`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`( 43) International Publication Date
`4 January 2001 (04.01.2001)
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 01/00281 A2
`
`(51) International Patent Classification7:
`
`A63B
`
`(21) International Application Number: PCT/US00/18080
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`29 June 2000 (29.06.2000)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`601141,484
`09/398,157
`
`29 June 1999 (29.06.1999) US
`16 September 1999 (16.09.1999) US
`
`(81) Designated States (national!: AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ,
`DE, DK, DM, DZ, EE, ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR,
`HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR,
`LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ,
`NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SO, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM,
`TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian
`patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European
`patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE,
`IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG,
`Cl, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`(71) Applicant: TRAKUS, INC. [US/US]; Suite 112, 35 Med(cid:173)
`ford Street, Somerville, MA 02143 (US).
`
`Published:
`Without international search report and to be republished
`upon receipt of that report.
`
`(72) Inventors: WAD ELL, Brian, C.; 73 Mount Vernon Street,
`Reading, MA 01867 (US). SPITZ, Eric; Apartment 24,
`269 Harvard Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 (US). KATZ,
`David, J.; 2602 Village Road West, Norwood, MA 02062
`(US).
`
`(74) Agent: GTANNETTA, Michael, J.; Testa, Hurwitz &
`Thibeault, LLP, High Street Tower, 125 High Street,
`Boston, MA 02110 (US).
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid(cid:173)
`ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the begin(cid:173)
`ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`--
`iiiiiiiiiii -
`
`iiiiiiiiiii
`
`~
`oo----------------------------------------------------------------
`M (54) Title: PERFORMANCE MONITORING SYSTEM
`
`= = -.. (57) Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to a performance measurement system comprising a first player-
`~ mounted device and a first field-positioned device. The first player-mounted device includes sensors adapted for automatically col-
`lecting sensor information from the first player, and a player transceiver adapted to wirelessly transmit and receive information. The
`0 first field-positioned device is adapted to be located in a first stationary position and includes, a field transceiver adapted to receive at
`> least one of the first player sensor data and the performance parameters, and to transmit at least one of the performance parameters
`~ and messages to the first player-mounted device. In other embodiments, the system includes display devices and a central processor.
`
`UA-1003.001
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`PERFORMANCE MONITORING SYSTEM
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`The invention relates generally to the field of performance monitoring. More
`
`specifically, the invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring player
`
`5
`
`performance in sporting events and recreational activities.
`
`Reference to Related Applications
`
`This application claims priority to provisional U.S. patent application 60/141,484,
`
`filed on June 29, 1999. This application is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent
`
`application 09/027,430, filed on February 20, 1998, which itself claims priority to
`
`10
`
`provisional U.S. patent application number 60/039,182, filed on February 27, 1997. This
`
`application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application 09/398,157, filed on
`
`September 16, 1999, which itself claims priority to provisional U.S. patent application
`
`number 60/100,716, filed on September 17, 1998. The entire disclosure of each of the
`
`above referenced applications is hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`15
`
`Background of the Invention
`
`Devices such as timers are used to measure player performance in various
`
`sporting events. For example, runners use timers to measure their performance against
`
`previous performances, targeted or expected performance, and against other runners.
`
`Small digital timers are available which include the functionality of a stopwatch, as well
`
`20
`
`as more advanced functions. Some of these advanced functions included measuring split
`
`times as well as elapsed time, displaying the time of day, providing a basic calculator,
`
`and providing alarm functions. Generally, these digital timers are embodied in a
`
`wristwatch worn by the player. To time an event, the player typically depresses
`
`protruding buttons on the watch. For example, to start the timer, the player depresses one
`
`UA-1003.002
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`button. To stop the timer or record a split, the player depresses the same or another
`
`button. The user typically physically depresses buttons on the watch for the timer to
`
`function. This can lead to inaccurate time reporting since the player may depress a button
`
`too early or too late. Also, although the timers optionally show split times, the data is of
`
`5
`
`limited usefulness. For example, no data relating to other players is available for display.
`
`Furthermore, typically, the functions of the digital timer are performed locally, and there
`
`is no remote access to the timer.
`
`Advances in digital electronics have made it possible to design small advanced
`
`circuits, such as data storage cameras, phones, MP3 players, and computers that are
`
`1 o
`
`embedded in digital wrist watches. Data storage circuits have been used, for example to
`
`store names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Other technological advances have
`
`provided wrist-worn heart rate monitors and global positioning system (GPS) receivers.
