Exercise intensity estimation system, electric assist bicycle, and exercise intensity estimation method

Abstract

To provide an exercise intensity estimation system, a power-assisted bicycle, and an exercise intensity estimation method capable of estimating accurate exercise intensity even at the exercise starting point and at the point that an exercise load during exercise has increased.SOLUTION: An exercise intensity estimation system 10 includes: an exercise load measuring unit 21 for measuring an exercise load, which is a load on an exercising person; a first storage unit 23 for storing the correspondence between the exercise load and the exercise intensity obtained on the basis of the relationships between the exercise load and a cardiac rate of the exercising person according to the exercise load; and an exercise intensity estimation unit 24 for estimating the exercise intensity using the correspondence and the exercise load.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exercise intensity estimation system, an electric assist bicycle, and an exercise intensity estimation method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of wearable devices that can measure heart rate, such as wristwatches, an increasing number of people are exercising while checking their heart rate.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a health support system that includes a measuring unit that measures the heart rate during exercise and an operation unit that displays changes in the heart rate over time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-012617 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Typically, the heart rate is not stable at the start of exercise or when the exercise load increases during exercise, so there may be a time lag in the heart rate fluctuations relative to the actual exercise. For this reason, the health support system of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that when the exercise load increases during exercise or when the exercise load is measured based on the heart rate, the error in the exercise intensity increases.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an exercise intensity estimation system, an electrically assisted bicycle, and an exercise intensity estimation method that are capable of estimating exercise intensity with high accuracy even at the start of exercise and when the exercise load increases during exercise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An exercise intensity estimation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:An exercise intensity estimation system, an exercise load measuring unit that measures an exercise load that is a load on an exerciser; During the specified period a first storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship with the heart rate of the exerciser; an exercise intensity estimation unit that estimates exercise intensity using the correspondence relationship and the exercise load; an acquisition unit that acquires the heart rate of the exerciser; and a processing unit that calculates the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser according to the exercise load, the first storage unit is the correspondence calculated to suit the exerciser. is memorized , The exercise intensity estimation system switches between a first mode for calculating the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity and a second mode for estimating the exercise intensity corresponding to the exercise load using the correspondence relationship calculated in the first mode. .

[0008] Furthermore, an electrically assisted bicycle according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an electrically assisted bicycle having a body and an electric motor provided on the body, and a person who drives the electrically assisted bicycle During a specified period an exercise load measuring unit that measures an exercise load that is a load on an exerciser; During the specified period a first storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship with the heart rate of the exerciser; an exercise intensity estimation unit that estimates exercise intensity using the correspondence relationship and the exercise load; an acquisition unit that acquires the heart rate of the exerciser; and a processing unit that calculates the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser according to the exercise load, The first storage unit stores the correspondence relationship calculated to suit the exerciser, Electrically assisted bicycles a first mode for calculating the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity and a second mode for estimating the exercise intensity corresponding to the exercise load using the correspondence relationship calculated in the first mode; .

[0009] Further, an exercise intensity estimation method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: During a specified period The exercise load of the exerciser is measured, and the exercise load and the corresponding During the specified periodA correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship with the heart rate of the exerciser is stored, the exercise intensity is estimated using the correspondence relationship and the exercise load, the heart rate of the exerciser is acquired, the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser according to the exercise load is calculated, and the calculated correspondence relationship is adapted to the exerciser. is stored, and the mode is switched between a first mode for calculating the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity and a second mode for estimating the exercise intensity corresponding to the exercise load using the correspondence relationship calculated in the first mode. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The exercise intensity estimation system and the like disclosed herein can estimate exercise intensity with high accuracy even at the start of exercise and when the exercise load increases during exercise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exercise intensity estimation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the exercise intensity estimation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the relationship between the driver's heart rate and power output. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the relationship between heart rate and power output of another driver. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operations of the exercise intensity estimation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an exercise intensity estimation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation when controlling the assist rate. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing operations of the exercise intensity estimation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another modified example of an electrically assisted bicycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (Findings that led to one aspect of the present disclosure) In recent years, the health-promoting effects of using electrically assisted bicycles have been attracting attention. For example, when riding electrically assisted bicycles, drivers are encouraged to drive in a way that achieves a desired exercise intensity in order to improve cardiopulmonary function and prevent diseases such as diabetes.

