Electric bicycle with a radio interface, system comprising an electric bicycle and a mobile terminal, method for controlling a mobile terminal and / or for controlling an electric bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric bicycle comprising a radio interface for directly connecting the electric bicycle to a mobile terminal, wherein the radio interface is designed to continuously transmit a radio signal. According to the invention, the radio signal is designed in such a way that application software can be executed on the mobile terminal by means of the radio signal.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Electric bicycle with a radio interface; System comprising an electric bicycle and a mobile terminal; Method for controlling a mobile terminal and / or for controlling an electric bicycle

[0004] Description

[0005] The invention relates to an electric bicycle with a radio interface for directly connecting the electric bicycle to a mobile device, wherein the radio interface is designed to continuously transmit a radio signal. It is proposed that the radio signal be designed such that application software can be executed on the mobile device using the radio signal. This can advantageously ensure optimal control of the electric bicycle by the mobile device. In particular, the radio signal is designed such that application software that is not listed in a process list in an operating system of the mobile device can be executed on the mobile device using the radio signal. The process list includes all executed and / or active processes or application software.

[0006] In the context of this application, an electric bicycle is understood to mean, in particular, a bicycle that has a drive unit to assist the rider. The electric bicycle is preferably designed as an eBike, a pedelec, a cargo bike, a folding bike, a folding bicycle, or the like.

[0007] The drive unit has a motor, which can be designed, for example, as a mid-engine or as a hub motor. The motor is preferably designed as an electric motor. The drive unit is connected to an energy storage device for supplying the drive unit with energy. The energy storage device is preferably designed as a battery pack and has a battery housing, which is preferably detachably connected to a frame of the bicycle. The electric bicycle comprises electronics with a control unit for controlling or regulating the electric bicycle. The electronics preferably comprise a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit can have, for example, motion sensors, torque sensors, speed sensors, a GNSS receiver, magnetic sensors, or the like.

[0008] In addition, the electric bicycle comprises a communication interface for wirelessly connecting the electric bicycle to an external device, in particular the mobile device and / or a server. The communication interface preferably comprises a short-range radio interface, such as Bluetooth, BLE, WLAN, RFID, or NFC, and a long-range radio interface, such as a mobile radio interface, for example, GSM, LTE, or 5G. However, it is also conceivable for the communication interface to have only a short-range radio interface or only a long-range radio interface. The radio interface for direct connection to the mobile device is designed such that the connection is established without the internet or an intermediary server, cloud service, etc.

[0009] The mobile device is preferably configured as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a laptop, or the like. The mobile device preferably comprises an operating system configured to execute the application software for the electric bicycle. In the context of this application, executing application software is understood to mean, in particular, starting the application software, making the application software visible in the processes of the operating system, and / or activating the application software. The application software for the electric bicycle is configured, in particular, such that information about the electric bicycle can be displayed via the application software.The information can, for example, be information regarding the manufacturer or type of the electric bicycle, a charge level of the energy storage device, a position or location of the electric bicycle, an operating parameter such as speed, etc. Furthermore, the application software for the electric bicycle is preferably designed such that the electric bicycle can be controlled via the application software. For example, it is conceivable that an electronic function of the electric bicycle, such as a support mode of the drive unit, can be set via the application software. Furthermore, the application software is particularly designed such that the electric bicycle, in particular one or more components of the electric bicycle, can be activated, deactivated, or unlocked via the application software.The mobile device can also be designed as another road user, for example a car, a truck, an eScooter or another electric bicycle.

[0010] In the context of this application, continuously transmitting a radio signal should be understood in particular to mean that the electric bicycle transmits a radio signal at substantially regular intervals, both when switched on and when switched off, in which the radio interface is still connected to an energy storage device, and / or in standby mode. Regularly should be understood in particular to mean a period of at least one radio signal per hour, preferably at least one radio signal per minute, and preferably at least one radio signal per second.

