Vehicle, input device, vehicle control method, control method for input device, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To control a motor so as to match a target exercise intensity of a rider without the rider wearing a heart rate detection sensor or the like. [Solution] In the present invention, a vehicle in which a drive wheel is driven by power input by a rider and power input from a motor comprises: a torque sensor that detects the torque of the power input by the rider; an input speed sensor that detects the input speed of the power input by the rider; and a controller that controls the motor. The controller is configured so as to calculate a work amount of the rider on the basis of the torque detected by the torque sensor and the input speed detected by the input speed sensor, estimate an oxygen intake amount of the rider on the basis of the work amount, estimate a maximum oxygen intake amount of the rider on the basis of a body parameter of the rider, and control the motor so that an exercise intensity calculated from the oxygen intake amount and the maximum oxygen intake amount approaches a target exercise intensity of the rider.

Description

Vehicle, input device, vehicle control method, input device control method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, an input device, a vehicle control method, an input device control method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrically assisted bicycle (vehicle) that uses a strain gauge to detect the pedaling force applied by the rider when pedaling, and if the pedaling force is greater than the pedaling force level that allows aerobic exercise, it drives an electric motor to generate electric force to assist the pedaling force, and if the pedaling force is less than this pedaling force level, it applies a load force to the pedaling force by using the rotational resistance of the electric motor.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-231491

[0004] However, in the electrically assisted bicycle of Patent Document 1, the pedaling force level that enables aerobic exercise is set based on the rider's heart rate detected by a heart rate detection sensor, which means that the rider has to wear a heart rate detection sensor to detect their heart rate when riding an electrically assisted bicycle, which is a hassle.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to control a motor in accordance with a driver's target exercise intensity without the driver having to wear a heart rate detection sensor or the like.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle whose drive wheels are driven by power input by a driver and power input from a motor comprises a torque sensor that detects the torque of the power input by the driver, an input speed sensor that detects the input speed of the power input by the driver, and a controller that controls the motor, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the driver's workload based on the torque detected by the torque sensor and the input speed detected by the input speed sensor, estimate the driver's oxygen intake from the workload, estimate the driver's maximum oxygen intake from the driver's physical parameters, and control the motor so that the exercise intensity calculated from the oxygen intake and the maximum oxygen intake approaches the driver's target exercise intensity.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the driver's oxygen intake is estimated from the torque detected by the torque sensor and the input speed detected by the input speed sensor, and the maximum oxygen intake is estimated from the driver's physical parameters, thereby calculating the driver's exercise intensity. Therefore, the motor can be controlled to match the driver's target exercise intensity without the driver having to wear a heart rate sensor or the like.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an overview of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating motor control in the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating assist ratio correction calculation. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotation speed of a crank and the oxygen intake of a driver. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between input torque and the oxygen intake of a driver. FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of the vehicle. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an input device while a driver is driving a vehicle. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an exercise intensity setting map on an exercise intensity setting screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exercise intensity distribution region when age is input on the exercise intensity setting screen of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exercise intensity distribution region when gender is further input on the exercise intensity setting screen of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the driver has moved a pointer within the exercise intensity setting map on the exercise intensity setting screen of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an older person exercise intensity distribution region and a younger person exercise intensity distribution region are superimposed on the exercise intensity setting map. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the state in which the positions of pointers set by other users are superimposed on the exercise intensity setting map. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the state in which the relationship between standard maximum oxygen intake and age and the relationship between standard body weight and age are displayed. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the exercise intensity setting map on the exercise intensity setting screen.

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An electrically assisted bicycle (hereinafter simply referred to as a "bicycle") 1 as a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, the overall configuration of the bicycle 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating an overview of a bicycle 1. Fig. 2 is a control block diagram of the bicycle 1.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bicycle 1 comprises a frame 2, a front wheel 3a, a rear wheel 3b as a drive wheel, a handlebar 4, a saddle 5, a drive sprocket 6a, a driven sprocket 6b, a chain 6c, a pair of pedals 7, a pair of crank arms 7b as a pair of cranks, a crankshaft 7c, a support shaft 8, an electric assist unit 10, a vehicle speed sensor 14, a torque sensor 15, a cadence sensor 16 as an input speed sensor, a controller 20, a power storage unit 30, and an input device 100 as an input unit.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, bicycle 1 is ridden by a rider sitting astride saddle 5 and pedaling crank arms 7b via pedals 7. Bicycle 1 drives rear wheel 3b with pedal force (driving torque) transmitted from crank arms 7b to crankshaft 7c and with driving force (assist torque) from electric assist unit 10, the magnitude of which corresponds to the pedal force. In other words, bicycle 1 drives rear wheel 3b with power input by the rider and power input from a motor 11 (see Figure 2), described below, of electric assist unit 10.

[0014] The frame 2 is a so-called diamond frame that is generally parallelogram-shaped in side view. A front wheel 3a and a rear wheel 3b are rotatably mounted on the frame 2. The frame 2 has a front fork 2a that supports the front wheel 3a.

[0015] The front wheel 3a is steered left and right by rotating the front fork 2a through the operation of the handlebars 4 by the rider.

[0016] The rear wheel 3b rotates around a support shaft 8. A driven sprocket 6b and an electric assist unit 10 are attached to the rear wheel 3b.

[0017] The driving torque is transmitted to the driven sprocket 6b via a chain 6c that is wound around the driving sprocket 6a, to which the driving force from the crank arm 7b is input. Note that instead of the chain 6c, other power transmission members that transmit driving torque, such as a belt, may be used.

[0018] The pedal 7 is used by the driver to input driving torque, and is connected to a crankshaft 7c via a crank arm 7b.

[0019] The support shaft 8 is attached to the frame 2. The support shaft 8 is provided so as to be unable to rotate relative to the frame 2.

[0020] 2, the electric assist unit 10 includes a motor 11 and a transmission mechanism 13. The electric assist unit 10 generates an assist torque that assists the pedaling force of the driver.

[0021] The motor 11 is controlled based on a command signal from the controller 20. The motor 11 is capable of generating a driving force that assists the power input by the driver and a regenerative force that converts the rotational energy of the rear wheels 3b into electrical energy.

[0022] The transmission mechanism 13 changes the speed of at least one of the power input from the rider and the power input from the motor 11 and outputs the changed speed to the rear wheel 3b. That is, the transmission mechanism 13 may change the speed of only the power input from the rider, or only the power input from the motor 11, or may change the speed of both the power input from the rider and the motor 11. Alternatively, the transmission mechanism 13 may be omitted and the power input from the rider and the power input from the motor 11 may be directly transmitted to the rear wheel 3b. Note that the transmission mechanism 13 is a manual transmission mechanism that changes speeds based on the operation of the rider, but it may also be an automatic transmission mechanism in which the controller 20 performs gear shift control based on electrical signals from the torque sensor 15 and the cadence sensor 16.

[0023] The vehicle speed sensor 14 detects the speed of the bicycle 1. Specifically, the vehicle speed sensor 14 detects the rotational speed of the rear wheel 3b. The vehicle speed sensor 14 only needs to be able to detect the speed of the bicycle 1, so it may also be able to detect the rotational speed of the front wheel 3a, for example.

