GB2631117A

GB2631117A - System and method for tracking checkpoint transition times for races

Info

Publication number: GB2631117A
Application number: GB2309278.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brozzoni Stefano
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-20
Filing date: 2023-06-20
Publication date: 2024-12-25
Also published as: WO2024261451A1

Abstract

First device 200 (e.g. smart-POD) in motion (e.g. carried by a runner 600) arrives at a predetermined position proximate a checkpoint 230 (e.g. intermediate checkpoint or finish line). First device detects (e.g. using a reed switch) a magnetic field generated by the checkpoint (e.g. by a magnetic strip part of a racetrack). The device records a timestamp indicating when the magnetic field was detected. GPS position data of the device is determined (e.g. via the device or using GPS of a computing device, e.g. mobile phone 310, 100 fig. 1, located proximate the first device) indicating a position of the first device at the timestamp. The indication is compared to the predetermined position (e.g. by the first device or the computing device – the timestamp may be received by interface 130 fig. 1) to confirm detection of the checkpoint magnetic field (e.g. instead of another checkpoint; by verifying the two positions are within a predetermined distance). In response to confirming, the timestamp, and optionally a checkpoint identifier, is recorded in a log of timing data. First device may also measure atmospheric pressure and compare it to a pressure at the checkpoint. Race statistics may be displayed via a smart watch (810 fig. 8).

Description

System and Method for Tracking Checkpoint Transition Times for Races

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a method for logging timing data indicating a time at which a first device in motion arrives at a predetermined position, for instance, for tracking checkpoint transition times for races.

Background

When a given body is in motion, it may be required to determine with a high degree of accuracy, a time at which that body arrives at a given position. An example context in which such accurate time determination is useful is that of a participant (e.g. a runner or cyclist) crossing a line in a racing event. It may be required to determine with a high level of accuracy, each time a runner arrives at a line of a race track indicating completion of a lap. It may further be required to determine when a runner crosses the finish line of the race. Accurate determination of the time at which the runner arrives at given positions within the race (in particular the finish line) is important for compiling accurate logs of sporting data.

One approach to determining a position of a body is to use data collected from a global positioning system (GPS) to determine when the body arrives at a predetermined position. The timestamp associated with that position measurement may then be used to provide a log including the timing data. However, inaccuracies associated with GPS position measurements imply uncertainty in the associated timing information indicating when the body arrived at the predetermined position.

Summary

There is a need for an improved method for logging timing data indicating a time at which a body in motion arrives at a predetermined position.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for logging timing data indicating a time at which a first device in motion arrives at a predetermined position, the predetermined position being proximate to a checkpoint, the method comprising: detecting at the first device a magnetic field generated by the checkpoint; recording a timestamp indicating a time at which the magnetic field was detected at the first device; determining based upon a global positioning system, position data of the first device, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp; comparing the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint; and in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint, recording in a log of the timing data, the timestamp as indicating the time at which the first device arrived at the predetermined position.

A first device may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint. The checkpoint may be a stationary object. The first device may be a part of, or carried by, a body in motion for which it is required to determine the time of arrival at a predetermined position. The first device may comprise means (e.g. a reed switch) for sensing when the magnetic field strength at the first device rises above a predefined level, and so indicates that the first device is at a predetermined position proximate to the checkpoint. The first device may record a timestamp indicating when the first device entered the magnetic field (i.e. when a magnetic field strength detected by the first device exceeded the predefined level). For example, in the case that the body in motion is a runner, the first device may be carried by the runner. The checkpoint may be a magnetic strip that is part of the race track, and generates a magnetic field that may be detected by the first device. When the first device crosses the magnetic strip, the first device detects the resulting increase in the magnetic field strength and records the time at which the runner crossed the magnetic strip. GPS data is also collected and used to verify that the first device arrived at the predetermined positon proximate the checkpoint. The GPS data includes an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the recorded timestamp. If the indication of the position of the first device determined from the GPS data approximately matches the predetermined position proximate the checkpoint, it is confirmed that the first device arrived at the predetermined position at the time given by the recorded timestamp. The recorded timestamp is then logged as part of a record (e.g. a record of race timing data).