[0011] It is further proposed that the radio signal comprise first protocol information with a first identifier and second protocol information with a second identifier. In particular, the radio interface is designed such that the second protocol information, in particular the second identifier, is only provided after an initial coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the second protocol information is designed such that it can only be evaluated partially by the mobile terminal without prior coupling or not at all without prior coupling. The coupling can, for example, be a pairing process. Preferably, the first identifier is designed such that the coupling or pairing takes place based on the first identifier. The coupling preferably takes place by actuating the electric bicycle and / or the mobile terminal, for example by means of a button.Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the coupling to take place via another device, for example another mobile device. The initial coupling is designed in particular such that the coupling takes place parallel to a connection process. In the coupled state, the electric bicycle and the mobile device are known to one another, for example by storing protocol information of the electric bicycle in a memory unit of the mobile device. In the connected state, the electric bicycle and the mobile device can send, receive or exchange data. Through the initial coupling, the electric bicycle and the mobile device can be made known to one another and thus adapted in such a way that a second connection process can take place more quickly, in particular without a pairing process.

[0012] It is further proposed that the second identifier be larger than the first identifier. This advantageously allows a larger number of unique identifiers to be generated and used. "Larger scope" refers, in particular, to the length or size of the second identifier.

[0013] It is also proposed that the application software be executed, in particular started, on the mobile device based on the second identifier. This advantageously ensures that the application software is only started on an already known electric bicycle.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the first identifier of the radio signal be embodied as a MAC address. The protocol information is preferably embodied as a header.

[0015] It is further proposed that the second protocol information comprise at least one bicycle-specific and / or one rider-specific piece of information. This advantageously allows additional information to be provided to paired, unpaired, or connected mobile devices. The bicycle-specific information can be, for example, manufacturer information, for example in the form of a brand, a bicycle type, for example mountain bike, a bike ID, or the like. The rider-specific information can be, for example, a user ID.

[0016] It is also proposed that the radio signal include a distance parameter, wherein a distance between the electric bicycle and the mobile device can be determined based on the distance parameter. This advantageously allows a distance between the electric bicycle and the mobile device to be determined. The distance parameter can, for example, be embodied as a transmission power of the radio interface. In particular, the distance parameter is embodied as a maximum transmission power or a set transmission power. This advantageously allows the mobile device to determine a distance by comparing the received transmission power and the distance parameter.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising an electric bicycle as described above and a mobile terminal. In particular, it is proposed that the radio interface of the electric bicycle be configured to provide the mobile terminal with a distance parameter, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to provide the electric bicycle with a control signal for controlling the electric bicycle based on the distance parameter.

[0018] The control can be carried out depending on at least two distance ranges, preferably at least three distance ranges. One of the distance ranges can be configured as "not connected" or "not in the vicinity". Another distance range can be configured as "connected, but not in the immediate vicinity". A third distance range can, for example, be configured as "connected and in the immediate vicinity". Immediate proximity can be understood, for example, to mean that the mobile device is mechanically coupled to the electric bicycle or that a cyclist is sitting on the electric bicycle with the mobile device.

[0019] The control signal can be configured, for example, as a control signal for the light control. For example, the electric bicycle can have a lighting unit in the form of a rear light, a front light, or another type of lighting that is controlled by the control signal. It is conceivable, for example, that the lighting unit is activated during a transition from a first distance range to a second distance range. It is also conceivable that the lighting unit is deactivated during a transition from a second distance range to a third distance range. It is also conceivable that the control signal is configured as a control signal for a seat post or for a damping system of the electric bicycle or for an assistance mode of the electric bicycle.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a mobile terminal and / or for controlling an electric bicycle, wherein the electric bicycle has a radio interface for directly connecting the electric bicycle to the mobile terminal. The radio interface is configured to transmit a radio signal, and application software of the mobile terminal is automatically executed based on the radio signal. This advantageously allows for optimal control of the electric bicycle.

[0021] It is also proposed that the application software automatically send a control signal to the electric bicycle during execution, whereby a lighting unit, damping, or assistance mode of the electric bicycle is activated or adjusted based on the control signal. This can advantageously further improve the control of the electric bicycle.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that, when the application software is executed, a control signal for activating or unlocking the electric bicycle, in particular at least one component of the electric bicycle, is automatically sent to the electric bicycle. This can advantageously ensure effective theft protection.

[0023] Drawings

[0024] Further advantages emerge from the following drawing description. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

[0025] They show:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a system comprising an electric bicycle and a mobile terminal;

[0027] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a mobile terminal and / or an electric bicycle.

[0028] Description of the embodiments

[0029] In Fig. 1, a system 10 with an electric bicycle 16 and with a mobile terminal 100 is shown in a schematic view.

