Race timing system

An electronic timing system is provided for timing of athletic events including a radio-frequency identification antenna, a portable timing controller, a remote server, and a radio-frequency identification timing tag. The portable timing controller includes one or more radio-frequency identification readers, and a touch-panel computer electrically coupled to the one or more readers to manage data coming into the one or more readers. The controller further includes a first input/output device for exchanging data with the radio-frequency identification antenna, and a second input/output device for exchanging data with a remote server. The controller also may be powered by portable, user replaceable lithium-ion batteries. The radio-frequency identification timing tag is configured for attachment to an athlete. The timing tag and antenna are adapted for wirelessly communicating data between one another.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to electronic timing systems used for timing of endurance athletes competing in races, and specifically relates to an improved timing system utilizing a portable controller, a RFID antenna, a disposable UHF RFID tag that is attached to the athlete, and remote server software.

Technical Problem

The human spirit is competitive. Since earliest times men and women have run and raced against each other. The basic race consists of a start where someone says “GO” and everyone races to the finish line—first one across wins. A stopwatch can be used to determine the winning time.

It is easy to spot the winners—they are at the front, but it is not so simple to determine who is say “400th”. Today, every runner wants to know how he or she did compared to other runners and to their “personal best” time. They want to know if they are “400th” or “401st”. To know that, an accurate, recorded time needs to be generated for every runner.

In a large race today, there are thousands of runners. Systems need to capture a start-time for every runner and to track when they cross the finish line, then use that data to compute that runner's elapsed time. In long races, runners also want to know what their “split times” are. They want to know what their times were when they crossed certain mile markers during the race. Further sophistication now requires that these times be posted on the internet in real time so that relatives and loved ones can use the runner's number to see when their runner passed these points.

Technical Solution

The present invention meets that need with an improved UHF RFID timing system comprising an RFID antenna that is placed on the race course and connected to the portable controller via the cellular network. An RFID tag on the runner's shoe communicates with the RFID antenna to transmit data on the runner to the portable controller.

RFID has been used in race timing systems since1986. Before the present invention, all of these systems used a returnable RFID chip that was attached to the runner and had to be returned to the timer following the race. These systems have significant limitations. First, the timer must build a cross-link file that correlates the unique RFID chip number to the runner's bib number. This process of building this file is time consuming and error prone. Second, after the race, each runner must wait in line to have his or her RFID chip “clipped” and returned to the timer. The event coordinator must ensure that there are sufficient volunteers to collect these RFID chips and there must be a sufficiently large and secure area to support this chip collection. If chips are not returned, the event is liable and must pay the timer for lost chips. In addition, the prior art chips are bulky and expensive to mail, so pre-registration options to improve race starts cost the event money—a not insignificant trade off. Further, the RFID controller on prior art systems is susceptible to electromagnetic interferences and must be tuned. Finally, the prior art chip controller does not have an integrated screen requiring this unit to operate externally with cables, more pieces, more packing and unpacking for the timer.

The present invention overcomes these limitations by providing a system that uses low cost, disposable UHF Gen 2 RFID Tags. The use of this tag eliminates the need for chip assignment, the cost of shipping chips to events or participants, lost chip costs and the need to create a secure zone for chip collection. The elimination of the costs for these processes directly affects the events' and timers' bottom lines. On race day, the timer can now benefit from a system that is over 99.8% accurate, does not have to be tuned, does not suffer from interference from spurious EMI sources, can be powered by its internal Li-ion batteries, external car batteries, AC generators and/or AC socket in the back of a vehicle.

