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 Art

[0002] Bicycles are widely popular among people of all ages and genders as a convenient means of transportation. In recent years, the popularity of electric-assisted bicycles, which assist the user's pedaling force with an electric motor, has been increasing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In an electric-assisted bicycle, a driving force corresponding to the human power applied by the user to the pedals is generated by the electric motor, and the burden on the user, for example, when traveling on a slope or carrying luggage, can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Bicycles such as electric-assisted bicycles are required to travel at an appropriate speed, and it is required to make the user who operates the bicycle aware of traveling the bicycle at an appropriate speed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[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 for notifying a user of information related to the operation of a bicycle, a processing device, and a storage device that stores a computer program for controlling the operation of the processing device, comprising The processing device, according to the computer program, acquires travel speed information indicating the travel speed of the bicycle, performs a first counting operation of counting the time during which a first state where the travel speed is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues, based on the travel speed information, and when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifies the user of first information indicating that the operation of the bicycle by the user was appropriate, via a notification device, a notification system.

[0007] When a first state where the travel speed of the bicycle is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the operation was appropriate. By praising the user when the operation at an appropriate travel speed can continue, the awareness of the user who intends to perform an appropriate operation can be improved.

[0008] [Item 2] The processing device when the travel speed becomes greater than the first predetermined speed, performs a second counting operation of counting the time during which a second state where the travel speed is greater than the first predetermined speed continues, and when the second state continues for a second predetermined time or more, resets the time counted in the first counting operation (where the second predetermined time is smaller than the first predetermined time), the notification system according to Item 1.

[0009] When a second state where the travel speed of the bicycle is greater than a first predetermined speed continues for a second predetermined time or more, the time counted in the first counting operation is reset. Thereby, when an appropriate travel speed cannot be maintained, notification of the first information can be prevented from being performed.

[0010] [Item 3] The processing device does not reset the time counted in the first counting operation when the second state does not continue for the second predetermined time or more and the travel speed returns to be equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed, the notification system according to Item 2.

[0011] When driving downhill or when there is a tailwind, etc., the driving speed may temporarily become greater than the first predetermined speed against the user's will. If the second state does not continue for the second predetermined time or more, by not resetting the counted time, it is possible to prevent the determination criteria for whether the driving speed is appropriate from becoming too strict.

[0012] [Item 4] The processing device During the period when the driving speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, the first counting operation is stopped, When the driving speed becomes less than or equal to the first predetermined speed, the first counting operation is performed. The notification system according to item 2 or 3.

[0013] By stopping the first counting operation during the period when the driving speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, it is possible not to include that period in the time of driving at an appropriate driving speed.

[0014] [Item 5] The processing device During the period when the driving speed is less than the second predetermined speed (where the second predetermined speed is less than the first predetermined speed), the first counting operation is stopped, When the driving speed becomes greater than or equal to the second predetermined speed and less than or equal to the first predetermined speed, the first counting operation is performed. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 4.

[0015] By stopping the first counting operation during the period when the driving speed is less than the second predetermined speed, it is possible not to include a period such as when the bicycle is stopped in the time of driving at an appropriate driving speed.

[0016] [Item 6] The processing device restarts counting the duration of the continuation of the first state after resetting the time counted in the first counting operation. The notification system according to item 2.

[0017] After resetting the counted time and then resuming the count, if driving at an appropriate driving speed can be continued thereafter, it is possible to notify the user that the driving was appropriate.

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

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

[0020] [Item 8] The notification system according to Item 7, wherein the processing device makes the content of the first information notified to the user for the first time different from the content of the first information notified to the user for the nth time (n is an integer of 2 or more).

[0021] By making the content of the nth notification different from the content of the first notification, it is possible to improve the awareness of users who attempt to continue driving at an appropriate driving speed for a long time.

[0022] [Item 9] The notification system according to Item 7 or 8, wherein the processing device changes the magnitude of the first predetermined time according to the number of times the first information is notified to the user.

[0023] By changing the magnitude of the first predetermined time, it is possible to change the difficulty of achieving the condition for which the notification is made.

[0024] [Item 10] The processing device acquires position information indicating the current location of the bicycle, and changes the magnitude of the first predetermined speed according to the current location of the bicycle. The notification system according to any one of Items 1 to 9.

[0025] Accordingly, the condition for performing the first counting operation can be changed according to the area where the bicycle travels.

[0026] [Item 11] The notification device is included in the portable terminal device, The notification system according to any one of Items 1 to 10, wherein the bicycle and the portable terminal device perform information communication by wireless communication.

