Tire condition detection system, electric bicycle, tire condition detection method and program

Abstract

To easily grasp conditions of tires a vehicle body has.SOLUTION: A system for detecting tire condition 1 includes an acquisition part 41, a detection part 42 and an output part 43. The acquisition part 41 acquires speed information on the travel speed of a vehicle body 10. The detection part 42 detects air pressure of tires of the vehicle body 10 on the basis of the speed information acquired by the acquisition part 41. The output part 43 outputs condition information on the tire condition on the basis of change in the air pressure of the tires detected by the detection part 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tire condition detection system, an electric bicycle, a tire condition detection method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been disclosed a vehicle abnormality distribution device including a plurality of sensors having different performances for detecting a vehicle environment, an abnormality content determination means for determining the content of a vehicle abnormality based on the output pattern of each of the plurality of sensors, and a communication control means for transmitting information regarding the content of the vehicle abnormality when the content of the vehicle abnormality is determined by the abnormality content determination means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

【Patent Document

特許文献1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tire condition detection system, an electric bicycle, a tire condition detection method, and a program that can easily grasp the condition of tires provided on a vehicle body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above object, a tire condition detection system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit, a detection unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires speed information regarding the traveling speed of a vehicle body. The detection unit detects the air pressure of a tire of the vehicle body based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit. The output unit outputs state information regarding the state of the tire based on a change in the air pressure of the tire detected by the detection unit. <000​​Furthermore, an electric bicycle according to one aspect of this disclosure includes the above-mentioned tire condition detection system and an electric motor that adds auxiliary driving force to assist the movement of the vehicle body.

[0007] Furthermore, a tire condition detection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes acquiring speed information relating to the vehicle's driving speed, detecting the air pressure of the vehicle's tires based on the acquired speed information, and outputting condition information relating to the tire's condition based on the detected change in the tire's air pressure.

[0008] Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the tire condition detection method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The tire condition detection system described in this disclosure has the advantage of making it easier to understand the condition of the tires on the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electric bicycle equipped with a tire condition detection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view illustrating an electric bicycle according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the change in tire pressure over time according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle sharing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of operation of the tire condition detection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of operation of the tire condition detection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of operation of the tire condition detection system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Accordingly, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale and other aspects may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0013] The following describes the tire condition detection system, electric bicycle, tire condition detection method, and program according to the embodiment.

[0014] (Embodiment) <Structure> [Electric bicycle] First, we will describe the electric bicycle 2 in which the tire condition detection system 1 is used. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electric bicycle 2 equipped with the tire condition detection system 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view illustrating an electric bicycle 2 according to an embodiment.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric bicycle 2 is a vehicle that can travel on a road surface using electric power. In this embodiment, the electric bicycle 2 is used as an example of a vehicle for explanation, but the vehicle is not limited to the electric bicycle 2. The vehicle is a mobile body having a vehicle body 10 that can travel on a road surface by the rotation of wheels, such as an automobile, motorcycle, human-powered vehicle, or bicycle.

[0016] The electric bicycle 2 in the embodiment is an electric assist bicycle that supplements the pedaling force of the user with the auxiliary driving force of the electric motor 45. That is, in the embodiment, the electric bicycle 2 includes a tire state detection system 1 and an electric motor 45 that adds an auxiliary driving force for assisting the running of the vehicle body 10. Note that the electric bicycle 2 may have independent human power driving that applies power to the wheels by pedaling force and auxiliary driving force that applies power to the wheels by the electric motor 45, and may also be a bicycle that can run (self-run) with only the electric motor 45.

[0017] For example, the electric bicycle 2 has an assist mode, a walking-pushing mode, and a self-running mode. The assist mode is a mode that assists the forward movement of the electric bicycle 2 based on the pedaling force of the user on the pedal 16. The walking-pushing mode is a mode that assists the forward movement of the electric bicycle 2 based on the force applied by the user to push the vehicle body 10 forward when the user pushes and walks the electric bicycle 2. The self-running mode is a mode that assists the forward movement of the electric bicycle 2 when the user walks while supporting the electric bicycle 2.

[0018] The electric bicycle 2 is composed of a vehicle body 10 equipped with a tire state detection system 1.

[0019] The vehicle body 10 has a frame 11, a front wheel 12, a rear wheel 13, a saddle 14, a handle 15, a pedal 16, a crank 17, a chain 19, a transmission, a sensor, a control device 40, a motor unit 44, a notification unit 50, an operation unit 61, a manual switch 62, and a battery 63.

[0020] The frame 11 is the framework of the electric bicycle 2. The frame 11 is made of a metal such as, for example, an aluminum alloy, iron, chromium molybdenum steel, steel, or titanium. Note that the frame 11 may be made of carbon, a synthetic resin, or the like.

[0021] The frame 11 has a front frame 11a and a rear frame 11b.

[0022] The front frame 11a constitutes the front portion of the frame 11. The front frame 11a has a head tube 11a1, a down tube 11a2, and a seat tube 11a3. The frame 11 may also have a suspension system.

[0023] The head tube 11a1 is connected to the front end of the front frame 11a. The front fork 11a4 and handlebars 15 are attached to the head tube 11a1 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the longitudinal direction of the head tube 11a1. The front wheel 12 is rotatably attached to the front fork 11a4. By turning the handlebars 15 left or right, the direction of the front wheel 12 supported by the front fork 11a4 can be rotated left or right. A headlight is also attached to the front fork 11a4. The front fork 11a4 may also have a suspension configuration.

[0024] The down tube 11a2 connects the head tube 11a1 and the seat tube 11a3. The down tube 11a2 is equipped with a battery 63, a motor unit 44, and a control device 40.

[0025] The seat tube 11a3 holds the saddle 14. The saddle 14 is mounted on the seat tube 11a3 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the seat tube 11a3. The lower end of the seat tube 11a3 is connected to the rear end of the down tube 11a2. The seat tube 11a3 is located between the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 13 in the front-rear direction. A battery 63 is detachably mounted on the seat tube 11a3.

