Methods for operating a bicycle system and bicycle system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a bicycle system. The method comprises sensing (12) a lactate level in a rider and generating (14) an output signal depending on the sensed lactate level of the rider. The invention also relates to a bicycle system. The output signal includes a control signal for the bicycle. At least one bicycle function is controlled by the control signal. The at least one bicycle function is assistance provided by a drive motor. The invention also relates to a bicycle system.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a bicycle system. The invention also relates to a bicycle system. State of the art

[0002] Bicycles, such as city bikes, mountain bikes, or cargo bikes, are usually powered at least partially by human power. Bicycles are used, for example, for practicing a sport and training a rider's body. However, bicycles are also used as a means of transport without the rider's desire to exercise. The rider's goal may then be to reach their destination quickly and with minimal effort. However, it is often difficult for riders to assess whether their use and operation of the bicycle meets their personal goals and desires.

[0003] Cycling can be particularly efficient and gentle on the rider if they pedal evenly and select an appropriate gear. The rider can become tired while riding, making it more difficult for them to propel the bike. The rider can also be tired at the start of the ride. A tired rider can operate the bike poorly. For example, a tired rider may select an unsuitable gear, making it more difficult to propel the bike. Likewise, a gear that was appropriate at the start of the ride may no longer be a sensible choice for the rider after some time. However, the cyclist often does not notice this at all or only notices it too late.

[0004] GB 2 43 9090 A discloses a bicycle with a gearshift that automatically selects a gear based on a physiological parameter of the rider. The physiological parameter is heart rate. Thus, only the current load on the rider's circulatory system is taken into account, which, however, does not provide information about muscular fatigue and only to a limited extent about the current stress level for physical training.

[0005] DE 20 2006 017 968 ​​U1 describes an intelligent measuring device that automatically adjusts the intensity of use of a sports facility. The measuring device is attached, for example, to the handlebar of a bicycle as a piece of sports equipment. A measuring module determines the physiological state of an athlete by measuring their heart rate. If the athlete's physiological state deteriorates, for example, due to an increased heart rate, or if their training intensity increases, for example, during an uphill ride, a control unit can automatically select a gear position with a high ratio.

[0006] US 2018 / 0154980 A1 describes an electric bicycle in which the motor is controlled depending on a heart rate signal. Description of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to enable improved use of a bicycle by taking into account a rider's condition. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0008] A first aspect relates to a method for operating a bicycle system. The bicycle system can comprise a bicycle, which can be designed, for example, as a touring bicycle, racing bike, or mountain bike. The bicycle can also be designed as a pedelec. A pedelec has a drive motor designed to assist a cyclist in driving the bicycle. The drive motor can be designed, for example, as an electric machine. The bicycle can have a pedal crankshaft, at which a driving force can be introduced into a drive train of the bicycle by the cyclist. The cyclist can drive the bicycle, for example, by pedaling. The bicycle can have a gear shift, by means of which, for example, a transmission ratio between the pedal crankshaft and a driven wheel of the bicycle can be adjusted.The gear ratio can be changed by the gearshift, for example, in discrete steps or continuously within a range. The gearshift can be designed for automatic gear ratio change. The gearshift can have an actuator for changing the gear ratio, which changes the gear ratio depending on an electronic control signal, for example. Individual components of the bicycle system can be part of the bicycle, interact with it, or be independent of the bicycle.

[0009] The method includes a step of detecting a lactate level in a cyclist. The bicycle system can have a detection device for this purpose. A lactate level can be a lactate concentration in the cyclist's arterial blood. The lactate value in the blood can be a result of the constant production and elimination of lactate throughout the body. Based on the lactate level and a lactate performance curve generated from it, a performance diagnosis can be performed. Additionally, the performance exerted by the cyclist can be recorded for this purpose. The lactate level can be a measure of the proportion of energy provided by the body that is aerobically and anaerobically, which can depend on the physical exertion.The lactate level can be a particularly accurate measure of exertion and muscular fatigue in the body, making it particularly easy to adapt the exertion to the cyclist's wishes and goals while cycling. Unlike heart rate, for example, the lactate level can provide direct information about the user's exertion level, even without knowing their training status. When measuring heart rate, however, it must be taken into account that trained individuals have a much lower resting heart rate than untrained individuals. Furthermore, the lactate level can be used to directly determine the type of training, for example, whether the person is currently training predominantly aerobically or anaerobically.