[0027] Accordingly, in the portable terminal device, it is possible to notify the first information indicating that the driving was appropriate. In addition, it is not necessary to mount a notification device on the bicycle.

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

[0029] By performing the first counting operation in the portable terminal device, it is not necessary to mount a device for performing the first counting operation on the bicycle.

[0030] [Item 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 in the bicycle.

[0031] Accordingly, the traveling speed of the bicycle can be detected in real time, and the traveling speed can be detected accurately.

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

[0033] As a result, by looking at the display content of the display device, the user can recognize that the driving has been appropriate.

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

[0035] By listening to the sound output from the sound - producing component, the user can recognize that the driving has been appropriate.

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

[0037] As a result, it is possible to improve the awareness of a user who intends to drive at an appropriate driving speed.

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

[0039] As a result, it is possible to improve the awareness of a user who intends to continue appropriate driving.

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

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

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

[0043] Thereby, it is possible not to include a period during which the bicycle is stopped or the like in the time of driving at an appropriate traveling speed.

[0044] [Item 20] A notification method for notifying a user of information related to driving a bicycle, which is executed by one or more computers, acquiring traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the bicycle, performing a first counting operation of counting the 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 of first information indicating that the driving of the bicycle by the user has been appropriate, via a notification device, A notification method including the above.

[0045] When a first state in which the traveling speed of the bicycle 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. By praising the user when the driving at an appropriate traveling speed can continue, the awareness of the user who intends to drive appropriately can be improved.

[0046] [Item 21] A computer program for causing one or more computers to execute notification to a user of information related to driving a bicycle, The computer program, acquires traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the bicycle, performs a first counting operation of counting the 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, notifies the user of first information indicating that the driving of the bicycle by the user has been appropriate, via a notification device, A computer program that causes the one or more computers to execute.

[0047] When a first state in which the traveling speed of the bicycle is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving was appropriate. By praising the user when driving at an appropriate traveling speed can be continued, the awareness of the user who tries to drive appropriately can be improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a first state in which the traveling speed of the bicycle is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the driving was appropriate. By praising the user when driving at an appropriate traveling speed can be continued, the awareness of the user who tries to drive appropriately can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted when there is an overlap. The reference signs F, Re, L, R, U, and D attached to the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively. In a bicycle, the front and rear, left and right, and up and down mean the front and rear, left and right, and up and down with reference to the state where the user is seated on the saddle of the bicycle facing the handlebars. In the following description of the embodiments, an electric assist bicycle is exemplified as an example of a bicycle, but the bicycle according to the embodiments is not limited to an electric assist bicycle. The bicycle according to the embodiments may be a bicycle that does not have a function of assisting the force with which the user pedals by an electric motor. The following embodiments are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0051] [Electric Assist Bicycle] FIG. 1 is a right side view showing an electric assist bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0052] The electric assist bicycle 1 has a body frame 2 extending in the front-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. The handlebar column 13 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 11. A handlebar 4 is fixed to the handlebar column 13. A meter unit 5 for displaying various information regarding the electric assist bicycle 1 is provided on the handlebar 4. A headlamp 22 is provided at the front portion of the handlebar 4.

[0053] A front fork 15 is fixed to the lower end portion of the handlebar column 13. The lower end portion of the front fork 15 rotatably supports a front wheel 6 which is a steering wheel.

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

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

[0056] A drive unit 30 is provided on the bracket 24 disposed near the vehicle center portion of the vehicle body frame 2. An electric motor 32, an MCU (motor control unit), a speed reducer, etc. are housed in the housing of the drive unit 30. The pedal crankshaft 35 is supported so as to penetrate the drive unit 30 in the left - right direction. Crank arms 36 are provided at both end portions of the pedal crankshaft 35. A pedal 37 is rotatably provided at the tip of the crank arm 36.

[0057] The down tube 12 is equipped with a battery unit 20 that supplies power to the drive unit 30 and the like. 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. The down tube 12 may have at least a part of its cross-section in a U-shape and may have a cover that covers the U-shaped part.

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

[0059] The battery unit 20 has a battery and a BMS (Battery Management System). The battery is a rechargeable battery. The BMS controls the charging and discharging of the battery and monitors the output current and remaining amount 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 electric assist 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 the 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 according to the rotational output of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated when the user steps on the pedal 37 with the 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, etc. may be used instead of the chain 23.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the front part of the electric assist bicycle 1. The handle 4 has 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 holds these right grip 43R and left grip 43L with the hands to perform steering.

