Notification system, notification method and computer program

Abstract

To make a user driving a bicycle conscious of travelling of the bicycle at appropriate travel speed.SOLUTION: A notification system (10) notifies a user of information on driving of a bicycle (1). The notification system (10) includes a processor (111), and a storage device (102) for storing a computer program for controlling the operation of the processor (111). The processor (111) acquires travel speed information indicating the travel speed of the bicycle (1), according to the computer program, performs first count operation of counting time during which a first state where the travel speed is equal to or less first predetermined speed continues on the basis of the travel speed information, and notifies a user of first information indicating appropriate driving of the bicycle (1) by the user, when the first state continues for first predetermined time, through notification devices (105) and (106).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system, a notification method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Bicycles are widely used by people of all ages and genders as an easy-to-use means of transportation. In recent years, electrically assisted bicycles, which use an electric motor to assist the user's pedaling force, have become increasingly popular (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With electrically assisted bicycles, the electric motor generates driving force according to the human force applied to the pedals by the user, reducing the burden on the user, for example, when traveling uphill or carrying luggage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-230411 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Bicycles such as electrically assisted bicycles are required to be driven at an appropriate speed, and bicycle users are required to be aware of the need to drive their bicycles at an appropriate speed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a notification system, a notification method, and a computer program described in the following items.

[0006] [Item 1] A notification system that notifies a user of information related to bicycle driving, A processing device; a storage device that stores a computer program that controls the operation of the processing device; Equipped with The processing device, in accordance with the computer program, acquiring traveling speed information indicating a traveling speed of the bicycle; performing a first counting operation for counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; an alert system that, when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, alerts the user via an alert device of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle appropriately.

[0007] When the first state in which the bicycle speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving has been appropriate. When the user continues to drive at an appropriate speed, the user is praised, thereby improving the user's awareness of appropriate driving.

[0008] [Item 2] The processing device includes: When the traveling speed becomes higher than the first predetermined speed, a second counting operation is performed to count a time during which a second state in which the traveling speed is higher than the first predetermined speed continues; The notification system according to item 1, wherein if the second state continues for a second predetermined time or longer, the time counted in the first counting operation is reset (wherein the second predetermined time is smaller than the first predetermined time).

[0009] If the second state in which the bicycle's traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed continues for a second predetermined time or longer, the time counted in the first counting operation is reset. This makes it possible to prevent the first information from being notified if an appropriate traveling speed is not being maintained.

[0010] [Item 3] The processing device does not reset the time counted in the first counting operation if the second state does not continue for more than the second predetermined time and the traveling speed returns to less than or equal to the first predetermined speed.

[0011] There are cases where the running speed temporarily becomes higher than the first predetermined speed against the user's will, such as when running downhill, when a tailwind is blowing, etc. If the second state does not continue for more than the second predetermined time, the counted time is not reset, so that the criteria for determining whether the running speed is appropriate are not made too strict.

[0012] [Item 4] The processing device includes: The first counting operation is stopped during a period in which the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, 4. The notification system according to item 2 or 3, wherein the first counting operation is performed when the traveling speed becomes equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed.

[0013] By stopping the first counting operation during a period in which the driving speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, this period can be excluded from being included in the time during which driving was performed at an appropriate driving speed.

[0014] [Item 5] The processing device includes: The first counting operation is stopped during a period in which the running speed is lower than a second predetermined speed (wherein the second predetermined speed is lower than the first predetermined speed); 5. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first counting operation is performed when the traveling speed becomes equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed and equal to or less than the first predetermined speed.

[0015] By stopping the first counting operation during the period when the traveling speed is lower than the second predetermined speed, periods when the bicycle is stopped, etc. can be excluded from the time when the bicycle was driven at an appropriate traveling speed.

[0016] [Item 6] 3. The notification system according to item 2, wherein the processing device resets the time counted in the first counting operation and then restarts counting the time the first state continues.

[0017] By resetting the counted time and then restarting the count, if the user is able to continue driving at an appropriate driving speed thereafter, the user can be notified that the driving was appropriate.

[0018] [Item 7] 7. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the processing device restarts counting the time that the first state continues after notifying the user of the first information via the notification device.

[0019] By restarting the count after notifying the user of the first information, if driving at an appropriate driving speed can be continued thereafter, the first information can be notified to the user again.

[0020] [Item 8] The notification system described in item 7, wherein the processing device differentiates the content of the first information notified to the user the first time from the content of the first information notified to the user the nth time (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

[0021] By making the content of the nth notification different from the content of the first notification, it is possible to improve the user's awareness of continuing to drive at an appropriate driving speed for a long period of time.

[0022] [Item 9] 9. The notification system according to item 7 or 8, wherein the processing device changes the length of the first predetermined time period depending on the number of times the first information has been notified to the user.

[0023] By changing the length of the first predetermined time, it is possible to change the degree of difficulty of achieving the condition for which a notification is to be issued.

[0024] [Item 10] The processing device includes: acquiring location information indicating a current location of the bicycle; 10. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the magnitude of the first predetermined speed is changed depending on the current location of the bicycle.

[0025] This makes it possible to change the conditions for performing the first counting operation depending on the area in which the bicycle is traveling.

[0026] [Item 11] The notification device is included in a mobile terminal device, 11. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the bicycle and the mobile terminal device communicate with each other via wireless communication.

[0027] This allows the mobile terminal device to notify the user of the first information indicating that the user's driving was appropriate, and also eliminates the need to mount a notification device on the bicycle.

[0028] [Item 12] the processing device and the storage device are included in a mobile terminal device, 12. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the traveling speed information is transmitted from the bicycle to the mobile terminal device via wireless communication.

[0029] By performing the first counting operation in the portable terminal device, there is no need to mount a device that performs the first counting operation on the bicycle.

[0030] [Item 13] 13. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the traveling speed information is obtained from an output signal of a speed sensor provided on the bicycle.

[0031] This makes it possible to detect the traveling speed of the bicycle in real time and with high accuracy.

[0032] [Item 14] The notification device includes a display device, 14. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the processing device, when the first state continues for the first predetermined time, causes the display device to display at least one of text and graphics indicating that the driving was appropriate.

