EP3982337B1 - Method and system for improved measurement of time for moving across a finish line - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method for improved measurement of the passage time on a timing line of a race by a competitor, in particular of a sporting discipline.

The invention also relates to a system for improved measurement of the passage time on a timing line of a race by a competitor, in particular of a sporting discipline, for the implementation of the method.

Background of the invention

In a running sport competition, such as a sprint race in athletics, cycling, cross-country skiing, speed skating, a bobsleigh race, or during a horse racing event, it is well known to use sensors to measure the intermediate or final time of competitors, in particular to classify competitors. The requirements are different depending on the sport. For example, in an athletics sprint race, the moment is defined as soon as part of the athlete's torso crosses the finish line. For a speed skating or cross-country ski race, the moment is defined when the skate or foot reaches the finish line.

For example, a sensor is placed near the finish line to measure the passage time of competitors. For example, a photoelectric cell is used as a receiver and a pulsed infrared light transmitter, the transmitter and the receiver being arranged on either side. on the other, in the axis of the finish line. Thus, when a competitor crosses the finish line, the receiver no longer receives the pulsed light, which makes it possible to deduce their passage time. There are also devices comprising the transmitter and the receiver in the same box, to have a single system placed at one end of the line. In this case, a reflector, for example a reflector, is arranged at the other end of the finish line to reflect the infrared light from the transmitter towards the receiver.

The document EP 0 898 249 describes an example of a method and system for measuring the passage time of competitors on a timing line.

However, with current systems, it is common to make measurement errors due to parasitic objects detected by the sensor. Indeed, when it rains or snows heavily, the quantity of pulsed light can be reduced before reaching the sensor and cause a measurement of a timing time. People can also pass in front of the sensor even though they are not runners. In the case of a cycle race for example, cars are likely to cross the timing line, or runners can cross the finish line in the opposite direction after finishing, particularly during mountain stages.

Summary of the invention

The invention therefore aims to overcome the disadvantages of the aforementioned state of the art by proposing a method for improved measurement of the passage time on a timing line of a race by a competitor, in particular of a sporting discipline, which avoids measuring spurious passage times caused by objects or people other than runners.

• Le procédé est remarquable en ce qu'il comprend les étapes consécutives suivantes:
• acquérir des signaux électriques représentatifs de l'image de la ligne de chronométrage saisie par le capteur d'images, les signaux électriques étant produits en fonction de signaux optiques reçus par le capteur,
• transmettre les signaux électriques à une unité de traitement d'images,
• détecter le passage d'une ligne de chronométrage par un objet,
• détecter au moins une information supplémentaire concernant le déplacement ou les dimensions de l'objet pour vérifier que l'objet correspond à un concurrent,
• transmettre un ordre de mesure du temps de passage à une unité de chronométrage si l'objet correspond à un concurrent, et
• mesurer le temps de passage dudit objet sur la ligne de chronométrage correspondant à l'instant de passage de l'objet.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a method for improved measurement of the passage time on a timing line of a race by a competitor, in particular for a sporting discipline, the method being implemented by a system for measuring the time of passage comprising at least one image sensor of the passage time on a timing line of a race by a competitor, in particular for a sporting discipline.

• The process is remarkable in that it comprises the following consecutive steps:
• acquire electrical signals representative of the image of the timing line captured by the image sensor, the electrical signals being produced as a function of optical signals received by the sensor,
• transmit the electrical signals to an image processing unit,
• detect the passage of a timing line by an object,
• detect at least one additional piece of information concerning the movement or dimensions of the object to verify that the object corresponds to a competitor,
• transmit an order to measure the passage time to a timing unit if the object corresponds to a competitor, and
• measure the time of passage of said object on the timing line corresponding to the instant of passage of the object.