[0010] The measurement can be carried out, for example, by a blood test. The measurement can be carried out, for example, continuously, quasi-continuously at a sensor clock rate, or at discrete times. For example, the lactate level can be measured at predetermined time intervals, after predetermined distances traveled, or depending on the rider's driving power. The measurement can, for example, be automatic. For example, the measurement device can be integrated into a handlebar grip, which takes a blood sample from the rider at the time of measurement. The rider can also wear a chip that enables lactate level measurement and is attached to the rider permanently or at least while riding the bike. Such chips are known, for example, for diabetics to measure blood sugar and can be adapted accordingly for lactate level measurement.The use of non-invasive lactate level measurements is also possible.

[0011] The method comprises generating an output signal depending on the detected lactate level of the rider. The output signal can be generated, for example, by a generating device. The generating device can be designed to evaluate the detected lactate level. A trend of the detected lactate level can also be recorded. The output signal can be used to control bicycle functions and, alternatively or additionally, to assist the rider in operating the bicycle in a way that corresponds to their wishes and goals during use. The generating device can have a microprocessor. The generating device can receive the lactate level, for example, wired or wirelessly from the detecting device. The generating device can, for example, be part of the bicycle.For example, the generating device can be integrated into a bicycle's on-board computer and alternatively or additionally attached to or in a bicycle frame. The output signal can be an electronic signal. The output signal can be time-variant. The output signal can change with a change in the lactate level. For example, with the same lactate level, the output signal can vary depending on the conditions, such as previous training, time of day, or duration of use. An output signal can be generated continuously. However, the output signal can also be generated only under certain conditions, for example if the recorded lactate level is exceeded and alternatively or additionally if a different operation of the bicycle makes sense in view of the lactate level. If the conditions are not met, for example, no output signal can be generated.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the method, the method can include a step of determining a rate of change in the lactate level. For this purpose, for example, a first detected lactate level and a second lactate level detected later in time can be compared. A lactate level gradient can also generally be determined from a profile of the detected lactate level. The rate of change can also be determined by the detection device or a separate evaluation device. By taking the rate of change in the lactate level into account, the rider's workload can be changed early on in order to remain within a desired training range or load range. For example, the rider can remain in a primarily aerobic or anaerobic load state with a high degree of reliability.The output signal can be generated depending on the determined rate of change of the rider's lactate level. For example, the rate of change of the lactate level can be considered exclusively when generating the output signal, or in addition to a currently detected lactate level.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the method, the output signal can include a recommended action for the rider. The recommended action can influence the rider's workload. The recommended action can influence a future lactate level and a change in the lactate level during continued use of the bicycle. For example, the rider can be recommended to increase or decrease their cadence. For example, the rider can be given a new cadence when operating the pedal crankshaft.

