WO2001054072A1

WO2001054072A1 - Recording device

Info

Publication number: WO2001054072A1
Application number: PCT/NL2001/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nico Arends; Wilhelmus Lambertus Maria Meijer; Clemens Hendrikus Wilhelmus Neervoort
Original assignee: Championchip B.V.
Priority date: 2000-01-17
Filing date: 2001-01-17
Publication date: 2001-07-26
Also published as: AU3423001A; NL1014084C2

Abstract

Recording device (10) provided with processing means (13), memory means (14) connected to the processing means (13) for storing data and a receiver unit (11), connected to the processing means (13), for receiving at least one signal, the processing means (13) being arranged to store data in the memory means (14) after receipt of the at least one signal, the at least one signal being linked to a specific location. The recording device (10) can, for example, be used to record split times along a course and to calculate and display derived data (average speed; anticipated times at which points will be passed).

Description

Recording device

The present invention relates to a recording device provided with processing means, memory means connected to the processing means for storing data and a receiver unit, connected to the processing means, for receiving at least one signal, the processing means being arranged to store data in the memory means after receipt of the at least one signal and the at least one signal being linked to a specific location.

A recording device of this type is disclosed in US Patent US-A 5 705 995, which describes a device for the selective reception of centrally disseminated information and a method for storing the information in the device. With this arrangement use is made of pager techniques known per se to disseminate information via a high frequency signal from a central transmitter to numerous (mobile) receivers. The information which is transmitted comprises category data and factual data, such as sports results, and, depending on the category data, the device will or will not store and/or display the factual data. However, this device relates to the dissemination of information from a central transmitter to multiple local receiver devices. The precondition for the dissemination of the (individualised) information is, however, that all (individualised) information must be available at the central transmitter.

US Patent US A-5 511 045 discloses a time recording device and a system having a receiving or transmitting function. The device can, for example, be used to record the individual passage times at a specific point at an event with a large number of participants. For this purpose each participant wears an identification device which can be worn around the wrist and has a clock function, which device, on receiving a beacon signal from a beacon linked to a location, sends back a signal containing an identifier to a central read unit via the beacon concerned. The identification device is further provided with a display screen and a processing unit which is arranged to store passage times and to display these on the display screen as soon as a beacon signal is received. Calculations with regard to the passage times of participants are carried out in the central read unit, which is localised in a single fixed position. In the case of major sports events the provision of information to participants is usually incomplete or incorrect. For example, when several participants start, the start time will be different for each participant, but only one general start time is displayed along the route. Each participant thus has to make an appreciable mental effort in order to derive the individual data important to him or her, such as split times, average speeds and anticipated finish time, from the data available to him/her.

The applicant submitting the present application has developed and introduced a system for a fully automated form of time recording at events of this type. By making use of passive transponders on each participant's body and antennas in mats that can be laid on the road, it has become possible to identify each participant at any desired location and to record (split) times. Fully automatic recording of both finish times and split times and start times has become possible.

This time recording system, also known by the name ChampionChip, is now being used for marathons, triathlons, mountain bike events, skating, cross-country skiing and even for motorised sports.

In the near future the system will also be introduced on tracks. Here it will become possible to record participants' lap times and to provide data on numbers of laps completed, lap times, distance travelled, average speed, etc. The data can be presented on a wall- mounted screen for direct feedback to the participants and/or the public, in a printout for a complete overview per training session and via the Internet. The permanent systems can also be used for competitions on the track, as if it were a competition on the road, for example by displaying intermediate classifications on a centrally located display screen. However, in order to provide every participant with the desired information in the case of huge events, this would necessitate a very large, and consequently also unclear, display screen.

Because of the high costs of such screens, such a screen will, both in the case of sports events on the road and in the case of track competitions, usually be placed in just one location, for example after the finish. Frequently, the events concerned are also one-off events or events which, for example, are held once a year or once in several years, as a result of which it is economically not cost-effective to install such systems permanently.

The aim of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a device with which individual data can be recorded as easily as possible.

