Exercise intensity estimation method and exercise intensity estimation system

Abstract

An exercise intensity estimation method that includes: a first acquisition step in which first information is acquired that is input to an exercise intensity estimation device when a user is riding an electrically-assisted bicycle and indicates the magnitude of the user's perceived load; a second acquisition step in which second information is acquired that indicates the load applied to the pedals of the electrically-assisted bicycle when the first information was input; an estimation step (S22) in which the exercise intensity when the user is riding the electrically-assisted bicycle is estimated on the basis of a relationship formula determined by a plurality of obtained sets of first and second information and on the basis of the load applied to the pedals of the electrically-assisted bicycle; and a display step (S23) in which the estimated exercise intensity is displayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise intensity estimation method and an exercise intensity estimation system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electric assist bicycle that can travel easily by adding an auxiliary driving force by an electric motor to a human driving force such as a pedaling force on a pedal is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to an electric assist bicycle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an exercise intensity estimation method and an exercise intensity estimation system that can estimate the exercise intensity of a user riding an electric assist bicycle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A method for estimating exercise intensity according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for estimating exercise intensity executed by a computer. The method includes a first acquisition step of acquiring first information directly or indirectly input to the computer when a user is riding an electric assist bicycle, the first information indicating the magnitude of the user's perceived load; a second acquisition step of acquiring second information indicating the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle when the first information is input; an estimation step of estimating the exercise intensity when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle based on the relational expression determined by the plurality of sets of acquired first information and second information and the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle; and a display step of displaying the estimated exercise intensity.

[0006] An exercise intensity estimation system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires first information directly or indirectly input to the exercise intensity estimation system when a user is riding an electric assist bicycle, the first information indicating the magnitude of the user's perceived load; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information indicating the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle when the first information is input; and an estimation unit that estimates the exercise intensity when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle based on the relational expression determined by the plurality of sets of acquired first information and second information and the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle, and displays the estimated exercise intensity on a display unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] The exercise intensity estimation method and the exercise intensity estimation system according to an aspect of the present invention can estimate the exercise intensity of a user riding an electric assist bicycle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0010] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, substantially the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the exercise intensity estimation system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of the device constituting the exercise intensity estimation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the exercise intensity estimation system according to the embodiment.

[0012] The exercise intensity estimation system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 estimates the exercise intensity of a user (a user riding on the electric assist bicycle 10) who pedals the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10, and can display the estimation result of the exercise intensity on the display unit 22 of the exercise intensity estimation device 20 in real time. According to the exercise intensity estimation system 100, the user can move on the electric assist bicycle 10 while checking his or her own exercise intensity. Specifically, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 includes an electric assist bicycle 10 and an exercise intensity estimation device 20.

[0013] First, the electric assist bicycle 10 will be described. The electric assist bicycle 10 is a bicycle that can travel on a public road. The electric assist bicycle 10 includes a vehicle body 11, a front wheel 12f, a rear wheel 12r, a pedal 13, an electric motor 14 attached to the vehicle body 11, a battery 15, a control unit 16, a pedaling force sensor 17a, a rotation speed sensor 17b, a storage unit 18, and a communication unit 19.

[0014] The electric assist bicycle 10 assists the forward movement of the vehicle body 11 by driving the electric motor 14 based on the pedaling force of the user on the pedal 13. The electric motor 14 is driven using the electric power supplied from the battery 15. The battery 15 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, and also functions as a power source for the control unit 16 and the like.

[0015] The control unit 16 is a control device that drives the electric motor 14. The control unit 16 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 16 are realized by hardware such as a processor or a microcomputer that constitutes the control unit 16 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 18.

[0016] Specifically, the control unit 16 determines the magnitude of the assist force (in other words, the auxiliary driving force) generated by the electric motor 14 based on the user's pedaling force on the pedal 13 and the speed of the electric assist bicycle 10. The pedaling force on the pedal 13 is obtained from the pedaling force sensor 17a.

[0017] The pedaling force sensor 17a is, for example, a magnetostrictive torque sensor. The speed of the electric assist bicycle 10 is calculated based on the number of rotations of the rear wheel 12r (or the front wheel 12f) per unit time and the size of the rear wheel 12r (or the front wheel 12f). Note that the speed of the electric assist bicycle 10 may be measured by a sensor such as a Hall IC attached to the rear wheel 12r (or the front wheel 12f). The method for detecting the speed of the electric assist bicycle 10 is not particularly limited.