[0062] In the vicinity of the right grip 43R, a front-wheel brake lever 44R and a shift operating device 45R are provided. In the vicinity of the left grip 43L, a rear-wheel brake lever 44L and a shift operating device 45L are provided. When the front-wheel brake lever 44R is gripped together with the right grip 43R by the right hand, 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, braking force is applied to the rear wheel 7. Note that the brake lever provided on the left side of the handlebar 41 may be the front-wheel brake lever for applying braking force to the front wheel 6, and the brake lever provided on the right side may be the rear-wheel brake lever for applying braking force to the rear wheel 7. The shift operating devices 45R and 45L are also referred to as shifters. The user can switch the gear ratio by operating the shift operating devices 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 regarding the electric assist bicycle 1. The meter 50 is attached to, for example, the handlebar 41 or the handle stem 42 using a fixture such as a clamp.

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

[0066] The meter 50 includes a display device 51 that displays various information related to the electric assist bicycle 1, and a plurality of switches 52 and 53 that receive user operations. Specifically, the plurality of switches are a power switch 52 and a lamp lighting switch 53. In the present embodiment, these switches are push button switches that the user presses with a finger to operate.

[0067] The power switch 52 is a switch for turning on and off the power of the electric assist bicycle 1. When the power of the electric assist bicycle 1 is on, the drive unit 30 operates, and when the power is off, the drive unit 30 does not operate. When the user presses the power switch 52 when the power is off, the power turns on, and when the user presses the power switch 52 when the power is on, the power turns off.

[0068] The lamp lighting switch 53 is a switch for switching between turning on and off the headlamp 22 (FIG. 1). When the user presses the lamp lighting switch 53 to turn on the headlamp 22 when the headlamp 22 is off, the headlamp 22 emits light and can illuminate the path of the electric assist bicycle 1. When the lamp lighting switch 53 is pressed when the headlamp 22 is on, the headlamp 22 turns off.

[0069] The display device 51 has, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display device 51 can display various information such as the traveling speed, traveling distance, battery remaining capacity, and assist mode. The display device 51 may display information in a segment method or a dot matrix method. 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 the present embodiment, the electric assist bicycle 1 can set a plurality of assist modes. The plurality of assist modes are, for example, in order from the smallest assist force for human power, the no-assist mode, the eco mode, the smart mode, and the high mode. In the no-assist mode, the electric motor 32 does not generate an assist force. When the user presses the assist force setting switch 71, the assist mode switches from an assist mode with a relatively small assist force for human power to an assist mode with a relatively large assist force. When the user presses the assist force setting switch 72, the assist mode switches from an assist mode with a relatively large assist force for human power to an assist mode with a relatively small assist force.

[0071] In the above example, the number of types of assist modes was four, but it may be three or less, or five or more. For example, there may be a mode that generates an assist force greater 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. The user can switch the display content of the display device 51 by pressing the select switch 73.

[0073] The push-walking switch 74 is a switch that receives an instruction from the user to execute a push-walking mode in which the electric motor 32 generates an assist force when the user pushes the electric assist bicycle 1. Pushing and walking means that the user can move forward while pushing the bicycle 1 without pedaling the pedal 37. An example of pushing and walking is an operation in which the user gets off the bicycle 1 and pushes the handle 4 with their hand while walking with their feet to move the bicycle 1 forward.

[0074] When the user continuously presses the push-walking switch 74 with a finger during push-walking, the electric motor 32 generates an assisting force. By generating an assisting force in the electric motor 32 during push-walking, the burden on the user can be reduced. For example, the burden on the user when the user pushes the bicycle 1 by hand while walking with the feet and going up a slope can be reduced.

[0075] The meter 50 can perform wireless communication with a portable 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 portable terminal device 100.

[0076] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the meter 50 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the meter 50.

[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 connected to be communicable with each other via a bus.

[0078] The control device 60 includes a processing device 61 and a recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 62 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 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 at the time of manufacturing the meter 50. The computer program may be provided to the meter 50 via a recording medium (for example, a semiconductor memory or an optical disk, etc.) or a telecommunication line (for example, 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 (the 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 an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) equipped with a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Product), 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. Although it is repetitive, a computer program for causing the processing device 61 to execute a process can be stored in the ROM 62. Further, a computer program for controlling the operation of the processing device 61 is stored in the ROM 62. The ROM 62 does not necessarily have to be a single recording medium, and may be an aggregate of a plurality of recording media. A part of the aggregate of a plurality of recording media may be a removable memory.

[0082] The RAM 63 provides a work area for temporarily expanding the computer program stored in the ROM 62 at the time of booting. The RAM 63 does not necessarily have to be a single recording medium, and may be an aggregate of a plurality of recording media.