[0013] The exercise intensity of a rider of an electrically assisted bicycle can be calculated based on the rider's heart rate, etc. For this reason, it is necessary to accurately detect the heart rate. However, the heart rate is not stable at the start of exercise or when the exercise load increases during exercise, and there is a time lag in the heart rate fluctuations relative to the actual exercise. For this reason, when measuring exercise intensity based on the heart rate, etc., there is a large error in the exercise intensity at the start of exercise or when the exercise load increases during exercise.

[0014] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an exercise intensity estimation system, an electrically assisted bicycle, and an exercise intensity estimation method that can estimate exercise intensity with high accuracy even at the start of exercise and when the exercise load increases during exercise.

[0015] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in independent claims are described as optional components.

[0016] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 can estimate the exercise intensity of a driver based on the driver's heart rate when driving an electrically assisted bicycle 20. Here, exercise intensity is a measure of the intensity of exercise based on the physical ability of the driver performing the exercise. The driver is an example of an exerciser. Driving is also an example of exercise.

[0020] The exercise intensity estimation system 10 includes an electrically assisted bicycle 20 having an electric motor 16 mounted on a body 20a.

[0021] The electrically assisted bicycle 20 is, for example, a bicycle with an electrically assisted function. The electrically assisted bicycle 20 is primarily a two-wheeled vehicle, but may also be, for example, a bicycle with three or more wheels, or a unicycle. In addition to the electric motor 16, the electrically assisted bicycle 20 has a body 20a. The body 20a is made up of a handlebar, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame, a saddle, a battery, pedals 15, etc.

[0022] The power-assisted bicycle 20 also includes an input unit 22, an exercise load measuring unit 21, a first storage unit 23, an exercise intensity estimating unit 24, and a display unit 25.

[0023] The correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity can be input to the input unit 22. The input unit 22 outputs the input correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity to the first storage unit 23. As a result, the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity is stored in the first storage unit 23. In other words, the input unit 22 can update the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity stored in the first storage unit 23.

[0024] The exercise load measurement unit 21 measures the exercise load, which is the load on the rider who operates the power-assisted bicycle 20. Specifically, the exercise load measurement unit 21 calculates the exercise load from the torque measured based on the pedaling force applied by the rider to the pedals 15 of the power-assisted bicycle 20, or from the power calculated from the torque. The exercise load measurement unit 21 outputs information indicating the measured exercise load to the first storage unit 23. As a result, the information indicating the exercise load is stored in the first storage unit 23.

[0025] Here, the exercise load refers to the load imposed by physical exercise such as sports. Therefore, the exercise load may be the torque applied to the pedals 15 of the power-assisted bicycle 20. Alternatively, the exercise load may be the power of rotating the pedals 15 of the power-assisted bicycle 20. The unit of power of rotating the pedals 15 is expressed in (W).

[0026] The first storage unit 23 stores the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity, information indicating the exercise load, etc. Furthermore, the first storage unit 23 can update the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity by acquiring the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity from the input unit 22.

[0027] The first storage unit 23 is configured with an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The first storage unit 23 includes, for example, primary storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The first storage unit 23 may also include secondary storage devices such as flash memory and SSD (Solid State Drive), and tertiary storage devices such as SD cards.

[0028] Here, the correspondence between exercise load and exercise intensity will be described.