In some embodiments, wherein the checkpoint is a first checkpoint of a plurality of checkpoints, wherein the method comprises: confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generated by the first checkpoint in response to determining that the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp is closer to the first checkpoint than to any other checkpoints of the plurality of checkpoints.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: recording in the log of the timing data, an identifier of the first checkpoint in association with the timestamp.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: detecting at the first device, a magnetic field generated by a second checkpoint of the plurality of checkpoints; recording a second timestamp indicating the time at which the magnetic field generated by the second checkpoint was detected; and recording in the log of the timing data, the second timestamp.

In some embodiments, the steps of determining based upon a global positioning system, position data of the first device and comparing the indication of the position of the first device to the predetermined position are performed by the first device.

In some embodiments, the method comprises transmitting the timestamp from a first device to a computing device, wherein the step of determining based upon a global positioning system, position data of the first device is performed by the computing device.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting the indication of the position of the first device from the computing device to a server, wherein the step of comparing the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position is performed by the server.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: making a measurement at the first device of atmospheric pressure; and comparing the measured atmospheric pressure to a stored indication of atmospheric pressure at the checkpoint to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: making a measurement of acceleration of the first device using an inertial measurement unit; based on the measurement of acceleration, checking that the first device was in motion at the time indicated by the timestamp; and recording the timestamp in the log of the timing data in response to determining that the first device was in motion at the time indicated by the timestamp.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint, activating a light of the first device.

In some embodiments, the step of detecting at the first device, a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint is performed using a reed switch.

In some embodiments, the step of determining based upon the global positioning system, position data of the first device comprises: determining a plurality of coordinates of the first device, each of the plurality of coordinates being associated with a different time in a time series; and determining the indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp by: identifying one of the times in the time series that is closest to the timestamp; and selecting a pair of the coordinates that is associated with the identified one of the times to provide the indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: controlling a display to display race statistics derived based at least on the timestamp and one or more further timestamps.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a system comprising: a first device comprising: a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint proximate to a predetermined position; and circuitry configured to record a timestamp indicating a time at which the magnetic field was detected at the first device; and at least one processor configured to: determine based upon a global positioning system, position data of the first device, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp; compare the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint; and in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint, record in a log of timing data, the timestamp as indicating the time at which the first device arrived at the predetermined position.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor forms part of the first device.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a computing device and a server, wherein the at least one processor comprises a plurality of processors, wherein the computing device comprises a first processor of the plurality of processors, the first processor being configured to determine the position data of the first device, wherein the server comprises a second processor of the plurality of processors, the second processor being configured to compare the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a system comprising: an interface configured to receive a timestamp indicating a time at which a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint was detected at a first device; and at least one processor configured to: obtain position data of the first device determined from a global position system, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp; compare the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to a predetermined position proximate the checkpoint to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint; and in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint, recording in a log of timing data, the timestamp as indicating the time at which the first device arrived at the predetermined position.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for logging timing data indicating a time at which a first device in motion arrived at a predetermined position, the predetermined position being proximate to a checkpoint, the method comprising: receiving a timestamp indicating a time at which a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint was detected at the first device; obtaining position data of the first device determined from a global position system, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp; comparing the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint; and in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint, recording in a log of the timing data, the timestamp as indicating the time at which the first device arrived at the predetermined position.

Brief Description of Drawings

Arrangements of the present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, made by way of example only and taken in conjunction with drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a computer device; Figure 2 illustrates a checkpoint generating a magnetic field and a first device for detecting the magnetic field; Figure 3 illustrates a system comprising the first device, a computer device in communication with a number of satellites, and a server; Figure 4 illustrates how the timestamp from the first device may be used to extract co-ordinates from a set of GPS data; Figure 5 illustrates a running track and a magnetic strip arranged along the running track; Figure 6 illustrates a runner carrying the first device and the computing device, where the runner is approaching the magnetic field generated by the strip; Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the system in which the first device comprises further components for measuring pressure and acceleration; Figure 8 provides a further illustration of the system in which the server provides an acknowledgment signal to the computing device indicating verification of the timestamp; Figure 9 illustrates a plurality of parameters displayed on the display of the computing device; Figure 10 illustrates a method according to embodiments; Figure 11 illustrates a first device incorporating a processor for determining the position of the first device based on GPS signals; Figure 12 illustrates a race track including a plurality of checkpoints arranged along the race track; Figure 13 illustrates an example record of race timing data; and Figure 14 illustrates an example method according to embodiments.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the application relate to a method for logging timing data indicating a time at which a first device in motion arrives at a predetermined position. The method is performed by a system comprising at least one computer device.