[0018] The rotation speed sensor 17b measures the rotation speed of the crank. In other words, the rotation speed sensor 17b measures the rotation angle of the crank. The rotation speed sensor 17b is, for example, an optical sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and based on the number of times the path of light from the light emitting part to the light receiving part is blocked by a light shielding body located between the light emitting part and the light receiving part and rotating in conjunction with the crank, the rotation speed of the crank is measured. The rotation speed sensor 17b only needs to be able to measure the rotation speed of the crank and is not limited to the above optical configuration.

[0019] The storage unit 18 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the control unit 16. The storage unit 18 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0020] The communication unit 19 is a communication circuit for the electric assist bicycle 10 to communicate with the exercise intensity estimation device 20. The communication performed by the communication unit 19 may be wired communication or wireless communication. Specifically, the communication unit 19 transmits to the exercise intensity estimation device 20 the measured value of the user's pedaling force (torque) on the pedal 13 obtained from the pedaling force sensor 17a and the measured value of the rotation speed of the crank obtained from the rotation speed sensor 17b.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the exercise intensity estimation device 20 will be described. The exercise intensity estimation device 20 estimates the exercise intensity of the user (the user pedaling the pedal 13) riding on the electric assist bicycle 10. Further, the exercise intensity estimation device 20 is attached to the electric assist bicycle 10 and displays the estimation result to the user riding on the electric assist bicycle 10. The exercise intensity estimation device 20 is attached to, for example, the handle of the electric assist bicycle 10 so that the display unit 22 can be seen by the user riding on the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0022] The exercise intensity estimation device 20 is, for example, a general-purpose portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a dedicated terminal for the electric assist bicycle 10 such as a cycle computer. When the exercise intensity estimation device 20 is a dedicated terminal for the electric assist bicycle 10, the exercise intensity estimation device 20 can also be considered as a part of the electric assist bicycle 10. Specifically, the exercise intensity estimation device 20 includes an input reception unit 21, a display unit 22, a communication unit 23, an information processing unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0023] The input reception unit 21 receives the input of the user's perceived load. Specifically, the input reception unit 21 is realized by, for example, a touch panel or a hardware key (button).

[0024] The display unit 22 displays an image (also referred to as an input screen) that the user visually recognizes to input the perceived load, an image indicating the estimation result of the exercise intensity, and the like. The display unit 22 is realized by, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0025] The communication unit 23 is a communication circuit for the exercise intensity estimation device 20 to communicate with the electric assist bicycle 10. For example, when the exercise intensity estimation device 20 is a general-purpose mobile terminal, the communication unit 23 is a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication with the electric assist bicycle 10. Also, when the exercise intensity estimation device 20 is a dedicated terminal, the communication unit 23 is a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication with the electric assist bicycle 10, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication.

[0026] The information processing unit 24 performs information processing for estimating the user's exercise intensity. The information processing unit 24 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 24 includes, as functional components, a first acquisition unit 24a, a second acquisition unit 24b, a calculation unit 24c, an estimation unit 24d, and a notification unit 24e. The functions of the first acquisition unit 24a, the second acquisition unit 24b, the calculation unit 24c, the estimation unit 24d, and the notification unit 24e are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 24 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 25.

[0027] The storage unit 25 is a storage device in which information necessary for estimating the exercise intensity, such as a computer program executed by the information processing unit 24, is stored. The storage unit 25 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0028] [Operation example in learning mode] As an index indicating a person's exercise intensity, the oxygen uptake level (%VO2max) is known. The oxygen uptake level (%VO2max) is represented by the following formula.

[0029] Oxygen uptake level (%VO2max) = Oxygen uptake amount (VO2) ÷ Maximum oxygen uptake amount (VO2max)

[0030] Here, in guidelines for improving symptoms such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, the exercise time based on %VO2max may be defined. However, in order to measure oxygen uptake, a large-scale expiratory gas analyzer is required, and it is difficult to measure %VO2max in real time during exercise.

