WO2004104961A1

WO2004104961A1 - Sporting event management utilizing a radio frequency (rfid) device

Info

Publication number: WO2004104961A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/015380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip Lockwood; Jerry Riebling; David Paul; Karl Kleimenagen
Original assignee: Mercury Sports Group, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-05-15
Filing date: 2004-05-14
Publication date: 2004-12-02

Abstract

A system and method for management of a sporting event. The system includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device, timing mats containing RFID antennae, and a recording/evaluation system. The method includes the steps of registering participants, collecting event data, processing the event data, and providing access to the processed event data.

Description

SPORTING EVENT MANAGEMENT UTILIZING A RADIO FREQUENCY

(RFID) DEVICE

Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority of provisional application serial No. 60/470,731 filed on May 15, 2003.

Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development Not Applicable. Appendix Not Applicable.

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to radio frequency transponder systems and, more specifically, to a system and method for sporting event management utilizing a radio frequency device.

2. Related Art

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices have been used as a tool for tracking individuals in timed events, such as road race. The system works on the basis of proximity detection of an individual passing by a detector and a timestamp is recorded with the individuals unique ID. The system is basically composed of three components: a chip (RFID device), a timing array (which contain RFID antennas) and a recording system. The chip is a passive device that is powered by an electromagnetic field generated by the timing array. Once in proximity, the chip is energized and information on the chip (ID, Name, Date, etc.) is transmitted to the timing mat and processed by the recorder. The system then correlates a event participant's ID from that chip and the time recorded.

The greatest benefit from this timing system is the ability to track each individual's time from the start to finish. In large racing events, some participants cross the starting line several minutes after the race has begun. With the RFID system, each individual can accurately be tracked from start to finish and during the event. However, the system is not fool proof, especially in a close call at the finish line between two or more individuals. Because RFID is proximity based, the true winner in an event may not be discernable to the RFID equipment depending on many conditions. Therefore, visual judging is still required for the elite athletes.

Present timing systems are based on Kilo-Hertz (KHz) RFID technology. During the development of these systems during the early 1990's, this technology was the only solution available for implementation. The chips for this frequency range are costly to produce. This forced the designers and event directors to implement the chips in a form whereby each athlete returns the chip following the event. Today, this imposes a logistical problem for event managers, especially at large events hosting thousands of participants. At the end of the event, the chips have to be collected from each participant. Current designs use hermetically sealed RFID technology encased in a plastic housing for threading through the participant's shoelaces. Removing the chips can take up to several minutes depending on how the participant fastens the device to his/her shoe. The calculation below shows that large events can pose a logistical problem of collecting the costly chips. For example, if on average the removal requires one minute, thus: 1 minute/removal * 10,000 removals = 10,000 minutes ~ 167 man hours. Chip retrieval can also pose a problem if someone leaves the event with the device. It has been estimated that most venues do not recover on average one percent of the chips distributed. This adds both logistical and replacement costs. Typical replacement cost from the manufacturer is $35.00 per chip. Using the example above, the price of replacing one percent of the distribution would be approximately $3,500. Thus, event managers' have a big incentive to contact the individuals for returning the device. However, attempting to contact hundreds of individuals can be costly as well.

Another drawback to present designs is the registration process. As each participant signs up for a particular event, an RFID chip must be physically programmed for the individual and distributed appropriately. Similar to the examples above, this imposes large overhead costs to the event because of the time and expense necessary to program the chip for each race participant.

Summary of the Invention

It is in view of the above problems that the present invention was developed. The invention is an Event Management System. The Event Management System (EMS) is designed to improve the operational efficiency of athletic events of various types that require time tracking. The EMS provides a system that manages the event, such as a sporting event, from registration through end-results processing. The EMS provides for participants, such as athletes, and others access to event information and post event information via a computer network, such as the Internet.

In one embodiment, the EMS implements cost efficient disposable chips using Mega- Hertz (MHz) RFID technology. This eliminates the enormous overhead costs of recovering the chips after any event. In addition, the MHZ RFID technology has improved characteristics of reliability, accuracy, and throughput.