`
`GPS receivers track and display a player's position. However, that data is typically only
`
`available locally to the player. Also, conventional GPS tracking systems fail to track
`
`15
`
`performance data automatically. Limited range two-way radios are available that can be
`
`worn on a player's arm. Recently, wireless telephones have been introduced that are also
`
`small enough to be worn by a player. These devices also fail to monitor player
`
`performance parameters.
`
`Other advances include passive devices that identify runners or marathoners as
`
`20
`
`they pass over active mats located throughout the course. Some of these devices are
`
`typically worn on the shoe and are detected by the mat as long as the device passes over
`
`the mat. This range is typically about one meter. One such device, also referred to as a
`
`tag, is used to time marathoners at different locations along a marathon route. A central
`
`computer individually identifies each tag. That identification is cross-referenced to the
`
`25
`
`individual marathoner. Although useful by supporters to track the marathoner's position,
`
`this device fails to offer the individual marathoner any feedback regarding his
`
`performance, position in the race, or pulse rate, for example. Accordingly an object of the
`
`invention is to provide an improved player performance monitoring system that addresses
`
`deficiencies in conventional systems.
`
`UA-1003.003
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`Summary ofthe Invention
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`Briefly, the invention is directed to a performance measuring system. In one
`
`embodiment the system of the invention includes player-mounted devices and a plurality
`
`of field-positioned devices that feed a central processor and data access or display
`
`5
`
`devices. According to a further embodiment, the performance measuring system
`
`monitors the performance of virtually any participant in any type of sporting or
`
`recreational activity. Illustratively, according to a preferred embodiment, the system may
`
`be used to monitor the performance of people, animals or even vehicles (generally
`
`referred to as "players" or "track objects"). By way of example, monitored activities may
`
`10
`
`include, running, skiing, swimming, baseball, hiking, sailing, rowing, basketball, hockey,
`
`ice skating, roller skating, skateboarding, soccer, football, tennis, boxing, martial arts,
`
`motor sports, horse racing, dog racing, track and field events, racquetball, squash,
`
`badminton, volleyball, tug-of-war, weight lifting, bodybuilding, paddleball, handball, and
`
`the like. In another example, the system is used to monitor a child's activity or position.
`
`15 Alternatively, the system is used to monitor a child's heart rate or other vital signs.
`
`The player-mounted device contains circuitry that uniquely identifies the instance
`
`of the player-mounted device and storage for the user's identification. Circuitry provides
`
`for keeping track of time, measuring, storing and processing parameters, and circuitry to
`
`transmit and receive data between the device and the outside world. According to one
`
`20
`
`embodiment, the player-mounted device includes sensors, a transceiver, an antenna, a
`
`processor, and a display.
`
`A player-mounted device may be mounted in a variety of manners. By way of
`
`example, it can be mounted to a player's torso, head, neck, arm or leg. It may also be
`
`mounted to player apparel, such as a shirt, pants, glove, helmet, saddle, shoe, or the like.
`
`25
`
`It may also be mounted to equipment, such as a goal, stick, racket, bat, ski, ski board, surf
`
`board, ice skate, roller skate, skateboard, puck, ball, or the like. It may also be mounted
`
`to a vehicle, such as a bicycle, motorcycle, car, airplane, boat, personal watercraft,
`
`snowmobile, or the like.
`
`- 3-
`
`UA-1003.004
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`The sensors can be, for example, pulse rate sensors, blood pressure monitors,
`
`glucose monitors and accelerometers. Thus, each player-mounted device can monitor a
`
`variety of performance parameters ofthe player to which it is mounted. Parameters may
`
`include for example, heart rate, blood pressure, glucose level, speed, direction,
`
`5
`
`acceleration, rotation, force of impact, elapsed time, split time, hang time in the air,
`
`ranking in a competition, position on a course, and the like. The data acquisition sensors
`
`collect some of the raw data needed to measure performance parameters. The player(cid:173)
`
`mounted device collects other raw data by interacting with the field-positioned devices to
`
`track the time that it takes to travel between various field-positioned devices. In some
`
`I o
`
`embodiments, the player processor processes the raw data to determine the performance
`
`parameters for the player. In other embodiments, the field-positioned devices perform
`
`the processing of the raw data. As a player comes within communication range of a
`
`field-positioned device, the player transceiver wirelessly transmits either the raw data, the
`
`performance parameters, or some combination of each to the field-positioned device by
`
`15 way of the player antenna. According to one feature, the field-positioned device
`
`transmits the processed performance data back to one or more of the player-mounted
`
`devices. According to one aspect, the player display displays selected performance
`
`parameters of the player to which the device is mounted. According to another aspect,
`
`the player display displays selected performance parameters of other players. The
`
`20
`
`displayed parameters may either be received from the field-positioned devices or derived
`
`internally. According to another feature, the player-mounted device may include a
`
`control/data input mechanism, such as a miniature keypad or one or more pushbuttons.