[0031] Therefore, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 estimates the %VO2max of a user pedaling the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10 and displays the estimated %VO2max. In order to perform the operation in the normal mode of displaying the %VO2max estimated in this way, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 calculates a relational expression for estimating the %VO2max of the user in advance. First, an operation example in the learning mode for calculating the relational expression will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation example in the learning mode.

[0032] When the user is pedaling the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10, the first acquisition unit 24a of the exercise intensity estimation device 20 displays an input screen of first information indicating the magnitude of the user's perceived load on the display unit 22 (S11). In other words, the display unit 22 displays the input screen in response to a command from the first acquisition unit 24a. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of the input screen.

[0033] The perceived load, in other words, is the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), which indicates how strenuous the user feels the exercise is during exercise. As an index for defining such a perceived exercise intensity, the New Borg Scale is known. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the New Borg Scale, the perceived exercise intensity is distinguished into multiple levels of about 10 levels (12 levels in the example of FIG. 4A). The user inputs one of the multiple-level numerical values as the first information to the input receiving unit 21, and the input receiving unit 21 receives the input of the first information (S12). Note that the text associated with each numerical value of the New Borg Scale may be in Japanese. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of such an input screen. Also, in step S12, instead of the New Borg Scale, one of the multiple-level numerical values of the Borg Scale may be input as the first information.

[0034] The first acquisition unit 24a acquires the first information input to the input receiving unit 21 (S13). The second acquisition unit 24b acquires second information indicating the load applied to the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10 when the first information is acquired (S14).

[0035] Specifically, the second acquisition unit 24b acquires the measured value of torque from the pedaling force sensor 17a via the communication unit 19 and the communication unit 23, acquires the measured value of the rotational speed from the rotational speed sensor 17b via the communication unit 19 and the communication unit 23, and calculates the load applied to the pedal 13 from the measured value of torque and the measured value of rotational speed. The load [W] applied to the pedal 13 can be calculated based on the calculation formula of 2π×torque [N·m]×crank length [m]×rotational speed [rpm] / 60. That is, the second acquisition unit 24b can acquire (calculate) the second information based on the measured value of torque, the measured value of rotational speed, and the above calculation formula. The load applied to the pedal 13 may be calculated by the control unit 16. In this case, the second acquisition unit 24b acquires (receives) the second information indicating the load applied to the pedal 13 from the control unit 16 via the communication unit 19 and the communication unit 23.

[0036] Note that the timing when the first information is obtained in step S14 does not mean the exact timing, but rather the timing close to the timing when the first information is obtained. The load indicated by the second information is, for example, the maximum value of the load in a predetermined period including at least one of the periods immediately before and immediately after the timing when the first information is obtained.

[0037] Next, the second acquisition unit 24b (or the first acquisition unit 24a) stores the second information acquired in step S14 in the storage unit 25 in a set with the first information acquired in step S13 (S15). Subsequently, the calculation unit 24c determines whether a predetermined requirement is satisfied (S16). When it is determined by the calculation unit 24c that the predetermined requirement is not satisfied (No in S16), the exercise intensity estimation device 20 returns to a state where it can receive the input of the first information from the user. That is, the processes of steps S12 to S15 are performed each time the user inputs the first information and continue until the predetermined requirement is satisfied.

[0038] The predetermined requirement is, for example, the requirement that the input reception unit 21 has received a predetermined input from the user (for example, an input instructing the calculation of a relational expression). That is, the predetermined requirement is based on the user's input (manual operation). Note that the predetermined requirement may be the requirement that the number of sets of the first information and the second information stored in the storage unit 25 has reached a predetermined number. That is, the predetermined requirement may be based on the amount of information.

[0039] Also, the predetermined requirement may be the requirement that a predetermined period has elapsed since the first set of the first information and the second information was stored, or the requirement that a certain period has elapsed since the electric assist bicycle 10 stopped running (it is estimated that the user has gotten off the electric assist bicycle 10). That is, the predetermined requirement may be based on the elapsed time.

[0040] When the calculation unit 24c determines that a predetermined requirement is satisfied (Yes in S16), it calculates a relational expression for estimating %VO2max based on a plurality of sets of first information and second information stored in the storage unit 25 (S17), and stores the calculated relational expression in the storage unit 25 (S18). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a plurality of sets of first information and second information stored in the storage unit 25. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a relational expression.

[0041] In calculating the relational expression, the calculation unit 24c first converts the value of the New Borg Scale indicated by the first information into %VO2max. For the conversion, for example, any of the following two types of conversion formulas is used.