[0030] The electric bicycle 16 is designed, for example, as a mountain bike. The electric bicycle 16 has a housing in the form of a frame 20 or a bicycle frame. Two wheels 22 are connected to the frame 20. The electric bicycle 16 also has an energy storage device 24 in the form of a removable battery pack 23. The electric bicycle 16 also has a drive unit 26 that includes an electric motor or auxiliary motor. The electric motor is preferably designed as a permanent magnet-excited, brushless DC motor. The electric motor is designed, for example, as a mid-mounted motor, although a hub motor or the like is also conceivable. The electric bicycle 16, in particular the drive unit 26 of the electric bicycle 16, is supplied with energy via the energy storage device 24. The energy storage device 24 is designed, for example, to be attachable to the frame 20 from the outside.However, it would also be conceivable for the energy storage device to be integrated into the frame 20 and / or designed as a permanently installed battery pack.

[0031] The drive unit 26 comprises a control unit (not shown) designed to control or regulate the electric bicycle 16, in particular the electric motor. The electric bicycle 16 has a pedal crank 28. The pedal crank 28 has a pedal crankshaft (not shown). The control unit of the electric bicycle 16 is connected to a sensor unit (not shown). The sensor unit of the electric bicycle 16 comprises, for example, several sensor elements, such as a torque sensor, a motion sensor, a GNSS receiver, and a magnetic sensor. The control unit and the drive unit 26 with the electric motor and the pedal crankshaft are arranged in a drive housing 27 connected to the frame 20. The drive movement of the electric motor is preferably transmitted to the pedal crankshaft via a gear (not shown), wherein the amount of assistance provided by the drive unit 26 is controlled or regulated by means of the control unit.The control unit is designed to control the drive unit 26 in such a way that the rider of the electric bicycle 16 is assisted while pedaling. Preferably, the control unit is designed to be operable by the rider, allowing the rider to adjust the level of assistance, for example.

[0032] The control unit and the sensor unit are assigned to an electronics system (not shown) of the electric bicycle 16. The electronics system comprises, for example, a circuit board on which a computing unit in the form of a CPU, a memory unit, and the sensor unit are arranged. The electronics system is, for example, arranged entirely in the drive housing 27 of the drive unit 26. However, it is also conceivable for the electronics system to be only partially arranged in the drive housing 27, with components of the electronics being arranged in other areas of the electric bicycle 16. Furthermore, an arrangement of the electronics system outside the drive housing 27 is also conceivable.

[0033] The electric bicycle 16 also includes, for example, an on-board computer 30, which is arranged on a handlebar 32 of the electric bicycle 16. The on-board computer 30 is connected, for example, to the electronics, in particular the control unit. The on-board computer 30 is designed to be partially detachable from the electric bicycle 16. The on-board computer 30 includes a display unit (not shown) designed to display information. The on-board computer 30 also includes an operating element (not shown) via which the user or rider can control the on-board computer 30 and / or the electric bicycle 16. The operating element is designed, for example, as a touch-sensitive screen, but it is also conceivable for the operating element to be formed from buttons or keys. The on-board computer 30 is connected to the control unit of the electric bicycle 16 in such a way that information can be exchanged.For example, a speed determined by the control unit, a set level of assistance of the electric motor, route information from a navigation unit and a charge state of the energy storage device 24 can be displayed via the display unit.

[0034] The connection between the on-board computer 30 and the electronics of the electric bicycle 16 can be established via a wireless communication interface of the electric bicycle 16 or via a wired connection. The electric bicycle 16 has a wireless communication interface 40. The wireless communication interface of the electric bicycle 16 is embodied, for example, as a short-range radio interface 42 in the form of a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) interface. Alternatively, other short-range radio interfaces are also conceivable. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the electric bicycle 16 to have a long-range radio interface designed to connect the electric bicycle 16 to a server, for example a web server. The radio interface 42 is arranged, for example, in the drive housing 27 of the electric bicycle 16.However, it would also be conceivable for the radio interface 42 to be arranged at a different location in or on the electric bicycle 16, for example in the on-board computer 30.

[0035] The electric bicycle 16 is designed to be connectable to the mobile terminal 100. In the connected state, an exchange of data and information is possible between the electric bicycle 16 and the mobile terminal 100. The connection is established via the wireless communication interface 40, in particular via the radio interface 42. The mobile terminal 100 is designed, for example, as a smartphone 102 and has a touch-sensitive screen 104, via which the mobile terminal 100 can be controlled and information can be displayed.