`
`Optionally, the player can enter initial conditions, change the information displayed,
`
`and/or request additional performance parameters from the field-positioned devices.
`
`25
`
`Each player-mounted device can be programmed with a unique identification code, which
`
`can be transmitted to the field-positioned devices, so that the field-positioned devices can
`
`correlate each player-mounted device with a particular player and also identify from
`
`which player-mounted device it is receiving data.
`
`Player-mounted device preferences and settings are programmed wirelessly
`
`30
`
`through the data interface. Parameters such as race category (e.g., Masters) are stored in
`
`the watch. Also, the users' preferences for the watch alarms, time of day, messaging, etc.
`
`-4-
`
`UA-1003.005
`
`
`
`WO Ol/00281
`
`PCT !US00/18080
`
`are programmed remotely through this interface. In another embodiment, the users'
`
`preferences are programmed locally in the player-mounted device. In yet another
`
`embodiment, the programming is done via an optional interface port on the player(cid:173)
`
`mounted device.
`
`5
`
`The field-positioned devices are located proximate to the area of the activity being
`
`monitored. These devices are used as fixed position references, to receive data from the
`
`player-mounted devices, and to send data including setup information, time of day,
`
`messages, and race rank to the player-mounted devices. The field-positioned devices also
`
`collect data from the central processor reflecting activity at other field-positioned devices
`
`10
`
`and messages that need to be sent. By way of example, the field-positioned devices may
`
`be located, for example, along the perimeter of a playing field, course, track, court, pool,
`
`arena, or the like. As skilled artisans will appreciate, the number of field-positioned
`
`devices depends at least in part on the size of the area ofthe activity.
`
`Typically, the field-positioned device will transmit the time and other information
`
`15
`
`to the player-mounted device which will then calculate its split and position in the race.
`
`The field-positioned devices operate autonomously and are typically administered
`
`remotely and therefore do not require a user interface (keyboard, mouse, and display).
`
`According to a further embodiment, the field-positioned devices include a processor,
`
`transceiver, antenna, display, keyboard/mouse, and memory. The transceiver enables the
`
`20
`
`field-positioned device to wirelessly communicate with the player-mounted devices.
`
`Optionally, the field-positioned devices also wirelessly communicate with the central
`
`processor to synchronize timing signals and share player performance information.
`
`Communication from the field-positioned device to the central processor can occur with
`
`any of a variety of standard techniques used to communicate data among computers:
`
`25
`
`Ethernet, IEEE 802.11 WLAN, fiber optics, IRDA, parallel and serial data, etc.
`
`According to a further feature, the field-positioned devices may also include a
`
`global positioning satellite system (GPS) receiver to establish a common timing signal
`
`between the field-positioned devices. The GPS receiver may also be used to establish the
`
`precise position of the field-positioned devices.
`
`- 5-
`
`UA-1003.006
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`According to another feature, the field-positioned devices include a wired or
`
`wireless communication link to the Internet so that the performance measurement system
`
`of the invention can post performance information, for either interested or paying parties,
`
`at a Web site. With such an Internet connection, the field-positioned devices can also
`
`5
`
`relay communications received from the Internet to one or more of the player-mounted
`
`devices. Typically, administrator functions are accomplished remotely via the network
`
`connection from a central location.
`
`In one preferred embodiment, a display is available for displaying performance
`
`information to event spectators, such as coaches, athletes, scouts, officials, or anyone
`
`10
`
`observing the event, in substantially real-time. According to another feature, the field(cid:173)
`
`positioned devices may include a user keyboard and display to enable fans to interact
`
`with the system and data or for a system administrator to configure and monitor the
`
`operation of each field-positioned device.
`
`In some embodiments, the player positioning system includes a central processor,
`
`15
`
`which may be used to configure the performance monitoring system, monitor its health,
`
`interface with data access and display devices, and to perform some or all of the
`
`processing of the data from the player-mounted devices. In one embodiment, the central
`
`processor assigns unique identification codes to each of the player-mounted devices.