Thanks to this process, the additional information on the movement or dimensions of the detected object makes it possible to verify that it is indeed a competitor passing the timing line, and not a parasitic object. or a person who passes in front of the sensor by mistake. Another advantage of the invention is that this makes it possible to use a system arranged on one side of the timing line, without having to resort to another device on the other side of the line.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step of transmitting the measured passage time to a display unit.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the sensor being provided with a matrix of pixels, the sensor is configured to detect variations in optical signals received by at least part of the pixels of the matrix to produce the electrical signals.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the additional information is the direction of movement of the object.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the direction of movement on the columns of pixels is detected thanks to the modification of the pixels before and/or after the column of pixels of the timing line.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the additional information is the speed of movement of the object.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the additional information is the height of the object.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the additional information is the width of the object.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the additional information is a detection zone where the object is expected.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the detection is carried out by analyzing the variation of the electrical signals.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the pixels of the image sensor detect the optical signals independently of each other.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the entire sensor is used during each step of the process.

• une unité d'acquisition pour acquérir des signaux électriques représentatifs de l'image de la ligne de chronométrage, l'unité d'acquisition comportant au moins un capteur d'images muni d'une matrice de pixels, les signaux électriques étant produits en fonction de signaux optiques reçus par les pixels de la matrice,
• une unité de traitement d'images pour traiter les signaux électriques transmis par l'unité d'acquisition, de manière à détecter le passage de la ligne de chronométrage par un objet, l'unité de traitement étant configurée pour détecter au moins une information supplémentaire concernant le déplacement ou les dimensions de l'objet pour vérifier que l'objet correspond à un concurrent,
• une unité de mesure du temps de passage dudit objet sur la ligne de chronométrage correspondant à l'instant de passage de l'objet, l'unité d'acquisition étant configurée pour transmettre les signaux électriques à l'unité de traitement d'images et pour transmettre un ordre de mesure du temps de passage à l'unité de mesure si l'objet correspond à un concurrent.

The invention also relates to a system for improved measurement of the passage time on a timing line of a race by a competitor, in particular for a sporting discipline. To this end, the system includes:

• an acquisition unit for acquiring electrical signals representative of the image of the timing line, the acquisition unit comprising at least one image sensor provided with a matrix of pixels, the electrical signals being produced as a function optical signals received by the pixels of the matrix,
• an image processing unit for processing the electrical signals transmitted by the acquisition unit, so as to detect the passage of the timing line by an object, the processing unit being configured to detect at least one additional piece of information concerning the movement or dimensions of the object to verify that the object corresponds to a competitor,
• a unit for measuring the time of passage of said object on the timing line corresponding to the instant of passage of the object, the acquisition unit being configured to transmit the electrical signals to the image processing unit and to transmit an order to measure the passage time to the unit of measurement if the object corresponds to a competitor.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a unit for displaying the measured times.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the sensor is configured to continuously detect variations in at least part of the pixels of the matrix.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a camera provided with the sensor, preferably the camera is of the neuro-morphic type.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the image processing unit comprises an artificial intelligence module.

Brief description of the drawings

• La figure 1 est un schéma synoptique d'un procédé de mesure amélioré du temps de passage sur une ligne de chronométrage selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une représentation schématique illustrant un premier mode de réalisation du procédé selon l'invention.
• La figure 3 est une représentation schématique illustrant un deuxième mode de réalisation du procédé selon l'invention.
• La figure 4 est une représentation schématique illustrant un troisième mode de réalisation du procédé selon l'invention.
• La figure 5 est une représentation schématique d'un système de mesure amélioré du temps de passage sur une ligne de chronométrage selon l'invention.

The aims, advantages and characteristics of the method and the display system according to the invention will appear better in the following description of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings in which:

• There figure 1 is a block diagram of an improved method of measuring the passage time on a timing line according to the invention.
• There figure 2 is a schematic representation illustrating a first embodiment of the method according to the invention.
• There Figure 3 is a schematic representation illustrating a second embodiment of the method according to the invention.
• There Figure 4 is a schematic representation illustrating a third embodiment of the method according to the invention.
• There Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an improved system for measuring the passage time on a timing line according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

According to the invention, the method is intended to allow improved measurement of the passage time on a timing line of a race by a competitor, in particular for a sporting discipline.