[0026] The rear frame 11b is positioned further back than the front frame 11a and constitutes the rear portion of the frame 11. The rear wheel 13, a rear sprocket 71 which is linked to the axle of the rear wheel 13, and a rear seat 80 are attached to the rear frame 11b. A chain 19 is stretched between the rear sprocket 71 and the front sprocket 72. As a result, the rotational force of the front sprocket 72, which is rotated when the pedal 16 is pressed, is transmitted to the rear wheel 13 via the chain 19 and the rear sprocket 71. In this embodiment, the pedal 16, the front sprocket 72, the rear sprocket 71, and the chain 19 form a rear-wheel drive mechanism that relies on human power.

[0027] The front wheel 12 has a tire 12a for the vehicle body 10 to travel on. The front wheel 12 is the front wheel of two wheels arranged in the front-to-back direction. The front wheel 12 is supported by the front fork 11a4 so that it can rotate around an axis along the left-to-right direction. The front wheel 12 may also receive power from the motor unit 44, and for example, a motor may be provided to provide the driving force to rotate the front wheel 12.

[0028] The rear wheel 13 has a tire 13a for the vehicle body 10 to travel on. The rear wheel 13 is the rear wheel of two wheels arranged in the front-to-back direction. The rear wheel 13 is supported by a rear fork so that it can rotate around an axis along the left-to-right direction. The rear wheel 13 may also receive power from a motor unit 44, for example, a motor that provides the driving force to rotate the rear wheel 13 may be provided. The rear wheel 13 has a rear sprocket 71. The rear sprocket 71 is connected to a front sprocket 72 via a chain 19. In this embodiment, power output from the motor unit 44 is transmitted to the rear wheel 13.

[0029] The saddle 14 is the part where the user sits. The saddle 14 is movably mounted on the seat tube 11a3.

[0030] The handlebars 15 change the steering angle of the electric bicycle 2, for example, when a user operates the electric bicycle 2. A pair of grips and a pair of brake levers 81 are provided at both ends of the handlebars 15. The pair of grips are the parts that the user holds with their hands when riding in a proper posture. The pair of grips are also held with the hands when pushing or supporting the electric bicycle 2 while walking, and receive a forward pushing force. One brake lever 81 applies a mechanical braking force to the front wheel 12 by driving a front brake device (not shown). The other brake lever 81 applies a mechanical braking force to the rear wheel 13 by driving a rear brake device (not shown).

[0031] Furthermore, a grip sensor for detecting gripping or pressing force may be provided on at least one of the pair of grips. Furthermore, a steering angle sensor for measuring the steering angle of the handle 15 may be provided on the rotation axis provided at the center of the handle 15, and this steering angle sensor may detect the steering angle of the handle 15. Furthermore, a brake sensor may be provided on the brake lever 81, and this brake sensor may detect operation on the brake lever 81.

[0032] The pedal 16 is subjected to the user's pedaling force, for example, when the user rides the electric bicycle 2. The pedal 16 is attached to the end of each crank arm 17a in the longitudinal direction, on the side opposite to the crank shaft 17b. The pedal 16 is rotatably mounted to the crank arm 17a. The axis of rotation of the pedal 16 is approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the crank shaft 17b of the crank 17.

[0033] The crank 17 comprises a crank shaft 17b, a pair of crank arms 17a, and a front sprocket 72. One crank arm 17a is provided on each side of the front frame 11a and is fixed to both ends of the crank shaft 17b, which extends in the left-right direction. One end of the crank arm 17a is rotatably fixed to the crank shaft 17b, and the pedal 16 is rotatably fixed to the other end of the crank arm 17a. When pedaling force is applied to the pedal 16, the crank arm 17a rotates around the crank shaft 17b, and the human-powered driving force resulting from this rotation is transmitted to the rear wheel 13 via the front sprocket 72 and chain 19. When operating in assist mode, the human-powered driving force based on pedaling force and the auxiliary driving force from the electric motor 45 added to the human-powered driving force are transmitted to the rear wheel 13. The front sprocket 72 is attached to the crank shaft 17b of the crank arm 17a. When the pedal 16 is pressed down by the user, the front sprocket 72 rotates via the crank arm 17a and crank shaft 17b. The rotation of the front sprocket 72 causes the rear sprocket 71 to rotate via the chain 19, and the rear wheel 13 to rotate as well.

[0034] The chain 19 transmits the rotational force of the front sprocket 72, which is rotated when the pedal 16 is pressed down, and the auxiliary driving force output from the motor unit 44, to the rear sprocket 71. The chain 19 is a power transmission body such as a belt, shaft, wire, or gear.

[0035] The transmission is composed of well-known transmission mechanisms such as planetary gears and multi-stage gears, which have multiple drive force transmission paths with different gear ratios. The transmission can shift between, for example, a low gear, a medium gear, or a high gear by switching the drive force transmission paths. The transmission may be configured to switch the drive force transmission paths manually, or it may be configured to switch the drive force transmission paths electrically.

[0036] The sensors detect information related to the movement of the vehicle body 10. In this embodiment, multiple sensors are mounted on the electric bicycle 2. These multiple sensors include a first speed sensor 31, a second speed sensor 32, a torque sensor 33, and a gyro sensor 34, among others.

[0037] The first speed sensor 31 and the second speed sensor 32 both detect the speed at which the electric bicycle 2 is traveling (the speed of the electric bicycle 2) when the assist mode, push-walk mode, or self-propelled mode is being executed, and output information indicating the detected speed of the electric bicycle 2 to the control device 40. This information corresponds to speed information related to the speed of the vehicle body 10 (the speed of the electric bicycle 2).

[0038] The first speed sensor 31 is, for example, a wheel sensor that detects the speed of the electric bicycle 2 from the rotation of the front wheel 12 or the rear wheel 13. The second speed sensor 32 is a speed sensor that detects the speed of the electric bicycle 2 using a positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0039] The first speed sensor 31 is, for example, installed at the lower end of the front fork 11a4 and positioned in a location where speed can be easily measured. When installed on the front fork 11a4, it can suitably detect the rotational speed of the front wheel 12. Also, when the first speed sensor 31 is attached to the rear of the frame 11, it can suitably detect the rotational speed of the rear wheel 13. The detection target of the first speed sensor 31 can be at least one of the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 13.