`
`According to another embodiment, the player-mounted devices supply the central
`
`20
`
`processor with their unique identification codes. Either way, the unique identification
`
`codes may be used to avoid communication collisions when the field-positioned devices
`
`communicate with the player-mounted devices.
`
`According to a further feature, the field-positioned devices are in direct wireless
`
`communication with the central processor. Thus, the central processor can provide the
`
`25
`
`field-positioned devices with unique identification codes of the player-mounted devices.
`
`Alternatively, the field-positioned devices can assign or collect the player-mounted
`
`device unique identification codes, and provide those codes to the central processor.
`
`According to another feature, the field-positioned devices use the wireless connection
`
`with the central processor to pass the raw data to the central processor. The central
`
`- 6-
`
`UA-1003.007
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`processor processes the raw data and passes processed performance parameters back to
`
`the field-positioned devices. In some embodiments, the functionality of the central
`
`processor is incorporated into one or more of the field-positioned devices.
`
`According to another embodiment, the performance monitoring system of the
`
`5
`
`invention includes an Internet Web server computer, and the central processor includes
`
`an Internet connection for communicating with the Web server computer. Such
`
`communications may include providing performance parameters to the Web server
`
`computer and/or relaying messages between Internet users and the players by way of the
`
`field-positioned devices. By connecting to the Web server, interested or paying parties
`
`1 o
`
`can gain access, download and print the performance parameters. The Web server
`
`computer can also make the performance parameters available to the players at the end of
`
`the monitored activity. According to another feature, the Web server enables players to
`
`register for particular activities by way of an Internet connection.
`
`During setup the central processor or devices connected to it are used to transfer
`
`15
`
`athlete preferences and race-specific setup information into the player-mounted device.
`
`According to one preferred embodiment, the data collected by the system from the
`
`players can be accessed by a variety of client devices for entertainment, training, or
`
`informational purposes. Such devices connect to the central processor to obtain data and
`
`present the data, for example, in the form of an Internet Web page, a television graphic,
`
`20
`
`an interactive television feed to the home, a video game, or the like. These clients can
`
`also send data back to the central processor for forwarding to the player in the area of the
`
`activity. For example, a user at home might locate a friend running a marathon from a
`
`Web browser and then send an encouraging message to his/her player-mounted device.
`
`As skilled artisans will appreciate, the invention also provides associated methods
`
`25
`
`for the performing functions of the above briefly described performance monitoring
`
`system. Other features of the invention are discussed below in relation to the illustrative
`
`drawings.
`
`- 7-
`
`UA-1003.008
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT !US00/18080
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`Figure 1 is a conceptual block diagram depicting exemplary components of an
`
`illustrative performance monitoring system according to the invention;
`
`Figure 2A is a conceptual diagram of one illustrative application of the
`
`5
`
`performance monitoring system of Figure 1;
`
`Figure 2B is a conceptual diagram of another illustrative application of the
`
`performance monitoring system of Figure 1;
`
`Figure 2C is a conceptual diagram of another illustrative application of the
`
`performance monitoring system ofFigure 1;
`
`10
`
`Figure 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative player-mounted device of the type
`
`employed in the performance monitoring system of Figure 1;
`
`Figure 4A depicts an illustrative physical embodiment of the player-mounted
`
`device of Figure 3;
`
`Figure 4B depicts an illustrative display portion of the player-mounted device of
`
`15
`
`Figure 3;
`
`Figure 4C depicts another illustrative display portion of the player-mounted
`
`device of Figure 3;
`
`Figure 5 is a block diagram of an illustrative field-positioned device of the type
`
`employed in the performance monitoring system of Figure 1; and
`
`20
`
`Figure 6 is a block diagram of an illustrative central processor of the type
`
`optionally employed in the performance monitoring system of Figure 1.
`
`Description of the Illustrative Embodiment
`
`Figure 1 depicts a simplified block diagram of a performance measurement
`
`system 1 00 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The illustrative
`
`- 8 -
`
`UA-1003.009
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`performance measurement system 100 includes a player-mounted device 102, and a field(cid:173)
`
`positioned device 104. In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a central
`
`processor 106. The central processor 106, in an alternate embodiment, is integrated
`
`within the field-positioned device 104. Alternatively, the central processor 106 is further
`
`5
`
`coupled to a network 105. The network 105 may be connected to various network
`
`devices including, a Web server 107, a Web client 109, a video game client 111, a
`
`wireless client 113, and a TV client 115. As described briefly above, the performance
`
`measurement system 1 00 can monitor the performance of people, animals or even
`
`vehicles (generally referred to as "players" or "track objects") in virtually any type of
`
`10
`
`sporting or recreational activity.