[0024] The torque sensor 15 detects the torque of the power input by the rider. Specifically, the torque sensor 15 detects the torque input from the crank arm 7b that is rotationally driven by the rider via the pedals 7. Alternatively, the torque sensor 15 may detect the torque transmitted from the driving sprocket 6a to the driven sprocket 6b via the chain 6c.

[0025] The cadence sensor 16 detects the input speed of power input by the rider. Specifically, the cadence sensor 16 detects the rotational speed of the crank arm 7b or crankshaft 7c that is rotationally driven by the rider via the pedals 7, i.e., the rotational speed of the drive sprocket 6a. Alternatively, the cadence sensor 16 may detect the rotational speed of the driven sprocket 6b that is rotationally driven from the drive sprocket 6a via the chain 6c.

[0026] The vehicle speed sensor 14, torque sensor 15, and cadence sensor 16 are provided as separate components from the electric assist unit 10. Alternatively, the vehicle speed sensor 14, torque sensor 15, and cadence sensor 16 may be provided within the electric assist unit 10.

[0027] The controller 20 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output interface, etc. The controller 20 may be composed of multiple microcomputers. The controller 20 performs various processes by having the CPU read and execute programs stored in the ROM. Specifically, the controller 20 controls the driving force or regenerative power of the motor 11 based on electrical signals corresponding to the magnitude of the pedaling force input from the torque sensor 15 and the rotational speed of the crank arm 7b input from the cadence sensor 16. If the transmission mechanism 13 is an automatic transmission mechanism, the controller 20 controls the gear shift of the transmission mechanism 13. If the transmission mechanism 13 is not provided, the controller 20 controls the driving force or regenerative power of the motor 11 according to the power input from the rider. The controller 20 includes an inverter, a DC-DC converter, etc. for controlling the motor 11.

[0028] The power storage unit 30 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The power storage unit 30 supplies power to the motor 11 via the controller 20 and is capable of being charged with regenerative power from the motor 11. The power storage unit 30 supplies power to the controller 20. The power storage unit 30 is provided so as to be detachable from the frame 2.

[0029] The input device 100 is a portable terminal operated by the rider. The input device 100 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output interface, etc. The input device 100 can also be composed of multiple microcomputers. The input device 100 performs various processes by the CPU reading and executing programs stored in the ROM. The input device 100 is detachably attached to the handlebars 4 of the bicycle 1. The input device 100 is communicatively connected to the controller 20 via a wired or wireless connection. The input device 100 has a driving mode input unit 41, a physical parameter input unit 42, and a target exercise intensity input unit 43.

[0030] The input device 100 may be fixed to the bicycle 1. The input device 100 has a function for communicating with the microcomputer and the controller 20, and the driving mode input unit 41, the physical parameter input unit 42, and the target exercise intensity input unit 43 may be provided separately from the input device 100.

[0031] The driving mode input unit 41 is an input unit that can input the driving mode of the bicycle 1. The bicycle 1 has a standard mode that is used during normal riding, and a fat burning mode that is set to a higher exercise intensity than the standard mode. The rider can switch between the standard mode and the fat burning mode by inputting information from the driving mode input unit 41.

[0032] The physical parameter input unit 42 is an input unit that allows input of the physical parameters of the driver, which are at least one of the driver's gender, weight, age, exercise experience, and physical strength.

[0033] The target exercise intensity input unit 43 is an input unit that allows the driver to input a target exercise intensity, which is the exercise intensity required by the driver. The target exercise intensity can be input based on the range of average driving intensity calculated based on the driver's physical parameters. If the driver requires a higher or lower exercise intensity, it is also possible to input an exercise intensity outside the range of average driving intensity.

[0034] The input of physical parameters from the physical parameter input unit 42 will be described in detail later together with the setting of exercise intensity with reference to FIGS.

[0035] Next, control for setting the exercise intensity of the bicycle 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Here, a case where the control is performed by the controller 20 will be described as an example. However, this is not limiting, and for example, some of the control may be performed by the input device 100 and other control may be performed by the controller 20. The control for setting the exercise intensity is performed by the controller 20 at regular intervals.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the motor 11 of the bicycle 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the assist ratio correction calculation. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotational speed of the crank arm 7b and the oxygen intake of the rider. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the rotational speed [rpm] of the crank arm 7b that is rotationally driven by the rider via the pedals 7, and the vertical axis represents the oxygen intake (X) [ml / min] of the rider. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the input torque and the oxygen intake of the rider. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the torque [N·m] input from the crank arm 7b that is rotationally driven by the rider via the pedals 7, and the vertical axis represents the oxygen intake (Y) [ml / min] of the rider relative to the input torque.

[0037] First, the control of the motor 11 in the bicycle 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] In step S101, the controller 20 determines whether the driving mode of the bicycle 1 is the standard mode or the fat burning mode. If it is determined in step S101 that the driving mode of the bicycle 1 is the standard mode, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0039] In step S102, the controller 20 calculates the speed of the bicycle 1. Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the speed of the bicycle 1 from the rotational speed of the rear wheel 3b and the outer diameter of the rear wheel 3b based on the electrical signal input from the speed sensor 14.

[0040] In step S103, the controller 20 calculates the torque of the power input by the rider. Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the magnitude of the torque input by the rider out of the torque transmitted to the rear wheel 3b, based on the torque input via the crank arm 7b detected by the torque sensor 15 and the gear ratio of the transmission mechanism 13. At this time, the controller 20 processes the electrical signal output in a sine wave form when the rider alternately pedals the left and right pedals 7, and calculates the magnitude of the torque input to the crankshaft 7c.

[0041] In step S104, the controller 20 calculates an assist ratio, which is the ratio between the power [W] input to the crankshaft 7c and the power [W] output by the motor 11. Note that the assist ratio may also be calculated from the ratio between the power [W] input by the driver out of the torque transmitted to the rear wheel 3b and the power [W] generated by the motor 11. In this case, since this is a power ratio on the same shaft and the rotational speeds are the same, it is also possible to use the ratio of each torque as the assist ratio.

[0042] In step S105, the controller 20 calculates the driving force or regenerative force to be generated by the motor 11 based on the assist ratio calculated in step S104.

[0043] In step S106, the controller 20 controls the motor 11 based on the driving force or regenerative force calculated in step S105.

[0044] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the bicycle 1 is in the fat burning mode, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0045] The processes from step S107 to step S109 are similar to the processes from step S101 to step S103, and therefore will not be described here.

[0046] In step S110, the controller 20 executes an assist ratio correction calculation to correct the assist ratio. The assist ratio correction calculation will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0047] 4, the controller 20 executes a cadence calculation. Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the rotational speed of the crankshaft 7c, which is rotated by the rider via the pedals 7 and the crank arm 7b, based on the electrical signal input from the cadence sensor 16. At this time, the controller 20 performs waveform processing on the electrical signal output in the form of a sine wave when the rider alternately pedals the left and right pedals 7, to calculate the rotational speed of the crank arm 7b.

[0048] In step S202, the controller 20 calculates an oxygen intake amount (X) as the first oxygen intake amount of the rider based on the rotation speed of the crank arm 7b calculated in step S201. The oxygen intake amount (X) is an oxygen intake amount estimated from the internal work load of the rider.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the relationship between the rotational speed (S) of the crank arm 7b and the oxygen intake (X) of the rider is expressed by the following equation (1): where A, B, and C are constants that are set based on the rider's physical parameters, the riding environment of the bicycle 1, etc. X = A + B x S Ｃ ...(1)

[0050] Therefore, the oxygen intake (X) of the rider can be estimated based on the rotation speed of the crank arm 7b detected by the cadence sensor 16, using equation (1).