Said aim is achieved by means of a recording device of the type defined in the preamble, wherein the processing means are further arranged to process data stored in the memory means and to store the resulting data in the memory means and wherein the recording device further comprises display means connected to the processing means, for displaying the resulting data stored in the memory means. This device has the advantage that the person wearing the recording device has at his her disposal individual information relating to the reception of at least one signal that is linked to a specific location, for example by a small, precisely defined reception area for the at least one signal. Because the processing means of the recording device are arranged to carry out processing operations on the stored data and then to store the resulting data in the memory means, the recording device can serve as an intelligent information source for the user. The simplest embodiment of the recording device can, for example, be used to demonstrate that the person wearing the recording device has been in the transmission range of a transmitter which transmits the at least one signal. If there are several transmitters, each with a signal that indicates a specific location, the device according to the invention can be used as an electronic punch card, for example by positioning a transmitter with an accurately delimited transmission range at various control locations at sports events, which transmitter transmits a signal that is linked to the location of the transmitter concerned.

Because of the small number of required elements in the recording device, the latter can be produced very simply and inexpensively and the dimensions can remain restricted, as a result of which the portability is high.

In one embodiment of the device according to the present invention the at least one signal contains data and the receiver unit is further arranged to extract the data from the at least one signal. The first signal can, for example, contain an identifier for the location, or a time signal, or combinations of multiple data. By this means it is possible to record split times along a course.

In a preferred embodiment of the present device, the latter further comprises a time unit for providing a time signal, the time unit being connected to the processing means and the processing means being further arranged to store the time signal after receipt of the at least one signal. This embodiment can advantageously be used in the case of, for example, sports events, transmitters being localised at different positions along a course. At the point in time when a person wearing the present recording device passes by the transmitter which has the at least one signal, the recording device stores the associated time signal in the memory means. The time unit can be a simple local time base unit, but can also be a more complex time unit, such as a DCF 77 receiver or a single channel GPS receiver.

Preferably, the data stored in the memory means represent time data for passages at specific locations along a course where the at least one signal can be received and the processing means are further arranged to calculate the average speed between two passage points. If the stored data relate, for example, to start times, split times and/or finish times for a participant in a marathon, the processing means can be arranged to calculate the average speed from the start or the average speed between two registration points. Furthermore, the processing means can be arranged to calculate a predicted passage time at a further location along the course as soon as at least two time data have been stored. If, for example, at least two times (for example the start time and a first split time) have been recorded, the processing means can be arranged to calculate an estimated or predicted time at which a subsequent location or the finish will be reached.

A further embodiment of the device according to the present invention is further provided with interface means which are connected to the processing means for programming the processing means.

In one embodiment the device can furthermore be provided with second interface means which are connected to the processing means, for reading the memory means connected to the processing means. These interface means can form a link with, for example, a personal computer and can communicate either via a fixed link or by wireless communication. An alternative can be, for example, an interface for communicating with the aid of a wireless telephone.

The device can also further comprise input means connected to the processing means, which input means are suitable for operating the recording device. In a further embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the recording device further comprises warning means connected to the processing means. These warning means provide the user of the device with, for example, an acoustic warning when new data are stored or when new process data are available.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a system for data recording, comprising at least one recording device according to the first aspect of the present invention and at least one transmitter for transmitting the at least one signal, the at least one signal being linked to the location of the at least one transmitter. The at least one transmitter can be installed along a course along which a participant wearing a recording device is running. The number of transmitters can be restricted, for example five over a marathon course, but the number of recording devices is virtually unlimited. Every participant is now able individually to keep track of his/her start times, split times and finish times and during the marathon to have at his/her disposal important (processed) data such as average speeds and anticipated times at which specific points will be passed. The present invention will now be discussed in detail on the basis of a number of illustrative embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows a marathon course in highly simplified form;

Fig. 2 shows a diagram of a simple embodiment of the recording device according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the recording device according to the present invention.

Up to 1994 time recording at huge active (not motorised) sports events on the road was as a rule carried out manually. Systems which made use of barcodes on the start numbers were the most sophisticated. In Fig. 1 a route for, for example, a marathon is shown in highly simplified form as a dotted line, with start point A and finish point B.

The applicant submitting the present application has developed and introduced a system for a fully automated form of time recording at events of this type. By making use of passive transponders on the body of each participant and antennas in mats that can be laid on the road it was possible to identify every participant at any desired location and to record (split) times. Fully automated recording of both finish and start times was possible.