[0033] This allows the user to recognize that he or she has been driving appropriately by looking at the display content on the display device.

[0034] [Item 15] The notification device includes a sound generating component, 15. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the processing device causes the sound component to output a sound indicating that driving was appropriate when the first state continues for the first predetermined time.

[0035] By hearing the sound output by the sound producing component, the user can recognize that he or she has been driving appropriately.

[0036] [Item 16] 16. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the first predetermined speed is equal to or greater than 25 km / h and equal to or less than 35 km / h.

[0037] This can improve the user's awareness of driving at an appropriate speed.

[0038] [Item 17] 17. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the first predetermined time is equal to or greater than 30 minutes and equal to or less than 90 minutes.

[0039] This can improve the user's awareness of continuing to drive appropriately.

[0040] [Item 18] 5. The notification system according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the second predetermined time is greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 15 seconds.

[0041] By allowing the traveling speed to temporarily become higher than the first predetermined speed against the user's will, it is possible to prevent the criteria for determining whether the traveling speed is appropriate from becoming too strict.

[0042] [Item 19] 6. The notification system according to item 5, wherein the second predetermined speed is equal to or greater than 2 km / h and equal to or less than 5 km / h.

[0043] This makes it possible to exclude periods when the bicycle is stopped, etc. from the time when the bicycle was driven at an appropriate speed.

[0044] [Item 20] A method for notifying a user of information related to bicycle driving, executed by one or more computers, comprising: acquiring traveling speed information indicating a traveling speed of the bicycle; performing a first counting operation of counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifying the user via an alarm device of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle appropriately; A notification method comprising:

[0045] When the first state in which the bicycle speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving has been appropriate. When the user continues to drive at an appropriate speed, the user is praised, thereby improving the user's awareness of appropriate driving.

[0046] [Item 21] A computer program that causes one or more computers to notify a user of information related to bicycle driving, The computer program comprises: acquiring traveling speed information indicating a traveling speed of the bicycle; performing a first counting operation of counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifying the user via an alarm device of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle appropriately; on said one or more computers.

[0047] When the first state in which the bicycle speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving has been appropriate. When the user continues to drive at an appropriate speed, the user is praised, thereby improving the user's awareness of appropriate driving. Effect of the Invention

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a first state in which the bicycle speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving has been appropriate. If the user continues to drive at an appropriate speed, the user is praised, thereby improving the user's awareness of appropriate driving. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] 1 is a right side view showing an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a top view showing a front part of an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a meter 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for notifying a user of first information indicating that the driving of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been appropriate. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a mobile terminal device 100 that notifies a user of first information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of notifying a user of first information indicating that the driving of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been appropriate. [Figure 8]11 is a diagram showing an example of the content of first information notified to a user for the nth time according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments, similar components are given similar reference symbols, and if there is overlap, their description will be omitted. The symbols F, Re, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively. The terms front, rear, left, right, and up and down in a bicycle refer to front, rear, left, right, and up and down based on a state in which a user is seated on the bicycle saddle facing the handlebars. In the description of the embodiments below, an electrically assisted bicycle is exemplified as an example of a bicycle, but the bicycle according to the embodiment is not limited to an electrically assisted bicycle. The bicycle according to the embodiment may be a bicycle that does not have a function of assisting the user's pedaling force with an electric motor. The following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0051] [Electric assisted bicycle] FIG. 1 is a right side view showing an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0052] The electrically assisted bicycle 1 has a body frame 2 extending in the front-to-rear direction. The body frame 2 includes a head pipe 11, a down tube 12, a top tube 14, a seat tube 16, a chain stay 18, a seat stay 19, and a bracket 24. The head pipe 11 is disposed at the front end of the body frame 2. A handle column 13 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 11. A handle 4 is fixed to the handle column 13. The handle 4 is provided with a meter unit 5 that displays various information related to the electrically assisted bicycle 1. A headlamp 22 is provided in the front portion of the handle 4.

[0053] A front fork 15 is fixed to the lower end of the handle column 13. The lower end of the front fork 15 rotatably supports the front wheel 6, which is the steered wheel.

[0054] The down tube 12 extends diagonally downward and rearward from the head pipe 11. The seat tube 16 extends upward from the rear end of the down tube 12. The chain stay 18 extends rearward from the lower end of the seat tube 16. A bracket 24 connects the rear end of the down tube 12, the lower end of the seat tube 16, and the front end of the chain stay 18. The top tube 14 is provided to connect the head pipe 11 and the upper part of the seat tube 16. A seat post 17 is inserted into the seat tube 16, and a saddle 3 on which a user sits is provided at the upper end of the seat post 17.

[0055] The rear end of the chain stay 18 rotatably supports the rear wheel 7, which is a drive wheel. The seat stay 19 extends diagonally downward and rearward from an upper portion of the seat tube 16. The lower end of the seat stay 19 is connected to the rear end of the chain stay 18. A transmission 28 that changes the gear ratio is provided at the rear end of the chain stay 18. The transmission may be provided around the pedal crankshaft 35. A speed sensor 25 that detects rotation of the rear wheel 7 is provided at the rear of the chain stay 18. The speed sensor 25 may be provided at a lower portion of the front fork 15 to detect rotation of the front wheel 6.

[0056] A drive unit 30 is provided on the bracket 24 arranged near the center of the vehicle body frame 2. An electric motor 32, an MCU (motor control unit), a reducer, etc. are housed in the housing of the drive unit 30. A pedal crankshaft 35 is supported by the drive unit 30 and penetrates therethrough in the left-right direction. Crank arms 36 are provided on both ends of the pedal crankshaft 35. A pedal 37 is rotatably provided on the tip of the crank arm 36.

[0057] A battery unit 20 that supplies power to the drive unit 30 and the like is mounted on the down tube 12. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the battery unit 20 is attached inside the down tube 12. The down tube 12 may have a hollow shape. At least a portion of the cross section of the down tube 12 is U-shaped, and the down tube 12 may have a cover that covers the U-shaped portion.

[0058] The battery unit 20 may be disposed on the outer surface of the down tube 12. The battery unit 20 may be mounted on a bracket 24 or the seat tube 16. The battery unit 20 may be detachable from the electrically assisted bicycle 1.