Reference is made to Figure 1, which illustrates a computing device 100 forming part of a data processing system. The computing device 100 may be a mobile user equipment (UE), a personal computer (PC), a terminal or workstation, a server, or some other form of device.

The computing device 100 comprises an interface 130 over which it sends and receives signals. The interface 130 may be a wireless interface. For instance, the interface 130 may comprise a wired interface for connection to a wired network (e.g. a local area network and/or the internet). Alternatively or in addition, the interface 130 may comprise transceiver apparatus configured to send and receive communications over a radio interface. The transceiver apparatus may be provided, for example, by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the device 100.

The device 100 is provided with at least one processor 115, and at least one memory 120, which are in communication with one another. The at least one memory 120 comprises a hard drive and random access memory (RAM). The at least one memory 120 stores executable instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor 115, causes the processor 115 to perform the steps described herein as being performed by the device 100. The at least one memory 120 also stores data that may be operated on by the processor 115 and data produced by the processor 115 when performing the operations described herein.

A user controls the operation of the device 100 by means of a suitable user interface 110, such as key pad 110, or by voice commands. A display 105 may be included on the device 100 for displaying visual content to a user. The device 100 may also comprise a speaker for providing audio content.

The system for performing the method comprises a first device, which comprises means for detecting that the magnetic field strength at the first device has reached a predefined level.

Reference is made to Figure 2, which illustrates the first device 200 and the checkpoint 230. The checkpoint 230 includes a magnetic source configured to generate a magnetic field. For instance, the checkpoint 230 may include a magnetic strip. The first device 200 may be referred to as a smart-POD. The first device 200 comprises a means 210 for detecting a magnetic field. This magnetic field detection means 210 may comprise a magnetic sensor, such as a reed switch, which is an electromechanical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. A reed switch comprises a pair of metal contacts, which are open in the absence of a magnetic field, and closed in the presence of a magnetic field. When the magnetic field strength rises above a predefined level, the closing of the contacts causes a current to flow through the reed switch 210, which is detected by the circuitry 220. Whilst a reed switch is described herein, alternative magnetic detection means may be utilised (e.g. a Hall effect sensor).

When the first device 200 approaches the checkpoint 230, it enters the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint 230. The magnetic field strength at the point of the detection means 210 rises. Once the magnetic field strength at the point of the detection means 210 rises above a predefined level, the circuitry 220 registers the presence of the magnetic field. This provides an indication that the first device 200 has arrived at a predetermined position that is proximate the checkpoint 230. The circuitry 220 generates a timestamp when the magnetic field is detected, hence providing a record of the time when the first device 200 arrived at the predetermined position. The predetermined position is a position at which the first device detects the magnetic field. In the case that the checkpoint is a magnetic strip around along a race track, the predetermined position is a region above the magnetic strip.

In order to verify that the first device 200 has arrived at the predetermined position that is associated with the checkpoint 230 -rather than being triggered by a magnetic field generated by another entity (e.g. another checkpoint) -measurements from global positioning satellites (GPS) are used. Reference is made to Figure 3, which illustrates a system 300 comprising a first device 200, a computing device 310, and a server 320.

The computing device 310 may be provided according to the example device 100 described above. The computing device 310 is a user device, such as a mobile device (e.g. a mobile phone), which may have a wireless connection (e.g. a Bluetooth connection) to the first device 200. When the circuitry 220 determines that the magnetic field strength at the first device 200 reaches a predefined level (e.g. is greater than or equal to the predefined level), the circuitry 220 provides a timestamp indicating when the first device 200 detected the magnetic field. The circuitry 220 provides this timestamp to the computing device 310. The transmission circuitry 305 outputs a packet comprising the timestamp to the computing device 310. The computing device 310 thus receives an indication of when the first device 200 entered the magnetic field.

