System for determining a travel time in the front position, especially in the wind, of a cyclist during group cycling trips

Abstract

System for determining a travel time in the front position, in particular in the wind, of a cyclist during group bicycle rides, comprising: - a first bicycle (1) and a second bicycle (3) which can be set in motion by a first person (5) and a second person (7) respectively in the same direction of movement; - a first data processing unit (9) associated with the first bicycle and a second data processing unit (11) associated with the second bicycle, each data processing unit (9, 11) comprising one transmitting unit (13) and three receiving units (15), and the positions of the respective three receiving units relative to a reference point (23) are known; - means for determining propagation time differences of a radio wave (19) emitted by the transmitting unit (13) of the first data processing unit (9) to the various receiving units (15) of the second data processing unit (11); - Means for determining distance differences (Δd 12 , Δd 23 , Δd 13 ) the respective receiving units (15) of the second data processing unit (11) to the transmitting unit (13) of the first data processing unit (9) via the propagation time differences; - means for determining the position of the transmitting unit (13) of the first data processing unit (9) by triangulation based on the determined distance differences (Δd 12 , Δd 23 , Δd 13 ), whereby the relative positions of the first and second data processing units (9, 11) to each other can be determined; - means for recording a time when the position of the second data processing unit (11) is in front of the position of the first data processing unit (9) with respect to a direction of movement (17), and for stopping or not recording the time when the position of the second data processing unit (11) is behind the position of the first data processing unit (9) with respect to a direction of movement (17).

Description

Technical FieldThe invention relates to a method for determining a travel time in the front position, in particular in the wind, of a cyclist during group bicycle travel. In this case, a first bicycle is set in motion by a first person and a second bicycle is set in motion by a second person in the same direction of movement. A first data processing unit is assigned to the first bicycle and a second data processing unit is assigned to the second bicycle. The data processing units also each comprise a transmitting and three receiving units, wherein the positions of the three receiving units are known with respect to a reference point. The method determines the travel time in the front position in particular using triangulation.The invention further relates to a system for determining a travel time in the front position of a cyclist during group bicycle travel.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONGroup cycling offers significant aerodynamic advantages because cyclists can save up to 30% energy in the wind shadow of their predecessors. This makes the guide change strategy (also known as "spinning") a key factor in the efficiency and speed of the group. A uniform distribution of lead time ensures that no cyclist is disproportionately exposed to wind drag, which can lead to fatigue and ultimately to a slower group pace.Ideally, the group is alternated so frequently that each cyclist drives the same portion as a leading end in the wind. Up to now, however, it has not been possible to accurately key up or record how long each cyclist travels in the wind as a leading end.Prior ArtFrom the document DE 10 2018 213 035 B4 a device for analyzing the air resistance of a sports person is known. The device comprises a signal processing unit configured to receive pressure sensor signals from at least one pressure sensor arranged on a sport person or a sports device. These pressure sensor signals are then processed by the device to analyze drag. This allows an optimum distance to be determined between a sport person who uses the device and a formation of sport persons who are moving in front of him, so that the wind shadow effect is maximized.However, this device does not make it possible to determine in a simple manner who has traveled in the wind in a group which portion.DE 10 2017 206 569 B3 relates to a control method for driving the wind shadow of a two-wheeler, in particular of a two-wheeler having a combination of pedal pedals and motor. In a first step, a step size is detected. In a second step, the longitudinal distance of the two-wheeler from the vehicle driving in front is detected, and in a third step, the lateral offset of the two-wheeler from the vehicle driving in front is detected. Finally, in a fourth step, the motor torque of the drive motor is regulated as a function of the longitudinal distance, the lateral offset and the step size. The control of the engine torque is configured to control the two-wheeler in the wind shadow of the preceding vehicle or to maintain the two-wheeler in the wind shadow of the preceding vehicle. As a result, the energy required by the drive motor is reduced or energy of a battery on the two-wheeler for supplying the drive motor is saved. A run-on of the two-wheeler onto the vehicle driving in front is likewise unlikely by the control.However, with such a control method it is likewise not possible to determine a travel time portion in the wind within a group travel. Moreover, the disclosed control method uses expensive sensors, such as