[0014] The recommended action can be issued to the rider. For example, the generated output signal can be transmitted to an output device. The output device can be designed for optical, haptic and, alternatively or additionally, acoustic output. The output device can be a device on the bicycle. The output device can also be a device external to the bicycle, such as a smartphone or a smartwatch. For example, the recommended action can be displayed to the rider on a screen. For example, the recommended action can be issued to the rider as a signal tone. For example, the recommended action can be issued to the rider as a vibration. For example, a smartphone or a handlebar of the bicycle can vibrate for this purpose. The rider can then adapt his or her use of the bicycle by following the recommended action.For example, the rider can be advised to change gears to maintain a certain desired level of exertion or to reach their destination without excessive fatigue. The recommended action can, for example, improve the range of the bicycle. The recommended action can include a recommendation for manual control of one or more bicycle functions. Multiple recommended actions can also be issued, for example, simultaneously or consecutively.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the method, the recommended action may include a gear change recommendation. This allows the method to be used on a bicycle with manual gear shifting. For example, the output of the recommended action may signal to the rider that upshifting or downshifting is advisable in view of their lactate level and, optionally, their change. A specific gear may also be recommended to the rider. This allows the rider to be prepared for an automatically controlled gear change or to be informed of such an impending gear change.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the recommended action can include a training intensity. For example, the rider can be advised to drive the bike with more or less power or to maintain a certain power level. Alternatively or additionally, the recommended action can include a speed recommendation. For example, the rider can be advised to ride the bike faster or slower or to maintain a certain speed. Alternatively or additionally, the recommended action can include a cadence recommendation. For example, the rider can be advised to turn the crankshaft faster, slower, or at a constant speed. Alternatively or additionally, the recommended action can include a motor assistance recommendation. For example, the rider can be advised to change the level of assistance provided by a drive motor on the bike.This allows the rider to be prepared for an automatically controlled change in assistance from the bicycle's drive motor or to be informed of such a change. In principle, the recommended action allows the rider to maintain a high degree of control while using the bicycle.

[0017] According to the invention, it is provided that the output signal comprises a control signal for the bicycle. At least one bicycle function is controlled with the control signal. Controlling the bicycle function can influence the workload of the rider. Controlling the bicycle function can influence a future lactate level and a change in the lactate level during continued use of the bicycle. For example, controlling the bicycle function can change the workload of the rider when driving the bicycle. Controlling the bicycle function can change the efficiency of operating the bicycle. Controlling the bicycle function can occur alternatively or in addition to the recommended action. In addition, a planned control can also be output to the rider first, for example visually, haptically and alternatively or additionally acoustically.The rider must then, for example, accept this control before the bicycle function is actually controlled. The rider can also reject the control, which means the bicycle function will not be controlled as intended. Acceptance and rejection can also be used to train an algorithm for determining the control signal or generating the output signal. Multiple bicycle functions can also be controlled using the control signal.

[0018] It can also be provided that the user can switch between the recommended action and the control signal. For example, a mode with automatic control of one or more bicycle functions can be activated, or a manual mode in which recommended actions for manual control are issued for one or more bicycle functions. There can also be a mixed mode in which at least one bicycle function is controlled automatically and a recommended action is issued for at least one bicycle function. The method can thus also be adapted to bicycles with varying degrees of automation.

[0019] According to the invention, the bicycle function is provided with assistance from a drive motor of the bicycle. For example, the drive motor can be operated with more or less power depending on the detected lactate level and, optionally, its rate of change. The rider can thus be assisted more or less strongly when driving the bicycle. For example, the control signal can be used to change the assistance level of the drive motor. This allows the rider's workload to be varied when driving the bicycle in order to maintain the rider in a specific training state.

[0020] In one embodiment, the control signal controls another bicycle function. For example, the other bicycle function can be a gear ratio change. For example, the gear ratio change can involve a gear change. For example, a gear change can be caused by the control signal. The bicycle's gearshift can be designed as an automatically shifting gearshift for this purpose. For example, the gearshift can have an electric actuator with which a derailleur of the gearshift is moved, thus changing a gear. This eliminates the need for the rider to manually adjust the bicycle's gear ratio.

[0021] For example, the additional bicycle function can be brake activation. For example, the brake activation can cause deceleration or reduce acceleration or speed by braking the bicycle. A bicycle's brake system can be designed as an automatically actuated brake system for this purpose. For example, the brake system can have an electric actuator with which a piston of a bicycle's slide brake is adjusted. This can increase the training effect, for example, to simulate a climb.