If the transmission of the packet from the device 200 to the computing device 310 fails (e.g. due to a temporary loss of connection between the two devices), the data of the "transit" event is held in a buffer memory of the device 200, whilst waiting for the connection with the first device 200 to be re-established. Once the connection has been re-established, the data may be transmitted to the computing device 310.

The computing device 310 has GPS functionality. The computing device 310 receives a GPS signal from each of the satellites 330a-d. The computing device 310 is able to determine its location based on signals from the satellites 330a-d. For instance, the device 310 may receive from each of the satellites 330a-d, an indication of the time derived based upon an atomic clock belonging to the respective satellite 330a-d. From this data, the computing device 310 can compute its own position (e.g. via time of flight analysis). As the computing device 310 moves, it continues to compute its position to provide a series of position data at different times. The position data obtained by the computing device 310 from the GPS comprises a time series and an indication of the position (e.g. co-ordinates) of the device 310 at each of the points in the time series.

Since the computing device 310 is located proximate to the first device 200, the position data computed for the computing device 310 also represents the approximate position of the first device 200 and may be used to verify that the first device 200 is proximate to the checkpoint 230. The GPS determined position data computed by the computing device 310 is therefore described below as being GPS determined position data of the first device 200.

The server 320 may be provided according to the example device 100 described above. The computing device 310 provides to the server 320, an indication of the position of the first device 200, as determined from the collected GPS position data, at the time that the first device 200 detects the magnetic field produced by the checkpoint 230. To do so, the computing device 310 may compare the timestamp indicating when the first device 200 detected the magnetic field to the time series that is part of the GPS derived positioned data, so as to identify the point in the time series that is closest to the timestamp. The computing device 310 then determines the position of the first device 200 at the time that the first device 200 detects the magnetic field as being the corresponding position associated with the identified point in the time series. The computing device 310 then transmits to the server 320, this GPS determined position, such that the server 320 then compares the GPS determined position to a stored position of the checkpoint 230. If there is an approximate match (i.e. the GPS determined position is within a predefined distance of the checkpoint), then the server 320 determines that the timestamp generated by the first device 200 represents the time at which the first device 200 arrived at the predetermined position proximate to the checkpoint 230.

If the computing device 310 loses data connection with the server 320, the GPS data is held in memory of the device 310 pending the data connection with the server 320 becoming available again.

Reference is made to Figure 4, which illustrates an example as to how the GPS data may be used to verify the timestamp from the first device 200. As shown in Figure 4, a set of GPS data 400 is obtained by the computing device 310. The GPS data 400 comprises a time series, which includes entries that are spaced one from the other by a predefined period (in this case one second). The GPS data 400 further comprises a set of co-ordinates associated with each of the entries in the time series. The computing device 310 extracts the entry from the GPS data 400 having the timestamp that is closest to the timestamp received from the first device 200. The co-ordinates of the extracted entry are compared to the stored predetermined position to determine whether or not there is a match. If a match is found, the timestamp is verified.

Although it is described that the device 310 transmits to the server 320 only the indication of the position at the time indicated by the timestamp, in other embodiments, the device 310 may transmit the GPS data (e.g. data 400) comprising a plurality of position indications along with the timestamp from the first device 200. This information is received at an interface of the server 320. The server 320 then identifies the position indication at the time indicated by the timestamp. In some embodiments, rather than the device 310 transmitting the position data determined by GPS to the server 320, and the server 320 performing the verification, the device 310 may itself perform the verification of the timestamp based on the GPS determined position of the first device 200.

Embodiments may be applied to identify the position of a runner during a race.

Reference is made to Figure 5, which illustrates how the checkpoint 230 may be arranged along a race course 500, which in this case takes the form a running track. The checkpoint 230 is a magnetic strip arranged along or below the surface of the running track. The first device 200 is configured to detect the magnetic field of the magnetic strip 230 when it passes over the magnetic strip 230.

Reference is made to Figure 6, which illustrates a runner 600, running along a running track. The runner 600 carries a first device 200 and a computing device 310. Given that both the first device 200 and computing device 310 are carried by the runner 600, both are proximate to the runner 600 such that the GPS determined position of the device 310 corresponds to the position of the runner 600 and the time at which the first device 200 passes over the magnetic strip 230 corresponds to the time at which the runner 600 passes over the magnetic strip 230.

