Patent Publication Number: US-2020292710-A1

Title: Measuring system for horse race or training

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to a measuring system for horse racing or training, which includes galoloping and trotting. The measuring system includes at least one base station to wireless communicate with a transponder module placed on a movable object, which can be a jockey/driver and/or a horse. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In horse racings and training, two basic systems are currently used worldwide. On the one hand, the GPS based system and on the other hand the local positioning system. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages. Which of the two systems is used depends on various external factors and the specific requirements of the customer. Below, both are described fundamentally. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the local tracking system  1  (LTS) is an enhancement of the regular satellite-based positioning technology, known as GPS/GNSS tracking. By the time GPS/GNSS signals of satellites  20  reach the transponder module  2  defined TAG placed on the horse  12 . Different sources contribute inaccuracies, e.g. layers of the atmosphere. LTS corrects such variable errors through a permanently installed RTK base station  3 , which is a Real-Time Kinematics communication unit  3 , which can be connected by cable or WiFi connection to a server  4 . The server  4  transmits measured data to TV, Video, Apps, Result Websites or any other presenting applications. In knowing the exact position of the RTK base station  3 , differences to the satellite data can instantly be calculated. Resulting correction data are emitted continuously to the transponder module  2 . Hence positions and rankings of horses  12  can be determined in real-time at centimetre accuracy. 
     In addition to the RTK base station  3 , up to two RTK transceivers extent the coverage along the race and training track  10 . The real-time transmission of the correction data to the mobile transponder modules  2  is done using radio technology such as WIFI or other wireless transmission. Each transponder module  2  transmits the corrected satellite-based position with 5 Hz via radio to the central server  4  for the transcription of the information as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Another option for the real-time transmission of the corrected satellite-based position to the central server  4  refers to usage of public telecommunication networks e.g. 3G or 4G. 
     LTS involves the installation of an RTK base station  3 , which provides correction data to the transponder modules  2  just because the position of the antenna is exactly known. This adds the ingredient to better the natural inaccuracy of GPS/GNSS to an acceptable, in best case centimetre level. To take advantage of the RTK mode, the transponder module  2  has to reach a so-called RTK fix or RTK float status. Otherwise, the system falls back to GNSS respectively DGNSS inaccuracy. 
     The permanent movement such as up and down of the saddle cloths, which is one option to attach the transponder module  2  to the horse  12 , affects the stability of the transponder module  2  and therefore handicaps the reaching of the RTK status. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a Local Positioning System  1  (LPS) is an advanced solution for precise three-dimensional position tracking in real time. In contrast to GPS, the system allows tracking of persons and objects almost down to the last centimetre and at a considerable higher measuring rate than the satellite-based GPS offers. The system&#39;s stationary hardware components are set up locally around the measuring zone  10  (e.g. race course or training track). Different base stations  3  are regular placed around the race track  10 , each having an antenna arrangement  30  to communicate with a transponder module  2  in operation. As shown in  FIG. 3 , said antenna arrangement  30  can include a first LPS antenna  31 , a second LPS antenna  32  and a WiFi antenna  33 . In order to use one LPS at least partially at multiple venues each base station  3  can carry a portable part  40  shown in  FIG. 2 . An access point  7  receives information signals from the base stations  3  to communicate by cable  8  (network or fiber optical) to a positioning server  4 . Said server  4  is linked to a tracking center operator  5  who transmits measured data to TV or other applications. 
     A number of lightweight, portable transponder modules  2  serve as the tracking targets for the system  1 . Position data are transmitted wirelessly to at least one base station  3  and from there to the application server  4 , which determines the current 3D position and derives precise speed and acceleration values for each portable transponder module  2 . Client applications can make use of these processed data in real-time. The choice of the target application platform and intended usage of these data is up to the client: Training and performance analyses including optional heart rate information, virtual game replays, statistics or broadcast graphics—nearly everything you can imagine is possible with LPS. The covered range is about 1 km radius, which makes this system unique for sports with a huge field of action and high precision. 
     Regardless of the system to be used, the transponder module  2  is currently placed in the saddle cloth  11  of the horses  12  about half an hour before each race/training, in pockets  22  provided for this purpose, as shown in  FIG. 4 . Either the transponder modules  2  remain in this saddle cloth  11  for the whole day or the transponder modules  2  are removed after the race/training and being placed into another set of saddle cloths  11  for the next race/training. 
     Due to their size, the saddle cloth  11  can grind on the floor. A person carrying or walking behind can easily step on it and damage the sensitive transponder module  2 . Hence the transponder module  2  might no longer be functional. 
     Performance issues going along with the placement of the transponder module  2  in the saddle cloth  11  result from the bodies of the jockey  14  and the horse  12 . The pure coverage through the bodies significantly interfere with the reception and transmission of data as shown in  FIG. 5 . Parts of the satellites or the permanently installed base stations or antennas do not have a direct view to the transponder modules  2  due to the bodies. This results in considerable less accurate data. 
     Another relevant problem limiting the accuracy of a system dedicated to the placement of the transponder modules  2  in the saddle cloths  11  is the constant vibration and fluttering the transponder modules  2  encounter. While the horse  12  is trotting or galloping, the saddle cloth  11  permanently and frequently moves up and down as well as back and forth and so the transponder module  2 . 
     Thus, the transponder module  2  strikes uninterruptedly on the back of the horse  12 . This impact on the transponder module  2  causes massive irritations and malfunction, especially with the GPS/GNNSS/RTK system  1 . The internal time generator (quartz/silica) loses the rhythm essential to calculate an accurate position. As a consequence, the GPS transponder module  2  falls back from the RTK fix (highest accuracy) to the RTK float or even the GNSS (lowest accuracy) and therefore provides inaccurate position data. If this happens to a GPS transponder module  2  in the race, wrong data, positions, rankings, distances etc. will be displayed on the TV and other media. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring system for a horse race or training with an adapted arrangement of the transponder module to improve the transmission of accurate data signals and, in particular for determining an accurate position of the horse during races or training. 