Advantageous Effects

The present invention provides an all-weather option that is better suited to the logistics and pace of today's style of events. The present invention includes four primary components: the controller, the RFID antenna, the timing tag, and the remote server software.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic timing system for timing of athletic events including a radio-frequency identification antenna, a portable timing controller, a remote server, and a radio-frequency identification timing tag. The portable timing controller includes one or more radio-frequency identification readers, and a touch-panel computer electrically coupled to the one or more readers to manage data coming into said one or more readers. The controller further includes first input/output means for exchanging data with said radio-frequency identification antenna, and second input/output means for exchanging data with a remote server. The radio-frequency identification timing tag is configured for attachment to an athlete. The timing tag and antenna include means for wirelessly communicating data between one another.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the portable timing controller includes a power control board for accepting and managing electrical power from multiple sources. The multiple power sources include two or more of alternating current, direct current or battery, and preferably include all three sources. The alternating current source is preferably 110-220 volt AC house current, the direct current source preferably includes means for connecting the power control board to an external DC battery, and the battery power source may include one or more internal lithium-ion batteries. The power control board is programmed to charge the battery power source when it is using the alternating current power source. There is also provided means for providing visual and/or audio warnings when the remaining power left in the battery power source is low.

According to another aspect of the invention, the battery power source includes one or more removable lithium-ion batteries. The portable timing controller may include one or more, preferably two, sockets for removably connecting one or more removable lithium-ion batteries. The power control board according to this aspect of the invention discharges the one or more removable lithium-ion batteries serially.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the portable timing controller includes a built-in global positioning system that communicates with GPS satellites to determine the controller's location and time of day to the nearest 100thof a second.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the portable timing controller includes one or more input/output devices for communicating data from the controller to other remote devices. The one or more input/output devices may include a built in Ethernet hub having one or more external Ethernet ports for attaching the controller to a network. Alternatively, or in addition to the Ethernet, the one or more input/output devices may include a cellular modem, a built-in wireless radio transmitter for transmitting data to a wireless network, and/or one or more USB ports.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the timing tag may include a printed radio-frequency identification circuit on a surface thereof for transmitting and receiving data to and from the one or more radio-frequency identification readers.

Yet a further aspect of the present invention provides that the radio-frequency identification antenna is housed within a rubberized shell that encases the antenna and allows the routing of cables. The rubberized shell includes one or more projections at a first end thereof and one or more indentations at a second end thereof, said projections and indentations corresponding in shape to permit two or more rubberized shells containing antennae to be linked together in a line.

The first input/output means for exchanging data between the controller and the radio-frequency identification antenna may, according to another aspect of the invention, include means for exchanging data between the controller and two or more radio-frequency identification antennae. The first input/output means for exchanging data between the controller and the radio-frequency identification antenna includes means for exchanging data between the controller and eight radio-frequency identification antennae.

According to one configuration, the controller may be directly connected to four radio-frequency identification antennae, and each one of said four radio-frequency antennae are connected serially to another radio-frequency antenna. An alternate configuration provides that the controller is directly connected to two radio-frequency identification antennae, and each one of said four radio-frequency antennae are connected serially to an additional three radio-frequency antennae. A further configuration provides the controller is directly connected to a radio-frequency identification antenna, and said radio-frequency antenna is connected serially to additional seven radio-frequency antennae.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost, portable, configurable timing system that eliminates the need for chip assignment, the cost of shipping chips to events or participants, lost chip costs and the need to create a secure zone for chip collection. It is a further object of the invention to provide a portable timing system with removable batteries to aid in transport of the system and recharging of the batteries.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the text and the drawings of this application.

BEST MODE

The present invention is an improved race timing system10. As shown inFIG. 1, the timing system10includes four primary components: a controller12, an RFID antenna14, a timing tag16, and a remote server18. The remote server18and associated software collects timing data from any race point where a RFID antenna14and controller12are located using several different methodologies and delivers this data to the timer so that he/she can quickly and efficiently score the race.FIG. 2depicts how timing data collected from the RFID antenna14is passed to the controller12, which in turn sends it to the remote system server18via a communication link using, for example a cell phone tower20. The system server18formats and filters this data and delivers it to the timers scoring package, via any accessible internet link. This enables timers to score races remotely—that is, they use non-skilled employees to lay out the timing equipment at the race site and, using the GPRS cell capabilities built into each controller12, the data is sent to the timer who scores the race from their office and using a laptop computer22with printer attached (not shown) that prints the results back to the race site remotely.

