Transponder Timing Using Magnetic Field Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports competition measurement systems using transponders struggle with precision and automation due to limitations in time difference detection and the lack of an absolute time reference, leading to manual control operations and erroneous measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a transponder module that uses a low-frequency electromagnetic field signal for synchronization and intensity measurements, allowing for precise determination of passage time by correcting orientation and predicting the actual crossing time through triaxial antenna measurements and UHF communication, ensuring accurate and automated timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional transponders are used to detect and record measured time, then the system can operate with simple devices, but measurement precision deteriorates when time differences between athletes are below transponder accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary magnetic field signal generator that creates a reference magnetic field pattern along the race course. Transponders measure this magnetic field as they move, and the receiver uses these measurements to precisely determine passage times by comparing against the reference pattern, rather than relying solely on direct transponder-to-finish-line timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electronic timing systems with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of using complex electronic sensors at the finish line to detect transponders, the system uses magnetic field intensity measurements taken continuously by transponders, which are then processed to determine passage times with high precision.
2Device complexity
If no absolute time reference is defined in the measurement system, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the receiver cannot reconstruct the magnetic field pattern to precisely determine actual passing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes an absolute time reference by having the signal generator create a reference magnetic field pattern at predetermined times and locations along the race course before the competition begins. This reference pattern is stored and used during the event to precisely correlate transponder measurements with actual passage times, enabling accurate timing without complex real-time synchronization systems.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic field intensity measurements are taken at random times by transponders, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in accurately determining transit time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement intervals where transponders take magnetic field intensity measurements at regular, predetermined time intervals rather than randomly. This periodic sampling, combined with the reference magnetic field pattern, allows the receiver to accurately interpolate and determine the exact moment a transponder passes a checkpoint, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high measurement precision.
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 enables precise and automated measurement of passage times, preventing backtracking in race timing and allowing for the simultaneous detection of multiple transponder modules, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, at said predetermined times, an intensity of a magnetic field emitted along said passage line by said signal generator using a triaxial antenna
Implementation Method 2
a low-frequency electromagnetic field signal transmits at least one synchronization command for each transponder module
Data Source
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AI summary
The method enables the measurement of at least one transit time of a line (6) of a moving object via a custom transponder module (10) placed on the object. The method comprises the steps of: - generating a low-frequency (LF) electromagnetic field signal, - activating the transponder module upon receiving the synchronization command modulated in the electromagnetic field signal, - measuring the intensity of the unmodulated electromagnetic field signal received by the activated transponder module at regular time intervals, - transmitting each intensity measurement or a packet of intensity measurements directly from the transponder module (10) to the decoder unit (4) in a measurement signal for determining the transit time of the line.