[0051] 4, in step S203, the controller 20 calculates the pedal input torque by the driver. Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the torque input to the crankshaft 7c, which is rotated by the driver via the pedals 7 and the crank arms 7b, based on the electrical signal input from the torque sensor 15. At this time, the controller 20 performs waveform processing on the electrical signal output in the form of a sine wave when the driver alternately pedals the left and right pedals 7, to calculate the magnitude of the torque input to the crankshaft 7c.

[0052] In step S204, the controller 20 calculates an oxygen intake amount (Y) as a second oxygen intake amount of the rider based on the torque input from the crank arm 7b calculated in step S203. The oxygen intake amount (Y) is an oxygen intake amount estimated from the amount of external work performed by the rider.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the relationship between the input torque (T) and the oxygen intake (Y) of the rider is expressed by the following equation (2): where P and Q are constants that are set based on the rider's physical parameters and the riding environment of the bicycle 1. Y=P+Q×T (2)

[0054] Therefore, the oxygen intake (Y) of the rider can be estimated based on the torque input from the crank arm 7b detected by the torque sensor 15, based on equation (2).

[0055] Returning to FIG. 4, in step S205, the driver's physical parameters are input to the controller 20 based on the driver's operation of the input device 100 (physical parameter input unit 42).

[0056] In step S206, controller 20 determines whether or not the driver's physical parameters have been input. If it is determined in step S206 that the driver's physical parameters have been input, the process proceeds to step S207, where the input values ​​input by the driver are selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the driver's physical parameters have not been input, the process proceeds to step S208, where a preset standard value is selected.

[0057] If only some of the physical parameters have been input, the input values ​​are selected for the input items, and standard values ​​are selected for the non-input items.

[0058] In this way, by inputting the physical parameters from the input device 100, it is possible to estimate the exercise intensity based on the average values ​​of the attributes based on the physical parameters of the driver, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the exercise intensity.

[0059] Furthermore, since physical parameters and the target exercise intensity described below can be input from the input device 100, for example, physical parameters and the target exercise intensity can be input in advance into the input device 100, and then the exercise intensity can be controlled by attaching it to the bicycle 1.

[0060] In step S209, the controller 20 calculates the driver's oxygen intake at rest (U) based on the driver's physical parameters. Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the resting oxygen intake (U), which is the driver's oxygen intake at rest, based on values ​​statistically determined from the driver's physical parameters such as gender, weight, age, exercise experience, and physical strength.

[0061] In step S210, the controller 20 calculates the driver's maximum oxygen intake (V) based on values ​​statistically determined from the driver's physical parameters, such as the driver's gender, weight, age, exercise experience, and physical strength.

[0062] In step S211, the controller 20 calculates the total oxygen intake (Z) as the oxygen intake of the rider. Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the total oxygen intake (Z) of the rider in an exercise state based on the oxygen intake (X) estimated from the rotation speed of the crank arm 7b detected by the cadence sensor 16, the oxygen intake (Y) estimated from the torque detected by the torque sensor 15, and the rider's oxygen intake at rest (U) calculated from the body parameters, according to the following equation (3): Z=U+X+Y (3)

[0063] In this way, by calculating the workload of the driver by combining the rotation speed detected by the cadence sensor 16, i.e., the oxygen intake (X) estimated from the internal workload of the driver, and the torque detected by the torque sensor 15, i.e., the oxygen intake (Y) estimated from the external workload of the driver, the accuracy of estimating the total oxygen intake (Z) can be improved.

[0064] In step S212, the controller 20 calculates the exercise intensity (W) [%] of the driver. Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the exercise intensity (W) of the driver in an exercise state based on the driver's oxygen intake at rest (U) when at rest obtained from the physical parameters, the driver's total oxygen intake (Z) when the driver is exercising, and the driver's maximum oxygen intake (V) according to the following formula (4): W [%] = (Z - U) / (V - U) × 100 (4)

[0065] In step S213, the controller 20 performs waveform processing. Typically, the driver's total oxygen intake (V) can be estimated accurately by utilizing the driver's heart rate. However, in this embodiment, in order to eliminate the inconvenience of the driver having to wear a heart rate sensor, the cadence sensor 16 and torque sensor 15 are used instead of a heart rate sensor. In step S213, because the value of the driver's maximum oxygen intake (V) varies linearly with the amount of exercise, waveform processing is performed to approximate the value to an exercise intensity calculated based on the driver's heart rate.

[0066] In step S214, the target exercise intensity targeted by the driver is input to the controller 20 based on information input by the driver through operation of the input device 100 (target exercise intensity input unit 43).

[0067] In this way, the driver can input the target exercise intensity from the input device 100, so that it is possible to input an exercise intensity outside the range of average driving intensity when a higher or lower exercise intensity is required, in addition to the range of average driving intensity calculated based on the driver's physical parameters.

[0068] In step S215, the controller 20 corrects the assist ratio, which is the ratio of the torque input by the driver to the torque generated by the motor 11, of the torque transmitted to the rear wheels 3b calculated in step S109, based on the values ​​of the driver's target driving intensity and the waveform-processed exercise intensity (W) in the driver's exercise state. Specifically, when the driver's target driving intensity is smaller than the exercise intensity (W) in the driver's exercise state, the controller 20 increases the proportion of the torque generated by the motor 11. On the other hand, when the driver's target driving intensity is greater than the exercise intensity (W) in the driver's exercise state, the controller 20 decreases the proportion of the torque generated by the motor 11. After the correction of the assist ratio is executed in step S215, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 3 , in step S111, the controller 20 calculates the driving force or regenerative force to be generated by the motor 11 based on the assist ratio calculated in step S111. Specifically, when increasing the proportion of torque generated by the motor 11, the controller 20 sends an electrical signal to the motor 11 to output a larger torque. On the other hand, when decreasing the proportion of torque generated by the motor 11, the controller 20 sends an electrical signal to the motor 11 to output a smaller torque. Furthermore, if the torque generated by the motor 11 is still insufficient even when set to zero, the controller 20 performs regenerative control on the motor 11 to generate a resistance force in the opposite direction to the torque input by the driver. Therefore, by controlling the driving force or regenerative force of the motor 11, the motor 11 can be controlled to approach the driver's target exercise intensity over a wide range.

[0070] Then, the process proceeds to step S106, where the controller 20 controls the motor 11 based on the driving force or regenerative force calculated in step S111.

[0071] As described above, the controller 20 calculates the workload of the driver based on the torque detected by the torque sensor 15 and the rotation speed detected by the cadence sensor 16, estimates the total oxygen intake (Z) of the driver from the workload, estimates the maximum oxygen intake (V) of the driver from the driver's physical parameters, and controls the motor 11 so that the exercise intensity calculated from the total oxygen intake (Z) and the maximum oxygen intake (V) approaches the driver's target exercise intensity.