By obtaining data as to when the runner 600 passes over the magnetic strip 230, it is possible to determine precise checkpoint times (e.g. times when the runner 600 passes a checkpoint) and precise finish times for the race.

In addition to the components 210, 220 for detecting the magnetic field, the device 200 may further comprise one or more further components for measuring additional parameters. In particular, the first device 200 may comprise a barometer for making pressure measurements. Additionally or alternatively, the first device 200 may comprise an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that is configured to measure the acceleration associated with the first device 200.

Reference is made to Figure 7, which illustrates an example device 200 comprising a processor 700, a barometer 710, and an IMU 720. When the processor 700 receives a timestamp from the circuitry 220 indicating that the detection component 210 has detected the magnetic field, the processor 700 obtains the current acceleration of the device 200 from the IMU 720 and/or the current atmospheric pressure from the barometer 710. These quantities are provided by the processor 700 to the transmission circuitry 305, which transmits them to the computing device 310. As described above, the computing device 310 may provide one or more GPS derived co-ordinates to the server 320 to enable the server 320 to verify that the first device 200 is proximate the checkpoint 230. The computing device 310 may provide one or more of the additional parameters (e.g. pressure, acceleration, etc.) to the server 320. To provide further verification, the server 320 may additionally perform an altitude calculation using the measured pressure to verify that the measured pressure is consistent with previously stored data indicating the pressure proximate the checkpoint 230. To provide further verification, the server 320 may check that the measured acceleration indicates that the first device 200 was in motion at the time indicated by the timestamp. Furthermore, the server 320 may check, based on the measured acceleration that, in the case that the first device 200 is attached to a runner, the runner is actually running. Furthermore, the server 320 may determine based on a number of timestamps received from the first device 200, the average speed of the first device 200. The server 320 compares the average speed determined on the basis for the timestamps to an indication of an estimated speed. The indication of the estimated speed may, for example, comprise earlier recorded timing data, e.g. data associated with other athletes on the same section of a race.

Reference is made to Figure 8, which illustrates steps that may be performed by the system 300 following the verification by the server 320. As shown, the server 320 transmits an acknowledgement signal to the computing device 310 so as to indicate the verification. In response, the computing device 310 records the timestamp in a log of timing data. Additionally, the computing device 310 forwards the acknowledgment to the first device 200. In response to the acknowledgment, the processor 700 causes the circuitry 220 to control the light 800 to emit light. The light 800 may be controlled by the circuitry 220 to flash repeatedly. In this way, it is visible to a user that the first device 200 has arrived at the predetermined position proximate the checkpoint 230.

In response to the acknowledgement signal, the computing device 310 may forward a report to a smart watch 810. The report comprises a set of parameters. The parameters include one or more of: transit time (i.e. the time that the first device 200 has been in transit), the distance travelled from a predefined point (e.g. the start point of a race), the current speed/pace of body (e.g. a runner) carrying the first device 200, the current cadence of a runner carrying the first device 200, the current elevation of the first device 200, the elapsed time since a start of a race, the estimated finish time of the race. The watch 810 may display these to a user. At least some of the parameters are derived from one or more of the timestamps received from the first device 200 indicating the arrival of the first device 200 at the predetermined position proximate the checkpoint 230. The computing device 310 may use the timestamps received from the first device 200 to compute, for example, the current speed/pace by determining the time difference between two consecutive timestamps received from the device 200 and dividing this by the distance represented by one lap. As well as making using of the timestamp/s received from the device 200, some or all of the parameters may be determined in dependence upon the GPS data.

In addition to or alternatively to, the display of information on the watch 810, a display 105 of the device 310 may display certain information derived from the timestamp/s received from the first device 200. Reference is made to Figure 9, which illustrates an example set of parameters displayed on the display 105 of the device 310. The parameters that may be derived in dependence upon the timestamp/s generated when the first device 200 arrives at the predetermined position proximate the checkpoint 230 include the final time (i.e. time taken to complete the race), final position in the race, final category position, distance run, average pace, and average speed. Average cadence and average stride length are determined by the device 310 in dependence upon the IMU 720 that is part of the device 200.