[0029] First, in order to derive the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity, the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser according to the exercise load is calculated using FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0030] FIG. 3A shows the relationship between a driver's heart rate and power. FIG. 3B shows the relationship between a different driver's heart rate and power. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, a certain exercise load is applied to the driver using an ergometer, a bicycle-type device that applies a quantitative load to exercise. In this case, the relationship between the heart rate and power calculated from the torque when the driver operates the ergometer for five minutes is shown. FIG. 3A shows the results for a single driver as the subject. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the ergometer is controlled. FIG. 3B also shows the results for a single driver as the subject, which is different from the subject in FIG. 3A.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, a stable heart rate is estimated according to the driver's exercise load. Here, the stable heart rate is the heart rate at which the driver's heart rate reaches a steady state when a certain exercise load is applied to the driver.

[0032] When a certain exercise load is applied to a driver, it can be seen that the driver's heart rate gradually increases over a predetermined period A from the start of the exercise. It can also be seen that the driver's heart rate reaches a steady state after the predetermined period A has elapsed. Furthermore, when the exercise load on the driver operating the ergometer increases, it can also be seen that the driver's heart rate gradually increases over a predetermined period B from the increase in the exercise load. It can also be seen that the driver's heart rate reaches a steady state after the predetermined period B has elapsed. Thus, the response of the stable heart rate to the exercise load is delayed by the predetermined periods A and B from the start of exercise and from the increase in the exercise load until the heart rate reaches a stable state.

[0033] Therefore, a relationship between exercise load and stable heart rate is generated from a stable heart rate estimated for a certain exercise load.

[0034] Next, the exercise intensity of the driver is calculated using the stable heart rate corresponding to the exercise load and equations (1) and (2).

[0035] Exercise intensity = (heart rate - resting heart rate) / (maximum heart rate - resting heart rate) Equation (1)

[0036] Maximum heart rate ≒ 220 - age Equation (2)

[0037] The heart rate in equation (1) is the estimated stable heart rate.

[0038] By calculating multiple exercise intensities of the driver depending on the magnitude of the exercise load, a graph (mathematical formula) of exercise intensity relative to the exercise load is derived, as shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity.

[0039] The derived graph in Fig. 4 shows the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity. The correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity is input to the input unit 22 and stored in the first storage unit 23. In this way, the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity is stored in advance in the first storage unit 23.

[0040] The exercise intensity estimation unit 24 estimates the exercise intensity using a correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the exerciser's heart rate depending on the exercise load, and the correspondence relationship and the exercise load.

[0041] Specifically, the exercise intensity estimation unit 24 acquires the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity and information indicating the exercise load from the first storage unit 23. Then, the exercise intensity estimation unit 24 estimates the exercise intensity corresponding to the exercise load indicated in the information using the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity. The exercise intensity estimation unit 24 outputs the estimated exercise intensity. Specifically, the exercise intensity estimation unit 24 outputs the estimated exercise intensity to the display unit 25.

[0042] The display unit 25 displays the exercise intensity estimated by the exercise intensity estimation unit 24. The display unit 25 may also display the time during which the exercise intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The display unit 25 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. The display unit 25 may be mounted on the exercise intensity estimation system 10 and the power-assisted bicycle 20, or may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0043] In this embodiment, the display unit 25 is included as a component of the exercise intensity estimation system 10, but is not an essential component of the exercise intensity estimation system 10. Furthermore, the display unit 25 does not have to be included as a component of the exercise intensity estimation system 10, in which case the display unit 25 may be included as a component of the power-assisted bicycle 20.

[0044] <Processing operation> Next, the processing operations of the exercise intensity estimation system 10, the power-assisted bicycle 20, and the exercise intensity estimation method will be described with reference to FIG.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operations of the exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] [Example of operation] In this operation example, it is assumed that the first storage unit 23 stores in advance the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity.

[0047] 5, the exercise load measurement unit 21 measures the exercise load, which is the load on the rider of the power-assisted bicycle 20 (S11). The exercise load measurement unit 21 also outputs information indicating the measured exercise load to the first storage unit 23. The information indicating the exercise load is then stored in the first storage unit 23.