[0072] This makes it possible to calculate the exercise intensity of the driver by estimating the total oxygen intake (Z) of the driver from the torque detected by the torque sensor 15 and the rotation speed detected by the cadence sensor 16, and estimating the maximum oxygen intake (V) from the driver's physical parameters. Therefore, the motor 11 can be controlled to match the target exercise intensity required by the driver, without the driver having to wear a heart rate detection sensor or the like.

[0073] In this case, by providing the transmission mechanism 13, the driving force and regenerative force of the motor 11 can be increased based on the gear ratio, so that the exercise intensity can be controlled to approach the driver's target exercise intensity over a wider range.

[0074] In addition, when the driving mode of the bicycle 1 is the fat burning mode, the controller 20 controls the motor 11 so that the exercise intensity calculated from the total oxygen intake (Z) and maximum oxygen intake (V) described above approaches the target exercise intensity.

[0075] As a result, when the driver intentionally selects the fat burning mode instead of the standard mode, the motor 11 is controlled so that the exercise intensity approaches the target exercise intensity, making it possible to set the exercise intensity in accordance with the driver's intention.

[0076] Furthermore, the driver inputs the target exercise intensity from the input device 100, and the motor 11 is controlled based on the input target exercise intensity. Therefore, according to the driver's request, the motor 11 can be controlled to reduce the burden on the driver and make driving easier, or to apply the optimum load for the driver to burn fat.

[0077] 7 to 16, an input device 100 that can be used with the bicycle 1 will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0078] First, the bicycle 1 to which the input device 100 is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0079] Figure 7 is a control block diagram of bicycle 1. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on input device 100 while the rider is riding bicycle 1. The overall configuration of bicycle 1 is the same as that shown in Figure 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, the bicycle 1 may be equipped with, for example, a heart rate sensor 17 as a biosensor that can acquire information that is the basis for calculating the exercise load.

[0081] The heart rate sensor 17 detects the heart rate of the driver. Specifically, the heart rate sensor 17 is attached to a part of the driver's body, such as the wrist, and detects the heart rate of the driver by irradiating light onto the skin and detecting the light reflected by blood vessels.

[0082] The controller 20 controls the driving force or regenerative force of the motor 11 based on electrical signals corresponding to the magnitude of the pedal force input from the torque sensor 15, the rotational speed of the crank arm 7b input from the cadence sensor 16, and the heart rate of the rider detected by the heart rate sensor 17.

[0083] The input device 100 is a mobile terminal operated by the rider. The input device 100 is used to set the rider's target exercise intensity. The input device 100 is a smartphone that is communicatively connected to the controller 20 of the bicycle 1 via a wired or wireless connection. The input device 100 has a touch screen 101 that serves as both a display unit and an input unit, and a communication unit 102. Note that the input device 100 may not be a smartphone, but may instead be a device that has equivalent functions and is fixed to the bicycle 1.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, the touch screen 101 has an operation mode setting screen 141 , a physical parameter input section 42 , and an exercise intensity setting screen 110 .

[0085] The driving mode setting screen 141 is a screen for selecting a driving mode for the bicycle 1. The bicycle 1 has a standard mode used during normal riding, and a fat burning mode in which the exercise intensity is set higher than in the standard mode. The rider can set either the standard mode or the fat burning mode by inputting information on the driving mode setting screen 141.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, when the rider is riding the bicycle 1 with the mode switched to fat burning mode, a status display section 103 and an exercise intensity graph 104 are displayed on the touch screen 101.

[0087] The status display unit 103 displays the current status of the driver. In this case, when the driver is performing aerobic exercise that burns fat, the status display unit 103 displays a message indicating that fat is being burned. This makes it possible to visually convey the current status of the driver. In addition to this, the status display unit 103 can also display warm-up, aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, maximum intensity, etc.

[0088] The exercise intensity graph 104 displays the current exercise intensity level of the rider in a graph form, thereby visually conveying the rider's exercise intensity. The exercise intensity level is calculated by the controller 20 based on the oxygen intake calculated from the magnitude of the pedaling force input from the torque sensor 15 and the rotation speed of the crank arm 7b input from the cadence sensor 16, or based on the rider's heart rate detected by the heart rate sensor 17.

[0089] The physical parameter input unit 42 is an input unit that allows input of the physical parameters of the driver, including the gender, weight, age, and exercise experience of the driver.

[0090] The exercise intensity setting screen 110 is a screen for setting a target exercise intensity for the driver. The exercise intensity setting screen 110 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16.

[0091] The communication unit 102 is a communication module capable of communicating with an external server (not shown) and can perform data communication using a mobile phone communication network, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0092] Next, the exercise intensity setting screen 110 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the exercise intensity setting map 120 on the exercise intensity setting screen 110. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the exercise intensity distribution region 122 when age is input on the exercise intensity setting screen 110 of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the exercise intensity distribution region 122 when gender is further input on the exercise intensity setting screen 110 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the state in which the driver has moved the pointer 121 within the exercise intensity setting map 120 on the exercise intensity setting screen 110 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state in which an older person's exercise intensity distribution region 122a and a younger person's exercise intensity distribution region 122b are superimposed on the exercise intensity setting map 120. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the state in which the position of the pointer 121 set by another user is superimposed on the exercise intensity setting map 120. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the state in which the relationship between standard maximum oxygen intake and age and the relationship between standard body weight and age are displayed. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the exercise intensity setting map 120 on the exercise intensity setting screen 110.

[0094] As shown in Figure 9, the exercise intensity setting screen 110 is a screen for setting the rider's target exercise intensity. The exercise intensity setting screen 110 is displayed when the bicycle 1 is set to fat burning mode. This allows the rider to set a target exercise intensity that matches their intentions, as the exercise intensity setting screen 110 is displayed when the rider intentionally selects fat burning mode instead of standard mode. The exercise intensity setting screen 110 displays the body parameter input section 42 and an exercise intensity setting map 120.

[0095] The physical parameter input section 42 has an age input section 42a and a gender input section 42b.

[0096] The age input section 42a is an input section for inputting the age of the driver. When the driver taps the age input section 42a, a number input pad (not shown) for inputting numbers is displayed on the exercise intensity setting screen 110. When the driver inputs his / her age using this number input pad, age, which is one of the physical parameters, is input.

[0097] The gender input section 42b is an input section for inputting the gender of the driver. When the driver taps the gender input section 42b, gender options (not shown) are displayed on the exercise intensity setting screen 110. When the driver selects his / her gender from these gender options, the gender, which is one of the physical parameters, is input.

[0098] In the exercise intensity setting map 120, one of the vertical and horizontal axes represents one of the driver's physical fitness parameters, and the other represents one of the driver's body parameters. Here, an example will be described in which the vertical axis represents physical fitness set based on the driver's maximum oxygen intake, which is one of the driver's physical fitness parameters, and the horizontal axis represents the driver's body weight [kg], which is one of the driver's body parameters. The vertical axis is set so that the higher it goes, the closer it is to "athlete," which has high physical fitness, and the lower it goes, the closer it is to "entry," which is a beginner. The horizontal axis is set so that the weight increases as it goes to the right and decreases as it goes to the left.

[0099] The physical fitness parameter may be set based on the driver's maximum oxygen intake or maximum heart rate, and may be any index correlated with the maximum oxygen intake. Examples of the physical fitness parameter include the driver's ankle brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), accelerated plethysmography coefficient, high density lipoprotein (HDL), lower limb skeletal muscle mass, vital capacity, muscle strength test values, physical fitness test values, etc.

