Lap counter system for multiple runners
First Claim
1. A lap counter system for counting and timing a runner during a workout session at a track comprising:
- A receiver located a predetermined distance from the track, an antenna electrically coupled to said receiver creating an electrical field that the runner passes through during each lap around the track, a RFID tag affixed to the runner for generating a signal when it passes through said electrical field, a computer connected to the receiver for capturing and processing said signal to provide counting and timing information related to the cumulative laps completed by said runner.
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Abstract
A lap counter system for multiple runners automatically counts and times one or more runner(s) during a workout session exercise at either an indoor or outdoor running track suitable for use at a health club, school, business, government or other organization promoting physical activity to enhance the health of their members. The system includes standalone, computer controlled, end user friendly components that displays fitness statistics during the use of the running track for each runner without impeding the athletic activity with a cumbersome wearable device. The system preferably includes a display visible to the runner at one or more points around the track such as a scoreboard with the aforementioned statistics displayed providing the runner with a virtual coach.
42 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A lap counter system for counting and timing a runner during a workout session at a track comprising:
A receiver located a predetermined distance from the track, an antenna electrically coupled to said receiver creating an electrical field that the runner passes through during each lap around the track, a RFID tag affixed to the runner for generating a signal when it passes through said electrical field, a computer connected to the receiver for capturing and processing said signal to provide counting and timing information related to the cumulative laps completed by said runner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A lap counter system for accumulating lap information about a runner doing laps around a track during a workout session, comprising:
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(a) a pedestal positioned adjacent the track;
(b) computing means housed within the pedestal for acting upon the accumulated lap information about the runner and for generating a graphical display of the accumulated lap information that is viewable by the runner during the workout session;
(c) a RFID antenna connected to the computing means for creating an electrical sensing field across the track;
(d) a RFID tag removably affixed to the runner for generating a signal each time the RFID tag passes on the runner passes through the antenna sensing field during a lap on the track; and
(e) sensing means on or in the pedestal for recognizing the runner RFID tag when it is positioned on or about the pedestal to initiate the computing means to begin a workout session of that runner and to accumulate the lap information for display and to end a workout session when the runner approaches the pedestal for a second time and places the RFID tag on or about the pedestal. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of a lap counter system for a runner on a track, comprising the steps of:
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(a) affixing a removable RFID tag to a runner for generating an encoded signal with unique characteristics related to the identity of the runner and to cumulative lap information derive about each runner during a workout session;
(b) sensing the encoded signal each lap around the track;
(c) feeding the sensed encoded signal to a computer for calculating various variables concerning the laps completed by the runner; and
(d) displaying the various variables on a monitor viewable by the runner on the track during a workout session. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. The method of claim 28 wherein the RFID is placed near or next to a point on a touch screen in the Kiosk to initiate or end a workout session.
Specification