[0048] Next, the exercise load measuring section 21 acquires the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity, and information indicating the exercise load, from the first storage section 23 (S12).

[0049] Next, the exercise load measuring unit 21 estimates the exercise intensity from the exercise load indicated in the information using the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity (S13).

[0050] Next, the exercise load measuring unit 21 outputs the estimated exercise intensity (S14). For example, the exercise load measuring unit 21 outputs the estimated exercise intensity to the display unit 25. As a result, the display unit 25 displays the exercise intensity estimated by the exercise load measuring unit 21.

[0051] Then, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 ends the flowchart.

[0052] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the processing operations of the exercise intensity estimation system 10, the power-assisted bicycle 20, and the exercise intensity estimation method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0053] As described above, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to this embodiment includes an exercise load measurement unit 21 that measures the exercise load, which is the load on an exerciser (driver), a first memory unit 23 that stores a correspondence between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the exerciser's heart rate corresponding to the exercise load, and an exercise intensity estimation unit 24 that estimates exercise intensity using the correspondence and the exercise load.

[0054] This allows for accurate estimation of exercise intensity even if there is a time delay in heart rate fluctuations relative to the start of exercise and the point in time when the exercise load increases during exercise.

[0055] Therefore, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 can estimate exercise intensity with high accuracy even at the start of exercise and when the exercise load increases during exercise.

[0056] In particular, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 has a correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity prepared in advance, so that the exercise intensity can be easily estimated simply by acquiring the exercise load.

[0057] In addition, the exercise intensity estimation method according to this embodiment measures the exercise load, which is the load on an exerciser, stores the correspondence between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the exerciser's heart rate depending on the exercise load, and estimates the exercise intensity using the correspondence and the exercise load.

[0058] This exercise intensity estimation method also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0059] The exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to this embodiment also includes an electrically assisted bicycle 20 having an electric motor 16 .

[0060] This allows the exercise intensity of the rider of the power-assisted bicycle 20 to be estimated with high accuracy even at the start of exercise and when the exercise load increases during exercise.

[0061] The exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to this embodiment also includes an input unit 22 that can input the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity. The input unit 22 updates the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity stored in the first storage unit 23.

[0062] This allows the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity stored in the first storage unit 23 to be updated via the input unit 22. Therefore, it is possible to use the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity that is appropriate for each driver, and therefore it is possible to estimate the exercise intensity for each driver with high accuracy.

[0063] In the exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to this embodiment, the exercise load is the torque applied to the pedals 15 of the power-assisted bicycle 20.

[0064] This allows the exercise intensity to be estimated based on the torque applied to the pedals 15 of the power-assisted bicycle 20.

[0065] In the exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to this embodiment, the exercise load is the power required to rotate the pedals 15 of the power-assisted bicycle 20.

[0066] This makes it possible to estimate exercise intensity based on the power of rotating the pedals 15 of the power-assisted bicycle 20. Therefore, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 can broaden the means for estimating exercise intensity.

[0067] The exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to this embodiment also includes a display unit 25 that displays the exercise intensity estimated by the exercise intensity estimation unit 24.

[0068] This allows the display unit 25 to display highly accurate estimated exercise intensity even at the start of exercise and when the exercise load increases during exercise, allowing the driver to immediately grasp their own exercise intensity.

[0069] (Embodiment 2) The exercise intensity estimation system 10, the power-assisted bicycle 20b, and the exercise intensity estimation method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and other figures.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0071] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the exercise intensity estimation system 10 has a function of generating a correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity. The configurations and functions of the exercise intensity estimation system 10 and the like of this embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0072] The exercise intensity estimation system 10 and power-assisted bicycle 20b according to this embodiment calculate the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity by conducting a test to determine the relationship between the exercise load and the exerciser's heart rate according to the exercise load, as described in embodiment 1. The exercise intensity estimation system 10 and power-assisted bicycle 20b according to this embodiment have a first mode for calculating the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity according to the rider, as shown in Fig. 4, and a second mode for estimating exercise intensity from exercise load using the correspondence relationship calculated in the first mode, as described in embodiment 1.