[0083] The communication device 56 is a communication module for communicating with the mobile terminal device 100 or the like. The communication device 56 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 56 can perform wired communication compliant with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark), for example. The communication device 56 can perform wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. Any of the standards includes a wireless communication standard using a frequency 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 compliant with the communication method of 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 a satellite.

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

[0085] The processing device 61 detects that various switches of the meter 50 and the operation device 70 are pressed, and controls the operation of the display device 51. For example, when the user starts pressing a switch, the processing device 61 detects a voltage value and / or a current value having a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Then, when the pressing of the switch ends, the processing device 61 detects that the voltage value and / or the current value detected so far has become zero, for example. The processing device 61 can detect the pressing of a plurality of switches in parallel at the same time.

[0086] The processing device 61 controls the display content of the display device 51 in response to the pressing of various switches of the meter 50 and the operation device 70. The drive unit 30 includes an MCU 31. The processing device 61 outputs a signal corresponding to the pressing of various switches to the MCU 31. For example, the processing device 61 outputs a signal indicating the selected assist mode to the MCU 31. The MCU 31 that has received the signal controls the generation of an assisting force corresponding to the selected assist mode in the electric motor 32.

[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 that has received the traveling speed information controls the display of the traveling speed on the display device 51. The output signal of the speed sensor 25 may be directly input to the meter 50 without passing through the MCU 31.

[0088] The BMS 21 is mounted on the battery unit 20. The BMS 21 controls various operations such as charging and discharging of the battery unit 20 and monitors various states of the battery unit 20. The BMS 21 monitors the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), etc. 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, etc. 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 regarding the remaining battery capacity of the display device 51 according to 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 smartwatch and 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 operation of the electric assist bicycle 1 was appropriate. Details of the operation of the notification system 10 will be described later. Hereinafter, 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 communicably connected to each other via a bus.

[0093] The control device 101 includes a processing device 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. Since the 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, they are 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. Examples of semiconductor storage devices are solid state drives (SSDs). An example of a magnetic storage device is a hard disk drive (HDD). Examples of optical storage devices are optical disk drives or magneto-optical disk (MD) drives, etc.

[0095] The communication device 103 is a communication module for communicating with an external device via a communication network. The communication device 103 can perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via a satellite. The mobile terminal device 100 can communicate with the meter 50 using the communication device 103. The communication device 103 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 103 can perform wired communication compliant with a communication standard such as, for example, USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 103 can perform wireless communication compliant with, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Any of the standards includes a wireless communication standard using a frequency 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 compliant with the communication method of BLE or LPWA.

[0096] The input device 104 is a device for converting an instruction from a user into data and inputting it 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 the sound around the mobile terminal device 100 into an audio signal. The speaker 106 and the microphone 107 can be used as a voice call device for making a voice call with another user. The camera 108 captures 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 (geographical coordinates) of the mobile terminal device 100 in the geographical 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 by which position information of required accuracy can be obtained. For example, an interference positioning method or a relative positioning method may be adopted as the positioning method. By the user carrying the mobile terminal device 100 and riding on the electric assist bicycle 1, the position of the electric assist bicycle 1 can be detected.

[0099] [Notification System] Next, a notification system 10 for notifying the user of information indicating that the operation of the electric assist bicycle 1 by the user was appropriate will be described. The mobile terminal device 100 is an example of the notification system 10. For example, by installing application software that causes the mobile terminal device 100 to operate as the notification system 10 in the mobile terminal device 100, 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, for example, in 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 operation of the electric assist bicycle 1 by the user was appropriate.

[0100] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of notifying the user of first information indicating that the operation of the electric assist bicycle 1 by the user was appropriate.

[0101] As described above, the mobile terminal device 100 and the meter 50 can perform wireless communication. 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 acquires running speed information indicating the running speed of the electric assist 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 running speed from the output signal of the speed sensor 25. The processing device 61 periodically transmits running speed information indicating the running 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 running speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed based on the received running 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, here it is assumed that the first predetermined speed is 30 km / h.

[0104] When the running speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed, the processing device 111 performs a first counting operation of counting the time for which the first state where the running speed is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues (step S102). The processing device 111 determines whether the 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, here it is assumed that the first predetermined time is 60 minutes.

[0105] When the first state has continued for the first predetermined time, the processing device 111 notifies the user of first information indicating that the operation of the bicycle 1 by the user was appropriate via the notification device (step S104).

