United States Patent 9
`Sasaki et al.
`
`[54] TIME MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND
`SYSTEM HAVING RECEPTION OR
`TRANSMISSION FUNCTION
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Ken Sasaki; Hideyuki Shoji;
`Yoshiyuki Murata, all of Tokyo, Japan
`
`[73] Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo,
`Japan
`
`[21]
`
`[22]
`
`Appl. No.: 990,916
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 15, 1992
`
`[30]
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Dec. 19, 1991
`Dec. 27, 1991
`
`[51]
`
`[52]
`
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`Sapam wieseceessecsssesesssesnsesseneeee 3-354909
`[TP]
`Japan wscsseecssseeesrnseeessevens 3-360753
`[TP]
`Tint, C19 aceesessssssssessssssen G04F 8/00; G04B 47/00;
`G08B 23/00
`
`TS. C1eveeeesccessneeessecnneennasees 368/2; 368/10; 368/113;
`340/323 R; 340/ 539; 364/569
`Field of Search ou...secsseenceee 368/10, 11, 107,
`368/113, 2, 3, 9; 340/323 R; 364/569; 377/20,
`24, 24.2; 235/377, 380, 382, 384, 385
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,714,649
`4,074,117
`
`1/1973 Brouweretal. .
`2/1978 Delorean etal. .
`
`AACAA$005511045A
`
`5,511,045
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`
`4,823,367
`5,140,307
`5,241,487
`5,245,162
`
`4/1989 Kreutzfeld .esescsssssssscsescseseeee 377/24.2.
`.eeessssscssssccesseeee 340/539
`8/1992 Rebetez et al.
`
`8/1993 Bianco caereessesesssecsesssssserseseeren 364/569
`
`
`.....ssssesssssseesoceesen 235/377
`9/1993 Takahashi
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2-200280
`4-86593
`4-86592
`
`8/1990
`3/1992
`3/1992
`
`Japan.
`Japan .
`Japan .
`
`Primary Examiner—Vit W. Miska
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman,
`Langer & Chick
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An apparatus designed to automatically measure the total
`moving time,split times, time lag, and the like of each of a
`plurality of moving objects, and determine the arriving order
`of each moving object. Every time a plurality of moving
`objects, e.g., runners or vehicles, pass through each prede-
`termined point, pieces of information such as total running/
`moving times, split times, time lags, and arriving orders are
`transmitted, in units of moving objects, to the respective
`moving objects or a transmission/reception unit arranged at
`each predetermined point. When moving objecis pass
`through a predetermined point, and their moving times
`exceed passage times set in units of moving objects, an
`excess time is informed to each moving object.
`
`46 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
`
`APPLE 1111
`
` 1
`
`30a
`
`APPLE 1111
`
`1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 1 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`20
`
`STARTER
`Cc = =
`
`4
`
`0
`
`1
`
`f
`
`| | I | | I | L | J | | | | I I ! | | | | | | l ' i | | I
`
`4
`
`11
`
`TIME
`MFECOGHITION.