The method described below relates for example to an athletics race, cross-country skiing, speed skating, cycling, bobsleigh or a horse race. The method is implemented by a shooting system comprising at least one image sensor. Preferably, the sensor is provided with a matrix of pixels forming an image capture surface. The sensor is configured to detect variations in optical signals received by at least a portion of the pixels of the matrix to produce the electrical signals.

On the figure 1 , the method 10 according to the invention is a method for improved measurement of the passage time on a timing line of a race by a competitor, in particular of a sporting discipline.

The method comprises a first step 1 consisting of acquiring electrical signals representative of the image of the timing line captured by the image sensor. Preferably, the sensor is provided with a matrix of pixels. The sensor is configured to detect variations in optical signals received by at least a portion of the pixels of the matrix to produce the electrical signals. Electrical signals are produced based on optical signals received by the sensor pixels.

In a second step 2, the method consists of transmitting the electrical signals to an image processing unit.

For the third step 3, the image processing unit detects the passage of the timing line by an object. The image processing unit detects an object passing the timing line, using the variation in intensity of the electrical signals transmitted by the pixels of the sensor, the electrical signals representing the variation of the optical signals received by the pixels. The timing line is for example defined by one or more columns of pixels. Thus, when the pixels of this or these columns vary in intensity, the image processing unit detects the passage of an object.

The fourth step 4, which is preferably carried out simultaneously with the third step, consists of detecting at least one additional piece of information concerning the movement or the dimensions of the object to verify that the object corresponds to a competitor. Non-limiting examples of additional information are mentioned below. These examples can of course be combined together to detect multiple additional pieces of information at the same time.

According to a first embodiment, the additional information is the direction of movement of the object. To detect the direction of movement, variations in the intensity of the pixels before and/or after the column(s) of pixels of the timing line are detected. Thus, if the measured object passes the timing line in the wrong direction, we deduce that it is not a competitor. This embodiment is for example useful in the case of cycling races whose finish is in the mountains, and during which certain cyclists cross the finish line in the opposite direction to go back down to their vacation spot. Illustrations of this embodiment are described for figure 2 And 3 .

In a second embodiment, the additional information is the speed of movement of the object. To do this, the processing unit calculates the speed of the object based on the speed of movement of the intensity variation detected by the sensor pixels. In other words, we follow the movement of a shape defined by the intensity or color of the sensor pixels. The processing unit is then configured to estimate the speed of movement of the detected object. If the speed of the object does not does not correspond to an expected value interval, the image processing unit does not send an order to measure the time of passage of the object on the timing line.

For the third embodiment, the additional information is the height of the object. We measure the height of the object on the images formed from the electrical signals. In a variant embodiment, the additional information is the width of the object. These two variations can also be combined to verify that it is a competitor, and not a smaller or larger object passing the timing line by chance. The size of the object is evaluated from the images of the object obtained by the sensor pixels. The image processing unit is configured to evaluate the dimensions of the object. An example of this embodiment is shown in particular on the figure 2 .

In a fourth embodiment, the additional information is a detection zone where the object is expected. The zone can for example be defined above or below a line defined on the sensor. Thus, detection is concentrated on an area of the sensor defined by only part of the pixels. The image processing unit is configured to be able to choose an area of the sensor on which objects can be detected. For example, during a cycling race, if we want to avoid taking a time measurement for a car that is lower than a competitor on a bike, we must define a height greater than a car to avoid transmitting the time measured from it. An example of this embodiment is notably represented on the figures 2 And 4 .

In a fifth step 5, the image processing unit transmits a timing order to a time measurement unit, to record the passage time of said object. When the image processing unit detects additional information corresponding to a competitor, it sends a detection signal to the measuring unit when the object passes the timing line.

