JP2006113899A - Clocking system for game and time clocking method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a clocking system for a game for appropriately clocking time of each player with a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: A square-shaped loop coil 12 is appropriately arranged on a running lane on which a player runs. When a sine wave is supplied from a magnetic field generation device 11, the loop coil 12 generates an AC electromagnetic field on itself. A radio tag 20 is arranged so that a detection direction of one magnetic field detection coil becomes almost parallel to the running face and a detection direction of the other magnetic field detection coil becomes almost perpendicular to the running face and detects an electromagnetic field intensity distribution making the electromagnetic intensity small at the center on the loop coil 12. The radio tag 20 determines an arrival to a clocking line L from detection of an inflection point of the electromagnetic field to specify the time of the arrival as measured time. The radio tag 20 transmits the specified measured time, etc., to an information receiving device 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a competition timing system and a time timing method that can appropriately time each individual athlete with a simple configuration.

In recent years, in marathon competitions and the like, attempts have been made to measure (measure) the goal time of each individual athlete. For example, a timekeeping system that measures the goal time of each competitor based on the time when a barcode is printed on the athlete's race bib and the reader reads the barcode of the competitor who finished the goal has been put into practical use. Yes.
Nevertheless, in the conventional timing system, since the barcode is read over a predetermined time after the goal, the goal time delayed from the actual measurement was measured in the first place. In particular, when a large number of athletes have scored at the same time, there is a problem that waiting for bar code reading occurs, and a goal time considerably delayed from actual measurement is measured.
In addition to the goal time, there is an increasing demand to measure the competition time including the passing time at each relay point, but the conventional timing system has not been able to cope with this.

In order to solve such problems, various timing systems have been developed, and operation tests for practical use have been attempted. In order to measure the goal time that is closer to the actual measurement, and to be able to measure the passing time at each relay point, the new timing system mainly measures the competition time of each individual player without contact. It has become.
For example, the player holds a tag transmitter and measures the competition time or the like based on information sent from the tag transmitter.

More specifically, a trigger signal is transmitted from a trigger transmission antenna or the like installed along the road to the measurement area on the competition track, and when the athlete holding the tag transmitter travels within the measurement area, In response to this trigger signal, an ID (such as an identification number) is transmitted from the tag transmitter. And ID receiving unit receives this ID, and time counts of each athlete, competition time, etc. are measured (for example, refer to patent documents 1).
In addition to this, a technique is also disclosed in which the tag transmitter transmits an ID using weak radio waves in the UHF band, etc., so as to increase the communication distance of the tag transmitter (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-141497 A (page 2-4, FIG. 2) JP 2004-125765 A (page 3-4, FIG. 2)

In the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, the tag transmitter continues to transmit the ID without interruption while receiving the trigger signal in the measurement area (in Patent Document 2, at random intervals). Repeated transmission).
This is because a tag transmitter that simply detects the presence or absence of a trigger signal is extremely difficult to detect an accurate trigger point in the measurement area (for example, a time line such as a goal line). Yes. Therefore, when the tag transmitter detects the trigger signal as it enters the timing area, the tag transmitter immediately starts transmitting ID, and continues to transmit the ID until it finishes detecting the trigger signal as it leaves the timing area. .
On the other hand, when receiving the first ID sent from the tag transmitter, the ID receiving unit specifies the time as the start time, and when receiving the last ID, specifies the time as the end time. And the time from start time to end time was calculated | required, and the time was measured as a competition time of the player corresponding to ID.

However, with such techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a large number of athletes reach the measurement area at the same time, the ID receiving unit side may not be able to receive the ID that should be sent appropriately. This is because a plurality of tag transmitters continue to transmit IDs to each other in the measurement area, so that a situation in which the processing on the ID receiving unit side cannot catch up occurs or a collision occurs during ID transmission. It is.
For this reason, the ID reception unit cannot correctly specify the start time and the end time, and may measure an inaccurate competition time or lose the competition time to be measured with almost no ID reception. There was a problem that.
In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the tag transmitter transmits IDs at random intervals to suppress the occurrence of collision. In reality, however, a collision occurred while each tag transmitter repeatedly transmitted an ID within the timing area.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game timing system and a time timing method capable of appropriately measuring the time of each player with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, a timing system for competition according to the first aspect of the present invention is:
A timing system for competition, including a timing device carried by the athlete and a magnetic field generating device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on the runway,
The magnetic field generator is
A square loop coil placed on the track,
Oscillating means for supplying an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency to the loop coil, and generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil by the loop coil and the oscillating means,
The timing device is
A first magnetic field detecting means for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil, the electromagnetic field detection direction being substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil;
A second magnetic field detection means for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil, the electromagnetic field detection direction being substantially perpendicular to the loop coil arrangement surface;
An inflection point detecting means for detecting an inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected by any of the first and second magnetic field detecting means;
Timing means for measuring the measurement time at the time when the inflection point detecting means has detected the inflection point of the electromagnetic field,
It is characterized by that.