[0100] The exercise intensity setting map 120 displays a pointer 121 and an exercise intensity distribution area 122 .

[0101] The pointer 121 indicates the weight and physical strength values ​​set by default. In the default state, the pointer 121 is displayed in a position approximately in the center of the exercise intensity distribution area 122. The pointer 121 can be moved from the default position to another position by the rider's operation. As will be described in detail later, when the rider moves the pointer 121 to another position within the exercise intensity setting map 120, the target exercise intensity for the bicycle 1 is set based on the weight and physical strength values ​​at that position. If the pointer 121 is not moved from the default position within the exercise intensity setting map 120, the target exercise intensity for the bicycle 1 is set based on the weight and physical strength values ​​at the default position. In other words, the exercise intensity for the bicycle 1 can be set based on the position where the pointer 121 is set within the exercise intensity setting map 120.

[0102] The exercise intensity distribution region 122 is set by default around the pointer 121 and is set based on default information about the driver's physical parameters. The exercise intensity distribution region 122 is set based on the physical parameters of a group including the driver's age. Specifically, the exercise intensity distribution region 122 is set as a region in which the driver can perform aerobic exercise to burn fat based on the driver's physical parameters. The exercise intensity distribution region 122 is set to include all genders based on the relationship between the driver's age and average body weight and the relationship between the driver's age and average maximum oxygen intake. In other words, the exercise intensity distribution region 122 is set as a region plotted by taking into account the distribution of average body weights in addition to the relationship between the driver's age and average maximum oxygen intake, regardless of the driver's gender. In a default state in which the driver's physical parameters are not input, the exercise intensity distribution region 122 is set to the widest region.

[0103] 10, when the driver inputs his / her age through the age input section 42a, the exercise intensity distribution region 122 narrows. This is because the group that includes the driver's age is narrowed down, and groups that do not include the driver's age are excluded. In this way, the display of the exercise intensity distribution region 122 changes based on the input physical parameters.

[0104] In this example, the driver's age is entered as "35 years old," so the exercise intensity distribution region 122 changes to a region of average exercise intensity based on the physical parameters of a group that includes the driver's age. Here, the group that includes the driver's age is set, for example, to a range from 35 to 39 years old in 5-year increments or a range from 30 to 39 years old in 10-year increments.

[0105] 11, when the driver selects his / her age in the gender input section 42b, the exercise intensity distribution region 122 narrows. This is because the groups that include the driver's gender are narrowed down, and groups that do not include the driver's gender are excluded. In this way, the display of the exercise intensity distribution region 122 changes based on the input physical parameters.

[0106] In this example, "male" is selected as the gender of the driver, so the exercise intensity distribution region 122 changes to a region of average exercise intensity based on the physical parameters of a group that includes the driver's age. In this example, the group that includes the driver's age is set to "male" among all genders.

[0107] Furthermore, if the driver's age is input as "35" and then the driver's gender is input as "male," the exercise intensity distribution region 122 changes to become even narrower. That is, the exercise intensity distribution region 122 changes to become narrower as the number of types of physical parameters input increases. Therefore, the region is narrowed to include the physical parameters input by the driver, and groups that do not include the physical parameters of the driver are excluded, thereby improving the accuracy of the region indicated by the exercise intensity distribution region 122.

[0108] As shown in Figure 12, by moving the pointer 121 from the state shown in Figure 11, the driver can change the target exercise intensity from the default target exercise intensity set based on the weight and physical strength values ​​to the target exercise intensity desired by the driver.

[0109] Specifically, when the driver moves the pointer 121 in the direction of the physical strength "athlete," the target exercise intensity changes to a higher value. On the other hand, when the driver moves the pointer 121 in the direction of the physical strength "entry," the target exercise intensity changes to a lower value.

[0110] Furthermore, when the driver moves the pointer 121 in the direction of a larger weight value, the target exercise intensity is set to match the physical parameters of a person heavier than the driver, and therefore the target exercise intensity changes to a higher value.On the other hand, when the driver moves the pointer 121 in the direction of a smaller weight value, the target exercise intensity is set to match the physical parameters of a person lighter than the driver, and therefore the target exercise intensity changes to a lower value.

[0111] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the driver moves the pointer 121 from the default position significantly toward the physical strength "athlete," so the target exercise intensity changes to be significantly higher.

[0112] The controller 20 sets an assist ratio, which is the ratio of the power [W] input to the crankshaft 7c to the power [W] output by the motor 11, based on the target exercise intensity input from the input device 100. Specifically, when the exercise intensity is reduced, the controller 20 increases the proportion of torque generated by the motor 11. On the other hand, when the exercise intensity is increased, the controller 20 decreases the proportion of torque generated by the motor 11. Note that the assist ratio may also be set based on the ratio of the power [W] input by the driver to the power [W] generated by the motor 11 out of the torque transmitted to the rear wheel 3b. In this case, since the ratio is the power ratio on the same axis and the rotational speeds are the same, the ratio of the respective torques can also be used as the assist ratio.

[0113] When increasing the proportion of torque generated by the motor 11, the controller 20 transmits an electric signal to the motor 11 to cause it to output a larger torque. On the other hand, when decreasing the proportion of torque generated by the motor 11, the controller 20 transmits an electric signal to the motor 11 to cause it to output a smaller torque. Furthermore, if the torque generated by the motor 11 is still insufficient even when set to zero, the controller 20 performs regenerative control on the motor 11 to generate a resistance force in the opposite direction to the torque input by the driver. Therefore, by controlling the driving force or regenerative force of the motor 11, the motor 11 can be controlled to approach the target exercise intensity required by the driver over a wide range.

[0114] As described above, the exercise intensity setting screen 110 of the input device 100 displays an exercise intensity setting map 120 in which one of the vertical and horizontal axes represents one of the rider's physical parameters and the other represents one of the rider's physical parameters. The rider can set the exercise intensity of the bicycle 1 simply by setting the position of the pointer 121 indicating the values ​​of the physical parameter and the physical parameter, with reference to the exercise intensity distribution region 122 set based on the default information for the physical parameter displayed on the exercise intensity setting map 120. This allows the rider to set the target exercise intensity through intuitive operations, reducing the burden on the rider involved in setting the target exercise intensity.

[0115] Furthermore, because the bicycle 1 is equipped with a transmission mechanism 13, the driving force and regenerative power of the motor 11 can be increased based on the gear ratio, allowing control to be performed so as to approach the target exercise intensity desired by the rider over a wider range.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 13, the exercise intensity setting map 120 displays an older person's exercise intensity distribution area 122 a and a younger person's exercise intensity distribution area 122 b superimposed on the exercise intensity distribution area 122 .

[0117] The older person exercise intensity distribution region 122a is set based on default information of physical parameters of a group older than the driver, and the younger person exercise intensity distribution region 122b is set based on default information of physical parameters of a group younger than the driver.

[0118] In this example, the driver's age is entered as "35 years old," so the group that includes the driver's age is set to the range of 30 to 39 years old in increments of 10 years. In contrast, the older person exercise intensity distribution region 122a is set to the +10 year group, that is, the range of 40 to 49 years old. Furthermore, the younger person exercise intensity distribution region 122b is set to the -10 year group, that is, the range of 20 to 29 years old.