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

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

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

[0109] In the present embodiment, when the first state where the traveling speed of the power-assisted bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues for the first predetermined time, the user is notified that the operation was appropriate. By praising the user when the operation at an appropriate traveling speed can be continued, the awareness of the user who tries to perform an appropriate operation can be improved.

[0110] In the mobile terminal device 100, by performing notification of the first information indicating that the operation was appropriate, there is no need to mount a notification device on the bicycle 1, and the configuration of the bicycle 1 can be simplified. Also, by performing the first counting operation in the mobile terminal device 100, there is no need to mount a device for performing the first counting operation on the bicycle 1, and the configuration of the bicycle 1 can be simplified.

[0111] In this embodiment, the traveling speed information is acquired using the output signal of the speed sensor 25 provided on the bicycle 1. Thereby, the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 can be detected in real time, and the traveling speed can be detected with high accuracy.

[0112] In the above example, both the display device 105 and the speaker 106 notified 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. When the first state is maintained, the counting of 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 magnitude of 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 the driving at an appropriate traveling speed can continue thereafter, the first information can be notified to the user again.

[0115] In the process of step S101, when it is determined 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 the second state where the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed continues (step S106).

[0116] The processing device 111 determines whether the above second state has continued 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, here it is assumed that the second predetermined time is 10 seconds.

[0117] When the second state continues for a second predetermined time or longer, the processing device 111 resets the time counted in the first counting operation (step S108). When the second state where 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. Thereby, when an appropriate traveling speed cannot be maintained, it is possible not to notify the first information. After resetting the time counted in the first counting operation, the process returns to the process of step S101.

[0118] In step S107, when the second state does not continue for a second predetermined time or longer and the traveling speed returns to a value equal to or less than the first predetermined speed, the processing device 111 does not reset the time counted in the first counting operation and returns to the process of step S101. In this case, the time counted in the second counting operation may be reset.

[0119] When traveling downhill or when a tailwind blows, etc., the traveling speed may temporarily become greater than the first predetermined speed against the user's will. When the second state does not continue for a second predetermined time or longer, by not resetting the time counted in the first counting operation, it is possible to prevent the criterion for determining whether the traveling speed is appropriate from becoming too strict.

[0120] Also, as in the process of step S105, the first counting operation is stopped during a period when the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed. Thereby, it is possible not to include the period when the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed in the time of driving at an appropriate traveling speed. When the traveling speed returns to a value equal to or less than the first predetermined speed, the first counting operation can be restarted 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 lower, the processing device 111 can resume the first counting operation in step S102. By resuming the counting after resetting the counted time, if the driving at an appropriate traveling speed can be continued thereafter, it is possible to notify the user that the driving was appropriate.

[0122] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of an operation of notifying a user of first information indicating that the operation of the electric assist bicycle 1 by the user was appropriate. In the process shown in FIG. 7, a first counting operation is performed when the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first state is a state where the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed.

[0123] In the process shown in FIG. 7, when 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 the second predetermined speed (step S111). The second predetermined speed is, for example, 2 km / h or higher and 5 km / h or lower, but is not limited to this value. As an example, here it is assumed that the second predetermined speed is 2 km / h.

[0124] When 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 of counting the time during which the first state where 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] When the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is not equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed, the processing device 111 stops the first counting operation (step S112). When the first counting operation is not being performed, the state where the first counting operation is not being performed is maintained. When the traveling speed becomes equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed, the processing device 111 performs the first counting operation (step S102).

[0126] During a period when the traveling speed is less than the second predetermined speed, by stopping the first counting operation, it is possible to exclude the period during which the bicycle 1 is stopped and the period that can be regarded as substantially stopped from the time of operation at an appropriate traveling speed.

[0127] As described above, after the processing device 111 notifies the user of the first information in step S104, it returns to the processing of step S101. By restarting the first counting operation after notifying the user of the first information, if the operation at an appropriate traveling speed has been continuously performed 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 for the first time and the content of the first information notified to the user for the nth time may be different from each other. Here, n is an integer of 2 or more.

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

[0130] Compared with the first notification shown in FIG. 6, in the second notification shown in FIG. 8, the characters displayed in the pop-up window 121 are different, and two star-shaped badges 122 are displayed. In the third notification, three badges 122 are displayed. The content of the badge 122 may change according to the increase in the number of notifications. For example, a badge 122 indicating a medal or a crown may be displayed. The content of the voice output from 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 awareness of the user who attempts to continuously operate at an appropriate traveling speed for a long time.

[0132] Further, the magnitude 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 magnitude of the first predetermined time may be increased according to the increase in the number of notifications. By changing the magnitude of the first predetermined time, the difficulty of achieving the condition for performing the notification can be changed.

