Electrical device and system for human-powered vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device for a human-powered vehicle system, the electronic device comprising a controller. The controller is configured to selectively function as both a master controller and a servant controller based on reference information associated with the system. The master controller is configured to transmit a first control signal to different servant controllers of different electronic devices within the system. The different servant controllers are configured to operate in response to the first control signal. The servant controllers are configured to operate in response to a second control signal transmitted from the different master controllers of the different electronic devices within the system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device and system for a human-powered vehicle. [Previous Technology]

[0002] The human-powered vehicle includes an electrical unit configured as a component within a control system. For example, the electrical unit may function as a master unit or a servant unit. If the electrical unit functions as a master unit, it controls the servant electrical units. If the electrical unit functions as a servant unit, it is controlled by the master electrical unit. To improve the flexibility of systems including the electrical unit, preferably, the electrical unit can be adapted to different systems and can work collaboratively with different master or servant electrical units in different systems. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electronic device for a system of a human-powered vehicle includes a controller. The controller is configured to selectively act as both a master controller and a slave controller based on reference information associated with the system. The master controller is configured to transmit a first control signal to different slave controllers of different electronic devices in the system. The different slave controllers are configured to operate in response to the first control signal. The slave controllers are configured to operate in response to a second control signal transmitted from different master controllers of different electronic devices in the system.

[0004] Using the electronic device according to the first state, the controller can be applied to each of a system including different sub-controllers and a system including different master controllers based on reference information. Therefore, the electronic device can be applied to different systems.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the electronic device according to the first aspect is configured such that the reference information includes at least one of the system hardware configuration, the state of the system hardware configuration, and an input transmitted from an external device.

[0006] Using the electronic device according to the second state, the controller can be reliably applied to different systems based on the reference information.

[0007] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device according to the first or second embodiment is configured such that if the reference information indicates that the system includes the different master controller, then the controller is configured as the slave controller. If the reference information indicates that the system does not include the different master controller, then the controller is configured as the master controller.

[0008] Using the electronic device according to the third state, the controller can be reliably applied to different systems based on the reference information.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the electronic device according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the controller is configured to detect whether the system includes the different main controller based on the reference information.

[0010] Using the electronic device according to the fourth state, the controller can be reliably applied to different systems based on the reference information.

[0011] According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device according to any of the first to fourth embodiments is configured such that if the reference information indicates that a user selects the servant controller, the user does not select the master controller, and the user selects at least one of the different master controllers, then the controller is configured as the servant controller. If the reference information indicates that the user selects the master controller, the user does not select the servant controller, and the user selects at least one of the different servant controllers, then the controller is configured as the master controller.

[0012] Using the electronic device according to the fifth state, the controller can be reliably applied to different systems based on the reference information.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the electronic device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the controller is configured to communicate with at least one of the different sub-controllers and the different master controllers via a wireless communication channel.

[0014] By using the electronic device according to the sixth state, the cable connecting the controller to at least one of the different servant controllers and the different master controllers can be omitted from the system.

[0015] According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments is configured such that the controller is configured to communicate with at least one of the different sub-controllers and the different master controllers via a wired communication channel.

[0016] Using the electronic device according to the seventh state, communication between the controller and at least one of the different servant controllers and the different master controllers can be performed without interference.

[0017] According to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device according to the sixth or seventh embodiment is configured such that the controller includes a user interface configured to receive user input. The controller has a pairing mode, wherein the controller performs pairing between the controller and one of the different sub-controllers and the different master controllers. The controller is configured to enter the pairing mode in response to the user input received by the user interface.

[0018] Using the electronic device according to the eighth state, the pairing mode can be executed according to the user's intention.

[0019] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the electronic device according to the eighth aspect is configured such that if the controller detects a master signal sent from the different master controller in the pairing mode, the controller is configured as the servant controller.

[0020] Using the electronic device according to the ninth state, the controller can be operated as the servant controller according to the master controller.

[0021] According to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments is configured such that if the controller is the master controller, the controller is configured to send the first control signal to the different slave controller in response to an operation signal sent from the operating device.

[0022] Using the electronic device according to the tenth state, the different sub-controllers can be operated in conjunction with the controller.

[0023] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the electronic device according to the tenth aspect is configured such that if the controller is the servant controller, the controller is configured to operate in response to the second control signal transmitted from the different master controller, without transmitting the first control signal to the different servant controller.

[0024] Using the electronic device according to the eleventh state, the controller can be operated in conjunction with the different main controllers.

[0025] According to a twelfth state of the present invention, the electronic device according to any one of the first to eleventh states is configured such that the controller is configured to represent the different main controller as the main controller if the reference information indicates that the different main controller is in an abnormal state.

[0026] According to the twelfth state, if the different master controllers cannot function properly due to abnormal conditions, the operation of the controller and other different servant controllers can be maintained.

[0027] According to a thirteenth state of the present invention, the electronic device according to the twelfth state is configured such that the abnormal state includes at least one of the different main controller failure and the different main controller not responding.

[0028] Using the thirteenth state, the controller can detect the abnormal state of the different main controller based on at least one of the fault and no response of the different main controller.

[0029] According to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device according to the thirteenth embodiment is configured such that the controller is configured to detect communication signals transmitted from the different master controllers. The controller is configured to infer that the different master controllers are not in an abnormal state if the controller detects the communication signal within a state determination time. The controller is configured to infer that the different master controllers are in an abnormal state if the controller does not detect the communication signal within a state determination time.

[0030] Using the electronic device according to the fourteenth state, the communication signal can be used to reliably determine whether the different controllers are in an abnormal state.

[0031] According to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments is configured such that if the controller is the master controller, the controller is configured to send the first control signal to the different slave controllers to control the additional actuators of the different electronic devices.

[0032] Using the electronic device according to the fifteenth state, the additional actuator of the different electronic device can be operated via the controller and the different sub-controllers.

[0033] According to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention, the electronic device according to any one of the first to fifteenth embodiments further includes an actuator configured to generate actuation force. If the controller is the slave controller, the controller is configured to control the actuator in response to the second control signal sent from the different master controller.

[0034] Using the electronic device according to the sixteenth state, the actuator can be operated via the controller based on the second control signal sent from the different master controller.

[0035] According to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention, the electronic device according to the fifteenth or sixteenth embodiment further includes a base member and a movable member movable relative to the base member. The actuator is configured to move the movable member relative to the base member in response to the second control signal.

[0036] Using the electronic device according to the seventeenth state, the movable component can be moved by the actuator and the controller.

[0037] According to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, a system for a human-powered vehicle includes any one of the first to seventeenth embodiments, and the electronic device including at least one of the different servant controllers and the main electronic device including the different master controllers.

[0038] By using the electronic device according to the eighteenth state, the electronic device including the controller can be applied to a system including at least one of the slave electronic device and the master electronic device. Therefore, the electronic device can be applied to different systems.

[0039] According to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device according to the eighteenth embodiment is configured such that at least one of the secondary electronic device and the primary electronic device includes an additional base member, an additional movable member movable relative to the additional base member, and an additional actuator configured to move the additional movable member relative to the additional base member.

[0040] Using the electronic device according to the nineteenth state, the additional movable member can be moved by at least one of the additional actuator and the different servant controller and the different master controller.

Implementation Method

[0042] Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein in the various figures, the same reference numerals denote corresponding or identical elements.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a system 10. The system 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes an electronic device 12. The system 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes an electronic device 14. The system 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes an electronic device 16. The system 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 further includes an operating device 18. The system 10 includes an external device ED, examples of which include a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a bicycle computer.

[0044] In this invention, a human-powered vehicle is a powered vehicle, the power of which includes at least the human power of the user (i.e., the rider) riding in the human-powered vehicle. Human-powered vehicles include various types of bicycles such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand-cranked bikes, and recumbent bikes. Furthermore, the human-powered vehicle includes an electric bicycle (E-bike). Electric bicycles include electric-assisted bicycles, which are configured to use an electric motor to assist in the propulsion of the vehicle. However, there is no limitation on the total number of wheels in the human-powered vehicle. For example, a human-powered vehicle includes a vehicle with one wheel or three or more wheels. In particular, human-powered vehicles do not include vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine as power. Generally, light road vehicles, including vehicles that do not require a public road driving license, are assumed to be human-powered vehicles.

[0045] The human-powered vehicle 2 further includes a frame 2A, a seat 2B, a handlebar 2C, a transmission system DT, wheels W1 and W2, a braking device BK1, and a braking device BK2. An operating device 18 is configured to be fixed to the handlebar 2C. The operating device 18 is configured to be connected to the braking device BK1 via a mechanical cable or a hydraulic hose. The operating device 18 is configured to be connected to the braking device BK2 via a mechanical cable or a hydraulic hose.

[0046] The transmission system DT includes a crank CR, a front sprocket assembly FS, a rear sprocket assembly RS, and a chain C. The front sprocket assembly FS is fixed to the crank CR. The rear sprocket assembly RS is rotatably fixed to the vehicle body 2A. The chain C engages with the front sprocket assembly FS and the rear sprocket assembly RS. The front sprocket assembly FS includes a plurality of front sprockets FS1 and FS2. The rear sprocket assembly RS includes a plurality of rear sprockets RS1 to RS12. However, the total number of front sprockets is not limited to two (2). The total number of rear sprockets is not limited to twelve (12).

[0047] The electronic device 12 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 2A. The electronic device 12 is configured to displace the chain C relative to a plurality of rear sprockets RS1 to RS12 of the rear sprocket assembly RS, thereby changing the gear position of the manually driven vehicle 2. The electronic device 12 includes a gearbox RD configured to displace the chain C relative to a plurality of rear sprockets RS1 to RS12 of the rear sprocket assembly RS, thereby changing the gear position of the manually driven vehicle 2.

[0048] The electronic device 14 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 2A. The electronic device 14 is configured to displace the chain C relative to a plurality of front chainrings FS1 to FS2 of the front chainring assembly FS to change the gear position of the manually driven vehicle 2. The electronic device 14 includes a transmission FD configured to displace the chain C relative to a plurality of front chainrings FS1 to FS2 of the front chainring assembly FS to change the gear position of the manually driven vehicle 2. The electronic device 14 may be omitted from the system 10 if needed and / or required. In this specific embodiment, the front chainring assembly FS includes only a single front chainring.

[0049] The electronic device 16 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 2A. The electronic device 16 is configured to change the height of the seat cushion 2B relative to the vehicle body 2A. The electronic device 16 includes an adjustable seat rod AS configured to change the height of the seat cushion 2B relative to the vehicle body 2A.

[0050] Each of the electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 is configured to be operated using the operating device 18. In a first embodiment, each of the electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 is configured to be electrically connected to the operating device 18 via a wireless communication channel. However, at least one of the electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 may be configured to be electrically connected to the operating device 18 via a cable constituting a wired communication channel. Furthermore, at least one of the electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 may operate automatically in an automatic transmission mode. Therefore, in the case where the manually driven vehicle 2 only has an automatic transmission mode, the brake unit configured to operate the electronic devices 12 and 14 can be omitted from the operating device 18, and the seat lever operating unit configured to operate the electronic device 16 can be omitted from the operating device 18. In addition, if the electronic device 14 has been omitted from the system 10, the brake unit of the electronic device 14 can be omitted from the operating device 18.

[0051] In this application, the following directional terms "forward," "backward," "forward," "backward," "left," "right," "lateral," "upward," and "downward," as well as any other similar directional terms, all refer to the direction determined by a user (e.g., a rider) sitting in the human-powered vehicle 2 in the user's standard position (e.g., on the saddle 2B or seat), facing the handlebars 2C. Therefore, these terms used to describe the electronics 12, 14, and 16 or other components should be interpreted as the human-powered vehicle 2 equipped with the electronics 12, 14, and 16 in a normal riding position on a horizontal surface.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the operating device 18 is configured to receive a user operation input U. The operating device 18 is configured to generate an operation signal SG in response to the user operation input U. The user operation input U includes a first user operation input U1, a second user operation input U2, and a third user operation input U3. The operation signal SG includes a first operation signal SG1, a second operation signal SG2, and a third operation signal SG3. The operating device 18 is configured to receive the first user operation input U1, the second user operation input U2, and the third user operation input U3. The operating device 18 is configured to generate a first operation signal SG1 in response to the first user operation input U1. The operating device 18 is configured to output a second operation signal SG2 in response to the second user operation input U2. The operating device 18 is configured to output a third operation signal SG3 in response to the third user operation input U3.

[0053] In this specific embodiment, the operating device 18 includes a first operating device 20, a second operating device 22, and a third operating device 24. The first operating device 20, the second operating device 22, and the third operating device 24 are separate devices. Each of the first operating device 20, the second operating device 22, and the third operating device 24 is configured to be fixed to the handlebar 2C (see, for example, FIG1). The first operating device 20 is configured to receive a first user operation input U1. The first operating device 20 is configured to output the first operation signal SG1 in response to the first user operation input U1. The second operating device 22 is configured to receive a second user operation input U2. The second operating device 22 is configured to output the second operation signal SG2 in response to the second user operation input U2. The third operating device 24 is configured to receive a third user operation input U3. The third operating device 24 is configured to output the third operation signal SG3 in response to the third user operation input U3.

[0054] The operating device 18 includes a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, and a third switch SW3. The first switch SW1 is configured to receive the first user operation input U1. The second switch SW2 is configured to receive the second user operation input U2. The third switch SW3 is configured to receive the third user operation input U3. In this specific embodiment, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 include a push-button switch. However, at least one of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 may include other switches. The operating device 18 may include structures other than switches.

[0055] In this specific embodiment, each of the first user operation input U1 and the first operation signal SG1 indicates that the transmission RD of the electronic device 12 is upshifted. Each of the second user operation input U2 and the second operation signal SG2 indicates that the transmission RD of the electronic device 12 is downshifted. A substantially similar input of the first user operation input U2 and the second user operation input U2 indicates that the transmission FD of the electronic device 14 is upshifted or downshifted. Each of the third user operation input U3 and the third operation signal SG3 indicates the change in the state of the adjustable seat lever AS of the electronic device 16 from a locked state to an adjustable state. However, if needed and / or required, the first user operation input U1, the second user operation input U2, the third user operation input U3, the first operation signal SG1, the second operation signal SG2, and the third operation signal SG3 can indicate other actions.

[0056] As shown in FIG2, the electronic device 12 of the system 10 for the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a controller 12A. The controller 12A is configured to selectively function as both a master controller and a servant controller based on reference information associated with the system 10. This reference information will be described later. If the controller 12A functions as the master controller, then the electronic device 12 functions as the master electronic device. If the controller 12A functions as the servant controller, then the electronic device 12 functions as the servant electronic device.

[0057] The electronic device 12 further includes a base member 34 and a movable member 36. The electronic device 12 further includes an actuator 38. The base member 34 is configured to be fixed to the body 2A of the manually driven vehicle 2 (see, for example, FIG. 1). The movable member 36 is movable relative to the base member 34. The actuator 38 is configured to generate an actuating force. The actuator 38 is configured to apply the actuating force to the movable member 36 to move the movable member 36 relative to the base member 34. The controller 12A is configured to control the actuator 38 to move the movable member 36 relative to the base member 34. In this specific embodiment, the actuator 38 includes a motor configured to generate an actuating force. However, if desired and / or required, the actuator 38 may include other components, such as a hydraulic unit.

[0058] The base member 34 may also be referred to as an additional base member 34. The movable member 36 may also be referred to as an additional movable member 36. The actuator 38 may also be referred to as an additional actuator 38. Thus, the additional movable member 36 can move relative to the additional base member 34. The additional actuator 38 is configured to move the additional movable member 36 relative to the additional base member 34.

[0059] In this specific embodiment, the movable member 36 may contact the chain C (see, for example, FIG1) to displace the chain C relative to the rear sprocket assembly RS (see, for example, FIG1). However, the movable member 36 may include other members.

[0060] Electronic device 12 includes a power source 12E. Power source 12E is configured to supply power to controller 12A and actuator 38. Power source 12E is configured to be electrically connected to controller 12A and actuator 38. Examples of power source 12E include a battery and a capacitor. Power source 12E is fixed to at least one of base member 34, movable member 36, and actuator 38. However, power source 12E may be fixed to other devices. If required and / or necessary, a common power source may be electrically connected to electronic device 12 via a wired communication structure.

[0061] The controller 12A includes a position detector 12G and an actuator driver 12H. The actuator 38 is electrically connected to the position detector 12G and the actuator driver 12H. The position detector 12G is configured to sense the current gear position of the electronics 12 (e.g., the current position of the movable member 36). Examples of position detectors 12G include a potentiometer and a rotary encoder. The position detector 12G is configured to sense the absolute rotational position of the output portion of the actuator 38 as the current gear position of the electronics 12. The actuator driver 12H is configured to control the actuator 38 according to a control signal and the current gear position sensed by the position detector 12G.

[0062] The electronic device 14 of the system 10 for the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a controller 14A. The controller 14A is configured to selectively function as both a master controller and a slave controller based on reference information associated with the system 10. If the controller 14A functions as the master controller, then the electronic device 14 functions as the master electronic device. If the controller 14A functions as the slave controller, then the electronic device 14 functions as the slave electronic device.