For the sixth step, the measuring unit records the time of passage of said object on the timing line corresponding to the instant of passage of the object. The measuring unit is configured to time the passage of time and to record the time of each competitor, when he receives an order from the image processing unit.

The seventh step consists of transmitting the measured passage time to a display unit, to display the competitor's time and compare it to the times of other competitors, for example in a ranking based on the shortest time. The display unit is for example a giant screen installed on a finish area or in front of a spectator stand.

Thanks to the process, we ensure that the measurements of competitors are transmitted and that we avoid measuring the time of parasitic objects.

There figure 2 shows an illustration of the image that the sensor 9 of the camera receives. One or more columns of pixels corresponding to a timing line are defined on the sensor. In the image, a first object 11 passes the timing line in the correct direction and a second object 12 passes the timing line in the opposite direction. According to the first embodiment of detecting the additional information, the image processing unit gives a timing order for the first object passing the line in the right direction and not for the second object passing in the other direction. .

In the case of the second embodiment of detecting additional information, the image processing unit calculates the speed of progression of the first object to verify that it is a competitor who passes the timing line. The position of the first object 11 is identified at several locations on the sensor, so that the image processing unit is able to deduce the speed of movement of the object. In the case where the speed belongs to a time interval corresponding to the speed of a competitor, the image processing unit transmits a measurement order to the timing time measurement unit. Conversely, if the speed does not belong to this interval, the image processing unit considers that it is not a competitor and does not transmit an order.

Two lines 14, 15 make it possible to define limits below and above which the detected objects are not considered as competitors according to the fourth embodiment of detection of additional information. For example, the first object 11 which passes between lines 14, 15 has its passage time measured, while the one passing outside lines 14, 15 is not timed. We can use one line only, and define that the competitors pass above or below the line. The line layout is defined on the image sensor, and can be changed as desired to suit the type of stroke.

There Figure 3 shows a timing line 20 of the finish line type of a race. A measuring system 23 comprises a camera 17 connected to an image processing unit 21. The camera 17 is directed on the line 20 so that the optical axis of the camera is substantially directed towards this line. 18 competitors cross line 20 in the right direction, while one person 19 crosses line 20 in the other direction. This person 19 can be a competitor who has already passed line 20 or a referee who monitors the race. Thanks to the method according to the invention, the timed time of the person 19 passing in the opposite direction is not measured, because the image processing unit 21 detects that this person 19 is not moving in the appropriate direction.

On the Figure 4 , we can see a measuring system 23 arranged to time the timing line 20, which is of the finish line type. This is a cycling race in which 28 riders on bicycles cross the finish line, while 22 cars follow the 28 riders and 27 people can cross the line 20 on foot. By choosing a height or width of the objects to be detected, or by using the recognition of objects by the image processing unit 21 to detect the runners, we avoid timing the car 22, the cyclist 27 passing the line 20 in opposite direction and person 29 crossing the line on foot. Only 28 bike riders passing the line in the desired direction are timed. Alternatively, the general silhouette of the detected object can be detected to verify that it is indeed a competitor on a bicycle 28.

There Figure 5 illustrates a measurement system 23 comprising an acquisition unit 31 comprising a camera 17 provided with an image sensor. The image sensor includes an array of pixels. Advantageously, the entire sensor is used for image processing. In a first variant embodiment, the image acquisition frequency is preferably between 1000 Hz and 10000 Hz. Preferably, the camera 17 is of the neuro-morphic type, each pixel of the sensor detecting light signals independently of each other. others, the corresponding electrical signals being transmitted to an image processing unit 21.

The measuring system 23 comprises an image processing unit 21 and a timing unit 33 and a display unit 34. Thus, after the detection steps according to the method described above, the image processing unit 21 transmits a measurement order to the timing unit 33, which records the competitor's passage time. The timing time can then be transmitted to the display unit 34 to display the competitor's time in a ranking against other competitors already registered. Optionally, the image processing unit 21 may include an artificial intelligence module making it possible to recognize an object passing the timing line, in order to determine whether it is a competitor or a parasitic object. .

