A Low-Cost Tracking System for Running Race Applications Based on Bluetooth Low Energy Technology

Area of Science:

• Wireless communication systems
• Sports technology
• Internet of Things (IoT) applications

Background:

• Traditional race timing relies on radio-frequency identification (RFID), which has limitations in infrastructure complexity and data transmission capabilities.
• Existing RFID systems require extensive reader setups and cannot transmit dynamic information like vital signs.
• There is a need for a more flexible, efficient, and data-rich timing system for athletic competitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel real-time runner monitoring system using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
• To leverage BLE's non-connectable and modified scannable undirected advertisement processes, including Bluetooth 5 capabilities.
• To enable real-time position tracking and potentially transmit additional dynamic data from participants.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of two BLE schemes: non-connectable undirected advertisement and a modified scannable undirected advertisement process.
• System architecture design for real-time position monitoring using mobile phones and BLE sensors.
• Derivation of runner mobility patterns and capacity requirements from real data from the Barcelona Marathon.
• Performance evaluation through simulations and experimental test-bed validation.

Main Results:

• Both BLE schemes demonstrated reliable performance, achieving 100% participant detection even with a 50% error ratio.
• The proposed scheme utilizing Bluetooth 5 capabilities proved superior across various coverage areas and runner speeds.
• The system exceeded real-world requirements, handling peaks of 20 sensors/second at speeds up to 6.25 m/s.
• Experimental results showed detection of 72 sensors within 600 ms, fulfilling application demands.

Conclusions:

• The developed BLE system offers a robust and efficient alternative to RFID for race timing and participant monitoring.
• The Bluetooth 5-based scheme is the optimal implementation choice due to its performance and versatility.
• Low sensor power consumption (9.5 µA) ensures extended battery life (>10,000 hours), addressing a key design consideration.