According to this invention, the square loop coil in the magnetic field generator is arranged on the runway where the competition is performed. The oscillating means supplies an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency to the loop coil. Then, a predetermined electromagnetic field is generated on the loop coil by the loop coil and the oscillating means. On the other hand, the first magnetic field detection means in the timing device is arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil, and detects the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil. The second magnetic field detection means is arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil, and detects the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil. The inflection point detecting means detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected by either the first or second magnetic field detecting means. The time measuring means measures the measurement time when the inflection point detecting means detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field.
As described above, in the time measuring device, the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil is detected by the first and second magnetic field detecting means arranged so that the detection direction is substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil. To do. For this reason, even if the first and second magnetic field detection means are displaced for some reason or the athlete's own posture is disturbed during the run of the athlete, any one of the magnetic field detection means may become a loop coil. It becomes possible to detect the electromagnetic field from a direction substantially parallel to the arrangement plane. Then, the inflection point detecting means detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of either of the first and second magnetic field detecting means, and the time measuring means detects the inflection point. Measure the measurement time.
As a result, it is possible to properly time each competitor with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, a timing system for competition according to the second aspect of the present invention is:
A timing system for competition, comprising a timing device carried by the athlete, a magnetic field generating device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on the runway, and a receiving device that receives information sent from the timing device,
The magnetic field generator is
A square loop coil placed on the track,
Oscillating means for supplying an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency to the loop coil, and generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil by the loop coil and the oscillating means,
The timing device is
A first magnetic field detecting means for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil, the electromagnetic field detection direction being substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil;
A second magnetic field detection means for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil, the electromagnetic field detection direction being substantially perpendicular to the loop coil arrangement surface;
An inflection point detecting means for detecting an inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected by any of the first and second magnetic field detecting means;
A time measuring means for measuring the reference time;
A specifying means for specifying, as a measurement time, a time measured by the time measuring means when the inflection point detecting means detects an inflection point of an electromagnetic field;
Time transmitting means for transmitting the measurement time specified by the specifying means to the receiving device,
The receiving device is
Receiving means for receiving the measurement time transmitted from the time transmitting means;
It is characterized by that.

According to this invention, the square loop coil in the magnetic field generator is arranged on the runway where the competition is performed. The oscillating means supplies an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency to the loop coil. Then, a predetermined electromagnetic field is generated on the loop coil by the loop coil and the oscillating means. On the other hand, the first magnetic field detection means in the timing device is arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil, and detects the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil. The second magnetic field detection means is arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil, and detects the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil. The inflection point detecting means detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected by either the first or second magnetic field detecting means. The time measuring means measures the reference time. The specifying means specifies the time measured by the time measuring means as the measurement time when the inflection point detecting means detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field. The time transmitting means transmits the measurement time specified by the specifying means to the receiving device. Furthermore, the receiving means in the receiving device receives the measurement time transmitted from the time transmitting means.
As described above, in the time measuring device, the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil is detected by the first and second magnetic field detecting means arranged so that the detection direction is substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil. To do. For this reason, even if the first and second magnetic field detection means are displaced for some reason or the athlete's own posture is disturbed during the run of the athlete, any one of the magnetic field detection means may become a loop coil. It becomes possible to detect the electromagnetic field from a direction substantially parallel to the arrangement plane. Then, the inflection point detecting means detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field strength of either the first or second magnetic field detecting means. Subsequently, the specifying unit specifies the measurement time at the point of detection of the inflection point, and the time transmission unit transmits the measurement time to the receiving device.
As a result, it is possible to properly time each competitor with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, a time counting method according to a third aspect of the present invention is:
A time counting method in a system including a timing device carried by an athlete and a magnetic field generating device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on a runway,
In the magnetic field generating device, a magnetic field generating step of supplying an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency to a square loop coil disposed on a runway, and generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil;
In the timing device, a first magnetic field detection coil is used to detect an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil by using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that a detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially parallel to an arrangement surface of the loop coil. A magnetic field detection step;
A second magnetic field detection step of detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that a detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to a placement surface of the loop coil;
An inflection point detecting step for detecting an inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected in any of the first and second magnetic field detection steps;
A timing step for measuring a measurement time at the time when the inflection point of the electromagnetic field is detected in the inflection point detection step;
It is characterized by providing.