an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a stereo camera and / or a LIDAR sensor.Disclosure of the InventionThe object of the invention was therefore to eliminate the disadvantages from the prior art and in particular to provide a simple and cost-effective, yet accurate method and system for determining a travel time in the front position, in particular in the wind, of a cyclist during group bicycle travel.The object according to the invention is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method for determining a driving time in the front position, in particular in the wind, of a cyclist during group bicycle drives,wherein a first bicycle is set in motion by a first person and a second bicycle is set in motion by a second person in a same direction of motion;wherein the first bicycle is assigned a first data processing unit and the second bicycle is assigned a second data processing unit, each of which comprises a transmitting unit and three receiving units, wherein the positions of the respective three receiving units are known with respect to a reference point;comprising the following process steps:the transmitting unit of the first data processing unit transmits a radio wave detected by the three receiving units of the second data processing unit;the second data processing unit determines propagation time differences of the radio wave to the different receiving units;the second data processing unit determines a difference in distance of the respective receiving units of the second data processing unit from the transmitting unit of the first data processing unit via the propagation time differences;a position of the transmitting unit of the first data processing unit is determined by the second data processing unit by means of the method of triangulation on the basis of the determined distance differences between the respective receiving units of the second data processing unit and the transmitting unit of the first data processing unit, as a result of which the relative positions of the first and second data processing units with respect to one another can be determined;If the position of the second data processing unit is in front of the position of the first data processing unit with respect to a direction of movement, a time is recorded and / or a value is added up, if the position of the second data processing unit is behind the position of the first data processing unit with respect to a direction of movement, no time is recorded and / or an already recorded time is stopped and / or a value is subtracted and / or no value is added.An advantage of the proposed method is that it offers an accurate and reliable method for determining the travel time in the front position, in particular in the wind, of a cyclist during group bicycle travel. By using data processing units and triangulation, the relative position of the bicycles with respect to each other can be determined accurately, which makes it possible to measure the travel time of the leading cyclist. Training or racing strategies can thereby be optimized, for example.In the sense of the invention, a group bicycle drive is a type of bicycle drive in which a plurality of cyclists drive together on a route, in particular in the same direction of movement. This form of bicycling is often used as a training unit or as recreational activity. A group bicycle drive may consist of two or more cyclists. During a group bicycle drive, riders can alternately drive in a guiding position to reduce wind resistance to the other riders.The front position, in particular in the wind, is preferably the position within a group bicycle drive, in which the cyclist is most exposed to the air resistance. The front position is preferably also referred to as a leading position or also as a "wind edge". The front position does not necessarily have to be the first position with respect to a direction of movement. Rather, a large group or a large bicycle field can also be positions behind the first position. These can travel laterally offset with respect to the cyclist in the first position and are likewise in the wind. When multiple cyclists travel in a group, wind resistance for the following cyclists can be reduced by raising themselves in a line behind one another and the leading cyclist blocking wind for the others. However, when a cyclist drives in the forward position, he must combat full wind drag. This position therefore requires more physical effort and requires more performance than the positions in the middle or at the end of the group. Cyclists normally alternate to the forward positions to share the load and maintain the speed of the group. The method according to the invention serves to achieve a uniform load on the cyclists.During a group bicycle travel, at least one first bicycle is set in motion by a first person and at least one second bicycle is set in motion by a second person in a same direction of motion. A bicycle is usually set in motion by pedaling movements of the rider. The rider steps into the pedals and the bicycle is driven by the conversion of muscle power into motive power.A same direction of movement preferably means that both objects (in this case the two bicycles) move in the same direction. That is, when the movement of the bicycles is viewed, they move in the same direction substantially parallel to each other. If the directions of movement of the two bicycles were different, they would either be moved away from each other or towards each other and thus no longer