[0040] The torque sensor 33 detects the human-powered driving force based on the force applied to the pedal 16. In other words, the torque sensor 33 detects the human-powered driving force generated by the rotation of the crankshaft 17b based on the force applied to the pedal 16. The torque sensor 33 is a magnetostrictive sensor having a coil and a magnetostrictive generating part. For example, when force is applied to the pedal 16 and a human-powered driving force is generated, strain occurs in the magnetostrictive generating part. In the magnetostrictive generating part, there are parts where the magnetic permeability increases and parts where it decreases. The torque sensor 33 detects the human-powered driving force by detecting the difference in inductance of this coil. The torque sensor 33 outputs information indicating the detected human-powered driving force to the control device 40. The configuration of the torque sensor 33 is not particularly limited, and any configuration is acceptable as long as it can detect the human-powered driving force applied to the pedal 16. The torque sensor 33 is placed, for example, near the crankshaft 17b.

[0041] The gyro sensor 34 is a 6-axis sensor that detects the tilting speed (angular velocity) of the body 10 of the electric bicycle 2. The gyro sensor 34 detects the acceleration in each of the three axes orthogonal to the center of the electric bicycle 2, and the angular velocity around the three axes. The gyro sensor 34 detects the acceleration in each of the three axes and detects the angular velocity (roll, yaw, and pitch) around the three axes. The gyro sensor 34 outputs information indicating the detected angular velocity and information indicating the acceleration to the control device 40. The gyro sensor 34 is attached, for example, to the down tube 11a2. The three orthogonal axes can be represented, for example, as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, with the X-axis being defined as the front-to-back direction, the Y-axis as the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis as the up-and-down direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, a first speed sensor 31, a second speed sensor 32, a torque sensor 33, and a gyro sensor 34 are given as examples of sensors that the electric bicycle 2 may have, but the invention is not limited to these.

[0043] For example, the electric bicycle 2 may further include a tilt sensor that detects the tilt of the electric bicycle 2 with respect to a horizontal plane. The tilt sensor may output information indicating the detected tilt angle to the control device 40.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the electric bicycle 2 may also be equipped with a battery state detection sensor that detects the state of the battery 63, such as the charge rate, discharge performance, or remaining capacity of the battery 63. The battery state detection sensor may output information indicating the detected state of the battery 63 to the control device 40.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, the electric bicycle 2 may have a vibration sensor that detects vibrations of the vehicle body 10. The vibration sensor may output information indicating the magnitude (frequency) of the vibration to the control device 40.

[0046] Furthermore, for example, the electric bicycle 2 may have an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the moving vehicle body 10. The acceleration sensor may output information indicating the acceleration of the vehicle body 10 to the control device 40.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, the electric bicycle 2 may have a sound sensor that detects sounds generated from the vehicle body 10 and the motor unit 44, etc. The sounds are, for example, sounds emitted from the front sprocket 72 and rear sprocket 71, the chain 19, the brake system, etc. If there is a problem with the front sprocket 72 and rear sprocket 71, the chain 19, the brake system, the tires 12a, 13a, and the transmission, etc., an abnormal sound will be generated that is different from the normal state. The sound sensor may output information indicating the sound, such as sound quality and volume, to the control device 40.

[0048] Furthermore, the electric bicycle 2 may have a motor rotation sensor that detects the number of rotations per unit time of the electric motor 45. The motor rotation sensor may be a Hall IC sensor or the like, and may output information indicating the number of rotations per unit time of the electric motor 45 to the control device 40. Based on the information indicating the number of rotations per unit time of the electric motor 45, the speed of the electric bicycle 2, the driving force of the electric motor 45, etc. may be calculated.

[0049] The motor unit 44 outputs auxiliary driving force, adding auxiliary power to the pedaling force which is the human power driving force, and transmits it to the rear wheel 13 via the chain 19.

[0050] The motor unit 44 has an electric motor 45. The motor unit 44 is a unit in which the electric motor 45 and the control device 40 are housed in a resin or metal housing. A torque sensor 33 and the like are provided inside the housing. The motor unit 44 is attached to the vehicle body 10.

[0051] The electric motor 45 adds auxiliary driving force to assist the movement of the vehicle body 10. The electric motor 45 is powered by electricity from the battery 63 based on control by the control device 40. The electric motor 45 rotates the rear wheel 13 by transmitting rotational torque as auxiliary driving force to the rear sprocket 71 via the chain 19. The rotational torque is auxiliary driving force, which is the driving force of the electric motor 45 added to the human driving force, and auxiliary driving force, which is the auxiliary force applied to the force used to push or support the electric bicycle 2. When the assist mode is running, the electric motor 45 adds auxiliary driving force to the human driving force based on the force applied to the pedals 16. Also, when the push-walk mode is running, the electric motor 45 adds auxiliary driving force to the force used to push the electric bicycle 2. Also, when the self-propelled mode is running, the electric motor 45 adds auxiliary driving force that allows the electric bicycle 2 to move on its own while being supported by the user.

[0052] The control device 40 is implemented, for example, by a microcontroller, and consists of a non-volatile memory where the program is stored, a volatile memory (storage unit) which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, input / output ports, a processor that executes the program, etc. The control device 40 may also be implemented by a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0053] The control device 40 is electrically connected to the electric motor 45, the first speed sensor 31, the second speed sensor 32, the torque sensor 33, the gyro sensor 34, the control unit 61, the manual switch 62, the battery 63, and the headlights. The control device 40 receives the operation signals from the control unit 61 and the manual switch 62, as well as information indicating the detection results from each sensor.

[0054] The control device 40 drives the electric motor 45 according to the operating mode of the electric bicycle 2. Specifically, the control device 40 switches between assist mode and push-walk mode or self-propelled mode to execute each mode. Assist mode is executed when the user is riding the electric bicycle 2 after the manual switch 62 has been pressed and the power has been turned on. When executing assist mode, the control device 40 determines the magnitude of the auxiliary driving force generated by the electric motor 45 based on the force applied to the pedals 16 and the speed of the electric bicycle 2. Push-walk mode is executed when the user is not riding the electric bicycle 2, the power has been turned on by pressing the manual switch 62, and the user is pushing the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 2. Self-propelled mode is executed when the user is not riding the electric bicycle 2 and is walking while supporting the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 2, similar to the push-walk mode. In self-propelled mode, the user is not applying any force to push the frame 10 forward. Furthermore, when the push-walk mode is executed, the control device 40 determines the magnitude of the auxiliary driving force generated by the electric motor 45 based on the force used to push the electric bicycle 2 and the speed of the electric bicycle 2. Also, when the self-propelled mode is executed, the control device 40 determines a predetermined magnitude of the auxiliary driving force generated by the electric motor 45.

