Patents Assigned to Swiss Timing Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20200271685
    Abstract: For the method and system (1) for measuring physical parameters, several motion sensor assemblies (2) are arranged in different positions on a trampoline (10) and activated to measure any motion over time during jumps performed by a competitor on a trampoline. Following the processing of measurements made in each sensor assembly, data signals are transmitted to a base station (25). As a result of the various measurements received over time from each sensor assembly, the base station determines a time of flight for each of the competitor's jumps, and a position of contact of the competitor on the bed (21) to award points to the competitor for the performance of a determined number of jumps during the competition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: SWISS TIMING LTD
    Inventor: Laurent VARONE
  • Patent number: 10698071
    Abstract: A method for calculating a position of an object of interest in an environment. The method includes: predicting a position and an orientation of the object of interest in the environment; selecting a subset of base stations among a set of base stations located within the environment, by using the predicted position and orientation, and a radiation pattern of a system including the object of interest and a mobile transponder attached to the object of interest; and calculating an actual position of the object of interest, using time of arrival or time difference of arrival measurements between the base stations of the subset and the mobile transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: Swiss Timing Ltd, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg
    Inventors: Thomas Kautz, Sebastian Scholz, Bjoern Eskofier
  • Patent number: 10695634
    Abstract: A system for timing a basketball match includes a timing device linked to an optical ball detector and/or linked to at least one visual ball detector for detecting a ball in a basketball hoop. The optical ball detector includes an optical sensor positioned near or on the basketball hoop, and the visual detector includes at least one kinetic camera for detecting the motion of the ball in the basketball hoop with processing of the signal. A method for timing the basketball match, using the system, includes starting to count game time by activating the timing device, capturing, using the optical sensor and/or the kinetic camera, the passage of the basketball ball into a rim of the basketball hoop, and transmitting at least one signal detecting the passage of the ball into the basketball hoop to the timing device in order to stop game time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventors: Thierry Cuenin, Fabien Masse
  • Publication number: 20200191847
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method (MTH) for estimating the coverage area of a directive antenna of a local positioning system while setting up said system, said antenna being located in the vicinity of an area of interest, the method (MTH) comprising the following steps: —Distributing (DIS_TR) a plurality of transponders over the area of interest—Performing (MSD_SS) measurements of signal strength between the antenna and said transponders—Estimating (EST_CV) the coverage area by using said measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicants: SWISS TIMING LTD, FRIEDRICH-ALEXANDER-UNIVERSITAET ERLANGEN-NUERNBERG
    Inventor: Thomas KAUTZ
  • Publication number: 20200193616
    Abstract: A display method including the steps of: acquiring, at a first predetermined frequency, a first series of one-spatial-dimensional instant images of the finish line of a race; simultaneously acquiring a second series of two spatial-dimensional instant images of the same finish line (19) at a second predetermined frequency; forming a temporal image (10) of the photo finish type from the first series of instant images; choosing an instant (15, 22) of the temporal image (10); analysing a two-spatial-dimensional image of the second series, the image being correlated with the selected instant (15, 22) to determine at least one distance; and displaying the analysed two-dimensional image with the determined distance or distances. Also, a display system for implementing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Swiss Timing Ltd.