[0059] The battery unit 20 includes a battery and a BMS (battery management system). The battery is a rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged. The BMS controls charging and discharging of the battery, and monitors the output current and remaining capacity of the battery.

[0060] The MCU of the drive unit 30 controls the operation of the electric motor 32 and also controls the operation of each part of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The MCU has a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor and a motor drive circuit. The rotation of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated when the user steps on the pedal 37 with his / her foot is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive sprocket 38 and the chain 23. The MCU controls the electric motor 32 to generate a drive assist output corresponding to the rotation output of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated when the user steps on the pedal 37 with his / her foot. The assist force generated by the electric motor 32 is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive sprocket 38 and the chain 23. A belt, a shaft, or the like may be used instead of the chain 23.

[0061] 2 is a top view showing the front part of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The handlebars 4 have a handlebar 41. A right grip 43R is provided at the right end of the handlebar 41. A left grip 43L is provided at the left end of the handlebar 41. The user steers the bicycle by gripping the right grip 43R and the left grip 43L with the hands.

[0062] A front wheel brake lever 44R and a gear shifter 45R are provided near the right grip 43R. A rear wheel brake lever 44L and a gear shifter 45L are provided near the left grip 43L. When the front wheel brake lever 44R is gripped together with the right grip 43R by the right hand, a braking force is applied to the front wheel 6. When the rear wheel brake lever 44L is gripped together with the left grip 43L by the left hand, a braking force is applied to the rear wheel 7. The brake lever provided on the left side of the handlebar 41 may be a front wheel brake lever for applying a braking force to the front wheel 6, and the brake lever provided on the right side may be a rear wheel brake lever for applying a braking force to the rear wheel 7. The gear shifters 45R and 45L are also called shifters. The user can change the gear ratio by operating the gear shifters 45R and 45L.

[0063] A meter unit 5 is provided on the handlebar 41. The meter unit 5 includes a meter 50 and an operating device 70.

[0064] The meter 50 displays various information related to the electric assisted bicycle 1. The meter 50 is attached, for example, to the handlebar 41 or the handle stem 42 using a mounting fixture such as a clamp.

[0065] The operation device 70 is provided, for example, near the left grip 43L of the handlebar 4. The operation device 70 is attached to the handlebar 41 using a fixture such as a clamp. A user can perform operations such as setting the magnitude of the assist force of the electric motor 32 by operating the operation device 70 with a finger. The meter 50 and the operation device 70 are electrically connected via an electric wire 77. A signal corresponding to a user's operation is sent from the operation device 70 to the meter 50 via the electric wire 77. The meter 50 and the MCU of the drive unit 30 (FIG. 1) can transmit and receive signals via the electric wire 57. The meter 50 and the operation device 70 may transmit and receive signals via wireless communication. The meter 50 and the MCU may also transmit and receive signals via wireless communication.

[0066] The meter 50 includes a display device 51 that displays various information related to the electrically assisted bicycle 1, and multiple switches 52, 53 that accept user operations. Specifically, the multiple switches are a power switch 52 and a lamp illumination switch 53. In this embodiment, these switches are push button switches that are operated by the user pressing them with their fingers.

[0067] Power switch 52 is a switch for turning on and off the power supply to electrically assisted bicycle 1. When the power supply to electrically assisted bicycle 1 is on, drive unit 30 operates, and when the power supply is off, drive unit 30 does not operate. When the power supply is off and the user presses power switch 52, the power supply is turned on, and when the power supply is on and the user presses power switch 52, the power supply is turned off.

[0068] The lamp light switch 53 is a switch for switching the headlamp 22 (FIG. 1) on and off. When the headlamp 22 is in the off state and the user presses the lamp light switch 53 to turn the headlamp 22 on, the headlamp 22 emits light to illuminate the path of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. When the headlamp 22 is in the on state, pressing the lamp light switch 53 turns the headlamp 22 off.

[0069] The display device 51 has, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display device 51 can display various information such as the running speed, the running distance, the remaining battery capacity, the assist mode, etc. The display device 51 may display information in a segment format or in a dot matrix format. As the display panel, a display panel other than a liquid crystal panel, for example, an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panel or an electronic paper panel, may be used.

[0070] The operating device 70 includes assist force setting switches 71 and 72, a select switch 73, and a push-walking switch 74. The assist force setting switches 71 and 72 are switches for setting the assist force of the electric motor 32. In this embodiment, the electric-assisted bicycle 1 can be set to a plurality of assist modes. The plurality of assist modes are, for example, a no-assist mode, an eco mode, a smart mode, and a high mode, in order of increasing assist force relative to human power. In the no-assist mode, the electric motor 32 does not generate assist force. When the user presses the assist force setting switch 71, the assist mode switches from a relatively small assist force relative to human power to a relatively large assist mode. When the user presses the assist force setting switch 72, the assist mode switches from a relatively large assist force relative to human power to a relatively small assist mode.

[0071] In the above example, there are four types of assist modes, but there may be three or less, or five or more. For example, there may be a mode that generates a greater assist force than the high mode, or there may be multiple types of eco modes.

[0072] The select switch 73 is a switch for switching the display content of the display device 51. By pressing the select switch 73, the user can switch the display content of the display device 51.

[0073] The push-walking switch 74 is a switch that accepts an instruction from the user to execute a push-walking mode in which the electric motor 32 generates an assisting force when the user pushes the electrically assisted bicycle 1 while walking. Pushing and walking refers to the user moving the bicycle 1 forward while pushing the bicycle 1 without pedaling the pedals 37. An example of pushing and walking is when the user gets off the bicycle 1 and moves the bicycle 1 forward by pushing the handlebars 4 with their hands while walking with their feet.

[0074] When the user continues to press the push-walking switch 74 with his / her finger while pushing the bicycle, the electric motor 32 generates an auxiliary force. By making the electric motor 32 generate an auxiliary force while pushing the bicycle, the burden on the user can be reduced. For example, the burden on the user can be reduced when the user pushes the bicycle 1 by hand up a slope while walking with their feet.

