Control device and notification system

By designing control devices and notification systems on human-driven vehicles, using wireless signals, sound or images to notify component errors and consumable information, the problem of insufficient usability and convenience of notification systems in the prior art is solved, and real-time status information is realized Automatic updates and processing improve the efficiency and convenience of vehicle management.

CN119117160APending Publication Date: 2024-12-13SHIMANO INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411201398.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-02-22
Filing Date
2019-02-20
Publication Date
2024-12-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing notification system lacks usefulness and convenience when notifying the status information of the human-driven vehicle, especially in terms of component errors and consumables management, and lacks effective information transmission and processing methods.

Method used

A control device and notification system are designed to notify additional information related to the status of the human-driven vehicle through the output unit, including component errors and consumable information, and notify them using wireless signals, sounds or images, and obtain the status information in real time. , and automatically output notification instructions based on the operator's input, simplifies the notification process and omits the connection of the communication line.

Benefits of technology

It improves the usability and convenience of human-driven vehicles. Through automatic notification and real-time status information updates, users can promptly understand and process vehicle status, and improves the efficiency and convenience of vehicle management.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a control device and a notification system which contribute to improving usability. The control device is provided with an output unit configured to output a notification instruction for causing the notification device to notify additional information corresponding to state information relating to the state of the human-powered vehicle.
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Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of February 20, 2019, application number 201910127268.4, and invention name “control device and notification system”. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a control device and a notification system. Background Art

[0004] There is known a notification system for notifying status information related to the status of a human-powered vehicle. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional notification system.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-222244 Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device and a notification system that contribute to improving usability.

[0009] A control device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an output unit configured to output a notification instruction for causing a notification device to notify additional information corresponding to state information related to a state of a human-powered vehicle.

[0010] The additional information corresponding to the status information of the human-powered vehicle is notified by the notification device, thereby contributing to improved usability.

[0011] In the control device of the second aspect according to the first aspect, the state information includes information related to an error of a component mounted on the human-powered vehicle.

[0012] For example, additional information including detailed contents and processing methods related to component errors is notified through the notification device, thereby contributing to improved usability.

[0013] In the control device of a third aspect according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the state information includes information related to consumables mounted on the human-powered vehicle.

[0014] For example, additional information including detailed contents and handling methods related to consumables is notified through the notification device, thereby contributing to improved usability.

[0015] In the control device according to a fourth aspect of any one of the first to third aspects, the output unit is configured to output a wireless signal including the notification instruction.

[0016] A communication line connecting the output unit and the notification device can be omitted, thus contributing to improved convenience.

[0017] In the control device according to a fifth aspect of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the output unit is configured to output a sound including the notification instruction.

[0018] The communication line and the wireless communication function for connecting the output unit and the notification device can be omitted, thus contributing to improved convenience.

[0019] In the control device according to a sixth aspect of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the output unit is configured to output an image including the notification instruction.

[0020] A communication line and a wireless communication function for connecting the output unit and the notification device can be omitted, thereby contributing to improved convenience.

[0021] In the control device according to a seventh aspect of any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control device further comprises: an acquisition unit configured to acquire the state information.

[0022] Therefore, the state information of the human-powered vehicle can be appropriately acquired.

[0023] In the control device according to the eighth aspect of the seventh aspect, the output unit is configured to output the notification instruction after the state information is acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0024] The additional information corresponding to the status information of the human-powered vehicle is automatically notified by the notification device, thereby contributing to improved usability.

[0025] In the control device according to the ninth aspect of the seventh aspect, it is further provided with: an input unit, which is configured to accept input from an operator, and the output unit is configured to output the notification indication when the acquisition unit acquires the status information and the input unit accepts input from the operator.

[0026] In response to the operator's request, additional information corresponding to the status information of the human-powered vehicle is notified by the notification device, thereby contributing to improved usability.

[0027] A notification system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention comprises: the control device; and the notification device.

[0028] The additional information corresponding to the status information of the human-powered vehicle is notified by the notification device, thereby contributing to improved usability.

[0029] The notification system according to the eleventh aspect of the tenth aspect further comprises: a first mounting device configured to mount the notification device on the human-powered vehicle.

[0030] Therefore, the notification device can be appropriately mounted on the human-powered vehicle.

[0031] The notification system of the twelfth aspect according to the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect further comprises: a second mounting device configured to mount the control device on the human-powered vehicle.

[0032] Since the notification device and the control device can be separately mounted on the human-powered vehicle, it contributes to improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the control device.

[0033] In a thirteenth aspect of the notification system according to the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect, the notification device includes a housing, and the control device is accommodated in the housing.

[0034] Since the control device and the notification device are provided integrally, the notification system can be configured simply.

[0035] In the notification system of a fourteenth aspect according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, the notification device includes at least one of a personal computer, a smart device, and a cycling computer.