According to the present invention, in the magnetic field generation device, the magnetic field generation step supplies an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency to the square loop coil disposed on the runway, thereby generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil. On the other hand, in the timing device, the first magnetic field detection step is generated on the loop coil by using the magnetic field detection coil arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil. Detect electromagnetic fields. In the second magnetic field detection step, the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil is detected using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil. . The inflection point detecting step detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on the increase / decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity of the electromagnetic field detected in either the first or second magnetic field detecting step. The time measuring step measures the measurement time when the inflection point of the electromagnetic field is detected in the inflection point detecting step.
Thus, in the time measuring device, the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil is detected using each magnetic field detection coil whose detection direction is arranged substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil. For this reason, even if the placement of each magnetic field detection coil is displaced for some reason or the athlete's own posture is disturbed during the run of the athlete, any one of the magnetic field detection coils is not in contact with the loop coil placement surface. Thus, the electromagnetic field can be detected from a substantially parallel direction. Then, based on any increase / decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity, the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil is detected, and the measurement time at the inflection point detection time is measured.
As a result, it is possible to properly time each competitor with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, a time counting method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is:
A time counting method in a system including a timing device carried by a player, a magnetic field generating device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on a runway, and a receiving device that receives information sent from the timing device,
In the magnetic field generating device, a magnetic field generating step of supplying an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency to a square loop coil disposed on a runway, and generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil;
In the timing device, a first magnetic field detection coil is used to detect an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil by using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that a detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially parallel to an arrangement surface of the loop coil. A magnetic field detection step;
A second magnetic field detection step of detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that a detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to a placement surface of the loop coil;
An inflection point detecting step for detecting an inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected in any of the first and second magnetic field detection steps;
In the time measuring device, a time measuring step for measuring a reference time,
A specifying step of specifying the time measured in the time measuring step as the measurement time at the time when the inflection point of the electromagnetic field is detected in the inflection point detecting step;
A time transmission step of transmitting the measurement time identified in the identification step toward the receiving device;
In the receiving device, a receiving step of receiving the measurement time transmitted in the time transmitting step;
It is characterized by providing.

According to the present invention, in the magnetic field generation device, the magnetic field generation step supplies an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency to the square loop coil disposed on the runway, thereby generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil. On the other hand, in the timing device, the first magnetic field detection step is generated on the loop coil by using the magnetic field detection coil arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil. Detect electromagnetic fields. In the second magnetic field detection step, the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil is detected using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil. . The inflection point detection step detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on the increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected in either the first or second magnetic field detection step. The time measuring step measures the reference time. The specifying step specifies the time measured in the time measuring step at the time when the inflection point of the electromagnetic field is detected in the inflection point detecting step as the measurement time. In the time transmission step, the measurement time specified in the specifying step is transmitted to the receiving device. Further, in the receiving device, the receiving step receives the measurement time transmitted in the time transmitting step.
Thus, in the time measuring device, the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil is detected using each magnetic field detection coil whose detection direction is arranged substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil. For this reason, even if the placement of each magnetic field detection coil shifts due to some cause or the competitor's own posture is disturbed during the run of the athlete, any one of the magnetic field detection coils is not connected to the loop coil placement surface. Thus, the electromagnetic field can be detected from a substantially parallel direction. When the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil is detected based on any increase or decrease of the electromagnetic field intensity, the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil is detected, and the measurement time at the detection point of the inflection point is measured.
As a result, it is possible to properly time each competitor with a simple configuration.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately time each athlete with a simple configuration.