[0063] The electronic device 14 further includes a base member 44 and a movable member 46. The electronic device 14 further includes an actuator 48. The base member 44 is configured to be fixed to the body 2A of the manually driven vehicle 2 (see, for example, FIG. 1). The movable member 46 is movable relative to the base member 44. The actuator 48 is configured to generate an actuating force. The actuator 48 is configured to apply the actuating force to the movable member 46 to move the movable member 46 relative to the base member 44. The controller 14A is configured to control the actuator 48 to move the movable member 46 relative to the base member 44. In this specific embodiment, the actuator 48 includes a motor configured to generate an actuating force. However, if desired and / or required, the actuator 48 may include other components, such as a hydraulic unit.

[0064] The base member 44 may also be referred to as an additional base member 44. The movable member 46 may also be referred to as an additional movable member 46. The actuator 48 may also be referred to as an additional actuator 48. Thus, the additional movable member 46 can move relative to the additional base member 44. The additional actuator 48 is configured to move the additional movable member 46 relative to the additional base member 44.

[0065] In this specific embodiment, the movable member 46 may contact the chain C to displace the chain C relative to the front sprocket assembly FS (see, for example, FIG. 1). However, the movable member 46 may include other members.

[0066] Electronic device 14 includes a power source 14E. Power source 14E is configured to supply power to controller 14A and actuator 48. Power source 14E is configured to be electrically connected to controller 14A and actuator 48. Examples of power source 14E include a battery and a capacitor. Power source 14E is fixed to at least one of base member 44, movable member 46, and actuator 48. However, power source 14E may be fixed to other devices. If needed and / or required, a common power source may be electrically connected to electronic device 14 via a wired communication structure.

[0067] The controller 14A includes a position detector 14G and an actuator driver 14H. The actuator 48 is electrically connected to the position detector 14G and the actuator driver 14H. The position detector 14G is configured to sense the current gear position of the electronics 12 (e.g., the current position of the movable member 46). Examples of position detectors 14G include a potentiometer and a rotary encoder. The position detector 14G is configured to sense the absolute rotational position of the output portion of the actuator 48 as the current gear position of the electronics 14. The actuator driver 14H is configured to control the actuator 48 according to a control signal and the current gear position sensed by the position detector 14G.

[0068] The electronic device 16 of the system 10 for the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a controller 16A. The controller 16A is configured to selectively function as both a master controller and a slave controller based on reference information associated with the system 10. If the controller 16A functions as the master controller, then the electronic device 16 functions as the master electronic device. If the controller 16A functions as the slave controller, then the electronic device 16 functions as the slave electronic device.

[0069] The electronic device 16 further includes a base member 54 and a movable member 56. The electronic device 16 further includes an actuator 58. The base member 54 is configured to be fixed to the body 2A of the manually driven vehicle 2. The movable member 56 is movable relative to the base member 54. The actuator 58 is configured to generate an actuating force. The actuator 58 is configured to apply the actuating force to the movable member 56 to move the movable member 56 relative to the base member 54. The controller 16A is configured to control the actuator 58 to move the movable member 56 relative to the base member 54. In this embodiment, the actuator 58 includes a motor configured to generate an actuating force. However, if desired and / or required, the actuator 58 may include other components, such as a hydraulic device.

[0070] The base member 54 may also be referred to as an additional base member 54. The movable member 56 may also be referred to as an additional movable member 56. The actuator 58 may also be referred to as an additional actuator 58. Thus, the additional movable member 56 can move relative to the additional base member 54. The additional actuator 58 is configured to move the additional movable member 56 relative to the additional base member 54.

[0071] In this specific embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the electronic device 16 includes a first longitudinal member 59A and a second longitudinal member 59B. The second longitudinal member 59B is movably coupled to the first longitudinal member 59A to change the position of the seat cushion 2B. The electronic device 16 includes a hydraulic valve unit configured to change the state of the electronic device 16 between a locked state and an adjustable state. In the locked state, relative movement between the first longitudinal member 59A and the second longitudinal member 59B is restricted. In the adjustable state, relative movement between the first longitudinal member 59A and the second longitudinal member 59B is permitted. For example, the movable member 56 includes a valve configured to change the state of the electronic device 16 between the locked state and the adjustable state. However, the movable member 56 may include other members.

[0072] Electronic device 16 includes a power source 16E. Power source 16E is configured to supply power to controller 16A and actuator 58. Power source 16E is configured to be electrically connected to controller 16A and actuator 58. Examples of power source 16E include a battery and a capacitor. Power source 16E is fixed to at least one of base member 54, movable member 56, and actuator 58. However, power source 16E may be fixed to other devices. If needed and / or required, a common power source may be electrically connected to electronic device 16 via a wired communication structure.

[0073] The controller 16A includes a position detector 16G and an actuator driver 16H. The actuator 58 is electrically connected to the position detector 16G and the actuator driver 16H. The position detector 16G is configured to sense the current gear position of the electronics 12 (e.g., the current position of the movable member 56). Examples of position detectors 16G include a potentiometer and a rotary encoder. The position detector 16G is configured to sense the absolute rotational position of the output portion of the actuator 58 as the current gear position of the electronics 16. The actuator driver 16H is configured to control the actuator 58 according to a control signal and the current gear position sensed by the position detector 16G.

[0074] The controller 12A includes a processor 12P, a memory 12M, a circuit board 12B, and a system bus 12D. The processor 12P and the memory 12M are both electrically fixed to the circuit board 12B. The processor 12P includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. The memory 12M is electrically connected to the processor 12P. The memory 12M includes a read-only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The memory 12M includes storage areas, each having one address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 12P is configured to control the memory 12M to store data in and read data from the storage areas of the memory 12M. The memory 12M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program, at least one program, which is read into the processor 12P, thereby executing an algorithm of the controller 12A based on the at least one program. For example, controller 12A is configured as a master controller and as a servant controller based on at least one program. Controller 12A may also be referred to as a controller circuit or circuit 12A.

[0075] Controller 14A includes a processor 14P, a memory 14M, a circuit board 14B, and a system bus 14D. Both processor 14P and memory 14M are electrically fixed to circuit board 14B. Processor 14P includes a CPU and a memory controller. Memory 14M is electrically connected to processor 14P. Memory 14M includes a ROM and a RAM. Memory 14M includes storage areas, each having one address in the ROM and RAM. Processor 14P is configured to control memory 14M to store data in and read data from the storage areas of memory 14M. Memory 14M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program, at least one program, which is read into processor 14P, thereby executing an algorithm of controller 14A based on the at least one program. For example, controller 14A is configured to act as a master controller and as a slave controller based on the at least one program. The controller 14A may also be referred to as a controller circuit or circuit 14A.

[0076] Controller 16A includes a processor 16P, a memory 16M, a circuit board 16B, and a system bus 16D. The processor 16P and the memory 16M are electrically fixed to the circuit board 16B. The processor 16P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory 16M is electrically connected to the processor 16P. The memory 16M includes a ROM and a RAM. The memory 16M includes storage areas, each having one address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 16P is configured to control the memory 16M to store data in and read data from the storage areas of the memory 16M. The memory 16M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program, at least one program, which is read into the processor 16P, thereby executing an algorithm of controller 16A based on the at least one program. For example, controller 16A is configured to act as a master controller and as a slave controller based on the at least one program. The controller 16A can also be referred to as a controller circuit or circuit 16A.

[0077] The first operating device 20 includes a first controller 20A. The first controller 20A includes a processor 20P, a memory 20M, a circuit board 20B, and a system bus 20D. The processor 20P and the memory 20M are electrically fixed to the circuit board 20B. The processor 20P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory 20M is electrically connected to the processor 20P. The memory 20M includes a ROM and a RAM. The memory 20M includes storage areas, each having one address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 20P is configured to control the memory 20M to store data in the storage areas of the memory 20M and to read data from the storage areas of the memory 20M. The memory 20M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program, at least one program, which is read into the processor 20P, thereby executing an algorithm of the first controller 20A based on the at least one program. For example, the first controller 20A is configured to act as a slave controller based on the at least one program. The first controller 20A may also be referred to as a first controller circuit or circuit 20A. The first controller 20A may also be referred to as a controller 20A.

[0078] The first operating device 20 includes a power supply 20E. The power supply 20E is configured to supply power to the first controller 20A. The power supply 20E is configured to be electrically connected to the first controller 20A. Examples of the power supply 20E include a battery and a capacitor. However, the power supply 20E may be fixed to other devices. If needed and / or required, a common power supply may be electrically connected to the first operating device 20 via a wired communication structure.

[0079] The second operating device 22 includes a second controller 22A. The second controller 22A includes a processor 22P, a memory 22M, a circuit board 22B, and a system bus 22D. The processor 22P and the memory 22M are electrically fixed to the circuit board 22B. The processor 22P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory 22M is electrically connected to the processor 22P. The memory 22M includes a ROM and a RAM. The memory 22M includes storage areas, each having one address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 22P is configured to control the memory 22M to store data in the storage areas of the memory 22M and to read data from the storage areas of the memory 22M. The memory 22M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program, at least one program, which is read into the processor 22P, thereby executing an algorithm of the second controller 22A based on the at least one program. For example, the second controller 22A is configured to act as a slave controller based on the at least one program. The second controller 22A may also be referred to as a second controller circuit or circuit 22A. The second controller 22A may also be referred to as a controller 22A.

[0080] The second operating device 22 includes a power supply 22E. The power supply 22E is configured to supply power to the second controller 22A. The power supply 22E is configured to be electrically connected to the second controller 22A. Examples of the power supply 22E include a battery and a capacitor. However, the power supply 22E may be fixed to other devices. If needed and / or required, a common power supply may be electrically connected to the second operating device 22 via a wired communication structure.

[0081] The third operating device 24 includes a third controller 24A. The third controller 24A includes a processor 24P, a memory 24M, a circuit board 24B, and a system bus 24D. The processor 24P and the memory 24M are electrically fixed to the circuit board 24B. The processor 24P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory 24M is electrically connected to the processor 24P. The memory 24M includes a ROM and a RAM. The memory 24M includes storage areas, each having one address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 24P is configured to control the memory 24M to store data in the storage areas of the memory 24M and to read data from the storage areas of the memory 24M. The memory 24M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program, at least one program, which is read into the processor 24P, thereby executing an algorithm of the third controller 24A based on the at least one program. For example, the third controller 24A is configured to act as a slave controller based on the at least one program. The third controller 24A can also be referred to as a third controller circuit or circuit 24A. The third controller 24A can also be referred to as a controller 24A.

[0082] The third operating device 24 includes a power supply 24E. The power supply 24E is configured to supply power to the third controller 24A. The power supply 24E is configured to be electrically connected to the third controller 24A. Examples of the power supply 24E include a battery and a capacitor. However, the power supply 24E may be fixed to other devices. If needed and / or required, a common power supply may be electrically connected to the third operating device 24 via a wired communication structure.

[0083] Controller 12A includes a communicator 12C. Controller 14A includes a communicator 14C. Controller 16A includes a communicator 16C. First controller 20A includes a first communicator 20C. Second controller 22A includes a second communicator 22C. Third controller 24A includes a third communicator 24C.

[0084] Communicator 12C is configured to communicate with at least one of communicator 14C, communicator 16C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C. In this specific embodiment, communicator 12C is configured to communicate with each of communicator 14C, communicator 16C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C. However, if needed and / or required, communicator 12C may be configured to communicate with at least one of communicator 14C, communicator 16C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C.

[0085] Communicator 14C is configured to communicate with at least one of communicator 12C, communicator 16C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C. In this specific embodiment, communicator 14C is configured to communicate with each of communicator 12C, communicator 16C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C. However, if needed and / or required, communicator 14C may be configured to communicate with at least one of communicator 12C, communicator 16C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C.

[0086] Communicator 16C is configured to communicate with at least one of communicator 12C, communicator 14C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C. In this specific embodiment, communicator 16C is configured to communicate with each of communicator 12C, communicator 14C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C. However, if needed and / or required, communicator 16C may be configured to communicate with at least one of communicator 12C, communicator 14C, first communicator 20C, second communicator 22C, and third communicator 24C.

[0087] The first communicator 20C is configured to communicate with at least one of the communicators 12C, 14C, and 16C. In this specific embodiment, the first communicator 20C is configured to communicate with each of the communicators 12C, 14C, and 16C. However, if needed and / or required, the communicator 20A may be configured to communicate with at least one of the communicators 12C, 14C, 16C, the second communicator 22C, and the third communicator 24C.

[0088] The second communicator 22C is configured to communicate with at least one of the communicators 12C, 14C, and 16C. In this specific embodiment, the second communicator 22C is configured to communicate with each of the communicators 12C, 14C, and 16C. However, if needed and / or required, the communicator 20A may be configured to communicate with at least one of the communicators 12C, 14C, 16C, the first communicator 20C, and the third communicator 24C.

[0089] The third communicator 24C is configured to communicate with at least one of the communicators 12C, 14C, and 16C. In this specific embodiment, the third communicator 24C is configured to communicate with each of the communicators 12C, 14C, and 16C. However, if needed and / or required, the communicator 20A may be configured to communicate with at least one of the communicators 12C, 14C, 16C, the first communicator 20C, and the second communicator 22C.

[0090] In this specific embodiment, communicator 12C includes a wireless communicator 12W. Communicator 14C includes a wireless communicator 14W. Communicator 16C includes a wireless communicator 16W. First communicator 20C includes a first wireless communicator 20W. Second communicator 22C includes a second wireless communicator 22W. Third communicator 24C includes a third wireless communicator 24W.

[0091] Wireless communicator 12W is configured to communicate with at least one of wireless communicator 14W, wireless communicator 16W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel. Wireless communicator 12W is configured to communicate with each of wireless communicator 14W, wireless communicator 16W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel. However, if needed and / or required, wireless communicator 12W may be configured to communicate with at least one of wireless communicator 14W, wireless communicator 16W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel.

[0092] Wireless communicator 14W is configured to communicate with at least one of wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 16W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel. Wireless communicator 14W is configured to communicate with each of wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 16W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel. However, if needed and / or required, wireless communicator 14W may be configured to communicate with at least one of wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 16W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel.

[0093] Wireless communicator 16W is configured to communicate with at least one of wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 14W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel. Wireless communicator 16W is configured to communicate with each of wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 14W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel. However, if needed and / or required, wireless communicator 16W may be configured to communicate with at least one of wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 14W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel.

[0094] The first wireless communicator 20W is configured to communicate with at least one of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, and 16W via a wireless communication channel. The first wireless communicator 20W is configured to communicate with each of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, and 16W via a wireless communication channel. However, if needed and / or required, the first wireless communicator 20W may be configured to communicate with at least one of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, 16W, the second wireless communicator 22W, and the third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel.

[0095] The second wireless communicator 22W is configured to communicate with at least one of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, and 16W via a wireless communication channel. The second wireless communicator 22W is configured to communicate with each of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, and 16W via a wireless communication channel. However, if needed and / or required, the second wireless communicator 22W may be configured to communicate with at least one of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, 16W, the first wireless communicator 20W, and the third wireless communicator 24W via a wireless communication channel.

[0096] The third wireless communicator 24W is configured to communicate with at least one of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, and 16W via a wireless communication channel. The third wireless communicator 24W is configured to communicate with each of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, and 16W via a wireless communication channel. However, if needed and / or required, the third wireless communicator 24W may be configured to communicate with at least one of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, 16W, the first wireless communicator 20W, and the second wireless communicator 22W via a wireless communication channel.

[0097] The wireless communicator 12W is electrically fixed to the circuit board 12B. The wireless communicator 12W is electrically connected to the processor 12P and the memory 12M via the circuit board 12B and the system bus 12D. The wireless communicator 12W includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the wireless communicator 12W can also be referred to as a wireless communicator circuit or circuit 12C.

[0098] The wireless communicator 12W is configured to use a predetermined wireless communication protocol to superimpose digital signals onto a carrier wave and then transmit the signals wirelessly. In a first embodiment, the wireless communicator 12W is configured to use an encryption key to encrypt the signal to generate the encrypted wireless signal.

[0099] The wireless communicator 12W is configured to receive wireless signals via the antenna. In a first embodiment, the wireless communicator 12W is configured to decode the wireless signals to identify signals transmitted from other wireless communicators, such as wireless communicators 14W, 16W, 20W, 22W, and 24W. The wireless communicator 12W is configured to decrypt the wireless signals using the encryption key.

[0100] The wireless communicator 14W is electrically fixed to the circuit board 14B. The wireless communicator 14W is electrically connected to the processor 14P and memory 14M via the circuit board 14B and system bus 14D. The wireless communicator 14W includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the wireless communicator 14W can also be referred to as a wireless communicator circuit or circuit 14C.

[0101] The wireless communicator 14W is configured to use a predetermined wireless communication protocol to superimpose digital signals onto a carrier wave and then transmit the signals wirelessly. In a first embodiment, the wireless communicator 14W is configured to use an encryption key to encrypt the signal to generate an encrypted wireless signal.

[0102] The wireless communicator 14W is configured to receive wireless signals via the antenna. In a first embodiment, the wireless communicator 14W is configured to decode the wireless signals to identify signals transmitted from other wireless communicators, such as wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 16W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W. The wireless communicator 14W is configured to decrypt the wireless signals using the encryption key.

[0103] The wireless communicator 16W is electrically fixed to the circuit board 16B. The wireless communicator 16W is electrically connected to the processor 16P and memory 16M via the circuit board 16B and system bus 16D. The wireless communicator 16W includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the wireless communicator 16W can also be referred to as a wireless communicator circuit or circuit 16C.