[0036] Therefore, the notification device can be applied to various elements.

[0037] In a fifteenth aspect of the notification system according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, the notification device includes a storage unit configured to store the additional information.

[0038] Therefore, the additional information can be appropriately acquired from the storage unit according to the status information.

[0039] In a sixteenth aspect of the notification system according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects, the notification device includes an additional acquisition unit configured to acquire the additional information via a network.

[0040] Therefore, the acquisition or update of the additional information can be performed simply and quickly.

[0041] Effects of the Invention

[0042] The control device and notification system according to the present invention contribute to improved usability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including the notification system of the first embodiment;

[0044] Figure 2 To express Figure 1 A block diagram of the notification system and the connection relationship between various components;

[0045] Figure 3 To express Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of the notification system in action;

[0046] Figure 4 To express Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another example of the notification system in action;

[0047] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between the notification system and various components of the second embodiment;

[0048] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A main view of the code table;

[0049] Figure 7 for Figure 5 The main view of the smart device;

[0050] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a human-driven vehicle unit having a built-in control device of a first variant;

[0051] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a human-powered vehicle unit having a built-in control device according to a second variation;

[0052] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a human-driven vehicle unit having a built-in control device according to a third variation;

[0053] Fig.11 Schematic diagram of a human-powered vehicle unit incorporating a control device according to a fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] (First Embodiment)

[0055] Refer to the following Figure 1 , a human-driven vehicle A including the notification system 10 is described.

[0056] Here, a human-powered vehicle refers to a vehicle in which the motive force for traveling is at least partially human, including a vehicle that is electrically assisted by human power. Vehicles that use only motive force other than human power are not included in human-powered vehicles. In particular, vehicles that use only internal combustion engines as motive force are not included in human-powered vehicles. Usually, as a human-powered vehicle, a small and light vehicle is assumed, and a vehicle that does not require a driver's license to travel on public roads is assumed. The human-powered vehicle A shown in the figure is a bicycle (e-bike) including an electric assist unit E, wherein the electric assist unit E uses electric energy to assist the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle A. Specifically, the human-powered vehicle A shown in the figure is a touring bicycle (Trekking bike). The human-powered vehicle A further includes a frame A1, a front fork A2, a front wheel WF, a rear wheel WR, a handlebar H and a drive system B.

[0057] The drive system B is a chain-driven type. The drive system B includes a crank C, a front sprocket D1, a rear sprocket D2, and a chain D3. The crank C includes a crank shaft C1 rotatably supported on the frame A1 and a pair of crank arms C2 respectively provided at both ends of the crank shaft C1. The pedal PD can be rotatably mounted on the front end of each crank arm C2. It should be noted that the drive system B can be selected from any type, and can be a belt-driven type or a transmission shaft-driven type.

[0058] The front sprocket D1 is provided on the crank C so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft C1. The rear sprocket D2 is provided on the hub HR of the rear wheel WR. The chain D3 is wound around the front sprocket D1 and the rear sprocket D2. The driving force applied to the pedal PD by the user riding the human-powered vehicle A is transmitted to the rear wheel WR via the front sprocket D1, the chain D3 and the rear sprocket D2.

[0059] The human-powered vehicle A further includes a plurality of components CO. The plurality of components CO include at least one of a brake device BD, an electric assist unit E, a transmission T, a suspension SU, an adjustable seat post ASP, and a light LP. The brake device BD, the transmission T, the suspension SU, and the adjustable seat post ASP may be mechanically driven according to the operation of the corresponding operating device, or may be electrically driven according to the operation of the corresponding operating device. Among the plurality of components CO, the electrically driven elements are operated, for example, by the power supplied by a battery BT mounted on the human-powered vehicle A or by the power supplied by a dedicated power supply (not shown) mounted on each component CO.

[0060] The brake device BD includes brake devices BD corresponding to the number of wheels. In the present embodiment, the brake device BD corresponding to the front wheel WF and the brake device BD corresponding to the rear wheel WR are provided in the human-powered vehicle A. The two brake devices BD may have the same structure as each other. The brake device BD is, for example, a wheel rim brake device for braking the wheel rim R of the human-powered vehicle A. The brake device BD includes: a pair of friction members BS (refer to Figure 2), which can contact the wheel rim R; and a caliper CP, which is configured to press the friction member BS against the wheel rim R. An example of the friction member BS is a brake pad or a brake shoe. The friction member BS is included in, for example, a consumable BC mounted on a human-powered vehicle A (see Figure 2 In one example, the corresponding brake device BD is driven by the operation of the brake lever BL (operating device) provided on the handlebar H, and the caliper CP is operated so that a pair of friction members BS clamps the wheel rim R. It should be noted that the brake device BD may also be a disc brake device that brakes the disc brake rotor of the human-powered vehicle A (not shown).