In another embodiment, the EMS implements cost efficient disposable chips using Dual Frequency (DF) RFID technology. This also eliminates the enormous overhead costs of recovering the chips after any event. In addition, the DF RFID technology has improved characteristics of reliability, accuracy, and throughput.

Beyond the disposable benefits of the RFID tags, the EMS provides information that improves the operational efficiency of event venues and gives individual participants the ability to manage their performance results via a computer network. Although web access results are available today, data access services to allow participants to access event information in a personal form repository are not. A multi-sport athlete can also access his/her information over a secure network connection.

The participant is tracked using a unique ID or key that associates him or her to a specified event on a specified day from registration to post processing results. At registration, the participant pays for admission and is entered into a database. The database then links to a unique ID found in an RFID tag. Each RFID tag possesses a large unique identifier that allows for processing a participant to a specific event, on a specific date. Once the registration is complete, the participant wears the tag on the shoe and proceeds to the event. At the beginning of the event, the master clock will initiate and the participants proceed on the course. As each participant crosses an RFID array, the EMS records the unique ID and forwards it onto the control for storage. At the completion of the event, the time differentials and total time of each participant will be available through various means. Elite participants may have their name and results posted real-time on a large outdoor display. Others will have access to Personal Access Stations (PAS) that will allow display of instant results. The PAS will display current event-day information along with past information on the same venue. As the participant stands on the small PAS antenna array, the PAS computer queries the EMS system for the individual's results. As the event progresses, the system tallys the results in real-time and information can be distributed over various computer networks for display to various audiences.

Algorithms detect if participants are cheating by means of cutting the course. Cheat times between splits can be detected by means of tracking elite participants during past and current events. If a participant has no record of elite status and the times between splits are below a specified (learned) limit, the EMS will warn the event manager of possible wrongdoing.

The EMS implements digital video stream capture for entertainment and event purposes. Each antenna array station has various digital cameras located to provide verification of participants during the event. Local and distant audiences can access the video stream during and after depending on particular event. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure la is a diagram of the Event Management System;

Figure lb is a diagram of the Event Management System;

Figure lc is a diagram of the timing array;

Figure Id is a diagram of the timing array for split-timed events;

Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of registration; Figure 3 is a diagram of the methods of registration;

Figure 4 is a diagram of an express registration form;

Figure 5 is a diagram of a label;

Figure 6a is a diagram of the start station;

Figure 6b is a diagram of the finish station; Figure 7 is a diagram of the personal access station;

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating digital photographic capture of the finish line;

Figure 9 is a diagram of a track;

Figure 10 is a diagram of multiple phase events; and

Figure 11 is a diagram of an indoor track.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like elements, Figures la and lb illustrate an Event Management System (EMS) 10. Figure la shows an event participant 27 participating in an event, such as a race. The EMS 10 includes an RF transmitter 20 located on the event participant 27, a first RF receiver 22, a first computer 24, a second RF receiver 23, a second computer 25, a computer network 21, a timing mechanism 26, a database for data storage 28, and software or hardware 11 (best seen in Figure lb) for data entry, data collection, and end data processing. The first RF receiver 22 is operatively connected to the first computer 24. The second RF receiver 23 is operatively connected to the second computer 25. The first RF receiver 22 and the second RF receiver 23 each are capable of receiving an RF signal from the RF transmitter 20. The RF transmitter 20 is passive, meaning it is energized by one of the receivers, in the depicted embodiment. However, in some embodiments, the RF transmitter 20 may be an active transmitter.

The computer network 21 operatively connects the first computer 24 and the second computer 25. For example, the computer network 21 may be a global computer network, such as the Internet, a wired local area network, or a wireless local area network (LAN) that is compliant with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, or a combination thereof. In the event of a wireless LAN, a digital cellular network can be used so long as data transfer rates are sufficient to transmit records from the first computer 24 to the second computer 25 for final processing.

In the depicted embodiment, the timing mechanism 26, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) Clock, is operatively connected to the first computer 24, but in some embodiments may be connected to the second computer 25 or directly to the computer network 21. Additionally, the timing mechanism 26 may be a standard 20ppm quartz driven oscillator, an atomic clock, or an internal clock of the first computer 24 or the second computer 25. The timing mechanism 26 is used to determine a time differential between when the RF signal is received by the first receiver 22 and the second receiver 23.