travel in the group.Preferably, a data processing unit is an electronic unit that serves to acquire, process and transmit data. A data processing unit preferably comprises various components, such as a microcontroller, a processor, a memory, various sensors, actuators and communication devices. In the sense of the invention, two data processing units are preferably provided, wherein a first data processing unit is assigned to a first bicycle and a second data processing unit is assigned to a second bicycle. By association it can be meant, for example, that the data processing unit is mounted on the bicycles or else is carried by the persons setting the bicycles in motion. Particularly preferably, a data processing unit further comprises a transmitting unit and at least three receiving units.In a preferred embodiment, the transmitting unit transmits a radio wave that is detected by the receiving units. The transmitting unit preferably comprises a transmitter and an antenna which cooperate to emit the radio signal. The transmitter may use different frequencies and transmission methods depending on the requirements of the specific application. In the present case, the signal will preferably be in the GHz range, which means that wireless radio-frequency communication is involved.Further preferably, a receiving unit comprises an antenna receiving the radio signal and a receiver amplifying and demodulating the signal. The receiving units of a data processing unit are preferably arranged such that their relative positions to one another and the (absolute) positions with respect to a reference point are known. As a result, the data processing unit can measure the propagation time differences of a radio signal to the various receiving units.In a further preferred embodiment, the data processing unit has a housing. Within this housing, the receiving units and the transmitting unit are arranged at known positions with respect to a reference, in particular a reference point, within the housing. As a result, the distances and relative positions of the receiving units to one another and to the reference point can be determined and are known in this respect. Particularly preferably, the reference point within the housing is the origin of a virtual coordinate system, which is used as the basis for the determination of a distance between a first and second data processing unit.A radio wave is preferably an electromagnetic wave used to transmit information through the air or the open space. Radio waves have a certain frequency and wavelength and can be transmitted and received by antennas. For the proposed method, radio waves having a frequency of 1 kHz to 30 GHz are preferably used. Particularly preferably, frequencies in the range of 1-10 GHz are used, since they offer sufficient range and accuracy. Radio waves can be selected from, for example, Bluetooth, UWB, WLAN, Zigbee, RFID, radio waves (FM, AM), radar waves or ultrasonic waves, among others.The method according to the invention preferably uses the method "Time Difference Of Arrival" (TDOA) for position determination on the basis of runtime differences. In TDOA, the time of flight differences are preferably measured between multiple receivers and a single signal source. On the basis of travel time differences, a difference in the distances of the respective receiving units from the signal source can be determined. The propagation time differences can be either measured directly or calculated indirectly by comparing the signal propagation time between the receivers. The difference in distances is determined by multiplying the time of flight difference by the propagation speed.Triangulation enables accurate position determinations and is a basic method in cartography and in position determination. At least two known points and one unknown point are used to calculate its position. The calculations are based on the principles of trigonometry, whereby precise spatial coordinates can be determined. In the present case, the coordinates of the three receiving units in the respective data processing units are known, while the transmitting unit of the respective other data processing unit is unknown. The preferred application of triangulation in the context of the present invention is explained below with reference to FIG. 4.In the context of the proposed method, the terms "time" and "value" refer to mechanisms for measuring and evaluating the contributions of cyclists in a group trip. "time" preferably stands for the duration that a cyclist in the guiding position gives way to the wind, this time being recorded in order to document the energy consumption and the performance in this demanding position. When the cyclist is detached from the tip, this time measurement is stopped to accurately detect the lead time. In parallel or alternatively, the "value" may be considered a type of point system that is added up or subtracted in certain situations based on the position and the taken-over guide work. This system makes it possible, for example, to evaluate, in addition to the pure time measurement, also the efficiency and fitness of the contributions of all cyclists within the group.In a preferred embodiment, the radio wave is transmitted at predefined time intervals in order to enable continuous or periodic updates of the relative positions of the cyclists. This enables continuous monitoring of the positions, which can lead to a timely and dynamic adaptation of the driving strategy or can also be used for subsequent analyses and