`SECTION
`
`TIMEPIECE
`CIRCUIT
`ila
`
`‘
`
`12
`
`
`—| PRINTER
`15
`
`KEYBOARD]
`[>] CONTROL | KEYBOARD
`SECTION
`16
`
`
`
`ELECTRIC
`BULLETIN
`
`
`
`
`EXTENSION
`PORT
`
`18
`
`7
`
`bee eee ee ee ee ee Eee al
`
` 30D
`
`30A
`
`START
`POINT
`
`
`READER
`
`
`UNIT (R1)
`
`30B
`
`
`
`10-kPOINT
`READER
`
`
`UNIT _(R2)
`
`30C
`
`
`
`20-km
`POINT
`READER
`
`
`UNIT (R3)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`30-km
`POINT
`READER
`UNIT (R4)
`30E
`
`40-km
`POINT
`READER
`UNIT (R5)
`30F
`
`FINISH
`POINT
`READER
`
`
`UNIT (R6)
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 2 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.2
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 3 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`ADDRESS|CONTENTS
`
`FIG.3
`
`START TIME INFORMATION SK
`
`DISQUALIFICATION NOTIFICATION SET TIME’
`INFORMATION STS
`
`DISQUALIFICATION INFORMATION CHT
`
`EXCESS TIME INFORMATION CHO
`
`
`
`>Oo Go Bs) mwS|CONTENTS
`
`START POINT PASSAGETIME INFORMATION TZ
`
`aio o|o ho}
`ewok|ed
`
`10-km POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`20-km POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`
`RUNNER
`
`1006
`
`1007
`
`1008
`
`1021
`
`1041
`
`30-km POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`
`40-km POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`
`FINISH POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`
`TIME LAG INFORMATION TR
`
`TOTAL RUNNING TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN
`START AND 10-km POINTS TT
`
`TOTAL RUNNING TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN
`START AND 20-km POINTS TT
`
`OFFICIAL 10-km POINT PASSAGE TINE
`INFORMATION KZA
`
`OFFICIAL 20-km POINT PASSAGE TINE
`INFORMATION KZA
`
`SPLIT TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN 10-
`AND 20-km POINTS ST
`
`SPLIT TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN 20-
`AND 30-km POINTS ST
`
`ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION AT 10-km POINT TJ
`
`ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION AT 20-km POINT TJ
`
`OFFICIAL ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION
`AT 10-km POINT KT
`
`OFFICIAL ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION
`AT 20-km POINT KT
`
`ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION BETWEEN 10-
`AND 20-km POINTS TJ
`
`ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION BETWEEN 20-
`AND 30-km POINTS TJ
`
`12000|START POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`[2001|10-km POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`
`13000|START POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`13001|10-km POINT PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION TZ
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 4 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.5
`
`TIME
`
`LAG (TR)
`
`30A
`
`20
`
`START
`POINT
`READER
`UNIT (R1)
`
`
`
`
`10-km
`POINT
`READER
`UNIT (R2)
`30C
`
`STARTER
`UNIT
`
`TOTIMEMEASUREMENT/
`
`RECOGNITIONPROCESSINGUNIT10
`
`TIME (ST) TOTALRUNNING
`f
`
`
`TOTALRUNNINGTIME(KT)
`OFFICIAL
` TIME (ST)
`
`(A)
`
`SPLIT
`TIME (ST)
`
`SPLIT
`
`
`
`
`
`TIME(TT)
`
`SPLIT
`TIME (ST)
`
`AA
`(C)
`
`: AY
`SPLIT ~~
`
`SPLIT
`TIME (ST)
`
`20-km
`POINT
`READER
`UNIT (R3)
`
`30-km
`POINT
`READER
`UNIT (Ra)
`
`FINISH
`POINT
`READER
`UNIT (Ré6)