[0073] The exercise intensity estimation system 10 and the power-assisted bicycle 20b can switch between a first mode and a second mode. For example, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 and the power-assisted bicycle 20b may include an input unit 22 that can switch between the first mode and the second mode.

[0074] In addition to the body 20a, exercise load measurement unit 21, first memory unit 23, and exercise intensity estimation unit 24, the electrically power assisted bicycle 20b of this embodiment also includes a receiving unit 31, a processing unit 32, a second memory unit 33, and an assist rate control unit 34. The receiving unit 31, the processing unit 32, the second memory unit 33, and the assist rate control unit 34 are components necessary for the exercise intensity estimation system 10 and the electrically power assisted bicycle 20b to execute the first mode.

[0075] The receiving unit 31 is a communication module that receives information indicating the heart rate of the rider of the electrically assisted bicycle 20b measured by the heart rate measuring unit 30. The receiving unit 31 is capable of sequentially receiving the rider's heart rate measured by the heart rate measuring unit 30. The heart rate measuring unit 30 is attached to the body of the rider of the electrically assisted bicycle 20b. Therefore, the heart rate measuring unit 30 can measure the heart rate of the rider wearing the heart rate measuring unit 30. The receiving unit 31 also outputs information indicating the rider's heart rate measured by the heart rate measuring unit 30 to the processing unit 32. The receiving unit 31 is an example of an acquiring unit that acquires information indicating the rider's heart rate.

[0076] The exercise load measurement unit 21 of this embodiment measures the exercise load, which is the load on the rider of the power-assisted bicycle 20b. The exercise load measurement unit 21 outputs information indicating the measured exercise load to the processing unit 32 and the assist rate control unit 34.

[0077] The processing unit 32 acquires information indicating the heart rate of the driver from the heart rate measurement unit 30 and information indicating the exercise load from the exercise load measurement unit 21 via the receiving unit 31. The processing unit 32 estimates the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser depending on the exercise load, and calculates the correspondence between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the estimated relationship.

[0078] The processing unit 32 outputs the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity calculated by the processing unit 32 to the first storage unit 23. As a result, the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity is stored in the first storage unit 23. In this way, the exercise intensity estimation unit 24 can estimate the exercise intensity corresponding to the information indicating the exercise load, using the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity stored in the first storage unit 23.

[0079] The second storage unit 33 stores a plurality of exercise load conditions. The exercise load conditions are set to apply a certain exercise load to the rider when he or she rides the power-assisted bicycle 20b. Therefore, the exercise load conditions are used to determine the relationship between the exercise load and the exerciser's heart rate in response to the exercise load, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0080] The assist rate control unit 34 acquires the exercise load conditions from the second storage unit 33 and acquires information indicating the exercise load from the exercise load measurement unit 21, and thereby determines an assist rate so as to impart a certain exercise load to the driver. The assist rate is also determined in order to obtain a relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser according to the exercise load. In other words, the assist rate control unit 34 feedback-controls the assist rate that assists the pedaling force of the driver based on the exercise load conditions and the exercise load. In this way, the assist rate control unit 34 determines the assist rate and controls the electric motor 16 according to the determined assist rate. Then, the electric motor 16 is driven and controlled so as to impart a certain exercise load to the driver. The assist rate control unit 34 is an example of a control unit.

[0081] Here, the assist rate is the ratio between the torque applied by the electric motor 16 to rotate the pedal 15 and the torque generated by the driver pedaling the pedal 15. The torque applied by the electric motor 16 and the torque generated by the driver pedaling the pedal 15 can be detected by a torque measurement unit configured, for example, by a torque sensor or the like.

[0082] <Processing operation> Next, the processing operations of the exercise intensity estimation system 10, the power-assisted bicycle 20b, and the exercise intensity estimation method will be described.