[0022] The control signal can also control all of the above-mentioned bicycle functions.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the method further comprises a step of detecting a bicycle state. For example, the bicycle state can be detected by a sensor on the bicycle or by a device carried by the rider, such as a smartphone. For example, the bicycle state can include a traveling speed, an inclination of the bicycle, vibration of the bicycle, a steering angle, an angular velocity, an acceleration, a selected gear, for example in comparison to a current rider torque and alternatively or additionally a traveling speed. The bicycle state can be detected as described above for the lactate level, for example at a specific frequency or as a curve.

[0024] The output signal can also be generated depending on the detected bicycle condition. This allows consideration of specific bicycle conditions that may influence the rider's workload and how quickly the lactate level changes. A riding situation can be determined based on the detected bicycle condition, for example, based on characteristic variables. Recommended actions and the control of bicycle functions can be determined depending on the specific riding situation.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the method, the method may further comprise a step of detecting an environmental condition. For example, the environmental condition may be detected by a sensor on the bicycle or by a device carried by the rider, such as a smartphone. The environmental condition may alternatively or additionally be received, for example, as weather data or map data from the internet. The environmental condition may include, for example, traffic data, weather data, a current position of the bicycle, an air temperature, wind, air pressure, traffic, a slope gradient, and alternatively or additionally map data.For example, a headwind, terrain topography, altitude above sea level, and alternatively or additionally, an obstruction caused by slow-moving traffic can be taken into account when generating the output signal and the resulting change in lactate levels during continued use of the bicycle. The environmental conditions can be recorded as described above for the lactate level, for example, at a specific frequency or as a curve.

[0026] The output signal can also be generated depending on the detected environmental conditions. This allows the respective environmental conditions, which can also influence the lactate level and how quickly the lactate level changes, to be taken into account. For example, the rider fatigues more quickly in thin mountain air or a hot ambient temperature, and the lactate level can therefore rise sooner or faster. In strong crosswinds or headwinds, the rider can pedal differently. The recommended actions and the control of the bicycle functions can be determined depending on the detected environmental conditions.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the method further comprises a step of detecting a driver characteristic. The driver characteristic can, for example, be a state variable of the driver other than the lactate level. The driver characteristic can, for example, be detected by the detection device or by an input. For example, the detection device can have a heart rate sensor. For example, the driver characteristic can be an age, a pulse, a weight, a training status, a gender, a height, a training frequency, a training goal, such as weight loss, or a desired training intensity. Several or all of these driver characteristics can also be detected.

[0028] The output signal can also be generated based on the recorded rider characteristic(s). This allows for consideration of specific rider characteristics that may influence lactate levels, as well as how quickly the lactate level changes or should change. Likewise, it is possible to set the desired lactate level for the rider. The recommended actions and the control of the bicycle functions can be determined based on the recorded rider characteristic(s).

[0029] In a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the method further comprises a step of selecting a training program. For example, the bicycle system can comprise an operating device, such as a touchscreen or a selector lever, on which the rider can select the training program. The user can optionally also modify training programs and alternatively or additionally create them themselves. The training programs can be stored on a data storage device of the bicycle system. The data storage device can be a central server, a portable device, such as a smartphone or a smartwatch, or a device integrated into the bicycle, such as an on-board computer. Previous uses, such as training programs and corresponding lactate levels, as well as other rider characteristics, can be stored on the data storage device. Several training programs can be available to choose from.Activating this procedure automatically selects a default training program. The default training program can be factory-set or user-configured.

