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are used to track participant locations, then location tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and adaptability for event timing systems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID tag readers with location detection systems into an integrated timing system. The RFID readers are positioned at detection points along the event route, and each reader is coupled to a location detection system that determines the geographic location of the detection point. This merging eliminates the need for separate GPS receivers on participants while still achieving location tracking through the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces detection points with RFID tag readers as intermediary elements between participants and the timing system. Instead of requiring participants to carry GPS receivers, the system uses fixed detection points along the route that automatically detect and track participant locations through RFID technology, simplifying the participant's equipment while maintaining tracking capability.
2Measurement precision
If RFID tag readers are placed at multiple detection points along the route, then participant tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and system setup complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the event route into multiple detection points, each equipped with an RFID tag reader. This segmentation allows the system to track participants at specific intervals along the route, improving tracking accuracy without requiring a continuous complex infrastructure. Each detection point operates independently, reading RFID tags as participants pass through.
3Loss of information
If location data is collected and processed in real-time, then participant monitoring capability is improved, but loss of time for data processing worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing detection points along the event route with RFID tag readers and location detection systems configured and ready before the event begins. This allows immediate data collection and processing as participants pass through detection points, eliminating setup delays during the event while maintaining real-time tracking capability.
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 accurate and real-time tracking and monitoring of participants' locations and times during events, providing precise data for event analysis and participant performance evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
a location device associated with the participant and the participant identifier. The location device has a location information receiver receiving location information from a location providing source
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a route or waypoints along a route to be or being traveled by a participant, the system including a location device associated with the participant having a location data receiver for receiving location data from a location providing source, and a wireless communication interface, the location detection device receiving location information from the location providing source, time stamping each received location information, and transmitting location data associated with the location device over the wireless interface; a location detection device in at least periodic wireless communication with the location device for receiving the transmitted location data, and transmitting the received location data; and an event/timing system receiving the transmitted location data, and determining a route or waypoints along a route to be or being traveled by a participant that will be tracked.