`
`In operation, the player-mounted device 102 mounts in any number ofways to a
`
`player, and collects raw data related to the player's performance and position. In the
`
`preferred embodiment, the player-mounted device 1 02 processes the raw collected data
`
`prior to transmission. This processing may include, for example, formatting the data for
`
`15
`
`transmission, error-checking, or compressing the data. The field-positioned devices 104
`
`are located proximate to and around or along the course of the sporting or recreational
`
`activity. In the preferred embodiment, the player-mounted device 102 receives time of
`
`day messages from field-positioned devices 104 and uses these to calculate splits and
`
`position in the race. The player-mounted device 102 receives setup and control messages
`
`20
`
`by the same means. In the preferred embodiment the player-mounted device 102
`
`additionally processes and packages identification code, sensor measurements, and other
`
`data and transmits it to a proximate field-positioned device 104. In another embodiment,
`
`the field-positioned device 104 acquires data including timing and position data related to
`
`a player or players.
`
`25
`
`In another illustrative operation, the player-mounted device 102 transmits raw
`
`data to the nearest field-positioned device 104. In alternative operation, the field(cid:173)
`
`positioned device 1 04 processes the raw data to determine performance parameters and
`
`then transmits the performance parameters to the player-mounted device 1 02, or
`
`alternatively, to another field-positioned device 104. In another embodiment, the player-
`
`30 mounted device 102 preprocesses raw data before transmission. The preprocessing can
`
`- 9-
`
`UA-1003.010
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`include, for example, data error correction, data formatting, data compression and the
`
`like. For example, the field-positioned device can hold advanced receiver, signal
`
`processing capabilities, and the more power hungry circuitry required to multilaterate the
`
`player-mounted device 102.
`
`5
`
`In response to receiving performance parameters, the field-positioned device can
`
`display select performance parameters for spectator viewing. The field-positioned device
`
`104 can also transmit the performance parameters to the optional central processor 106.
`
`The central processor 106 optionally displays the performance parameters. Alternatively,
`
`the central processor 106 routes the data to the network 105. In illustrative embodiments,
`
`1 o
`
`the network 1 05 is an Ethernet in a local area network or a wide area network. Optional
`
`network devices may be coupled to the network 105.
`
`In response to receiving raw or preprocessed data, the field-positioned device 1 04
`
`processes the data into performance parameters for storage, display, or analysis.
`
`Alternatively, the field-positioned device 104 displays selected parameters for spectator
`
`15
`
`viewing and transmits at least some of the performance parameters back to one or more
`
`of the player-mounted devices 102. Alternatively, the field-positioned device 104
`
`transmits the raw or preprocessed data to the central processor 106, which processes the
`
`data to determine the various performance parameters. The central processor 1 06
`
`transmits the performance to one or more of the field-positioned devices 104 and/or one
`
`20
`
`or more of the player-mounted devices 102.
`
`In the illustrative embodiment, player-mounted device 102 passes a first field(cid:173)
`
`positioned device 104. The field-positioned device 104 updates or refreshes the internal
`
`clock of player-mounted device 102. Additionally, the first field-positioned device 104
`
`records the time the player-mounted device 1 02 reached it. The first field-positioned
`
`25
`
`device 104 transmits that recorded time to the central processor 106. In one embodiment,
`
`the central processor knows the location of the first field-positioned device 104. In
`
`another embodiment, the first field-positioned device transmits location data to the
`
`central processor 106. The player-mounted device 102 then passes a second field(cid:173)
`
`positioned device 104. The second field-positioned device 104 updates or refreshes the
`
`- 10-
`
`UA-1003.011
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`internal clock of player-mounted device 102. Additionally, the second field-positioned
`
`device 104 records the time the player-mounted device 102 reached it. The second field(cid:173)
`
`positioned device 1 04 transmits that recorded time to the central processor 1 06. In one
`
`embodiment, the central processor 106 knows the location of the second field-positioned
`
`5
`
`device 104. In another embodiment, the second field-positioned device 104 transmits
`
`location data to the central processor 106. The central processor 106 then calculates the
`
`time elapsed between the player reaching the first field-positioned device 104 and the
`
`player reaching the second field-positioned device 104. The central processor 106
`
`transmits the calculated data to the second field-positioned device 104. The second field-
`
`1 o
`
`positioned device 104 transmits the calculated data to the player-mounted device 102.