An alternative antenna array system consists of an overhead array 22' that produces an electromagnetic coupling for body worn tags. The RFID antenna array can be a system erected overhead so that electromagnetic energy allows the participant to be detected while passing through. RF transmitter 20 modification can extend the range (read/write) of the tag, so that, an overhead system provides a benefit of producing a system that is less prone to interference, such as by iron reinforcement rods embedded in concrete or other antenna loops used for signal traffic control. Also, the overhead antenna 22' may obviate any shoe worn tag element.

Figure lc shows an RF receiver, such as the first RF receiver 22, in the form of a timing array. The timing array includes individual timing mats 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. The timing mats include connectors 29. The connectors 29 are used to connect the timing mats 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d to one of the computers. Each mat contains at least a portion of a RFID transceiver antennae, (broken lines).

Figure Id illustrates an alternative embodiment having multiple RF receivers. While in the depicted embodiment only two additional RF receivers are shown, any number of RF receivers may be placed between the first RF receiver 22 and the second RF receiver 23. Each additional RF receiver is operatively connected to the computer network 21. In some embodiments, there is a computer operatively connected to each of the additional RF receivers. As the participant crosses one of the RF receivers, one of the computers receives information from the RF signal and the information is stored in the database 28. Additional RF receivers are placed between the start of the event and the finish event for several reasons. First, the additional RF receivers can be used to verify a participant's time at an intermediate portion of the event. Second, the additional RF receivers may be placed along a route to verify that each participant follows the specified route.

The EMS 10 is used by an Event Manager to manage a sporting event. A typical event would occur in the stages as follows: registration, event data collection, results processing, and results access. The EMS 10 includes software and/or hardware 11 for each stage of the event. The software and/or hardware are in modular form. In the depicted embodiment of Figure lb, there is a registration module 12, an event data collection module 14, a results processing module 16, and a results access module 18. In the depicted embodiment, each module is individually housed. In alternative embodiments, the modules are housed within the same unit.

The modules are linked together by the Data Management Services 13. This backbone could be a single piece of hardware or software. The Data Management Services 13 is operatively connected to the database 28 and to the computer network 21. The Data Management Services 13 is accessed and commanded via the computer network by at least one interface. In the depicted embodiment, there is a participant interface 15, an event manager interface 17, and a public interface 19. Security features are implemented to provide limited access to outside individuals and operational access for the Event Manager. Access rights are a function of the venue and services being provided. Figure 2 illustrates the steps of registration. In a first step 110, the participant's information is entered into the database. The participant's information includes such things as contact information, demographic information, event selection, team information, and the like. For example, contact information includes the participant's name, address, telephone number, and email address. Event selection information would be necessary where the Event Manager sponsors several events and its essential for the participant to select one or more of the events for registration. In an optional step 120, the participant digitally or physically signs an event waiver form. The event waiver form may be used to provide legal notice to a participant or to obtain a legal waiver of rights from the participant. The participant pays the registration fee to the Event Manager in a third step 130. The participant pays the registration fee electronically if he or she registers electronically. Alternatively, the participant pays in cash or by draft. In a fourth step 140, the Event Manager assigns a number, such as a race number, to each registrant. The numbers are printed on individual labels 20 (see Figure 4). Subsequent to number assignment, the database 28 must be updated with the registrant's information in a fifth step 150. The database is updated with the participant's information (including changes to previously stored information) and the individual's race number, event number, and the date. The labels are printed and RFID tags are programmed in a sixth step 160. The RFID tag is programmed with only the necessary information to identify the participant for that particular venue. This is done to save costs and to avoid certain security issues. In a final step 170, the Event Manager sorts and distributes the labels to the corresponding registered event participant.

In an alternative embodiment, the RFID tags are preprogrammed with a unique identifier such that the unique identifier can be paired with a race number. Once these items are paired, the database can link the participant's information with the race number and the unique identifier. This alternative embodiment can be automated such that the labels are printed with a race number, the RFID tag is read to determine its unique identifier, and the label is then paired with the unique identifier in the database.