[0042] (%VO2max)=10×(value of New Borg Scale) (%VO2max)=5×(value of New Borg Scale)+40

[0043] Note that the above two conversion formulas are examples, and conversion formulas other than the above two conversion formulas may be used. Also, when one of the multi - stage numerical values of the Borg Scale is input as the first information in step S12, a conversion formula for converting the value of the Borg Scale into %VO2max is used.

[0044] Next, the calculation unit 24c calculates a relational expression (that is, a function) between the converted first information (%VO2max value) and the second information (load applied to the pedal). For example, an approximation formula is calculated for a plurality of sets of first information (converted first information) and second information, and this approximation formula is used as the relational expression. The approximation formula is, for example, a linear function and can be expressed as follows using coefficient a and coefficient b. Note that coefficient a is a positive number.

[0045] (%VO2max)=a×(load applied to the pedal)+b

[0046] As described above, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 (exercise intensity estimation device 20) is the first information that is directly or indirectly input to the exercise intensity estimation system 100 when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle 10, and is a first acquisition unit 24a that acquires the first information indicating the magnitude of the user's perceived load, and a second acquisition unit 24b that acquires the second information indicating the load applied to the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10 when the first information is input, and a calculation unit 24c that calculates a relational expression for estimating the user's %VO2max based on the acquired plurality of sets of first information and second information. %VO2max is an example of an index indicating exercise intensity.

[0047] Such an exercise intensity estimation system 100 can estimate the %VO2max of the user when riding the electric assist bicycle 10 by the operation in the normal mode (described later) using the calculated relational expression.

[0048] [Operation example in normal mode] Next, an operation example in the normal mode will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation example in the normal mode.

[0049] When the user is pedaling the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10, the second acquisition unit 24b acquires the second information indicating the load applied to the pedal 13 (S21). As described above, the second acquisition unit 24b may acquire (calculate) the second information indicating the load applied to the pedal 13 based on the measured value of torque and the measured value of rotational speed, or may acquire the second information from the control unit 16 by communication.

[0050] Next, the estimation unit 24d estimates the %VO2max (exercise intensity) when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle (S22). The estimation unit 24d can estimate %VO2max by substituting the load indicated by the second information acquired in step S21 into the relational expression stored in the storage unit 25 in step S18. That is, the estimation unit 24d can estimate %VO2max based on the relational expression determined by the plurality of sets of first information and second information and the load applied to the pedal 13.

[0051] Next, the estimation unit 24d displays an image showing the estimation result of %VO2max on the display unit 22 (S23). In other words, the display unit 22 displays an image showing the estimation result in response to a command from the estimation unit 24d. The display unit 22, for example, displays the estimated value of %VO2max numerically, but may display the estimation result of %VO2max graphically as follows.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 22, for example, graphically displays the change over time of the estimated %VO2max. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of the display of the estimation result of %VO2max. The horizontal axis in the graph of FIG. 8 indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the instantaneous value of %VO2max.

[0053] Note that, as described above, in guidelines for improving symptoms such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, exercise with %VO2max equal to or higher than a reference value (for example, 50%) may be recommended. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 8, the reference value is shown in the graph, and the period during which %VO2max is equal to or higher than the reference value is shown on the time axis.

[0054] According to such a graph, the user can easily grasp the change over time of %VO2max and the period during which %VO2max was equal to or higher than the reference value.

[0055] In addition, in the above guidelines, it may be recommended to perform exercise with %VO2max equal to or higher than a reference value (e.g., 50%) for a certain time (e.g., 150 minutes) or more per week. Therefore, the display unit 22 may display the cumulative value of the time when the estimated %VO2max is equal to or higher than the reference value. The display unit 22 displays the cumulative value as a number, for example. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the change over time of the cumulative value may be displayed as a graph. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of the display of the %VO2max estimation result. The horizontal axis in the graph of FIG. 9 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the cumulative value (cumulative time) of the time when %VO2max is equal to or higher than the reference value. The cumulative time here is the cumulative time per predetermined period such as one week, 1.5 months (6 weeks), or 3 months (12 weeks), and the time axis can be switched by the user.