[0036] The mobile device 100 has an operating system designed to execute application software. The mobile device 100 has at least one application software designed to display information about the electric bicycle 16 and / or to control the electric bicycle 16.

[0037] In addition, the electric bicycle 16 has a lighting unit 50, which, for example, comprises at least one front light 52. The lighting unit 50 is connected to the control unit of the electric bicycle 16 and is designed to be controllable, for example, via the on-board computer 30.

[0038] In Fig. 2, an exemplary method for connecting the electric bicycle 16 to the mobile terminal 100 for the first time is shown in a flow chart.

[0039] In a step 200, the electric bicycle 16 and the mobile terminal 100 are arranged such that the mobile terminal 100 is located in a reception range of the radio interface 42 of the electric bicycle 16 and the electric bicycle 16 is located in a reception range of a corresponding radio interface of the mobile terminal 100.

[0040] In a further step 202, a coupling process is initiated. The coupling process is embodied, for example, as a pairing process. The coupling process is started, for example, by an actuation by a user. The actuation occurs, for example, by pressing a button (not shown) on the on-board computer 30 of the electric bicycle 16. Alternatively, a different positioning of the button or a different type of actuation would also be conceivable. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the coupling process to be initiated or started by the mobile terminal 100 or by another mobile terminal. Upon actuation, the radio interface 42 sends a radio signal, which is received by the mobile terminal 100. The radio signal comprises at least a first piece of protocol information with a first identifier.

[0041] In a step 204, the electric bicycle 16 is coupled using the radio signal of the electric bicycle 16.

[0042] The electric bicycle 16 coupled to the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to the mobile terminal 100 in a step 206.

[0043] In a step 208, application software for controlling the electric bicycle 16 is installed on the mobile device 100. For installation, a user ID for the user of the mobile device 100 and the electric bicycle 16 is preferably created and / or used in a step 210, which can be done, for example, via a web server (not shown).

[0044] The application software for the electric bicycle 16 is executed in a further step 212. Execution occurs, for example, through user interaction with the user of the mobile terminal 100, for example, by pressing an icon displayed on the screen 104 that is associated with the application software for the electric bicycle 16.

[0045] If the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the electric bicycle 16 via the radio interface 42 and the application software is running on the mobile terminal 100, information can be exchanged between the electric bicycle 16 and the mobile terminal 100 in a step 207, and the electric bicycle 16 can be controlled by the application software. For example, the mobile terminal 100 can establish a connection to a web server to provide a firmware update for the electric bicycle 16 or a component of the electric bicycle 16.Furthermore, it is conceivable, by way of example, that the electric bicycle 16 provides the mobile terminal 100 with information for display on the screen 104 of the mobile terminal 100 or for evaluation by the mobile terminal 100, for example a speed of the electric bicycle 16, a current position, a distance traveled, a currently selected assistance mode and / or a current charge level of the energy storage device 24 or an associated range of the electric bicycle 16. It is also conceivable that a function of the electric bicycle 16 is controlled by the mobile terminal 100, such as switching the lighting unit 50 on and off or adjusting the luminous intensity of the lighting unit 50. It is also conceivable that an assistance mode is set or adjusted by the mobile terminal 100.If the application software is not executed by the mobile terminal 100, in particular the electric bicycle 16 is not controlled by the mobile terminal 100.

[0046] In a further step 214, the connection between the electric bicycle

[0047] 16 and the mobile device 100. The separation can occur, for example, through user interaction on the electric bicycle 16 or mobile device 100, or through a spatial separation of the electric bicycle 16 from the mobile device 100, for example, a separation of 100 m. Through the pairing process, the electric bicycle 16 and the mobile device 100 remain coupled to each other; they are thus known to each other, but no exchange of information is possible.

[0048] In a step 216, the application software is terminated and thus no longer executed.

