Driving assistance system and driving assistance method

The riding assistance system addresses the issue of mismatched riding routes by integrating bicycle performance and history with rider preferences to suggest suitable routes, optimizing battery use and route selection.

WO2026004525A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-02PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2025/020446
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-26
Filing Date
2025-06-05
Publication Date
2026-01-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing information processing devices for human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, fail to suggest riding routes that match the preferences of the bicycle rider.

Method used

A riding assistance system that acquires first information including the performance of a first bicycle with an electric motor and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle, and presents a riding route based on this information and the rider's desired purpose using an input unit and presentation unit.

Benefits of technology

The system can propose riding routes that suit the preferences of the bicycle rider by considering the bicycle's performance, riding history, and desired purpose, optimizing battery consumption and route selection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

These driving assistance systems (1, 1a) comprise: an acquisition unit (11) that acquires first information including the performance of a first bicycle (10) having an electric motor and second information including a drive history of a second bicycle (20) that is not the first bicycle (10); an input unit (12) that receives a drive purpose desired by an operator (first operator) of the first bicycle (10); and a presentation unit (13) that presents a drive route for the first bicycle (10) on the basis of the first information, the second information, and the drive purpose.
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Description

Driving assistance system and driving assistance method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a driving assistance system and a driving assistance method.

[0002] As a conventional technique, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device for use in a human-powered vehicle that improves usability. The information processing device includes an input unit configured to input first information related to at least one of the state of the human-powered vehicle, the occupants of the human-powered vehicle, and the environment of the human-powered vehicle, and an artificial intelligence processing unit configured to create second information related to recommended driving conditions for the human-powered vehicle in accordance with the first information input from the input unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-98161

[0004] However, the information processing devices of the prior art have a problem in that they may not be able to suggest a riding route that matches the preferences of the bicycle rider.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a riding assistance system that can suggest riding routes that suit the preferences of a bicycle rider.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a riding assistance system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires first information including the performance of a first bicycle having an electric motor and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle other than the first bicycle, an input unit that accepts the riding purpose desired by the rider of the first bicycle, and a presentation unit that presents a riding route to the first bicycle based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose.

[0007] In addition, to achieve the above-mentioned object, a riding assistance method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit acquiring first information including the performance of a first bicycle having an electric motor and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle other than the first bicycle, an input unit accepting a riding purpose desired by a rider of the first bicycle, and a presentation unit presenting a riding route to the first bicycle based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose.

[0008] According to the riding assistance system etc. disclosed herein, it is possible to propose riding routes that suit the preferences of the bicycle rider.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a first bicycle and a second bicycle equipped with a travel assistance system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the travel assistance system according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is another block diagram showing the travel assistance system according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the travel assistance system according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a presented travel route. Fig. 6 is yet another block diagram showing the travel assistance system according to an embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangements and connection forms, steps, step order, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like do not necessarily match in each figure. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0012] A vehicle body state estimation system, a vehicle body state estimation method, and a program according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0013] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, the configuration and function of a driving assistance system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a first bicycle 10 and a second bicycle 20 equipped with a riding assistance system 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the riding assistance system 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is another block diagram showing a riding assistance system 1a according to an embodiment.

[0015] 1 and 2 , the riding assistance system 1 is a system that can suggest riding routes to a rider (hereinafter referred to as the first rider) who rides and rides a first bicycle 10. The riding assistance system 1 is, for example, an information terminal mounted on the first bicycle 10.

[0016] The first bicycle 10 is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle such as a human-powered vehicle with an electric motor or a specific small motor-driven bicycle with an electric motor. The human-powered vehicle is, for example, an electric bicycle with an electric assist function.

[0017] The driving assistance system 1 includes an acquisition unit 11 , an input unit 12 , a presentation unit 13 , and a storage unit 14 .

[0018] The acquisition unit 11 acquires first information including the performance of a first bicycle 10 operated by a first operator, and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle 20 other than the first bicycle 10.