According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller12is a self-contained mobile Gen2 UHF RFID reader system. As shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the controller12includes intelligent power management in the form of a power control board24that will accept and manage electrical power from multiple sources, including 110-220 volt AC26, 12 volt DC28, and batteries30a,30b,30c. When used in the AC mode, the controller is capable of accepting normal house current or, the controller includes sufficient filter logic to accept dirty power from a portable AC generator. The controller12also includes an external battery connector32that permits banana clips34a,34bto be used to connect a 12 volt car battery (not shown). Alternatively, instead of banana clips34a,34b, the external battery connector may comprise an automobile cigarette lighter adapter (not shown). The controller12may also include up to three internal Lithium Ion batteries30a,30b,30cthat will power the controller for up to 18 hours between charges.

The power control board24has been designed to recognize what power source is connected. When connected to AC26, the power control board24will provide power to the controller12and charge the internal batteries30a,30b,30c. When connected to external DC power28, the power control board24only provides power to the controller12but does not attempt to charge the batteries30a,30b,30c. The power control board24drives one or more, preferably three LEDs36a,36b,36cto indicate battery levels and further sounds an audible alarm38when the power level is critically low. Each battery30a,30b,30calso contains its own power management board40a,40b,40c, respectively, that prevents the batteries30a,30b,30cfrom being overcharged or damaged by being fully discharged or short circuited.

Internally, the controller12utilizes one or more, preferably two, RFID readers42a,42b. These readers may be standard off-the-shelf RFID readers such as the Speedway® RFID Reader manufactured by Impinj®, and are capable of reading 650 RFID tags16per second. A proprietary application has been embedded onto the readers to filter the enormous amount of data they are capable of collecting and further to format and present the data in such a fashion that it can be used in a timing environment. The RFID antenna port41a-41hfrom these readers42a,42bare piped to the output mesa43on the controller12where quick connect connectors are used to connect up to 8 RFID antenna16a-16hto the controller12.

The controller12utilizes a Windows CE portable computer44including a touch panel screen46to manage all data coming from the RFID readers42a,42band to forward this data to the various Input/Output devices attached to the controller12. The touch panel46on the computer44is used to configure the controller12for all the differing timing scenarios it may be required to support. The controller12has a built-in Global Positioning System (GPS)48that communicates with GPS satellites to determine its location and time of day to the nearest 100thof a second. This clock is used to accurately synchronize the time on all the controllers being used to time a race. Finally, the controller utilizes multiple I/O methodologies and devices including Ethernet, cellular modem, WiFi and USB ports to communicate data. The controller12has a built in Ethernet hub50with two external Ethernet ports51a,51b. The touch panel computer44and RFID readers42a,42bare IP addressable and can be configured using the touch panel computer44touch panel screen46. The Ethernet ports51a,51bcan be used to attach the controller12to any network following the appropriate configuration steps. The controller12also includes a built in cellular modem52that can be used to send and receive data to/from any server residing on the internet. As shown inFIG. 2, this modem52is used to send timing data to a system server18from remote locations where it is not feasible to use Ethernet or WiFi. The controller12also has a built-in 802.11 a/b/g wireless radio (WiFi)54to send and receive data to any WiFi network appropriately configured. The traditional use for this device is to allow a timer to wirelessly communicate to a controller12from his or her laptop computer22. Finally, timing data can be manually removed from the controller plugging USB memory sticks into one or more USB ports56built into the controller12. USB memory sticks can also be used to load application upgrades to both the touch panel computer44and the RFID readers42a,42b. The controller components are housed in a portable carry case45that can be equipped with a handle to aid in carrying.