     According to the invention, there is provided a measuring system for a horse race or training as recited in claim  1 . 
     Other aspects of the invention are recited in the dependent claims attached hereto. 
     One advantage of the measuring system for a horse race or training lies in the fact that each transponder module is placed on the body of the jockey/driver or on a visible up-part of the horse in order to avoid any interferences or obstacles during the horse race or training for determining in particular the accurate position of the horse. So the transponder module can easily receive position information from visible satellites and easily communicate measurement data signals with at least one base station. 
     Advantageously, the transponder module can be placed at the back of the jockey or driver, and preferably fixely placed in a pocket of a security vest, which is much better protected from accidental damages as experienced with the saddle cloths of the prior art. 
     Advantageously, the transponder module can be also placed on an helmet of the jockey/driver or at the shoulder of the jockey/driver or at the arm of the jockey/driver or at the thigh or leg of the jockey/driver. It can be envisaged to place the transponder module on a bridle or a head of the horse. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of the measuring system for horse races or training will appear more clearly in the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically shows a Local Tracking System for horse races or training according to the prior art, 
         FIG. 2  schematically shows a Local Positioning System for horse races or training according to the prior art, 
         FIG. 3  shows an antenna arrangement on each base station of the system of  FIG. 2  according to the prior art, 
         FIG. 4  shows a saddle cloth with a transponder module to be mounted on a horse for a measuring system according to the prior art, 
         FIG. 5  schematically shows a jockey onto a horse with the position of a transponder module in a saddle cloth for a measuring system according to the prior art, 
         FIG. 6  schematically shows a measuring system with a transponder module carried on the jockey for horse races or training according to the invention, 
         FIG. 7  shows a security vest with a pocket for a transponder module for a measuring system for horse races or training according to the invention, 
         FIG. 8  shows a jockey onto a horse with a security vest on the back of the jockey and a transponder module mounted in the pocket of the vest for a measuring system for horse races or training according to the invention, and 
         FIGS. 9 a  to 9 e    show different positions to place a transponder module on the jockey or on a visible up-part of the horse for a measuring system for horse races or training according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, all the components of a measuring system for horse races or training, that are well known to those skilled in the art in this technical field will be described only in a simplified manner. A transponder module used in said system, has to be considered as a device for transmitting or receiving wirelessly any data or control signals, such as a transceiver, with one or several close or remote instruments and for communicating position data of the horse or the jockey races or training. 
       FIG. 6  represents a measuring system  1  for horse races or training, that is mainly composed of at least one base station  3  placed on a race track  10  or around the race track  10  to communicate wirelessly with at least one transponder module  2  mounted on one free visible up-part of a horse  12  or preferably on a body of a jockey  14  for a race or for a training. Normally it can be used for example a Local Positioning System (LPS) for precise three-dimensional position tracking in real time as shown in  FIG. 2  abovementioned or a Local Tracking System (LTS), which is an enhancement of the regular satellite-based positioning technology, known as GPS/GNSS tracking as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the case of LTS system, a reception of GPS signals from visible satellites  20  around the Earth can be picked-up by each transponder module  2  in operation for horse races or training in order to determine a position on the track  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6  according to one embodiment, the measuring system  1  further includes an RTK master base station  3  placed in periphery of the race track  10 , a transceiver base station  3   a  on a determined position in periphery of the race track  10  distant from the master base station  3 , and, if required, another transceiver base station  3   b  on a determined position in periphery of the race track  10  distant from the other transceiver base stations  3 ,  3   a . The RTK base station  3  is connected by cable  16  or WiFi connection to a server  4 . At least one transceiver base station  3   a  is connected by cable  19  or WiFi connection to the server  4 . The positioning server  4  (LPS) is linked to transmit data according to a UDP protocol to a tracking center operator  5 . Said tracking center operator  5  can communicate position measurement data to TV, Video, Result Web or 2D App or other applications. 
     In this embodiment, the transponder module  2  is disposed on the back of the jockey  14 . Said transponder module  2  in operation can receive also GPS signals from visible satellites  20  to determine the exact position of the transponder module  2  to be communicated to the base stations  3 ,  3   a ,  3   b  during races or training. It is possible also that a position determination is performed inside the transponder module  2 , before being communicated to base stations. The RTK base station  3  can transmit correction data to the transponder module  2 , which generally includes a signal receptor, a signal emitter, a microcontroller, a memory and normally a battery for a power supply of each electronic component of said transponder module  2 . 
     In the prior art, each transponder module  2  is placed on the saddle cloth  11 , which is not an optimal choice given that it can have some interferences during the reception of signals from different instruments or GPS signals. This reduces the good reception of said signals during the race or training and can generate errors on position measurement during the race or training. 
     For this invention, this is provided to change the position of the transponder module  2 , defined TAG as shown in  FIGS. 8, 9   a  to  9   d . Different possible positions of the transponder module  2  on the body of the jockey  14  onto a horse  12  can be mentions below for example:
         At the back of the jockey  14  ( FIG. 8 )   At the helmet  17  of the jockey  14  ( FIG. 9 a   )   At the shoulder of the jockey  14  ( FIG. 9 b   )   At the arm of the jockey  14  ( FIG. 9 c   )   At the thigh of the jockey  14  ( FIG. 9 d   )       