training evaluations.In a preferred embodiment, a visual, acoustic or haptic feedback about a relative position and / or driving time in the front position is provided to the cyclists. Visual, audible, or haptic feedback of relative position and travel time assists the riders in detecting and correcting their position in the group. The feedback may increase the driver's drive by obtaining immediate feedback on their performance and their contribution to group work. It is understood that the data processing unit has provided for this purpose corresponding means, such as a display, an LED display, a loudspeaker, earphone interfaces or vibration motors.In a further preferred embodiment, ascertained data are transmitted wirelessly to an external device, such as a smartphone or a computer, in order to enable detailed evaluation and visualization. The wireless transmission of determined data to an external device enables comprehensive analysis and long-term monitoring of the training and competition performance. The possibility of detailed evaluation and visualization of the data on external devices can contribute to improving the training efficiency and strategic planning.The ascertained data are in particular the recorded time or the recorded values. However, other recorded sensor data can also be understood as meaning ascertained data. In addition, this can also mean data that result from calculations, wherein the recorded time and / or the recorded values, and other recorded data from sensors, serve as the basis for these calculations.In a further preferred embodiment, additional sensors such as GPS, accelerometers or gyroscopes are integrated in the data processing units for further refinement of the position determination. The integration of additional sensors such as GPS, accelerometers or gyroscopes improves the accuracy of position determination, especially under difficult environmental conditions or signal disturbances. The combination of different sensor data enables a more comprehensive analysis of the driving performance.In a further preferred embodiment, the ascertained travel time in the front position is used for calculating an efficiency index or for comparison analysis with previous travels.The efficiency index in this context is preferably a metric to evaluate the efficiency and fitness of the lead time within a group of cyclists. The index preferably sets the duration that each cyclist in the forward position, in particular in the wind, in relation to each other and to the total travel time of the group. As a result, not only individual contributions to the guidance task can be quantified, but also the aerodynamic efficiency and the resulting energy saving for the entire team can be evaluated.The efficiency index can be composed, for example, as follows: t̅FührungsTime (Mean) Average (Target) FührungsTime in the wind of a cyclist n Number of cyclists within the group TGesamtfahrtzeitGesamtfahrtzeit of the groupFor a uniform distribution of the guidance time and an optimal efficiency within the group bicycle travel, each cyclist should travel the mean value t̅ guidance time in front position. By determining the variance, the efficiency index can now be calculated as the guidance time recorded guidance time of an individual driverThe lower the value of the efficiency index E Index the more uniform the distribution of the guidance times among the cyclists, which indicates a higher efficiency of the group travel. An E Index close to zero indicates that all drivers have taken on approximately equal portions of the guidance work, which allows optimum use of the aerodynamic advantages of the wind shadow driving.The use of an efficiency index makes it possible in this respect to evaluate the effectiveness or efficiency of a group. Through the comparison analysis with previous journeys, trends and patterns in the driving behavior can be identified, which can contribute to the optimization of training units and competition strategies.In a further preferred embodiment, the time measurement or the value calculation is adaptively controlled on the basis of the relative positions, for example by adaptation to the group size or the changing wind conditions.The adaptive control of the time measurement or value calculation enables a more precise and meaningful data acquisition which takes into account the variable conditions of a group travel. By adapting the time measurement or value calculation to, for example, the group size and / or changing wind conditions, the system can take account of different influences. In the case of a particularly strong headwind and / or a particularly high speed, the driving in the front position can be weighted higher than the driving in the front position in the case of a light headwind or a low speed, for example. Also, the size of the group influences the driving in the wind shadow in the rear position, so that it can be considered that the drivers are more skilled when taking over the guidance. In addition, the performance of the driver can also be included in the weighting, so peak sportsrs could be weighted differently than hobby drivers, and a distinction could also be made between women and men. The flexibility of the system increases its applicability in various driving situations and makes it a valuable tool for cyclists and trainers training under various conditions.In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that a first pressure sensor is assigned to the first bicycle and a second pressure sensor is