[0056] In addition, in the example of FIG. 9, the above-mentioned certain time and reference pace are illustrated by broken lines. The graph of FIG. 9 can be said to be a graph in which the value increases only during the period when %VO2max is equal to or higher than the reference value.

[0057] According to such a graph, the user can easily grasp the degree of attainment of the time for which exercise with %VO2max equal to or higher than the reference value should be performed.

[0058] In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the display unit 22 may display the cumulative value of the time when the user's %VO2max reaches the size (the time when the user obtains the exercise intensity of the size) for each estimated %VO2max size. In other words, the display unit 22 may display a histogram of %VO2max in time units. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the display of the %VO2max estimation result. The horizontal axis in the graph of FIG. 10 represents the size of %VO2max, and the vertical axis represents the cumulative value of time. The cumulative value is the cumulative value per predetermined period such as one day, one week, 1.5 months (6 weeks), or 3 months (12 weeks).

[0059] According to such a graph, the user can easily grasp the histogram of %VO2max in time units.

[0060] Note that the exercise intensity estimation system 100 may simultaneously display two or more of the display screens in FIGS. 8-10, or may selectively display the display screens in FIGS. 8-10 according to user input or the like. Further, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 may be implemented as a system that can display only a part of the display screens in FIGS. 8-10.

[0061] As described above, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 includes an estimation unit 24d that estimates the %VO2max when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle 10 based on a relational expression determined by a plurality of sets of first information and second information and the load applied to the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10, and displays the estimated %VO2max on the display unit 22. %VO2max is an example of an index indicating exercise intensity.

[0062] Such an exercise intensity estimation system 100 can assist in grasping the %VO2max when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0063] [Modification Example 1: Notification Prompting Input of First Information] In the operation example in the above learning mode, the first information was input at an arbitrary timing by the user. Here, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 may notify the user to prompt input of the first information.

[0064] For example, the notification unit 24e of the exercise intensity estimation device 20 notifies the user to prompt input of the first information by causing an object to be pop-up displayed on the display unit 22. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for the first information on which such a notification object is pop-up displayed.

[0065] In addition to or instead of the pop-up display, the notification unit 24e may notify the user to prompt input of the first information by causing a speaker (not shown) provided in the exercise intensity estimation device 20 to output sound. The sound here is an electronic sound or a voice message or the like.

[0066] The notification unit 24e performs a notification that prompts the input of the first information, for example, periodically (in other words, at a predetermined cycle). However, in consideration of the load applied to the pedal 13, such notification may be performed. As described above, in the learning mode, a relational expression is calculated based on a plurality of sets of the first information and the second information. Among the plurality of sets of the first information and the second information, it is considered that the relational expression can be calculated with higher accuracy as the values of the load applied to the pedal 13 indicated by the second information are more evenly distributed (less biased).

[0067] Therefore, the notification unit 24e may calculate (monitor) the load applied to the pedal 13 based on the measured value of torque and the measured value of rotational speed, and perform the above notification according to the calculated load. Specifically, the notification unit 24e divides the magnitude of the load into a plurality of sections in advance. The plurality of sections are, for example, five sections where the load is 0 to 40W, 40W to 80W, 80 to 120W, 120W to 160W, and 160W or more. Also, the notification unit 24e identifies the number of the second information (the number of sets of the first information and the second information) that has already been stored in the storage unit 25 and corresponds to each section. Then, the notification unit 24e performs a notification when the load being monitored corresponds to a section where the second information is insufficient.

[0068] Thereby, the occurrence of a section where the second information is insufficient is suppressed, so that the exercise intensity estimation system 100 can improve the calculation accuracy of the relational expression.

[0069] [Modification Example 2: Modification Example of the Calculation Method of the Relational Expression] By the way, according to the findings of the inventors, when the load applied to the pedal 13 is small, the user's perceived load (value of the New Borg Scale) tends to vary, and when the load applied to the pedal 13 is large, the variation in the user's perceived load tends to be small. Then, the set of the first information and the second information when the load applied to the pedal 13 is small may cause a decrease in the calculation accuracy of the relational expression.

[0070] Therefore, the calculation unit 24c may calculate the relational expression by excluding the set including the second information indicating that the magnitude of the load is equal to or less than a predetermined value from among the plurality of sets of the first information and the second information (see FIG. 5) stored in the storage unit 25. The predetermined value is, for example, 120 W or the like, but may be appropriately determined empirically or experimentally. Thereby, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 can improve the calculation accuracy of the relational expression.