This time recording system, also known by the name ChampionChip, is now being used for marathons, triathlons, mountain bike events, skating, cross-country skiing and even for motorised sports. In the near future the system will also be introduced on tracks. Here it will become possible to record participants' lap times and to provide data on numbers of laps completed, lap times, distance travelled, average speed, etc. The data can be presented on a wall- mounted screen for direct feedback to the participants, in a printout for a complete overview per training session and via the Internet. The permanent systems can also be used for competitions on the track, as if it were a competition on the road, for example by displaying on a centrally located display screen the passage times of individual participants.

Now that data are collated automatically at competitions and pass directly via on-line links to a central processing unit, it is also possible to provide the organisers, the general public, both at the event and at home, the media and the participants themselves with results quickly. However, in the case of large numbers of participants it is still impossible or highly complex to provide each individual participant with the available results during the competition or training session. With the aid of the recording device 10 according to the present invention, which is also referred to by the name Clocker, it is possible to provide all participants individually with start, split and finish times and with further data derived therefrom, such as average speeds and expected or predicted finish time. Fig. 2 shows a diagram of a simple embodiment of the recording device 10 according to the present application. The recording device 10 comprises a receiver 11, which is connected to an antenna 12. The receiver 11 is also connected to a processor 13, which, in turn, is connected to a memory 14. When a first signal is received with the aid of the antenna 12 and receiver 11, the processor 13 will store data in the memory 14. The data can be contained in the at least one signal, for example by means of modulation techmques known per se. The processor 13 is arranged to control the various components of the recording device 10 and also to perform calculations on the data received and/or stored.

In the simplest form the receiver 11 is a receiver for a fixed frequency by means of which the at least one signal can be received. As an alternative, the receiver 11 can be chosen to be suitable for multiple frequencies, for example to be selected per sports event. This embodiment of the recording device 10 can be produced easily and inexpensively because of the small number of readily obtainable elements. The dimensions of the recording device 10 can also be kept restricted, as a result of which the portability, which certainly is of importance at sports events, is adequate. Fig. 3 shows a diagram of an alternative, more extensive embodiment of the recording device 10 according to the present invention. Like the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the recording device 10 comprises a receiver 11 with antenna 12 and a processor 13 with a memory 14.

In addition the recording device comprises a time base unit 15, which is connected to the processor 13. The time base unit 15 can consist of a simple clock unit based on a crystal oscillator. The time base unit 15 can provide signals which represent a time. As an alternative, the time base unit 15 can be a radio receiver for time signals, such as a DCF 77 receiver or a single channel GPS receiver.

As an alternative, the first signal to be received can contain, as data, a time signal, for example originating from a highly accurate time reference such as a DCF 77 receiver or a single channel GPS receiver. In this case it is not necessary for the receiver 10 itself to contain its own time base 15 unit.

The recording device in Fig. 3 also comprises a display screen 18 for displaying data, which display screen 18 is connected to the processor 13. The data for display are generated by the processor 13. Optionally, use is made of a display screen 18 that can be illuminated in order to guarantee good legibility under all conditions.

In addition, the recording device 10 comprises a plurality of keys or a keyboard 19, connected to the processor 13, for entering data or selecting options.

The recording device 10 shown in Fig. 3 also comprises acoustic warning means 17, such as a loudspeaker, which is connected to the processor 13 and is able to generate audible signals under the control of the processor 13.

The recording device 10 can also comprise interface means 16 which are connected to the processor 13. The interface means 16 can be arranged to program the processor 13 and also to read data stored in the memory 14. For both purposes, the interface means 16 can, for example, be arranged to make a link to a personal computer, for example in the form of an RS 232, USB or IrDA interface. Consideration can also be given, for example, to an interface with a mobile telephone (not shown) for reading the data stored in the memory 14 or remote programming of the processor 13. By this means program code for the processor 13 can be received or the data can be transmitted to a central processing unit.

The recording device 10 shown in Figs 2 and 3 can, if desired, be provided with a unique code which identifies the recording device 10. This can be effected simply by applying a code by means of printing or engraving techniques, but it is also possible to store an identifier in a non- volatile part of the memory 14. Preferably, this part of the memory 14 is then also protected against overwriting. As an alternative, the identifier is implemented with the aid of a transponder.