[0133] Also, the magnitude of the first predetermined speed may be changed according to the current location of the bicycle 1. For example, the magnitude of the first predetermined speed may be changed according to whether the bicycle 1 is located in an urban area, a mountainous area, a cycling course, or the like. Thereby, according to the area where the bicycle 1 travels, the condition for performing the first counting operation can be changed.

[0134] The positioning device 110 can detect the geographical coordinates of the portable terminal device 100. The geographical coordinates of the portable terminal device 100 correspond to the geographical 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 geographical coordinates using the map information. The processing device 111 may obtain information on the type of area corresponding to the detected geographical coordinates from an external device such as a server via a communication network.

[0135] In the description of the above embodiment, the portable 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 various processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 can be executed by the processing device 61. Also, although various processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 are executed by the processing device 61, the notification of the first information to the user may be performed by the notification device of the portable terminal device 100.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, a two-wheeled bicycle is exemplified as the bicycle 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the bicycle 1 may be a tricycle or more.

[0137] In the above-described embodiments, the drive wheel to which the human power generated by the user stepping on the pedal and the assisting force generated by the electric motor are transmitted was the rear wheel, but the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the form of the electric assist bicycle, the human power and the assisting force may be transmitted to the front wheel, or may be transmitted to both the front wheel and the rear wheel. Further, the present invention may be applied to an electric assist bicycle provided with a hub motor on the front wheel.

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

[0139] [Item 1] A notification system 10 for notifying a user of information related to the operation of a bicycle 1, a processing device 111, a storage device 102 that stores a computer program for controlling the operation of the processing device 111, comprising the processing device 111, according to a computer program, acquires traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the bicycle 1, performs a first counting operation of counting the 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, a notification system 10 that notifies the user of first information indicating that the operation of the bicycle 1 by the user was appropriate, via the notification devices 105 and 106.

[0140] When the first state in which the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues for the first predetermined time, the user is notified that the operation was appropriate. By praising the user when the operation at an appropriate traveling speed can be continued, the awareness of the user who tries to perform an appropriate operation can be improved.

[0141] [Item 2] The processing device 111 When the traveling speed becomes greater than the first predetermined speed, a second counting operation is performed to count the time during which the second state where the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed continues. When the second state continues for a second predetermined time or longer, the time counted in the first counting operation is reset (where the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time), the notification system 10 described in item 1.

[0142] When the second state where 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. Thereby, when an appropriate traveling speed cannot be maintained, it is possible not to perform the notification of the first information.

[0143] [Item 3] When the second state does not continue for a second predetermined time or longer and the traveling speed returns below the first predetermined speed, the processing device 111 does not reset the time counted in the first counting operation, the notification system 10 described in item 2.

[0144] When traveling downhill or when a tailwind blows, etc., the traveling speed may temporarily become greater than the first predetermined speed against the user's will. If the second state does not continue for a second predetermined time or longer, by not resetting the counted time, it is possible to prevent the determination criteria for whether the traveling speed is appropriate from becoming too strict.

[0145] [Item 4] The processing device 111 During the period when the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, stops the first counting operation, When the traveling speed becomes less than or equal to the first predetermined speed, performs the first counting operation, the notification system 10 described in item 2 or 3.

[0146] By stopping the first counting operation during the period when the traveling speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, it is possible not to include that period in the time of driving at an appropriate traveling speed.

[0147] [Item 5] The processing device 111 During a period when the traveling speed is less than the second predetermined speed (where the second predetermined speed is less than the first predetermined speed), the first counting operation is stopped, and when the traveling speed becomes equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed and equal to or less than the first predetermined speed, the first counting operation is performed. The notification system 10 according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

[0148] By stopping the first counting operation during a period when the traveling speed is less than the second predetermined speed, it is possible to prevent a period during which the bicycle 1 is stopped or the like from being included in the time of driving at an appropriate traveling speed.

[0149] [Item 6] After resetting the time counted in the first counting operation, the processing device 111 resumes counting the time during which the first state continues. The notification system 10 according to Item 2.

[0150] By resuming counting after resetting the counted time, if driving at an appropriate traveling speed can be continued thereafter, it is possible to notify the user that the driving was appropriate.

[0151] [Item 7] After notifying the user of the first information via the notification devices 105 and 106, the processing device 111 resumes counting the time during which the first state continues. The notification system 10 according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

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

[0153] [Item 8] The processing device 111 makes the content of the first information notified to the user for the first time different from the content of the first information notified to the user for the nth time (where n is an integer of 2 or more). The notification system 10 according to Item 7.