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 5 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.6
`
`5,
`
`
`
`YES
`DETECT OUTPUT FROM EACH READER UNIT
`
`S2
`NO
`$3 —<<DETECTED7—>
`
`
`
`$4
`
`S6
`
`$5
`YES
`DETECT ID CODE INFORMATION
`
`.
`
`[DETECT PASSAGE TIME WHEN ID CODE INFORMATION IS DETECTED
`S7
`DETECT READER NUMBERINDICATING READER UNIT
`WHICH HAS DETECTED ID CODE INFORMATION
`
`Ss
`
`GENERATE ADDRESS ON THE BASIS
`OF ID CODE INFORMATION AND READER NUMBER|
`
`s9
`
`STORE PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION IN AREA
`DESIGNATED BY GENERATED ADDRESS
`S10—/BISPLAY/PRINT PASSAGE TIME ON THE BASIS
`Si1
`OF PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION
`
`
`
`CALCULATE SPLIT TIME ON THE BASIS OF PIECES OF SEQUENTIALLY
`OBTAINED PASSAGE TIME INFORMATION AND ID CODE INFORMATION,
`
`STORE INFORMATION INDICATING SPLIT TIME IN MEMORY,
`AND DISPLAY SPLIT TIME
`
`$12
`CALCULATE ARRIVING ORDER ON THE BASIS OF PIECES OF PASSAGE TIME
`AND ID CODE INFORMATION,STORE INFORMATION INDICATING ARRIVING
`ORDER IN MEMORY, AND DISPLAY/PRINT ARRIVING ORDER
`$13
`CALCULATE TOTAL RUNNING TIME ON THE BASIS OF START TIME,FINISH
`POINT PASSAGE TIME,AND ID CODE INFORMATION INDICATING TOTAL
`RUNNING TIME IN MEMORY,AND DISPLAY/PRINT TOTAL RUNNING TIME
`$14
`CALCULATE TIME LAG ON THE BASIS OF PIECES OF START TIME,START
`POINT PASSAGE TIME,AND ID CODE INFORMATION,STORE INFORMATION
`INDICATING TIME LAG IN MEMORY,AND DISPLAY/PRINT TIME LAG
`$15
`CALCULATE OFFICIAL TOTAL RUNNING TIME ON THE BASIS OF PIECES
`OF TOTAL RUNNING TIME,TIME LAG,AND ID CODE INFORMATION, STORE
`INFORMATION INDICATING OFFICIAL TOTAL RUNNING TIME ION MEMORY,
`AND DISPLAY/PRINT OFFICIAL TOTAL RUNNING TIME
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 6 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.7
`
`
`
`FIG.8
`
`80
`
`88
`
`89
`
`82
`
`ee
`
`8 85
`OR=ss<TD| |
`
`LA
`
`4
`
`)si‘iéi\
`83
`
`81
`
`7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 7 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.9
`
`
`
`FIG.10
`
`a
`
`91 90
`
`83
`
`g2
`
`94
`
`92
`
`8 1
`
`93
`
`63
`
`8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 8 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`INTERFACE
`
`INPUT/
`OUTPUT
`
`cl
`
`TIME
`MEASUREMENT
`PROCESSING
`UNIT
`
`60
`
`\ !I
`
`|
`14 73
`
`| |It i |
`
`.
`
`72
`
`DISPLAY
`
`PORTION
`7
`
`65
`71
`
`e\ Ny 786
`69 |68]67
`
`100
`
`A:D
`CONVERTER
`
`SIGNAL
`PROCESSOR
`
`SIGNAL
`PROCESSOR
`
`9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 9 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG. 12
`
`
`
`
`
`INSTRUSTION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG.16 120
`
`89
`
`2
`
`
`
`83
`
`81
`
`10
`
`
`
`So=p)|CN
`
`10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 10 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.14
`
`Pt
`
`
`YES
`RECEIVE ID CODE INFORMATION AND READER NUMBER
`
`CEND_)
`
`pg °°
`
`“DETECT ELAPSED TIME
`
`YES
`
`STORE ELAPSED TIME(TOTAL RUNNING TIME)
`INFORMATION IN MEMORY
`
`P7
`
`P8
`
`DISPLAY ELAPSED TIME(TOTAL RUNNING TIME)
`
`CALCULATE SPLIT TIME ON THE BASIS OF PIECES OF SEQUENTIALLY
`OBTAINED ELAPSED TIME INFORMATION,STORE INFORMATION,
`INDICATING SPLIT TIME IN MEMORY,AND DISPLAY SPLIT TIME
`P9
`CALCULATE ARRIVING ORDER ON THE BASIS OF PIECES OF ELAPSED
`TIME OR SPLIT TIME INFORMATION,STORE INFORMATION INDICATING
`ARRIVING ORDER,AND DISPLAY ARRIVING ORDER
`
`P10.