[0104] The wireless communicator 16W is configured to superimpose digital signals onto a carrier wave using a predetermined wireless communication protocol, and then transmit the signals wirelessly. In a first embodiment, the wireless communicator 16W is configured to use an encryption key to encrypt the signal to generate an encrypted wireless signal.

[0105] The wireless communicator 16W is configured to receive wireless signals via the antenna. In a first embodiment, the wireless communicator 16W is configured to decode the wireless signals to identify signals transmitted from other wireless communicators, such as wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 14W, first wireless communicator 20W, second wireless communicator 22W, and third wireless communicator 24W. The wireless communicator 16W is configured to decrypt the wireless signals using the encryption key.

[0106] The first wireless communicator 20W is electrically fixed to the circuit board 20B. The first wireless communicator 20W is electrically connected to the processor 20P and the memory 20M via the circuit board 20B and the system bus 20D. The first wireless communicator 20W includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the first wireless communicator 20W can also be referred to as a wireless communicator circuit or circuit 20C.

[0107] The first wireless communicator 20W is configured to use a predetermined wireless communication protocol to superimpose digital signals onto a carrier wave and then transmit the signals wirelessly. In a first embodiment, the first wireless communicator 20W is configured to use an encryption key to encrypt the signal to generate the encrypted wireless signal.

[0108] The first wireless communicator 20W is configured to receive wireless signals via the antenna. In a first embodiment, the first wireless communicator 20W is configured to decode the wireless signals to identify signals transmitted from other wireless communicators, such as wireless communicators 12W, 14W, 16W, 22W, and 24W. The first wireless communicator 20W is configured to decrypt the wireless signals using the encryption key.

[0109] The second wireless communicator 22W is electrically fixed to the circuit board 22B. The second wireless communicator 22W is electrically connected to the processor 22P and memory 22M via the circuit board 22B and system bus 22D. The second wireless communicator 22W includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the second wireless communicator 22W can also be referred to as a wireless communicator circuit or circuit 22C.

[0110] The second wireless communicator 22W is configured to superimpose digital signals onto a carrier wave using a predetermined wireless communication protocol, and then transmit the signals wirelessly. In a second embodiment, the second wireless communicator 22W is configured to use an encryption key to encrypt the signal to generate an encrypted wireless signal.

[0111] The second wireless communicator 22W is configured to receive wireless signals via the antenna. In a second embodiment, the second wireless communicator 22W is configured to decode the wireless signals to identify signals transmitted from other wireless communicators, such as wireless communicators 12W, 14W, 16W, the first wireless communicator 20W, and the third wireless communicator 24W. The second wireless communicator 22W is configured to decrypt the wireless signals using the encryption key.

[0112] The third wireless communicator 24W is electrically fixed to the circuit board 24B. The third wireless communicator 24W is electrically connected to the processor 24P and memory 24M via the circuit board 24B and system bus 24D. The third wireless communicator 24W includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the third wireless communicator 24W can also be referred to as a wireless communicator circuit or circuit 24C.

[0113] The third wireless communicator 24W is configured to use a predetermined wireless communication protocol to superimpose digital signals onto a carrier wave and then transmit the signals wirelessly. In a third embodiment, the third wireless communicator 24W is configured to use an encryption key to encrypt the signal to generate the encrypted wireless signal.

[0114] The third wireless communicator 24W is configured to receive wireless signals via the antenna. In a third embodiment, the third wireless communicator 24W is configured to decode the wireless signals to identify signals transmitted from other wireless communicators, such as wireless communicator 12W, wireless communicator 14W, wireless communicator 16W, first wireless communicator 20W, and second wireless communicator 22W. The third wireless communicator 24W is configured to decrypt the wireless signals using the encryption key.

[0115] The controller 12A includes a user interface 12U configured to receive a user input U12. The user interface 12U includes a switch SW12 configured to receive the user input U12. The switch SW12 includes a push-button switch. However, if needed and / or required, the switch may include other types of switches. The user interface 12U may include structures other than switches.

[0116] The controller 12A has a pairing mode, wherein the controller 12A performs pairing between the controller 12A and one of the different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 14A and / or 16A. The controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS12 in the pairing mode, the pairing signal PS12 including information identifying the electronic device 12.

[0117] For example, the pairing signal PS12 includes an advertising signal PS12A, a scan request signal PS12B, and a scan response signal PS12C. Controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS12A to notify the different master controllers of the presence of electronic device 12. The advertising signal PS12A of controller 12A includes identification information, such as the media access control (MAC) address of electronic device 12. Controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan request signal PS12B to request the different slave electronic device to send a scan response signal. The scan request signal PS12B of controller 12A includes identification information such as the MAC address of the master electronic device 12, and / or identification information such as the MAC address of the different slave electronic device. Controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS12C in response to a scan request signal sent from the different master controllers. The scan response signal PS12C of controller 12A includes additional identification information of electronic device 12. The pairing signal PS12 of controller 12A is not limited to the above signal.

[0118] The controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit a master signal MS12 in pairing mode. The master signal MS12 includes identification information, such as the MAC address of the master electronic device 12. The master signal MS12 includes additional information indicating that the electronic device 12 is used as the master electronic device.

[0119] Controller 12A is configured to enter the pairing mode in response to the user input U12 received by the user interface 12U. Controller 12A is configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U12 from the switch SW12. In this specific embodiment, for example, controller 12A is configured to enter the pairing state by pressing and holding switch SW12. However, the user interface 12U can be used for other actions of the electronic device 12.

[0120] The controller 14A includes a user interface 14U configured to receive a user input U14. The user interface 14U includes a switch SW14 configured to receive the user input U14. The switch SW14 includes a push-button switch. However, if needed and / or required, the switch may include other types of switches. The user interface 14U may include structures other than switches.

[0121] The controller 14A has a pairing mode, wherein the controller 14A performs pairing between the controller 14A and one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 16A. The controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS14 in the pairing mode. The pairing signal PS14 includes information identifying the electronic device 14.

[0122] For example, the pairing signal PS14 includes an advertising signal PS14A, a scan request signal PS14B, and a scan response signal PS14C. Controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS14A to notify the different master controllers of the presence of electronic device 14. The advertising signal PS14A of controller 14A includes identification information, such as the MAC address of electronic device 14. Controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan request signal PS14B to request the different slave electronic device to send a scan response signal. The scan request signal PS14B of controller 14A includes identification information such as the MAC address of the master electronic device 14, and / or identification information such as the MAC address of the different slave electronic device. Controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS14C in response to a scan request signal sent from the different master controllers. The scan response signal PS14C of controller 14A includes additional identification information of electronic device 14. The pairing signal PS14 of controller 14A is not limited to the above signals.

[0123] Controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit a master signal MS14 in pairing mode. The master signal MS14 includes identification information, such as the MAC address of the master electronic device 14. The master signal MS14 includes additional information indicating that the electronic device 14 is used as the master electronic device.

[0124] The controller 14A is configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U14 from the user interface 14U. The controller 14A is also configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U14 from the switch SW14. In this specific embodiment, for example, the controller 14A is configured to enter the pairing state by pressing and holding the switch SW14. However, the user interface 14U can be used for other actions of the electronic device 14.

[0125] The controller 16A includes a user interface 16U configured to receive a user input U16. The user interface 16U includes a switch SW16 configured to receive the user input U16. The switch SW16 includes a push-button switch. However, if needed and / or required, the switch may include other types of switches. The user interface 16U may include structures other than switches.

[0126] The controller 16A has a pairing mode, wherein the controller 16A performs pairing between the controller 16A and one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 14A. The controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS16 in the pairing mode, the pairing signal PS16 including information identifying the electronic device 16.

[0127] For example, the pairing signal PS16 includes an advertising signal PS16A, a scan request signal PS16B, and a scan response signal PS16C. The controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS16A to notify the different master controllers of the presence of electronic device 16. The advertising signal PS16A of the controller 16A includes identification information, such as the MAC address of electronic device 16. The controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan request signal PS16B to request the different slave electronic device to send a scan response signal. The scan request signal PS16B of the controller 16A includes identification information such as the MAC address of the master electronic device 16, and / or identification information such as the MAC address of the different slave electronic device. The controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS16C in response to a scan request signal sent from the different master controllers. The scan response signal PS16C of the controller 16A includes additional identification information of electronic device 16. The pairing signal PS16 of the controller 16A is not limited to the above signals.

[0128] Controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit a master signal MS16 in pairing mode. The master signal MS16 includes identification information, such as the MAC address of the master electronic device 16. The master signal MS16 includes additional information indicating that the electronic device 16 is used as the master electronic device.

[0129] The controller 16A is configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U16 from the user interface 16U. The controller 16A is also configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U16 from the switch SW16. In this specific embodiment, for example, the controller 16A is configured to enter the pairing state by pressing and holding the switch SW16. However, the user interface 16U can be used for other actions of the electronic device 16.

[0130] The first controller 20A includes a user interface 20U configured to receive a user input U20. The user interface 20U includes a switch SW20 configured to receive the user input U20. The switch SW20 includes a push-button switch. However, if needed and / or required, the switch may include other types of switches. The user interface 20U may include structures other than switches.

[0131] The first controller 20A has a pairing mode, wherein the first controller 20A performs pairing between the first controller 20A and another controller. The first controller 20A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS20 in the pairing mode, the pairing signal PS20 including information identifying the first operating device 20.

[0132] For example, the pairing signal PS20 includes an advertising signal PS20A and a scan response signal PS20C. The controller 20A is configured to wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS20A to notify the other controller of the presence of the first operating device 20. The advertising signal PS20A of the controller 20A includes identification information, such as the MAC address of the first operating device 20. The controller 20A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS20C in response to a scan request signal, such as scan request signals PS12B, PS14B, or PS16B, sent from another controller, such as controller 12A, 14A, or 16A. The scan response signal PS20C of the controller 20A includes additional identification information of the first operating device 20. The pairing signal PS20 of the controller 20A is not limited to the above signals.

[0133] Controller 20A is configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving user input U20 from user interface 20U. First controller 20A is configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving user input U20 from switch SW20. In this specific embodiment, for example, first controller 20A is configured to enter the pairing state by pressing and holding switch SW20. However, user interface 20U can be used for other actions of first operating device 20.

[0134] The second controller 22A includes a user interface 22U configured to receive a user input U22. The user interface 22U includes a switch SW22 configured to receive the user input U22. The switch SW22 includes a push-button switch. However, if needed and / or required, the switch may include other types of switches. The user interface 22U may include structures other than switches.

[0135] The second controller 22A has a pairing mode, wherein the second controller 22A performs pairing between the second controller 22A and another controller. The second controller 22A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS22 in the pairing mode, the pairing signal PS22 including information identifying the second operating device 22.

[0136] For example, the pairing signal PS22 includes an advertising signal PS22A and a scan response signal PS22C. Controller 22A is configured to wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS22A to notify the other controller of the presence of the second operating device 22. The advertising signal PS22A of controller 22A includes identification information, such as the MAC address of the second operating device 22. Controller 22A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS22C in response to a scan request signal, such as scan request signal PS12B, PS14B, or PS16B, sent from another controller, such as controller 12A, 14A, or 16A. The scan response signal PS22C of controller 22A includes additional identification information of the second operating device 22. The pairing signal PS22 of controller 22A is not limited to the above signals.

[0137] The second controller 22A is configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U22 from the user interface 22U. The second controller 22A is also configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U22 from the switch SW22. In this specific embodiment, for example, the second controller 22A is configured to enter the pairing state by pressing and holding the switch SW22. However, the user interface 22U can be used for other actions of the second operating device 22.

[0138] The third controller 24A includes a user interface 24U configured to receive a user input U24. The user interface 24U includes a switch SW24 configured to receive the user input U24. The switch SW24 includes a push-button switch. However, if needed and / or required, the switch may include other types of switches. The user interface 24U may include structures other than switches.

[0139] The third controller 24A has a pairing mode, wherein the third controller 24A performs pairing between the third controller 24A and another controller. The third controller 24A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS24 in the pairing mode, the pairing signal PS24 including information identifying the third operating device 24.

[0140] For example, the pairing signal PS24 includes an advertising signal PS24A and a scan response signal PS24C. Controller 24A is configured to wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS24A to notify the other controller of the presence of a third operating device 24. The advertising signal PS24A of controller 24A includes identification information, such as the MAC address of the third operating device 24. Controller 24A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS24C in response to a scan request signal, such as scan request signals PS12B, PS14B, or PS16B, sent from another controller, such as controller 12A, 14A, or 16A. The scan response signal PS24C of controller 24A includes additional identification information of the third operating device 24. The pairing signal PS24 of controller 24A is not limited to the signals described above.

[0141] The third controller 24A is configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U24 from the user interface 24U. The third controller 24A is also configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input U24 from the switch SW24. In this specific embodiment, for example, the third controller 24A is configured to enter the pairing state by pressing and holding the switch SW24. However, the user interface 24U can be used for other actions of the third operating device 24.

[0142] Electronic device 12 includes a notification unit 12F. Notification unit 12F is configured to notify the user of relevant information about electronic device 12. For example, notification unit 12F may notify the user of at least one of the following: the status of electronic device 12, the communication status of communicator 12C, the pairing mode status of controller 12A, and the remaining power of power supply 12E. Notification unit 12F includes a light emitter configured to emit light according to the relevant information about electronic device 12. Examples of light emitters include light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Notification unit 12F is electrically connected to controller 12A and power supply 12E. Notification unit 12F is electrically fixed to circuit board 12B of controller 12A. Controller 12A is configured to control notification unit 12F to notify the user of relevant information about electronic device 12.

[0143] Electronic device 14 includes a notification unit 14F. Notification unit 14F is configured to notify the user of relevant information about electronic device 14. For example, notification unit 14F may notify the user of at least one of the following: the status of electronic device 14, the communication status of communicator 14C, the pairing mode status of controller 14A, and the remaining power of power supply 14E. Notification unit 14F includes a light emitter configured to emit light according to the relevant information about electronic device 14. An example of a light emitter includes an LED. Notification unit 14F is electrically connected to controller 14A and power supply 14E. Notification unit 14F is electrically fixed to circuit board 14B of controller 14A. Controller 14A is configured to control notification unit 14F to notify the user of relevant information about electronic device 14.

[0144] Electronic device 16 includes a notification unit 16F. Notification unit 16F is configured to notify the user of relevant information about electronic device 16. For example, notification unit 16F may notify the user of at least one of the following: the status of electronic device 16, the communication status of communicator 16C, the pairing mode status of controller 16A, and the remaining power of power supply 16E. Notification unit 16F includes a light emitter configured to emit light according to the relevant information about electronic device 16. An example of a light emitter includes an LED. Notification unit 16F is electrically connected to controller 16A and power supply 16E. Notification unit 16F is electrically fixed to circuit board 16B of controller 16A. Controller 16A is configured to control notification unit 16F to notify the user of relevant information about electronic device 16.

[0145] The first operating device 20 includes a notification unit 20F. The notification unit 20F is configured to notify the user of relevant information about the first operating device 20. For example, the notification unit 20F is used to notify the user of at least one of the status of the first operating device 20, the communication status of the communicator 20C, the pairing mode status of the first controller 20A, and the remaining power of the power supply 20E. The notification unit 20F includes a light emitter configured to emit light according to the relevant information about the first operating device 20. An example of a light emitter includes an LED. The notification unit 20F is electrically connected to the first controller 20A and the power supply 20E. The notification unit 20F is electrically fixed to the circuit board 20B of the first controller 20A. The first controller 20A is configured to control the notification unit 20F to notify the user of relevant information about the first operating device 20.

[0146] The second operating device 22 includes a notification unit 22F. The notification unit 22F is configured to notify the user of relevant information about the second operating device 22. For example, the notification unit 22F may notify the user of at least one of the following: the status of the second operating device 22, the communication status of the communicator 22C, the pairing mode status of the second controller 22A, and the remaining power of the power supply 22E. The notification unit 22F includes a light emitter configured to emit light according to the relevant information about the second operating device 22. An example of the light emitter includes an LED. The notification unit 22F is electrically connected to the second controller 22A and the power supply 22E. The notification unit 22F is electrically fixed to the circuit board 22B of the second controller 22A. The second controller 22A is configured to control the notification unit 22F to notify the user of relevant information about the second operating device 22.

[0147] The third operating device 24 includes a notification unit 24F. The notification unit 24F is configured to notify the user of relevant information about the third operating device 24. For example, the notification unit 24F may notify the user of at least one of the following: the status of the third operating device 24, the communication status of the communicator 24C, the pairing mode status of the third controller 24A, and the remaining power of the power supply 24E. The notification unit 24F includes a light emitter configured to emit light according to the relevant information about the third operating device 24. An example of the light emitter includes an LED. The notification unit 24F is electrically connected to the third controller 24A and the power supply 24E. The notification unit 24F is electrically fixed to the circuit board 24B of the third controller 24A. The third controller 24A is configured to control the notification unit 24F to notify the user of relevant information about the third operating device 24.

[0148] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the system 10 for the human-powered vehicle 2 includes at least one of a servant electronic device and a master electronic device. As shown in Figure 3, when electronic device 12 serves as the master electronic device, each of electronic devices 14 and 16 serves as the servant electronic device. In this specific embodiment, electronic device 12 may also be referred to as a master electronic device 12. Electronic device 14 may also be referred to as a servant electronic device 14. Electronic device 16 may also be referred to as a servant electronic device 16. Therefore, the system 10 for the human-powered vehicle 2 includes servant electronic devices 14 and 16 and master electronic device 12.