[0030] The output signal can also be generated depending on the selected training program. For example, the training program can set an algorithm for generating the output signal depending on the lactate level. The training program can, for example, contain threshold values ​​for the lactate level and, alternatively or additionally, a rate of change of the lactate level. The training program can, for example, specify when the rider should be in their predominantly aerobic or anaerobic zone. Such zones can alternate multiple times within a training program.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the method comprises selecting a user profile. The generation of the output signal can occur depending on the selected user profile. For example, respective settings, rider parameters, and training programs can be user-profile-specific. Respective evaluations of recommended actions and controls of bicycle functions can also be stored user-profile-specifically. The user profile can adapt the generation of the output signal and thus the recommended actions and controls of bicycle functions to the rider. The user profile can also be adapted for different usage situations, for example, for a bicycle race or a city ride. Parameters for generating the output signal can be adapted using the user profile.Other input data for generating the output signal can also be adapted depending on the selected user profile. The weighting of a neural network for generating the output signal can be adjusted based on the selected user profile, or a neural network customized through training can be selected for generating the output signal. Respective user profiles can be stored in the data memory. The user profile can be selected automatically, for example, by using access data for the process.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the output signal is generated by means of a neural network. The neural network was previously trained, for example, with historical data or simulated data. The neural network can be an artificial neural network whose nodes are linked to one another by an evaluation. The neural network can, for example, have multiple layers. The neural network can, for example, be designed as a convolutional neural network. The neural network can have a lactate level as input data and optionally one or more of the variables described above for generating the output signal, such as the detected environmental condition, the detected bicycle condition, and respective rider characteristics. In addition, previously detected lactate levels or a lactate level curve can also be taken into account as input variables.The neural network can generate the output signal as output data, which can include, for example, control signals and, alternatively or additionally, recommended actions. The control signal can include a gearshift control signal, a drive motor control signal, and, alternatively or additionally, a brake actuation control signal. The neural network can avoid the laborious creation of an algorithm for generating the output signal. Alternatively, the output signal can also be generated using a conventional analytical algorithm.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the method comprises evaluating the output signal. For example, the rider can evaluate a recommended course of action and, alternatively or additionally, an automatic control of bicycle functions as sensible or not sensible, for example by swiping on the operating device. Future generation of the output signal can be modified depending on the evaluation. For example, the rider can confirm whether a suggested gear change is sensible or not sensible in their view. To do so, the rider can, for example, swipe the recommended course of action for changing gear displayed on a touch display to the left or right, similar to what is often done with dating apps. For example, the rider can also correct a level of motor assistance and thus evaluate the output signal.A future generated output signal can be modified depending on the driver's evaluation. For example, the evaluation can be used to train the neural network and, alternatively or additionally, to modify an analytical generation algorithm. For example, the algorithm can be adapted depending on the evaluation. The evaluation can be used globally or just driver-specifically and thus linked to a user profile. The evaluation can be performed, for example, by the driver or a trainer. The evaluation can be sent to a central server for further processing, for example, further training of the neural network.

[0034] A second aspect relates to a bicycle system. The bicycle system can be configured to perform the method according to the first aspect. Further features, embodiments, and advantages can be found in the descriptions of the first aspect. Conversely, features, embodiments, and advantages of the second aspect also represent features, embodiments, and advantages of the first aspect.

[0035] The bicycle system may include the bicycle. The bicycle system may include a detection device configured to detect a rider's lactate level. The detection device may include sensors arranged, for example, on the bicycle or the rider. The sensor signals may be evaluated, for example, by an evaluation unit of the detection device. The evaluation unit may be a microprocessor arranged on the bicycle. The evaluation unit may also be a portable device, such as a smartphone, or a central server to which the sensor signals are transmitted.

[0036] The bicycle system can have a generating device designed to generate the output signal depending on the detected lactate level. The generated output signal comprises a control signal for the bicycle, wherein the control signal controls at least one bicycle function, and wherein the at least one bicycle function is assistance by a drive motor of the bicycle. The bicycle system or the bicycle can have the assistance motor. The generating device can be a microprocessor arranged on the bicycle. The determining device can also be formed by a portable device, such as a smartphone, or a central server, to which the sensor signals and, alternatively or additionally, the detected pedal crank actuation are transmitted. The generating device and the evaluation unit of the detecting device can be formed jointly by the same device.The generating device can be connected to a control device and, alternatively or additionally, to an output device for transmitting the control signal, for example, via radio or cable. The output device can output the output signal to the rider. The control device can control one or more bicycle functions in response to the output signal.

