Patent Application
20220301358
The present invention relates to the general field of devices used to signal the start of an athletic event, such as a foot race, and more particularly to such devices which utilize Bluetooth technology.
For racing events, there are currently three methods for timing a race—manual, semi-automatic, and fully-automatic. Manual timing requires a starter pistol and stopwatches, and timing records are typically handwritten. Semi- and fully-automatic timing systems use an RF or wireless transmitter in the starting device and an RF receiver on either a timing device and/or computer to capture the race times. The advantage of a semi- and fully-automatic timing systems is the accuracy in the starting of a single race clock, instead of multiple clocks in the manual method. Inaccuracy and variability in recorded times result from the inherent delays from human interaction, but automation increases the cost of the timing system. For many recreational racing events, cost is a major factor in determining the timing method, but accuracy is still desired. With the recent advancements in Bluetooth technology—specifically Bluetooth Low Energy, where range was extended and the number of connected peripherals increased, a starting mechanism can be achieved with benefits similar to an RF or wireless starter, but with the advantage of using electronics that are already readily available—a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The present invention is a semi- or fully-automatic timing system for racing events, in which the starting signal(s) of the race are synchronized with race timing through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmissions to cellular-connected devices, such as smartphones. Race results are immediately uploaded by the connected devices to a database, which can be cloud-based, using a racing software app. If necessary, BLE range is extendable through one or more custom relays. Sound and visual starting signals are generated by the starting device with optional amplification or by Bluetooth-connected peripherals. The starting device incorporates a transmitter comprising a custom Bluetooth-enabled chip and/or custom printed circuit board. The starting device also has a reset button which triggers a pre-programmed response, including time clock reset, for false starts.
A starting device has four major components—a sound, a visual signal, a trigger, and a power source. A starting device used in semi- or fully-automatic timing must also have a transmitter. For the Bluetooth starting device, the sound is produced through a Bluetooth-connected device or speaker or via an audio output from the starting device connected to an external amplifier. The advantage to using Bluetooth-connected speakers is that multiple speakers can be utilized across a starting line to allow for all racers to hear the sound simultaneously, rather than as sound travels from one side of the starting line to the other. The visual signal can either be from a light connected to the starting device or a strobe from the flash of a Bluetooth-connected peripheral. The trigger can be either a traditional trigger, such as a starting pistol, or a plunger button. The power source comprises batteries that can either be replaceable or rechargeable. Lastly, the transmitter is a Bluetooth-enabled chip on a custom printed circuit board within the device. For the Bluetooth starting device, a reset button can also be added to allow for a pre-programmed response for a false start. For example, instead of having to pull the trigger multiple times to signal a false start like current devices, the audio can be pre-programmed to loop the starting sound or a different sound could be programmed. The reset button would also reset the race clock on Bluetooth-connected peripherals. The starting device can also work in conjunction with one or more relays to improve range, if needed.
Integration of Bluetooth over a RF or wireless solution allows for more integration of other Bluetooth-equipped electronics. This is especially beneficial for recreational sports where cost is a driving factor and many teams still use a fully manual timing system. Being able to leverage functionality of a cellular-connected device like a smartphone within the timing system allows for immediate recording of results directly into a database via a racing software app, thereby increasing efficiency and accuracy.
The foregoing summarizes the general design features of the present invention. In the following sections, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in some detail. These specific embodiments are intended to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the present invention in accordance with the general design features discussed above. Therefore, the detailed descriptions of these embodiments are offered for illustrative and exemplary purposes only, and they are not intended to limit the scope either of the foregoing summary description or of the claims which follow.
If it is necessary to extend the range of the BLE transmitter 20, at least one BLE relay 30 is interposed between the race starting device 11 and the race recording devices 41, as shown in
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Referring again to
In addition to the light/sound starting signals generated by the race starting device itself 17, the race starting device can be connected, wired or wirelessly, to one or more peripheral sound/light generating peripherals 40.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many additions, modifications and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims.