Referring now to Figure 3, there are several ways to register for an Event: remote registration via an electronic form 200, by a manual form 210, through the use of a SmartID 220, or by express registration 230. The electronic form can be stored on a computer network, such as the Internet. For example, participants may register for events via the World Wide Web. In some embodiments, the Event Manager provides Web based registration. Billing transactions can be handled by the Event Manager directly or by a third party finance company, such as an Internet billing transaction company. As with any electronic billing transaction, the Web based registration should be carried out over secured channels.

Figure 4 illustrates a simplified version of a web registration page 40 for basic information entry. The web registration page 40 includes entry boxes to receive registrant information. In the depicted embodiment, the web registration page includes entry boxes for the registrant's first and last name 41, 42; entry boxes for the registrant's contact information including address 43, telephone 44, and email address 45; entry boxes for personal information 46 about the registrant, such as their age, gender, and birth date; and a race event selection box 48. In alternative embodiments, payment methods and associated security measures can be added to the web registration page 40. As the last name is being entered, a drop down box will appear with names that match the particular string. For example, as the name "Paul" is being entered, a box drops showing matches as the string is entered; Paul, Patterson, etc. The person entering the name can move the arrow keys to select the appropriate name, if present. After the last name is entered, the same scheme for the first name applies. This time, the database will quickly look for matches and display a drop-down with matches. The person can then select and enter. If the participant is in the database, all the information will be automatically completed. This speeds the manual entry operation. Many popular e-service web pages provide this service to ease entering data. If, however, anything needs to be changed (e.g. address change,) the information can be entered accordingly. Referring again to Figure 3, traditional paper forms can also be used for registration. In manual form entry 210, paper forms are distributed to locations convenient for potential participants. Additionally or in the alternative, individuals can access a printable form using the public interface 19. After the form is completed, it is mailed to the Event Manager. As the forms are received, the participant's information is entered into the database via an interface, such as the Event Manager interface 17.

Alternatively, SmartID registration 220, essentially a portable RFID based technology, allows novice participants to register quickly at events. The SmartID is in a keychain form that contains the participant's information for quick entry. The registrant waves the keychain next to an RF reader and verifies the information. The Event Manager then hands the registrant a race number. SmartID registration 220 can take place at the day of the event or at locations specified by the Event Manager.

Express registration 230 is implemented by maintaining a central database for veteran participants. Having registered to prior events, the participants can be registered quickly by using the SmartID technology or information displayed as the name of that individual is entered. The registration is express because it is not necessary to reenter all of the participant's personal information.

Figure 5 shows a bib or label 30 including the detachable RFID tag 34. The label 30 indicates a race number 38 assigned to the participant. The label 30 is flexible and weather resistant. The detachable RFID tag 34 includes the RF transmitter 20. In a first embodiment, the RF transmitter operates at 13MHz but frequencies in the range of 10-15 MHz may equally be used. Additionally, the use of frequencies in the range of 1-900 MHz is possible. Other frequencies can be used depending on cost, performance and availability. Lower frequency RFID technologies data transmission (<135KHz UHF), are more susceptible to interference than higher frequency systems. Although high frequency technologies exist and can be applied to this application, cost becomes an issue for marketability.

In a second embodiment, the RF transmitter operates at two frequencies; 125 KHz for energizing the tag, and 7 MHz for signal transmission. However, those skilled in the art will understand that a range of 100-150 KHz for energizing the tag and a range of 1-15 MHz for signal transmission may equally be used. The 7MHz spectrum is not absorbed by water/human tissue (with limitations) compared to UHF fields. Therefore, the preferred transmission frequency is 7MHz.