[0061] The electric assist unit E operates to assist the propulsion force of the human-powered vehicle A. The electric assist unit E operates according to the driving force applied to the pedal PD, for example. The electric assist unit E includes an electric motor E1.

[0062] The transmission T includes at least one of a front derailleur TF and a rear derailleur TR. The front derailleur TF is disposed near the front sprocket D1. The speed ratio of the human-powered vehicle A is changed by changing the front sprocket D1 on which the chain D3 is wound using the front derailleur TF. The rear derailleur TR is disposed at the rear end A3 of the frame A1. The speed ratio of the human-powered vehicle A is changed by changing the rear sprocket D2 on which the chain D3 is wound using the rear derailleur TR. It should be noted that the transmission T may also include an internal transmission.

[0063] The suspension SU includes at least one of a front suspension SF and a rear suspension. The front suspension SF operates to mitigate the impact of the front wheel WF from the ground. The rear suspension operates to mitigate the impact of the rear wheel WR from the ground.

[0064] The adjustable seat post ASP operates to change the height of the seat S relative to the frame A1.

[0065] Refer to the following Figure 2 , the structure of the notification system 10 is explained.

[0066] The notification system 10 includes a control device 12 and a notification device 20. The control device 12 is configured to be mounted on a human-powered vehicle A. In the present embodiment, the control device 12 is built into a code meter 40 mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. The control device 12 is operated, for example, by power supplied by a battery (not shown) mounted on the code meter 40. The code meter 40 includes a housing 42, an operating unit 44, and a first notification unit 46 for notifying various information. The control device 12 is disposed in the housing 42. The operating unit 44 and the first notification unit 46 are disposed, for example, on an outer surface 42A of the housing 42 (see Figure 3The operation unit 44 includes a function of switching the power of the first notification unit 46 on and off and a function of changing the information notified by the first notification unit 46. The first notification unit 46 notifies, for example, information related to the component CO of the human-powered vehicle A. The first notification unit 46 is a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (Organic Electro-Luminescence Display) or an inorganic EL display (Inorganic Electro-Luminescence Display) (see Figure 3 ). In the present embodiment, the first notification unit 46 is a touch panel display. In this case, the display portion of the touch panel display is included in the first notification unit 46, and the touch panel portion of the touch panel display is included in the operation unit 44. It should be noted that the first notification unit 46 may not be a touch panel display. The various electrical components included in the code table 40 are operated by power supplied by, for example, a battery mounted on the code table 40.

[0067] The control device 12 includes an output unit 14 configured to output a notification instruction AI (see Figure 3 ), the notification instruction AI is used to make the notification device 20 notify the additional information IA (refer to Figure 3 ), the additional information IA and the state information IS related to the state of the human-driven vehicle A (refer to Figure 3 ). The status information IS includes, for example, at least one of the first status information, the second status information, and the third status information. The first status information includes, for example, information related to the status of the component CO mounted on the human-driven vehicle A. Specifically, the first status information includes information related to the error of the component CO mounted on the human-driven vehicle A. The error of the component CO includes, for example, at least one of an error related to the action of the component CO, an error related to the firmware of the component CO, an error related to the temperature of the component CO, an error related to the installation of the component CO, and an error related to the communication of the component CO. The additional information IA corresponding to the first status information includes, for example, at least one of detailed information on the error of the component CO and information related to the method for handling the error of the component CO.

[0068] The second state information includes information related to the consumables BC mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. The additional information IA corresponding to the second state information includes, for example, at least one of information related to the deterioration of the consumables BC and information related to the replacement of the consumables BC. The information related to the replacement of the consumables BC includes at least one of information related to the place of purchase of the consumables BC, information related to the store where the consumables BC can be purchased, and information related to the method of disassembling and assembling the consumables BC. In the present embodiment, the additional information IA corresponding to the second state information includes at least one of information related to the wear of the friction component BS and information related to the replacement of the friction component BS.

[0069] The third state information includes information related to the maintenance of the human-powered vehicle A. Specifically, the third state information includes information related to the maintenance of the component CO mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. The additional information IA corresponding to the third state information includes at least one of detailed information on the maintenance of the component CO and information related to the maintenance method of the component CO. It should be noted that the output unit 14 can also be configured to output a notification instruction, which is used to cause the notification device 20 to notify additional information, and the additional information corresponds to product information related to the new product of the human-powered vehicle A (omitted from the figure). The additional information corresponding to the product information includes detailed information related to the new product of the human-powered vehicle A, etc.

[0070] The control device 12 further includes an acquisition unit 16 configured to acquire the state information IS. The acquisition unit 16 acquires the state information IS through, for example, a detection device DD mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. The detection device DD includes a plurality of sensors (not shown) provided on various components CO so as to be able to detect the state information IS. The acquisition unit 16 acquires the state information IS from the detection device DD, and outputs a signal including the acquired state information IS to the output unit 14.