[0119] By displaying the older person exercise intensity distribution area 122a and the younger person exercise intensity distribution area 122b, if the driver feels that his / her subjective age is higher than his / her actual age, he / she can set a target exercise intensity within the older person exercise intensity distribution area 122a of the group one year older, and if the driver feels that his / her subjective age is lower than his / her actual age, he / she can set a target exercise intensity within the younger person exercise intensity distribution area 122b of the group one year younger.

[0120] As with the exercise intensity distribution area 122, the older person exercise intensity distribution area 122a and the younger person exercise intensity distribution area 122b also change in accordance with the physical parameters input by the driver, becoming narrower as the number of types of physical parameters input increases.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 14, the position of a pointer 121 set by another user can be acquired from the server and displayed superimposed on the exercise intensity setting map 120.

[0122] This allows the driver to refer to the target exercise intensity set by a member of a specific team, for example, and can set the target exercise intensity to the same as that set by other members, or to a higher target exercise intensity than that set by other members.

[0123] In addition, members belonging to a specific team are also displayed so that they can be identified by using different symbols (here, two types: ``+'' and ``-'') or different colors for each group that includes the member's age.

[0124] 15, the relationship between the standard maximum oxygen uptake and age can be displayed separately for males and females on the touch screen 101 of the input device 100, and the relationship between the driver's age and maximum oxygen uptake can be plotted. This allows the driver to compare their own maximum oxygen uptake value with the standard value.

[0125] Furthermore, the relationship between standard weight and age can be displayed separately for men and women on the touch screen 101 of the input device 100, and the relationship between the driver's age and weight can be plotted, allowing the driver to compare their own weight value with the standard value.

[0126] 15, the driver's date of birth may be input through the age input unit 42a. This allows the driver's age at that time to be calculated from the date data stored in the input device 100. Therefore, even if a long time has passed since the last time the driver input his / her age, the driver does not need to re-input his / her age.

[0127] As shown in Fig. 16, the horizontal axis may represent the age, which is one of the physical parameters of the driver. In this case, the same effects as when the horizontal axis represents the weight can be obtained.

[0128] The configuration and effects of the present embodiment will now be described.

[0129] (1) (20) (21) A bicycle 1, whose rear wheel 3b is driven by power input by the rider and power input from a motor 11, is equipped with a torque sensor 15 that detects the torque of the power input by the rider, a cadence sensor 16 that detects the rotational speed of the power input by the rider, and a controller 20 that controls the motor 11. The controller 20 is configured to calculate the rider's workload based on the torque detected by the torque sensor 15 and the rotational speed detected by the cadence sensor 16, estimate the rider's total oxygen intake (Z) from the workload, estimate the rider's maximum oxygen intake (V) from the rider's physical parameters, and control the motor 11 so that the exercise intensity calculated from the total oxygen intake (Z) and the maximum oxygen intake (V) approaches the rider's target exercise intensity.

[0130] With this configuration, the total oxygen intake (Z) of the rider is estimated from the torque detected by the torque sensor 15 and the rotation speed detected by the cadence sensor 16, and the maximum oxygen intake (V) is estimated from the rider's physical parameters, thereby making it possible to calculate the rider's exercise intensity. Therefore, the motor 11 can be controlled to match the target exercise intensity required by the rider, without the rider having to wear a heart rate detection sensor or the like.

[0131] (2) The bicycle 1 further includes an input device 100 for inputting physical parameters, which are at least one of the rider's gender, weight, age, exercise experience, and physical strength.

[0132] According to this configuration, by inputting the physical parameters from the input device 100, the exercise intensity can be estimated based on the average values ​​of the attributes based on the physical parameters of the driver. Therefore, the accuracy of estimating the exercise intensity can be improved.

[0133] (3) A target exercise intensity can be input from the input device 100.

[0134] According to this configuration, the driver can input the target exercise intensity from the input device 100, so that it is possible to input an exercise intensity outside the range of average driving intensity when a higher or lower exercise intensity is required, in addition to the range of average driving intensity calculated based on the driver's physical parameters.

[0135] (4) The controller 20 is configured to control the driving force or regenerative force of the motor 11 in response to the power input from the driver.

[0136] According to this configuration, when increasing the proportion of the torque generated by the motor 11, the controller 20 transmits an electrical signal to the motor 11 to cause it to output a larger torque, and when decreasing the proportion of the torque generated by the motor 11, the controller 20 transmits an electrical signal to the motor 11 to cause it to output a smaller torque. Furthermore, if the torque generated by the motor 11 is still insufficient even when set to zero, the controller 20 performs regenerative control on the motor 11 to generate a resistance force in the opposite direction to the torque input by the driver. Therefore, by controlling the driving force or regenerative force of the motor 11, it is possible to control the motor 11 so as to approach the driver's target exercise intensity over a wide range.

[0137] (5) The bicycle 1 further includes a speed change mechanism 13 that changes the speed of at least one of the power input from the rider and the power input from the motor 11 and outputs the power to the rear wheel 3b.

[0138] (6) The controller 20 is configured to change the speed of the transmission mechanism 13 in response to the power input from the driver and to control the driving force or regenerative force of the motor 11 .

[0139] According to these configurations, the provision of the transmission mechanism 13 allows the driving force and regenerative force of the motor 11 to be increased based on the transmission ratio, so that the exercise intensity can be controlled to approach the driver's target exercise intensity over a wider range.

[0140] (7) The controller 20 is configured to estimate the total oxygen intake (Z) from the oxygen intake (X) estimated from the rotation speed detected by the cadence sensor 16, the oxygen intake (Y) estimated from the torque detected by the torque sensor 15, and the driver's oxygen intake at rest (U) calculated from physical parameters.

[0141] According to this configuration, the accuracy of estimating the total oxygen intake (Z) can be improved by estimating the oxygen intake (X) based on the internal work amount estimated from the rotation speed detected by the cadence sensor 16 and the oxygen intake (Y) based on the external work amount estimated from the torque detected by the torque sensor 15.

[0142] (8) The bicycle 1 can be switched between a standard mode and a fat burning mode in which the exercise intensity is set higher than that in the standard mode, and the controller 20 is configured to control the motor 11 in the fat burning mode so that the exercise intensity calculated from the total oxygen intake (Z) and the maximum oxygen intake (V) approaches the target exercise intensity.

[0143] According to this configuration, when the driver intentionally selects the fat burning mode instead of the standard mode, the motor 11 is controlled so that the exercise intensity approaches the target exercise intensity, making it possible to set the exercise intensity according to the driver's intention.

[0144] (9) The input unit is an input device 100 that is operated by the driver.

[0145] According to this configuration, physical parameters and target exercise intensity can be input from the input device 100. For example, physical parameters and target exercise intensity can be input in advance into the input device 100, and then the exercise intensity can be controlled by attaching the device to the bicycle 1.

[0146] (10) The torque sensor 15 detects the torque input from the crank arm 7b that is rotationally driven by the rider via the pedals 7, and the cadence sensor 16 detects the rotation speed of the crank arm 7b.

[0147] According to this configuration, when applied to a bicycle 1 in which a rider rotates and drives the crank arm 7b via the pedal 7, the motor 11 can be controlled to conform to the target exercise intensity required by the rider using the bicycle 1.