Once processed, the participant can tear off the tag 34 of the label 30 and attach it to one of the shoes. For this purpose, the label 30 inclμdes a perforation 31. A fold over point 36 reduces the size of the tag 34 and allows for a tag number 32 to be displayed. In the depicted embodiment, lace holes 35 are provided so that the participant could lace his or her shoe strings through the tag 34. However, other attachment means, hook and loop tape for example, could equally be used. The tag number 32 on the tag 34 prevents participants from swapping tags at events where qualification times are used for registration of upcoming events. At the end of the event, the participant can remove the tag 34 at his/her convenience and dispose of properly.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a clock timing portion of the event data collection. In the depicted embodiment, the clock timing portion includes a start station 51 and a finish station 59. Some embodiments further include one or more split stations for placement in between the start station 51 and the finish station 59. The start station 51 includes the first RF receiver 22, the first computer 24, the timing mechanism 26, the computer network 21, and a first RFID reader 53 operatively connected to the first RF receiver 22. The finish station 59 includes the second RF receiver 23, the second computer 25, the timing mechanism 26, the computer network 21, and a second RFID reader 55 operatively connected to the second RF receiver 23. As one of the registered RFID tags crosses over the first RF receiver 22, the first RFID reader 53 passes the participant's information to the first computer 24 and stamps a time to the data using the reliable timing source 26. The first computer 24 then transmits the information to the second computer 25 via the computer network 21. As the RFID tag crosses the second RF receiver 23, the second RF reader 55 sends the information to the second computer 25. The second computer 25 captures the time, calculates the differential and sends the results to a real-time display (not shown) for immediate results. Thus, as participants pass the finish station 59, the results are displayed on large media displays to give spectators and participant's instant results. Information is also stored in a file for hardcopy retrieval.

Because the RFID tag can be read many times per second, the first computer 24 records the participant's very last captured reading at the start of the event, and the second computer 25 records the participant's very first captured reading at the finish of the' event. This takes into consideration the participants being bunched up at the start, and the true start should be considered the last read from the mat. For example, a participant starts out behind the timing mat at the starting line. The participant cannot reach the starting line due to the crowd of individuals. Once the participant reaches the starting line, the participant's start time is the participant's last captured reading at the starting line and the participant's finish time is the participant's first captured reading at the finish line.

Although in the depicted embodiment only one start and one finish station are shown, the EMS includes redundant systems at the start and finish to handle system failure. Uninterruptible power supplies will be implemented to handle rare power outages. Results processing comprises two functions: real-time results information and final results processing. Real-time results can be displayed as the results are processed. When the first participant passes the finish station 59, the results are displayed on one of many forms of media, large outdoor displays, etc. As participants complete the event, results are processed and stored for later retrieval. Post processing will calculate both individual times/scores along with team scores. Post processing also includes categorization, such as determination of top male finisher, top female finisher, top age group finisher, and the like.

The Event Manager can be given the final results instantly as they occur. This can be done over various means, such as wireless internet, Personal Data Assistant's, or a standard hardcopy.

Most people in large events will not have the privilege of finishing with the elite participants. The major visual element cannot display thousands of runners for all to view. Therefore it is desirable for the Event Manager to provide personal access stations for participants to view their individual results. Figure 7 illustrates a personal access station 60. The participant stands on the antenna mat 62 and the RFID tag is instantly read. The personal access station 60 queries for the individual results along with placement information for age group and gender. Other similar race venues maybe displayed if the database information is accessible. In the depicted embodiment, the personal access station 60 is connected to the finish station 59 via the computer network 21. The event manager interface 17 (Figure 16) allows the Event Manager to control and monitor the system in real-time. Access is privileged since the heart of all timing functions are controlled from this channel. Access can be performed over various media, a wireless Personal Data Assistant device for example. The Event Manager starts the main system, monitors EMS functions, and stops the main system. Monitoring the EMS functions may include such things as communications, real time results, and diagnostics.

Participants will be allowed to access the information database via a secure password. Once registered with the Event Manager, the participant can access his/her information for all Event Manager sponsored or managed events. Data will be displayed via a web interface. All venue types will be sorted according to type and date. For example, if an participant participates in several marathons along with triathlons, the information will be sorted accordingly using hyperlinks.

Analysis software will compare results from similar venues to offer the participant a measurement tool for personal performance. For example, annual venues will be grouped together in the analysis section to show performance characteristics. Venue weather conditions (over time during the event) will also be stored to give the participant full understanding of performance.