[0055] Furthermore, the control device 40 supplies power from the battery 63 to the electric motor 45 and the headlights, etc.

[0056] In this embodiment, the control device 40 is housed inside the casing of the motor unit 44, but it is not limited to this. The control device 40 may be provided separately from the motor unit 44.

[0057] The notification unit 50 is a communication module capable of wireless or wired communication with an external device 9. The notification unit 50 notifies the external device 9 of the status information output by the output unit 43, which will be described later. Here, the external device 9 is a device located outside the tire status detection system 1. The external device 9 may include, for example, an information terminal 91 or a server device 92 (see Figure 4), which will be described later. The information terminal 91 is a device owned by the user riding the electric bicycle 2, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. For example, if the information terminal 91 is a smartphone, the user can check the status information via the smartphone. In this embodiment, the notification unit 50 is included as a component of the tire status detection system 1.

[0058] The operating unit 61 is provided, for example, near one of a pair of brake levers 81. The operating unit 61 is a terminal device such as a cycle computer equipped with a light switch (not shown) for turning on the headlights. The operating unit 61 has buttons or the like to accept user input. The buttons are touch panel displays or mechanical buttons.

[0059] The operation unit 61 has a notification unit 61a that notifies the area around the vehicle body 10 of the status information output by the output unit 43, which will be described later. For example, the notification unit 61a is a display unit that displays the status information. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The notification unit 61a may also be an acoustic unit such as an electronic bell that notifies the area around the vehicle body 10 of the status information by sound. The acoustic unit may be a speaker that outputs sound. The notification unit 61a may also be a vibration unit that notifies the user of the status information by vibration. The vibration unit may be a vibration generating device that has a vibration generation function (vibration function) to transmit vibration to the user by vibrating the operation unit 61. The vibration generating device may be a vibration motor that generates vibration. The notification unit 61a may also be a light source unit that notifies the user of the status information by light. The light source unit may be an LED module that emits single-color or multi-color light.

[0060] Thus, the display unit, sound unit, vibration unit, and light source unit are examples of the notification unit 61a. The operation unit 61 has at least one of the display unit, sound unit, vibration unit, and light source unit as the notification unit 61a. In this embodiment, the notification unit 61a is included as a component of the tire condition detection system 1.

[0061] The manual switch 62 is a mechanical switch that accepts a push-walk operation or a self-propelled operation to activate either the push-walk mode or the self-propelled mode. While the manual switch 62 is pressed by the user, the operating unit 61 continuously outputs a mode-on signal to the control device 40 to activate either the push-walk mode or the self-propelled mode. On the other hand, while the manual switch 62 is not pressed, the operating unit 61 does not output a mode-on signal to the control device 40.

[0062] Furthermore, if the manual switch 62 is pressed once, the push-walk mode or self-propelled mode may be activated even if the manual switch 62 is not held down afterward. If the manual switch 62 is pressed again while the push-walk mode or self-propelled mode is running, the push-walk mode or self-propelled mode may be stopped.

[0063] Battery 63 is a storage battery that stores power for driving the electric motor 45. Battery 63 is, for example, a secondary battery, but it may also be a capacitor or the like. Battery 63 is electrically connected to the electric motor 45. Specifically, battery 63 supplies power to the electric motor 45.

[0064] [Tire condition detection system] Next, the tire condition detection system 1 will be described. The tire condition detection system 1 includes an acquisition unit 41, a detection unit 42, an output unit 43, a notification unit 50, and a notification unit 61a. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 41, the detection unit 42, and the output unit 43 are all implemented as functions of the control device 40. Note that the tire condition detection system 1 only needs to include at least the acquisition unit 41, the detection unit 42, and the output unit 43, and the notification unit 50 and the notification unit 61a do not need to be included as components of the tire condition detection system 1.

[0065] The acquisition unit 41 acquires speed information relating to the travel speed of the vehicle body 10. The speed information may include not only the travel speed of the vehicle body 10, but also the acceleration of the vehicle body 10 while it is traveling. Furthermore, the speed information may include information relating to the speed of a part of the vehicle body 10 (for example, the wheels), rather than the entire vehicle body 10. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 41 acquires a first detection result from a first speed sensor 31 that detects the speed of the wheels (front wheels 12 or rear wheels 13) of the vehicle body 10, and a second detection result from a second speed sensor 32 that detects the speed of the vehicle body 10 using a positioning system (in this case, GPS), as speed information.

[0066] The detection unit 42 detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a of the vehicle body 10 based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit 41. Here, the detection unit 42 may individually detect the air pressure of the front wheel 12a and the rear wheel 13a, or it may detect the air pressure of only one of them. Alternatively, the detection unit 42 may not distinguish between the front wheel 12a and the rear wheel 13a, and may use the detection result as a representative value for the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a. Furthermore, "detecting the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a" as used herein may include estimating the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a.

[0067] In this embodiment, the detection unit 42 detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on a comparison between the first detection result of the first speed sensor 31 and the second detection result of the second speed sensor 32. For example, the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a when the difference between the speed of the vehicle body 10 based on the wheel rotation speed detected by the first speed sensor 31 and the speed of the vehicle body 10 detected by the second speed sensor 32 is zero is assumed to be the reference air pressure. In this case, if the speed of the vehicle body 10 detected by the first speed sensor 31 is higher than the speed of the vehicle body 10 detected by the second speed sensor 32, the detection unit 42 detects that the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is lower than the reference air pressure according to that difference. On the other hand, if the speed of the vehicle body 10 detected by the first speed sensor 31 is lower than the speed of the vehicle body 10 detected by the second speed sensor 32, the detection unit 42 detects that the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is higher than the reference air pressure according to the difference.

[0068] The output unit 43 outputs status information regarding the state of the tires 12a and 13a based on the change in air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42. Here, the output unit 43 may output status information for the front wheel 12a tire 12a and the rear wheel 13a tire 13a individually, or it may output status information for only one of them. Alternatively, the output unit 43 may output status information without distinguishing between the front wheel 12a tire 12a and the rear wheel 13a tire 13a. The status information output by the output unit 43 may be notified to an external device 9 by the notification unit 50, or it may be notified around the vehicle body 10 by the notification unit 61a.