[0148] Here, JP2019-182227A discloses an electrically assisted bicycle (vehicle) equipped with an electric motor, a pedal force sensor that detects the pedaling force applied by the driver, an electric motor that applies an assist force to auxiliary drive the wheels based on the pedal force, a heart rate acquisition unit that acquires the driver's heart rate, and a controller that determines the assist force so as to bring the driver's heart rate closer to a target heart rate.

[0149] However, in the electrically assisted bicycle of JP2019-182227A, exercise intensity is set by inputting information into the age input field and exercise intensity input field displayed on the controller display. Therefore, the rider simply inputs information into each field, making it difficult to understand how to set the exercise intensity.

[0150] (11) (19) (22) (23) (24) In contrast, in a bicycle 1 in which the rear wheel 3b is driven by power input by the rider and power input from the motor 11, an input device 100 for setting the rider's target exercise intensity displays an exercise intensity setting map 120 in which one of the vertical and horizontal axes is one of the rider's physical parameters and the other is one of the rider's body parameters, and has an exercise intensity setting screen 110 for setting the target exercise intensity, and the exercise intensity setting map 120 displays a pointer 121 indicating the values ​​of the physical parameter and physical parameter set by default, and an exercise intensity distribution area 122 set by default around the pointer 121 and set based on the default information of the body parameter, and the target exercise intensity for the bicycle 1 can be set based on the position where the pointer 121 is set in the exercise intensity setting map 120.

[0151] With this configuration, the exercise intensity setting screen 110 of the input device 100 displays an exercise intensity setting map 120, one of which represents one of the rider's physical fitness parameters along its vertical axis and the other of which represents one of the rider's physical parameters along its horizontal axis. The rider can set the target exercise intensity for the bicycle 1 simply by setting the position of a pointer 121 indicating the values ​​of the physical parameter and the physical fitness parameter, with reference to an exercise intensity distribution region 122 set based on the default information for the physical parameter displayed on the exercise intensity setting map 120. This allows the rider to set the target exercise intensity through intuitive operations, reducing the burden on the rider involved in setting the target exercise intensity.

[0152] (12) The input device 100 has a physical parameter input unit 42 for inputting the physical parameters of the driver, and the display of the exercise intensity distribution area 122 changes based on the input physical parameters.

[0153] (13) The physical parameters include the driver's gender, weight, age, and exercise experience, and the exercise intensity distribution region 122 changes so as to become narrower as the number of types of physical parameters input increases.

[0154] According to these configurations, the group is narrowed down to one that includes the physical parameters input by the driver, and groups that do not include the physical parameters of the driver are excluded, thereby improving the accuracy of the area indicated by the exercise intensity distribution area 122.

[0155] (14) The input device 100 further includes a driving mode setting screen 141 for selecting between a standard mode used during normal driving and a fat burning mode in which the target exercise intensity is set higher than that of the standard mode. The exercise intensity setting screen 110 is displayed when the fat burning mode is selected.

[0156] According to this configuration, the exercise intensity setting screen 110 is displayed when the driver intentionally selects the fat burning mode instead of the standard mode, so that the target exercise intensity can be set according to the driver's intention.

[0157] (15) The vertical axis of the exercise intensity setting map 120 represents the physical strength of the driver based on the maximum oxygen intake (V), and the horizontal axis represents the weight of the driver.

[0158] According to this configuration, the vertical axis represents the physical strength of the driver and the horizontal axis represents the weight of the driver, so the driver can intuitively set a target exercise intensity in comparison with his or her own weight and physical strength.

[0159] (16) The exercise intensity distribution area 122 is set based on the physical parameters of a group that includes the driver's age, and the exercise intensity setting map 120 displays an older person exercise intensity distribution area 122a that is set based on default information for the physical parameters of a group that is older than the driver, and a younger person exercise intensity distribution area 122b that is set based on default information for the physical parameters of a group that is younger than the driver, superimposed on the exercise intensity distribution area 122.

[0160] According to this configuration, by displaying the older person exercise intensity distribution area 122a and the younger person exercise intensity distribution area 122b, if the driver feels that his / her subjective age is higher than his / her actual age, he / she can set the exercise intensity within the older person exercise intensity distribution area 122a of the group one year older, and if the driver feels that his / her subjective age is lower than his / her actual age, he / she can set the target exercise intensity within the younger person exercise intensity distribution area 122b of the group one year younger.

[0161] (17) The input device 100 includes a communication unit 102 that can communicate with an external server, and can obtain the position of a pointer 121 set by another user from the server and display it superimposed on the exercise intensity setting map 120.

[0162] With this configuration, the driver can refer to the target exercise intensity set by a member of a specific team, for example, and can set the target exercise intensity to the same as that set by other members, or to a higher target exercise intensity than that set by other members.

[0163] (18) The input device 100 is a smartphone that is connected to the bicycle 1 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0164] According to this configuration, physical parameters and target exercise intensity can be input from the input device 100. For example, the physical parameters and target exercise intensity can be input in advance into the input device 100, and then the target exercise intensity can be set by attaching the input device to the bicycle 1.

[0165] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment merely shows one application example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configuration of the above embodiment.

[0166] For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle is described as a bicycle 1, but the vehicle may be another vehicle that assists the driver's power with motor power, such as an electrically assisted kick scooter or an electrically assisted wheelchair. If the vehicle is an electrically assisted kick scooter, the power input by the driver kicking the ground with one foot is assisted by controlling the motor. If the vehicle is an electrically assisted wheelchair, the power input by the driver turning the wheels with their arms is assisted by controlling the motor.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the electric assist unit 10 is attached to the rear wheel 3b. Alternatively, the electric assist unit 10 may be attached to the front wheel 3a, and the front wheel 3a may be used as the drive wheel.

[0168] The input device 100 may also be a smartphone or the like that is connected to the controller 20 via wired or wireless communication to send and receive data and that is also capable of connecting to the Internet.

[0169] Furthermore, the controller 20 or the input device 100 may be connected to a cloud server (not shown) on the Internet, and the cloud server may be used as the execution entity for some of the above processes executed by the controller 20 and the input device 100.

[0170] That is, in the above embodiment, the entity that executes control for setting the exercise intensity on the bicycle 1 is the controller 20 (or the controller 20 and the input device 100) mounted on the bicycle 1, but the entity that executes the control may be any one or a combination of the controller 20, the input device 100, and the cloud server. Therefore, any one or a combination of the controller 20, the input device 100, and the cloud server corresponds to the controller.

[0171] The above-described series of processes performed by bicycle 1 may be provided as a program for execution by a computer. The program for executing the above-described series of processes may be provided on a computer-readable storage medium. The various programs executed by the computer may also be stored on a non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0172] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Electrically assisted bicycle (vehicle) 3b Rear wheel (drive wheel) 7 Pedal 7b Crank arm (crank) 10 Electrically assisted unit 11 Motor 13 Transmission mechanism 14 Vehicle speed sensor 15 Torque sensor 16 Cadence sensor (input speed sensor) 20 Controller 42 Physical parameter input unit 100 Input device (input unit, mobile terminal) 102 Communication unit 110 Exercise intensity setting screen 120 Exercise intensity setting map 121 Pointer 122 Exercise intensity distribution area 122a Older person exercise intensity distribution area 122b Younger person exercise intensity distribution area 141 Driving mode setting screen

Claims

1. A vehicle whose drive wheels are driven by power input by a driver and power input from a motor, comprising: a torque sensor that detects the torque of the power input by the driver; an input speed sensor that detects the input speed of the power input by the driver; and a controller that controls the motor, wherein the controller is configured to: calculate the driver's workload based on the torque detected by the torque sensor and the input speed detected by the input speed sensor, estimate the driver's oxygen intake from the workload, estimate the driver's maximum oxygen intake from the driver's physical parameters, and control the motor so that the exercise intensity calculated from the oxygen intake and the maximum oxygen intake approaches the driver's target exercise intensity.