[0083] [Example 1] In this operation example, the processing operations when the exercise intensity estimation system 10 and the power-assisted bicycle 20b execute the first mode to control the assist rate will be described with reference to FIG.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation when controlling the assist rate.

[0085] First, as shown in FIG. 7, the assist rate control unit 34 acquires the exercise load conditions from the second storage unit 33 (S21).

[0086] Next, the assist rate control unit 34 acquires information indicating the exercise load from the exercise load measurement unit 21 (S22).

[0087] In this embodiment, the process of step S22 is executed after the process of step S21, but this is not limiting. For example, the process of step S22 may be executed before the process of step S21, or the process of step S21 may be executed simultaneously with the process of step S22.

[0088] Next, the assist rate control unit 34 calculates the assist rate to be provided by the electric motor 16 based on the information indicating the exercise load conditions and the exercise load (S23).

[0089] Next, the assist rate control unit 34 controls the electric motor 16 in accordance with the calculated assist rate (S24). As a result, the electric motor 16 is controlled and driven in accordance with the assist rate so as to apply a certain exercise load to the driver.

[0090] Then, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 ends the flowchart.

[0091] [Example 2] In this operation example, the processing operation for calculating the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity by the exercise intensity estimation system 10 and the power-assisted bicycle 20b executing the first mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0092] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing operations of the exercise intensity estimation system 10 in embodiment 2. In the description of the flowchart in Fig. 8, the same processing operations as those in Fig. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] First, the exercise load measurement unit 21 measures the exercise load, which is the load on the rider of the power-assisted bicycle 20b (S11). The exercise load measurement unit 21 outputs information indicating the measured exercise load to the processing unit 32.

[0094] Next, the heart rate measurement unit 30 measures the heart rate of the rider wearing the heart rate measurement unit 30, and transmits information indicating the measured heart rate to the exercise intensity estimation system 10. The receiving unit 31 of the exercise intensity estimation system 10 receives the information indicating the heart rate of the rider operating the electrically assisted bicycle 20b measured by the heart rate measurement unit 30 (S31), and outputs it to the processing unit 32.

[0095] In this embodiment, the process of step S31 is executed after the process of step S11, but this is not limiting. For example, the process of step S31 may be executed before the process of step S11, or the process of step S31 may be executed simultaneously with the process of step S11.

[0096] Next, the processing unit 32 estimates the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser depending on the exercise load by using FIGS. 3A and 3B of the first embodiment (S32).

[0097] Next, the processing unit 32 calculates the exercise intensity of the driver using the stable heart rate corresponding to the exercise load and equations (1) and (2) of embodiment 1. Then, the processing unit 32 calculates the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity, which is a graph of the exercise intensity relative to the exercise load as shown in Fig. 4 (S33). Then, the processing unit 32 outputs the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity to the first storage unit 23.

[0098] Next, the first storage unit 23 acquires the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity from the processing unit 32, and stores the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity (S34).

[0099] Then, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 ends the flowchart.

[0100] After the first mode is executed and the exercise intensity estimation system 10 and the electrically assisted bicycle 20b acquire the correspondence between the exercise load and the exercise intensity, the second mode is executed, which is the same as the processing in Figure 5, and therefore the processing operation will not be described here.

[0101] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the processing operations of the exercise intensity estimation system 10, the power-assisted bicycle 20b, and the exercise intensity estimation method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0102] As described above, the exercise intensity estimation system 10 according to this embodiment includes a second memory unit 33 that stores the exercise load conditions, a control unit (assistance rate control unit 34) that feedback controls the assist rate that assists the exerciser's pedaling force based on the exercise load conditions and the exercise load, an acquisition unit (receiving unit 31) that acquires the exerciser's heart rate, and a processing unit 32 that calculates the correspondence between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the exerciser's heart rate depending on the exercise load.