[0069] The following lists examples of the content of the status information output by the output unit 43 and the timing of outputting the status information. The output unit 43 does not have to output the status information according to all of the examples listed below; it is sufficient to output the status information according to at least one of the examples listed below.

[0070] In the first example, the output unit 43 outputs the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 as status information. In other words, in the first example, the output unit 43 outputs the change in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a in real time. In this case, the output unit 43 may also output the rate of change in the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a as status information. The rate of change in the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a can be calculated, for example, from the history of the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42.

[0071] In the second example, the output unit 43 compares the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 with a threshold. The threshold is not a single value and may have a certain range. If the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 is above the threshold, the output unit 43 outputs status information indicating that tires 12a and 13a are normal, in other words, that the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a is appropriate. On the other hand, if the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 is below the threshold, or is estimated to be below the threshold, the output unit 43 outputs status information indicating that tires 12a and 13a are abnormal, in other words, that the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a is not appropriate.

[0072] Furthermore, the output unit 43 may output status information indicating that tires 12a and 13a are abnormal, or in other words, that the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a is not appropriate, if the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 exceeds a threshold, or is estimated to exceed a threshold.

[0073] Here, the output unit 43 can estimate whether the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a will fall below a threshold after a predetermined time, based on the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 and the rate of change of the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a. The predetermined time is, for example, several minutes, several tens of minutes, or several hours.

[0074] Thus, the output unit 43 can output not only the current state of the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a, but also the future state of the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a as status information in real time.

[0075] In the third example, the output unit 43 outputs status information if, at the time the first input is made before the user gets into the vehicle body 10, the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 is below a threshold, or is estimated to be below a threshold. In this case, the output unit 43 outputs status information if the above conditions are met, for example, when the manual switch 62 is pressed as the first input and the power is turned on. In this case, the output unit 43 also determines whether the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is below a threshold by comparing the latest air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a stored in memory at the time the power is turned on with the threshold. In this case, the output unit 43 also estimates whether the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a will fall below a threshold after a predetermined time by further referring to the distance traveled by the vehicle body 10 during the most recent few rides and the amount of decrease in the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a during the most recent few rides.

[0076] Furthermore, even if the above conditions are met when the manual switch 62 is pressed and the power is turned on, the output unit 43 does not need to output status information if it has acquired information indicating that the tires 12a and 13a have been refilled with air before that point in time. This is because, in this case, there is a high probability that the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is above the threshold at that point in time.

[0077] In the fourth example, the output unit 43 outputs status information if the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a falls below a threshold, or is estimated to fall below a threshold, while the user is riding in the vehicle body 10. In this case, the output unit 43 outputs status information if the above conditions are met, for example, while the electric motor 45 is running. In this case, the output unit 43 also determines whether the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is below a threshold, and estimates whether the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a will fall below a threshold after a predetermined time, by performing the same processing as in the second example.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 43 may immediately output status information when the above conditions are met. In this case, the user can quickly grasp the decrease in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 43 may output status information when the above conditions are met and the speed of the electric bicycle 2 becomes less than the first specified speed. In this case, since the speed of the electric bicycle 2 is relatively low, even if the user is distracted by the output of status information, it is unlikely to affect their driving.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 43 may output status information when the above conditions are met and the speed of the electric bicycle 2 becomes greater than the second specified speed (> first specified speed). In this case, it is easier to prevent the increased danger caused by increasing the speed of the electric bicycle 2 while the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is low.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 43 may output status information when the above conditions are met and a temporary stop of the electric bicycle 2 is detected from the torque sensor 33 or the crank angle sensor. In this case, since the electric bicycle 2 is temporarily stopped, it is unlikely that the user will be distracted by the output of status information and that it will affect their driving.

[0082] In the fifth example, the output unit 43 outputs status information if the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a is below a threshold, or is estimated to be below a threshold, at the time the second input is made when the user disembarks from the vehicle body 10. In this case, the output unit 43 outputs status information if the above conditions are met, for example, when the manual switch 62 is pressed as the second input and the power is turned off. In this case, the output unit 43 determines whether the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a is below a threshold by comparing the latest air pressure of tires 12a and 13a stored in memory at the time the power is turned off with the threshold. In this case, the output unit 43 further estimates whether the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a will be below a threshold at the time of the next ride by referring to the distance traveled by the vehicle body 10 during the most recent rides and the amount of decrease in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a during the most recent rides.

[0083] In the sixth example, the output unit 43 outputs status information indicating that a slow puncture has occurred in the tires 12a and 13a if the decrease in air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a over time, as detected by the detection unit 42, follows a predetermined pattern. Here, "slow puncture" refers to a state in which air is gradually leaking from the tires 12a and 13a, but the vehicle body 10 is still drivable.

[0084] Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the change in air pressure over time of tires 12a and 13a according to the embodiment. In Figure 3, the vertical axis represents the air pressure ratio of tires 12a and 13a, with the proper air pressure of tires 12a and 13a being set to 1, and the horizontal axis represents time. In Figure 3, the solid line A1 represents the change in air pressure over time when tires 12a and 13a are normal, the dashed line A2 represents the change over time when a slow puncture occurs in tires 12a and 13a, and the dotted line A3 represents the change over time when a puncture occurs in tires 12a and 13a. Here, "puncture" refers to a state in which a large amount of air is leaking from tires 12a and 13a, making it impossible for the vehicle body 10 to drive.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, when a slow puncture occurs in tires 12a and 13a, the rate at which the air pressure in tires 12a and 13a decreases is greater than when tires 12a and 13a are normal, and smaller than when tires 12a and 13a have a puncture.

[0086] The output unit 43 determines that a slow puncture has occurred in tires 12a and 13a if the decrease in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a over time matches a predetermined pattern as shown by the dashed line A2 in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the predetermined pattern refers to a pattern in which the decrease in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a follows a predetermined gradient. The predetermined gradient may be a single value or a value within a certain range. The predetermined pattern may also be a pattern that exhibits a predetermined change, such as a nonlinear change in the time-series air pressure of tires 12a and 13a. Furthermore, "matching" here does not have to be a perfect match, and a certain degree of error is acceptable. In addition, the predetermined pattern is not limited to one pattern, but may be multiple patterns.