2. A vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting said physical parameters, said physical parameters being at least one of the driver's gender, weight, age, exercise experience and physical strength.

3. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the target exercise intensity can be input from the input unit.

4. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the driving force or regenerative force of the motor in response to power input from a driver.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a speed change mechanism which changes the speed of at least one of the power input from the driver and the power input from the motor and outputs the changed speed to the drive wheels.

6. A vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to change the speed of the transmission mechanism in response to power input from a driver and to control the driving force or regenerative force of the motor.

7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to estimate the oxygen intake from a first oxygen intake estimated from an input speed detected by the input speed sensor, a second oxygen intake estimated from a torque detected by the torque sensor, and the driver's resting oxygen intake at rest obtained from the physical parameters.

8. A vehicle as described in claim 1, switchable between a standard mode and a fat burning mode in which the exercise intensity is set higher than that in the standard mode, and the controller is configured to control the motor in the fat burning mode so that the exercise intensity calculated from the oxygen intake and the maximum oxygen intake approaches the target exercise intensity.

9. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the input unit is a mobile terminal operated by the driver.

10. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the torque sensor detects torque input from a crank that is rotated by a driver via a pedal, and the input speed sensor detects the rotational speed of the crank.

11. An input device for setting the target exercise intensity for a driver in a vehicle as described in claim 1, comprising an exercise intensity setting screen for setting the target exercise intensity, displaying an exercise intensity setting map on which one of a vertical axis and a horizontal axis is one of the driver's physical parameters and the other is one of the driver's physical parameters, wherein the exercise intensity setting map displays a pointer indicating the physical parameter and the physical parameter set by default, and an exercise intensity distribution area that is set by default around the pointer and based on default information for the physical parameter, and wherein the target exercise intensity for the vehicle can be set based on the position where the pointer is set within the exercise intensity setting map.

12. An input device according to claim 11, further comprising a physical parameter input section for inputting the physical parameters of the driver, and wherein the display of the exercise intensity distribution area is changed based on the input physical parameters.

13. An input device according to claim 12, wherein the physical parameters include the driver's gender, weight, age, and exercise experience, and the exercise intensity distribution region is changed to become narrower as the number of types of physical parameters input increases.

14. An input device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a driving mode setting screen for selecting between a standard mode used during normal driving and a fat burning mode in which the target exercise intensity is set higher than that of the standard mode, and the exercise intensity setting screen is displayed when the fat burning mode is selected.

15. An input device according to claim 11, wherein the vertical axis of the exercise intensity setting map represents the physical strength of the driver based on the maximum oxygen intake amount, and the horizontal axis represents the weight of the driver.

16. An input device as described in claim 15, wherein the exercise intensity distribution region is set based on the physical parameters of a group including the driver's age, and the exercise intensity setting map displays, superimposed on the exercise intensity distribution region, an older person exercise intensity distribution region set based on default information of the physical parameters of a group older than the driver, and a younger person exercise intensity distribution region set based on default information of the physical parameters of a group younger than the driver.

17. An input device according to claim 11, further comprising a communication unit capable of communicating with an external server, and wherein the position of the pointer set by another user can be obtained from the server and superimposed on the exercise intensity setting map.

18. An input device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the input device is a smartphone that is connected to the vehicle in a wired or wireless manner.

19. A vehicle equipped with the input device according to claim 11, wherein the controller controls the motor based on the set target exercise intensity.

20. A method for controlling a vehicle whose drive wheels are driven by power input by a driver and power input from a motor, the vehicle comprising: a torque sensor that detects the torque of the power input by the driver; and an input speed sensor that detects the input speed of the power input by the driver; the method calculates the workload of the driver based on the torque detected by the torque sensor and the input speed detected by the input speed sensor, estimates the driver's oxygen intake from the workload, estimates the driver's maximum oxygen intake from the driver's physical parameters, and controls the motor so that the exercise intensity calculated from the oxygen intake and the maximum oxygen intake approaches a target exercise intensity for the driver.

21. A program executable by a computer of a vehicle whose drive wheels are driven by power input by a driver and power input from a motor, wherein the vehicle is equipped with a torque sensor that detects the torque of the power input by the driver, and an input speed sensor that detects the input speed of the power input by the driver, and the program causes the computer to execute the following procedures: calculate the workload of the driver based on the torque detected by the torque sensor and the input speed detected by the input speed sensor, estimate the driver's oxygen intake from the workload, estimate the driver's maximum oxygen intake from the driver's physical parameters, and control the motor so that the exercise intensity calculated from the oxygen intake and the maximum oxygen intake approaches the driver's target exercise intensity.

22. An input device for setting a target exercise intensity for a driver in a vehicle whose drive wheels are driven by power input by a driver and power input from a motor, the input device having an exercise intensity setting screen for setting the target exercise intensity, on which an exercise intensity setting map is displayed, one of the vertical and horizontal axes being one of the driver's physical parameters and the other being one of the driver's physical parameters, the input device displaying a pointer indicating the physical parameter and the physical parameter which are set by default, and an exercise intensity distribution area which is set by default around the pointer and based on default information for the physical parameter, the input device being capable of setting the target exercise intensity for the vehicle based on the position where the pointer is set within the exercise intensity setting map.

23. A control method for an input device that controls an input device for setting a target exercise intensity for a driver in a vehicle whose drive wheels are driven by power input by a driver and power input from a motor, wherein the input device has an exercise intensity setting screen for setting the target exercise intensity, on which an exercise intensity setting map is displayed, one of the vertical and horizontal axes being one of the driver's physical parameters and the other being one of the driver's physical parameters, and displays on the exercise intensity setting map: a pointer indicating the values ​​of the physical parameter and the physical parameter that are set by default; and an exercise intensity distribution area that is set by default around the pointer and based on default information of the physical parameter; and the target exercise intensity for the vehicle is set based on the position where the pointer is set in the exercise intensity setting map.

24. A program executable by a computer of an input device for setting a target exercise intensity for a driver in a vehicle whose drive wheels are driven by power input by the driver and power input from a motor, wherein the input device has an exercise intensity setting screen for setting the target exercise intensity, on which an exercise intensity setting map is displayed, one of the vertical and horizontal axes being one of the driver's physical parameters and the other being one of the driver's physical parameters, and displays on the exercise intensity setting map: a pointer indicating the values ​​of the physical parameter and the physical parameter which are set by default; and an exercise intensity distribution area which is set by default around the pointer and based on default information of the physical parameter; and sets the target exercise intensity for the vehicle based on the position where the pointer is set within the exercise intensity setting map.

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