[0075] The meter 50 is capable of wireless communication with a mobile terminal device 100 such as a smartphone. By performing wireless communication, various types of information can be transmitted and received between the meter 50 and the mobile terminal device 100.

[0076] Next, a description will be given of an example of the hardware configuration of the meter 50. FIG.

[0077] The meter 50 includes a control device 60, a display device 51, an input device 55, and a communication device 56. These components are communicatively connected to each other via a bus.

[0078] The control device 60 includes a processing device 61 and recording media such as a read only memory (ROM) 62 and a random access memory (RAM) 63. A computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 61 to execute processing may be stored in the ROM 62. The computer program may be stored in the ROM 62 when the meter 50 is manufactured. The computer program may be provided to the meter 50 via a storage medium (e.g., a semiconductor memory or an optical disk) or an electric communication line (e.g., the Internet). Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software.

[0079] The processing device 61 is a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processing device 61 can be realized by a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing device 61 sequentially executes a computer program (a computer program stored in the ROM 62) that describes a group of instructions for executing various processes, and realizes a desired process.

[0080] The processing device 61 may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA) equipped with a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application specific standard product (ASSP), or a combination of two or more circuits selected from these circuits.

[0081] The ROM 62 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., flash memory), or a read-only memory. To repeat, the ROM 62 may store a computer program for causing the processing device 61 to execute processing. Furthermore, the ROM 62 stores a computer program for controlling the operation of the processing device 61. The ROM 62 does not need to be a single recording medium, and may be a collection of multiple recording media. Part of the collection of multiple recording media may be a removable memory.

[0082] The RAM 63 provides a working area for temporarily loading, at boot time, the computer programs stored in the ROM 62. The RAM 63 does not have to be a single recording medium, and may be a collection of multiple recording media.

[0083] The communication device 56 is a communication module for communicating with the mobile terminal device 100 and the like. The communication device 56 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 56 can perform wired communication in accordance with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 56 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Both standards include wireless communication standards using frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band. The communication device 56 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with a communication method such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). The communication device 56 may perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite.

[0084] The input device 55 is a device that accepts user operations such as the above-mentioned power switch 52 and lamp light switch 53. The meter 50 may include, as the input device 55, a touch panel and / or a microphone.

[0085] The processing device 61 detects that various switches of the meter 50 and the operating device 70 have been pressed, and controls the operation of the display device 51. For example, when a user starts pressing a switch, the processing device 61 detects a voltage value and / or a current value that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Then, when the user stops pressing the switch, the processing device 61 detects that the voltage value and / or current value that had been detected up until that point has become, for example, zero. The processing device 61 can simultaneously detect the pressing of multiple switches in parallel.

[0086] The processing device 61 performs control to change the display contents of the display device 51 in response to pressing of various switches of the meter 50 and the operating device 70. The drive unit 30 includes an MCU 31. The processing device 61 outputs a signal in response to pressing of various switches to the MCU 31. For example, the processing device 61 outputs a signal indicating a selected assist mode to the MCU 31. The MCU 31 that receives the signal performs control to cause the electric motor 32 to generate an assist force in accordance with the selected assist mode.

[0087] The output signal of the speed sensor 25 is input to the MCU 31. The MCU 31 can calculate the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 from the output signal of the speed sensor 25. The MCU 31 outputs traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed to the meter 50. The processing device 61 receives the traveling speed information and controls the display device 51 to display the traveling speed. The output signal of the speed sensor 25 may be input directly to the meter 50 without going through the MCU 31.

[0088] The BMS 21 is mounted on the battery unit 20. The BMS 21 controls various operations of the battery unit 20, such as charging and discharging, and monitors various states of the battery unit 20. The BMS 21 monitors the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), and the like of the battery unit 20. The MCU 31 transmits and receives necessary information to and from the BMS 21. The MCU 31 receives battery information indicating the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, and the like of the battery unit 20 from the BMS 21.

[0089] The MCU 31 outputs SOC information indicating the SOC of the battery unit 20 to the meter 50. The processing device 61 controls the display of the remaining battery capacity on the display device 51 in accordance with the remaining battery capacity calculated based on the SOC information.

[0090] Next, a hardware configuration example of the mobile terminal device 100 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the mobile terminal device 100. The mobile terminal device 100 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. The mobile terminal device 100 may also be a wearable computer such as a smart watch or smart glasses.

[0091] The mobile terminal device 100 is an example of a notification system 10 that notifies the user of information indicating that the driving of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 was appropriate. The operation of the notification system 10 will be described in detail later. In the following, an example in which the mobile terminal device 100 is a smartphone will be described.

[0092] The mobile terminal device 100 includes a control device 101, a storage device 102, a communication device 103, an input device 104, a display device 105, a speaker 106, a microphone 107, a camera 108, a lamp 109, and a positioning device 110. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0093] The control device 101 includes a processing device 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. Descriptions of the processing device 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 overlap with the descriptions of the processing device 61, the ROM 62, and the RAM 63 of the meter 50, and therefore will be omitted here.

[0094] The storage device 102 is, for example, a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or a combination thereof. An example of the semiconductor storage device is a solid-state drive (SSD). An example of the magnetic storage device is a hard disk drive (HDD). An example of the optical storage device is an optical disk drive or a magneto-optical disk (MD) drive.

[0095] The communication device 103 is a communication module for communicating with an external device via a communication network. The communication device 103 may perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite. The mobile terminal device 100 may communicate with the meter 50 using the communication device 103. The communication device 103 may perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 103 may perform wired communication in accordance with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 103 may perform wireless communication in accordance with, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Both standards include wireless communication standards using frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band. The communication device 103 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with a BLE or LPWA communication method.

[0096] The input device 104 is a device for converting instructions from a user into data and inputting the data to a computer. The input device 104 is, for example, a touch panel. The mobile terminal device 100 may include a push button switch and / or a microphone as the input device 55. The display device 105 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an OLED panel, or an electronic paper panel.

[0097] The speaker 106 converts an audio signal into sound and outputs it to the outside. The microphone 107 converts sounds around the mobile terminal device 100 into audio signals. The speaker 106 and the microphone 107 can be used as a voice communication device for making voice calls with other users. The camera 108 captures an image of a part of the surroundings of the mobile terminal device 100 and generates an image signal. The lamp 109 emits light.