[0019] The acquisition unit 11 is a communication module capable of communicating with the riding assistance system of the second bicycle 20. The acquisition unit 11 is a wireless communication module equipped with an antenna, but may also have a function that allows wired communication with the riding assistance system of the second bicycle 20. For example, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the second information from at least one of inter-vehicle communication between the first bicycle 10 and the second bicycle 20, a cloud server, a relay station, or a personally owned device.

[0020] The first bicycle 10 is a bicycle ridden and operated by a first operator. The second bicycle 20 is a bicycle ridden and operated by an operator other than the first operator (hereinafter referred to as the second operator). In other words, the second bicycle 20 is a different bicycle from the first bicycle 10 and is operated by a different operator. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates a case in which the riding assistance system 1 is mounted on the first bicycle 10, the riding assistance system 1 may also be mounted on the second bicycle 20.

[0021] The performance of the first bicycle 10 includes at least one of the performance of the drive mechanism mounted on the first bicycle 10 and the performance of the electrical equipment mounted on the first bicycle 10. The performance of the drive mechanism includes whether the bicycle has a human-powered drive mechanism such as crank pedals, whether it has an electric motor, the type (performance) of the electric motor, whether it has a gear shifter, and the number of gears. The types of electrical equipment include a tail lamp, turn signals, headlights, etc.

[0022] The information indicating the performance of the first bicycle 10 may further include at least one of the model of the first bicycle 10, the number of gears, assist mode performance, battery capacity, tire type, total weight of the first bicycle 10, and the mileage of the first bicycle 10. Models of the first bicycle 10 include, for example, city bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, cross bikes, and electrically assisted bicycles. The number of gears is the number of gears to which the first bicycle 10 can be shifted. Assist mode performance includes a push-walk mode in which the first bicycle 10 is pushed along, and a riding mode in which auxiliary driving force from an electric motor is added to human driving force for travel. Tire types include tubular tires, clincher tires, and tubeless tires.

[0023] The first information may further include information indicating the ability of a first rider of the first bicycle 10. The ability of the first rider may include at least one of the force applied to the crank pedals, the pedaling speed, the number of gears set in the gear shifter, the degree of fatigue of the first rider, and the physical characteristics of the first rider.

[0024] The first information may further include information relating to the riding of the first bicycle 10. The riding information may further include at least one of the riding speed, remaining battery charge, torque of the electric motor, cadence, output of the electric motor, number of gears, and the set assist mode.

[0025] For example, if the first driver inputs information indicating the first driver's ability to the input unit 12 of the driving assistance system 1 in advance, the acquisition unit 11 may be able to acquire the information indicating the first driver's ability via the input unit 12. Furthermore, if the first driver registers information indicating the first driver's ability in a server, the acquisition unit 11 may be able to acquire the information indicating the first driver's ability from the server. If the first driver inputs this information when using the driving assistance system 1, the information indicating the first driver's ability will mainly be information indicating the first driver's current physical condition.

[0026] The first information may further include the number of accompanying persons, which is the number of persons accompanying the first driver who are traveling together with the first driver.

[0027] The riding history of the second bicycle 20 includes at least one of the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual riding route traveled by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual riding route, and the number of accompanying persons. The performance of the second bicycle 20 includes at least one of the performance of the drive mechanism mounted on the second bicycle 20 and the performance of the electrical equipment mounted on the second bicycle 20. The performance of the drive mechanism and the type of electrical equipment are the same as described above. The evaluation of the riding route is the subjective evaluation felt by the second operator about the proposed riding route. The number of accompanying persons is the number of accompanying persons of the second operator who will ride the proposed riding route with the second operator.

[0028] Furthermore, the information indicating the performance of the second bicycle 20 may further include at least one of the model of the second bicycle 20, the number of gears, the performance of the assist mode, the battery capacity, the type of tires, the total weight of the second bicycle 20, and the mileage of the second bicycle 20. The model of the second bicycle 20, the number of gears, the battery capacity, the type of tires, the total weight of the second bicycle 20, and the mileage of the second bicycle 20 are the same as those described above.