[0071] The control device 12 further includes an input unit 18 configured to receive input from an operator. The input unit 18 receives, for example, an operation signal corresponding to an operation of the operation unit 44 of the cycle computer 40. The input unit 18 may receive only an operation signal for notifying the additional information IA (hereinafter referred to as an "additional operation signal"), or may receive various operation signals including the additional operation signal. Preferably, when the input unit 18 receives only the additional operation signal, another control device (not shown) that controls the first notification unit 46 according to the operation signal other than the additional operation signal is mounted on the cycle computer 40. The input unit 18 outputs a signal including information related to the received operation signal to the output unit 14.

[0072] The output unit 14 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The output unit 14 is configured to output a notification instruction AI that conforms to at least one of the first to third examples below. In the first example, the output unit 14 is configured to output a wireless signal including the notification instruction AI (see Figure 3 In the second example, the output unit 14 is configured to output a sound including the notification instruction AI (see Figure 3 ). In this case, the output unit 14 outputs the sound including the notification instruction AI via a speaker (not shown) mounted on the cycle computer 40. That is, the first notification unit 46 further includes a speaker. The sound including the notification instruction AI includes voice, melody, beep, etc. In the third example, the output unit 14 is configured to output an image including the notification instruction AI ( Figure 4 In this case, the output unit 14 outputs an image including the notification instruction AI via the first notification unit 46 of the cycling computer 40. The image including the notification instruction AI includes, for example, at least one of a barcode and a two-dimensional code.

[0073] The output unit 14 is configured to output a notification instruction AI when the acquisition unit 16 acquires the status information IS and the input unit 18 accepts input from the operator. Specifically, when the status information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 causes the first notification unit 46 to notify the status information IS. Then, after the input unit 18 accepts an additional operation signal for notifying the additional information IA, the output unit 14 outputs the notification instruction AI including the status information IS. It should be noted that the control device 12 may also omit the input unit 18. In this example, the output unit 14 is configured to output the notification instruction AI after the status information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16. That is, the output unit 14 is configured to automatically output the notification instruction AI.

[0074] The notification device 20 includes at least one of a personal computer PC, a smart device 22, and a cycling computer 40. In the present embodiment, the notification device 20 includes at least one of a personal computer PC and a smart device 22. The smart device 22 includes at least one of a wearable device such as a smart watch, a smart phone, and a tablet computer. The structure and operation related to the notification device 20 below are described with the smart device 22 (smart phone) as a standard. The personal computer PC has a structure substantially the same as part or all of the components constituting the smart device 22.

[0075] The notification device 20 includes a housing 24. The notification device 20 further includes: a second notification unit 26 that notifies various information; and a control unit 28 that obtains a notification instruction AI and, based on the obtained notification instruction AI, causes the second notification unit 26 to notify additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS. The second notification unit 26 is provided, for example, on an outer surface 24A of the housing 24 (see Figure 3 The second notification unit 26 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display or an inorganic EL display (see Figure 3 ). The control unit 28 is provided in the housing 24. The control unit 28 is a CPU or an MPU. Various electrical components included in the notification device 20 are operated by power supplied from a battery mounted on the notification device 20 or power supplied from a commercial power source, for example.

[0076] The notification device 20 further includes a storage unit 30 configured to store additional information IA. The storage unit 30 includes a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The storage unit 30 stores, for example, various programs and preset information for control. The control unit 28 reads the additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS based on the notification instruction AI from the storage unit 30, and causes the second notification unit 26 to notify the acquired additional information IA. The notification device 20 further includes an additional acquisition unit 32 configured to acquire the additional information IA via a network. The additional acquisition unit 32 updates the additional information IA stored in the storage unit 30 based on the additional information IA acquired via the network, for example. The notification device 20 may also omit at least one of the storage unit 30 and the additional acquisition unit 32. When the storage unit 30 is omitted from the notification device 20, the additional acquisition unit 32 acquires the additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS based on the notification instruction AI via the network, and outputs the acquired additional information IA to the control unit 28.

[0077] The notification system 10 further includes a first mounting device MD1 configured to mount the notification device 20 on the human-powered vehicle A. In the present embodiment, the first mounting device MD1 is configured to mount the smart device 22 on the human-powered vehicle A. Specifically, the first mounting device MD1 is configured to mount the smart device 22 on the handlebar H of the human-powered vehicle A. The first mounting device MD1 may also be configured to mount the smart device 22 on the handlebar ST of the human-powered vehicle A (see Figure 1 The first installation device MD1 can be detachably installed on the smart device 22 or the human-driven vehicle A, or can be fixed on the smart device 22 or the human-driven vehicle A. It should be noted that the notification system 10 can also omit the first installation device MD1.

