Transponder Module for Continuous Speed Measurement on Ski Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the speed of competitors, such as skiers or snowboarders, during a race are limited by the inability to provide continuous and precise speed data, often losing contact during jumps and lacking real-time transmission capabilities, leading to inaccurate and incomplete speed measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a transponder module equipped with a Doppler effect radar speed sensor, a 9-axis inertial movement sensor, and a barometric pressure sensor, activated and synchronized at the start of the race, allowing for continuous speed measurement and real-time transmission to a base station for live display, even during jumps and precise position tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional portable radar or ultrasonic devices are used for speed measurement, then portability is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to loss of contact with stationary units during jumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (Doppler radar speed measurement, jump detection, flight time measurement) into a single integrated portable transponder device worn by the competitor. This eliminates the need for separate stationary units and maintains continuous measurement capability throughout the race, including during jumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable transponder device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures speed using Doppler radar, detects jumps through motion sensors, measures flight time, and transmits data wirelessly. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate devices while maintaining measurement reliability throughout the entire race.
2Measurement precision
If stationary photoelectric cells or radar systems are used, then measurement precision is improved at specific points, but continuous speed measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having stationary devices measure the moving competitor at fixed points, the patent inverts the approach by placing the measurement device on the moving competitor themselves. The transponder worn by the competitor actively measures their own speed continuously using Doppler radar, providing both high precision and continuous measurement throughout the entire race duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The competitor's own transponder device performs the speed measurement on themselves continuously throughout the race. The device autonomously measures speed, detects jumps, and transmits data without requiring external stationary measurement points, enabling continuous precise measurement from start to finish.
3Duration of action of moving object
If portable devices with multiple sensors are used, then continuous measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs activation and synchronization of all sensors (Doppler radar, motion sensors, pressure sensor) at the start of the race through a wake-up signal. This preliminary action ensures all sensors are properly calibrated and synchronized before measurement begins, simplifying the overall calibration process while maintaining continuous measurement capability throughout the race.
4Duration of action of moving object
If GPS receivers are used for speed measurement, then continuous measurement is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to multipath propagation and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning with a Doppler radar system that uses acoustic waves and the Doppler effect to measure speed. This substitution eliminates the problems of multipath propagation and signal obstructions inherent in GPS, providing more accurate continuous speed measurement in the mountainous terrain of downhill racing.
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 continuous and accurate speed measurement from the start to the finish of the race, allowing for real-time display on screens or television, with enhanced precision during jumps and accurate position matching on the race track, facilitating comparison of speed curves among competitors.
Implementation Method 1
A method utilizing a transponder module equipped with a Doppler effect radar speed sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The method enables the measurement of a competitor's speed, such as that of a skier or snowboarder, on a ski or snowboard slope, using a measurement system (1) with a transponder module (10) worn by the competitor. The method includes a step of activating the transponder module, which includes a measurement unit (7) to at least one measurement sensor, at the start of the race; a step of measuring the competitor's speed by the measurement unit (7) during the race along the slope; and a step of transmitting the competitor's speed measurement to at least one base station (22, 23, 24) of a decoder device (20) of the measurement system for a timing device (26) in order to display the competitor's speed in real time or continuously on at least one screen.