`
`
`CALCULATE TIME LAG ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION INDICATING
`ELAPSED TIME BETWEEN START TIME AND START POINT PASSAGE
`TIME, STORE INFORMATION INDICATING TIME LAG IN MEMORY,
`
`AND DISPLAY TIME LAG
`P11
`
`
`CALCULATE OFFICIAL TOTAL RUNNING TIME ON THE BASIS OF TOTAL
`RUNNING TIME INFORMATION AND TIME LAG INFORMATION,STORE
`
`
`INFORMATION INDICATING OFFICIAL TOTAL RUNNING TIME,
`
`
`AND DISPLAY OFFICIAL TOTAL RUNNING TIME
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 11 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`ID CODE
`OF
`RUNNER A
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG.15
`
`
`
`ADDRESS
`
`301
`
`ADDRESS
`
`1006
`1007
`
`1008
`
`DISQUALIFICATION NOTIFICATION SET TIME
`INFORMATION STS
`
`DISQUALIFICATION INFORMATION CHT
`EXCESS TIME INFORMATION CHO
`
`
`
`TIME LAG INFORMATION TR
`TOTAL RUNNING TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN START
`AND 10-km POINTS TT
`TOTAL RUNNING TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN START
`AND 20-km POINTS TT
`
`OFFICIAL 10-km POINT ELAPSED TINE
`INFORMATION KZ
`
`OFFICIAL 20-km POINT ELAPSED TINE
`INFORMATION KZ
`
`SPLIT TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN
`10- AND 20-km POINTS ST
`SPLIT TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN
`20- AND 30-km POINTS ST
`
`1051
`
`ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION AT 10-km POINT TJ
`ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION AT 20-km POINT TJ
`
`OFFICIAL ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION
`AT 10-km POINT KT
`
`OFFICIAL ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION
`AT 20-km POINT KT
`
`ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION BETWEEN
`10- AND 20-km POINTS TJ
`ARRIVING ORDER INFORMATION BETWEEN
`20- AND 30-km POINTS TJ
`
`
`
`
`
`2007
`
`2008
`
`TIME LAG INFORMATION TR
`TOTAL RUNNING TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN START
`AND 10-km POINTS TT
`TOTAL RUNNING TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN START
`AND 20-km POINTS TT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`13006|TIME LAG INFORMATION TR
`3007
`TOTAL RUNNING TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN START
`AND 10-km POINTS TT
`TOTAL RUNNING TIME INFORMATION BETWEEN START
`AND 20-km POINTS TT
`
`3008
`
`
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 12 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`120
`
`100
`
`‘INTERFACE 131]
`
`
` SIGNAL
`PROCESSOR INPUT/
`rs
`A
`
`192
`
`OUTPUT
`
`1 30.
`
`UNIT
`
`I || ! I ||
`
`!
`
`| | l ! !| | | |
`
`73
`
`|
`BATTERY|
`
`72
`
`DISPLAY
`
`I
`
`134
`
`B\ EN /N\ 5766
`69/68/67
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 13 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.18
`
`X41
`
`START
`
`DETECT STARTING OPERATION OF STARTER UNIT
`
`
`
`X2
`
`
`x3 {BETECTED7—
`
`YES
`DETECT OUTPUT FROM EACH READER UNIT
`X4x5 —XDETECTED7
`
`
`
`
`YES
`DETECT ID CODE INFORMATION
`
`X6
`
`DETECT ELAPSED TIME WHEN ID CODE INFORMATIONIS READ.
`X7
`DETECT READER NUMBERINDICATING READER UNIT
`WHICH HAS DETECT ID CODE INFORMATION
`
`X8
`
`GENERATE ADDRESSIN THE BASIS OF ID CODE INFORMATION
`AND READER NUMBER,AND STORE ELAPSED TIME INFORMATION
`INDICATING DETECTED ELAPSED TIME
`
`X 9
`
`IS
`PRESET TIME EXCEEDED
`?
`
`NO
`
`X10
`
`
`
`CAUSE READER UNIT,
`
`
`
`WHICH HAS DETECTED
`
`CAUSE READER UNIT TO
`
`
`ID CODE INFORMATION,
`
`
`TRANSMIT DISQUALIFICATION
`
`TO TRANSMIT ELAPSED
`INFORMATION OR EXCESS
`
`
`
`TIME INFORMATION AND
`TIME INFORMATION TOGETHER
`ID CODE INFORMATION
`
`
`WITH ID CODE INFORMATION
`
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 14 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.19
`
`v4
`
`DETECT RECEPTION STATE OF
`ANTENNA OF WRISTWATCH
`
`Y3
`
`YES
`
`DOES
`RECEIVED INFORMATION COINCIDE
`WITH ID CODE INFORMATION
`
`STORE ELAPSED TIME INFORMATION,
`DISQUALIFICATION OR EXCESS
`TIME INFORMATION,AND THE LIKE
`
`Y¥5
`
`Y2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DISQUALIFICATION
`
`INFORMATION OR EXCESS TIME
`INFORMATION ?