[0149] When electronic device 12 is the master electronic device, the controller 12A of electronic device 12 may also be referred to as a master controller 12A or a different master controller 12A. When electronic devices 14 and 16 are slave electronic devices, the controller 14A of electronic device 14 may also be referred to as a slave controller 14A or a different slave master controller 14A. The controller 16A of electronic device 16 may also be referred to as a slave controller 16A or a different slave master controller 16A. Electronic device 14 may also be referred to as a different electronic device 14. Electronic device 16 may also be referred to as a different electronic device 16. Thus, master electronic device 12 includes different master controllers 12A. Servant electronic device 14 includes different slave controllers 14A. Servant electronic device 16 includes different slave controllers 16A.

[0150] As shown in FIG4, when electronic device 14 is the main electronic device, each of electronic devices 12 and 16 is the servant electronic device. In this specific embodiment, electronic device 14 may also be referred to as a main electronic device 14. Electronic device 12 may also be referred to as a servant electronic device 12. Electronic device 16 may also be referred to as a servant electronic device 16. Therefore, the system 10 for the human-powered vehicle 2 includes servant electronic devices 12 and 16 and main electronic device 14.

[0151] When electronic device 14 is the master electronic device, the controller 14A of electronic device 14 may also be referred to as a master controller 14A or a different master controller 14A. When electronic device 12 is the master electronic device, each of electronic devices 14 and 16 is a slave electronic device, and the controller 12A of electronic device 12 may also be referred to as a slave controller 12A or a different slave master controller 12A. The controller 16A of electronic device 16 may also be referred to as a slave controller 16A or a different slave master controller 16A. Electronic device 12 may also be referred to as a different electronic device 12. Electronic device 16 may also be referred to as a different electronic device 16. Thus, master electronic device 14 includes different master controllers 14A. Servant electronic device 12 includes different slave controllers 12A. Servant electronic device 16 includes different slave controllers 16A.

[0152] As shown in FIG5, when electronic device 16 is the main electronic device, each of electronic devices 12 and 14 is the servant electronic device. In this specific embodiment, electronic device 16 may also be referred to as a main electronic device 16. Electronic device 12 may also be referred to as a servant electronic device 12. Electronic device 14 may also be referred to as a servant electronic device 14. Therefore, the system 10 for the human-powered vehicle 2 includes servant electronic devices 12 and 14 and main electronic device 16.

[0153] When electronic device 16 is the master electronic device, the controller 16A of electronic device 16 may also be referred to as a master controller 16A or a different master controller 16A. When electronic devices 12 and 14 are slave electronic devices, the controller 12A of electronic device 12 may also be referred to as a slave controller 12A or a different slave master controller 12A. The controller 14A of electronic device 14 may also be referred to as a slave controller 14A or a different slave master controller 14A. Electronic device 12 may also be referred to as a different electronic device 12. Electronic device 14 may also be referred to as a different electronic device 14. Thus, master electronic device 16 includes different master controllers 16A. Servant electronic device 12 includes different slave controllers 12A. Servant electronic device 14 includes different slave controllers 14A.

[0154] As shown in FIG2, at least one of the servant electronic devices 12, 14 and / or 16 and the main electronic devices 12, 14 and / or 16 includes an additional base member, an additional movable member, and an additional actuator.

[0155] In this specific embodiment, the slave or master electronic device 12 includes an additional base member 34, an additional movable member 36, and an additional actuator 38. The slave or master electronic device 12 includes an additional base member 34, an additional movable member 36, and an additional actuator 38.

[0156] The servant or master electronic device 14 includes an additional base member 44, an additional movable member 46, and an additional actuator 48. The servant or master electronic device 14 includes an additional base member 44, an additional movable member 46, and an additional actuator 48.

[0157] The servant or master electronic device 16 includes an additional base member 54, an additional movable member 56, and an additional actuator 58. The servant or master electronic device 16 includes an additional base member 54, an additional movable member 56, and an additional actuator 58.

[0158] As shown in FIG3, when electronic device 12 acts as the master electronic device and electronic devices 14 and 16 act as slave electronic devices, the master controller 12A is configured to send a first control signal CS1 to different slave controllers 14A and / or 16A of different electronic devices 14 and / or 16 in system 10. Different slave controllers 14A and / or 16A are configured to operate in response to the first control signal CS1. If each of controllers 14A and 16A acts as the slave controller, the first control signal CS1 may also be referred to as the second control signal CS1. The slave controllers 14A and / or 16A are configured to operate in response to the second control signal CS1 sent from the different master controllers 12A of different electronic devices 12 in system 10.

[0159] As shown in FIG4, when electronic device 14 acts as the main electronic device and electrical devices 12 and 16 act as slave electronic devices, the main controller 14A is configured to send a first control signal CS2 to different slave controllers 12A and / or 16A of different electronic devices 12 and / or 16 in system 10. Different slave controllers 12A and / or 16A are configured to operate in response to the first control signal CS2. If each of controllers 12A and 16A acts as the slave controller, the first control signal CS2 may also be referred to as the second control signal CS2. The slave controllers 12A and / or 16A are configured to operate in response to the second control signal CS2 sent from the different main controllers 14A of different electronic devices 14 in system 10.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 5, when electronic device 16 acts as the main electronic device and electrical devices 12 and 14 act as slave electronic devices, the main controller 16A is configured to send a first control signal CS3 to different slave controllers 12A and / or 14A of the different electronic devices 12 and / or 14 in system 10. The different slave controllers 12A and / or 14A are configured to operate in response to the first control signal CS3. If each of controllers 12A and 14A acts as the slave controller, the first control signal CS3 may also be referred to as the second control signal CS3. The slave controllers 12A and / or 14A are configured to operate in response to the second control signal CS3 sent from the different main controllers 16A of the different electronic devices 16 in system 10.

[0161] As shown in FIG3, when the electronic device 12 is the main electronic device, the controller 12A is configured to operate in response to the operation signal SG sent from the operating device 18. In this specific embodiment, if the controller 12A is the main controller, the controller 12A is configured to control the actuator 38 to move the movable member 36 in response to the first or second operation signal SG1 or SG2 sent from the first or second operating device 20 or 22. For example, if the controller 12A is the main controller, the controller 12A is configured to control the actuator 38 to move the movable member 36 in the upshift direction in response to the first operation signal SG1 sent from the first operating device 20. If the controller 12A is the main controller, the controller 12A is configured to control the actuator 38 to move the movable member 36 in the downshift direction in response to the second operation signal SG2 sent from the first operating device 20.

[0162] If controller 12A acts as the master controller, then controller 12A is configured to send the first control signal CS1 to different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A in response to the operation signal SG sent from the operating device 18. If controller 12A acts as the master controller, then controller 12A is configured to send the first control signal CS1 to different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A to control the additional actuators 48 and / or 58 of different electronic devices 14 and / or 16.

[0163] If controller 14A acts as the slave controller, controller 14A is configured to operate in response to a second control signal CS1 sent from the different master controller 12A, without sending a first control signal CS2 to the different slave controllers 12A and / or 16A. If controller 14A acts as the slave controller, controller 14A is configured to control actuator 48 in response to the second control signal CS1 sent from the different master controller 12A. Actuator 48 is configured to move movable member 46 relative to base member 44 in response to the second control signal CS1.

[0164] If controller 16A acts as the slave controller, controller 16A is configured to operate in response to a second control signal CS1 sent from the different master controller 12A, without sending a first control signal CS3 to the different slave controllers 12A and / or 14A. If controller 16A acts as the slave controller, controller 16A is configured to control actuator 48 in response to the second control signal CS1 sent from the different master controller 12A. Actuator 58 is configured to move movable member 56 relative to base member 54 in response to the second control signal CS1.

[0165] In this specific embodiment, if the controller 12A is the master controller, the controller 12A is configured to respond to the first or second operation signal SG1 or SG2 sent substantially simultaneously from the first or second operation device 20 or 22 to send the first or second control signal CS12 to the different slave controller 14A.

[0166] If controller 12A is the master controller, controller 12A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS12 to control actuator 48 to move movable member 16 in the upshift and downshift directions. For example, if controller 14A is the slave controller, when movable member 46 is in the low-gear position, controller 14A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS12 to control actuator 48 to move movable member 46 in the upshift direction. If controller 14A is the master controller, when movable member 46 is in the low-gear position, controller 14A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS12 to control actuator 48 to move movable member 46 in the downshift direction.

[0167] If controller 12A is the master controller, controller 12A is configured to respond to the third operation signal SG3 sent from the third operation device 24 to send the first or second control signal CS13 to the different slave controller 16A.

[0168] If controller 16A acts as the master controller, controller 16A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS13 to control actuator 58 to move movable member 56. If controller 16A acts as the master controller, controller 16A is configured to control actuator 58 to maintain movable member 56 in a valve-open position for a specific period of time after controller 16A detects the second control signal CS13. Thus, electronic device 16 allows the user to change the position of seat cushion 2B (see, for example, FIG. 1). If needed and / or required, controller 16A may be configured to control actuator 58 to maintain movable member 56 in the valve-open position when controller 16A detects the third operating signal SG3.

[0169] As shown in FIG4, when the electronic device 14 is the main electronic device, the controller 14A is configured to operate in response to the operation signal SG sent from the operating device 18. In this specific embodiment, if the controller 14A is the main controller, the controller 14A is configured to control the actuator 48 to move the movable member 46 in response to the input of the first or second operation signal SG1 or SG2 sent from the first or second operating device 20 or 22 substantially simultaneously. If the controller 12A is the main controller, the controller 12A is configured to control the actuator 48 to move the movable member 16 in one of the upshift direction and downshift direction in response to the input of the first and second operation signals SG1 and SG2 substantially simultaneously. For example, if the controller 14A is the main controller, when the movable member 46 is in the low position, the controller 14A is configured to control the actuator 48 to move the movable member 46 in the upshift direction in response to the input of the first and second operation signals SG1 and SG2 substantially simultaneously. If the controller 14A is the main controller, when the movable member 46 is in the low position, the controller 14A is configured to respond to the input of the first and second operation signals SG1 and SG2 substantially simultaneously to control the actuator 48 to move the movable member 46 in the downshift direction.

[0170] If controller 14A acts as the master controller, then controller 14A is configured to respond to the operation signal SG sent from the operating device 18 to send the first control signal CS2 to the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A. If controller 14A acts as the master controller, then controller 14A is configured to send the first control signal CS2 to the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A to control the additional actuators 38 and / or 58 of the different electronic devices 12 and / or 16.

[0171] If controller 12A acts as the slave controller, controller 12A is configured to operate in response to a second control signal CS2 sent from the different master controller 14A, without sending a first control signal CS1 to the different slave controllers 14A and / or 16A. If controller 12A acts as the slave controller, controller 12A is configured to control actuator 38 in response to the second control signal CS2 sent from the different master controller 14A. Actuator 38 is configured to move movable member 36 relative to base member 34 in response to the second control signal CS2.

[0172] If controller 16A acts as the slave controller, controller 16A is configured to operate in response to a second control signal CS2 sent from the different master controller 14A, without sending a first control signal CS3 to the different slave controllers 12A and / or 14A. If controller 16A acts as the slave controller, controller 16A is configured to control actuator 58 in response to the second control signal CS2 sent from the different master controller 14A. Actuator 58 is configured to move movable member 56 relative to base member 54 in response to the second control signal CS2.

[0173] In this specific embodiment, if controller 14A acts as the master controller, then controller 14A is configured to respond to a first operation signal SG1 sent from the first operating device 20 to send a first or second control signal CS21U to different servant controllers 12A. If controller 14A acts as the master controller, then controller 14A is configured to respond to a second operation signal SG2 sent from the second operating device 22 to send a first or second control signal CS21D to different servant controllers 12A.

[0174] If the controller 12A is the slave electronic device, then the controller 12A is configured to control the actuator 38 to move the movable member 36 in response to the second control signal CS21U or CS21D. For example, if the controller 12A is the slave electronic device, then the controller 12A is configured to control the actuator 38 to move the movable member 36 in the upshift direction in response to the second control signal CS21U. If the controller 12A is the slave electronic device, then the controller 12A is configured to control the actuator 38 to move the movable member 36 in the downshift direction in response to the second control signal CS21D.

[0175] If controller 14A is the master controller, controller 14A is configured to respond to the third operation signal SG3 sent from the third operation device 24 to send the first or second control signal CS23 to the different slave controller 16A.

[0176] If controller 16A is the electronic device, controller 16A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS23 to control actuator 58 to move movable member 56. If electronic device 16 is the electronic device, controller 16A is configured to control actuator 58 to maintain movable member 56 in a valve-open position for a specific period of time after controller 16A detects the second control signal CS23. In this way, electronic device 16 allows the user to change the position of seat cushion 2B (see, for example, FIG. 1). If needed and / or required, controller 16A may be configured to control actuator 58 to maintain movable member 56 in the valve-open position when controller 16A detects the second control signal CS23.

[0177] As shown in FIG5, when the electronic device 16 is the main electronic device, the controller 16A is configured to operate in response to the operation signal SG sent from the operating device 18. In this specific embodiment, if the controller 16A is the main controller, the controller 16A is configured to control the actuator 58 to move the movable member 56 in response to the third operation signal SG3 sent from the third operating device 24. If the controller 16A is the main controller, the controller 16A is configured to control the actuator 58 to maintain the movable member 56 in a valve-open position for a specific period of time after the controller 16A detects the third operation signal SG3. In this way, the electronic device 16 allows the user to change the position of the seat cushion 2B (see, for example, FIG1). If needed and / or required, when the controller 16A detects the third operation signal SG3, the controller 16A may be configured to control the actuator 58 to hold the movable member 56 in the valve-open position.

[0178] If controller 16A acts as the master controller, then controller 14A is configured to respond to the operation signal SG sent from the operating device 18 to send the first control signal CS3 to the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A. If controller 16A acts as the master controller, then controller 16A is configured to send the first control signal CS3 to the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A to control the additional actuators 38 and / or 48 of the different electronic devices 12 and / or 14.

[0179] If controller 12A acts as the slave controller, controller 12A is configured to operate in response to a second control signal CS3 sent from the different master controller 16A, without sending a first control signal CS1 to the different slave controller 14A or 16A. If controller 12A acts as the slave controller, controller 12A is configured to control actuator 38 in response to the second control signal CS3 sent from the different master controller 16A. Actuator 38 is configured to move movable member 36 relative to base member 34 in response to the second control signal CS3.

[0180] If controller 14A acts as the slave controller, controller 14A is configured to operate in response to a second control signal CS3 sent from the different master controller 16A, without sending a first control signal CS2 to the different slave controller 12A or 16A. If controller 14A acts as the slave controller, controller 14A is configured to control actuator 48 in response to the second control signal CS3 sent from the different master controller 16A. Actuator 48 is configured to move movable member 46 relative to base member 44 in response to the second control signal CS3.

[0181] In this specific embodiment, if controller 16A acts as the master controller, then controller 16A is configured to respond to a first operation signal SG1 sent from the first operating device 20 to send a first or second control signal CS31U to different servant controllers 12A. If controller 16A acts as the master controller, then controller 16A is configured to respond to a second operation signal SG2 sent from the second operating device 22 to send a first or second control signal CS31D to different servant controllers 12A.

[0182] If controller 12A acts as the master controller, then controller 12A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS31U or CS31D to control actuator 38 to move movable member 36. For example, if controller 12A acts as the master controller, then controller 12A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS31U to control actuator 38 to move movable member 36 in the upshift direction. If controller 12A acts as the master controller, then controller 12A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS31D to control actuator 38 to move movable member 36 in the downshift direction.

[0183] If controller 16A is the master controller, controller 16A is configured to respond to inputs of a first or second operation signal SG1 or SG2 sent substantially simultaneously from the first or second operation device 20 or 22 to send a first or second control signal CS32 to the different slave controller 14A.

[0184] If controller 12A is the master controller, controller 12A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS32 to control actuator 48 to move movable member 16 in the upshift and downshift directions. For example, if controller 14A is the slave controller, when movable member 46 is in the low-gear position, controller 14A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS32 to control actuator 48 to move movable member 46 in the upshift direction. If controller 14A is the master controller, when movable member 46 is in the low-gear position, controller 14A is configured to respond to the second control signal CS32 to control actuator 48 to move movable member 46 in the downshift direction.

[0185] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, controller 12A is configured to selectively function as both a master controller and a slave controller based on reference information related to system 10. Controller 14A is configured to selectively function as both a master controller and a slave controller based on reference information related to system 10. Controller 16A is configured to selectively function as both a master controller and a slave controller based on reference information related to system 10.

[0186] The reference information includes at least one of the hardware configuration of system 10, the hardware configuration status of system 10, and inputs sent from external device ED. The hardware configuration includes information relating to whether the different master controllers are in system 10. The hardware configuration includes information indicating which of electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 is the master electronic device and / or which of electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 is the slave electronic device. The hardware configuration status includes the status of the different master controllers. The hardware configuration status includes information indicating whether the different master controllers are in an abnormal state. Inputs sent from external device ED include external user inputs EU received by external device ED. The inputs include external user inputs EU received by external device ED via application software installed in external device ED.