assigned to the second bicycle, and the pressure sensors are used to measure the air pressure in the immediate vicinity of the bicycles. The assignment of pressure sensors to the bicycles allows the measurement of the air pressure in the immediate environment, which is important for the analysis of aerodynamic conditions. Sensing the air pressure may contribute to more accurate calculation of the drag acting on the riders, thus enabling more detailed performance analysis. The pressure data may also be used to calibrate other sensors or systems to improve the accuracy of the overall data acquisition.In a further preferred embodiment, the measured pressure is used for weighting the recorded time or the added value. Using the measured pressure to weight the time taken or the added value allows for finer tuning of the power measurement. Taking into account the air pressure during the time measurement can lead to a more fair evaluation of the cyclist's performance.In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for determining a driving time in the front position, in particular in the wind, of a cyclist during group bicycle drives, comprising:a first bicycle and a second bicycle that can be set in motion by a first person and a second person in a same direction of motion;a first data processing unit associated with the first bicycle and a second data processing unit associated with the second bicycle, each data processing unit comprising one transmitting and three receiving units, and the positions of the respective three receiving units relative to a reference point being known;means for determining propagation time differences of a radio wave transmitted by the transmission unit of the first data processing unit to the different reception units of the second data processing unit;means for determining differences in distance of the respective receiving units of the second data processing unit from the transmitting unit of the first data processing unit via the propagation time differences;means for determining the position of the transmitter unit of the first data processing unit by triangulation on the basis of the determined distance differences, whereby the relative positions of the first and second data processing units with respect to one another can be determined;means for recording a time when the position of the second data processing unit is before the position of the first data processing unit with respect to a direction of movement, and for stopping or not recording the time when the position of the second data processing unit is behind the position of the first data processing unit with respect to a direction of movement.The system enables a precise determination of the forward position travel time, which is important for the analysis of the guidance work and the wind shadow travel in group travel. By triangulation for determining the relative positions of the data processing units, a high accuracy in the position detection is achieved.A person skilled in the art recognizes that the advantages, technical effects and preferred embodiments discussed in connection with the method according to the invention apply analogously to the system according to the invention for determining a driving time in the front position, in particular in the wind, of a cyclist during group bicycle drives.Further exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The floor composite panel according to the invention should not be restricted solely to these exemplary embodiments listed. Rather, embodiments are also envisaged which now and in the future will equivalently also result from other technical aids to the person skilled in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGFIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a group bicycle drive, wherein the method according to the invention is used FIG. 2 shows the method step of transmitting a radio wave of the transmitting unit of the first data processing unit, wherein the radio wave is detected by the receiving units of the second data processing unit at three different times FIG. 3 shows the method step of transmitting a radio wave of the transmission unit of the first data processing unit, FIG. 4 demonstrates the use of the triangulation method in the preferred methodPreferred EmbodimentsFIG. 1 illustrates, in a abstract form, a group bicycle drive, wherein a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is used. The illustrated group consists of two cyclists. In this case, a first bicycle 1 is set in motion by a first person 5 and a second bicycle 3 is set in motion by a second person 7 in the same direction of motion 17. Data processing units 9, 11 are assigned to each of the two bicycles 1, 3 (these are not shown in FIG. 1 ), which each comprise a transmitting unit 13 and three receiving units 15.In the course of the proposed method, a radio wave 19 is transmitted by the transmission unit 13 of a first data processing unit 9, which can be detected by the three reception units 15 of a second data processing unit 11. On the basis of determined runtime differences and the application of the triangulation method, the relative position of the first and second data processing units 9, 11 with respect to one another can be determined.FIG. 2 schematically shows two data processing units 9, 11 which are each assigned to a bicycle 1, 3. These are set in motion by a first and second person 5, 7 in accordance with a same direction of motion 17.Both the first and the second data processing units 