UHF RFID Tag Encoding for Athletic Event Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing participatory athletic event timing systems using ROM-based RFID tags require a time-consuming and labor-intensive association process to match chip ID codes with participant bib numbers, leading to significant costs and inefficiencies in event organization and management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing UHF-based wireless encodable data tags, such as Class 1 Gen 2 RFID tags, which allow the athlete's bib number to be encoded directly into the tag's memory, eliminating the need for pre-event association and enabling easy reuse or disposal, with tags attached to bibs or wearable items for improved readability and reduced labor costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ROM-based RFID tags are used with pre-event association processes, then participant identification can be performed, but the association process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encoding the bib number directly into the RFID tag memory during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for time-consuming post-manufacturing association processes, as the identifier is already prepared in advance within the tag itself, ready for immediate use at the event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a direct copy of the bib number into the RFID tag's memory during the manufacturing process. This copy is then used throughout the event without requiring additional association steps, effectively duplicating the identification function to eliminate the need for manual matching processes.
2Reliability
If ROM-based RFID tags with association processes are used, then participant tracking is enabled, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the association process entirely from the system by pre-baking the bib number into the RFID tag during manufacturing. This removes the complex post-manufacturing matching operation from the event workflow, leaving only the simple read-and-process phase during the actual event, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining tracking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing the RFID tag to contain its own identification information (bib number) permanently stored in non-volatile memory. The tag serves itself by providing its own identifier without requiring external association processes, eliminating the need for manual or automated matching operations during event setup.
3Loss of information
If pre-event association processes are implemented, then chip ID codes can be matched with bib numbers, but event preparation time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing the identification data encoding during the tag manufacturing process rather than during event preparation. The bib number is permanently written into the RFID tag memory in advance, so all identification data is ready before the event begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming pre-event association activities.
4Measurement precision
If reusable timing chips with association processes are used, then timing accuracy can be maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a permanent copy of the bib number within the RFID tag's non-volatile memory. This ensures timing accuracy is maintained while improving productivity, as the copied identifier is immediately available for use without requiring repetitive association operations during event organization.
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
Streamlines event preparation and data management by eliminating the need for extensive pre-event association, reducing labor costs, and enhancing read rates through improved tag placement and antenna design, achieving high accuracy and efficiency in timing and tracking during events.
Implementation Method 1
UHF timing system for participatory athletic events based on backscattering modulation
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field energizes the coil within the chip, which produces an electric current and powers the chip's transponder
Data Source
AI summary
A participatory athletic event timing system based on backscattering modulation in the UHF band and including wirelessly encoding writable data tags with participant's bib numbers or a calculated derivative thereof for timing participants in a participative athletic event, and attaching the data tags to the participant's bibs for distribution of the bibs and data tags to participants so as to eliminate the need for matching data tags with bibs and maintaining the sequenced order of the matched data tags and bibs. In a preferred embodiment, when participants register for the event, they are assigned an ID number and a bib printed with that number and having attached to the bib one or more data tag encoded in the tags memory the ID number or a calculated derivative thereof. Before the start of the event, the athlete pulls the data tag from the bib and attaches it to their shoe. Antennas suitably designed and adapted for use with the data tags in participative athletic events are used to communicate with the data tags.