[0078] The notification system 10 further includes a second mounting device MD2 configured to mount the control device 12 on the human-powered vehicle A. In the present embodiment, the second mounting device MD2 is configured to mount the code meter 40 having the control device 12 built therein on the human-powered vehicle A. Specifically, the second mounting device MD2 is configured to mount the code meter 40 on the handlebar H of the human-powered vehicle A. The second mounting device MD2 may also be configured to mount the code meter 40 on the stem ST of the human-powered vehicle A. The second mounting device MD2 may be detachably mounted on the code meter 40 or the human-powered vehicle A, or may be fixed to the code meter 40 or the human-powered vehicle A.

[0079] Refer to the following Figure 3 and Figure 4 , an example of the operation of the notification system 10 is described.

[0080] For example, when the status information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the notification system 10 operates so that the output unit 14 outputs at least one of a wireless signal, sound and image including the notification instruction AI, and the notification device 20 notifies the additional information IA corresponding to the status information IS.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, when the output unit 14 outputs at least one of a wireless signal and a sound including a notification indication AI, the notification system 10 operates in the order of the following first to fifth actions. In the first action, when the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 causes the first notification unit 46 to notify the state information IS. In one example, the output unit 14 causes the first notification unit 46 to notify the state information IS as an error code. In the second action, when the input unit 18 receives an additional operation signal through a prescribed operation of the operation unit 44, the output unit 14 outputs at least one of a wireless signal and a sound including a notification indication AI to the notification device 20. An example of a prescribed operation of the operation unit 44 is a touch operation of the state information IS notified by the first notification unit 46. In the third action, in, for example, the smart device 22, the control unit 28 acquires the notification indication AI by opening a prescribed application. In the fourth action, the control unit 28 reads the additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS based on the acquired notification indication AI from the storage unit 30. In the fifth action, the control unit 28 causes the second notification unit 26 to notify the additional information IA obtained from the storage unit 30. It should be noted that, in the notification system 10, as described above, when the output unit 14 outputs at least one of a wireless signal and a sound including the notification indication AI, the notification device 20 having the function of detecting at least one of the wireless signal and the sound is applied.

[0082] like Figure 4As shown, when the output unit 14 outputs an image including the notification instruction AI, the notification system 10 operates in the order of the sixth to tenth actions below. In the sixth action, when the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 causes the first notification unit 46 to notify the state information IS. In the seventh action, when the additional operation signal is received by the input unit 18 through the prescribed operation of the operation unit 44, the output unit 14 causes the first notification unit 46 to notify the image including the notification instruction AI. In the eighth action, the control unit 28 acquires the notification instruction AI, for example, via the camera 34 mounted on the smart device 22. In the ninth action, the control unit 28 reads the additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS based on the acquired notification instruction AI from the storage unit 30. In the tenth action, the control unit 28 causes the second notification unit 26 to notify the additional information IA acquired from the storage unit 30. It should be noted that in the notification system 10, as described above, when the output unit 14 outputs an image including the notification instruction AI, the notification device 20 having the function of detecting the image is applied.

[0083] (Second Embodiment)

[0084] Below, refer to Figure 5 , a notification system 50 according to the second embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and thus, the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0085] The human-powered vehicle A includes a notification system 50 in place of the notification system 10 of the first embodiment. The notification system 50 includes a control device 12 and a notification device 52. The control device 12 is configured to be mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. In the present embodiment, the control device 12 is built into the notification device 52. The control device 12 operates by power supplied by, for example, a battery (not shown) mounted on the notification device 52. The notification device 52 includes at least one of a personal computer PC, a smart device 54, and a code table 56. In the present embodiment, the notification device 52 includes at least one of a smart device 54 and a code table 56. The smart device 54 includes at least one of a wearable device such as a smart watch, a smart phone, and a tablet computer. The following description of the structure of the notification device 52 is common to the smart device 54 and the code table 56.

[0086] The notification device 52 includes a housing 58. The control device 12 is housed in the housing 58. The notification device 52 further includes an operation unit 60 and a third notification unit 62 for notifying various information. The operation unit 60 and the third notification unit 62 are provided on, for example, an outer surface 58A of the housing 58 (see Figure 6The operation unit 60 has substantially the same structure as the operation unit 44 of the first embodiment. The third notification unit 62 has substantially the same structure as the first notification unit 46 of the first embodiment. The various electrical components included in the notification device 52 are operated by power from a battery mounted on the notification device 52, for example.

[0087] The notification device 52 further includes a storage unit 64 configured to store the additional information IA and an additional acquisition unit 66 configured to acquire the additional information IA via the network. The storage unit 64 has substantially the same structure as the storage unit 30 of the first embodiment. The additional acquisition unit 66 has substantially the same structure as the additional acquisition unit 32 of the first embodiment.