[0098] The positioning device 110 can detect the position (geographic coordinates) of the mobile terminal device 100 in a geographic coordinate system. The positioning device 110 receives GNSS signals transmitted from GNSS satellites and performs positioning based on the GNSS signals. GNSS is a general term for satellite positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, e.g., Michibiki), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. The positioning method may be any method that can obtain position information with the required accuracy. For example, an interference positioning method or a relative positioning method may be adopted as the positioning method. The positioning device 110 can detect the position of the mobile terminal device 100 by carrying the mobile terminal device 100 and riding the electrically assisted bicycle 1.

[0099] [Alert system] Next, a notification system 10 that notifies a user of information indicating that the user's driving of the electric-assisted bicycle 1 was appropriate will be described. The mobile terminal device 100 is an example of the notification system 10. For example, application software that causes the mobile terminal device 100 to operate as the notification system 10 is installed in the mobile terminal device 100, so that the mobile terminal device 100 operates as the notification system 10. The application software may be downloaded from an external device such as a server via a communication network and installed in the mobile terminal device 100. Such application software may be sold as commercial software. The application software is stored in, for example, the storage device 102 or the ROM 112, and the processing device 111 executes an operation of notifying the user of information according to the application software. For example, the processing device 111 notifies the user of information indicating that the user's driving of the electric-assisted bicycle 1 was appropriate.

[0100] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of an operation for notifying a user of the first information indicating that the user has driven the electrically assisted bicycle 1 appropriately.

[0101] As described above, wireless communication is possible between the mobile terminal device 100 and the meter 50. The mobile terminal device 100 and the meter 50 perform wireless communication conforming to, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The mobile terminal device 100 is stored, for example, in a pocket of the user's clothes or in a bag.

[0102] As described above, the processing device 61 of the meter 50 obtains traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 from the MCU 31. The output signal of the speed sensor 25 may be directly input to the meter 50, and the processing device 61 may calculate the traveling speed from the output signal of the speed sensor 25. The processing device 61 periodically transmits the traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 to the mobile terminal device 100.

[0103] The processing device 111 of the mobile terminal device 100 determines whether the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed based on the received traveling speed information (step S101). The first predetermined speed is, for example, 25 km / h or more and 35 km / h or less, but is not limited to this value. As an example, the first predetermined speed is assumed to be 30 km / h here.

[0104] If the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed, the processing device 111 performs a first counting operation to count the time during which the first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues (step S102). The processing device 111 determines whether the above-mentioned first state has continued for a first predetermined time (step S103). The first predetermined time is, for example, 30 minutes or more and 90 minutes or less, but is not limited to this value. As an example, the first predetermined time is assumed to be 60 minutes.

[0105] If the first state continues for a first predetermined time, the processing device 111 notifies the user via the notification device of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle 1 appropriately (step S104).

[0106] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a mobile terminal device 100 that notifies a user of first information. The notification device is, for example, a display device 105 and a speaker 106. The speaker 106 is an example of a sound-producing component.

[0107] When the first state continues for a first predetermined time, the processing device 111 causes the display device 105 to display at least one of text and a graphic indicating that the driving was appropriate. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a pop-up window 121 is displayed on the display device 105, and the text "You are driving at an appropriate speed" and a star-shaped badge 122 are displayed in the pop-up window 121. The user can recognize that the driving was appropriate by looking at the display content of the display device 105. For example, the user can look at the display content of the display device 105 when the bicycle 1 is stopped.

[0108] Furthermore, when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, the processing device 111 causes the speaker 106 to output a voice indicating that the driving was appropriate. For example, a voice saying "You are driving at an appropriate speed" is output from the speaker 106. By hearing the voice output from the speaker 106, the user can recognize that the driving was appropriate.

[0109] In this embodiment, if the first state in which the traveling speed of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving has been appropriate. If the user is able to continue driving at an appropriate traveling speed, the user is praised, thereby improving the user's awareness of appropriate driving.

[0110] By having the mobile terminal device 100 report the first information indicating that driving was appropriate, it becomes unnecessary to mount a reporting device on the bicycle 1, and it becomes possible to simplify the configuration of the bicycle 1. Also, by having the mobile terminal device 100 perform the first counting operation, it becomes unnecessary to mount a device that performs the first counting operation on the bicycle 1, and it becomes possible to simplify the configuration of the bicycle 1.

[0111] In this embodiment, the traveling speed information is acquired using an output signal from the speed sensor 25 provided on the bicycle 1. This makes it possible to detect the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 in real time and to detect the traveling speed with high accuracy.

[0112] In the above example, both the display device 105 and the speaker 106 notify the first information, but only one of them may notify the first information.

[0113] The processing device 111 notifies the user of the first information and returns to the process of step S101. If the first state is maintained, counting the time during which the first state continues is restarted. In this case, the time counted in the previous first counting operation may be reset, and then the first counting operation may be restarted. Alternatively, the first counting operation may be restarted by adding to the time counted in the previous first counting operation. When adding to the time counted in the previous first counting operation, the first predetermined time is made larger than the previous time. For example, the first predetermined time is made twice as large as the previous time.

[0114] By restarting the count after notifying the user of the first information, if driving at an appropriate driving speed can be continued thereafter, the first information can be notified to the user again.

[0115] If it is determined in the process of step S101 that the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is greater than the first predetermined speed, the processing device 111 stops the first counting operation (step S105).The processing device 111 performs a second counting operation to count the time during which a second state in which the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed continues (step S106).

[0116] The processor 111 determines whether the second state continues for a second predetermined time (step S107). The second predetermined time is, for example, 5 seconds or more and 15 seconds or less, but is not limited to this value. As an example, the second predetermined time is 10 seconds.

[0117] If the second state continues for a second predetermined time or more, the processing device 111 resets the time counted in the first counting operation (step S108). If the second state, in which the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is greater than the first predetermined speed, continues for a second predetermined time or more, the time counted in the first counting operation is reset. This makes it possible to prevent the first information from being notified if an appropriate traveling speed cannot be maintained. After resetting the time counted in the first counting operation, the process returns to step S101.