[0071] Further, in step S15 described above, the second acquisition unit 24b (or the first acquisition unit 24a) may not store in the storage unit 25 the set including the second information indicating that the magnitude of the load is equal to or less than a predetermined value. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the set of the first information and the second information when the load applied to the pedal 13 is small from the beginning is not used for calculating the relational expression.

[0072] [Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, the operations in the normal mode and the learning mode have been described separately, but the operations in the normal mode and the learning mode may be performed in parallel. Specifically, during the operation in the normal mode (when estimating the exercise load and displaying), part or all of the processes in the operation in the learning mode may be performed. Such processes include a process of receiving an input of the first information and a process of issuing a notification prompting an input of the first information.

[0073] Further, in the above embodiment, part or all of the processes described as being executed by the exercise intensity estimation device 20 may be performed by the electric assist bicycle 10 (such as the control unit 16). That is, part or all of the functional components such as the first acquisition unit 24a, the second acquisition unit 24b, the calculation unit 24c, the estimation unit 24d, and the notification unit 24e may be provided by the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0074] In addition, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 may be implemented as a client-server system. In this case, part or all of the processing performed by the exercise intensity estimation device 20 (client device) may be performed by a cloud server (server device) that communicates with the exercise intensity estimation device 20 via a wide area communication network. That is, part or all of the functional components such as the first acquisition unit 24a, the second acquisition unit 24b, the calculation unit 24c, the estimation unit 24d, and the notification unit 24e may be provided by the server device. Further, when the exercise intensity estimation system 100 is implemented as a client-server system, the first information may be indirectly input via the server device client device. That is, the first information may be input directly or indirectly to the exercise intensity estimation system.

[0075] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the exercise intensity estimation method executed by a computer such as the exercise intensity estimation system 100 includes a first acquisition step S13 of acquiring first information that is directly or indirectly input to the computer when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle 10 and that indicates the magnitude of the user's perceived load, a second acquisition step S14 of acquiring second information that indicates the load applied to the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10 when the first information is input, an estimation step S22 of estimating the exercise intensity when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle 10 based on the relational expression determined by the acquired multiple sets of first information and second information and the load applied to the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10, and a display step S23 of displaying the estimated exercise intensity. In the above embodiment, the exercise intensity is %VO2max.

[0076] Such an exercise intensity estimation method can estimate the exercise intensity of a user riding the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0077] Further, for example, in the display step S23, the change over time of the estimated exercise intensity is displayed (see FIG. 8).

[0078] Such a method for estimating exercise intensity can display the change over time in the exercise intensity of a user riding the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0079] Also, for example, in the display step S23, the cumulative value of the time when the estimated exercise intensity is equal to or greater than the reference value is displayed.

[0080] Such a method for estimating exercise intensity can display the cumulative value of the time when the exercise intensity of a user riding the electric assist bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0081] Also, for example, in the display step S23, the change over time of the cumulative value is displayed (see FIG. 9).

[0082] Such a method for estimating exercise intensity can graphically display the change over time of the cumulative value of the time when the exercise intensity of a user riding the electric assist bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0083] Also, for example, in the display step S23, for each magnitude of the estimated exercise intensity, the cumulative value of the time when the user obtained the exercise intensity of that magnitude is displayed (see FIG. 10).

[0084] Such a method for estimating exercise intensity can display the cumulative value of the time when the user obtained the exercise intensity of each magnitude of the estimated exercise intensity.

[0085] Also, for example, it further includes a notification step of notifying the user to input the first information.

[0086] Such a method for estimating exercise intensity can notify the user to input the first information.

[0087] Also, for example, in the notification step, the notification is performed at a timing based on the magnitude of the load applied to the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0088] Such an exercise intensity estimation method can obtain data in a section where the set (data) of the first information and the second information is insufficient due to a notification.

[0089] Also, for example, the exercise intensity estimation method further includes a calculation step S17 of calculating the above relational expression. In the calculation step S17, among the plurality of sets of the first information and the second information obtained, sets including the second information indicating that the magnitude of the load is equal to or less than a predetermined value are excluded, and the relational expression is calculated.