[0087] In the seventh example, the output unit 43 outputs information indicating that rim overheating is occurring as status information if the increase in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 exceeds a predetermined value while the brakes are applied to the vehicle body 10. Here, "rim overheating" refers to the excessive heating of the rim due to friction between the rim of the wheel (front wheel 12 or rear wheel 13) and the brake pad. Since rim overheating can cause the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a to rise, rim overheating can be said to indirectly indicate the condition of tires 12a and 13a. Whether or not the brakes are applied to the vehicle body 10 can be detected, for example, based on the decrease in the rotational speed of the wheels of the vehicle body 10 per unit time detected by the first speed sensor 31.

[0088] The output unit 43 compares the increase in air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 with a predetermined value while the brakes are applied to the vehicle body 10. If the increase in air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a exceeds the predetermined value, the output unit 43 determines that rim overheating is occurring.

[0089] [Vehicle sharing system] Next, the vehicle sharing system 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the vehicle sharing system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle sharing system 100 allows a service provider to lend vehicles to users who wish to use them. The vehicle sharing system 100 manages the vehicle's condition, specifications, vehicle type, and product number. When lending a vehicle to a user, the vehicle sharing system 100 also manages the start time of use, end time of use, start location, and user identification information. In this embodiment, the vehicle sharing system 100 lends out electric bicycles 2.

[0091] The vehicle sharing system 100 includes a server device 92 as an external device 9. The server device 92 is a server managed by a servicer that owns multiple electric bicycles 2, and is a device located outside the tire condition detection system 1. The server device 92 manages the condition of the tires 12a and 13a of the vehicle body 10 for each electric bicycle 2 by collecting condition information output from the tire condition detection system 1. For each electric bicycle 2, the server device 92 outputs the condition of the tires 12a and 13a of the vehicle body 10 to a notification device such as a monitor for the servicer. This makes it possible for the servicer to know when to perform maintenance such as repair or adjustment of the electric bicycle 2 according to the condition of the tires 12a and 13a of the vehicle body 10 of the electric bicycle 2.

[0092] <Operation> The operation examples of the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the first operation example of the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment. The first operation example corresponds to the second or fourth example of the output unit 43 described above. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the second operation example of the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment. The second operation example corresponds to the sixth example of the output unit 43 described above. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the third operation example of the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment. The third operation example corresponds to the seventh example of the output unit 43 described above.

[0093] [Example of first action] In the first operational example, the acquisition unit 41 of the tire condition detection system 1 acquires speed information related to the driving speed of the vehicle body 10 (S11). Here, the acquisition unit 41 periodically acquires the detection results of the first speed sensor 31 and the detection results of the second speed sensor 32.

[0094] Next, the detection unit 42 of the tire condition detection system 1 detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit 41 (S12). Here, the detection unit 42 detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on a comparison of the detection result of the first speed sensor 31 and the detection result of the second speed sensor 32.

[0095] Then, the output unit 43 of the tire condition detection system 1 compares the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 with a threshold (S13). If the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a is above the threshold (S13: Yes), the output unit 43 outputs status information indicating that tires 12a and 13a are normal (S14). On the other hand, if the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a is below the threshold, or is estimated to be below the threshold (S13: No), the output unit 43 outputs status information indicating that tires 12a and 13a are abnormal (S15). The above steps S11 to S15 are repeated while the user is riding in the vehicle 10.

[0096] In the first example of operation, the output unit 43 outputs status information in both cases where the condition of the tires 12a and 13a is normal and when it is abnormal, but this is not limited to this. For example, the output unit 43 may output status information only when the condition of the tires 12a and 13a is abnormal.

[0097] [Example of second action] In the second operation example, similar to the first operation example, the acquisition unit 41 of the tire condition detection system 1 acquires speed information related to the driving speed of the vehicle body 10 (S21). Next, the detection unit 42 of the tire condition detection system 1 detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit 41 (S22).

[0098] In the second operation example, the output unit 43 of the tire condition detection system 1 determines whether the decrease in the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 over time matches a predetermined pattern (in this case, a predetermined gradient) (S23). If the decrease in the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a over time matches the predetermined gradient (S23: Yes), the output unit 43 outputs information indicating that a slow puncture has occurred in tires 12a and 13a as condition information (S24). On the other hand, if the decrease in the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a over time does not match the predetermined gradient (S23: No) and is greater than the predetermined gradient (S25: Yes), the output unit 43 outputs information indicating that a puncture has occurred in tires 12a and 13a as condition information (S26). Furthermore, if the decrease in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a over time is less than a predetermined gradient (S25: No), the output unit 43 outputs status information indicating that tires 12a and 13a are normal (S27). The above steps S21 to S27 are repeated while the user is riding in the vehicle 10.

[0099] In the second example of operation, the output unit 43 outputs status information in all cases: when the tires 12a and 13a are normal, when a slow puncture occurs, and when a puncture occurs, but it is not limited to these cases. For example, the output unit 43 may output status information only when a slow puncture occurs in the tires 12a and 13a.

[0100] [Example of the third action] In the third operation example, similar to the first and second operation examples, the acquisition unit 41 of the tire condition detection system 1 acquires speed information related to the driving speed of the vehicle body 10 (S31). Next, the detection unit 42 of the tire condition detection system 1 detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit 41 (S32).

[0101] The output unit 43 of the tire condition detection system then determines whether the increase in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 while the brakes are applied to the vehicle body 10 exceeds a predetermined value (S33). If the increase in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a exceeds a predetermined value (S33: Yes), the output unit 43 outputs information indicating that the rim is overheating as condition information (S34). On the other hand, if the increase in air pressure of tires 12a and 13a does not exceed a predetermined value (S33: No), the output unit 43 outputs condition information indicating that tires 12a and 13a are normal (S35). The above steps S31 to S35 are repeated while the user is riding in the vehicle body 10.

[0102] In the third example of operation, the output unit 43 outputs status information in both cases: when the tires 12a and 13a are normal and when the rim is overheating. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the output unit 43 may output status information only when the rim is overheating.

[0103] [Effects and Effects] The following describes the operation and effects of the tire condition detection system 1, electric bicycle 2, tire condition detection method, and program in the embodiment.