[0029] The second information may further include information indicating the surrounding environment of the second bicycle 20. The information indicating the surrounding environment includes at least one of the time, season, weather, temperature, climate, GPS information, geographical information, road information, and traffic information at the time of riding indicated in the riding history of the second bicycle 20. The geographical information is geographical information including the roads traveled by the second bicycle 20, facilities adjacent to the roads, tourist spots, etc., and is map information including topographical maps and thematic maps. The road information is information including the road environment traveled by the second bicycle 20 and the surrounding environment along the road, such as ambient sounds on the road, the state of obstacles, and locations where accidents frequently occur. The traffic information is traffic information for the roads traveled by the second bicycle 20, such as information including traffic volume at each location, information about toll roads, locations where traffic accidents have occurred, traffic restrictions due to road surface icing, road construction locations, weight restrictions, speed restrictions, etc.

[0030] The second information may further include information about a second rider of the second bicycle 20. The information about the second rider of the second bicycle 20 may further include, for example, information indicating the ability of the second rider. The ability of the second rider may include at least one of the force applied to the crank pedals, the pedaling speed, the number of gears set for the gear shifter, the currently set assist mode, the degree of fatigue of the second rider, and the physical characteristics of the second rider.

[0031] The second information may further include information indicating the behavior of the second bicycle 20. The information indicating the behavior of the second bicycle 20 includes at least one of whether or not the bicycle is pedaling, coasting, slowing down, stopping, pushing the bicycle while walking, sudden braking, slipping, and falling.

[0032] The input unit 12 can receive a driving purpose desired by the first operator. The driving purpose includes at least one of a driving route desired by the first operator and a driving environment desired by the first operator. The driving route desired by the first operator is, for example, a tree-lined road, a seaside road, a XX restaurant, an XX area, etc., scenery and facilities that are present on the driving route and that are preferred by the first operator. The driving environment desired by the first operator is, for example, a wide road, a flat road, a mountain road, etc., the environment of the driving route that is preferred by the first operator.

[0033] The trip objective desired by the first operator may further include at least one of a starting point, a destination point, and a cycling period.

[0034] Furthermore, the input unit 12 can also accept input of information indicating the ability of the first driver. The input unit 12 outputs the accepted information indicating the purpose of the trip and the ability of the first driver to the presentation unit 13 and the storage unit 14.

[0035] The presentation unit 13 presents a riding route to the first bicycle 10 based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose. In other words, the presentation unit 13 calculates a riding route based on the performance of the first bicycle 10, the riding history of the second bicycle 20, and the riding purpose desired by the first rider.

[0036] Furthermore, the first bicycle 10 can travel on roads and sidewalks. Therefore, the presentation unit 13 may present a route for traveling on roads (roadway route), a route for traveling on sidewalks (sidewalk route), or a route for traveling in either case. Because some roads may not have sidewalks, and there are cases where the first bicycle 10 can travel in both directions on a one-way road, the presentation unit 13 can present a route for traveling to the first bicycle 10 taking these into consideration.

[0037] The presentation unit 13 has a display unit 15 for displaying the travel route. Therefore, the presentation unit 13 can cause the display unit 15 to display the travel route.

[0038] The storage unit 14 stores the computer program executed by the presentation unit 13, the driving purpose of the first driver, and information indicating the ability of the first driver. Specifically, the storage unit 14 is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , the riding assistance system 1a may further include a calculation unit 16 in addition to the acquisition unit 11, input unit 12, presentation unit 13, and memory unit 14. The calculation unit 16 acquires the battery capacity and remaining battery power installed in the first bicycle 10 and the riding route presented by the presentation unit 13. The calculation unit 16 calculates riding control instructions that optimize resource consumption of the first bicycle 10 according to the presented riding route. In other words, the calculation unit 16 calculates information that optimizes battery consumption of the first bicycle 10 based on the battery capacity and remaining battery power and the riding route presented by the presentation unit 13. The calculation unit 16 may display the optimized information on the display unit 15 of the presentation unit 13. The calculation unit 16 may also generate control instructions for the first bicycle 10 from the optimized information to control battery consumption of the first bicycle 10.

[0040] <Operation Example> Next, an operation example of the driving assistance system 1, 1a will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the driving assistance system 1, 1a according to the embodiment Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a presented driving route.