As has been stated, Fig. 1 shows, in a diagrammatic form, a route for, for example, a marathon with a start point A and an end point B. Participants in the marathon are provided with a recording device 10 according to the present invention, indicated in Fig. 1 by reference numerals 10_x...10_n. The number of recording devices 10 can be very large. Several transmitters 20₁...20_m are located along the marathon route, each of which transmitters is arranged to transmit a signal, the respective signals being indicative of the position of the transmitter 20_ι...20_m along the route. In Fig. 1 an example of the transmission range in which the signals transmitted by the respective transmitters 20^ ..20_m can be received by the recording devices 10^ ..10_n is also indicated with the aid of shaded ellipses. Depending on the application of the recording device 10, this reception area can be highly local or conversely can cover a wide region. The recording device 10 according to the present invention differs from existing information displays in, for example, a car or an information facility via, for example, a message watch or pager. In these cases the information relating to participants is first collated centrally and is then transmitted to one or more devices, such as a display screen on the car or the message watch. In one embodiment the recording device 10 according to the present invention has its own time base unit 15 and intelligence in the form of a processor 13 with memory 14 in order to generate results itself solely on the basis of a signal from outside that is received in the receiver 11. This signal is linked to a specific location and in addition can contain data which are location-dependent. As a result, the possible applications of the recording device 10 can be expanded and diverse individual information can be collated with the aid of the recording device 10.

For instance, it is possible, for example, to store the start, split and finish times of individual participants in the recording device whenever the recording device lO^. -lO,, comes into the transmission range of one of the transmitters 20_t...20_m and calculations can be carried out for the user on the stored data by the processing means 13, such as the calculation of the average speed over a specific section. The results of the calculations are once again stored in the memory 14 and displayed on the display screen 18.

Various existing techniques can be used as transmitter 20₁...20_m. In the majority of cases this will involve the transmission of a local electromagnetic signal, but use of other techniques (infrared, ultrasound) is also possible. One of the possibilities is the use of the ChampionChip, which is already available, or other time recording systems. Because of the high costs, these will be present only in a limited number of locations. By using relatively inexpensive transmitters 2θ_!...20_m, which merely transmit the signal required for the recording device lθ_j.,.10,,, it is possible to record more split times than hitherto and to do so at low cost.

The first signal can be simple and identical per location, but can also contain location-dependent information (and thus able to be set per location). In this case the recording device 10_j...l0_n can generate more information than information which is obtained merely by pressing the button on the stopwatch. For example, it is known what competition is concerned (marathon), what distance has been completed (10 km) what the time was to the last but one first signal (5 km) and what the average speeds were over various distances (0-10 + 0-5 + 5-10). The processor 13 is programmed for this purpose, for example via the interface 16 or the keyboard 19. In the case of training sessions on the track the transmitter 20₁...20_m can provide information on the length of the track, so that a recording device 10j...l0_n is able automatically to generate distances covered and speeds, as well as merely lap times and number of laps completed. The transmitter 20₁...20_m can consist of a small cabinet at the side of the course, arranged with an internal or external antenna with a restricted transmission range. In addition to the antenna, an internal or external power supply or internal or external accumulator or battery, electronics and a control panel are required.

The recording device 10 according to the present invention can be marketed as a special device but can also be combined with watches, pulse meters, hand-held computers, hand-held readers and other devices that already exist. A combination of a recording device 10 with a time clock is also possible.

The transmitter 20^ ..20_m can be combined with time recording equipment and time clocks. The recording device 10 according to the present invention can be used in many fields, a few examples of which will be given below.