As best shown inFIG. 5, the RFID antenna14is housed within a rubberized shell (“skin”)58that encases the antenna14and allows the routing of cables to subsequent antennae14b,14c, . . . in the line. The antenna14is tuned to only operate correctly when inserted into the skin58, and the reader42will not recognize that an antenna is attached when it is not properly inserted in the skin58. The skin58includes a central hollow section60for receiving the RFID antenna14and cabling for connecting the RFID antenna14to the controller and/or to additional RFID antennae. Sloped side sections62a,62bare connected to the lengthwise ends of the central section60to create a gradual slope leading up to the raised center section60. A hinged cover64to the central section60is provided to facilitate insertion of the RFID antenna14and cabling. The dimensions of the skin58and the slope of the end sections62a,62bare designed to be ADA compliant, and preferably the skin58is approximately 42″ L×31.5″ W and is 1″ H at the central section60. Each respective skin (e.g.58a) is configured to be interlockingly attached to another skin (e.g.58b) by projections66a,66bthat are provided in one end of each respective end section62a,62band corresponding indentations68a,68bprovided in the other end of each respective end section62a,62bof the skin58. The ends of multiple skins may be linked together form timing lines as shown inFIGS. 7-10. These lines, when connected to a controller12, can detect when timing tags16cross them and assign a time to when this event occurs. One controller12can support a line from 42 inches (a single RFID antenna14and skin58) to 28 feet (eight RFID antennae and skins).

As shown inFIGS. 7-10, Controllers12and skins58enclosing the RFID antennas14can be set out in a multitude of configurations.FIG. 7shows a traditional triathlon configuration including four (4) seven foot lines (swim in primary70a, swim in secondary70b, bike out primary70c, bike out secondary70d), respectively, connected to a single controller12. Each line70a,70b,70c,70dincludes two skins58a,58b, with two corresponding RFID antennae14a,14b, respectively.FIG. 8shows a traditional small race start or finish configuration including two (2) fourteen foot lines (one primary line72a, and one backup line72b). Each line72a,72bincludes four skins58a,58b,58c,58dwith four corresponding RFID antennae14a,14b,14c,14d, respectively. A single 8-port controller12is connected to both the primary line72aand secondary line72b.FIG. 9shows a traditional medium race start or finish configuration including two (2) twenty eight foot lines—one primary line74aand one backup line74b. Each line74a,74bincludes eight skins58a,58b,58c,58d,58e,58f,58g,58hwith eight corresponding RFID antennae14a,14b,14c,14d,14e,14f,14g,14h, respectively. One 8-port controller12ais connected to the primary line72aand a second 8-port controller12bis connected to the secondary line72b.FIG. 10shows a traditional large race start or finish configuration including two (2) fifty six foot lines—one primary line76aand one backup line76b. Each line76a,76bincludes sixteen skins58a,58b,58c,58d,58e,58f,58g,58h,58i,58j,58k,58l,58m,58n,58o,58pwith sixteen corresponding RFID antennae14a,14b,14c,14d,14e,14f,14g,14h,14i,14j,14k,14l,14m,14n,14o,14p, respectively. Two 8-port controllers12a,12bare connected to the primary line76a, with the first controller12abeing connected to the first eight skins58a,58b,58c,58d,58e,58f,58g,58h, and a second controller12bbeing connected to the second eight skins58i,58j,58k,58l,58m,58n,58o,58p. Similarly, two 8-port controllers12c,12dare connected to the secondary line76b, with the third controller12cbeing connected to the first eight skins58a,58b,58c,58d,58e,58f,58g,58h, and a fourth controller12dbeing connected to the second eight skins58i,58j,58k,58l,58m,58n,58o,58p.

FIG. 11andFIG. 12illustrate one presently preferred embodiment of the RFID timing tag16. As shown inFIG. 11, the timing tag16is preferably attached to an athletic shoe80by inserting a portion of the timing tag16between the laces82and tongue84of the athletic shoe80, such that the tag forms a substantially D-shaped profile. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the timing tag16is a planar member, preferably having a substantially rectangular cross-section. Although other dimensions are contemplated, the timing tag according to the preferred embodiment is approximately 1.25 inches (3 cm) wide to permit insertion between the laces82and tongue84of a common athletic shoe80, and 6.25 inches (16 cm) long. The timing tag16is preferably formed of a flexible, water resistant sheet type material having very low conductivity, such as sheet plastic or laminated paper. The timing tag16includes opposing rear and front surfaces86and88, respectively.