[0037] The bicycle system may include the output device, for example, with a touchscreen or a speaker. The bicycle system may include the control device. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 schematically shows a method for operating a bicycle system. Detailed description of embodiments

[0038] Fig.1 illustrates a method for operating a bicycle system. In an optional step 10, a user profile is selected. In a step 12, a lactate level of a rider of the bicycle is recorded, wherein the bicycle system has a recording device for this purpose. The recording device has an evaluation unit that is permanently attached to the bicycle. In addition, the recording device has a sensor that is attached to the rider for recording the lactate level and is connected to the evaluation unit via a cable or radio. In step 14, an output signal is generated depending on the recorded lactate level of the rider. In one embodiment, the output signal optionally includes a recommended action, wherein this recommended action is output to the rider on an output device of the bicycle system, in this example on a touchscreen of the bicycle.The recommended action signals the rider to change gear to maintain the lactate level within a target range. The target range is specified by a selected training program. The output signal includes a control signal, which is transmitted to a control device of the bicycle system. The control signal then controls a bicycle function. In the example discussed here, the control signal adjusts the assistance level of a bicycle's drive motor and, optionally, a bicycle gear.

[0039] In an optional step 16, the output signal is evaluated by the rider or a trainer, in this case by following the recommended action and, alternatively or additionally, by manually overriding the automatic control of the bicycle function via the output signal. The rider can thus evaluate the control signal and the recommended action and thus modify a future generation 14 of the output signal in their user profile. In a likewise optional step 18, this modification is saved with the selected user profile. Reference symbol Step 10: Select a user profile Step 12: Measuring lactate levels Step 14: Generating an output signal Step 16: Evaluate the output signal 18 Step: Save the rating QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] GB 2 43 9090 A

[0004] DE 20 2006 017 968 ​​U1

[0005] US 2018 / 0154980 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] A method for operating a bicycle system, the method comprising at least the following steps: - detecting (12) a lactate level in a driver of the driver; and - generating (14) an output signal as a function of the detected lactate level of the rider, wherein the output signal comprises a control signal for the bicycle, wherein at least one bicycle function is controlled with the control signal and wherein the at least one bicycle function is assistance by a drive motor of the bicycle. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the method comprises a step of determining a rate of change of the lactate level and the output signal is generated as a function of the determined rate of change of the driver's lactate level. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the output signal contains a recommendation for action for the driver, whereby the recommendation for action is issued to the driver. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that the recommended course of action includes a gear change recommendation. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control signal controls at least one other bicycle function selected from the following list: - A translation change; and - A brake application. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the method further comprises a step of detecting a bicycle condition and the generation (14) of the output signal additionally takes place in dependence on the detected bicycle condition. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the method further comprises a step of detecting an environmental condition and the generation (14) of the output signal additionally takes place in dependence on the detected environmental condition. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the method further comprises a step of detecting a driver characteristic and the generation (14) of the output signal additionally takes place as a function of the detected driver characteristic. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the method further comprises a step of selecting (10) a training program and the generation (14) of the output signal additionally takes place in dependence on the selected training program. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the method comprises selecting (10) a user profile and generating (14) the output signal in dependence on the selected user profile. [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the output signal is generated using a neural network. [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the method comprises evaluating (16) the output signal and a future generation of the output signal is modified depending on the evaluation. [13] Bicycle system with a detection device which is designed to detect (12) a lactate level of a rider of a bicycle and with a generating device which is designed to generate (14) an output signal as a function of the detected lactate level of the rider, wherein the output signal has a control signal for the bicycle, wherein at least one bicycle function is controlled with the control signal and wherein the at least one bicycle function is an assistance by a drive motor of the bicycle.

Images