A transmitter 20 is installed on an athletics track during training. The transmitter 20 is set to a lap length of 400 metres. If the athlete is always running in lane 3, it will be possible to set this in the recording device 10, so that a correction is automatically made. The athlete starts to train and the first time that he/she passes the transmitter 20 the recording device 10 stores a start time. Every time the athlete next passes the transmitter 20 the recording device 10 will record the relevant time and will be able to calculate, display and store the following data, inter alia: lap number; lap time for the last lap; average speed in the last lap; average speed from the start; total distance covered. During a road marathon transmitters 20j ...20_m are located at the start, every 5 km point, Vz marathon point and finish. Information relating to the location of each transmitter 2θ_!...20_m in the competition (5 km point of 42.195 km) is incorporated in the first signal. In addition, the participant is able, for example, to enter a target time. When the participant passes one of the transmitters 20_J...20,,, the recording device 10 will record the relevant time, beep and calculate, display and store the following information: location and time from the start; time between last two registration points and associated average speed over that distance; average speed from the start; anticipated finish time; difference compared with target finish time. In addition, for example if a schedule with passage times at the various points has been entered beforehand, it is possible to calculate and display differences between the passage times according to the schedule and the actual passage times. This has the advantage that the participant is warned if he/she has covered a particular section of the competition more rapidly or more slowly than planned. In long distance skating the control point can be replaced by a transmitter 20^ ..20_m.

All competitors wear a recording device 10 and this automatically stores all transmitters 20^ ..20_m that have been passed. Manual stamping of a card becomes superfluous and the participants receive data on the route covered, distances and speeds. On completion of the event all recording devices 10 can be handed in and individual certificates/medals can be awarded depending on the performances. Without keeping to a general start time for everyone it is now also possible to organise a sort of competition similar to a time trial.

In the case of a marathon, time clocks that are arranged with a recording device 10 are positioned along the course. The start time is entered in a transmitter 20 and the transmitter 20 is placed in the car that drives in front of the athletes. The time from the start is now automatically adjusted and displayed at each location at the point in time when this car drives past.

In a ski region a transmitter 20 is installed at each ski lift. Instead of a ski pass, visitors are given a recording device 10 after paying a deposit. The recording device 10 is handed in at the checkout when the skier returns and it is possible to read which pistes have been visited and it may be to calculated depending on the intensity of use.

In the accident and emergency department of a hospital a recording device 10 is handed to every 10^th patient on arrival and is handed in again by the patient on leaving. Transmitters are installed in various departments and in the waiting rooms. When all recording devices 10 have been used once, the data are read and the recording devices 10 are reset. Overviews of average waiting times, patient flows and the like can be made in a database.

Bus stops are provided with a transmitter 20, so that for all passengers who have a recording device 10 the name of the stop is displayed on the display screen 18 of the recording device 10 at every stop. It is pointed out that the present invention has been described above with reference to a number of embodiments and that it will be clear to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible without going beyond the scope of protection of the present application, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Recording device provided with processing means (13), memory means (14) connected to the processing means (13) for storing data and a receiver unit (11), connected to the processing means (13), for receiving at least one signal, the processing means (13) being arranged to store data in the memory means (14) after receipt of the at least one signal and the at least one signal being linked to a specific location, characterised in that the processing means (13) are further arranged to process data stored in the memory means (14) and to store the resulting data in the memory means (14) and in that the recording device further comprises display means (18) connected to the processing means (13), for displaying the resulting data stored in the memory means (14).

2. Recording device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the at least one signal contains data and the receiver unit (11) is further arranged to extract the data from the at least one signal.

3. Recording device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the recording device (10) further comprises a time unit (15) for providing a time signal, the time unit (15) being connected to the processing means (13) and the processing means (13) being further arranged to store the time signal after receipt of the at least one signal in the memory means (14).

4. Recording device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the data stored in the memory means (14) represent time data for passages at specific locations along a course where the at least one signal can be received and in that the processing means (13) are further arranged to calculate the average speed between two arrival points.

5. Recording device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the processing means (13) are further arranged to calculate a predicted arrival time at a further location along the course as soon as at least two time data have been stored.

6. Recording device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the recording device (10) is further provided with interface means (15) which are connected to the processing means (13) for programming the processing means (13).

7. Recording device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the 5 recording device (10) is further provided with interface means (16) which are connected to the processing means (13), for reading the memory means (14) connected to the processing means (13).

8. Recording device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the 10 recording device (10) further comprises warning means (17) connected to the processing means (13).

9. Recording device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the recording device (10) further comprises input means (19) connected to the processing

15 means (13).

10. System for data recording, comprising at least one recording device according to one of Claims 1 to 9 and at least one transmitter for transmitting the at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal is linked to the location of the at least one transmitter, on *****