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Hidden technology on the track: How to achieve instant results release through RFID system?
Timing is crucial in sporting events, especially in large-scale competitions such as marathons and triathlons, where athletes' performances need to be accurately recorded and evaluated. With the advancement of technology, the emergence of transmission timing technology has made this process easier and more accurate. The use of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology makes it possible to publish instant results.
Transmitted timing, also known as chip timing, is a technology used to measure performance in sports events.
The working principle of the RFID system is quite simple. Each athlete will have an RFID sensor attached to his or her body when participating in the competition. This sensor transmits a unique code that is picked up by receivers placed at strategic locations around the track. The emergence of RFID technology has significantly improved the timing accuracy of events, replacing traditional manual timing and camera timing systems.
Types of transmission systems
RFID timing systems are divided into two main types: active and passive. Active sensors have batteries inside and can actively transmit codes when queried, while passive sensors rely on electromagnetic energy emitted nearby to operate. Both systems can set up antennas at the starting point, end point and intermediate timing points. These antennas recognize the codes sent by the sensors through decoders and accurately calculate the time when the sensors pass the timing points.
Each timing point is typically monitored using antennas connected to decoders that capture the unique sensor code.
History of RFID Technology
RFID technology was first used in the 1980s, initially in car racing. With the introduction of low-cost 134 kHz sensors and readers in the mid-1990s, the technology began to be widely used in various sports events. Some manufacturers have also made technical improvements to low-frequency noise, which has enabled RFID timing technology to be widely used to this day.
Use scenarios and applications
Large-scale events, especially marathons and triathlons with more than 10,000 participants, require RFID timing. Since manual timing is almost impossible, this makes RFID a more popular option. These events often have sensors at the start and finish, allowing for precise calculation of each athlete’s net time.
Many events award prizes based on gunshot times, but some events use net times for age group awards.
With the passage of time, the application of RFID technology is becoming more and more widespread. In the past, athletes’ sensors were almost always placed on running shoes or ankle straps to ensure the best possible reading. However, the emergence of new UHF systems in recent years has allowed sensors to be placed on shoelaces or race number plates to achieve the same effect, as these tags are cheaper to produce in large quantities.
Characteristics of RFID Timing System
An RFID timing system consists of a reader and possibly some additional equipment, such as a microprocessor and a power source. These readers are connected to antennas and are designed to accommodate specific operating frequencies. The combination of ground antennas and other vertical antennas enables accurate time calculation during competitions.
In advanced systems, these results are calculated instantly and posted to the internet so athletes and spectators can access them from any internet-connected device.
Today, RFID technology not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of events, but also changes the way event results are released, making it possible to circulate instant result information. In the future, as technology develops, how will this timing system evolve further to keep up with the demands of sporting events?