In embodiments, the at least one processor 110 controls the display 105 of the device 310 to display the results highlighted on a geographical map divided into sectors if split transit points have been created. The sectors are coloured by the system with a colour-coding system. A runner setting a sector or lap time coloured purple has set the fastest time of the session so far. Setting a sector or lap time coloured green indicates a personal best. An athlete or coach subsequently has the possibility to analyse his performance by accessing a web app to his account and will thus be able to analyse the details of the performance for each individual sector and read the comments/suggestions created by the virtual coach based on Al algorithms capable of analysing the performance according to the criteria and goals established by the user.

Although it has been described that a server 320 receives the GPS position data and the timestamp from the first device 200 and performs the check to verify the timestamp, in some embodiments the computing device 310 may itself perform the check and, upon verifying the timestamp, record the timestamp in a log of the timing data. In this case, the computing device 310 may perform any of the processing steps described above as being performed by the server 320.

Although it has been described that the determining of GPS position data is carried out by the computing device 310, in other embodiments, the first device 200 may determine the GPS position data and perform the checking of the position to verify the timestamp.

Reference is made to Figure 11, which illustrates an example of the system in which the first device 200 determines the GPS position data. The first device 200 comprises the magnetic field detection component 210, circuitry 220, and processor 700 as described above. The first device 200 also comprises an interface 1120 for receiving the GPS signals sent by the satellites 330a-d. The first device 200 also comprises memory 1110 for storing the log of timing data for recording when the first device 200 arrives at the checkpoint 230. As described in the examples above, the detection component 210 detects the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint and the circuitry 220 generates a timestamp. The processor 700 receives the GPS signals and determines therefrom the position of the first device 200 at different points in time. The processor 700 verifies from the GPS determined position data that the first device 200 was at the predetermined positon proximate the checkpoint 230 at the time indicated by the timestamp. In response, to this verification step, the processor 700 causes the timestamp to be recorded in memory 1110 in the log of timing data.

Additionally, the first device 200 of the embodiment in Figure 11 may perform any further verification steps, such as those based on pressure and acceleration described as being performed by server 320 in the embodiment described with respect to Figure 7.

In some examples, the computer system may distinguish between multiple different checkpoints. In this case, the server 320 (or computing device 310 or first device 200 if they perform the verification), when it receives the timestamp generated by the first device 200 and the GPS position data, determines from the GPS position data which checkpoint the first device 200 was proximate at the time at which the timestamp was generated. This may include determining the closest checkpoint to the first device 200 at the time at which the timestamp was generated or determining whether the first device 200 was within a predetermined distance of any of the checkpoints. The server 320 then records in the log of timing data, an identifier of that determined checkpoint along with the timestamp.

Reference is made to Figure 12, which illustrates an example of a race track 1200 having a plurality of checkpoints, e.g. checkpoint #1, checkpoint #2, checkpoint #3. The checkpoint 230 discussed above may be one of these plurality of checkpoints. The checkpoints may be placed at mile or km markers in a race. Each checkpoint generates a magnetic field. The runner 1210 moves along the race track 1200 carrying the first device 200. At each checkpoint, the first device 200 detects the magnetic field generated by the respective checkpoint and generates a timestamp. The timestamp is compared to the GPS position data (as discussed above with respect to Figure 4) to determine the position of the first device 200 at the time indicated by the timestamp. This determined position is compared to the positions of the checkpoints to identify the checkpoint that is closest to the determined position. The identity of this checkpoint is then recorded in the log of timing data, along with the timestamp.

Reference is made to Figure 13, which illustrates an example log of timing data for a race. The log of timing data 1300 comprises identifiers for a number of checkpoints, along with a timestamp associated with each of the checkpoints indicating when the first device 200 arrived at an associated position proximate the respective checkpoint.

The timestamps in this example provide an indication of split times (e.g. mile split times) for a race.

Reference is made to Figure 10, which illustrated a method 1000 according to example embodiments.

At S1010, at the first device 200, the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint 230 is detected. The first device 200 detects the magnetic field when the magnetic field strength at the first device 200 rises above a predefined level, which occurs when the first device 200 arrives at a predetermined position with respect to the checkpoint. For example, in the case that the checkpoint is a magnetic strip 230, the first device 200 may detect the magnetic field generated by the strip 230 when it arrives above the magnetic strip 230.