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures and variants could be considered without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the values of the first and second image acquisition frequencies could be chosen with higher values if the evolution of the technical capabilities of the two types of camera allows it.

Claims (17)

1. Method (10) for improved measurement of the time of passage on a timekeeping line (13, 20) of a race by a competitor, in particular for a sport, the method (10) being implemented by a measurement system (23) including at least one image sensor, the method (10) comprising the following consecutive steps:

   - acquiring (1) electric signals representative of the image of the timekeeping line (13, 20) captured by the image sensor, the electric signals being produced according to optical signals received by the sensor,

   - transmitting (2) the electric signals to an image-processing unit (21, 21),

   - detecting (3) the passage of a timekeeping line (13, 20) by an object (11, 12),

   characterised in that it comprises the following consecutive steps :

   - detecting (4) at least one additional piece of information relating to the movement or the dimensions of the object (11, 12) to verify that the object (11) corresponds to a competitor (18, 28),

   - transmitting (5) an order to measure the time of passage to a measurement unit (33) if the object (11) corresponds to a competitor (18, 28), and

   - measuring (6) the time of passage of said object (11) on the timekeeping line corresponding to the instant of passage of the object (11).
2. Method (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a step of transmitting (7) the time of passage measured to a display unit (34).
3. Method (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that since the sensor is provided with a matrix of pixels, the sensor is configured to detect the variations in optical signals received by at least a part of the pixels of the matrix to produce electric signals.
4. Method (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the additional piece of information is the direction of movement of the object (11, 12).
5. Method (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the direction of movement is detected on the columns of pixels via the modification of the pixels before and/or after the column(s) of pixels of the timekeeping line.
6. Method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the additional piece of information is the speed of movement of the object (11, 12).
7. Method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the additional piece of information is the height of the object (11, 12).
8. Method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the additional piece of information is the width of the object (11, 12).
9. Method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the additional piece of information is a zone of detection in which the object (11, 12) is expected.
10. Method (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the detection is carried out via an analysis of the variation in the electric signals.
11. Method (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the pixels of the image sensor detect the optical signals independently of each other.
12. Method (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the totality of the sensor is used during each step of the method.
13. System (23, 23) for improved measurement of the time of passage on a timekeeping line (13, 20) of a race by a competitor (18, 28), in particular for a sport, the system being characterised in that it comprises:

    - an acquisition unit (31) for acquiring electric signals representative of the image of the timekeeping line, the acquisition unit (31) including at least one image sensor provided with a matrix of pixels, the electric signals being produced according to optical signals received by the pixels of the matrix,

    - an image-processing unit (21) for processing the electric signals transmitted by the acquisition unit (31), in such a way as to detect the passage of the timekeeping line by an object (11, 12), and

    - a unit (33) for measuring the time of passage of said object (11) on the timekeeping line corresponding to the instant of passage of the object (11), the acquisition unit (11) being configured to transmit the electric signals to the image-processing unit (21),

    characterised in that :

    - the processing unit is configured to detect at least one additional piece of information relating to the movement or the dimensions of the object to verify that the object (11, 12) corresponds to a competitor, and

    - the acquisition unit (11) is configured to transmit an order to measure the time of passage to the measurement unit (33) if the object (11) corresponds to a competitor (18, 28).
14. System (23) according to claim 13, characterised in that it comprises a unit (34) for displaying the measured times.
15. System (23) according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the sensor is configured to continually detect the variations in at least a part, preferably the totality, of the pixels of the matrix.
16. System (23) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterised in that it comprises a camera (17) provided with the sensor, preferably the camera (17) is of the neuromorphic type.
17. System (23) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterised in that the image-processing unit (21) comprises an artificial intelligence module.

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