    Inventors: Fabien BLONDEAU, Pascal Richard
  • Patent number: 10653935
    Abstract: The process enables a reaction time of an athlete at the start of a race to be measured with a personalized transponder module positioned on the athlete and a base station. The module comprises a receiver unit, a processing unit, a transmitter unit for data signals and a motion sensor to supply measurement signals to the processing unit. The module is activated by a received wake-up signal and a measurement of the movement is performed by the sensor at the start of the race. The data signals are transmitted to the base station and a determination of the reaction time of the athlete at the start of the race is performed to determine a possible false start if the reaction time is below a determined time threshold following the starting signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventor: Reto Galli
  • Publication number: 20200114202
    Abstract: A video acoustical method determines an impact point of a thrown body on a landing area, in particular for athletics throws disciplines, the body describing a trajectory in the air from a take-off area towards the landing area, the impact point being defined by the body hitting on the landing area. The method includes acquiring video exposures of the body impact on the landing area to a frame rate, each exposure showing one position of the body; calculating the body trajectory during at least the body impact on the landing area with the video exposures analysis; detecting an acoustical impact time due to the body hitting on the landing area; and determining the body impact point on the calculated trajectory with the detected acoustical impact time. A video acoustical system can determine an impact point of a thrown body on a landing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventor: Benedikt JUSTEN
  • Publication number: 20200061442
    Abstract: A method for the continuous ranking of a competitor during a race of a slalom skiing type sports discipline includes the following iterative steps: a step of measuring the variation in the lateral angle of the gliding board about a predefined axis, a step of detecting the moment when the angle passes through a predefined value, a step of recording the competitor's run time corresponding to the detected moment, a step of comparing the stored run time with those of the preceding competitors for the corresponding detected moment, and a step of ranking the competitor with respect to the preceding competitors as a function of the run time of each competitor. A ranking system implements the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventor: Reto GALLI
  • Patent number: 10537782
    Abstract: The method makes it possible to perform the measurement of at least one crossing time of a moving object on a line of passage via a personalized transponder placed on the object. The method includes the steps of: generating a low frequency electromagnetic field signal, activating the transponder module on reception of the modulated synchronization command in the electromagnetic field signal, measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic field signal without modulation captured by the activated transponder module at regular time intervals, transmitting directly in a measurement signal via the transponder module each intensity measurement or a packet of intensity measurements to the decoder unit for determination of a crossing time of the line of passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventors: Andre Zanetta, Gael Coron, Reto Galli
  • Publication number: 20190381354
    Abstract: A method for calculating the position of an athlete, referred to as target, on a sports field, including estimating an approximate position of the target using a radio-based positioning system, the system including tracking sensors attached to several athletes on the sports field and antennas installed around the sports field, defining a search space around the approximate position, detecting an athlete in the search space using an optical-based positioning system, the system including cameras installed above and/or around the sports field and image recognition device, determining an accurate position of the detected athlete, attributing the accurate position to the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: SWISS TIMING LTD
    Inventors: Alexander HIEMANN, Thomas Kautz
  • Patent number: 10481560
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of measuring at least one time or an elapsed period of a competitor in a sports competition via a transponder module which is personal to the competitor and accompanies the competitor throughout the competition in a measuring system. The personalized transponder module is activated at the start of the competition or in intermediate positions or at the finish line of the competition (6). Detection of at least one variation in motion or vibration level is effected by a motion sensor (11) integrated in the transponder module. The transponder module transmits data related to the detection effected by the motion sensor on the competition route or in intermediate positions or at the finish line of the competition, to a decoder unit (4) of the measuring system to check a time or elapsed period related to the detection of the competitor's motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SWISS TIMING LTD
    Inventors: Martin Bisig, Andre Zanetta
  • Patent number: 10455537
    Abstract: The invention relates to method for calculating a position of a transponder within an area of interest, by means of a local positioning system comprising a set of directive antennae located in the vicinity of the area of interest, each antenna having a coverage area, the method comprising the following steps: assessing an approximate position of the transponder selecting at least one antenna of the set of antennae that is such that the transponder is within range but not in the effective coverage area of said antenna, according to the approximated position of the transponder and the positions and orientations of the antennae redirecting the focus of the selected antenna so that the transponder is in the effective coverage area of said antenna, according to the approximated position of the transponder performing time-of-arrival or time-difference-of-arrival measurements with respect to the transponder, by the set of antennae calculating the effective position of the transponder by using said timing measurem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignees: Swiss Timing Ltd, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg
    Inventor: Thomas Kautz
  • Patent number: 10420998
    Abstract: The process enables a time of an athlete in a hurdle race to be measured or predicted with a personalized transponder module positioned on the athlete and a base station. The transponder module comprises a receiver unit, a processing unit, a transmitter unit for data signals and a motion sensor to supply measurement signals to the processing unit. The module is activated by a wake-up signal and a measurement of the movement is conducted by the sensor after the start of the race on passage of each hurdle. The data signals are transmitted to the base station and determination of a passage time over each hurdle is conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: SWISS TIMING LTD
    Inventors: Reto Galli, Pascal Richard
  • Publication number: 20190076713
    Abstract: The method for timing a basketball match is defined by a timing system, which comprises a timing device linked to an optical ball detector and/or linked to at least one visual ball detector for detecting a ball in a basketball hoop. The optical ball detector comprises an optical sensor positioned near or on the basketball hoop, and the visual detector comprises at least one kinetic camera for detecting the motion and the depth of the ball in the basketball hoop with processing of the signal. The method comprises the steps of starting to count game time by activating the timing device, of capturing, using the optical sensor and/or the kinetic camera, the passage of the basketball ball into a rim of the basketball hoop, and of transmitting at least one signal detecting the passage of the ball into the basketball hoop to the timing device in order to stop game time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventors: Thierry CUENIN, Fabien MASSE
  • Publication number: 20180348332
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a time difference of arrival-based local positioning system for k?D localization, k=2 or 3, includes collecting N sets of time difference of arrival measurements related to a mobile node, N?2, each nth set of measurements being performed by Bn beacon nodes among B beacon nodes of the positioning system while the mobile node is located is a nth position within a region covered by the positioning system, Bn?k+2, and determining optimal beacon positions that minimize an objective function depending on N residual error vectors, the calculation of each nth position of the mobile node using beacon positions and the nth set of measurements, the calculation allowing the calculation of the nth residual error vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicants: Swiss Timing Ltd, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen- Nuernberg
    Inventors: Thomas KAUTZ, Sebastian SCHOLZ, Bjoern ESKOFIER
  • Publication number: 20180341004
    Abstract: A method for calculating a position of an object of interest in an environment. The method includes: predicting a position and an orientation of the object of interest in the environment; selecting a subset of base stations among a set of base stations located within the environment, by using the predicted position and orientation, and a radiation pattern of a system including the object of interest and a mobile transponder attached to the object of interest; and calculating an actual position of the object of interest, using time of arrival or time difference of arrival measurements between the base stations of the subset and the mobile transponder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicants: Swiss Timing Ltd, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg
    Inventors: Thomas KAUTZ, Sebastian SCHOLZ, Bjoern ESKOFIER
  • Patent number: 10086253
    Abstract: The method makes it possible to measure a speed of a competitor, such as a skier or snowboarder, on a ski or snowboard course, by means of a measurement system with a transponder module worn by the competitor. The method includes the step of activating the transponder module which includes a measurement unit with at least one measurement sensor, as soon as the race starts, a step of measuring the speed of the competitor via the measurement unit during the race along the course, and a step of transmitting the competitor's speed measurement to at least one base station of a decoder device of the measurement system for a timing device in order to display the speed of the competitor in real time or continuously on at least one screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventors: Fabien Masse, Reto Galli
  • Patent number: 10022612
    Abstract: The measuring system makes it possible to correct a finish time for an athlete in a running race. The system comprises a personalized transponder module placed on an upper part of the athlete's body and a base station. The transponder module comprises a signal receiver unit, a data, measurement or command processing unit, and a data and/or measurement and/or command signal transmission unit, and a motion sensor for providing measurement signals to the processing unit. The motion sensor may be a gyroscope connected to the processing unit in the transponder unit and configured to determine an angle of inclination of the athlete's body with respect to a vertical or horizontal direction upon crossing the finish line for correction of the race finish time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventors: Reto Galli, Alexander Kollega, Fabien Masse
  • Publication number: 20180122159
    Abstract: A transponder module of a system for measurement of a race time includes a time base in a microcontroller, which is activated upon receipt of a low-frequency electromagnetic field signal from a transmission antenna of a measuring system which is disposed at the level of a line of passage. The microcontroller, once woken up, is capable of measuring several successive intensities of the captured electromagnetic field in order to reconstruct a curve of the electromagnetic field and to determine a crossing time on the line of passage of the transponder module with the activated time base thereof in order to transmit, to a decoder unit of the measuring system, a signal of the result of the time of crossing determined by the microcontroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventors: Reto GALLI, Frederic CHOFFAT, Andre ZANETTA
  • Patent number: 9774842
    Abstract: An imaging device for a photo finish system, including a first camera aligned on a finish line and a mechanism for display of three dimensional stereoscopic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Swiss Timing Ltd
    Inventor: Pascal Richard