[0154] By making the n-th notification content different from the first notification content, it is possible to improve the awareness of users who attempt to continuously drive at an appropriate driving speed in the long term.

[0155] [Item 9] The processing device 111 changes the magnitude of the first predetermined time according to the number of times the first information is notified to the user, in the notification system 10 described in Item 7 or 8.

[0156] By changing the magnitude of the first predetermined time, it is possible to change the difficulty of achieving the condition for notification.

[0157] [Item 10] The processing device 111 acquires position information indicating the current location of the bicycle 1, and changes the magnitude of the first predetermined speed according to the current location of the bicycle 1, in the notification system 10 described in any of Items 1 to 9.

[0158] Thereby, according to the area where the bicycle 1 travels, it is possible to change the condition for performing the first counting operation.

[0159] [Item 11] The notification devices 105 and 106 are included in the portable terminal device 100, and the bicycle 1 and the portable terminal device 100 perform information communication by wireless communication, in the notification system 10 described in any of Items 1 to 10.

[0160] Thereby, in the portable terminal device 100, it is possible to notify the first information indicating that the driving was appropriate. 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 portable terminal device 100, and the traveling speed information is transmitted from the bicycle 1 to the portable terminal device 100 by wireless communication, in the notification system 10 described in any of Items 1 to 11.

[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] The traveling speed information is obtained from the output signal of the speed sensor 25 provided on the bicycle 1, and is the notification system 10 described in any one of Items 1 to 12.

[0164] Thereby, the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 can be detected in real time, and the traveling speed can be detected accurately.

[0165] [Item 14] The notification device includes a display device 105, When the first state continues for the first predetermined time, the processing device 111 causes the display device 105 to display at least one of characters and figures indicating that the driving was appropriate, and is the notification system 10 described in any one of Items 1 to 13.

[0166] Thereby, the user can recognize that the driving was appropriate by looking at the display content of the display device 105.

[0167] [Item 15] The notification device includes a sound - emitting component 106, When the first state continues for the first predetermined time, the processing device 111 causes the sound - emitting component 106 to output a sound indicating that the driving was appropriate, and is the notification system 10 described in any one of Items 1 to 14.

[0168] Thereby, the user can recognize that the driving was appropriate by listening to the sound output from the sound - emitting component 106.

[0169] [Item 16] The first predetermined speed is 25 km / h or more and 35 km / h or less, and is the notification system 10 described in any one of Items 1 to 15.

[0170] This can improve the awareness of a user who intends to drive at an appropriate driving speed.

[0171] [Item 17] The first predetermined time is 30 minutes or more and 90 minutes or less, and the notification system 10 described in any one of Items 16.

[0172] This can improve the awareness of a user who intends to continue appropriate driving.

[0173] [Item 18] The second predetermined time is 5 seconds or more and 15 seconds or less, and the notification system 10 described in any one of Items 2 to 4.

[0174] By allowing the driving speed to temporarily exceed the first predetermined speed against the user's will, it is possible to prevent the criterion for determining whether the driving speed is appropriate from becoming too strict.

[0175] [Item 19] The second predetermined speed is 2 km / h or more and 5 km / h or less, and the notification system 10 described in Item 5.

[0176] This can prevent a period during which the bicycle 1 is stopped or the like from being included in the time of driving at an appropriate driving speed.

[0177] [Item 20] A notification method for notifying a user of information related to the operation of the bicycle 1, which is executed by one or more computers, and acquiring traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the bicycle 1, performing a first counting operation of counting the 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 of first information indicating that the operation of the bicycle 1 by the user was appropriate, via the notification devices 105 and 106, including the notification method.

[0178] When a first state in which the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the operation was appropriate. By praising the user when the operation at an appropriate traveling speed can be continued, it is possible to improve the awareness of the user who intends to perform an appropriate operation.

[0179] [Item 21] A computer program that causes one or more computers to notify the user of information regarding the operation of the bicycle 1, The computer program acquires traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the bicycle 1, performs a first counting operation of counting the time during which a first state in which the traveling speed is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed continues, based on the traveling speed information, when the first state continues for the first predetermined time, notifies the user of first information indicating that the operation of the bicycle 1 by the user was appropriate, via the notification devices 105 and 106, A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute the above.

[0180] When a first state in which the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed continues for a first predetermined time, the user is notified that the operation was appropriate. By praising the user when the operation at an appropriate traveling speed can be continued, it is possible to improve the awareness of the user who intends to perform an appropriate operation.