[0187] As shown in Figure 3, the external device ED includes an external controller ED1, a user interface ED2, and a display ED3. The user interface ED2 is configured to receive external user input EU. The user interface ED2 includes a touch screen ED4 disposed on the display ED3. The user interface ED2 and the display ED3 are electrically connected to the external controller ED1.

[0188] The external controller ED1 includes a processor 60P, a memory 60M, a circuit board 60B, and a system bus 60D. The processor 60P and the memory 60M are electrically fixed to the circuit board 60B. The processor 60P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory 60M is electrically connected to the processor 60P. The memory 60M includes a ROM and a RAM. The memory 60M includes storage areas, each having one address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 60P is configured to control the memory 60M to store data in the storage areas of the memory 60M and to read data from the storage areas of the memory 60M. The memory 60M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program, at least one program, which is read into the processor 60P, thereby executing an algorithm of the controller ED1 based on the at least one program. For example, the controller ED1 is configured to act as a master controller and as a slave controller based on at least one program. The external controller ED1 may also be referred to as an external controller circuit or circuit ED1.

[0189] The external controller ED1 includes a communicator 60C. The communicator 60C is configured to communicate with at least one of communicators 12C, 14C, 16C, 20C, 22C, and 24C. In this specific embodiment, the communicator 60C includes a wireless communicator 60W. The wireless communicator 60W is configured to communicate with at least one of the wireless communicators 12W, 14W, 16W, 20W, 22W, and 24W via a wireless communication channel.

[0190] The external controller ED1 has a pairing mode in which the external controller ED1 performs pairing with another controller. The external controller ED1 is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS60 in the pairing mode, the pairing signal PS60 including information identifying the external controller ED1.

[0191] For example, the pairing signal PS60 includes an advertising signal PS60A and a scan response signal PS60C. The controller 60A is configured to wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS60A to notify the other controller of the presence of the electronic device 60. The advertising signal PS60A of the controller 60A includes identification information, such as the MAC address of the electronic device 60. The controller 60A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS60C in response to a scan request signal (such as scan request signal PS12B, PS14B, or PS16B) sent from another controller, such as controller 12A, 14A, or 16A. The scan response signal PS60C of the controller 60A includes additional identification information of the electronic device 60. The pairing signal PS60 of the controller 60A is not limited to the signals described above.

[0192] The external device ED is configured to display the hardware configuration of the system 10 on the display ED3. The external device ED is configured to display the main electronic device and the slave electronic device in the system 10. The external device ED is configured to allow a user to select the main electronic device and / or the slave electronic device.

[0193] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, if the reference information indicates that system 10 includes the different master controller 14A or 16A, then controller 12A is configured as a servant controller. If the reference information indicates that system 10 does not include the different master controller 14A or 16A, then controller 12A is configured as the master controller. Controller 12A is configured to detect whether system 10 includes the different master controller 14A or 16A based on the reference information. In this specific embodiment, if controller 12A detects the different master controller 14A or 16A, then controller 12A is configured as the servant controller. If controller 12A does not detect the different master controller 14A or 16A, then controller 12A is configured as the master controller.

[0194] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, if the reference information indicates that system 10 includes the different master controller 12A or 16A, then controller 14A is configured as a servant controller. If the reference information indicates that system 10 does not include the different master controller 12A or 16A, then controller 14A is configured as the master controller. Controller 14A is configured to detect whether system 10 includes the different master controller 12A or 16A based on the reference information. In this specific embodiment, if controller 14A detects the different master controller 12A or 16A, then controller 14A is configured as the servant controller. If controller 14A does not detect the different master controller 12A or 16A, then controller 14A is configured as the master controller.

[0195] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, if the reference information indicates that system 10 includes the different master controller 12A or 14A, then controller 16A is configured as a servant controller. If the reference information indicates that system 10 does not include the different master controller 12A or 14A, then controller 16A is configured as the master controller. Controller 16A is configured to detect whether system 10 includes the different master controller 12A or 14A based on the reference information. In this specific embodiment, if controller 16A detects the different master controller 12A or 14A, then controller 16A is configured as the servant controller. If controller 16A does not detect the different master controller 12A or 14A, then controller 16A is configured as the master controller.

[0196] As shown in FIG2, controller 12A is configured to communicate via a wireless communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 14A and / or 16A. Controller 14A is configured to communicate via a wireless communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 16A. Controller 16A is configured to communicate via a wireless communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 14A.

[0197] As shown in FIG3, when electronic device 12 is the main electronic device and electrical devices 14 and 16 are the secondary electronic devices, controller 12A is configured to communicate with each of the different secondary controllers 14A and / or 16A via a wireless communication channel. Controller 14A is configured to communicate with the different main controller 12A via a wireless communication channel. Controller 16A is configured to communicate with the different main controller 12A via a wireless communication channel.

[0198] As shown in FIG4, when electronic device 14 is the main electronic device and electrical devices 12 and 16 are the secondary electronic devices, controller 14A is configured to communicate with each of the different secondary controllers 12A and / or 16A via a wireless communication channel. Controller 12A is configured to communicate with the different main controller 14A via a wireless communication channel. Controller 16A is configured to communicate with the different main controller 14A via a wireless communication channel.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 5, when electronic device 16 is the main electronic device and electrical devices 12 and 14 are the secondary electronic devices, controller 16A is configured to communicate with each of the different secondary controllers 12A and / or 14A via a wireless communication channel. Controller 12A is configured to communicate with the different main controller 16A via a wireless communication channel. Controller 14A is configured to communicate with the different main controller 16A via a wireless communication channel.

[0200] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, if one of the electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 enters the pairing mode before the remaining electronic devices of electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 enter the pairing mode, then one of the electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 is configured as the master controller, and the remaining electronic devices of electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 are configured as the servant controller. Therefore, the reference information includes information indicating which of the electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 is the master electronic device according to the hardware configuration of system 10. The reference information includes master signals MS12, MS14, and MS16 as indicating the hardware configuration information of system 10.

[0201] As shown in Figure 3, controller 12A is configured to determine, during the master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figure 6) after controller 12A enters pairing mode, whether another controller, such as controller 14A or 16A, is wirelessly transmitting a master signal, such as master signal MS14 or MS16. Controller 12A is configured to detect a master signal, such as master signal MS14 or MS16, during the master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figure 6) after controller 12A enters pairing mode.

[0202] If controller 12A does not detect the main signal MS14 or MS16 during the master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figure 6) within the pairing mode, then controller 12A is configured to act as the master controller. If controller 12A does not detect the main signals MS14 and MS16 during the master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figure 6), then controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit the main signal MS12 after the master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figure 6) has elapsed. Controller 12A is configured to stop transmitting the main signal MS12 if controller 12A completes the pairing mode.

[0203] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, if controller 12A detects the master signal MS14 or MS16 transmitted from the different master controller 14A or 16A in pairing mode, controller 12A is configured to act as a slave controller. If controller 12A detects the master signal MS14 or MS16 transmitted from the different master controller 14A or 16A during the master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figures 7 and 8) after controller 12A enters pairing mode, controller 12A is configured to act as a slave controller. If controller 12A detects the master signal MS14 or MS16 during the master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figures 7 and 8), controller 12A is configured to identify controller 14A or 16A as the master controller. If controller 12A detects the master signal MS14 or MS16 during the master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figures 7 and 8), controller 12A is configured not to wirelessly transmit the master signal MS12.

[0204] If controller 12A detects the main signal MS14 or MS16, controller 12A is configured to store the identification information included in the main signal MS14 or MS16. If controller 12A detects the main signal MS14 or MS16 after a master determination time MT12 (see, for example, Figures 7 and 8) has elapsed, controller 12A is configured to identify controller 14A or 16A as a slave controller based on the identification information included in the main signal MS14 or MS16.

[0205] If the controller 12A detects the main signal MS14 or MS16 during a defined time period after the controller 12A detects the main signal MS14 or MS16, the controller 12A is configured to periodically wirelessly transmit a main response signal MS12R. The main response signal MS12R includes identification information of the electronic device 12 and additional information indicating that the electronic device 12 is the servant electronic device.

[0206] As shown in FIG4, controller 14A is configured to determine, during the master determination time MT14 (see, for example, FIG7) after controller 14A enters pairing mode, whether another controller, such as controller 12A or 16A, is wirelessly transmitting a master signal, such as master signal MS12 or MS16. Controller 14A is configured to detect a master signal, such as master signal MS12 or MS16, during the master determination time MT14 (see, for example, FIG7) after controller 14A enters pairing mode.

[0207] If controller 14A does not detect the master signal MS12 or MS16 during the master determination time MT14 (see, for example, Figure 7) in pairing mode, controller 14A is configured to act as the master controller. If controller 14A does not detect the master signals MS12 and MS16 during the master determination time MT14 (see, for example, Figure 7), controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit the master signal MS14 after the master determination time MT14 (see, for example, Figure 7) has elapsed. Controller 14A is configured to stop transmitting the master signal MS14 if controller 14A completes the pairing mode.

[0208] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, if controller 14A detects the master signal MS12 or MS16 transmitted from the different master controller 12A or 16A in pairing mode, controller 14A is configured to act as a slave controller. If controller 14A detects the master signal MS12 or MS16 transmitted from the different master controller 12A or 16A during the master determination time MT14 (see, for example, Figures 6 and 8) after controller 14A enters pairing mode, controller 14A is configured to act as a slave controller. If controller 14A detects the master signal MS12 or MS16 during the master determination time MT14 (see, for example, Figures 6 and 8), controller 14A is configured to identify controller 12A or 16A as the master controller. If controller 14A detects the master signal MS12 or MS16 during the master determination time MT14 (see, for example, Figures 6 and 8), controller 14A is configured not to wirelessly transmit the master signal MS14.

[0209] If controller 14A detects the main signal MS12 or MS16, controller 14A is configured to store the identification information included in the main signal MS12 or MS16. If controller 14A detects the main signal MS12 or MS16 after a master determination time MT14 (see, for example, Figures 6 and 8) has elapsed, controller 14A is configured to identify controller 12A or 16A as a slave controller based on the identification information included in the main signal MS12 or MS16.

[0210] If the controller 14A detects the main signal MS12 or MS16 during the defined time period after the controller 14A detects the main signal MS12 or MS16, the controller 14A is configured to periodically wirelessly transmit a main response signal MS14R. The main response signal MS14R includes identification information of the electronic device 14 and additional information indicating that the electronic device 14 is the servant electronic device.

[0211] As shown in FIG5, controller 16A is configured to determine, during the master determination time MT16 (see, for example, FIG8) after controller 16A enters pairing mode, whether another controller, such as controller 12A or 14A, is wirelessly transmitting a master signal, such as master signal MS12 or MS14. Controller 16A is configured to detect a master signal, such as master signal MS12 or MS14, during the master determination time MT16 (see, for example, FIG8) after controller 16A enters pairing mode.

[0212] If controller 16A does not detect the master signal MS12 or MS14 during the master determination time MT16 (see, for example, Figure 8) in pairing mode, controller 16A is configured to act as the master controller. If controller 16A does not detect the master signals MS12 and MS14 during the master determination time MT16 (see, for example, Figure 8), controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit the master signal MS16 after the master determination time MT16 (see, for example, Figure 8) has elapsed. Controller 16A is configured to stop transmitting the master signal MS16 if controller 16A completes the pairing mode.

[0213] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, if controller 16A detects the master signal MS12 or MS14 transmitted from the different master controller 12A or 14A in pairing mode, controller 16A is configured to act as a slave controller. If controller 16A detects the master signal MS12 or MS14 transmitted from the different master controller 12A or 14A during the master determination time MT16 (see, for example, Figures 6 and 7) after controller 16A enters pairing mode, controller 16A is configured to act as a slave controller. If controller 16A detects the master signal MS12 or MS14 during the master determination time MT16 (see, for example, Figures 6 and 7), controller 16A is configured to identify controller 12A or 14A as the master controller. If controller 16A detects the master signal MS12 or MS14 during the master determination time MT16 (see, for example, Figures 6 and 7), controller 16A is configured not to wirelessly transmit the master signal MS16.

[0214] If controller 16A detects master signal MS12 or MS14, controller 16A is configured to store identification information included in master signal MS12 or MS14. If controller 16A detects master signal MS12 or MS14 after master determination time MT16 (see, for example, Figures 6 and 7) has elapsed in pairing mode, controller 16A is configured to identify controller 12A or 14A as servant controller based on the identification information included in master signal MS12 or MS14.

[0215] If the controller 16A detects the main signal MS12 or MS14 during the defined time period after the controller 16A detects the main signal MS12 or MS14, the controller 16A is configured to periodically wirelessly transmit a main response signal MS16R. The main response signal MS16R includes identification information of the electronic device 16 and additional information indicating that the electronic device 16 is the servant electronic device.

[0216] As shown in Figure 3, if controller 12A acts as the master controller, then controller 12A is configured in pairing mode to determine whether another controller, such as controller 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, or 24A, wirelessly transmits pairing signals such as pairing signals PS14, PS16, PS20, PS22, or PS24. Controller 12A is configured to scan pairing signals, such as pairing signals PS14, PS16, PS20, PS22, or PS24, in pairing mode. In particular, controller 12A is configured to scan advertising signals PS14A, PS16A, PS20A, PS22A, and / or PS24A in pairing mode. Controller 12A is configured to respond to advertising signals PS14A, PS16A, PS20A, PS22A, and / or PS24A by wirelessly transmitting a scan request signal PS12B to controllers 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and / or 24A.

[0217] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, if controller 12A acts as a slave controller, controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS12 in pairing mode. Controller 12A is configured to periodically wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS12A in pairing mode. Controller 12A is configured to scan for scan request signals such as scan request signals PS14B, PS16B, PS20B, PS22B, or PS24B while transmitting the advertising signal PS12A. If controller 12A detects scan request signals PS14B, PS16B, PS20B, PS22B, and / or PS24B, controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS12C. Therefore, controller 12A is configured to exchange identification information with at least one of controllers 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and / or 24A.

[0218] As shown in Figure 4, if controller 14A acts as the master controller, controller 14A is configured in pairing mode to determine whether another controller, such as controller 12A, 16A, 20A, 22A, or 24A, wirelessly transmits pairing signals such as pairing signals PS12, PS16, PS20, PS22, or PS24. Controller 14A is configured to scan pairing signals, such as pairing signals PS12, PS16, PS20, PS22, or PS24, in pairing mode. In particular, controller 14A is configured to scan advertising signals PS12A, PS16A, PS20A, PS22A, and / or PS24A in pairing mode. Controller 14A is configured to respond to advertising signals PS12A, PS16A, PS20A, PS22A, and / or PS24A by wirelessly transmitting a scan request signal PS14B to controllers 12A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and / or 24A.

[0219] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, if controller 14A acts as a slave controller, controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS14 in pairing mode. Controller 14A is configured to periodically wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS14A in pairing mode. Controller 14A is configured to scan for scan request signals such as scan request signals PS12B, PS16B, PS20B, PS22B, or PS24B while transmitting the advertising signal PS14A. If controller 14A detects scan request signals PS12B, PS16B, PS20B, PS22B, and / or PS24B, controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS14C. Therefore, controller 14A is configured to exchange identification information with at least one of controllers 12A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and / or 24A.

[0220] As shown in Figure 5, if controller 16A acts as the master controller, controller 16A is configured in pairing mode to determine whether another controller, such as controller 12A, 14A, 20A, 22A, or 24A, wirelessly transmits pairing signals such as pairing signals PS12, PS14, PS20, PS22, or PS24. Controller 16A is configured to scan pairing signals, such as pairing signals PS12, PS14, PS20, PS22, or PS24, in pairing mode. In particular, controller 16A is configured to scan advertising signals PS12A, PS14A, PS20A, PS22A, and / or PS24A in pairing mode. Controller 16A is configured to respond to advertising signals PS12A, PS14A, PS20A, PS22A, and / or PS24A by wirelessly transmitting a scan request signal PS16B to controllers 12A, 14A, 20A, 22A, and / or 24A.

[0221] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, if controller 16A acts as a slave controller, controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS16 in pairing mode. Controller 16A is configured to periodically wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS16A in pairing mode. Controller 16A is configured to scan for scan request signals such as scan request signals PS12B, PS14B, PS20B, PS22B, or PS24B while transmitting the advertising signal PS16A. If controller 16A detects scan request signals PS12B, PS14B, PS20B, PS22B, and / or PS24B, controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS16C. Therefore, controller 16A is configured to exchange identification information with at least one of controllers 12A, 14A, 20A, 22A, and / or 24A.

[0222] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, controller 20A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS20 in pairing mode. Controller 20A is also configured to periodically wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS20A in pairing mode. Controller 20A is configured to scan for scan request signals such as scan request signals PS12B, PS14B, and PS16B while transmitting the advertising signal PS20A. If controller 20A detects a scan request signal PS12B, PS14B, or PS16B, controller 20A is configured to wirelessly transmit a scan response signal PS20C. Therefore, controller 20A is configured to exchange identification information with one of the controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A.

[0223] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, controller 22A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS22 in pairing mode. Controller 22A is also configured to periodically transmit the advertising signal PS22A wirelessly in pairing mode. Controller 22A is configured to scan for scan request signals such as scan request signals PS12B, PS14B, and PS16B while transmitting the advertising signal PS22A. If controller 22A detects the scan request signal PS12B, PS14B, or PS16B, controller 22A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS22C. Therefore, controller 22A is configured to exchange identification information with one of the controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A.