[0088] The output unit 14 of the control device 12 is configured to output a notification instruction AI to the third notification unit 62, and the notification instruction AI is used to make the notification device 52 notify, for example, additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS. Specifically, when the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 causes the third notification unit 62 to notify the state information IS. And, after the input unit 18 receives the additional operation signal for notifying the additional information IA, the output unit 14 reads the additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS from the storage unit 64, and causes the third notification unit 62 to notify the acquired additional information IA. It should be noted that the control device 12 can omit the input unit 18. In this example, the output unit 14 is configured to output the notification instruction AI after the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16. Specifically, after the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 reads the additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS from the storage unit 64, and automatically causes the third notification unit 62 to notify the acquired additional information IA.

[0089] The notification system 50 further includes a first mounting device MD1 configured to mount the notification device 52 on the human-powered vehicle A. Specifically, the first mounting device MD1 is configured to mount the notification device 52 on the handlebar H of the human-powered vehicle A. The first mounting device MD1 may also be configured to mount the notification device 52 on the stem ST of the human-powered vehicle A. The first mounting device MD1 may be detachably provided on the notification device 52 or the human-powered vehicle A, or may be fixed to the notification device 52 or the human-powered vehicle A. It should be noted that when the notification device 52 is applied to the smart device 54, the notification system 50 may omit the first mounting device MD1.

[0090] Refer to the following Figure 6 and Figure 7 , an example of the operation of notification system 50 is described.

[0091] like Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , when the notification device 52 is applied to the cycling table 56, the notification system 50 operates in the order of the following eleventh to thirteenth operations. In the eleventh operation, when the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 causes the third notification unit 62 to notify the state information IS (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ). In one example, the output unit 14 causes the third notification unit 62 to notify the status information IS as an error code. In the twelfth action, when the additional operation signal is accepted by the input unit 18 through the prescribed operation of the operating unit 60, the output unit 14 reads the additional information IA corresponding to the status information IS from the storage unit 64. An example of a prescribed operation of the operating unit 60 is a touch operation of the status information IS notified by the third notification unit 62. In the thirteenth action, the output unit 14 causes the third notification unit 62 to notify the additional information IA obtained from the storage unit 64. It should be noted that the notification device 52 can also be configured to notify a prescribed store according to the operation of the operating unit 60 when notifying the additional information IA. The prescribed store includes, for example, a store that can resolve the content of the additional information IA.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, when the notification device 52 is applied to a smart device 54 (smartphone), the notification system 50 operates in the order of the following fourteenth to sixteenth actions. In the fourteenth action, when the status information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 causes the third notification unit 62 to notify the status information IS (not shown). In the example where the notification device 52 is applied to the smart device 54, the acquisition unit 16 and the detection device DD are preferably configured to perform wireless communication. In the fifteenth action, when the additional operation signal is accepted by the input unit 18 through the specified operation of the operation unit 60, the output unit 14 reads the additional information IA corresponding to the status information IS from the storage unit 64. In the sixteenth action, the output unit 14 causes the third notification unit 62 to notify the additional information IA acquired from the storage unit 64. It should be noted that the notification device 52 can also be configured to notify a specified store according to the operation of the operation unit 60 when the additional information IA is notified.

[0093] (Variation Example)

[0094] The description of the above-mentioned embodiments is an example of the methods that can be adopted by the control device and notification system according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the methods. The control device and notification system according to the present invention can adopt the modified examples of the above-mentioned embodiments shown below and the combination of at least two modified examples that do not contradict each other. In the following modified examples, the same symbols as those of the embodiments are added to the parts that are common to the methods of the embodiments, so they are not repeated.

[0095] The configuration of the control device 12 of the first embodiment can be changed arbitrarily. Figure 8 to Figure 11 As shown, the control device 12 is built in a human-powered vehicle unit 70 mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. Preferably, the human-powered vehicle unit 70 is electrically connected to at least the detection device DD.

[0096] Figure 8 A human-powered vehicle unit 70 is shown in which the control device 12 of the first variant is built-in. The human-powered vehicle unit 70 includes a housing 72. The control device 12 is arranged in the housing 72. The control device 12 has an output unit 14 and an acquisition unit 16. That is, the control device 12 of the first variant omits the input unit 18. The output unit 14 is configured to output a wireless signal including a notification indication AI. When the status information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 automatically outputs the notification indication AI including the status information IS. It should be noted that the notification system 10 may also have a second installation device (omitted from the figure), which is configured to install the control device 12 on the human-powered vehicle A. In this case, the second installation device is configured to install the human-powered vehicle unit 70 with the control device 12 built-in on the human-powered vehicle A.