`
`
`
` DISPLAY
`
`
`DISPLAY ELAPSED
`DISQUALIFICATION
`
`
`TIME,TIME LAG
`
`OR EXCESS TIME
`OFFICIAL ELAPSED
`
`
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
`TIME,AND THE LIKE
`
`OR GENERATE ALARM,
`
`
`AND THE LIKE
`
`
`
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 23, 1996
`
`Sheet 15 of 15
`
`5,511,045
`
`FIG.20
`
`100
`
`100a 50,60,130
`40
`
`16
`
`

`

`5,511,045
`
`1
`TIME MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND
`SYSTEM HAVING RECEPTION OR
`TRANSMISSION FUNCTION
`
`2
`the race by using the conventional time measurement appa-
`ratus.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`invention has been made to solve such
`The present
`conventional problems.
`It is,
`therefore, an object of the present invention to
`The present invention relates to a time measurement
`provide an apparatus which can accurately, easily, and
`apparatus and a time measurement system having a recep-
`automatically measure the total moving times, split times,
`tion or transmission function and, more particularly, to a
`time lags, and the like of a plurality of moving objects,
`time measurement apparatus and a time measurement sys-
`determine the arriving order of the respective moving
`tem capable of e.g., performing time measurement such as
`objects, and inform of disqualification or the like without
`measurement of the moving time of each of a plurality of
`requiring a large number of men and muchtime.
`moving objects, and determining the arriving order of each
`It is another object of the present invention to provide an
`moving object.
`apparatus which can obtain pieces of external information
`2. Description of the Related Art
`by only attaching a plurality of detachable members to
`Time measurement apparatuses have been used for vari-
`moving objects.
`ous types of time measurement. For example, in a short- or
`According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
`middle-distance race, in which the number of runners is
`provided an apparatus comprising identification information
`relatively small, or in a marathon race, in which a large
`receiving means, respectively arranged at .a plurality of
`numberof runnersparticipate, the time measurement appa-
`points through which a plurality of moving objects, each of
`tatuses are used to measure the total running time of each
`which independently transmits moving object identification
`runnerfromastart line to a finish line and the split time of
`information, sequentially pass, for receiving pieces of mov-
`each rumner in each predeterminedinterval. The apparatuses
`ing object identification information respectively transmit-
`are also used to measure the time required for a target object
`ted from the moving objects every time the moving objects
`(to be checked) or a moving object such as a vehicle to move
`pass through the respective points, and information output
`through a predeterminedinterval.
`meansfor, every time the pieces of moving object identifi-
`Conventional time measurement apparatuses used in run-
`cation information are received by the identification infor-
`ning races operate in the following manner. In a short- or
`mation receiving means in a unit of moving objects, sequen-
`middle-distance race, in which the number of runners is
`tially outputting the received pieces of moving object
`relatively small, in order to measure the total running time
`identification information and pieces of reception time point
`of each mnnerfromastart line to a finish line and determine
`information indicating time points at which the pieces of
`the arriving order of each runner, for example, the runners
`moving object identification information are received.
`themselves or a relatively small number of judges selected
`In this case, the plurality of moving objects broadly mean
`by the sponsor of the competition start a time measurement
`portable information devices, e.g., wristwatches, and acces-
`operation of the time measurement apparatuses by operating
`sories, e.g., clothes, shoes, hats, and jewels, which are
`the start switchesat the start line, and stop the operation by
`attached to men who run a marathon race or walk, and
`operating the stop switches at the finish line. However, in a
`animals, and objects which are mainly designed to move,
`marathon race, in which a large number of runners partici-
`such as vehicles and ships. For example,
`the pieces of
`pate, it is very difficult to measure the total running time of
`moving object
`identification information are ID codes
`each rumneror the split time in each predeterminedinterval,
`respectively assigned to the plurality of moving objects. In —
`or to determinethe arriving order of each runner. Especially
`addition, the information output means is a display means
`whena group of a large number of runners reach the finish
`for visually outputting the pieces of reception time point
`line, it is difficult to measure the total running time of each
`information and moving object identification information or
`runneror the split time of each runner, or to determine the
`a printing means for printing them.
`arriving order of each runner with high accuracy. For this
`Withthis arrangement, when a plurality of moving objects
`reason, in recent marathonraces, in which a large numberof
`move, pieces of reception time point information about the
`runners participate, a video camera or a bar code reader are
`respective moving objects can be quickly and easily output,
`used to read racing numbers, bar codes, orthelike, attached
`e.g., in the form of print-out or display, in units of moving
`to the respective runners in advance,at the finish line or a
`objects without the mediacy of men.