Industrial Applicability

[0181] The present invention is particularly useful in the field of notification systems for bicycles.

Explanation of Signs

[0182] 1: Electrically assisted bicycle (bicycle), 2: Body frame, 3: Saddle, 4: Handlebar, 5: Meter unit, 6: Front wheel, 7: Rear wheel, 10: Notification system, 11: Head pipe, 12: Down tube, 13: Handlebar 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: Transmission, 30: Drive unit, 31: MCU, 32: Electric motor, 35: Pedal crankshaft, 36: Crank arm, 37: Pedal, 38: Drive sprocket, 41: Handlebar, 42: Handlebar stem, 43L: Left grip, 43R: Right grip, 44L: Rear wheel brake lever, 44R: Front wheel brake lever, 45L: Shift operator, 45R: Shift operator, 50: Meter, 51: Display device, 52: Power switch, 53: Lamp lighting switch, 57: Electric wire, 60: Control device, 61: Processing device, 62: ROM, 63: RAM, 70: Operating 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. An information notification system for notifying a user of information related to the operation of a bicycle, comprising: a processing device; a storage device for storing a computer program for controlling the operation of the processing device; The processing device, according to the computer program, obtains travel speed information indicating the travel speed of the bicycle, performs a first counting operation of counting the time for which a first state in which the travel speed is equal to or less than a first predetermined speed continues, and when the first state continues for a first predetermined time, notifies the user of first information indicating that the operation of the bicycle by the user was appropriate, via a notification device. A notification system.

2. When the travel speed becomes greater than the first predetermined speed, the processing device performs a second counting operation of counting the time for which a second state in which the travel speed is greater than the first predetermined speed continues, and when the second state continues for a second predetermined time or more, resets the time counted in the first counting operation (where the second predetermined time is less than the first predetermined time). The notification system according to claim 1.

3. When the second state does not continue for the second predetermined time or more and the travel speed returns to be equal to or less than the first predetermined speed, the processing device does not reset the time counted in the first counting operation. The notification system according to claim 2.

4. During a period in which the travel speed is greater than the first predetermined speed, the processing device stops the first counting operation, and when the travel speed becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined speed, performs the first counting operation. The notification system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. During a period in which the travel speed is less than a second predetermined speed (where the second predetermined speed is less than the first predetermined speed), the processing device stops the first counting operation, and when the travel speed becomes equal to or greater than the second predetermined speed and equal to or less than the first predetermined speed, performs the first counting operation. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. After resetting the time counted in the first counting operation, the processing device resumes counting the time for which the first state continues. The notification system according to claim 2.

7. After notifying the user of the first information via the notification device, the processing device resumes counting the time for which the first state continues. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The notification system according to claim 7, wherein the processing device makes the content of the first information notified to the user for the first time different from the content of the first information notified to the user for the nth (n is an integer of 2 or more) time.

9. The notification system according to claim 7, wherein the processing device changes the magnitude of the first predetermined time according to the number of times the first information is notified to the user.

10. The processing device acquires position information indicating the current location of the bicycle, and changes the magnitude of the first predetermined speed according to the current location of the bicycle. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The notification device is included in a mobile terminal device, and the bicycle and the mobile terminal device perform information communication by wireless communication. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The processing device and the storage device are included in a mobile terminal device, and the traveling speed information is transmitted from the bicycle to the mobile terminal device by wireless communication. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The traveling speed information is obtained from an output signal of a speed sensor provided on the bicycle. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

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

15. The notification device includes a sounding component, and when the first state continues for the first predetermined time, the processing device outputs a voice indicating that the driving was appropriate to the sounding component. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

16. The first predetermined speed is 25 km / h or more and 35 km / h or less. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

17. The first predetermined time is 30 minutes or more and 90 minutes or less. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

18. The second predetermined time is 5 seconds or more and 15 seconds or less. The notification system according to claim 2 or 3.

19. The second predetermined speed is 2 km / h or more and 5 km / h or less. The notification system according to claim 5.

20. A notification method for notifying a user of information related to the operation of a bicycle, which is executed by one or more computers, comprising: acquiring traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the bicycle, Performing a first counting operation of counting the time for 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 of first information indicating that the user's operation of the bicycle has been appropriate, via a notification device; A notification method including the above.

21. A computer program for causing one or more computers to notify a user of information regarding the operation of a bicycle, the computer program causing the one or more computers to perform: acquiring traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed of the bicycle; performing a first counting operation of counting the time for 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 of first information indicating that the user's operation of the bicycle has been appropriate, via a notification device; A computer program.

Images