[0097] Fig. 9 The human-powered vehicle unit 70 having the control device 12 of the second variant built therein is shown. The human-powered vehicle unit 70 includes a housing 72 and a fourth notification unit 74 that outputs various information. The fourth notification unit 74 is provided on, for example, the outer surface 72A of the housing 72. The fourth notification unit 74 includes at least one of a light-emitting element, a speaker, a vibration element, and a display. The light-emitting element is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. The speaker outputs, for example, voice, melody, beep, etc. The display is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display. The control device 12 is provided in the housing 72. The control device 12 includes an output unit 14 and an acquisition unit 16. That is, the control device 12 of the second variant omits the input unit 18. The output unit 14 is configured to output at least one of a wireless signal, sound, and image including a notification indication AI. When the status information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 automatically outputs the notification indication AI including the status information IS.

[0098] Fig.10A human-powered vehicle unit 70 having a built-in control device 12 of a third variant is shown. The human-powered vehicle unit 70 includes a housing 72 and an operating unit 76. The operating unit 76 is provided on, for example, an outer surface 72A of the housing 72. The control device 12 is provided in the housing 72. The control device 12 includes an output unit 14, an acquisition unit 16, and an input unit 18. The output unit 14 is configured to output a wireless signal including a notification instruction AI. When the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16 and an additional operation signal is received by the input unit 18 through the operation of the operating unit 76, the output unit 14 outputs the notification instruction AI including the state information IS.

[0099] Fig.11 A human-powered vehicle unit 70 having a built-in control device 12 of a fourth variant is shown. The human-powered vehicle unit 70 includes a housing 72, a fourth notification unit 74, and an operation unit 76. The control device 12 is disposed in the housing 72. The control device 12 includes an output unit 14, an acquisition unit 16, and an input unit 18. The output unit 14 is configured to output at least one of a wireless signal, a sound, and an image including a notification instruction AI. When the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16, the output unit 14 causes the fourth notification unit 74 to notify the state information IS. Next, when an additional operation signal is received by the input unit 18, the output unit 14 outputs the notification instruction AI including the state information IS.

[0100] The structure of the output unit 14 of the first embodiment can be arbitrarily changed. In one example, the output unit 14 is configured to be electrically connected to the notification device 20 via an electric wire (not shown) to perform power line communication (PLC) with the notification device 20. That is, the output unit 14 is configured to output an electrical signal including the notification instruction AI.

[0101] The structure of the control device 12 of the first embodiment can be arbitrarily changed. In one example, the control device 12 further includes at least one of the storage unit 30 and the additional acquisition unit 32. The notification device 20 may also omit at least one of the storage unit 30 and the additional acquisition unit 32. When the state information IS is acquired by the acquisition unit 16 and the additional operation signal is received by the input unit 18, the output unit 14 reads the additional information IA corresponding to the state information IS from the storage unit 30 or the additional acquisition unit 32, and outputs the notification instruction AI including the acquired additional information IA.

[0102] The type of the human-powered vehicle A can be changed arbitrarily. In the first example, the human-powered vehicle A is a road bike, a mountain bike, a cross bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, or a recumbent bike. In the second example, the human-powered vehicle A is a scooter.

[0103] Explanation of symbols:

[0104] 10…notification system, 12…control device, 14…output unit, 16…acquisition unit, 18…input unit, 20…notification device, 22…intelligent device, 24…housing, 30…storage unit, 32…additional acquisition unit, 50…notification system, 52…notification device, 54…intelligent device, 56…stopwatch, 58…housing, 64…storage unit, 66…additional acquisition unit, A…human-powered vehicle, AI…notification instruction, BC…consumables, CO…component, IA…additional information, IS…status information, MD1…first installation device, MD2…second installation device, PC…personal computer.

Claims

1. A control device, which is configured as follows: When an acquisition unit configured to acquire status information related to the status of a human-powered vehicle acquires the status information and an input unit configured to accept input from an operator accepts input from the operator, an output unit outputs a notification indication for causing a notification device to notify additional information corresponding to the status information.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The status information includes information related to errors of components mounted on the human-powered vehicle, The error of the component includes at least one of an error related to an operation of the component, an error related to firmware of the component, an error related to a temperature of the component, an error related to installation of the component, and an error related to communication of the component.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The status information includes information related to errors of components mounted on the human-powered vehicle, The additional information includes at least one of detailed information on the error of the component and information on a method of handling the error of the component.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The status information includes information related to consumables mounted on the human-powered vehicle.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein: The additional information includes at least one of information related to a deterioration state of the consumables and information related to replacement of the consumables.

6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein: The information related to replacement of the consumables includes at least one of information related to a place to purchase the consumables, information related to a store where the consumables can be purchased, and information related to a method of disassembling and assembling the consumables.

7. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The status information includes information related to maintenance of the human-powered vehicle.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein: The additional information corresponding to the maintenance-related information includes at least one of detailed information on maintenance of a component mounted on the human-powered vehicle and information on a maintenance method of the component.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The additional information includes product information related to the new product of the human-powered vehicle, and the additional information corresponding to the product information includes detailed information related to the new product of the human-powered vehicle.

10. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The output unit is configured to output at least one of a barcode and a two-dimensional code.

11. The control device according to claim 4, wherein: The consumables include a friction member, and the additional information includes at least one of information related to a wear condition of the friction member and information related to replacement of the friction member.

12. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The output unit includes a speaker, and the control device is configured to cause the speaker to output a sound including the notification instruction.

13. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The output unit includes a display, and the control device is configured to cause the display to output an image including the notification instruction.

14. A notification device comprising the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The notification device includes the acquisition unit, the output unit, the input unit, and a housing. The control device is accommodated in the housing.

15. The notification device according to claim 14, wherein: The notification device includes at least one of a personal computer, a smart device, and a cycling computer.

16. The notification device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The notification device comprises: The additional acquisition unit is configured to acquire the additional information via a network.

17. The notification device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The notification device comprises: The storage unit is configured to store the additional information.

18. The notification device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The notification device further comprises: A first mounting device is configured to mount the notification device on the human-powered vehicle.

19. The notification device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The notification device further includes a notification unit including a display, and when the acquisition unit acquires the status information, the output unit causes the notification unit to notify the status information.

20. The notification device according to claim 19, wherein: The output unit causes the notification unit to notify the status information as an error code.

21. The notification device according to claim 17, wherein: The notification device further includes a notification unit including a display, wherein the output unit reads the additional information corresponding to the status information from the storage unit after the input unit receives an input from the operator, and causes the notification unit to notify the acquired additional information.

22. The notification device according to claim 21, wherein: The input unit receives an input from an operator including a touch operation of the state information notified by the notification unit.

23. The notification device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The notification device is configured to notify a predetermined store based on an input from an operator while notifying the additional information, wherein the predetermined store includes a store that can resolve the content of the additional information.

24. A control method for a control device for a human-powered vehicle, the control method comprising receiving a signal including status information related to the status of the human-powered vehicle and receiving a signal including information related to an input from an operator, A notification instruction is outputted, the notification instruction being used to cause a notification device to notify additional information, the additional information corresponding to the status information.

25. The control method according to claim 24, wherein: The status information includes information related to errors of components mounted on the human-powered vehicle, The error of the component includes at least one of an error related to an operation of the component, an error related to firmware of the component, an error related to a temperature of the component, an error related to installation of the component, and an error related to communication of the component.

26. The control method according to claim 24, wherein: The status information includes information related to errors of components mounted on the human-powered vehicle, The additional information includes at least one of detailed information on the error of the component and information on a method of handling the error of the component.

27. The control method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein: The status information includes information related to consumables mounted on the human-powered vehicle.

28. The control method according to claim 27, wherein: The additional information includes at least one of information related to a deterioration state of the consumables and information related to replacement of the consumables.

29. The control method according to claim 28, wherein: The information related to replacement of the consumables includes at least one of information related to a place to purchase the consumables, information related to a store where the consumables can be purchased, and information related to a method of disassembling and assembling the consumables.

30. The control method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein: The status information includes information related to maintenance of the human-powered vehicle.

31. The control method according to claim 30, wherein: The additional information corresponding to the maintenance-related information includes at least one of detailed information on maintenance of a component mounted on the human-powered vehicle and information on a maintenance method of the component.

32. The control method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein: The additional information includes product information related to the new product of the human-powered vehicle, and the additional information corresponding to the product information includes detailed information related to the new product of the human-powered vehicle.

33. The control method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein: Outputting the notification indication includes outputting at least one of a barcode and a QR code.

34. The control method according to claim 27, wherein: The consumables include a friction member, and the additional information includes at least one of information related to a wear condition of the friction member and information related to replacement of the friction member.

35. The control method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein: Outputting the notification indication includes outputting a sound including the notification indication.

36. The control method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein: Outputting the notification indication includes outputting an image including the notification indication.

37. A control method for a notification device, the notification device being used for a human-powered vehicle, the control method comprising obtaining status information related to the status of the human-powered vehicle; Accepting input from operators; outputting a notification indication including the status information; Additional information corresponding to the state information is notified based on the notification instruction.

38. The control method according to claim 37, wherein notifying the additional information corresponding to the state information based on the notification instruction includes: The additional information corresponding to the status information based on the acquired notification instruction is read from the storage unit, and the additional information acquired from the storage unit is notified.

39. The control method according to claim 37 or 38, wherein notifying the additional information corresponding to the state information based on the notification indication comprises: Additional information corresponding to the status information based on the notification instruction is acquired via the network.

40. The control method according to claim 37 or 38, further comprising When acquiring status information related to the status of the human-powered vehicle, the status information is notified as an error code.

41. The control method according to claim 37 or 38, further comprising In a state where the additional information is notified, notification is made to a predetermined store based on an input from an operator, and the predetermined store includes a store that can resolve the content of the additional information.

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