At S1020, the first device 200 records a timestamp indicating the time of detection of

the magnetic field by the first device.

At S1030, a global positioning system is used to determine position data of the first device 200. That position data includes at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time at which it detects the magnetic field. A GPS position measurement may be obtained at the time when the device detects the magnetic field. Alternatively, a log of GPS measurements may be accessed which include one or more positions at times proximate to the time at which the magnetic field is detected. A GPS measurement that was obtained at a closest time to the time at which the magnetic field is detected can be used. Alternatively, or in addition, multiple GPS measurements may be used (E.g. through interpolation) to derive an estimated position based on the GPS measurements.

The GPS measurements may be obtained by the first device 200, or may be obtained by another device proximate to the first device 200 (e.g. a mobile device to which the first device is connected).

At 51040, a comparison is performed between the position of the first device determined from the GPS and the stored indication of the predetermined position proximate the checkpoint 230. This may be performed by the server 320, by the computing device 320 or by the first device 200.

If a match is determined between the GPS determined position and the predetermined position, the method 100 proceeds to S1050, where the timestamp is recorded in a log of timing data. The server 320 may record the timestamp in a log of timing data held in its own storage. Additionally or alternatively, when the server 320 determines the match, it sends an indication of the verification to the device 310. Which causes the device 310 to record the timestamp in a log of timing data held in its memory.

If a mismatch is determined, at S1060, a notification is provided from the server 320 to the device 310. The at least one processor 110 of the device 310 controls the display of the device 310 to provide a notification of the mismatch to the user.

In the case that there are a plurality of checkpoints, S1040 may comprise comparing the GPS determined position at the time indicated by the timestamp to the positions of each of the plurality of checkpoint. If the GPS determined position is within a given distance one of the checkpoints, at S1050, the timestamp is recorded in the log of timing data in association with an identifier of that one of the checkpoints. If the GPS determined position is not within a given distance of any of the checkpoints, at S1060, a notification is provided to the user to indicate that there is no match to any of the checkpoints.

The method 100 may be performed multiple times in order to add additional timestamps to the log of timing data if the first device 200 again arrives at the predetermined position, e.g. if a runner completes another lap. This log of timing data comprising times from multiple timestamps, which may then be processed by the device 310 to provide the parameters, such as speed/pace, lap times, finish times, etc. Reference is made to Figure 14, which illustrates an example of a method 1400 is a method for logging timing data indicating a time at which the first device in motion arrives at a predetermined position proximate a checkpoint. The method 1400 includes steps performed by a system comprising computer device 310 and/or the server 320.

At S1410, the system receives at an interface, a timestamp indicating a time at which a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint was detected at the first device 200. The timestamp may be received from the first device 200 at an interface of the computing device 310. The timestamp may be received from the computing device 310 at an interface of the server 320.

At S1420, at least one processor of the system obtains position data of the first device 200 determined from a global positioning system, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp. S1420 may comprise generating the position data at the computing device 320. S1420 may comprise receiving the position data at the server 330 from the computing device 320.

At S1430, the position of the first device 200 determined from the global positioning system is compared to the predetermined position to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint. This step may be performed by a processor of the computing device 320 or a processor of the server 330.

If a match is determined between the GPS determined position and the predetermined position, the method 100 proceeds to S1440, where the timestamp is recorded in a log of timing data. This step may be performed by a processor of the computing device 320 or a processor of the server 330.

If a mismatch is determined, at S1450, the at least one processor 110 of the device 310 controls the display 105 of the device 310 to provide a notification of the mismatch to the user.

By detecting the magnetic fields produced by the one or more checkpoints, highly accurate timing data indicating when the first device arrives at the checkpoints may be produced. From this accurate timing data, the various race statistics -such as speed/pace, lap times, finish times -that are derived from the timing data may be determined to a high degree of accuracy.

Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. For instance, hardware may include processors, microprocessors, electronic circuitry, electronic components, integrated circuits, etc. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be realized using one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Alternatively or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

While certain arrangements have been described, the arrangements have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The inventive concepts described herein may be implemented in a variety of other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions and changes to the specific implementations described herein may be made without departing from the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A method for logging timing data indicating a time at which a first device in motion arrives at a predetermined position, the predetermined position being proximate to a checkpoint, the method comprising: detecting at the first device, a magnetic field generated by the checkpoint; recording a timestamp indicating a time at which the magnetic field was detected at the first device; determining based upon a global positioning system, position data of the first device, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp; comparing the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint; and in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint, recording in a log of the timing data, the timestamp as indicating the time at which the first device arrived at the predetermined position.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the checkpoint is a first checkpoint of a plurality of checkpoints, wherein the method comprises: confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generated by the first checkpoint in response to determining that the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp is closer to the first checkpoint than to any other checkpoint of the plurality of checkpoints.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the method comprises: recording in the log of the timing data, an identifier of the first checkpoint in association with the timestamp.
4. A method as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the method comprises: detecting at the first device, a magnetic field generated by a second checkpoint of the plurality of checkpoints; recording a second timestamp indicating the time at which the magnetic field generated by the second checkpoint was detected; and recording in the log of the timing data, the second timestamp.
5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the steps of determining based upon a global positioning system, position data of the first device and comparing the indication of the position of the first device to the predetermined position are performed by the first device.
6. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising transmitting the timestamp from a first device to a computing device, wherein the step of determining based upon a global positioning system, position data of the first device is performed by the computing device.
7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising transmitting the indication of the position of the first device from the computing device to a server, wherein the step of comparing the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position is performed by the server.
8. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: making a measurement at the first device of atmospheric pressure; and comparing the measured atmospheric pressure to a stored indication of atmospheric pressure at the checkpoint to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint.
9. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: making a measurement of acceleration of the first device using an inertial measurement unit; based on the measurement of acceleration, checking that the first device was in motion at the time indicated by the timestamp; and recording the timestamp in the log of the timing data in response to determining that the first device was in motion at the time indicated by the timestamp.
10. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint, activating a light of the first device.
11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of detecting at the first device, a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint is performed using a reed switch.
12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of determining based upon the global positioning system, position data of the first device comprises: determining a plurality of coordinates of the first device, each of the plurality of coordinates being associated with a different time in a time series; and determining the indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp by: identifying one of the times in the time series that is closest to the timestamp; and selecting a pair of the coordinates that is associated with the identified one of the times to provide the indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp.
13. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: controlling a display to display race statistics derived based at least on the timestamp and one or more further timestamps.
14. A system comprising: a first device comprising: a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint proximate to a predetermined position; and circuitry configured to record a timestamp indicating a time at which the magnetic field was detected at the first device; and at least one processor configured to: determine based upon a global positioning system, position data of the first device, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp; compare the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint; and in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint, record in a log of timing data, the timestamp as indicating the time at which the first device arrived at the predetermined position.
15. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one processor forms part of the first device.
16. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the system comprises a computing device and a server, wherein the at least one processor comprises a plurality of processors, wherein the computing device comprises a first processor of the plurality of processors, the first processor being configured to determine the position data of the first device, wherein the server comprises a second processor of the plurality of processors, the second processor being configured to compare the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position.
17. A system comprising: an interface configured to receive a timestamp indicating a time at which a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint was detected at a first device; and at least one processor configured to: obtain position data of the first device determined from a global position system, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp; compare the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to a predetermined position proximate the checkpoint to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generated by the checkpoint; and in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint, recording in a log of timing data, the timestamp as indicating the time at which the first device arrived at the predetermined position.
18. A method for logging timing data indicating a time at which a first device in motion arrived at a predetermined position, the predetermined position being proximate to a checkpoint, the method comprising: receiving a timestamp indicating a time at which a magnetic field generated by a checkpoint was detected at the first device; obtaining position data of the first device determined from a global position system, the position data including at least an indication of the position of the first device at the time indicated by the timestamp; comparing the indication of the position of the first device determined from the global positioning system to the predetermined position to confirm that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint; and in response to confirming that the first device detected the magnetic field generating by the checkpoint, recording in a log of the timing data, the timestamp as indicating the time at which the first device arrived at the predetermined position.