[0224] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, controller 24A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing signal PS24 in pairing mode. Controller 24A is configured to periodically wirelessly transmit the advertising signal PS24A in pairing mode. Controller 24A is configured to scan for scan request signals such as scan request signals PS12B, PS14B, and PS16B while transmitting the advertising signal PS24A. If controller 24A detects the scan request signal PS12B, PS14B, or PS16B, controller 24A is configured to wirelessly transmit the scan response signal PS24C. Therefore, controller 24A is configured to exchange identification information with one of the controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A.

[0225] Figure 6 shows a timing diagram of pairing between electronic device 12 and each of electronic devices 14 and 16 when electronic device 12 is the master electronic device and electronic devices 14 and 16 are the servant electronic devices.

[0226] As shown in Figure 6, if the user selects electronic device 12 as the main electronic device, the user first turns on electronic device 12 among electronic devices 12, 14, and 16. Controller 12A powers on and enters pairing mode upon receiving user input U12 from the user interface 12U. Specifically, controller 12A powers on and enters pairing mode in response to a long press of switch SW12. If the user continues to press switch SW12 for a first long press duration T12A, controller 12A powers on. If the user continues to press switch SW12 for the first long press duration T12A, notification unit 12F illuminates. If the user further continues to press switch SW12 for a second long press duration T12B after controller 12A powers on, controller 12A enters pairing mode. When controller 12A enters pairing mode, notification unit 12F flashes several times and then turns off. The user continues to press switch SW12 until notification unit 12F illuminates and flashes. When the user confirms that the notification unit 12F is lit and flashing, the user stops pressing the switch SW12, because the lighting and flashing of the notification unit 12F indicates that the controller 12A has entered the pairing mode.

[0227] If the reference information indicates that system 10 does not include the different master controller, then controller 14A is configured to act as the master controller. Specifically, during the master determination time MT12 after entering pairing mode, controller 12A begins scanning for a master signal such as master signal MS14 or MS16. Controller 12A does not detect master signal MS14 or MS16 during the master determination time MT12 because electronic devices 14 and 16 are not powered on during this phase. The fact that controller 12A does not detect master signal MS14 or MS16 during the master determination time MT12 indicates that system 10 does not include the different master controller. Therefore, if controller 12A does not detect master signal MS14 or MS16 during the master determination time MT12, electronic device 12 begins to act as the master electronic device, and controller 12A begins to act as the master controller.

[0228] After controller 12A begins acting as the master controller, controller 12A begins wirelessly transmitting a master signal MS12 indicating that electronic device 12 is the master electronic device at fixed intervals. Controller 12A begins scanning for master response signals such as master response signals MS14R or MS16R. Additionally, controller 12A begins scanning for pairing signals, such as pairing signals PS20, PS22, or PS22 (e.g., advertising signals such as advertising signals PS20A, PS22A, or PS22A). If the user presses switch SW12 again, controller 12A completes the pairing mode.

[0229] After the user turns on electronic device 12, the user then turns on another device, such as electronic devices 14, 16, first operating device 20, second operating device 22, and third operating device 24. Since electronic device 12 is the main electronic device, electronic devices 14 and 16 are servant electronic devices. First operating device 20, second operating device 22, and third operating device 24 are only servant electronic devices.

[0230] The controller 14A is powered on and enters pairing mode upon receiving user input U14 from the user interface 14U. Specifically, the controller 14A is powered on and enters pairing mode by pressing and holding the switch SW14. If the user continues to press and hold the switch SW14 for a first long press duration T14A, the controller 14A is powered on. If the user continues to press and hold the switch SW14 for the first long press duration T14A, the notification unit 14F illuminates. If, after the controller 14A is powered on, the user further continues to press and hold the switch SW14 for a second long press duration T14B, the controller 14A enters pairing mode. When the controller 14A enters pairing mode, the notification unit 14F flashes several times and then turns off. The user continues to press and hold the switch SW14 until the notification unit 14F is fully illuminated and flashing. When the user confirms that the notification unit 14F is illuminated and flashing, the user stops pressing the switch SW14, because the illumination and flashing of the notification unit 14F indicates that the controller 14A has entered pairing mode.

[0231] If the reference information indicates that system 10 includes the different master controller, then controller 14A is configured to act as the servant controller. Specifically, during the master determination time MT14 after entering pairing mode, controller 14A begins scanning for a master signal, such as master signal MS12 or MS16. Controller 14A detects master signal MS12 within the master determination time MT14, which begins wirelessly transmitting master signal MS12 before electronic device 12 enters pairing mode and before electronic device 14 is turned on. The fact that controller 14A detects master signal MS12 within the master determination time MT14 indicates that system 10 includes the different master controller. Therefore, if controller 14A detects master signal MS12, electronic device 14 begins acting as the servant electronic device, and controller 12A begins acting as the servant controller. Controller 14A stores identification information of electronic device 12 included in master signal MS12 and identifies electronic device 12 as the master electronic device. If controller 14A detects master signal MS12 during master determination time MT14, controller 14A will not wirelessly transmit master signal MS14 after master determination time MT14 has elapsed.

[0232] Upon detecting the master signal MS12, controller 14A wirelessly transmits a master response signal MS14R, which includes identification information of electronic device 14. Controller 12A detects the master response signal MS14R transmitted by slave controller 14A. Controller 12A stores the identification information of electronic device 14 included in the master signal MS14 and identifies electronic device 14 as slave electronic device. Identification information is exchanged between electronic devices 12 and 14 using the master signal MS12 and the master response signal MS14R. Therefore, controller 12A does not use pairing signals PS12 (advertising signal PS12A, pairing request signal PS12B, and pairing response signal PS12C) to establish secure wireless communication between controller 12A and 14A. Controller 14A does not use pairing signals PS14 (advertising signal PS14A, pairing request signal PS14B, and pairing response signal PS14C) to establish secure wireless communication between controller 12A and 14A. However, if needed and / or required, controller 12A may be configured to use pairing signal PS12 to establish secure wireless communication between controller 12A and another controller. If needed and / or required, controller 14A may be configured to use pairing signal PS14 to establish secure wireless communication between controller 14A and another controller. After controller 14A wirelessly transmits master response signal MS14R, controller 14A completes pairing mode.

[0233] When the controller 14A completes the pairing mode, the notification unit 14F flashes several times and then turns off. The user continues to press the switch SW14 until the notification unit 14F lights up and flashes. When the user confirms that the notification unit 14F is lit up and flashing, the user stops pressing the switch SW14, because the lighting and flashing of the notification unit 14F indicates that the controller 14A has completed the pairing mode.

[0234] The controller 16A is powered on and enters pairing mode upon receiving user input U16 from the user interface 16U. Specifically, the controller 16A is powered on and enters pairing mode by pressing and holding the switch SW16. If the user continues to press and hold the switch SW16 for a first long press duration T16A, the controller 16A is powered on. If the user continues to press and hold the switch SW16 for the first long press duration T16A, the notification unit 16F illuminates. If, after the controller 16A is powered on, the user further continues to press and hold the switch SW16 for a second long press duration T16B, the controller 16A enters pairing mode. When the controller 16A enters pairing mode, the notification unit 16F flashes several times and then turns off. The user continues to press and hold the switch SW16 until the notification unit 16F is fully illuminated and flashing. When the user confirms that the notification unit 16F is illuminated and flashing, the user stops pressing the switch SW16, because the illumination and flashing of the notification unit 16F indicates that the controller 16A has entered pairing mode.

[0235] If the reference information indicates that system 10 includes the different master controllers, then controller 16A is configured to act as the servant controller. Specifically, during the master determination time MT16 after entering pairing mode, controller 16A begins scanning for a master signal, such as master signal MS12 or MS14. Controller 16A detects master signal MS12 within the master determination time MT16, which begins wirelessly transmitting master signal MS12 before electronic device 12 enters pairing mode and before electronic device 16 is turned on. The fact that controller 16A detects master signal MS12 within the master determination time MT16 indicates that system 10 includes the different master controllers. Therefore, if controller 16A detects master signal MS12, electronic device 16 begins acting as the servant electronic device, and controller 12A begins acting as the servant controller. Controller 16A stores identification information of electronic device 12 included in master signal MS12 and identifies electronic device 12 as the master electronic device. If controller 16A detects master signal MS12 during master determination time MT16, controller 16A will not wirelessly transmit master signal MS16 after master determination time MT16 has elapsed.

[0236] In response to the detected master signal MS12, controller 16A wirelessly transmits a master response signal MS16R, which includes identification information of electronic device 16. Controller 12A detects the master response signal MS16R transmitted by slave controller 16A. Controller 12A stores the identification information of electronic device 16 included in the master signal MS16 and identifies electronic device 16 as slave electronic device. Identification information is exchanged between electronic devices 12 and 16 using the master signal MS12 and the master response signal MS16R. Therefore, controller 12A does not use pairing signals PS12 (advertising signal PS12A, pairing scan request signal PS12B, and pairing response signal PS12C) to establish secure wireless communication between controller 12A and 16A. Controller 16A does not use pairing signals PS16 (advertising signal PS16A, pairing request signal PS16B, and pairing response signal PS16C) to establish secure wireless communication between controller 12A and 16A. However, if needed and / or required, controller 12A may be configured to use pairing signal PS12 to establish secure wireless communication between controller 12A and another controller. If needed and / or required, controller 16A may be configured to use pairing signal PS16 to establish secure wireless communication between controller 16A and another controller. After controller 16A wirelessly transmits master response signal MS16R, controller 16A completes pairing mode.

[0237] When the controller 16A completes the pairing mode, the notification unit 16F flashes several times and then turns off. The user continues to press the switch SW16 until the notification unit 16F lights up and flashes. When the user confirms that the notification unit 16F is lit up and flashing, the user stops pressing the switch SW16, because the lighting and flashing of the notification unit 16F indicates that the controller 16A has completed the pairing mode.

[0238] Figure 7 shows a timing diagram of the pairing performed between electronic device 14 and each of electronic devices 12 and 16 when electronic device 14 is the main electronic device and electronic devices 12 and 16 are the servant electronic devices. The pairing between electronic device 12 and each of electronic devices 14 and 16 is explained by replacing the reference numerals "12" and "14" with "14" and "12". Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the pairing performed between electronic device 14 and each of electronic devices 12 and 16 will not be described in detail here.

[0239] Figure 8 shows a pairing timing diagram of electronic device 16 with each of electronic devices 12 and 14 when electronic device 16 is the master electronic device and electronic devices 12 and 14 are the servant electronic devices. The pairing between electronic device 12 and each of electronic devices 16 and 14 is explained by replacing the reference numerals "12" and "16" with "16" and "12". Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the pairing between electronic device 16 and each of electronic devices 12 and 14 will not be described in detail here.

[0240] FIG9 shows a timing diagram of pairing between electronic device 12 and each of the first operating device 20, the second operating device 22 and the third operating device 24 when electronic device 12 is the main electronic device.

[0241] The controller 20A is powered on and enters pairing mode upon receiving user input U20 from the user interface 20U. Specifically, the controller 20A is powered on and enters pairing mode by pressing and holding the switch SW20. If the user continues to press and hold the switch SW20 for a first long press duration T20A, the controller 20A is powered on. If the user continues to press and hold the switch SW20 for the first long press duration T20A, the notification unit 20F illuminates. If, after the controller 20A is powered on, the user further continues to press and hold the switch SW20 for a second long press duration T20B, the controller 20A enters pairing mode. When the controller 20A enters pairing mode, the notification unit 20F flashes several times and then turns off. The user continues to press and hold the switch SW20 until the notification unit 20F is fully illuminated and flashing. When the user confirms that the notification unit 20F is illuminated and flashing, the user stops pressing the switch SW20, because the illumination and flashing of the notification unit 20F indicates that the controller 20A has entered pairing mode.

[0242] After controller 20A enters pairing mode, controller 20A begins to periodically wirelessly transmit pairing signal PS20. Specifically, after controller 20A enters pairing mode, controller 20A begins to periodically wirelessly transmit pairing signal PS20 for a predetermined period of time. Controller 12A stores identification information of the first operating device 20 contained in the advertising signal PS20A. Controller 12A responds to advertising signal PS20A by periodically wirelessly transmitting scan request signal PS12B for a predetermined period of time. Controller 20A stores identification information of electronic device 12 contained in scan request signal PS12B. Controller 20A responds to scan request signal PS12B by periodically wirelessly transmitting scan response signal PS20C for a predetermined period of time. Controller 12A also stores identification information of the first operating device 20 contained in scan request signal PS20C. Therefore, controllers 12A and 20A establish secure wireless communication between controllers 12A and 20A. After controller 20A wirelessly transmits scan response signal PS20C, controller 20A completes pairing mode.

[0243] When the controller 20A completes the pairing mode, the notification unit 20F flashes several times and then turns off. The user continues to press the switch SW20 until the notification unit 20F lights up and flashes. When the user confirms that the notification unit 20F is lit up and flashing, the user stops pressing the switch SW20, because the lighting and flashing of the notification unit 20F indicates that the controller 20A has completed the pairing mode.

[0244] Regarding the pairing between the electronic device 12 and the first operating device 20, the pairing between the electronic device 12 and each of the second operating devices 22 and the third operating device 24 is explained by replacing the reference number "22" with "22" or "24". For the sake of simplicity, it will not be described in detail.

[0245] When electronic device 14 is the main electronic device and controller 14A is the main controller, the above description of the pairing performed between electronic device 12 and the first operating device 20 can be used to explain the pairing between electronic device 12 and the first operating device 20 by replacing the reference number "12" with "14". The explanation of the pairing between electronic device 12 and the first operating device 20 can be used to explain the pairing between electronic device 12 and each of the second operating devices 22 and the third operating device 24 by replacing the reference numbers "12" and "20" with "14" or "22" and "24". Therefore, for simplicity, further details will not be provided.

[0246] When electronic device 16 is the main electronic device and controller 16A is the main controller, the above description of the pairing performed between electronic device 12 and first operating device 20 can be used to explain the pairing between electronic device 1#6 and first operating device 20 by replacing the reference number "12" with "1#6". The explanation of the pairing between electronic device 12 and first operating device 20 can be used to explain the pairing between electronic device 12 and each of the second operating devices 22 and third operating devices 24 by replacing the reference numbers "12" and "20" with either "1#6" or "22" and "24". Therefore, for simplicity, further details will not be provided.

[0247] After each of the electronic devices 14 and 16 has entered pairing mode with the first, second, and third operating devices 20, 22, and 24, the user presses switch SW12. Controller 12A then presses and holds switch SW12 to complete the pairing state.

[0248] As shown in Figures 10 to 15, in system 10, the slave electronic device is configured to act as the master electronic device when the original master electronic device is in an abnormal state.

[0249] When electronic device 12 acts as the master controller and electronic devices 14 and 16 act as slave controllers, electronic devices 14 and 16 determine whether electronic device 12 is in an abnormal state after completing the pairing mode.

[0250] When electronic device 14 acts as the master controller and electronic devices 12 and 16 act as slave controllers, electronic devices 12 and 16 determine whether electronic device 14 is in an abnormal state after completing the pairing mode.

[0251] When electronic device 16 acts as the master controller and electronic devices 12 and 14 act as slave controllers, electronic devices 12 and 14 determine whether electronic device 16 is in an abnormal state after completing the pairing mode.

[0252] After the controller 12A completes the pairing mode, the controller 12A is configured to periodically send a communication signal NS12. This communication signal NS12 indicates that the electronic device 12 is in a normal state. After the controller 12A completes the pairing mode, the communicator 12C is configured to periodically send the communication signal NS12. The wireless communicator 12W is configured to periodically wirelessly send this communication signal NS12 via a wireless communication channel.

[0253] After the controller 14A completes the pairing mode, the controller 14A is configured to periodically send a communication signal NS14. This communication signal NS14 indicates that the electronic device 14 is in a normal state. After the controller 14A completes the pairing mode, the communicator 14C is configured to periodically send the communication signal NS14. The wireless communicator 14W is configured to periodically wirelessly send the communication signal NS14 via a wireless communication channel.

[0254] After the controller 16A completes the pairing mode, the controller 16A is configured to periodically send a communication signal NS16. This communication signal NS16 indicates that the electronic device 16 is in a normal state. After the controller 16A completes the pairing mode, the communicator 16C is configured to periodically send the communication signal NS16. The wireless communicator 16W is configured to periodically wirelessly send this communication signal NS16 via a wireless communication channel.

[0255] Controller 12A is configured to detect communication signals NS14 or NS16 transmitted from the different master controllers 14A or 16A. Communicator 12C is configured to detect communication signals NS14 or NS16 transmitted from communicator 14C or 16C. Wireless communicator 12W is configured to detect communication signals NS14 or NS16 transmitted from wireless communicator 14W or 16W via the wireless communication channel.

[0256] Controller 14A is configured to detect communication signals NS12 or NS16 transmitted from the different master controllers 12A or 16A. Communicator 14C is configured to detect communication signals NS12 or NS16 transmitted from communicator 12C or 16C. Wireless communicator 14W is configured to detect communication signals NS12 or NS16 transmitted from wireless communicator 12W or 16W via the wireless communication channel.

