Top cyclists road test Australian-first technology at MCG
Top cyclists road test Australian-first technology at MCG |
| Media release - 13 December 2005 |
| Some of Victoria's best cyclists today demonstrated world-first information and communication technology developed right here in Victoria, that is set to revolutionise the cycling world. Speaking at the launch of the Bracks Government's ICT Industry Policy, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said the radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking system for cycling is a great example of how the Victorian ICT Industry is as good as, if not better than, anywhere in the world. "Victorian ICT companies' iCrystal and Victorian Machine Vision teamed with the Box Hill Institute to develop a simple and affordable world class product that is on the road to being a world beater," Ms Thomson said "This technology is adaptable, easy to use, cost-effective and puts technology that was previously only available to elite athletes in the hands of amateur and club cyclists." iCrystal Director and head of the RFID Association of Australia, Mike Clarke, said that the Radio Frequency Identification in Sports Events - Cycling (RISE-C) is a cutting-edge radio tracking solution that will benefit race officials, coaches and cyclists in everyday racing. "The RFID tags are inexpensive and not prone to loss or breakage. They can be attached to race numbers on cyclists' backs and there is scope to combine the technology with smart RFID Licence Cards that can be scanned for cyclist details when officials record entries. "RISE-C can provide real-time tracking of cyclists throughout a race and can publish live information to a computer for display to officials, to a screen for spectators, team managers, coaches and for printing results locally and even to the internet," Mr Clarke said. Photo finishes and placings lap by lap will be captured by a high speed camera triggered by the RFID readers. "Active tags are heavy and expensive. This solution costs only a few dollars and is attached to the race number making it suitable for road racing and track racing," Ms Thomson said "Similarly, while active tag detection needs to be on the roadway requiring fixed and cumbersome infrastructure, RISE-C is from overhead making readers cheaper and more adaptable to different types of events. RISE-C is even usable on a vehicle roof rack making it suitable to follow road races to track and transmit their progress." Ms Thomson said the technology was a great example of what could be achieved in the collaborative climate that the Victorian Government is cultivating within the ICT industry. |
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