     It can be also envisaged to place the transponder module  2  on the bridle  18  or the head of the horse  12 , as shown in  FIG. 9 e    for a good reception of GPS signals from visible satellites. 
     The currently most meaningful position is seen on the back of the jockey  14 . In  FIG. 7 , a transponder module  2  can be fixely placed in a pocket  15  directly onto the jockey&#39;s vest  13 , or an extra cover can be pulled over the jockey security vest  13  or attached to the jockey security vest  13  having a fastener such as a Velcro fastener. The transponder module  2  can be placed also in a bag not represented on the back of the jockey  14 . 
     In general, it is an obvious measure for any kind and use of satellite-based navigation/positioning system. Placing the transponder module  2  at a position from where the maximum number of satellites  20  ( FIG. 6 ) can be seen is increasing the chance to get plausible and constantly coordinates. For that reason, the saddle cloths  11  are not an optimal choice. The jockey  14  covers a large area of the hemisphere and as the very top position on the saddle  11  is also not achievable the transponder module  2  is partially also limited in its angle field through the body of the horse  12  with an interference of the jockey  14  on the saddle cloth  11 . 
     In contrast, the back of the jockey  14  offers much better conditions. As more satellites  20  can be included in the calculation as more references are available. This becomes even more important when it is about real-time positioning. Since directions are changed slowly but steady during a race on a circular track  10 , there is a limited angle field if transponder module  2  is placed in saddle cloth  11  that also means that the satellites  20  involved in the calculation of the position are changing. It is not the case with the placement on the jockey&#39;s back  14 . 
     The difference between saddle cloth  11  and back of the jockey  14  can be quantified in an accuracy varying from 50 cm to several meters for the saddle cloth  11  and 10 cm to 25 cm on the back of the jockey  14 . 
     The jockey  14  balances the movements of the horse  12  with his lower body very well, so that, in contrast to the saddle cloth  11 , the upper body remains relatively stable throughout the whole race/training. Hence the impact the transponder module  2  exposed is reduced to a minimum since the transponder module  2  pocket  15  ( FIG. 7 ) is directly attached to the tight-fitting security vest  13  of the jockey  14 . So the sensitive clock inside the transponder module  2  receives considerable less, even absorbed shocks lowering the number of failures significantly compared to the placement in the saddle cloth  11 . 
     Another advantage is that the transponder module  2  in the security vest  13  pocket  15  is much better protected from accidental damages as experienced with the saddle cloths. In  FIG. 8 , stepping on is virtually impossible, because the jockey  14  wears the security vest the majority of the time. Before using the individually assigned transponder module  2  for the first time, the jockeys  14  will be given handling guidelines for the safe placement in and removal from the security vest pocket. Alternatively or in addition the insertion and removal of the transponder module  2  will be performed by trained personnel/staff. 
     As represented in  FIGS. 6 to 9 , not just with regards to the tracking accuracy the assignment of the transponder modules  2  to the jockeys  14  offers added value. Saddle cloths  11  are mainly used once per day so that the transponder modules  2  are to be taken off from the saddle cloth  11  after races or workouts. Thus a transponder module  2  is only used once or every second or third race/workout while a jockey  14  can train and race different horses on one day. Hence the number of required transponder modules  2  is much lower if assigned to jockeys  14 , presupposed the transponder modules  2  are operated in a way that adapts the activity level of the transponder module  2  (how often positions are calculated and transmitted) to the activity level of the jockey  14  (e.g. resting, workouts, races) so that the battery lifetime of the transponder module  2  covers a working day e.g. 6 hours. So an added value is achieved with regards to reduced handling efforts and a lower number of required transponder modules  2 . 
     Most national regulations prescribe the athlete horses  12  to be identified through an implanted RFID chip. The transponder module  2  described here, pre-assigned to the jockey  14  through application software, optionally involves an RFID reader allowing the users e.g. the jockeys  14  to easily assign the transponder module  2  by hand to the horse  12  they race or train with by holding the transponder module  2  near the RFID. The allocation of the ID of the respective horse  12  to the name of a horse happens in the application software. In case no RFID chip is implanted or the chip cannot be read out the assignment of the jockey transponder module  2  to the trained or raced horse  12  is conducted manually in the application software. 
     Motion sensors, also called Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), are used to enhance the position measurement by providing parameters for orientations, acceleration or other for analyse purposes. Placing the transponder module  2  on the back of the jockey  14  supports a steady position in favour of a higher accuracy in the position calculation. To the same degree the proposed placement of the transponder module  2  is going along with a stabilization of the IMU sensor implemented in the transponder module  2  so that at least partially the ability to track the enhanced IMU motion parameters of the horse  12  becomes limited. Therefore the system described here optionally considers one or more additional IMU sensors separated from the transponder module  2  and placed on the horse  12  e.g. on the saddle, the girth or any other place from where the movement of the horse  12  can directly be detected having the same time basis as the transponder module  2 , such external IMU sensor(s) provides synchronized parameters, unadulterated from the stabilized position of the transponder module  2 . For real-time analyses the data from the external IMU sensor(s) are transmitted via Bluetooth to the transponder module  2 . Otherwise this data can also be downloaded after the race/training. 
     In a previous RTK test, first comparative values were recorded. The RTK transponder module  2  was placed on the back of the jockey  14  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The comparison values for the attachment of the transponder module to the saddle cloth  11  as shown in  FIG. 5 , come from a test race. 
     Officially, the ranking is determined by the nose of a horse. The RTK system measures the ranking using the transponder module  2  on the back of the jockey  14 . It can be seen two lines in a camera photo-finish positioned at the nose of the horse and at the position of the transponder module  2  on the back of the jockey not represented in said description. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Saddle cloth 
                 Back 
                 Explanatory note 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Maximum deviation 
                 256 
                 ms 
                 56 
                 ms 
                   