[0042] First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires first information including the performance of the first bicycle 10 operated by the first operator and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle 20 other than the first bicycle 10 (S11).

[0043] Next, the input unit 12 receives the travel purpose desired by the first operator (S12).

[0044] Next, the presentation unit 13 presents a riding route for the first bicycle 10 based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose. Specifically, the presentation unit 13 presents a riding route for the first bicycle 10, taking into account the performance of the first bicycle 10 and the riding history of the second bicycle 20, so as to satisfy the needs of the first rider indicated in the riding purpose (S13).

[0045] For example, assume that the first operator's riding purposes are a period of "two days and one night," "a trip around Lake Biwa," "metasequoia avenue," and "a XX restaurant with a rating of △△ or higher," and the model of the first bicycle 10 included in the performance of the first bicycle 10 is a "road bike," and the number of accompanying persons included in the first information is "X people." In this case, the presentation unit 13 takes into consideration the model of the first bicycle 10 included in the performance of the first bicycle 10 being a "road bike," the number of accompanying persons "X people" included in the first information, and the riding history of the second bicycle 20, and presents a riding route as follows, so as to satisfy the first operator's riding purposes of "two days and one night," "a trip around Lake Biwa," "metasequoia avenue," and "a XX restaurant with a rating of △△ or higher."

[0046] "That's a great plan! We suggest the following route so that you can enjoy your bicycle trip around Lake Biwa. We'll also introduce some XX restaurants with a rating of △△ or higher." Road bike route for Biwaichi (around Lake Biwa) 1. Starting point: Ishiyama Station Ishiyama Station is often used as the starting point for Biwaichi. Seta Karahashi Bridge is nearby. 2. Around North Lake (150km) This is a course that goes around North Lake, crossing the Lake Biwa Bridge. There are many wide roads and bicycle lanes, making for a comfortable ride. 3. Rest points and places to visit XX Hotel: Located on the way to Omihachiman City after passing the Lake Biwa Bridge. △〇 Store: There is a famous △〇 store. Shizugatake Tunnel: The highest point of Biwaichi with a spectacular view. Makino: A famous spot for its rows of metasequoia trees. 4. Accommodation: XX Hotel On the first night, you can stay at the XX Hotel, a hotel suitable for cyclists. You can also bring your bicycle into your room. 5. XX Restaurant with a rating of △△ or higher Try to find a highly rated restaurant in your desired area.

[0047] The presentation unit 13 presents the above-described driving route, and causes the display unit 15 to display the entire driving route superimposed on a map, as shown in FIG.

[0048] Then, the flowchart of the driving support system 1, 1a in FIG. 4 ends.

[0049] In the above description, the first information includes the model of the first bicycle 10, but this is merely an example.

[0050] For example, in step S13, if the purpose of riding includes "hills," the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route including "hills" that can be ridden with the performance of the first bicycle 10 based on the performance and / or type of electrical equipment of the drive mechanism of the first bicycle 10 described above and the riding history of the second bicycle 20.

[0051] In this case, if the first bicycle 10 does not have a human-powered mechanism (the first bicycle 10 is a specific small motor-driven bicycle) but has an electric motor, the presentation unit 13 may present a steep slope. The presentation unit 13 may also present a riding route that includes a "slope" that can be ridden with the performance of the first bicycle 10, taking into account at least one of the performance of the driving mechanism mounted on the first bicycle 10 and the performance of the electrical equipment mounted on the first bicycle 10, as well as the riding history of the second bicycle 20.

[0052] The presentation unit 13 can also present a riding route that includes a "slope" that can be ridden with the performance of the first bicycle 10, taking into account at least one of the following information indicating performance: the model of the first bicycle 10, the number of gears, the performance of the assist mode, the battery capacity, the type of tires, the total weight of the first bicycle 10, and the distance traveled by the first bicycle 10, as well as the riding history of the second bicycle 20. For example, if the performance of the first bicycle 10 is excellent, it is considered that it can be ridden up a steep slope. Excellent performance means that at least one of the following is met: a high-performance model, a predetermined number of gears or more, an assist force above a predetermined value, a battery capacity above a predetermined capacity, high-performance tires, a total weight below a predetermined weight, and a riding distance below a predetermined distance. If the riding history of the second bicycle 20 shows that the second bicycle 20 has been able to ride up a steep slope, it can be expected that the first bicycle 10 will be able to ride up a steep slope. Therefore, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that includes steep "slope" by taking into account the performance of the first bicycle 10 and the riding history of the second bicycle 20. Note that if the performance of the first bicycle 10 is low, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that excludes "slope" that is steeper than a certain gradient.