[0103] According to this, the processing unit 32 acquires the heart rate and exercise load of the exerciser, and thereby the processing unit 32 can estimate the relationship between the heart rate and the exercise load. Furthermore, the processing unit 32 can calculate the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity based on the relationship. Therefore, the first storage unit 23 can store the correspondence relationship that is more suitable for the driver. As a result, the exercise intensity estimation unit 24 can estimate the exercise intensity with higher accuracy using the latest correspondence relationship that is more suitable for the driver and the driver's exercise load.

[0104] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0105] (Other variations) The driving ability assessment system, electrically assisted bicycle, and driving ability assessment method according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these first and second embodiments. Various modifications that would occur to a person skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure, provided that they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0106] For example, in the exercise intensity estimation system 10, the electrically assisted bicycle 20b, and the exercise intensity estimation method according to the above-described embodiment 2, the heart rate measurement unit 30 may be included in the components of the exercise intensity estimation system. In this case, the heart rate measurement unit 30 may be an example of an acquisition unit that acquires the heart rate of the exerciser.

[0107] Furthermore, in the driving ability assessment system, power-assisted bicycle, and driving ability assessment method according to the first and second embodiments, the example mainly concerns a driver who drives a power-assisted bicycle, but this is not limiting. For example, the athlete may be a person who participates in a sport other than driving a power-assisted bicycle.

[0108] Furthermore, in the driving ability assessment system and driving ability assessment method according to the second embodiment, the acquisition unit may be able to acquire the exercise intensity targeted by the exerciser. In this case, the control unit may feedback-control the assist rate of the power-assisted bicycle so that the exercise intensity estimated by the exercise intensity estimation unit matches the exercise intensity targeted by the exerciser. This allows the exerciser to input the desired exercise intensity, enabling them to exercise at an exercise intensity that suits them. Furthermore, by setting the exercise intensity themselves, the exerciser can obtain the correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity.

[0109] Furthermore, in the electrically power-assisted bicycle and driving ability assessment method according to the second embodiment, the input unit may allow the exerciser to input a target exercise intensity. In this case, the control unit may feedback-control the assist rate of the electrically power-assisted bicycle so that the exercise intensity estimated by the exercise intensity estimation unit matches the exerciser's target exercise intensity. This allows the exerciser to input a desired exercise intensity, enabling them to exercise at an exercise intensity that suits them. Furthermore, by setting the exercise intensity themselves, the exerciser can obtain a correspondence relationship between exercise load and exercise intensity.

[0110] Furthermore, in the driving ability assessment system, power-assisted bicycle, and driving ability assessment method according to the second embodiment, the exercise time and exercise load required to achieve a target exercise intensity may be calculated, and the calculated exercise time and exercise load may be output to a display unit. The calculation of the exercise time and exercise load required to achieve a target exercise intensity may be performed by a processing unit provided in the driving ability assessment system and the power-assisted bicycle.

[0111] 9, an electrically power-assisted bicycle 20c according to the first and second embodiments is an electrically power-assisted bicycle having a body 20a and an electric motor 16 provided on the body 20a, and is equipped with an exercise load measurement unit 21 that measures the exercise load of an exerciser operating the electrically power-assisted bicycle 20c, a first storage unit 23 that stores a correspondence between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the exerciser's heart rate corresponding to the exercise load, and an exercise intensity estimation unit 24 that estimates the exercise intensity using the correspondence and the exercise load. This electrically power-assisted bicycle 20c also achieves the same effects as those described above. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrically power-assisted bicycle 20c according to another modification.

[0112] Furthermore, at least some of the components included in the driving ability determination system, electrically assisted bicycle, and driving ability determination method according to the first and second embodiments are typically realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is an integrated circuit. These may be implemented individually on a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated on a single chip.

[0113] Furthermore, the integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within LSIs to be reconfigured, may also be used.

[0114] In the first and second embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0115] Furthermore, all of the numbers used above are examples for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the numbers shown as examples.