[0104] As described above, the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment comprises an acquisition unit 41, a detection unit 42, and an output unit 43. The acquisition unit 41 acquires speed information related to the driving speed of the vehicle body 10. The detection unit 42 detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a of the vehicle body 10 based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit 41. The output unit 43 outputs condition information related to the state of the tires 12a and 13a based on the change in air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42.

[0105] According to this, if the vehicle body 10 is equipped with a sensor capable of detecting speed information, the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a can be detected in real time. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a device to detect the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a while the vehicle body 10 is stationary, or to mount sensors on the vehicle body 10 to directly detect the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a. In addition, because status information regarding the condition of the tires 12a and 13a based on changes in their air pressure is output, a user riding in the vehicle body 10 can, for example, determine whether or not there is a problem with the tires 12a and 13a. Thus, there is an advantage in that the condition of the tires 12a and 13a equipped on the vehicle body 10 can be easily understood.

[0106] Furthermore, the electric bicycle 2 according to this embodiment includes a tire condition detection system 1 and an electric motor 45 that adds auxiliary driving force to assist the movement of the vehicle body 10.

[0107] In this electric bicycle 2, the same effects and advantages as the tire condition detection system 1 described above are achieved. In particular, in the electric bicycle 2, even if the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a decreases, the electric motor 45 adds auxiliary driving force, making it difficult for the user riding the vehicle 10 to notice abnormalities in the tires 12a and 13a, such as a decrease in air pressure. However, by checking the condition information, the user becomes more likely to notice abnormalities in the tires 12a and 13a.

[0108] Furthermore, the tire condition detection method according to the embodiment includes acquiring speed information relating to the driving speed of the vehicle body 10, detecting the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a of the vehicle body 10 based on the acquired speed information, and outputting condition information relating to the state of the tires 12a and 13a based on the detected change in the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a.

[0109] This tire condition detection method also produces the same effects as the tire condition detection system 1 described above.

[0110] Furthermore, the program according to the embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the tire condition detection method described above.

[0111] This program also produces the same effects as the tire condition detection system 1 described above.

[0112] Furthermore, in the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment, the acquisition unit 41 acquires a first detection result from a first speed sensor 31 that detects the speed of the wheels of the vehicle body 10, and a second detection result from a second speed sensor 32 that detects the speed of the vehicle body 10 using a positioning system, as speed information. The detection unit 42 then detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on a comparison of the first detection result and the second detection result.

[0113] This has the advantage of being able to detect the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a in real time while the vehicle 10 is in motion.

[0114] Furthermore, in the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment, the output unit 43 outputs information indicating that a slow puncture has occurred in the tires 12a and 13a as condition information if the decrease in the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 over time follows a predetermined pattern.

[0115] According to this, for example, a user riding in vehicle 10 will be able to more easily recognize that a slow puncture has occurred, which is usually difficult to notice, and will be able to take measures such as replacing tires 12a and 13a more easily.

[0116] Furthermore, in the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment, the output unit 43 outputs information indicating that rim overheating is occurring as condition information when the amount of increase in the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 exceeds a predetermined value while the brakes are applied to the vehicle body 10.

[0117] According to this, for example, a user riding the vehicle 10 will be able to more easily recognize that the rim is overheating, which is usually difficult to notice. This will make it easier to take measures such as adjusting the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a, or adjusting how the brakes on the front wheel 12 and rear wheel 13 are applied, thereby making it easier to prevent tire bursts.

[0118] Furthermore, in the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment, if the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a detected by the detection unit 42 at the time the first input is made before the user gets into the vehicle body 10 is below a threshold, or is estimated to be below a threshold, the output unit 43 outputs that fact as condition information.

[0119] According to this, for example, the user can detect a decrease in the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a before getting into the vehicle 10, making it easier to take measures such as replenishing the air in the tires 12a and 13a before getting into the vehicle 10, thus making it easier to prevent a loss of comfort while riding.

[0120] Furthermore, in the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment, the output unit 43 outputs status information if the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a falls below a threshold, or is estimated to fall below a threshold, while the user is riding in the vehicle body 10.

[0121] According to this, for example, users can become aware of the decrease in air pressure in tires 12a and 13a, making it easier to take measures such as getting off the vehicle to replenish the air in tires 12a and 13a, thus preventing a loss of comfort while riding.

[0122] Furthermore, in the tire condition detection system 1 according to the embodiment, the output unit 43 outputs status information if the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is below a threshold, or is estimated to be below a threshold, at the time the second input is made when the user gets out of the vehicle body 10.

[0123] According to this, for example, users can be aware of the decrease in air pressure in tires 12a and 13a, making it easier to take measures such as refilling the air in tires 12a and 13a when getting off the vehicle, thus making it easier to prevent a loss of comfort the next time you ride.

[0124] Furthermore, the tire condition detection system 1 according to this embodiment includes a notification unit 50 that notifies an external device 9 of the condition information output by the output unit 43.

[0125] According to this, since the external device 9 can acquire status information, there is an advantage that the person operating the external device 9 (for example, a servicer) can understand the status of the tires 12a and 13a of the vehicle body 10. For this reason, if there is an abnormality in the tires 12a and 13a, such as when the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is low, the servicer can take action to improve the condition of the vehicle body 10, such as repairing or adjusting the electric bicycle 2. In addition, since the servicer can understand when such maintenance should be performed, they do not have to check the condition of the vehicle body 10 every time.

[0126] Furthermore, the tire condition detection system 1 according to this embodiment includes a notification unit 61a that notifies the area around the vehicle body 10 of the condition information output by the output unit 43.

[0127] This has the advantage of being able to inform the user riding in the vehicle 10 of the condition of the tires 12a and 13a. As a result, the user can understand whether the condition of the tires 12a and 13a is normal or abnormal. If the condition of the tires 12a and 13a is abnormal, the user can easily perform maintenance such as refilling the tires 12a and 13a with air or requesting the service provider to repair or adjust the vehicle 10.

