Tracking and timing system

• US 20060176216A1
• Filed: 11/16/2005
• Published: 08/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Jason C. Hipskind
• Original Assignee: Jason C. Hipskind
• Inventors: Hipskind, Jason C.
• Application Number:
  US11/281,737
• Publication Number:
  US 20060176216A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 342/357.570
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0025 Tracking the path or location of one or more users, e.g. players of a game
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/00 Training appliances or apparatus for special sports training of parachutists B64D23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0028 for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0605 Decision makers and devices using detection means facilitating arbitration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0616 Means for conducting or scheduling competition, league, tournaments or rankings
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2205/002 for traffic control, mobile tracking, guidance, surveillance or anti-collision
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0027 of actual mobile position, i.e. position determined on mobile
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 1/10 together with the recording, indicating or registering of other data, e.g. of signs of identity
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 1/22 in connection with sports or games

Abstract

An apparatus and methods for tracking an object is disclosed. The apparatus and methods provide for GPS tracking, and can include a communication system that transmits the position of the object to a central database. Software can track the object and provide updates as to the position, speed, course, and other items of interest.

Claims

1. A method of identifying the position of an object, comprising

coupling a GPS receiver to the object,

coupling a transmitter to the object,

providing a receiver remote from the object, the receiver configured for receiving transmissions from the transmitter,

providing software that utilizes the received transmissions and computes the location of the object based on the received transmissions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitter utilizes at least one form of communication selected from the group comprising radio frequency, cellular signals, satellite signals, infrared signals, and laser signals.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmissions are sent over the internet.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver creates transmission data that is sent over the internet.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver is positioned at a checkpoint in a race or competition.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the software is configured to provide a map of the location of the object.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the software is accessible via the internet.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the software is configured to provide a subscription service.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the software is user-configurable.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the software is configured to permit entry of at least one of the group comprising:

a unique GPS identifier, a course map, and a selected activity for participants.

11. A method of tracking the progress of participants in an event, the method comprising

coupling a GPS receiver to each participant,

coupling a transmitter to each participant,

providing a receiver remote from the participant, the receiver configured for receiving transmissions from the transmitter,

providing software that utilizes the received transmissions and

computes the location of the participant based on the received transmissions.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitter utilizes at least one form of communication selected from the group comprising radio frequency, cellular signals, satellite signals, infrared signals, and laser signals.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmissions are sent over the internet.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the receiver creates transmission data that is sent over the internet.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the receiver is positioned at a checkpoint in the event.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the event is a race or competition.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the software is configured to provide a map of the location of each participant.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the software is accessible via the internet.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the software is user-configurable.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the software is configured to permit entry of at least one of the group comprising:

a unique GPS identifier, a course map, and a selected activity for participants.