Method for determining a user-specific speed for determining route information for a bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining a user-specific speed for determining route information for a bicycle, said method comprising the following steps: - providing a general speed variable; - providing a dynamic speed variable, wherein the dynamic speed variable is user-specific and / or bicycle-specific; - determining the user-specific speed based on the general speed variable and the dynamic speed variable.

Description

[0001] Method for determining a user-specific speed for determining route information for a bicycle

[0002] State of the art

[0003] WO 2019 / 113384 describes a computer device for calculating a route, wherein the route is calculated based on stored driver profiles.

[0004] Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a method for determining a user-specific speed for determining route information for a bicycle, comprising the following steps:

[0006] - Providing a general speed measure;

[0007] - Provision of a dynamic speed variable, whereby the dynamic speed variable is user-specific and / or bicycle-specific;

[0008] - Determination of the user-specific speed based on the general speed and the dynamic speed. This can advantageously improve the calculation of the arrival time for a route.

[0009] In the context of this application, route information is to be understood in particular as bicycle route information that is specifically intended for bicycles. The bicycles are preferably designed as electric bicycles. In the context of this application, an electric bicycle is to be understood in particular as a bicycle that has a drive unit for assisting the rider. The electric bicycle is preferably designed as an eBike, a pedelec, an S-pedelec, a cargo bike, a folding bike, or the like. 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 the energy supply unit for supplying the drive unit with energy.The energy supply unit is preferably designed as a battery pack and has a battery housing, which is preferably detachably connected to a frame of the bicycle. The control unit of the electric bicycle is assigned to an electronic system. The electronic system preferably comprises a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit can comprise, for example, motion sensors, torque sensors, speed sensors, GPS sensors, magnetic sensors, or the like. In addition, the electronic system in particular comprises at least one communication interface for wirelessly connecting the electric bicycle to a mobile device and / or a server. The communication interface can be designed, for example, as a short-range communication interface, in particular as a Bluetooth interface or as a WiFi interface, for connecting to the mobile device.The mobile device can be configured, for example, as a smartwatch, a smartphone, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface can be configured as a long-range communication interface, for example, a 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G wireless connection between the electric bicycle and the server.

[0010] The route information preferably comprises a plurality of interconnected route sections, which are determined based on the start and destination information provided by the user or cyclist. The route information is preferably determined by the bicycle or electric bicycle or a mobile device connected to the bicycle. Alternatively or additionally, the determination can also be performed by a cloud or a server.

[0011] In the context of this application, a dynamic speed variable that is user-specific and bicycle-specific is understood to mean, in particular, a speed variable detected by the means of transport or the mobile device connected to the means of transport. This can be configured, for example, as an average speed, a minimum speed, a maximum speed, or the like. The user-specific speed variable is preferably assigned to a UserID, and the bicycle-specific speed variable is preferably assigned to a BikeID. By linking the speed variable to a UserID and a BikeID, it can be ensured that the speed variable is optimally taken into account.If, for example, the route is determined for the same rider but a different bike, the BikelD will not match and the then only user-specific speed value will therefore not be taken into account, partially or completely.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the user-specific speed parameter be dynamically configured so that it is recalculated after each trip. This advantageously ensures optimal calculation of the arrival time at all times.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the general speed value be determined based on at least one user-specific characteristic and / or a road-specific characteristic. This advantageously allows the arrival time to be determined as accurately as possible. The user-specific characteristic can, for example, be the rider's age, gender, height, weight, experience, or the like. The user-specific characteristic is preferably stored at the location where the route is determined. The road-specific characteristic includes, in particular, features relevant to the bicycle's speed, for example, the condition of the road, such as asphalt or forest path.

[0014] It is further proposed that the general speed be determined based on at least one bicycle-specific parameter. This advantageously allows the first travel time to be determined as accurately as possible. The bicycle-specific parameter can include the bicycle type, for example, eMTB, S-Pedelec, or cargo bike. The bicycle-specific parameter is provided in particular by the electric bicycle or by the mobile device connected to the electric bicycle. By way of example, it is conceivable that a general speed of 40 km / h is stored for a specific route section for S-Pedelecs and a general speed of 15 km / h is stored for the same route section for a cargo bike.

[0015] It is also proposed that the dynamic speed parameter be provided by a bicycle and / or by a mobile device connected to the bicycle. In particular, the dynamic speed parameter is partially or completely detected by the bicycle. Preferably, the bicycle has one or more speed sensors for detecting the speed. The speed sensor can, for example, be designed as a magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a magnetic field of a magnet connected to one or more wheels of the bicycle.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the user-specific speed be determined additionally based on an adjustment variable. This advantageously allows the arrival time to be determined more precisely. The adjustment variable is designed in particular in such a way that the user-specific speed can be adjusted using the adjustment variable. For example, the dynamic speed variable alone does not initially reveal the conditions under which this dynamic speed variable was generated. For example, on a route with a very steep average gradient on a very hot day with strong headwind, the determined average speed may be significantly lower than under optimal conditions.