[0128] (Other variations, etc.) Although the present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0129] For example, in the above embodiment, the threshold used for comparison with the air pressure of tires 12a and 13a may differ depending on the type of vehicle 10. For example, if the threshold for vehicle 10 being a commuter bicycle is used as the reference value, the threshold may be lower than the reference value if vehicle 10 is a mountain bike. Also, if vehicle 10 is a road bike, the threshold may be higher than the reference value. Furthermore, if vehicle 10 is a bicycle intended to carry relatively heavy luggage or children, the threshold may be higher than the reference value.

[0130] Furthermore, the threshold is not limited to a pre-set fixed value, but may be set as appropriate by the user, for example. For example, the user may freely change the threshold by running the application for the tire condition detection system 1 installed on the information terminal 91.

[0131] For example, in the above embodiment, the detection unit 42 detects the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on a comparison of the first detection result of the first speed sensor 31 and the second detection result of the second speed sensor 32, but is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 42 may detect the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on the acceleration in the Z-axis direction of the wheel (front wheel 12 or rear wheel 13), in other words, the vertical vibration. That is, the vertical vibration of the wheel depends on the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a, and tends to increase when the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a is high and decrease when it is low. Therefore, the detection unit 42 can detect the air pressure of the tires 12a and 13a based on the acceleration in the Z-axis direction of the wheel. In this case, the acquisition unit 41 can acquire the acceleration in the Z-axis direction of the wheel from, for example, a gyro sensor provided on the wheel.

[0132] For example, in the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 41, detection unit 42, and output unit 43 of the tire condition detection system 1 are mounted on the control device 40 of the electric bicycle 2, but this is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition unit 41, detection unit 42, and output unit 43 may be mounted in a location other than the control device 40 in the electric bicycle 2. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 41, detection unit 42, and output unit 43 may be mounted on an information terminal 91 or a server device 92. In this case, the output unit 43 can also function as a notification unit 50, and a notification unit 50 is not required in the electric bicycle 2. In this case, the information terminal 91 or server device 92 can send and receive information with the electric bicycle 2 by performing wireless communication with the electric bicycle 2.

[0133] Furthermore, each processing unit used in the tire condition detection system 1 and the electric bicycle 2 according to the above embodiments is typically implemented as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0134] Furthermore, integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be achieved using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors, which allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used.

[0135] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0136] Furthermore, all figures used above are illustrative to illustrate the present disclosure, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the figures exemplified.

[0137] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0138] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0139] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1. Tire condition detection system 2 Electric bicycles 9 External device 10 car bodies 12 Front wheels 13 Rear wheel (wheel) 12a, 13a tires 31. First speed sensor 32. Second speed sensor 41 Acquisition Department 42 Detection unit 43 Output section 45 Electric motor 50 Notification Department 61a News Department

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires speed information related to the vehicle's speed, Based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit, a detection unit detects the air pressure of the vehicle's tires, Based on the change in tire pressure detected by the detection unit, an output unit outputs status information regarding the state of the tire. The system includes a notification unit that notifies the status information output by the output unit, The output unit outputs the following status information when the tire pressure falls below a threshold, or is estimated to fall below a threshold, and when the vehicle speed falls below a specified speed: The notification unit is a display unit that displays the status information and is located in an operation unit that accepts user operations, and the operation unit is located on either end of the steering wheel of the vehicle body. Tire condition detection system.

2. The output unit outputs the status information when it detects that the vehicle body has stopped. The tire condition detection system according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires a first detection result from a first speed sensor that detects the speed of the wheels of the vehicle body, and a second detection result from a second speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle body, as the speed information. The detection unit detects the tire pressure based on a comparison of the first detection result and the second detection result. The tire condition detection system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An acquisition unit that acquires speed information relating to the vehicle's speed, Based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit, a detection unit detects the air pressure of the vehicle's tires, Based on the tire pressure detected by the detection unit and the rate of change of said tire pressure, the output unit estimates whether the tire pressure will fall below a threshold after a predetermined time, and if it is estimated that it will fall below the threshold, outputs that fact as status information regarding the state of the tire. The system includes a notification unit that notifies the status information output by the output unit, The output unit outputs the status information when the vehicle's speed falls below the specified speed. The notification unit is a display unit that displays the status information and is located in an operation unit that accepts user operations, and the operation unit is located on either end of the steering wheel of the vehicle body. Tire condition detection system.

5. An acquisition unit that acquires speed information relating to the vehicle's travel speed, Based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit, a detection unit detects the air pressure of the vehicle's tires, The system includes an output unit that outputs status information regarding the state of the tire based on the change in tire pressure detected by the detection unit, The output unit outputs information indicating that a slow puncture has occurred in the tire, as status information, when the decrease in the tire's air pressure over time, as detected by the detection unit, follows a predetermined pattern. Tire condition detection system.

6. An acquisition unit that acquires speed information relating to the vehicle's speed, Based on the speed information acquired by the acquisition unit, a detection unit detects the air pressure of the vehicle's tires, The system includes an output unit that outputs status information regarding the state of the tire based on the change in tire pressure detected by the detection unit, The output unit outputs information indicating that rim overheating is occurring as status information when the increase in tire pressure detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined value while the brakes are applied to the vehicle body. Tire condition detection system.

7. The output unit outputs, as status information, a statement indicating that the tire pressure detected by the detection unit is below a threshold, or is estimated to be below a threshold, at the time the first input is made before the user boards the vehicle. The tire condition detection system according to claim 1 or 4.

8. The output unit outputs the status information if, at the time the second input is made when the user disembarks from the vehicle, the tire pressure is below a threshold, or is estimated to be below the threshold. The tire condition detection system according to claim 1, 4, or 7.

9. The system further includes a notification unit that notifies an external device of the status information output by the output unit. A tire condition detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A tire condition detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7, and 8, The vehicle comprises an electric motor that applies driving force to the vehicle body and a control device that controls the electric motor, The operating unit is connected to the control device. Electric bicycle.

11. To obtain speed information regarding the vehicle's speed, Based on the acquired speed information, the air pressure of the vehicle's tires is detected, This includes outputting and reporting status information regarding the condition of the tire based on the detected change in tire pressure, The aforementioned output is performed when the tire pressure falls below a threshold, or is estimated to fall below a threshold, and the vehicle speed becomes less than the specified speed, with the state information indicating this fact. The notification is made by a display unit located on one end of the steering wheel of the vehicle body. Tire condition detection method.

12. One or more processors, The tire condition detection method described in claim 11 is executed. program.

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