`predetermined point, thereby measuring the total running
`time of each runner or the split time of each runner, or
`According to another aspect of the present invention,
`determining the arriving order of each runner.
`there is provided an apparatus comprising a moving object,
`and a detachable member detachably mounted on the mov-
`However, in the method of using a video camera or a bar
`ing object,
`the detachable member including reception
`code reader to perform a reading operation so as to measure
`meansfor receiving a transmission signal transmitted exter-
`the total running time or split
`time of each runner or
`nally, and information output meansfor outputting reception
`determine the arriving order of each runner, racing numbers
`time point information in response to a transmission signal
`or bar codes attached to runners who are running must be
`received by the reception means, the reception time point
`accurately read by using a video camera or a bar codereader.
`information indicating a reception time point at which the
`For this purpose, an expensive, high-precision readerunit is
`transmission signal is received.
`required.
`In this case, the moving object broadly means portable
`In addition, runners themselves want to knowtheir split
`times, arriving orders, and the like in each predetermined
`information device, e.g., wristwatch, and accessory, e.g.,
`cloth, shoe, hat, and jewel, which is attached to men who run
`interval during or after the race. It is, however, difficult for
`a marathon race or walk, and animal, and object which is
`each runner to knowthetotal time, the split time in each
`mainly designed to move, such as vehicle and ship.
`predeterminedinterval, and the arriving order duringor after
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`With this arrangement, by only attaching detachable
`member to moving object as needed, piece of reception time
`information at reception time point can be quickly and easily
`obtained.
`
`Accordingto still another aspect of the present invention,
`there is provided an apparatus comprising a moving object,
`and a detachable member detachably mounted on the mov-
`ing object,
`the detachable member including reception
`means for receiving moving object identification informa-
`tion transmitted externally, matching determination means
`for determining whether the moving object identification
`information received by the reception means matches with
`self-identification information,
`and information output
`meansfor outputting reception time point information indi-
`cating a reception time point at which the moving object
`identification information is received, when the matching
`determination means determines that the received moving
`object
`identification information matches with the self-
`identification information.
`
`With this arrangement, by only attaching detachable
`memberto moving object as needed, piece of reception time
`point information at reception time point at which piece of
`moving object identification information is received can be
`quickly and easily obtained.
`Accordingto still another aspect of the present invention,
`there is provided an apparatus comprising a moving object,
`and a detachable member detachably mounted on the mov-
`ing object,
`the detachable member including reception
`means for receiving externally transmitted moving object
`identification information and movement-associated infor-
`mation associated with a moving state of the moving object,
`matching determination means for determining whether the
`moving object identification information received by the
`reception means matches with self-identification informa-
`tion, and information output meansfor outputting reception
`time point information indicating a reception time pointat
`which the moving object
`identification information is
`received, and the movement-associated information, when
`the matching determination means determines that
`the
`received moving object identification information matches
`with the self-identification information.
`
`With this arrangement, by only attaching detachable
`memberto moving object as needed, piece of reception time
`point information and movement-associated information at
`reception time point at which piece of moving object iden-
`tification information is received can be quickly and easily
`obtained, and output, e.g., print or display, them.
`Additional objects and advantagesof the invention will be
`set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
`obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
`of the invention. The objects and advantagesof the invention
`may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumen-
`talities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
`appended claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of the specification,illustrate presently
`preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with
`the general description given above and the detailed descrip-
`tion of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to
`explain the principles of the invention.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a
`time measurement system accordingto the first embodiment
`of the present invention;
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`FIG.2 is a view showing an example of how a reader unit
`is installed;
`FIG. 3 is a view showing the storage state of a RAM in
`a time measurement apparatus in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ID code unit;
`FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a case wherein a marathon
`race is performed by using the time measurement system
`according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing in the first
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electronic wristwatch
`according to the second embodimentof the present inven-
`tion;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an ID code tag mounted
`in the electronic wristwatch in FIG. 7;
`FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the
`electrode plate portion of the ID code tag in FIG. 8;
`FIG. 10 is a view showingthe state of connection between
`the ID code tag in FIG. 8 and an electrode with the ID code
`tag mounted in the electronic wristwatch in FIG. 7;
`FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the circuit arrange-
`ments of an electronic wristwatch and a reader unit accord-
`ing to the second embodimentof the present invention;
`FIG. 12 is a view showing instructions communicated
`between the electronic wristwatch and the reader unit in
`FIG. 11;
`FIG.13 is a perspective view of the electronic wristwatch
`in FIG.7 in a state wherein various kinds of information are
`displayed;
`FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing processing in the second
`embodimentof the present invention;
`FIG. 15 is a view showing the storage state of a memory
`in the second embodimentof the present invention;
`FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an ID code tag in the third
`embodimentof the present invention;
`FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the circuit arrange-
`ments of an electronic wristwatch and a reader unit accord-
`ing to the third embodimentof the present invention;
`FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing processing in a time
`measurement apparatus according to the fourth embodiment
`of the present invention;
`FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing processing according to
`the fourth embodimentof the present invention; and
`FIG. 20 is a view showing another example of how the
`reader unit is installed.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Embodimentsof the present invention will be described in
`detail below.