[0017] It is further proposed that the adjustment variable be configured as a gradient variable. This advantageously allows the arrival time to be determined more precisely. The gradient variable can, for example, be configured as an average gradient of the last trip or the last n trips.

[0018] It is also proposed that the adjustment variable be configured as a performance variable. This advantageously allows the second driving time to be determined more precisely. The performance variable can, for example, be configured as the driver's average performance during the last trip or during the last n trips.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the adjustment variable be implemented as an environmental variable. This advantageously allows the arrival time to be determined more precisely. The environmental variable can be implemented, for example, as a direction and / or strength of the wind, as an amount of rain, and / or as a temperature of the last trip or the last n trips.

[0020] It is further proposed that the speed variable and / or the adjustment variable be configured dynamically such that the speed variable and / or the adjustment variable are determined based on a limited period of time. This advantageously allows the arrival time to be determined more precisely. The limited period of time can be limited by trips, for example, to the last trip or the last n trips. The number n is preferably in a range between 2 and 40 trips, more preferably in a range between 5 and 30 trips.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a navigation unit for a means of transportation, in particular for an electric bicycle, wherein the navigation unit is configured to display route information with a travel time determined using a method as described above. This advantageously allows a possible exact arrival time to be displayed.

[0022] The navigation unit can, for example, be designed as a mobile device, in particular as a smartwatch or a smartphone, or as an on-board computer of the electric bicycle. The navigation unit can thus be integrated into the electric bicycle or detachably connectable thereto. Preferably, the electric bicycle and / or the navigation unit has a mechanical and / or electrical interface for mechanically and / or electrically connecting the navigation unit to the electric bicycle. The navigation unit preferably comprises a display unit, for example a particularly touch-sensitive display, for displaying the navigation information. It is also conceivable for the navigation information to be displayed on a display of the electric bicycle, for example on an on-board computer of the electric bicycle. The navigation unit preferably comprises a computing unit and a storage unit so that the route can be determined locally.Alternatively or additionally, the navigation unit comprises a preferably wireless communication interface, for example Bluetooth, WLAN or a mobile radio interface, via which the navigation unit can be connected to a computer network, for example a server, wherein the route can be determined by the computer network.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electric bicycle with a navigation unit as described above. 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 navigation unit for the electric bicycle;

[0027] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for determining route information.

[0028] Description of the embodiments

[0029] In Fig. 1, a system 10 comprising a server 12, a mobile terminal 100 and a means of transport 14 in the form of an electric bicycle 16 is shown in a schematic view.

[0030] The mobile terminal 100 is embodied, for example, as a control device 101 for the means of transport 14. The electric bicycle 16 is embodied, for example, as an eMTB.

[0031] 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 a power supply unit 24 in the form of a battery pack. The electric bicycle 16 also has a drive unit 26 comprising 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 power via the power supply unit 24. The power supply unit 24 can be fastened to the frame 20 from the outside or can be integrated into the frame 20.

[0032] The electric bicycle 16 comprises an electronic system comprising 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).

[0033] The electronics and the drive unit 26 with the electric motor and the pedal crankshaft are at least partially 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 electronics. The control unit is designed to control the drive unit such that the rider of the electric bicycle 16 is assisted when pedaling. Preferably, the control unit is designed to be operable by the rider so that the rider can adjust the level of assistance. The electric bicycle 16 has, for example, a light assistance mode and a strong assistance mode, wherein the drive unit offers greater assistance to the rider in the strong assistance mode.

[0034] The electric bicycle 16 also includes a control module 50, which is arranged on a handlebar 32 of the electric bicycle 16. Alternatively, positioning is also conceivable, for example within the frame 20, preferably in a top tube of the frame 20. The control module 50 includes, for example, a housing 52 in which a computing unit (not shown), a memory unit (not shown), and a wireless communication interface (not shown) are arranged. The control module 50 is connected, for example, via at least one cable (not shown) to the electrical bicycle components, in particular the battery pack 24 and the drive unit 26. The cables preferably run concealed within the frame 20. Alternatively or additionally, a wireless connection via the communication interface of the control module 50 is also conceivable.The wireless communication interface of the control module 50 is embodied, for example, as a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) interface. The electric bicycle 16 is designed to be directly connected to the mobile terminal 100 via the wireless communication interface of the control module 50 for exchanging data. The control module 50 can be permanently integrated in or on the electric bicycle 16 or detachably connected to the electric bicycle 16. The electronic components of the control module 50 are also assigned, for example, to the electronics of the electric bicycle 16.