[0049] The electric bicycle 16, in particular the radio interface 42, is designed to continuously transmit a radio signal. The continuous transmission of the radio signal preferably also occurs when the electric bicycle 16 is switched off, for example when the on-board computer 30 is switched off and is not displaying any information, but the electronics are at least partially in standby mode. The radio signal comprises a first piece of protocol information with a first identifier and a second piece of protocol information with a second identifier. The continuous transmission of the radio signal occurs, for example, every second; however, a higher or lower frequency would also be conceivable. The first piece of protocol information comprises, for example, a header and a MAC address.The second protocol information includes, for example, an identifier by which the electric bicycle 16 can be identified, bicycle-specific information, and a distance parameter. The bicycle-specific information is, for example, the type of bicycle—in this embodiment, a mountain bike. The distance parameter is, for example, a transmission power that essentially corresponds to a signal strength at a distance of 1 m.

[0050] In a step 218, the electric bicycle 16 and the mobile device are brought into a spatial proximity of, for example, less than 1 m to each other.

[0051] In a step 220, the mobile terminal 100 coupled to the electric bicycle 16 receives the radio signal from the radio interface 42 of the electric bicycle 16. In a step 222, a preferably automatic connection of the electric bicycle 16 to the mobile terminal 100 takes place based on the first protocol information.

[0052] In addition, in a step 224, the application software of the mobile terminal 100 is automatically executed based on the second protocol information.

[0053] Steps 222 and 224 can occur essentially simultaneously or depending on the distance characteristic of the second protocol information of the radio signal. For example, it is conceivable that the connection is established at a distance of less than 20 m, with the application software only being executed at a distance of less than 5 m.

[0054] By automatically executing the application software, the electric bicycle 16, for example the drive unit 26 and / or the energy storage device 24 of the electric bicycle 16, can advantageously be automatically unlocked in a step 226 by the automatically executed application software.

[0055] It is also conceivable that the electric bicycle 16 is connected and chained to a lock (not shown) via the radio interface 42, with the automatically executed application software automatically opening the lock in a step 228. It is also conceivable that the lighting unit 50 of the electric bicycle 16 is automatically controlled by the automatically executed application software in a step 230.

Claims

Claims 1 . Electric bicycle with a radio interface (42) for directly connecting the electric bicycle (16) to a mobile terminal (100), wherein the radio interface (42) is designed to continuously transmit a radio signal, characterized in that the radio signal is designed such that application software can be executed on the mobile terminal (100) by means of the radio signal 2. Electric bicycle according to claim 1, characterized in that the radio signal (42) has a first protocol information with a first identifier and a second protocol information with a second identifier.

3. Electric bicycle according to claim 2, characterized in that the radio interface (42) is designed such that the second protocol information, in particular the second identifier, is provided only after a first coupling.

4. Electric bicycle according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the second identifier has a larger circumference than the first identifier.

5. Electric bicycle according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the electric bicycle (16) and the mobile terminal (100) are coupled based on the first identifier.

6. Electric bicycle according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that based on the second identifier, the execution, in particular a Starting the application software on the mobile terminal (100) takes place. Electric bicycle according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first identifier of the radio signal is designed as a MAC address. Electric bicycle according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the second protocol information comprises at least one bicycle-specific and / or one rider-specific piece of information. Electric bicycle according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the radio signal comprises a distance parameter, wherein a distance between the electric bicycle (16) and the mobile terminal (100) can be determined based on the distance parameter. Electric bicycle according to claim 9, characterized in that the distance parameter is designed as a transmission power of the radio interface (42). System comprising an electric bicycle according to one of the preceding claims and a mobile terminal (100).System according to claim 11, characterized in that the radio interface (42) of the electric bicycle (16) is designed to provide the mobile terminal (100) with a distance parameter, wherein the mobile terminal (100) is designed to provide the electric bicycle (16) with a control signal for controlling the electric bicycle (16) based on the distance parameter. Method for controlling a mobile terminal and / or for controlling an electric bicycle, wherein the electric bicycle (16) has a radio interface (42) for directly connecting the electric bicycle (16) to the mobile terminal (100), wherein the radio interface (42) is designed to transmit a radio signal, and application software of the mobile terminal (100) is automatically executed based on the radio signal. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that, upon execution, the application software automatically sends a control signal to the electric bicycle (16), wherein, based on the control signal, a lighting unit (50), a damping mode, or a support mode of the electric bicycle (16) is activated or adjusted. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, upon execution of the application software, a control signal for activating or unlocking the electric bicycle (16), in particular at least one component of the electric bicycle (16), is automatically sent to the electric bicycle (16).

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