[0053] Furthermore, if the first information further includes information indicating the ability of the first bicycle operator, the presentation unit 13 can take into account the ability of the first bicycle operator (at least one of the following: pedal force on the crank pedals, pedaling speed, number of gears set in the gearbox, the first bicycle operator's fatigue level, and the first bicycle operator's physical characteristics), the performance of the first bicycle 10, and the riding history of the second bicycle 20, and present a riding route including "hills" that the first bicycle operator can ride with the performance of the first bicycle 10. For example, if the first bicycle operator has high ability and the performance of the first bicycle 10 is high, it is considered that the first bicycle operator can ride up steep slopes. The first bicycle operator's ability is considered high when at least one of the following conditions is met: pedal force is equal to or greater than a predetermined force; pedaling speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined number; the number of gears set in the gearbox is equal to or greater than a predetermined number; the first bicycle operator's fatigue level is equal to or greater than a predetermined level; and the first bicycle operator's physical characteristics do not fall under any of the predetermined characteristics. If the riding history of the second bicycle 20 indicates that the second bicycle 20 has been able to ride up steep slopes, it can be expected that the first bicycle 10 will be able to ride up steep slopes. Therefore, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that includes steep "slope" by taking into account the ability of the first rider and the performance of the first bicycle 10, as well as the riding history of the second bicycle 20. Note that if the performance of the first bicycle 10 is low or if the ability of the first rider is low, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that excludes "slope" that is steeper than a certain gradient.

[0054] Furthermore, if the first information further includes information about the riding of the first bicycle 10, the presentation unit 13 can take into account the information about the riding of the first bicycle 10 (at least one of riding speed, remaining battery charge, electric motor torque, cadence, electric motor output, number of gears, and the currently set assist mode), the performance of the first bicycle 10, and the riding history of the second bicycle 20, and present a riding route that includes "hills" that the first bicycle 10 can ride with its performance. For example, if the information about the riding of the first bicycle 10 satisfies predetermined conditions and the first bicycle 10 has high performance, it is considered that the first bicycle 10 can ride up steep slopes. The riding information satisfies the predetermined conditions when at least one of the following is true: the riding speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed; the remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than a predetermined charge; the torque of the electric motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; the cadence is equal to or greater than a predetermined number; the output of the electric motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; the number of gears is equal to or greater than a predetermined number; and the currently set assist mode satisfies the predetermined mode. If the riding history of the second bicycle 20 shows that the second bicycle 20 has been able to ride up steep slopes, it can be expected that the first bicycle 10 will be able to ride up steep slopes. For this reason, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that includes steep "slope" by taking into account the riding information, the performance of the first bicycle 10, and the riding history of the second bicycle 20. Note that if the riding information of the first bicycle 10 does not satisfy predetermined conditions or if the ability of the first rider is low, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that excludes "slope" that is steeper than a certain gradient.

[0055] In addition, if the first information further includes the number of accompanying persons, the presentation unit 13 can take into account the number of accompanying persons, the performance of the first bicycle 10, and the riding history of the second bicycle 20, and present a riding route that includes a ``slope'' that the first rider can ride with the performance of the first bicycle 10.

[0056] In addition, the presentation unit 13 can also take into account at least one of information indicating the ability of the first operator, information regarding the riding of the first bicycle 10, and the number of accompanying persons, as well as the performance of the first bicycle 10 and the riding history of the second bicycle 20, and present a riding route that includes a ``slope'' that the first operator can ride with the performance of the first bicycle 10.