[0035] The electronics also comprise a localization component 60. The localization component 60 comprises, for example, a housing (not shown), wherein, for example, a further wireless communication interface and a location sensor which is designed to detect a location characteristic are arranged in the housing. The location sensor is designed, for example, as a GNSS receiver. The localization component 60 is connected, for example, to the control module 50 via a cable, although a wireless connection using the communication interfaces is also conceivable. The localization component 60 is arranged, for example, in the frame 20 of the electric bicycle 16, in particular in the drive housing 27 of the electric bicycle 16. The further wireless communication interface is designed, for example, as a mobile radio interface in the form of an LTE interface. The further communication interface is therefore not directly connectable to the mobile terminal 100.However, the connection can be established via a radio mast. The localization component 60 is preferably designed as an optional bicycle component. This means that the electric bicycle 16 can be used with the control module 50 alone, and the localization component enables additional functions, such as improved theft protection.

[0036] Bicycle-specific and / or user-specific parameters can be stored in the electronics' memory unit. The bicycle-specific parameters are stored, for example, in the form of a bicycle type, wherein the bicycle type is embodied as an eMTB. Furthermore, during use of the electric bicycle 16, operating data is recorded and determined, which is stored at least temporarily in the electronics' memory unit. The operating data also includes the speed of the bicycle, which is recorded by the sensor unit. For example, the sensor unit comprises a rim magnet on one of the wheels 22 of the electric bicycle, which, in combination with a suitable sensor, for example in the form of a Hall sensor, is provided for determining the speed of the electric bicycle 16.For example, further information regarding the installed bicycle components, a BikeID and user information in the form of preferred locations of use of the electric bicycle 16 are stored in the storage unit.

[0037] In addition, the electric bicycle 16 comprises an operating unit 30 for operating the electric bicycle 16. The operating unit 30 is arranged on the handlebar 32 of the electric bicycle 16. The operating unit 30 is formed, for example, by the control module 50. The operating unit 30 has, for example, an on / off switch (not shown in detail), wherein the electric bicycle 16, in particular the drive unit 26, is designed to be activated by actuating the switch. In addition, the electronics are designed to be controllable by means of the operating unit 30. For example, by operating the operating unit 30, it is possible to select the assistance mode of the electric bicycle 16. The control module 50 can also have a display unit (not shown) for displaying operating data or other information provided by the control unit of the electric bicycle 16 or the mobile terminal 100.

[0038] The mobile device 100 is embodied, for example, as a smartphone 102. The mobile device 100 includes a display unit 104 configured to display information. The display unit 104 is embodied, for example, as a touch-sensitive screen, so that the control device 101 can be operated and / or controlled by actuating or touching the display unit 104.

[0039] The mobile device 100 has, for example, an operating system configured to execute application software (app). The control device 101 has at least one bicycle app configured to display operating data of the electric bicycle 16 and / or to control the electric bicycle 16.

[0040] The mobile device 100 has at least one short-range communication interface that corresponds to the short-range communication interface of the electric bicycle 16. The short-range communication interface is embodied, for example, as a Bluetooth interface. The mobile device can establish a connection with the electric bicycle 16 independently of or depending on the bicycle app. This connection is established, for example, via a Bluetooth pairing process. The pairing process pairs and connects the mobile device 100 and the electric bicycle 16. If the mobile device 100 is physically separated from the electric bicycle 16, the wireless communication is also disconnected, although they remain in the paired state.

[0041] In addition, the mobile terminal 100 comprises at least one long-range communication interface for wireless communication with the server 12. The long-range communication interface is embodied, for example, as an LTE interface.

[0042] The system 10 also includes a navigation unit 200. The navigation unit 200 is assigned, for example, to the control device 101, in particular to the smartphone 102. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also conceivable for the navigation unit 200 to be partially or completely assigned to the electric bicycle 16 or integrated into the electric bicycle 16. The navigation unit 200 is designed to display route information. The route information is determined by the server 12, and thus not locally, and provided via the radio interface of the navigation unit 200. Alternatively, local determination of the route information would also be conceivable. The display of the navigation information, which includes the route information, takes place, for example, on the display unit 104 of the control device 101.Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the determined route information to be provided to the control module 50 of the electric bicycle 16 and displayed on a display unit of the electric bicycle 16.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for determining route information based on a dynamic speed variable.

[0044] In a first step 300, starting information and destination information are provided. This provision is performed, for example, by the navigation unit 200 or by the mobile device 100. The destination information can be entered by the user, for example, via the control unit 30 of the electric bicycle 16 or via the mobile device 100, and sent to the server 12 via the radio interface. The same applies to the starting information, whereby current location information from the localization component 60 of the electric bicycle 16 or the mobile device 100 can also be used as starting information.