  A game timing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game timing system 1 applied to the embodiment of the present invention. This competition timekeeping system 1 is used, for example, for measuring (time keeping) a competition time in a marathon competition.

  As shown in the figure, the competition timing system 1 includes a magnetic field generation device 11 as a magnetic field generation device, a loop coil 12, an information reception device 13 as a reception device, and a timing device carried by each player RN. And the wireless tag 20. In addition, the magnetic field generator 11, the loop coil 12, and the information receiver 13 are arrange | positioned at the relay point, goal point, etc. which measure competition time, for example.

  The magnetic field generator 11 is disposed, for example, along a road where a loop coil 12 described later is disposed, and generates an electromagnetic field on the loop coil 12. Specifically, the magnetic field generator 11 includes a sine wave generator circuit 11a and a power amplifier circuit 11b.

The sine wave generation circuit 11a includes a crystal oscillation circuit, and generates a sine wave synchronized with the frequency of the crystal oscillation circuit. For example, the sine wave generation circuit 11a generates a sine wave having a frequency of 125 kHz and supplies the sine wave to the power amplification circuit 11b.
The power amplification circuit 11 b amplifies the sine wave supplied from the sine wave generation circuit 11 a and supplies the amplified sine wave to the loop coil 12. Specifically, the power of the sine wave is amplified to a level at which the loop coil 12 can be sufficiently driven.

The loop coil 12 is a coil formed in a square shape, and is appropriately arranged on the runway on which the player RN runs.
As an example, the loop coil 12 is formed in a substantially square (rectangular) shape as shown in FIG. And it forms so that it may have the feeding point s on one side, and a current flows from this feeding point s in the direction of the arrow. In addition, the loop coil 12 is arrange | positioned so that the straight line b used as the center of the run direction of competitor RN may overlap on the time measuring line L used as a measurement point.

  When the sine wave is supplied from the magnetic field generator 11 through the feeding point s, the loop coil 12 generates an AC electromagnetic field on the coil. Specifically, an electromagnetic field as shown in FIG. 2B is generated.

In such an electromagnetic field, the magnetic field detection coil C1 in which the detection direction of the electromagnetic field (direction perpendicular to the detection coil surface D) is parallel to the travel path (that is, the detection coil surface D is perpendicular to the travel path). When (a magnetic field detection coil 21a of the wireless tag 20 described later) moves in the arrow B direction, an electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. That is, since the magnetic field detection coil C1 captures the magnetic flux in the direction perpendicular to the running path on the coil surface D, the electromagnetic field as shown in FIG. Detect intensity distribution.
For this reason, when the player RN passes over the loop coil 12 along the arrow B direction, the wireless tag 20 (detection circuit 23 described later) changes the electromagnetic field on the time line L (straight line b). It can be detected as a pole (a trigger point described later).

  On the other hand, in the same electromagnetic field, the detection direction of the electromagnetic field (direction perpendicular to the detection coil surface D) as shown in FIG. 2D is perpendicular to the travel path (that is, the detection coil surface D is parallel to the travel path). 2) is moved in the direction of arrow B, an electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. 2E is obtained. That is, since the magnetic field detection coil C2 captures the magnetic flux in the direction perpendicular to the running path on the coil surface, the electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. To detect.

  Returning to FIG. 1, for example, the information receiving device 13 is disposed along the road where the loop coil 12 is disposed, and receives the measurement time transmitted from the wireless tag 20. Specifically, the information reception device 13 includes an antenna 13a, a receiver 13b, a processing control unit 13c, a storage unit 13d, and an input / output unit 13e.

The antenna 13 a is tuned to a signal sent from the wireless tag 20.
The receiver 13b receives the measurement time and ID information sent from the wireless tag 20 via the antenna 13a.

  The processing control unit 13c includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and when the receiver 13b receives the measurement time and the like, the measurement time is associated with the ID information and stored in the storage unit 13d.

  The storage unit 13d includes a memory such as a RAM, is controlled by the processing control unit 13c, and stores the measurement time and the ID information in association with each other.

  The input / output unit 13e includes an interface for inputting / outputting predetermined data to / from a host that manages the time of each player RN. For example, the input / output unit 13e appropriately supplies the measurement time and the like stored in the storage unit 13d to the host.