9, 11 preferably comprise a housing 25, a transmission unit 13 and three reception units 15.The transmission unit 13 of the first data processing unit 9 emits a radio wave 19, which is detected by a first reception unit 15 at the time t 1 by a second reception unit 15 at the time t 2 and by a third reception unit 15 at the time t 3. By detecting the times of the radio wave 19 at the individual receiving units 15, the propagation time differences (Δt 13, Δt 12, Δt 23) can be determined. Thus, the following applies:FIG. 3 schematically shows the distance differences (Δd 13, Δd 12, Δd 23), which are determined via the travel time differences (Δt 13, Δt 12, Δt 23). The individual components of the data processing units 9, 11 have already been discussed in FIG. 2.Based on the propagation speed of the radio wave in air (C Luft) the individual distance differences are calculated as follows:FIG. 4 demonstrates the use of the triangulation method in the preferred method. It is assumed here that the position of the transmitting unit 13 of a first data processing unit 9 corresponds to an intersection point formed by the three circles drawn around the three receiving units 15 of a second data processing unit 11. The radius of the circles corresponds to the distance d 1, d 2 and d 3 of the three receiving units 15 of the second data processing unit 11 from the transmitting unit 13 of the first data processing unit 9.The distance between two points in three-dimensional space can generally be calculated with the set of pythagoras:Here, x, y and z represent the coordinates of the special unit 13 of the first data processing unit 9, whereas (x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2) and (x3, y3, z3) correspond to the coordinates of the three receiving units 15 of the second data processing unit 11, which are known as already discussed.With the aid of the distance differences Δd 13, Δd 12, and Δd 23 determined beforehand and the known positions of the receiving units 15 of the second data processing unit 11, the position of the transmitting unit 13 of the first data processing unit 9 can be determined by solving a system of nonlinear equations:The position or coordinates (x, y, z) of the transmitting unit 13 of the first data processing unit 9, which are obtained by solving the nonlinear equations, relate to the reference point 23 of the second data processing unit 11 (or the coordinate system derived therefrom).It is understood that it can be derived from this whether the first data processing unit 9 or the first bicycle 1 is located in front of or behind the second data processing unit 11 or the second bicycle 3 in the direction of movement 17.LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS1 First bicycle 3 Second bicycle 5 First person 7 Second person 9 First data processing unit 11 Second data processing unit 13 Transmission unit 15 Reception unit 17 Direction of movement 19 Radio wave 21 System 23 Reference point within the housing 25 Housing d 1 Distance of a first reception unit of the second data processing unit from a transmission unit of the first data processing unit d 2 Distance of a second reception unit of the second data processing unit from a transmission unit of the first data processing unit d 3 Distance of a third reception unit of the second data processing unit from a transmission unit of the first data processing unit Δd 13 Difference in distance d 1- d 3 Δd 12 Difference in distance d 1- d2 δd 23 distance difference d2 - d 3References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 10 2018 213 035 B4

[0005] DE 10 2017 206 569 B3

[0007]

Claims

A system for determining a travel time in the front position, in particular in the wind, of a cyclist during group bicycle travel, comprising: - a first bicycle (1) and a second bicycle (3) that can be set in motion by a first person (5) and a second person (7) in a same direction of motion, respectively; - a first data processing unit (9) associated with the first bicycle and a second data processing unit (11) associated with the second bicycle, wherein each data processing unit (9, 11) comprises a transmitting (13) and three receiving units (15) and the positions of the respective three receiving units are known to a reference point (23); means for determining propagation time differences of a radio wave (19) transmitted by the transmission unit (13) of the first data processing unit (9) to the various reception units (15) of the second data processing unit (11); means for determining distance differences (Δd 12, Δd 23, Δd 13) of the respective reception units (15) of the second data processing unit (11) to the transmission unit (13) of the first data processing unit (9) via the propagation time differences; means for determining the position of the transmitter unit (13) of the first data processing unit (9) by triangulation on the basis of the determined distance differences (Δd 12, Δd 23, Δd 13), whereby the relative positions of the first and second data processing units (9, 11) with respect to one another can be determined; means for recording a time if the position of the second data processing unit (11) is in front of the position of the first data processing unit (9) with respect to a direction of movement (17), and for stopping or not recording the time if the position of the second data processing unit (11) is behind the position of the first data processing unit (9) with respect to a direction of movement (17).

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