[0257] Controller 16A is configured to detect communication signals NS12 or NS14 transmitted from the different master controllers 12A or 14A. Communicator 16C is configured to detect communication signals NS12 or NS14 transmitted from communicator 12C or 14C. Wireless communicator 16W is configured to detect communication signals NS12 or NS14 transmitted from wireless communicator 12W or 14W via the wireless communication channel.

[0258] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, if the reference information indicates that the different main controller 14A or 16A is in an abnormal state, then the controller 12A is configured to represent the different main controller 14A or 16A as the main controller. The abnormal state includes at least one of the different main controller 14A or 16A being faulty and the different main controller 14A or 16A being unresponsive.

[0259] Controller 12A is configured such that if controller 12A detects the communication signal NS14 or NS16 within a state determination time, it infers that the different master controller 14A or 16A is not in an abnormal state. Controller 12A is also configured such that if controller 12A does not detect the communication signal NS14 or NS16 within a state determination time, it infers that the different master controller 14A or 16A is in an abnormal state. A detection result indicating that controller 12A did not detect the communication signal NS14 or NS16 indicates that the different master controller 14A or 16A did not respond.

[0260] As shown in Figure 10, when controller 14A acts as the master controller and each of controllers 12A and 16A acts as a slave controller, controller 12A is configured to act as the master controller if reference information indicates that controller 14A is in an abnormal state. Controller 12A is also configured to act as the master controller if it does not detect the communication signal NS14 within the state determination time.

[0261] As shown in Figure 11, when controller 16A acts as the master controller and each of controllers 12A and 14A acts as a slave controller, controller 12A is configured to act as the master controller if reference information indicates that controller 16A is in an abnormal state. Controller 12A is also configured to act as the master controller if it does not detect the communication signal NS16 within the state determination time.

[0262] As shown in Figure 10, if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 14A is in an abnormal state, the controller 12A is configured to enter pairing mode. The controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing request signal PS12D if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 14A is in an abnormal state. Each of the controllers 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A is configured to respond to the pairing request signal PS12D by wirelessly transmitting pairing signals PS16, PS20, PS22, or PS24. The controller 12A is configured to perform pairing between the controller 12A and each of the controllers 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A, as performed between the controller 12A and each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in Figure 9. The controller 12A may be configured to wirelessly transmit a master signal MS12 to perform pairing between the controllers 12A and 16A, as shown in Figure 6.

[0263] As shown in Figure 11, if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 16A is in an abnormal state, the controller 12A is configured to enter pairing mode. The controller 12A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing request signal PS12D if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 16A is in an abnormal state. Each of the controllers 14A, 20A, 22A, and 24A is configured to respond to the pairing request signal PS12D by wirelessly transmitting pairing signals PS14, PS20, PS22, or PS24. The controller 12A is configured to perform pairing between the controller 12A and each of the controllers 14A, 20A, 22A, and 24A, as performed between the controller 12A and each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in Figure 9. The controller 12A may be configured to wirelessly transmit a master signal MS12 to perform pairing between the controllers 12A and 14A, as shown in Figure 6.

[0264] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, if the reference information indicates that the different main controller 12A or 16A is in an abnormal state, then the controller 14A is configured to represent the different main controller 12A or 16A as the main controller. The abnormal state includes at least one of the different main controller 12A or 16A being faulty and the different main controller 12A or 16A being unresponsive.

[0265] Controller 14A is configured such that if controller 14A detects the communication signal NS12 or NS16 within a state determination time, it infers that the different master controller 12A or 16A is not in an abnormal state. Controller 14A is also configured such that if controller 14A does not detect the communication signal NS12 or NS16 within a state determination time, it infers that the different master controller 12A or 16A is in an abnormal state. A detection result indicating that controller 14A did not detect the communication signal NS12 or NS16 indicates that the different master controller 12A or 16A did not respond.

[0266] As shown in Figure 12, when controller 12A acts as the master controller and each of controllers 14A and 16A acts as a slave controller, controller 14A is configured to act as the master controller if reference information indicates that controller 12A is in an abnormal state. Controller 14A is also configured to act as the master controller if it does not detect the communication signal NS12 within the state determination time.

[0267] As shown in Figure 13, when controller 16A acts as the master controller and each of controllers 12A and 14A acts as a slave controller, controller 14A is configured to act as the master controller if reference information indicates that controller 16A is in an abnormal state. Controller 14A is also configured to act as the master controller if it does not detect the communication signal NS16 within the state determination time.

[0268] As shown in Figure 12, if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 12A is in an abnormal state, controller 14A is configured to enter pairing mode. Controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing request signal PS14D if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 12A is in an abnormal state. Each of the controllers 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A is configured to respond to the pairing request signal PS14D by wirelessly transmitting pairing signals PS16, PS20, PS22, or PS24. Controller 14A is configured to perform pairing between controller 14A and each of the controllers 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A, as performed between controller 14A and each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in Figure 9. Controller 14A may be configured to wirelessly transmit a master signal MS14 to perform pairing between controller 14A and 16A, as shown in Figure 7.

[0269] As shown in Figure 13, if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 16A is in an abnormal state, the controller 14A is configured to enter pairing mode. The controller 14A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing request signal PS14D if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 16A is in an abnormal state. Each of the controllers 12A, 20A, 22A, and 24A is configured to respond to the pairing request signal PS14D by wirelessly transmitting pairing signals PS12, PS20, PS22, or PS24. The controller 14A is configured to perform pairing between the controller 14A and each of the controllers 12A, 20A, 22A, and 24A, as performed between the controller 14A and each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in Figure 9. The controller 14A may be configured to wirelessly transmit a master signal MS14 to perform pairing between the controllers 14A and 12A, as shown in Figure 7.

[0270] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, if the reference information indicates that the different main controller 12A or 14A is in an abnormal state, then the controller 16A is configured to represent the different main controller 12A or 14A as the main controller. The abnormal state includes at least one of the different main controller 12A or 14A being faulty and the different main controller 12A or 14A being unresponsive.

[0271] Controller 16A is configured such that if controller 16A detects the communication signal NS12 or NS14 within a state determination time, it infers that the different master controller 12A or 14A is not in an abnormal state. Controller 16A is also configured such that if controller 16A does not detect the communication signal NS12 or NS14 within a state determination time, it infers that the different master controller 12A or 14A is in an abnormal state. A detection result indicating that controller 16A did not detect the communication signal NS12 or NS14 indicates that the different master controller 12A or 14A did not respond.

[0272] As shown in Figure 14, when controller 12A acts as the master controller and each of controllers 14A and 16A acts as a slave controller, controller 16A is configured to act as the master controller if reference information indicates that controller 12A is in an abnormal state. Controller 16A is also configured to act as the master controller if controller 16A does not detect the communication signal NS12 within the state determination time.

[0273] As shown in Figure 15, when controller 14A acts as the master controller and each of controllers 12A and 16A acts as a slave controller, controller 16A is configured to act as the master controller if reference information indicates that controller 14A is in an abnormal state. Controller 16A is also configured to act as the master controller if it does not detect the communication signal NS14 within the state determination time.

[0274] As shown in FIG14, if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 12A is in an abnormal state, the controller 16A is configured to enter pairing mode. The controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing request signal PS16D if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 12A is in an abnormal state. Each of the controllers 14A, 20A, 22A, and 24A is configured to respond to the pairing request signal PS16D by wirelessly transmitting pairing signals PS14, PS20, PS22, or PS24. The controller 16A is configured to perform pairing between the controller 16A and the controllers 14A, 20A, 22A, and 24A in response to the pairing request signal PS16D, as is performed between the controller 16A and each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in FIG9.

[0275] As shown in Figure 15, if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 14A is in an abnormal state, the controller 16A is configured to enter pairing mode. The controller 16A is configured to wirelessly transmit a pairing request signal PS16D if the reference information indicates that the different master controller 14A is in an abnormal state. Each of the controllers 12A, 20A, 22A, and 24A is configured to respond to the pairing request signal PS16D by wirelessly transmitting a pairing signal PS12, PS20, PS22, or PS24. The controller 16A is configured to perform pairing between the controller 16A and each of the controllers 12A, 20A, 22A, and 24A, as is performed between the controller 16A and each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in Figure 9.

[0276] Controller 12A may be configured to send a fault signal indicating a fault in electronic device 12. Controller 14A may be configured to send a fault signal indicating a fault in electronic device 14. Controller 16A may be configured to send a fault signal indicating a fault in electronic device 16.

[0277] Controller 12A is configured to detect fault signals sent by sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A. Controller 14A is configured to detect fault signals sent by sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A. Controller 16A is configured to detect fault signals sent by sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A.

[0278] If controller 12A detects a fault signal sent by servant controller 14A or 16A, controller 12A may be configured to act as the master controller on behalf of the different master controller 14A or 16A. If controller 14A detects a fault signal sent by servant controller 12A or 16A, controller 14A may be configured to act as the master controller on behalf of the different master controller 12A or 16A. If controller 16A detects a fault signal sent by servant controller 12A or 14A, controller 16A may be configured to act as the master controller on behalf of the different master controller 12A or 14A.

[0279] Controller 12A is configured to store priority information in memory 12M. Controller 14A is configured to store priority information in memory 14M. Controller 16A is configured to store priority information in memory 16M. This priority information indicates the priority order among electronic devices 12, 14, and 16.

[0280] As shown in FIG12, when the priority information is given in the order of electronic device 12, electronic device 14, and electronic device 16, controller 14A is configured to act as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 12A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller. Controller 16A is configured to act as a servant controller and not as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 12A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller.

[0281] As shown in FIG14, when the priority information is given in the order of electronic device 12, electronic device 16, and electronic device 14, controller 16A is configured to act as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 12A is in an abnormal state when controller 12A is the main controller. Controller 14A is configured to act as a servant controller and not as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 12A is in an abnormal state when controller 12A is the main controller.

[0282] As shown in FIG10, when the priority information is given in the order of electronic device 14, electronic device 12, and electronic device 16, controller 12A is configured to act as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 14A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller. Controller 16A is configured to act as a servant controller and not as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 14A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller.

[0283] As shown in FIG15, when the priority information is given in the order of electronic device 14, electronic device 16, and electronic device 12, controller 16A is configured to act as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 14A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller. Controller 12A is configured to act as a servant controller and not as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 14A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller.

[0284] As shown in FIG11, when the priority information is given in the order of electronic device 16, electronic device 12, and electronic device 14, controller 12A is configured to act as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 16A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller. Controller 14A is configured to act as a servant controller and not as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 16A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller.

[0285] As shown in FIG13, when the priority information is given in the order of electronic device 16, electronic device 14, and electronic device 12, controller 14A is configured to act as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 16A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller. Controller 12A is configured to act as a servant controller and not as the main controller if the reference information indicates that controller 16A is in an abnormal state when it is acting as the main controller.

[0286] As shown in FIG3, if the reference information indicates that at least the user selects the main controller 12A, the user does not select the servant controller 12A, and the user selects one of the different servant controllers 14A or 16A, then the controller 12A is configured as the main controller. In this specific embodiment, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the main controller 12A, then the controller 12A is configured as the main controller. However, if needed and / or required, if the reference information indicates that at least the user selects the main controller 12A, the user does not select the servant controller 12A, and the user selects one of the different servant controllers 14A or 16A, then the controller 12A may be configured as the main controller.

[0287] When the reference information indicates that at least the user selects the master controller 12A, the user does not select the slave controller 12A, or the user selects one of the different slave controllers 14A or 16A, controller 12A performs pairing with each of the controllers 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A, just as it performs pairing with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in FIG9. In this case, controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A are configured not to use the master signals MS12, MS14, and MS16 in pairing mode.

[0288] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, if the reference information indicates that at least the user selects a slave controller 12A, the user does not select a master controller 12A, and the user selects one of the different master controllers 14A or 16A, then controller 12A is configured as the slave controller. In this specific embodiment, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the different master controllers 14A or 16A, then controller 12A is configured as the slave controller. However, if needed and / or required, if the reference information indicates that the user selects a slave controller 12A, the user does not select a master controller 12A, and the user selects at least one of the different master controllers 14A or 16A, then controller 12A may be configured as the slave controller.

[0289] When the reference information indicates that the user selects the slave controller 12A, the user does not select the master controller 12A, or the user selects at least one of the different master controllers 14A or 16A, controller 12A performs pairing with one of controllers 14A and 16A, just as it performs pairing with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in FIG9. In this case, controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A are configured not to use the master signals MS12, MS14, and MS16 in pairing mode.

[0290] As shown in FIG4, if the reference information indicates that the main controller 14A, the user has not selected the sub-controller 14A, or the user has selected at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A or 16A, then the controller 14A is configured as the main controller. In this specific embodiment, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the main controller 14A, then the controller 14A is configured as the main controller. However, if needed and / or required, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the main controller 14A, the user has not selected the sub-controller 14A, or the user has selected at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A or 16A, then the controller 14A may be configured as the main controller.

[0291] When the reference information indicates that the user selects the main controller 14A, the user does not select the slave controller 14A, or the user selects at least one of the different slave controllers 12A or 16A, controller 14A performs pairing with each of the controllers 12A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A, just as it performs pairing with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in FIG9. In this case, controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A are configured not to use the master signals MS12, MS14, and MS16 in pairing mode.

[0292] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, if the reference information indicates that the user selects a slave controller 14A, the user does not select a master controller 14A, or the user selects at least one of the different master controllers 12A or 16A, then controller 14A is configured as the slave controller. In this specific embodiment, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the different master controllers 12A or 16A, then controller 14A is configured as the slave controller. However, if needed and / or required, if the reference information indicates that the user selects a slave controller 14A, the user does not select a master controller 14A, or the user selects at least one of the different master controllers 12A or 16A, then controller 14A may be configured as the slave controller.

[0293] When the reference information indicates that the user selects the slave controller 14A, the user does not select the master controller 14A, or the user selects at least one of the different master controllers 12A or 16A, controller 14A performs pairing with one of controllers 12A and 16A, just as it performs pairing with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in FIG9. In this case, controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A are configured not to use the master signals MS12, MS14, and MS16 in pairing mode.

[0294] As shown in FIG5, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the main controller 16A, the user does not select the servant controller 16A, or the user selects at least one of the different servant controllers 12A or 14A, then the controller 16A is configured as the main controller. In this specific embodiment, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the main controller 16A, then the controller 16A is configured as the main controller. However, if needed and / or required, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the main controller 16A, the user does not select the servant controller 16A, or the user selects at least one of the different servant controllers 12A or 14A, then the controller 16A may be configured as the main controller.

[0295] When the reference information indicates that the user selects the master controller 16A, the user does not select the slave controller 16A, or the user selects at least one of the different slave controllers 12A or 14A, the controller 16A performs pairing with each of the controllers 12A, 14A, 20A, 22A, and 24A, just as it performs pairing with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in FIG9. In this case, the controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A are configured not to use the master signals MS12, MS14, and MS16 in pairing mode.

[0296] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, if the reference information indicates that the user selects a slave controller 16A, the user does not select a master controller 16A, or the user selects at least one of the different master controllers 12A or 14A, then controller 16A is configured as the slave controller. In this specific embodiment, if the reference information indicates that the user selects the different master controllers 12A or 14A, then controller 16A is configured as the slave controller. However, if needed and / or required, if the reference information indicates that the user selects a slave controller 16A, the user does not select a master controller 16A, or the user selects at least one of the different master controllers 12A or 14A, then controller 16A may be configured as the slave controller.

[0297] When the reference information indicates that the user selects the slave controller 16A, the user does not select the master controller 16A, or the user selects at least one of the different master controllers 12A or 14A, controller 16A performs pairing with one of controllers 12A and 14A, just as it performs pairing with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A, as shown in FIG9. In this case, controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A are configured not to use the master signals MS12, MS14, and MS16 in pairing mode.

[0298] As shown in FIG. 16, at least one of these electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 can be used in a system 110 different from system 10. For example, system 110 includes electronic device 12, electronic device 116, and operating device 118. For example, system 110 is used for a mountain bike. Electronic device 116 has a structure substantially the same as that of electronic device 16 and includes an adjustable seat post. Operating device 118 has a structure substantially the same as that of operating device 18. Operating device 118 includes a first operating device 120, a second operating device 122, and a third operating device 124. First operating device 120 has a structure substantially the same as that of first operating device 20. Second operating device 122 has a structure substantially the same as that of second operating device 22. Third operating device 124 has a structure substantially the same as that of third operating device 24. The front derailleur, such as electronic device 14, has been omitted from system 110.

[0299] Electronic device 116 includes a controller 116A. First operating device 120 includes a controller 120A. Second operating device 122 includes a controller 122A. Third operating device 124 includes a controller 124A. Controller 116A has a structure substantially the same as that of controller 16A of electronic device 16. Controller 120A has a structure substantially the same as that of controller 20A of first operating device 20. Controller 122A has a structure substantially the same as that of controller 22A of second operating device 22. Controller 124A has a structure substantially the same as that of controller 24A of third operating device 24.

[0300] Controller 12A is configured to selectively function as either a master controller or a slave controller based on reference information associated with system 110. Controller 116A is configured to selectively function as either a master controller or a slave controller based on reference information associated with system 110. This reference information includes at least one of the hardware configuration of system 110, the hardware configuration state of system 110, and inputs sent from external device ED. The pairing and control between electronic device 12, electronic device 116, first operating device 120, second operating device 122, and third operating device 124 is the same as the pairing and control between electronic device 12, electronic device 16, first operating device 20, second operating device 22, and third operating device 24. Therefore, electronic device 12 is configured to function as either a master electronic device or a slave electronic device in system 110, which is different from system 10, based on reference information associated with system 110.