[0118] In step S107, if the second state does not continue for the second predetermined time or more and the traveling speed returns to the first predetermined speed or less, the processor 111 does not reset the time counted in the first counting operation, and returns to the processing of step S101. In this case, the time counted in the second counting operation may be reset.

[0119] There are cases where the running speed temporarily becomes higher than the first predetermined speed against the user's will, such as when running downhill, when a tailwind is blowing, etc. If the second state does not continue for the second predetermined time or more, the time counted in the first counting operation is not reset, so that the criteria for determining whether the running speed is appropriate are not set too strict.

[0120] Also, like the process of step S105, the first counting operation is stopped during the period when the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed. This makes it possible to exclude the period when the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed from the time when driving was performed at an appropriate traveling speed. When the traveling speed returns to the first predetermined speed or less, the first counting operation can be resumed in step S102.

[0121] In step S108, after resetting the time counted in the first counting operation, if the traveling speed returns to the first predetermined speed or less, the processing device 111 can resume the first counting operation in step S102. By resetting the counted time and then resuming counting, if driving can be continued at an appropriate traveling speed thereafter, it is possible to notify the user that driving was appropriate.

[0122] Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing another example of the operation of notifying the user of the first information indicating that the user has appropriately driven the electrically assisted bicycle 1. In the process shown in Fig. 7, the first counting operation is performed when the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed and equal to or less than the first predetermined speed. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the first state is a state in which the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed and equal to or less than the first predetermined speed.

[0123] In the process shown in Fig. 7, if it is determined in step S101 that the traveling speed is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed, the processing device 111 determines whether the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or higher than a second predetermined speed (step S111). The second predetermined speed is, for example, equal to or higher than 2km / h and equal to or lower than 5km / h, but is not limited to this value. As an example, the second predetermined speed is assumed to be 2km / h here.

[0124] If the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed, the processing device 111 performs a first counting operation to count the time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues (step S102).

[0125] If the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is not equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed, the processing device 111 stops the first counting operation (step S112). If the first counting operation is not being performed, the state in which the first counting operation is not being performed is maintained. If the traveling speed is equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed and equal to or less than the first predetermined speed, the processing device 111 performs the first counting operation (step S102).

[0126] By stopping the first counting operation during the period when the traveling speed is lower than the second predetermined speed, the period when the bicycle 1 is stopped, and the period when it can be regarded as being substantially stopped, can be excluded from the time when the bicycle was driven at an appropriate traveling speed.

[0127] As described above, the processing device 111 returns to the process of step S101 after notifying the user of the first information in step S104. By restarting the first counting operation after notifying the user of the first information, if driving at an appropriate driving speed can be continued thereafter, the first information can be notified to the user again.

[0128] In this case, the content of the first information notified to the user the first time and the content of the first information notified to the user the nth time may be different from each other, where n is an integer of 2 or more.

[0129] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the content of the first information to be notified to the user for the nth time. The diagram on the left side of Fig. 8 shows an example of the content of the first information to be notified to the user for the second time, and the diagram on the right side of Fig. 8 shows an example of the content of the first information to be notified to the user for the third time.

[0130] Compared to the first notification shown in FIG. 6, in the second notification shown in FIG. 8, different text is displayed in the pop-up window 121, and two star-shaped badges 122 are displayed. In the third notification, three badges 122 are displayed. The content of the badges 122 may change as the number of notifications increases. For example, badges 122 showing medals or crowns may be displayed. The content of the sound output by the speaker 106 also changes according to the number of notifications.

[0131] By making the content of the nth notification different from the content of the first notification, it is possible to improve the user's awareness of continuing to drive at an appropriate driving speed for a long period of time.

[0132] The length of the first predetermined time may be changed according to the number of times the first information is notified to the user. For example, the first predetermined time may be increased according to an increase in the number of times the information is notified. By changing the length of the first predetermined time, the difficulty of achieving the condition for notification can be changed.

[0133] The magnitude of the first predetermined speed may also be changed depending on the current location of the bicycle 1. For example, the magnitude of the first predetermined speed may be changed depending on whether the bicycle 1 is located in an urban area, a mountainous area, a cycling course, etc. This makes it possible to change the conditions for performing the first counting operation depending on the area in which the bicycle 1 is traveling.

[0134] The positioning device 110 can detect the geographic coordinates of the mobile terminal device 100. The geographic coordinates of the mobile terminal device 100 correspond to the geographic coordinates of the bicycle 1. Map information is stored in the storage device 102, and the processing device 111 can recognize the type of area corresponding to the detected geographic coordinates by using the map information. The processing device 111 may obtain information on the type of area corresponding to the detected geographic coordinates from an external device such as a server via a communication network.

[0135] In the above description of the embodiment, the mobile terminal device 100 operates as the notification system 10, but the meter 50 may operate as the notification system 10. In this case, the meter 50 includes a notification device that notifies the first information, and the various processes shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 may be executed by the processing device 61. In addition, although the various processes shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 are executed by the processing device 61, the notification of the first information to the user may be executed by the notification device of the mobile terminal device 100.

[0136] In the above embodiment, a two-wheeled bicycle is exemplified as the bicycle 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bicycle 1 may be a bicycle with three or more wheels.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, the driving wheel to which the human power generated by the user pedaling and the assisting force generated by the electric motor are transmitted is the rear wheel, but the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the form of the electrically assisted bicycle, the human power and the assisting force may be transmitted to the front wheel, or to both the front wheel and the rear wheel. The present invention may also be applied to an electrically assisted bicycle in which a hub motor is provided on the front wheel.

[0138] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above. This specification discloses a notification system, a notification method, and a computer program described in the following items.

[0139] [Item 1] A notification system 10 that notifies a user of information regarding driving of a bicycle 1, A processing unit 111; A storage device 102 for storing a computer program for controlling the operation of the processing device 111; Equipped with The processing device 111 executes the following steps in accordance with the computer program: Obtaining traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of bicycle 1; performing a first counting operation for counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; When the first state continues for a first predetermined time, the notification system 10 notifies the user via the notification devices 105, 106 of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle 1 appropriately.