  The wireless tag 20 is carried by the player RN, detects the inflection point (trigger point) of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 12, and measures the measurement time at that time. Specifically, the wireless tag 20 includes magnetic field detection coils 21a and 21b, amplification circuits 22a and 22b, detection circuits 23a and 23b, a control unit 24, a timer unit 25, a transmitter 26, and an antenna 27. Consists of.

The magnetic field detection coil 21 (21a, 21b) detects an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 12. Then, the detected electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field is supplied to the amplifier circuit 22 as a detection signal.
In the magnetic field detection coil 21a, the detection direction of the electromagnetic field (direction perpendicular to the coil surface) is parallel to the runway surface (the placement surface of the loop coil 12) (that is, the coil surface is perpendicular to the runway). Are arranged as follows. On the other hand, the magnetic field detection coil 21b is arranged such that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is perpendicular to the road surface (the arrangement surface of the loop coil 12) (that is, the coil surface is parallel to the road).
For example, when the wireless tag 20 is fixed to a race bib or the like and carried by the player RN, the direction perpendicular to the coil surface of the magnetic field detection coil 21a is substantially parallel to the track surface, and magnetic field detection is performed. The coils 21b are arranged so that the direction perpendicular to the coil surface is substantially perpendicular to the road surface.
For this reason, when the wireless tag 20 is moved as it is in the direction of the arrow B shown in FIG. 2B, the magnetic field detection coil 21a captures the magnetic flux in the direction perpendicular to the runway on the coil surface. The electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG. 2C is detected.
Further, even when the athlete RN is running, even if the arrangement of the magnetic field detection coils 21a and 21b is deviated for some reason or the posture of the athlete RN is disturbed, any one of the magnetic field detection coils 21 (for example, magnetic field detection) The coil 21b) detects the magnetic flux in the direction perpendicular to the runway on the coil surface, and detects the electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG.

  The amplification circuit 22 (22a, 22b) appropriately amplifies the detection signal supplied from the magnetic field detection coil 21 (21a, 21b) and supplies the detection signal to the detection circuit 23.

The detection circuit 23 (23a, 23b), based on the detection signal supplied from the amplification circuit 22 (22a, 22b), the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 12, that is, the time measurement line L (center of the loop coil 12), Detection is based on the electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG.
More specifically, the detection circuit 23 includes, as an example, resistors R1 to R3, a capacitor C, and an operational amplifier OP as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, the detection circuit 23 outputs a predetermined voltage signal when the input detection signal voltage increases, and does not output a signal when the input detection signal voltage decreases. .
That is, one of the detection circuits 23 detects an increase in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 12, and specifies the inflection point of the electromagnetic field when the electromagnetic field strength increases for the second time. That is, the second rise shown in FIG. 3B is specified as the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 12.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 24 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and when any inflection point of the electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil 12 is detected by any of the detection circuits 23, the time is measured at that time. The time measured by the unit 25 is specified as the measurement time. Then, the unique ID information (tag ID) stored by itself is read and supplied to the transmitter 26 together with the specified measurement time.

The timer unit 25 includes, for example, a highly stable crystal oscillator, and stably counts the current time.
The transmitter 26 transmits the measurement time and the like supplied from the control unit 24 to the information receiving device 13 via the antenna 27.
The antenna 27 transmits the measurement time or the like as a radio wave.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the game timing system 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining trigger detection processing executed by the wireless tag 20.

  First, the wireless tag 20 determines whether or not an electromagnetic field is detected (step S11). That is, according to the detection signal supplied via the amplifier circuit 22a, the detection circuit 23a or the detection circuit 23b detected an increase in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field according to the detection signal supplied via the amplifier circuit 22b. It is determined whether or not.

The wireless tag 20 stands by until an electromagnetic field is detected. When the electromagnetic field is detected, the wireless tag 20 determines whether or not an inflection point of the electromagnetic field has been detected (step S12). That is, it is determined whether any one of the detection circuits 23 detects the second increase in the electromagnetic field intensity.
If the wireless tag 20 determines that the inflection point of the electromagnetic field has not been detected, the wireless tag 20 returns the process to step S11 described above. That is, the player RN reaches the loop coil 12 and waits until the time line L is reached.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the inflection point of the electromagnetic field has been detected, the wireless tag 20 specifies the measurement time (step S13).
That is, when the control unit 24 determines that the player RN has reached the timing line L from detection of the inflection point of the electromagnetic field by any of the detection circuits 23, the time measured by the timing unit 25 at that time is determined. Specify as measurement time.