               
               
                 Maximum deviation 
                 410 
                 cm 
                 90 
                 cm 
                 acceptance of 16 m/s 
               
               
                 in cm 
               
               
                 Ø deviation 
                 68.03 
                 ms 
                 10.55 
                 ms 
               
               
                 Ø deviation in cm 
                 108.85 
                 cm 
                 16.88 
                 cm 
                 acceptance of 16 m/s 
               
               
                 deviation 95% 
                 98.08 
                 cm 
                 12.96 
                 cm 
                 Saddle cloth: real v, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Back: 16 m/s 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Correct rankings 
                 60% 
                 98% 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         
           
             1. “Saddle cloth”=comparison to an adjusted photo finish line pointing at the assumed position of the transponder module at the saddle cloth 
             2. “Back”=comparison to an adjusted photo finish line pointing at the assumed position of the transponder module at the back of the jockey 
             3. The “Ø deviation 95%” ignores 5% of the highest values. 
           
         
       
    
     The figures clearly show that attaching the transponder module  2  to the back of the jockey  14 , there is a significant improvement of the data results. Accordingly, there is an improvement in the accuracy of the recorded values and a marked reduction in erroneous ranking. 
     From the description that has just been given, several variants of the measuring system can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Two transponder modules can be mounted on the body of the jockey and preferably at two different positions.