Comparisons of other participants will be accessible given certain security restrictions. For example, if participant A participates with participant B at a particular venue, then A can access B's performance for that particular event. This again provides the participant another tool for monitoring performance relative to other competitors. The system includes, for example, password access per participant, venue performance by event, venue grouping for comparisons, participant comparisons, weather conditions per venue, personal notes per venue. The public interface 19 (Figure 16) is a tool that allows the public to access race results for any Event Manager sponsored event, h addition to obtaining immediate results, the system will allow access to digital video capture of particular participants during the event, as explained hereinafter. The public interface 19 includes, for example, venue results as produced, statistical reports, such as results by age or gender, weather conditions, and digital video or pictures.

Past data from the same venue can be retrieved from the database 28 to immediately show relative performance to last year's event. For example, a top runner that finished at 15:04 in 2002 and 14:45 in 2003 would be displayed. This is similar to Olympic venue telecasts of timing information relative to past performance of each individual.

Figure 8 illustrates a digital video capture system 70 to capture a digital image as the participant crosses the finish station 59. The digital video capture system 70 includes a digital camera 72, the finish station 59, and the database 28. The digital camera 72 is a continuous recorder in the depicted embodiment, but alternatively may be a snapshot camera. The system records his/her time and then stores a segment of digital video for later retrieval via the computer network 21. The elite participants' digital video will also be displayed in real-time for spectators to observe. Depending on the placement of the mats, the software needs to adjust in time so that a segment of the participant is captured. This allows the camera to run continuously to capture multiple events. Camera stations can be placed in many areas depending on the event. Data from this system can also be used to verify participants in situations where results are inconclusive. In an alternative embodiment, the digital video is time stamped and recorded directly to the database 28 for later evaluation and manipulation.

The EMS allows time and position tracking of participants in all types of venues. For example, the EMS can be used to monitor participants in a marathon setting, triathlons, and cross country events. The EMS can be used indoors or outside. As an example, the EMS could be used by a health club, or health club patrons, to monitor performance on an indoor track. Figure 9 shows a basic marathon/urban road race 80 course using the EMS 10. As runners cross the start station 51, their individual ID and time are recorded and forwarded to the finish station 59 for future processing. As the runners cross a split mat 82, the information is forwarded to the finish station 59 for real-time display of top runners in overall, gender, age, teams, etc. As runners cross the finish station 59, the results are displayed immediately for spectators to see.

Figure 10 illustrates Triathlon and Duathlon sporting events. Triathlons and Duathlons share similar traits. These multi-sport events are timed overall and in segments. For each of the events, the overall time is recorded. This is simply the start-to-finish time differential. In addition to this, participants prefer knowing the intermediate times between sections at the race, to monitor their individual performance. Intermediate times, for example, can be the time where the participant crosses a first intermediate mat 92 after the swim portion and then changes over to the cycling gear and crosses the next intermediate mat on the bike. The summation of all the times results in the start-to-finish time. Cross country is the most popular participant sport in the United States in both high school and college arenas. Internationally, cross country is a popular sport for all ages. The EMS 10 can be configured to track cross country participants by both individual and teams, with cumulative times. The system can be setup similar to marathon events but with runners covering the course more that once. Splits can be measured at the start and finish including any other mats installed along the course.

Many of today's health facilities have indoor tracks from a 1/10 of a mile and larger. During poor weather conditions, participants tend to run or walk on indoor tracks to maintain fitness levels. However, keeping a mental track of distance on indoor tracks is inconvenient, especially when the track requires the participant to change direction periodically. Referring now to Figure 11, the EMS 10 can be installed at fitness centers to allow participants to monitor distance and time. Most, if not all, health clubs have personal ID cards that are scanned for entry into the facility. For example, the member walks into the facility and hands his/her ID card for scanning. The member requests a disposable RFID tag for running/walking on the indoor track. The health club then scans a tag and gives it to the member. The member laces the tag on to his/her shoe and proceeds to the track. As the member walks/runs over an RFID mat 102, the EMS 10 records the information and displays the individual on a visual display 105 located along track.