The wireless tag 20 transmits the specified measurement time and the like toward the information receiving device 13 (step S14).
That is, when reading the unique ID information stored by itself, the control unit 24 transmits it to the information receiving device 13 together with the specified measurement time (step S14).

  When the measurement time or the like transmitted from the wireless tag 20 is received in this way, the information reception device 13 stores the measurement time and the ID information in association with each other in the storage unit 13d. Then, in response to a request from the host, the information receiving device 13 reads the ID information and time information from the storage unit 13d and transmits them to the host.

By such trigger detection processing, the wireless tag 20 can accurately detect the time line L at each time point, and can also accurately time the measurement time (competition time).
In other words, even when the athlete RN is running, even if the arrangement of the magnetic field detection coils 21a and 21b is deviated for some reason or the attitude of the athlete RN itself is disturbed, any one of the magnetic field detection coils 21 is in contact with the runway. Thus, the magnetic flux in the vertical direction is captured on the coil surface, and the corresponding detection circuit 23 can detect the inflection point (the time measuring line L) of the electromagnetic field.
Further, since the wireless tag 20 only needs to transmit the measurement time or the like once to the information receiving device 13, even if a plurality of competitors RN pass through the time line L almost simultaneously, the radio tag can reduce interference. It becomes possible to do.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the loop coil 12 is arranged on the running road has been described. However, the loop coil 12 may be arranged vertically (standing) along the running road. At this time, the magnetic field detection coil 21a of the wireless tag 20 has an electromagnetic field detection direction (a direction perpendicular to the coil surface) parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil 12 (that is, the coil surface is an arrangement surface of the loop coil 12). The magnetic field detection coil 21b of the wireless tag 20 is arranged so that the detection direction of the electromagnetic field is perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the loop coil 12 (that is, the coil surface is the arrangement surface of the loop coil 12). (Parallel direction).
As a result, even when the player RN is running, even if the arrangement of the magnetic field detection coils 21a and 21b is deviated for some reason or the posture of the player RN itself is disturbed, any one of the magnetic field detection coils 21 becomes a loop coil. The magnetic flux perpendicular to the 12 arrangement planes is captured by the coil plane, and the electromagnetic field intensity distribution as shown in FIG.
Also in this case, the corresponding detection circuit 23 detects the inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil 12 (based on the arrangement surface of the loop coil 12), and the control unit 24 measures the time of detection of the inflection point of the electromagnetic field. The time is specified, and the specified measurement time and the like are transmitted to the information receiving device 13.
As a result, it is possible to properly time each competitor with a simple configuration.

In the above embodiment, the case where the wireless tag 20 is provided with the amplification circuit 22 and the detection circuit 23 individually corresponding to each magnetic field detection coil 21 has been described. However, each amplification circuit 22 and each detection circuit 23 is provided. May be combined into one.
That is, the amplification circuit 22 amplifies the detection signals supplied from the magnetic field detection coils 21a and 21b as appropriate and supplies the detection signals to the detection circuit 23 having two input terminals. And the detection circuit 23 will detect the inflection point of an electromagnetic field from any detection signal, if the detection signal of each magnetic field detection coil 21 is input in each input terminal.
In this case as well, it is possible to appropriately time each competitor with a simple configuration.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the measurement time is measured on the wireless tag 20 side has been described. However, the measurement time may be measured on the information reception device 13 side.
For example, the wireless tag 20 transmits only the ID information to the information receiving device 13 when the inflection point of the electromagnetic field is detected. On the other hand, the information receiving apparatus 13 is further provided with a time measuring unit that measures the current time and the like, and when the ID information sent from the wireless tag 20 is received, the time measuring unit measures the measurement time.
In this case, even if the timer unit is omitted from the wireless tag 20 side, the information reception device 13 can measure the measurement time.

