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From manual timing to automation: Do you know how sports events use technology to improve accuracy?
With the advancement of technology, the way of timing sports events has also undergone major changes. Traditionally, timing of sports events has relied on manual operation, with timekeepers pressing the timer as the athletes take off. However, this method is not only time-consuming, but also prone to inaccurate timing due to operational errors. Nowadays, many events have turned to automated timing systems, which not only improve accuracy, but also provide real-time event data so that both spectators and participants can keep up to date with the progress of the event.
Sensor timing technology
Sensor timing, also known as chip timing or RFID timing, is a technology that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to measure sports performance. Sensors attached to the athlete's body emit a unique code that can be detected by receivers placed at key points during the event.
Before the use of this technology, timing of events was either done manually, using a timer, or using a camera system.
Operation of the sensor system
Basically, sensor timing systems are divided into two types: active and passive. Active sensors are battery-operated and actively emit a unique code when an interrogation signal is received. Passive sensors, on the other hand, have no internal power source and instead use electromagnetic energy generated by a nearby transmitter to send codes. In both systems, antennas are installed at the start and finish lines, as well as at certain midway timing points, and are connected to decoders that recognize unique sensor codes and calculate the precise time an athlete passes the timing point.
History of RFID technology
RFID technology was first used in automotive events in the late 1980s and became widely used in sports events in the mid-1990s, especially with the advent of low-cost 134 kHz sensors and readers. This technology forms the basis for electronic timing at the world’s largest long-distance running, cycling, triathlon and ski events. As technology develops, many manufacturers have improved their systems to cope with the reading needs of larger numbers of sensors.
Application in large-scale events
Long-distance running and triathlon races with more than 10,000 participants are often the first events to adopt sensor timing. Manual timing is almost impossible to deal with due to the delay of competitors at the starting line and this has an impact on the performance of the competitors. Many events place antennas or timing pads at the start and finish points to allow accurate net times to be calculated.
At events, awards are often judged based on "gun time," which ignores delays in starting, while some events use "net time" to award age group awards.
Progress in modern technology
In recent years, more advanced UHF systems have come into use that attach disposable sensors to runners' shoelaces or race numbers. This makes the sensor less expensive and doesn't need to be taken back after the game.
Data processing and real-time updates
Many RFID timing systems place readers on both sides of the event route and use the networking function to instantly upload the results to the Internet. Spectators and players can obtain event data through any Internet-connected device.
Conclusion
It can be said that modern technology has brought revolutionary progress to the timing accuracy of sports events. With the introduction of various new technologies, we will see more event formats that attract more spectators in the future, and behind all this is the perfect combination of data and technology. This makes people think: In the pursuit of fairness and accuracy in sports, where will the boundaries of technology reach?