As best shown inFIG. 12, the planar timing tag16of the present invention is removably attached to a disposable planar member90. The rear surface86of the timing tag16includes three separate sections86a,86b,86cseparated by fold lines or creases94a,94bextending across the timing tag16. An integrated circuit96and antenna98are formed on the timing tag16. Further details of the RFID timing tag are discussed in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/182,512, and need not be discussed in further detail here.

FIGS. 13-15illustrate an alternative presently preferred embodiment of the RFID timing tag. As shown inFIG. 13According to the presently preferred embodiment, the timing tag includes a race bib212, having a front surface214and a rear surface216. A pair of spaced apart parallel timing tags218a,218bare associated with the race bib212for obtaining timing information about the participant when used in conjunction with the race timing system and readers of the present invention. The timing tags218a,218bare positioned such that the antennae228therein are linearly polarized relative to one another, and are positioned on the race bib212such that, when the bib is affixed to the garment of the participant, the timing tags218a,218bare oriented such that they are perpendicular to the tag reader. A protective layer or coating230is located between the timing tag218and the participant. According to one presently preferred embodiment, the protective layer or coating230is a product known as RFIDefend produced by MPI Label Systems. The RFIDefend has a unique and proprietary material construction that provides added protection to the inlay in applications where the RFID tag is subjected to impact, abrasion, heat or moisture. It also allows the entire label to be printed without quality interference from the chip and withstands exposure to outdoor elements. Further details of the RFID bib tag are discussed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/732,590 and need not be discussed in further detail here.

The antenna88picks up signals from the RFID reader42a,42bor scanner and then returns the signal, with some additional data—in this case, the runner's bib number and related information that has previously been encoded on the memory circuits of the integrated circuit86.

A controller112according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 16andFIG. 17. The alternative embodiment controller112is a self-contained mobile Gen2 UHF RFID reader system, and is similar to the controller12shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, wherein like reference numerals indicate like components. The controller112includes intelligent power management in the form of a power control board124that will accept and manage electrical power from multiple sources, including removable batteries130a,130b.

In use, it has proven difficult to transport the controller12to distant races due to the internal lithium-ion batteries. On Jan. 1, 2008, the FAA issued new restrictions on travelling with devices having internal lithium-ion batteries. In essence, the FAA now forbids the transport of any lithium-ion battery rated over 300 watt-hours (25 g ELC) on commercial flights. Restrictions have also been imposed on air shipment of lithium-ion batteries making it difficult to transport the internal battery controller12via air for races.

To overcome these restrictions, a controller112is provided having one or more removable lithium-ion batteries130a,130b. The batteries130a,130bcan be removably inserted into corresponding sockets132a,132bto power the controller112. In use, the batteries discharge serially, such that, for example, the first battery130a, powers the controller until it nears the end of its charge. At or near the end of its charge, the power control board124switches to the second battery130b. An LED signal136ais displayed to the operator to indicate that the first battery is depleted and ready for recharging. With a total of three batteries, and a remote recharger, the controller can operate continuously without interruption. While one battery130ais powering the controller112, a second fully charged battery130bis plugged into the socket132band awaiting use. A third battery (not shown) may be charging on a remote charger (also not shown). When the first battery is discharged, it is removed from the socket132aand placed on the charger. The third battery that was charging may now be placed in the socket132a, and will be ready for use when the second battery130bis discharged.

To further assist the end user of the controller, the sockets132a,132bmay be configured to receive commercially available rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, such as those commonly used to power cordless power tools. For example, the sockets132a,132bcould be configured to receive a commercially available Ryobi One+™ 18V Lithium-Ion Battery that is commercially available in retail hardware stores. The controller112could be shipped for a race or transported by commercial airline to the race without regard to restrictions on the transport of lithium-ion batteries. At the race location, the operator could just purchase two or more, preferably three, compatible lithium-ion batteries for use with the controller.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. The specific components and order of the steps listed above, while preferred is not necessarily required. Further modifications and adaptation to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.