Patents Assigned to Swiss Timing Ltd.
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Publication number: 20200271685Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2020Publication date: August 27, 2020Applicant: SWISS TIMING LTDInventor: Laurent VARONE
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Patent number: 10698071Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignees: Swiss Timing Ltd, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-NuernbergInventors: Thomas Kautz, Sebastian Scholz, Bjoern Eskofier
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Patent number: 10695634Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Swiss Timing LtdInventors: Thierry Cuenin, Fabien Masse
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Publication number: 20200191847Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2018Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicants: SWISS TIMING LTD, FRIEDRICH-ALEXANDER-UNIVERSITAET ERLANGEN-NUERNBERGInventor: Thomas KAUTZ
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Publication number: 20200193616Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Swiss Timing Ltd.Inventors: Fabien BLONDEAU, Pascal Richard
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Patent number: 10653935Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Swiss Timing LtdInventor: Reto Galli
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Publication number: 20200114202Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: Swiss Timing LtdInventor: Benedikt JUSTEN
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Publication number: 20200061442Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Applicant: Swiss Timing LtdInventor: Reto GALLI
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Patent number: 10537782Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Swiss Timing LtdInventors: Andre Zanetta, Gael Coron, Reto Galli
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Publication number: 20190381354Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Applicant: SWISS TIMING LTDInventors: Alexander HIEMANN, Thomas Kautz
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Patent number: 10481560Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: SWISS TIMING LTDInventors: Martin Bisig, Andre Zanetta
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Patent number: 10455537Abstract: 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 measuremType: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignees: Swiss Timing Ltd, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-NuernbergInventor: Thomas Kautz
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Patent number: 10420998Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: SWISS TIMING LTDInventors: Reto Galli, Pascal Richard
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Publication number: 20190076713Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Applicant: Swiss Timing LtdInventors: Thierry CUENIN, Fabien MASSE
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Publication number: 20180348332Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: December 6, 2018Applicants: Swiss Timing Ltd, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen- NuernbergInventors: Thomas KAUTZ, Sebastian SCHOLZ, Bjoern ESKOFIER
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Publication number: 20180341004Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2016Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicants: Swiss Timing Ltd, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-NuernbergInventors: Thomas KAUTZ, Sebastian SCHOLZ, Bjoern ESKOFIER
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Patent number: 10086253Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Swiss Timing LtdInventors: Fabien Masse, Reto Galli
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Patent number: 10022612Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Swiss Timing LtdInventors: Reto Galli, Alexander Kollega, Fabien Masse
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Publication number: 20180122159Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Applicant: Swiss Timing LtdInventors: Reto GALLI, Frederic CHOFFAT, Andre ZANETTA
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Patent number: 9774842Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Swiss Timing LtdInventor: Pascal Richard