`
`First Embodiment
`
`FIGS. 1 to 3 show the first embodiment in which the
`present
`invention is applied to time measurement, e.g.,
`measurement of total times and split times, in a marathon
`race.
`
`FIG.1 is a block diagram showing the arrangementof a
`time measurement system including a time measurement
`apparatus 1.
`The time measurement apparatus 1 comprises a time
`measurement/recognition processing unit 10, a starter unit
`20, a plurality of reader units 30A to 30F, andthe like.
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`The time measurement/recognition processing unit 10
`comprises a time measurement/recognition section 11, a
`control section 12, a display 13, a printer 14, a keyboard 15,
`an electric bulletin board output port 16, a RAM (Random
`Access Memory) 17, an extension port 18, and the like. The
`time measurement/recognition section 11 receiveselectrical
`signals by receiving radio signals from the starter unit 20 and
`the respective reader units 30A to 30F.
`Thestarter unit 20 includes, for example, a starting pistol
`and is designed to output a start signal to the time measure-
`ment/recognition section 11 at the same time whenthepistol
`is operated to generate a starting sound.
`The reader units 30A to 30F are respectively installed at
`a start point, a 10-km point, a 20-km point, a 30-km point,
`a 40-km point, and a finish point. The reader units 30A to
`30F detect electromagnetic energies emitted from ID code
`units 50 respectively attached to the runners who pass
`through the respective points, and output corresponding
`detection signals to the time measurement/recognition sec-
`tion 11.
`:
`
`The reader units 30A to 30F have the same arrangement.
`FIG. 2 shows the reader unit 30A. Each of the reader units
`30A to 30F is constituted by a reader main body 30a and a
`transmitter 40. A detection signal is transmitted from an
`antenna 40a of the transmitter 40 to the time measurement/
`recognition section 11. Note that the reader units 30A to 30F
`and the time measurement/recognition section 11 may be
`connected to each other through wires.
`Reader numbers R1 to R6 are respectively assigned to the
`reader units 30A to 30F. For example, the reader numbers R1
`to R6 are sequentially assigned to the reader units from the
`reader unit 30A at the start point to the reader unit 30F at the
`finish point. When detection signals are transmitted from the
`readerunits 30A to 30Fto the time measurement/recognition
`section I1, the reader numbers R1 to R6 assigned to the
`respective reader units are simultaneously transmitted to the
`time measurement/recognition section 11.
`The time measurement/recognition section 11 has a time
`measurement function of measuring the total running time,
`elapsed time at each point, split times, and the like of each
`runner whoparticipates in a marathon race, and managesthe
`respective time measurementresults in correspondence with
`preset ID codes(to be described later). More specifically, the
`time measurement/recognition section 11 has a timepiece
`circuit lla for obtaining the current
`time by counting
`reference signals. Upon reception of a starting signal from
`the starter unit 20, the section 11 transmits current time data,
`obtained by the timepiece circuit 1a at that moment, to the
`control section 12. Upon reception ofa detection signal from
`each ofthe reader units 30A to 30F,the section 11 recognizes
`the ID code(to be described later) of each runner who passes
`through a corresponding point, and outputs the recognized
`ID code of each runner, time information obtained at the
`time point at which each runner passes through the point, a
`corresponding reader number, and the like to the control
`section 12.