[0045] The server 12 then determines route information for the specified route, wherein in a step 302 a sequence of route sections from the start information to the destination information is determined. Each route section is assigned a travel time. The travel time is calculated based on a general speed value. The general speed value for the respective route section was determined, for example, using a machine learning system and is based, for example, on a road-specific characteristic. The general speed value therefore has a higher value for an asphalt road with a downhill gradient than for an unpaved road with a steep gradient. The determined route information thus includes the route sections as well as a determined travel time.The route information is determined in step 302 based solely on the general speed, because no dynamic speed variable or adjustment variable is available. This is the case, for example, if the rider is using the bicycle and the navigation unit for the first time.

[0046] In a further step 304, the route information is provided to the navigation unit 200. The route information is displayed on the display unit 104 of the mobile terminal 100. The cyclist can connect the navigation unit 200 to the electric bicycle 16 using a suitable attachment (not shown), or it is also conceivable for the navigation unit 200 to forward the data required for navigation to the electric bicycle 16, in particular to the control module 50 of the electric bicycle 16. During the ride, the route is preferably followed according to the route information.

[0047] In a further step 306, a speed and an incline are recorded by the electric bicycle 16 during the ride. In particular, the sensor unit of the electric bicycle 16 records the speed of the electric bicycle 16 and provides it to the server 12, for example as an average speed. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that only the time of the start of the ride and the time of the end of the ride are provided to the server 12, so that the server 12 calculates an average speed based on this information. In addition, the sensor unit of the electric bicycle 16 also determines the incline of the route traveled and provides it to the server 12 in addition to the speed.

[0048] In step 308, the server 12 determines a dynamic speed variable based on the provided average speed. The dynamic speed variable is limited in time to the last 10 trips with the electric bicycle 16. Other time restrictions are also conceivable, or restrictions to similar routes, etc. The dynamic speed variable is always recalculated as soon as new data is available.

[0049] In parallel to step 308, in a step 310, the server 12 determines an adjustment variable based on the provided gradients, which, for example, corresponds to an average gradient value. The adjustment variable is also dynamic and is preferably recalculated whenever new data is available. The time limit is, for example, the same as for the speed variable.

[0050] In a step 312, the user further provides start information and destination information, which are provided to the server 12.

[0051] In a step 314, route information is determined based on the start information and destination information from step 312. To calculate the start time, not only the general speed value but also the dynamic speed value and the adjustment value are taken into account. The general speed value, the dynamic speed value, and the adjustment value are linked together using an algorithm, and a user-specific speed is determined based on these values. For example, the respective values ​​are assigned a weighting factor. The weighting factors are preferably selected such that the general speed value has a greater influence on the user-specific speed than the dynamic speed value and / or the adjustment value.The weighting factors can advantageously be determined using a machine learning system, for example using linear regression. Other machine learning systems that can be used to determine a user-specific speed variable are also conceivable. The machine learning system is preferably designed as a self-learning machine learning system, wherein the training data includes route information and the associated travel times, which were determined solely using the general speed variable. In addition, the training data includes the actual travel time as well as a variety of data recorded or provided by the electric bicycle 16 or the mobile device 100, including the average speed and the gradient of the route.

[0052] It is particularly advantageous to determine the user-specific speed for calculating the travel time based only on the general speed variable, the dynamic speed variable, and the adjustment variable in the form of the gradient. This combination allows the computing time for determining the route information to be kept as short as possible, while achieving a much higher accuracy in calculating the travel time of the route information. Steps 306 to 314 are then repeated, whereby from the tenth

[0053] Only the last ten trips are used to determine the dynamic speed and adjustment values.

Claims

Claims 1 . A method for determining a user-specific speed for determining route information for a bicycle (16), comprising the following steps: - Providing a general speed measure; - Provision of a dynamic speed variable, whereby the dynamic speed variable is user-specific and / or bicycle-specific; - Determination of the user-specific speed based on the general speed value and the dynamic speed value.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the user-specific speed parameter is designed dynamically in such a way that the user-specific speed parameter is re-determined after each journey.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the general speed variable is based on at least one road-specific characteristic variable.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the general speed variable is based on at least one bicycle-specific characteristic variable.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the provision of the dynamic speed parameter by a bicycle (16) and / or by a mobile terminal connected to the bicycle (16) (100) is carried out.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dynamic speed characteristic is partially or completely detected by the bicycle (16).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the user-specific speed is additionally carried out based on at least one adaptation variable.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the adjustment variable is designed as a gradient variable.

9. Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the adjustment variable is designed as a power variable.

10. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the adaptation variable is designed as an environmental variable. 11 . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dynamic speed variable is determined based on a limited period of time.

12. Navigation unit for a means of transport (14), in particular for an electric bicycle (16), wherein the navigation unit (200) is designed to display route information with a travel time determined by a method according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Electric bicycle with a navigation unit (200) according to claim 12.

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