[0301] Similarly, as shown in FIG17, at least one of these electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 can be used in system 210, which is different from systems 10 and 110. For example, system 210 includes electronic device 12, electronic device 214, and operating device 218. For example, system 210 is used for road bicycles. Electronic device 214 has a structure substantially the same as that of electronic device 14 and includes a front derailleur. Operating device 218 has a structure substantially the same as that of operating device 18. Operating device 218 includes a first operating device 220 and a second operating device 222. First operating device 220 has a structure substantially the same as that of first operating device 20. Second operating device 222 has a structure substantially the same as that of second operating device 22. Adjustable seatposts such as electronic devices 16 or 116 are omitted from system 210. Third operating devices 24 and 124 are omitted from operating device 218 of system 210.

[0302] Electronic device 214 includes a controller 214A. First operating device 220 includes a controller 220A. Second operating device 222 includes a controller 222A. Third operating device 124 includes a controller 124A. Controller 214A has a structure substantially the same as that of controller 14A of electronic device 14. Controller 220A has a structure substantially the same as that of controller 20A of first operating device 20. Controller 222A has a structure substantially the same as that of controller 22A of second operating device 22.

[0303] Controller 12A is configured to selectively function as either a master controller or a slave controller based on reference information associated with system 210. Controller 214A is configured to selectively function as either a master controller or a slave controller based on reference information associated with system 210. This reference information includes at least one of the hardware configuration of system 210, the hardware configuration state of system 210, and inputs sent from external device ED. The pairing and control between electronic device 12, electronic device 214, first operating device 220, second operating device 222, and third operating device 124 is the same as the pairing and control between electronic device 12, electronic device 14, first operating device 20, second operating device 22, and third operating device 24. Therefore, electronic device 20 is configured to function as either a master electronic device or a slave electronic device in system 210, which is different from system 10, based on reference information associated with system 210.

[0304] In system 10, controller 12A is configured to communicate via a wireless communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 14A and / or 16A. Controller 14A is configured to communicate via a wireless communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 16A. Controller 16A is configured to communicate via a wireless communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 14A.

[0305] As shown in FIG18, however, controller 12A may be configured to communicate via a wired communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 14A and / or 16A. Controller 14A may be configured to communicate via a wired communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 16A. Controller 16A may be configured to communicate via a wired communication channel with at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 14A.

[0306] In this specific embodiment, system 10 includes a wired communication structure WS. Electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 are electrically connected to first, second, and third operating devices 20, 22, and 24 via the wired communication structure WS. Controller 12A is configured to communicate via the wired communication structure WS with at least one of the different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 14A and / or 16A. Controller 14A may be configured to communicate via the wired communication structure WS with at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 16A. Controller 16A may be configured to communicate via the wired communication structure WS with at least one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A and the different master controllers 12A and / or 14A. The wired communication structure WS includes at least one cable.

[0307] System 10 includes a power supply EPS. The power supply EPS is configured to be electrically connected via a wired communication structure WS to electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 and first, second, and third operating devices 20, 22, and 24. The power supply EPS is configured to supply power to electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 and first, second, and third operating devices 20, 22, and 24 via the wired communication structure WS. Power supplies 12E, 14E, 16E, 20E, 22E, and 24E are omitted from the description of electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 and first, second, and third operating devices 20, 22, and 24.

[0308] An example of a power supply EPS includes a battery and a capacitor. The power supply EPS is fixed to the body 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 (see, for example, Figure 1). However, the power supply EPS can be fixed to other parts of the human-powered vehicle 2.

[0309] Controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A communicate with each other via a wired communication structure WS using power line communication (PLC) technology. Specifically, each of the cables in the wired communication structure WS includes a ground wire and a voltage wire, which are detachably connected to a sequence of buses formed by the communication interface. Controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A can communicate with each other via wires using PLC technology.

[0310] PLC technology is used for communication between electrical components. The PLC carries data on conductors that also transmit or distribute power to the electrical components. In this modified version, the power supply PS supplies power to electronic devices 12, 14, and 16, and first, second, and third operating devices 20, 22, and 24 via a wired communication structure WS. Furthermore, controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A can receive information signals from each other via the PLC through the wired communication structure WS.

[0311] The PLC uses unique identification information, such as a unique identifier, which is assigned to each of the electronic devices 12, 14, and 16 and the first, second, and third operating devices 20, 22, and 24. Each of the controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A is configured to store this identification information. Based on this identification information, each of the controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A is configured to identify, based on the identification information, the information signals necessary for itself among the control signals transmitted via the wired communication structure WS. For example, controller 12A is configured to use the wired communication structure WS to identify information signals transmitted by sub-controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A. However, if needed and / or required, separate signal lines may be provided in addition to ground and voltage lines to transmit data, instead of using the PLC technology.

[0312] The communicator 12C includes a wired communicator 12L configured to establish wired communication such as that of a PLC. The wired communicator 12L is electrically fixed to a circuit board 12B. The wired communicator 12L is electrically fixed to the circuit board 12B and the system bus 12D. The wired communicator 12L is configured to be electrically connected to the wired communication structure WS. The wired communicator 12L is configured to separate an input signal into a power supply voltage and a plurality of control signals. The wired communicator 12L is configured to regulate the power supply voltage to a level at which the controller 12A can operate correctly. The wired communicator 12L is further configured to superimpose output signals such as the first or second control signal CS1, the pairing signal PS12, the master signal MS12, and the communication signal NS12 onto the power supply voltage applied to the wired communication structure WS from the power supply EPS.

[0313] Communicator 14C includes a wired communicator 14L configured to establish wired communication such as that of a PLC. Communicator 16C includes a wired communicator 16L configured to establish wired communication such as that of a PLC. Communicator 20C includes a wired communicator 20L configured to establish wired communication such as that of a PLC. Communicator 22C includes a wired communicator 22L configured to establish wired communication such as that of a PLC. Communicator 24C includes a wired communicator 24L configured to establish wired communication such as that of a PLC. Each of these wired communicators 14L, 16L, 20L, 22L, and 24L has the same structure as wired communicator 12L. Therefore, for simplicity, further details will not be provided.

[0314] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, when controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A, and 24A communicate with each other via a wired communication channel, controller 12A may have a pairing mode, wherein controller 12A performs pairing with one of the different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A and one of the different master controllers 14A and / or 16A. Controller 14A may have a pairing mode, wherein controller 14A performs pairing with one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A and one of the different master controllers 12A and / or 16A. Controller 16A may have a pairing mode, wherein controller 16A performs pairing with one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A and one of the different master controllers 12A and / or 14A. The controllers shown in Figures 10 to 17 can be applied to system 10, as described in Figure 18. However, when controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A and 24A communicate with each other via a wired communication channel, other pairing procedures can be applied to controllers 12A, 14A, 16A, 20A, 22A and 24A.

[0315] System 10 can be configured to use both wireless and wired communication. For example, in system 10 shown in FIG19, the communicator 12C of controller 12A includes a wireless communicator 12W and a wired communicator 12L. The communicator 14C of controller 14A includes a wireless communicator 14W and a wired communicator 14L. The communicator 16C of controller 16A includes a wireless communicator 16W and a wired communicator 16L. The communicator 20C of controller 20A includes a wireless communicator 20W and a wired communicator 20L. The communicator 22C of controller 22A includes a wireless communicator 22W and a wired communicator 22L. The communicator 24C of controller 24A includes a wireless communicator 24W and a wired communicator 24L.

[0316] When electronic device 12 is the main electronic device, controller 12A is configured to communicate with the different sub-controllers 14A and 16A via a wired communication channel, and is also configured to communicate with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A via a wired communication channel. When electronic device 14 is the main electronic device, controller 14A is configured to communicate with the different sub-controllers 12A and 16A via a wired communication channel, and is also configured to communicate with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A via a wired communication channel. When electronic device 16 is the main electronic device, controller 16A is configured to communicate with the different sub-controllers 12A and 14A via a wired communication channel, and is also configured to communicate with each of the controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A via a wired communication channel.

[0317] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, when controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A communicate with each other via a wired communication channel, controller 12A may have a pairing mode, in which controller 12A performs pairing with one of the different sub-controllers 14A and / or 16A and one of the different master controllers 14A and / or 16A. Controller 14A may have a pairing mode, in which controller 14A performs pairing with one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 16A and one of the different master controllers 12A and / or 16A. Controller 16A may have a pairing mode, in which controller 16A performs pairing with one of the different sub-controllers 12A and / or 14A and one of the different master controllers 12A and / or 14A. The controllers shown in Figures 10 to 17 and the modification illustrated in Figure 18 can be applied to system 10, as described in Figure 19. However, when controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A communicate with each other via a wired communication channel, additional pairing procedures can be applied to controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A.

[0318] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, when controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A communicate with each of controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A via a wireless communication channel, controller 12A may have a pairing mode in which controller 12A performs pairing with one of controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A. Controller 14A may have a pairing mode in which controller 14A performs pairing with one of controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A. Controller 16A may have a pairing mode in which controller 16A performs pairing with one of controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A. The controllers shown in Figures 10 to 17 and the modifications illustrated in Figure 18 can be applied to system 10, as described in Figure 19. However, when controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A communicate with each of controllers 20A, 22A, and 24A via a wired communication channel, additional pairing procedures may be applied to controllers 12A, 14A, and 16A.

[0319] In this invention, the term "comprising" and its variations as used in this specification are open-ended terms that specify the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps, but do not exclude other unstated features, elements, components, integers and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "having," "comprising," and variations thereof.

[0320] When words such as “component”, “section”, “part”, “part”, “element”, and “structure” are used in the singular form, they can have the dual meaning of a single component and a plural component.

[0321] Ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" used in this specification are for identification purposes only and do not have any other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term "first element" does not imply the existence of "second element," and the term "second element" does not imply the existence of "first element."

[0322] As used in this specification, the term "pairing" may cover pairing configurations of elements that have different shapes or structures from each other, plus pairing configurations of elements that have the same shape or structure from each other.

[0323] In this specification, the terms “a (one),” “one or more” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably.

[0324] The term “at least one” as used in this invention means “one or more” of the choices to be made. For one instance, if the number of choices is two (2), then the term “at least one” as used in this invention means “only one single choice” or “both of the two choices”. For other instances, if the number of choices is equal to or more than three, then the term “at least one” as used in this invention means “only one single choice” or “any combination of two or more choices”. For example, the term “at least one of A and B” covers (1) only A, (2) only B, and (3) both A and B. The term “at least one of A, B, and C” covers (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, the term “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B”.

[0325] Finally, terms of degree, such as “generally,” “approximately,” and “roughly” as used in this specification, indicate reasonable offsets of terms that do not significantly alter the result. All numerical values ​​described in this application may be interpreted to include terms such as “generally,” “approximately,” and “approximately.”

[0326] Obviously, in view of the above, various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, it is understood that the present invention can be practiced by examples other than those specifically described in this specification, within the scope of the claims made below. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0041] A more complete evaluation of the invention and its many accompanying advantages will be more clearly understood by referring to the following embodiments and considering the accompanying drawings. FIG1 is a side elevation view of a human-powered vehicle according to a specific embodiment. FIG2 is a schematic block diagram of the system of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG1. ​​FIG3 is a schematic block diagram of one of the plurality of electronic devices in the system illustrated in FIG2 as the main electronic device. FIG4 is a schematic block diagram of another of the plurality of electronic devices in the system illustrated in FIG2 as the main electronic device. FIG5 is a schematic block diagram of another of the plurality of electronic devices in the system illustrated in FIG2 as the main electronic device. FIG6 is a timing diagram of the pairing mode between the electronic devices in the system illustrated in FIG3. FIG7 is a timing diagram of the pairing mode between the electronic devices in the system illustrated in FIG4. FIG8 is a timing diagram of the pairing mode between the electronic devices in the system illustrated in FIG5. FIG9 is a timing diagram of the pairing mode between the electronic devices and the operating device in the systems illustrated in FIG3 to FIG5. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the system illustrated in Figure 4, where the main electronic device is in an abnormal state and one of the slave electronic devices is used as the main electronic device. Figure 11 is a block diagram of the system illustrated in Figure 5, where the main electronic device is in an abnormal state and the other slave electronic device is used as the main electronic device. Figure 12 is a block diagram of the system illustrated in Figure 3, where the main electronic device is in an abnormal state and one of the slave electronic devices is used as the main electronic device. Figure 13 is a block diagram of the system illustrated in Figure 5, where the main electronic device is in an abnormal state and the other slave electronic device is used as the main electronic device. Figure 14 is a block diagram of the system illustrated in Figure 3, where the main electronic device is in an abnormal state and one of the slave electronic devices is used as the main electronic device. Figure 15 is a block diagram of the system illustrated in Figure 4, where the main electronic device is in an abnormal state and the other slave electronic device is used as the main electronic device. Figure 16 is a block diagram of a first different system, different from the system shown in Figure 2, wherein the electronic device is applicable to the first different system. Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of a second, different system from the system shown in Figure 2, wherein electronic devices are adapted to the second, different system. Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram of the human-powered vehicle system according to a modification (wired communication). Figure 19 is a schematic block diagram of the human-powered vehicle system according to a modification (wireless and wired communication).

Claims

1. An electronic device for a human-powered vehicle system, the electronic device comprising: A controller configured to selectively be, based on reference information relating to the system, each of the following: a master controller configured to send a first control signal to different servant controllers of a different electronic device in the system, the different servant controllers being configured to operate in response to the first control signal; and a servant controller configured to operate in response to a second control signal sent from a different master controller of a different electronic device in the system.

2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reference information includes at least one of the following: a hardware configuration of the system; the hardware configuration state of the system; and an input sent from an external device.

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the reference information indicates that the system includes the different master controller, the controller is configured to act as the servant controller; and if the reference information indicates that the system does not include the different master controller, the controller is configured to act as the master controller.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to detect, based on the reference information, whether the system includes the different main controller.

5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to act as the servant controller if the reference information indicates that a user selects the servant controller, the user does not select the master controller, and the user selects at least one of the different master controllers; and the controller is configured to act as the master controller if the reference information indicates that the user selects the master controller, the user does not select the servant controller, and the user selects at least one of the different servant controllers.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with at least one of the different sub-controllers and the different master controllers via a wireless communication channel.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with at least one of the different sub-controllers and the different master controllers via a wired communication channel.

8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller includes a user interface configured to receive a user input, the controller having a pairing mode, wherein the controller performs pairing between the controller and one of the different sub-controllers and the different master controller; and the controller is configured to enter the pairing mode upon receiving the user input from the user interface.

9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein if the controller detects a master signal sent from the different master controller in the pairing mode, the controller is configured to act as the servant controller.

10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the controller is the master controller, the controller is configured to send the first control signal to the different slave controller in response to an operation signal sent from an operating device.

11. The electronic device as claimed in claim 10, wherein if the controller acts as the slave controller, the controller is configured to operate in response to the second control signal sent from the different master controller, without sending the first control signal to the different slave controller.

12. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the reference information indicates that the different master controller is in an abnormal state, the controller is configured to act as the master controller on behalf of the different master controller.

13. The electronic device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the abnormal state includes at least one of the different main controller malfunction and the different main controller not responding.

14. The electronic device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to detect a communication signal transmitted from the different master controller, the controller is configured to infer that the different master controller is not in an abnormal state if the controller detects the communication signal within a state determination time; and the controller is configured to infer that the different master controller is in an abnormal state if the controller does not detect the communication signal within the state determination time.

15. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the controller is the master controller, the controller is configured to send the first control signal to the different slave controller to control an additional actuator of the different electronic device.

16. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an actuator configured to generate actuation force, wherein if the controller acts as the slave controller, the controller is configured to control the actuator in response to the second control signal sent from the different master controller.

17. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, further comprising: a base member; and a movable member movable relative to the base member, wherein the actuator is configured to move the movable member relative to the base member in response to the second control signal.

18. A system for a human-powered vehicle, the system comprising: The electronic device as described in claim 1; and at least one of the following: a servant electronic device that includes the different servant controller; and a main electronic device, which includes the different main controllers.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one of the servant electronic device and the master electronic device includes an additional base member; an additional movable member movable relative to the additional base member; and an additional actuator configured to move the additional movable member relative to the additional base member.

20. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to communicate with at least one of the different sub-controllers and the different master controllers via a wireless communication channel; the master controller is configured to directly wirelessly transmit the first control signal to the different sub-controllers; and the sub-controller is configured to directly wirelessly receive the second control signal transmitted from the different master controllers.

21. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: An external device includes a display, and the external device is configured to display a hardware configuration of the system on the display.

22. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is one of: a rear transmission controller configured to control the actuator of a rear transmission of the manually operated vehicle; a front transmission controller configured to control the actuator of a front transmission of the manually operated vehicle; and an adjustable seatpost controller configured to control the actuator of an adjustable seatpost of the manually operated vehicle.

23. The electronic device as claimed in claim 22, wherein: The rear transmission controller, the front transmission controller, and the adjustable seat post controller can each selectively function as either the master controller or the servant controller.

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