`
`In further operation, and as discussed in more detail below, the central processor
`
`106 also provides the performance parameters to the network 105. The network 105 is
`
`optionally coupled to network devices. The network devices include, for example, a Web
`
`server 107. Another network device includes a Web client 109. A Web client 109
`
`15
`
`includes a computer with an Internet navigation program. Still another network device
`
`includes a video game client Ill. The video game client Ill may include, for example, a
`
`computer-based client, a video game console, a portable video game, or a handheld video
`
`game. Yet another network device includes a wireless client 113. The wireless client
`
`113 may include, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless telephone, a
`
`20
`
`pager, or a two-way pager. Another network device includes a TV client 115. The TV
`
`client 115 includes, for example, enhanced TV, Web TV, or interactive TV.
`
`Additionally, a television broadcast company, such as a television network, could
`
`optionally download and broadcast performance data. Further clients may include, for
`
`example, a scoreboard indicator, a scoreboard graphical display, a printer, or the like.
`
`25
`
`Operation of the system 100 is discussed in further detail below.
`
`Figure 2A illustrates a conceptual diagram of the performance monitoring system
`
`200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system 200 includes at
`
`least one player-mounted device 202. In one embodiment, the player-mounted device
`
`202 is worn on the wrist of the player 216. In another embodiment, a device 202'
`
`30
`
`comprising a transceiver is worn on the shoe or foot of the player 216. The player-
`
`- 11 -
`
`UA-1003.012
`
`
`
`wo 01100281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`mounted device 202 comprises the transceiver circuitry as well as a visual display for
`
`viewing data. In an alternate embodiment, the player-mounted device 202 includes audio
`
`circuitry for generating sound. An audio transducer (beeper), earphones or a built-in
`
`speaker relay the sound data to the user. The sound data may be in the form of tones,
`
`5
`
`spoken language or music, for example.
`
`Figure 2A-2C also depicts various media 201 in which the event or activity is
`
`taking place. In alternative embodiments, the media 201, for example, is a field, a road, a
`
`track, a body of water, a ski slope, a desert, a forest, a wilderness, a beach, or the like.
`
`The performance monitoring system 200 further includes field-positioned devices 206
`
`10
`
`placed at various locations around or along the medium 201. In another embodiment, the
`
`field-positioned devices 206 are known as tower transceivers (TTs). The field-positioned
`
`devices 206 include transceiver circuitry as well as a processor and memory for data
`
`storage, manipulation and forwarding. In another embodiment, the field-positioned
`
`devices 206 include a display 212 adapted for viewing by the player 216. The display
`
`15
`
`212, in one embodiment, is a large screen display as is commonly used for scoring at
`
`events. In another embodiment, supporters can send messages to the player via the
`
`network 105 (e.g., from the Internet). The player 216 views the messages, along with her
`
`performance data, as she passes the display 212 or on the player-mounted device 202.
`
`In one embodiment, the field-positioned devices 206 are located at regular
`
`20
`
`intervals along the medium 201. In another embodiment, the field-positioned devices
`
`206 are located at uneven intervals along the medium 201. In yet another embodiment,
`
`the field-positioned device 206 includes a sensor strip 204 located on the medium 201.
`
`The players 216 pass over the sensor strip 204 during the event. When the players 216
`
`with a player-mounted device 202 come within range of a field-positioned device 206,
`
`25
`
`data is transmitted between the player-mounted device 202 and the field-positioned
`
`device 206. In another embodiment, the field-positioned device 206 includes an antenna
`
`208 for transmitting and receiving data. In yet another embodiment, the field-positioned
`
`device 206 is a fixed transceiver 214. The tower transceiver 214 is substantially a
`
`permanent fixture including a transceiver, an antenna 208, and a connection to the
`
`30
`
`network 105 ofFigure 1.
`
`- 12-
`
`UA-1003.013
`
`
`
`wo 01/00281
`
`PCT /US00/18080
`
`The signal transmitted by the player-mounted device 202 to the field-positioned
`
`device 206 includes a unique identifier of the player-mounted device 202, identification
`
`of the player 216 and his race category, splits, and measured parameters such as x,y,z
`
`location, heart rate, blood pressure, ambient temperature, arm speed, or bat speed, for
`
`5
`
`example. The data transmitted by the field-positioned device 206 to the player-mounted
`
`device 202 includes time of day, elapsed time, runners that have passed already, interval
`
`or split time, pace, distance traveled, distance left in event, calories burned, distance to
`
`next refreshment, and position in race, for example.
`
`In another embodiment, the field-positioned device 206 is mounte