[0140] When the first state in which the speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving has been appropriate. When the user is able to continue driving at an appropriate speed, the user is praised, thereby improving the user's awareness of appropriate driving.

[0141] [Item 2] The processing device 111 includes: When the traveling speed becomes higher than the first predetermined speed, a second counting operation is performed to count the time during which a second state in which the traveling speed is higher than the first predetermined speed continues; The notification system 10 according to item 1, wherein, when the second state continues for a second predetermined time or more, the time counted in the first counting operation is reset (wherein the second predetermined time is smaller than the first predetermined time).

[0142] If the second state in which the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is greater than the first predetermined speed continues for a second predetermined time or longer, the time counted in the first counting operation is reset. This makes it possible to prevent the first information from being notified if an appropriate traveling speed is not being maintained.

[0143] [Item 3] The notification system 10 according to item 2, wherein the processing device 111 does not reset the time counted in the first counting operation if the second state does not continue for a second predetermined time or more and the traveling speed returns to a first predetermined speed or less.

[0144] There are cases where the running speed temporarily becomes higher than the first predetermined speed against the user's will, such as when running downhill, when a tailwind is blowing, etc. If the second state does not continue for more than the second predetermined time, the counted time is not reset, so that the criteria for determining whether the running speed is appropriate are not made too strict.

[0145] [Item 4] The processing device 111 includes: The first counting operation is stopped during a period in which the traveling speed is greater than a first predetermined speed, The notification system 10 according to item 2 or 3, wherein the first counting operation is performed when the traveling speed becomes equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed.

[0146] By stopping the first counting operation during a period in which the driving speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, this period can be excluded from being included in the time during which driving was performed at an appropriate driving speed.

[0147] [Item 5] The processing device 111 includes: The first counting operation is stopped during a period in which the traveling speed is lower than a second predetermined speed (wherein the second predetermined speed is lower than the first predetermined speed); The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first counting operation is performed when the traveling speed is equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed.

[0148] By stopping the first counting operation during the period when the traveling speed is lower than the second predetermined speed, periods when the bicycle 1 is stopped, etc. can be excluded from the time when the bicycle is driven at an appropriate traveling speed.

[0149] [Item 6] The notification system 10 according to item 2, wherein the processing device 111 resets the time counted in the first counting operation, and then restarts counting the time during which the first state continues.

[0150] By resetting the counted time and then restarting the count, if the user is able to continue driving at an appropriate driving speed thereafter, the user can be notified that the driving was appropriate.

[0151] [Item 7] The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the processing device 111 restarts counting the time during which the first state continues after notifying the user of the first information via the notification device 105, 106.

[0152] By restarting the count after notifying the user of the first information, if driving at an appropriate driving speed can be continued thereafter, the first information can be notified to the user again.

[0153] [Item 8] The notification system 10 according to item 7, wherein the processing device 111 differentiates the content of the first information notified to the user the first time from the content of the first information notified to the user the nth time (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2).

[0154] By making the content of the nth notification different from the content of the first notification, it is possible to improve the user's awareness of continuing to drive at an appropriate driving speed for a long period of time.

[0155] [Item 9] The notification system 10 according to item 7 or 8, wherein the processing device 111 changes the length of the first predetermined time period depending on the number of times the first information has been notified to the user.

[0156] By changing the length of the first predetermined time, it is possible to change the degree of difficulty of achieving the condition for which a notification is to be issued.

[0157] [Item 10] The processing device 111 includes: Obtain location information indicating the current location of bicycle 1, The notification system (10) according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the magnitude of the first predetermined speed is changed depending on the current location of the bicycle (1).

[0158] This makes it possible to change the conditions for performing the first counting operation depending on the area in which the bicycle 1 is traveling.

[0159] [Item 11] The notification devices 105 and 106 are included in the mobile terminal device 100. 11. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the bicycle 1 and the mobile terminal device 100 communicate with each other via wireless communication.

[0160] This makes it possible to notify the user of the first information, which indicates that the user has driven appropriately, in the mobile terminal device 100. There is no need to mount the notification devices 105 and 106 on the bicycle 1.

[0161] [Item 12] The processing device 111 and the storage device 102 are included in the mobile terminal device 100. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the traveling speed information is transmitted from the bicycle 1 to the mobile terminal device 100 by wireless communication.

[0162] By performing the first counting operation in the mobile terminal device 100, it becomes unnecessary to mount a device for performing the first counting operation on the bicycle 1.

[0163] [Item 13] 13. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the traveling speed information is obtained from an output signal of a speed sensor 25 provided on the bicycle 1.

[0164] This makes it possible to detect the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 in real time and with high accuracy.

[0165] [Item 14] The notification device includes a display device 105; An alarm system 10 described in any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the processing device 111, when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, causes the display device 105 to display at least one of text and a graphic indicating that the driving was appropriate.

[0166] This allows the user to see the display content of the display device 105 and recognize that he or she has been driving appropriately.

[0167] [Item 15] The alarm device includes a sound component 106, 15. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the processing device 111 causes the sound component 106 to output a sound indicating that the driving was appropriate when the first state continues for a first predetermined time.

[0168] This allows the user to recognize that he or she has been driving appropriately by hearing the sound output by sound generating component 106.

[0169] [Item 16] 16. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the first predetermined speed is equal to or greater than 25 km / h and equal to or less than 35 km / h.

[0170] This can improve the user's awareness of driving at an appropriate speed.

[0171] [Item 17] 17. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the first predetermined time is 30 minutes or more and 90 minutes or less.

[0172] This can improve the user's awareness of continuing to drive appropriately.

[0173] [Item 18] 5. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the second predetermined time is greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 15 seconds.

[0174] By allowing the traveling speed to temporarily become higher than the first predetermined speed against the user's will, it is possible to prevent the criteria for determining whether the traveling speed is appropriate from becoming too strict.

[0175] [Item 19] The notification system 10 according to item 5, wherein the second predetermined speed is equal to or greater than 2 km / h and equal to or less than 5 km / h.

[0176] This makes it possible to exclude periods during which the bicycle 1 is stopped, etc. from the time during which the bicycle is ridden at an appropriate speed.