In the above embodiment, the marathon competition has been described as an example, but the competition to be timed is not limited to this and is arbitrary.
For example, the present invention can be applied as appropriate to relay races, racewalking, disabled wheelchair road races, bicycle road races, triathlons, and mountain sports such as running and orientation.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately measure the time of each player with a simple configuration.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the timing system for competitions concerning embodiment of this invention. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the loop coil arrange | positioned on a runway, (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the direction of the electromagnetic field and magnetic field detection coil which are produced | generated, (c) is detected It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic field to be performed, (d) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the different direction of the electromagnetic field and magnetic field detection coil which are produced | generated, (e) The different electromagnetic field from which it detects It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating intensity distribution. (A) is a circuit diagram which shows an example of a detection circuit, (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating specification of an inflection point. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the trigger detection process which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Timing system for competition 11 Magnetic field generator 12 Loop coil 13 Information receiver 20 Wireless tag

Claims (4)

A timing system for competition, including a timing device carried by the athlete and a magnetic field generating device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on the runway,
The magnetic field generator is
A square loop coil placed on the track,
Oscillating means for supplying an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency to the loop coil, and generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil by the loop coil and the oscillating means,
The timing device is
A first magnetic field detecting means for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil, the electromagnetic field detection direction being substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil;
A second magnetic field detection means for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil, the electromagnetic field detection direction being substantially perpendicular to the loop coil arrangement surface;
An inflection point detecting means for detecting an inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected by any of the first and second magnetic field detecting means;
Timing means for measuring the measurement time at the time when the inflection point detecting means has detected the inflection point of the electromagnetic field,
A timekeeping system for competitions. A timing system for competition, comprising a timing device carried by the athlete, a magnetic field generating device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on the runway, and a receiving device that receives information sent from the timing device,
The magnetic field generator is
A square loop coil placed on the track,
Oscillating means for supplying an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency to the loop coil, and generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil by the loop coil and the oscillating means,
The timing device is
A first magnetic field detecting means for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil, the electromagnetic field detection direction being substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the loop coil;
A second magnetic field detection means for detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil, the electromagnetic field detection direction being substantially perpendicular to the loop coil arrangement surface;
An inflection point detecting means for detecting an inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected by any of the first and second magnetic field detecting means;
A time measuring means for measuring the reference time;
A specifying means for specifying, as a measurement time, a time measured by the time measuring means when the inflection point detecting means detects an inflection point of an electromagnetic field;
Time transmitting means for transmitting the measurement time specified by the specifying means to the receiving device,
The receiving device is
Receiving means for receiving the measurement time transmitted from the time transmitting means;
A timekeeping system for competitions. A time counting method in a system including a timing device carried by an athlete and a magnetic field generating device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on a runway,
In the magnetic field generating device, a magnetic field generating step of supplying an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency to a square loop coil disposed on a runway, and generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil;
In the timing device, a first magnetic field detection coil is used to detect an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil by using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that a detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially parallel to an arrangement surface of the loop coil. A magnetic field detection step;
A second magnetic field detection step of detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that a detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to a placement surface of the loop coil;
An inflection point detecting step for detecting an inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected in any of the first and second magnetic field detection steps;
A timing step for measuring a measurement time at the time when the inflection point of the electromagnetic field is detected in the inflection point detection step;
A time measuring method characterized by comprising: A time counting method in a system including a timing device carried by a player, a magnetic field generating device that generates an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range on a runway, and a receiving device that receives information sent from the timing device,
In the magnetic field generating device, a magnetic field generating step of supplying an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency to a square loop coil disposed on a runway, and generating a predetermined electromagnetic field on the loop coil;
In the timing device, a first magnetic field detection coil is used to detect an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil by using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that a detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially parallel to an arrangement surface of the loop coil. A magnetic field detection step;
A second magnetic field detection step of detecting an electromagnetic field generated on the loop coil using a magnetic field detection coil arranged so that a detection direction of the electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to a placement surface of the loop coil;
An inflection point detecting step for detecting an inflection point of the electromagnetic field on the loop coil based on an increase or decrease in the electromagnetic field strength of the electromagnetic field detected in any of the first and second magnetic field detection steps;
In the time measuring device, a time measuring step for measuring a reference time,
A specifying step of specifying the time measured in the time measuring step as the measurement time at the time when the inflection point of the electromagnetic field is detected in the inflection point detecting step;
A time transmission step of transmitting the measurement time identified in the identification step toward the receiving device;
In the receiving device, a receiving step of receiving the measurement time transmitted in the time transmitting step;
A time measuring method characterized by comprising:

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