[0090] Such an exercise intensity estimation method can improve the calculation accuracy of the relational expression.

[0091] Further, the exercise intensity estimation system 100 includes a first acquisition unit 24a that acquires first information that is directly or indirectly input to the exercise intensity estimation system 100 when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle 10, and that indicates the magnitude of the user's perceived load, a second acquisition unit 24b that acquires second information indicating the load applied to the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10 when the first information is input, a relational expression determined by the plurality of sets of the acquired first information and second information, and an estimation unit 24d that estimates the exercise intensity when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle 10 based on the load applied to the pedal 13 of the electric assist bicycle 10, and displays the estimated exercise intensity on the display unit 22.

[0092] Such an exercise intensity estimation system 100 can estimate the exercise intensity of a user riding the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0093] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, the exercise intensity estimation system is realized by a plurality of devices. In this case, the components (particularly functional components) included in the exercise intensity estimation system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0095] Also, the exercise intensity estimation system may be implemented by a single device. For example, the exercise intensity estimation system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to the exercise intensity estimation device or the electric assist bicycle in the above embodiment.

[0096] Also, in the above embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

[0097] Also, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0098] Also, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits respectively. Also, these circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits respectively.

[0099] Also, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, it may be realized by an arbitrary combination of a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0100] For example, the present invention may be implemented as the exercise intensity estimation system, the exercise intensity estimation device, or the electric assist bicycle according to the above-described embodiments. Further, the present invention may be implemented as an exercise intensity estimation method executed by a computer such as an exercise intensity estimation system, or may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such an exercise intensity estimation method. The present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0101] In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to each of the embodiments, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0102] 10 Electric assist bicycle 11 Vehicle body 12f Front wheel 12r Rear wheel 13 Pedal 14 Electric motor 15 Battery 16 Control unit 17a Pedal force sensor 17b Rotation speed sensor 18 Storage unit 19 Communication unit 20 Exercise intensity estimation device 21 Input reception unit 22 Display unit 23 Communication unit 24 Information processing unit 24a First acquisition unit 24b Second acquisition unit 24c Calculation unit 24d Estimation unit 24e Notification unit 25 Storage unit 100 Exercise intensity estimation system

Claims

1. A method for estimating exercise intensity executed by a computer, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring first information directly or indirectly input to the computer when the user is riding an electric assist bicycle, the first information indicating the magnitude of the user's perceived load; a second acquisition step of acquiring second information indicating the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle when the first information is input; an estimation step of estimating the exercise intensity when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle based on a relational expression determined by the plurality of acquired sets of the first information and the second information and the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle; and a display step of displaying the estimated exercise intensity. An exercise intensity estimation method.

2. In the display step, the change over time of the estimated exercise intensity is displayed. The exercise intensity estimation method according to claim 1.

3. In the display step, the cumulative value of the time during which the estimated exercise intensity is equal to or greater than a reference value is displayed. The exercise intensity estimation method according to claim 1.

4. In the display step, the change over time of the cumulative value is displayed. The exercise intensity estimation method according to claim 3.

5. In the display step, for each magnitude of the estimated exercise intensity, the cumulative value of the time during which the user obtained the exercise intensity of that magnitude is displayed. The exercise intensity estimation method according to claim 1.

6. Further comprising a notification step of notifying the user to input the first information. The exercise intensity estimation method according to claim 1.

7. In the notification step, the notification is performed at a timing based on the magnitude of the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle. The exercise intensity estimation method according to claim 6.

8. Further comprising a calculation step of calculating the relational expression, wherein in the calculation step, the relational expression is calculated by excluding sets including the second information indicating that the magnitude of the load is equal to or less than a predetermined value from the plurality of acquired sets of the first information and the second information. The exercise intensity estimation method according to claim 1.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute the exercise intensity estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An exercise intensity estimation system, A first acquisition unit that acquires first information that is directly or indirectly input to the exercise intensity estimation system when a user is riding an electric assist bicycle, the first information indicating the magnitude of the user's perceived load; A second acquisition unit that acquires second information indicating the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle when the first information is input; Based on the relational expression determined by the acquired plurality of sets of the first information and the second information and the load applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle, an estimation unit that estimates the exercise intensity when the user is riding the electric assist bicycle and displays the estimated exercise intensity on a display unit. An exercise intensity estimation system.

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