[0177] [Item 20] A method for notifying a user of information relating to the operation of a bicycle (1), the method being executed by one or more computers, comprising: Obtaining traveling speed information indicating a traveling speed of the bicycle 1; performing a first counting operation of counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifying the user via the notification devices 105, 106 of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle 1 appropriately; A notification method comprising:

[0178] When the first state in which the speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving has been appropriate. When the user is able to continue driving at an appropriate speed, the user is praised, thereby improving the user's awareness of appropriate driving.

[0179] [Item 21] A computer program that causes one or more computers to notify a user of information related to the riding of a bicycle (1), The computer program is Obtaining traveling speed information indicating a traveling speed of the bicycle 1; performing a first counting operation of counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifying the user via the notification devices 105, 106 of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle 1 appropriately; A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute the following:

[0180] When the first state in which the speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving has been appropriate. When the user is able to continue driving at an appropriate speed, the user is praised, thereby improving the user's awareness of appropriate driving. [Industrial Applicability]

[0181] The present invention is particularly useful in the field of bicycle notification systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1: Electrically assisted bicycle (bicycle), 2: Body frame, 3: Saddle, 4: Handle, 5: Meter unit, 6: Front wheel, 7: Rear wheel, 10: Notification system, 11: Head pipe, 12: Down tube, 13: Handle column, 14: Top tube, 15: Front fork, 16: Seat tube, 17: Seat post, 18: Chain stay, 19: Seat stay, 20: Battery unit, 21: BMS, 22: Headlamp, 23: Chain, 24: Bracket, 25: Speed ​​sensor, 28: Derailleur, 30: Drive unit, 31: MCU, 32: Electric motor, 35: Pedal crankshaft, 36: Crank arm, 37: Pedal, 38: Drive sprocket, 41: Handlebar, 42: Handle stem, 43L: Left grip, 43R: right grip, 44L: rear wheel brake lever, 44R: front wheel brake lever, 45L: gear shift operator, 45R: gear shift operator, 50: meter, 51: display device, 52: power switch, 53: lamp switch, 57: electric wire, 60: control device, 61: processing device, 62: ROM, 63: RAM, 70: operation device, 71: assist force setting switch, 72: assist force setting switch, 73: select switch, 74: push walking switch, 77: electric wire, 100: portable terminal device, 101: control device, 102: storage device, 103: communication device, 104: input device, 105: display device, 106: speaker, 107: microphone, 108: camera, 109: lamp, 110: positioning device, 111: processing device, 112:ROM, 113:RAM, 121:Pop-up window, 122:Badge

Claims

1. A notification system that notifies a user of information related to bicycle driving, A processing device; a storage device that stores a computer program that controls the operation of the processing device; Equipped with The processing device, in accordance with the computer program, acquiring traveling speed information indicating a traveling speed of the bicycle; performing a first counting operation for counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; an alarm system that, when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifies the user via an alarm device of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle appropriately.

2. The processing device includes: When the traveling speed becomes higher than the first predetermined speed, a second counting operation is performed to count a time during which a second state in which the traveling speed is higher than the first predetermined speed continues; The notification system according to claim 1 , wherein if the second state continues for a second predetermined time or more, the time counted in the first counting operation is reset (wherein the second predetermined time is smaller than the first predetermined time).

3. The notification system according to claim 2 , wherein the processing device does not reset the time counted in the first counting operation if the second state does not continue for the second predetermined time or more and the traveling speed returns to being equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed.

4. The processing device includes: The first counting operation is stopped during a period in which the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, The notification system according to claim 2 , wherein the first counting operation is performed when the traveling speed becomes equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed.

5. The processing device includes: The first counting operation is stopped during a period in which the running speed is lower than a second predetermined speed (wherein the second predetermined speed is lower than the first predetermined speed); The notification system according to claim 1 , wherein the first counting operation is performed when the traveling speed becomes equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed.

6. The notification system according to claim 2 , wherein the processing device resets the time counted in the first counting operation, and then restarts counting the time during which the first state continues.

7. The notification system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing device restarts counting a time during which the first state continues after notifying the user of the first information via the notification device.

8. The notification system according to claim 7 , wherein the processing device differentiates the content of the first information notified to the user the first time from the content of the first information notified to the user the nth time (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2).

9. The notification system according to claim 7 , wherein the processing device changes a length of the first predetermined time period depending on the number of times the first information has been notified to the user.

10. The processing device includes: acquiring location information indicating a current location of the bicycle; 3. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the magnitude of the first predetermined speed is changed depending on a current location of the bicycle.

11. The notification device is included in a mobile terminal device, 3. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein said bicycle and said portable terminal device communicate with each other by wireless communication.

12. the processing device and the storage device are included in a mobile terminal device, 3. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle speed information is transmitted from the bicycle to the mobile terminal device by wireless communication.

13. 3. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the traveling speed information is obtained from an output signal of a speed sensor provided on the bicycle.

14. The notification device includes a display device, The notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing device causes the display device to display at least one of text and a graphic indicating that driving was appropriate when the first state continues for the first predetermined time.

15. The notification device includes a sound component, The notification system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing device causes the sound component to output a sound indicating that driving has been appropriate when the first state continues for the first predetermined time period.

16. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first predetermined speed is equal to or greater than 25 km / h and equal to or less than 35 km / h.

17. The notification system according to claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined time is equal to or greater than 30 minutes and equal to or less than 90 minutes.

18. The notification system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second predetermined time period is between 5 seconds and 15 seconds.

19. The notification system according to claim 5 , wherein the second predetermined speed is equal to or greater than 2 km / h and equal to or less than 5 km / h.

20. A method for notifying a user of information related to bicycle driving, executed by one or more computers, comprising: acquiring traveling speed information indicating a traveling speed of the bicycle; performing a first counting operation of counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifying the user via an alarm device of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle appropriately; A notification method comprising:

21. A computer program that causes one or more computers to notify a user of information related to bicycle driving, The computer program comprises: acquiring traveling speed information indicating a traveling speed of the bicycle; performing a first counting operation of counting a time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues based on the traveling speed information; when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifying the user via an alarm device of first information indicating that the user has driven the bicycle appropriately; on said one or more computers.

Images