`
`The control section 12 is constituted by a CPU (Central
`Processing Unit). The control section 12 stores current time
`information in the RAM 17, which information is simulta-
`neously transmitted together with ID codes and each reader
`number, input from the time measurement/recognition sec-
`tion 11, in correspondence therewith. In addition, the control
`section 12 measuresthe split times, total running time, time
`lag, official total running time, and the like of each runner,
`and determines the arriving order, disqualification, and the
`like of each runner.
`
`6
`As shownin FIG.3, the storage area of the RAM 17 has
`a first area whichstoresstart time information SK, disquali-
`fication notification set tie information STS, disqualification
`information CHT based on elapsed time, and excess time
`information CHO, each output from the measurement/rec-
`ognition section 11, and a second area whichstores all kinds
`of time information in units of runners, ic, ID codes
`respectively assigned to the ID code units 50 handedto the
`respective minners, as will be describedlater. In the second
`area, in units of ID codes, the following pieces of informa-
`tion are stored: start point passage time information TZ,
`10-km point passage time information TZ, 20-km point
`passage time information TZ, 30-km point passage time
`information TZ, 40-km point passage time information TZ,
`finish point passage time information TZ, time lag informa-
`tion TR,total running time information TT betweenthe start
`and 10-km points,
`total
`running time information TT
`between the start and 20-km points, split time information
`ST between the start and 10-km points, official 10-km point
`passage time information KZA,official 20-km point passage
`time information KZA,split time information ST between
`the 10-and 20-km points, split time information ST between
`the 20- and 30-km points, split time information ST between
`the 30- and 40-km points, split time information ST between
`the 40-km andfinish points, arriving order information TJ at
`the 10-km point, arriving order information TJ at the 20-km
`point, arriving order information TJ at the 30-km point,
`arriving order information TJ at the 40-km point, arriving
`order information TJ between the start and 10-km points,
`arriving order information TJ between the 10- and 20-km
`points, arriving order information TJ between the 20- and
`30-km points, arriving order information between the 30-
`and 40-km points, and arriving order
`information TJ
`between the 40- and finish points. Through it is not shown
`in FIG.3, the secondarea furtherstores, in units of ID codes,
`official total running time information KT, arriving order
`information based on official or non-official time lag infor-
`mation, and the like.
`Note that the disqualification notification set time infor-
`mation STS stored in the RAM 17 in advance is used to
`notify disqualification to a runner when he/she exceeds the
`set time. The runner whoreceives this notification is dis-
`qualified.
`The display 13 serves to display a processing result
`obtained by the control section 12, various data and com-
`mands input from the keyboard 15, andthelike.
`The keyboard 15 is used to input commands indicating
`processing contents to be processed and various data, espe-
`cially the racing numbers and registration numbers of the
`respective runners, to the control section 12.
`The printer 14 serves to record a processing result
`obtained by the control section 12 or various data, especially
`the total running times and split times of the respective
`runners on a recording paper sheet.
`Anelectric bulletin board (not shown) is directly con-
`nected to the electric bulletin board output port 16. Alter-
`natively, a transmitter for transmitting data to the electric
`bulletin board is connected to the port 16. The control
`section 12 outputs time measurement data, e.g., time lags
`betweenstart times andtimesat the start point, elapsed times
`between the start times and the current times, the split time
`of the leading runner at each point, and the like, through the
`electric bulletin board output port 16, thereby causing the
`electric bulletin board to display the data.
`An external storage unit, e.g., a floppy disk unit or a hard
`disk unit, another display, another printer, or the like is
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`connected to the extension port 18. The extension port 18 is
`used to input/output various data such as time measurement
`data. Note that the mannerof using the extension port 18is
`not limited to the one described above.
`
`On the other hand, the ID code unit 50 shown in FIG. 4
`is attached to each runner. The ID codeunit 50 is constituted
`by acase 51, a band 52 fixed to the case 51,and the like. The
`ID code unit 50 is worn on the wrist of each runner through
`the band 52. The surface of the case 51 is covered with a
`glass 53 to protect the interior of the case 51. An IC board
`54 is stored in the case 51. An LSI (Large Scale Integrated
`Circuit) 55, various circuit components, an antenna 56, and
`the like a