In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several advantages of the invention are achieved and attained.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. For example, while the central database is shown separately, it could equally be incorporated into the software or hardware at an endpoint. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above- described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

What is Claimed Is:

1. An event management system comprising: a. at least one disposable radio frequency transmitter for transmitting at least one high frequency signal, said at least one high frequency signal carrying participant identification; b. a start receiver adapted to receive said at least one signal; c. a finish receiver adapted to receive said at least one signal; d. a plurality of receivers intermediate said start receiver and said finish receiver, said plurality of intermediate receivers adapted to receive said at least one signal; e. at least one timing mechanism adapted to provide a time stamp, said at least one timing mechanism being operatively connected to said start receiver, to said finish receiver, or to one of said plurality of intermediate receivers; f. a start computer connected to said start receiver, said start computer having a memory for storing said participant identification and said time stamp; g. a finish computer connected to said finish receiver, said finish computer having a memory for storing said participant identification, said time stamp, and participant information; h. a computer network connected to said start computer and to said finish computer; and i. an interface connected to said computer network, said interface adapted to retrieve and to display said time stamp and said participant information corresponding to said participant identification.

2. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said participant information is selected from the group consisting of contact information, demographic information, event selection, and team information.

3. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said interface is selected from the group consisting of a participant interface, an event manager interface, and a public interface.

4. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said radio frequency transmitter is an active transmitter.

5. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said radio frequency transmitter is a passive transmitter.

6. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said timing mechanism is a global positioning system clock.

7. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said timing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a quartz crystal oscillator, an atomic clock, or a computer clock.

8. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said start receiver is mounted overhead.

9. The event management system of claim 1, further comprising at least one personal access station connected to said computer network.

10. The event management system of claim 1, further comprising an outdoor display.

11. The event management system of claim 1, further comprising at least one digital camera.

12. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said start receiver comprises a plurality of timing mats.

13. The event management system of claim 12, further comprising a connector.

14. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said computer network is selected from the group consisting of a global computer network, a wired local area network, or a wireless area network.

15. The event management system of claim 14, wherein said wireless local are network is a digital cellular network.

16. The event management system of claim 1, further comprising a bib.

17. The event management system of claim 16, wherein said bib is imprinted with a number.

18. The event management system of claim 16, wherein said at least one disposable radio frequency transmitter is operatively connected to said bib.

19. The event management system of claim 16, wherein said bib includes a detachable portion.

20. The event management system of claim 19, wherein said detachable portion includes a perforation.

21. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said at least one high frequency signal is in the range of 1-900 MHz.

22. The event management system of claim 21, wherein said at least one high frequency signal is 7 MHz.

23. The event management system of claim 21, wherein said at least one high frequency signal is in the range of 10 - 15 MHz.

24. The event management system of claim 23, wherein at least one high frequency signal is 13 MHz.

25. The event management system according to claim 1, wherein said radio frequency transmitter is adapted to transmit at least one other signal.

26. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said at least one other signal is in a range of 100-150 KHz.

27. The event management system of claim 1, wherein said at least one other signal is 125 KHz.

28. A method of managing a sporting event, the method comprising the steps of: a. registering participants for the sporting event, said step comprising: i. entering into a database a participant's personal information ii. receiving a registration fee; iii. assigning a number to each participant; iv. distributing labels to said participants; b. collecting data on the sporting event, said step comprising: i. transmitting at least one high frequency signal, said at least one high frequency signal carrying participant information ii. receiving said at least one high frequency signal; iii. reading said participant's information; iv. identifying a time when the participant's information is read; v. storing said participant's information and said identified time in said database; c. processing results of said stored information; and d. providing access to said results.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of: comparing said participant's split time with a historically reasonable split time and providing a warning that said participant's split time is less than the historically reasonable split time.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of: receiving an event waiver form.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of: providing an event waiver form to one of said participants.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of: verifying one of said participant's time at a specified location.

33. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of: verifying that one of said participants has followed a specified route.

34. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of: displaying said results in real time.

35. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of: preprogramming a radio frequency transmitter with a unique identifier and pairing said unique identifier with said number.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of: correlating within said database said unique identifier with one of said participants.