[0116] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0117] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0118] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of embodiments 1 and 2 within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10 Exercise intensity estimation system 16 Electric motor 20, 20b, 20c Electric Assist Bicycles 20a body 21 Exercise load measurement unit 22 Input section 23 1st memory section 24 Exercise intensity estimation part 25 Display section 30 Heart rate measurement unit 31 Receiving unit (acquiring unit) 32 Processing section 33 2nd memory section 34 Assist rate control unit (control unit)

Claims

1. An exercise intensity estimation system, comprising: an exercise load measurement unit that measures an exercise load, which is a load on an exerciser, for a predetermined period of time; a first storage unit configured to store a correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on a relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser during the predetermined period according to the exercise load; an exercise intensity estimation unit that estimates exercise intensity using the correspondence relationship and the exercise load; an acquisition unit that acquires the heart rate of the exerciser; a processing unit that calculates the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser according to the exercise load, The first storage unit stores the correspondence relationship calculated to suit the exerciser, The exercise intensity estimation system switches between a first mode for calculating the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity and a second mode for estimating the exercise intensity corresponding to the exercise load using the correspondence relationship calculated in the first mode. Exercise intensity estimation system.

2. Equipped with an electric assist bicycle with an electric motor The exercise intensity estimation system according to claim 1 .

3. a second storage unit that stores exercise load conditions; and a control unit that feedback-controls an assist rate that assists the exerciser's pedaling force based on the exercise load condition and the exercise load. The exercise intensity estimation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the acquisition unit acquires a target exercise intensity for the exerciser, The control unit feedback controls the assist rate of the electrically assisted bicycle so that the exercise intensity estimated by the exercise intensity estimation unit becomes the target exercise intensity. The exercise intensity estimation system according to claim 3 .

5. an input unit capable of inputting the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity; The input unit updates the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity stored in the first storage unit. The exercise intensity estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The exercise load is the torque applied to the pedals of the electric assist bicycle. The exercise intensity estimation system according to claim 2 .

7. The exercise load is the power required to pedal the electric assist bicycle. The exercise intensity estimation system according to claim 2 .

8. The exercise intensity estimation unit includes a display unit that displays the estimated exercise intensity. The exercise intensity estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. An electrically assisted bicycle having a body and an electric motor provided on the body, an exercise load measurement unit that measures an exercise load, which is the load exerted on an exerciser during a predetermined period of time while riding the power-assisted bicycle; a first storage unit configured to store a correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on a relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser during the predetermined period according to the exercise load; an exercise intensity estimation unit that estimates exercise intensity using the correspondence relationship and the exercise load; an acquisition unit that acquires the heart rate of the exerciser; a processing unit that calculates the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser according to the exercise load, The first storage unit stores the correspondence relationship calculated to suit the exerciser, The electrically assisted bicycle switches between a first mode for calculating the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity and a second mode for estimating the exercise intensity corresponding to the exercise load using the correspondence relationship calculated in the first mode. Electric assist bicycle.

10. an input unit that allows the exerciser to input a target exercise intensity, a control unit that feedback-controls an assist rate of the electrically assisted bicycle so that the exercise intensity estimated by the exercise intensity estimation unit becomes the target exercise intensity; 10. The electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 9.

11. Measure the exercise load of an exerciser over a predetermined period of time, storing a correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on a relationship between the exercise load and the exerciser's heart rate during the predetermined period according to the exercise load; estimating exercise intensity using the correspondence relationship and the exercise load; acquiring a heart rate of the exerciser; calculating the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and exercise intensity obtained based on the relationship between the exercise load and the heart rate of the exerciser according to the exercise load; The correspondence calculated to suit the exerciser is stored; A first mode for calculating the correspondence relationship between the exercise load and the exercise intensity and a second mode for estimating the exercise intensity corresponding to the exercise load using the correspondence relationship calculated in the first mode are switched between. Exercise intensity estimation method.

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