[0057] The acquisition unit 11 also acquires the riding history of a second bicycle 20 that has performance equivalent to or similar to the performance of the first bicycle 10. Equivalent performance means that the performance of the first bicycle 10 and the performance of the second bicycle 20 are identical. Similar performance means that only part of the performance of the first bicycle 10 and the performance of the second bicycle 20 are identical.

[0058] At this time, the presentation unit 13 can check whether there is a possibility that the first rider can ride a riding route that includes a "slope" with the performance of the first bicycle 10, using the riding history of the second bicycle 20. If the riding history shows that the second bicycle 20 has ridden the riding route, the presentation unit 13 can also take into account at least the performance of the first bicycle 10 and the riding history of the second bicycle 20 (at least one of the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual riding route ridden by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual riding route, and the number of accompanying persons), and present a riding route that includes a "slope" that the first rider can ride with the performance of the first bicycle 10.

[0059] Furthermore, when the second information further includes information indicating the surrounding environment of the second bicycle 20, the presentation unit 13 can take into account at least one of the performance of the first bicycle 10, the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual route traveled by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual route, and the number of accompanying persons, as well as the information indicating the surrounding environment of the second bicycle 20, and present a riding route that includes a "slope" that the first bicycle 20 can ride with the performance of the first bicycle 10. For example, in the riding history of the second bicycle 20, if there is a track record of the second bicycle 20 being able to ride up a steep slope, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that includes a steep "slope" by taking into account at least one of the performance of the first bicycle 10, the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual route traveled by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual route, and the number of accompanying persons, as well as the information indicating the surrounding environment of the second bicycle 20.

[0060] Furthermore, when the second information further includes information about the second operator, the presentation unit 13 can take into account at least one of the performance of the first bicycle 10, the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual route traveled by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual route, and the number of accompanying persons, as well as the information about the second operator, and present a riding route that includes a "slope" that the first operator can ride with the performance of the first bicycle 10. For example, in the riding history of the second bicycle 20, if there is a track record of the second bicycle 20 being able to ride up a steep slope, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that includes a steep "slope" by taking into account at least one of the performance of the first bicycle 10, the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual route traveled by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual route, and the number of accompanying persons, as well as the information about the second operator.

[0061] Furthermore, when the second information further includes information indicating the behavior of the second bicycle 20, the presentation unit 13 can take into account at least one of the performance of the first bicycle 10, the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual route traveled by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual route, and the number of accompanying persons, and the information indicating the behavior of the second bicycle 20, and present a riding route that includes a "slope" that the first bicycle 20 can ride with the performance of the first bicycle 10. For example, in the riding history of the second bicycle 20, if there is a track record of the second bicycle 20 being able to ride up a steep slope, the presentation unit 13 can present a riding route that includes a steep "slope" by taking into account at least one of the performance of the first bicycle 10, the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual route traveled by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual route, and the number of accompanying persons, and the information indicating the behavior of the second bicycle 20.

[0062] In addition, as described above, if there is no record of driving on a steep slope, the presentation unit 13 can present a driving route that includes a steep ``slope'' with a gradient of a certain gradient or more, if the first information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0063] Although the above mainly describes "slope roads," the present invention is not limited to "slope roads" and may be any other well-known road, such as a gravel road, an uneven road, a packed snow road, an ice road, or a rainy road.

[0064] <Effects, etc.> Next, effects, etc. of the driving assistance system 1, 1a and driving assistance method according to the embodiment will be described.

[0065] As explained above, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of technology 1 relating to this embodiment comprises an acquisition unit 11 that acquires first information including the performance of a first bicycle 10 having an electric motor and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle 20 other than the first bicycle 10, an input unit 12 that accepts the riding purpose desired by the operator (first operator) of the first bicycle 10, and a presentation unit 13 that presents a riding route to the first bicycle 10 based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose.

[0066] This allows the presentation unit 13 to present a riding route that takes into account not only the first information of the first bicycle 10 and the second information of the second bicycle 20, but also the riding purpose desired by the first rider.

[0067] Therefore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a according to the present disclosure can suggest a riding route that matches the preferences of the first rider of the first bicycle 10.

[0068] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of Technology 2 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1, 1a described in Technology 1. In this case, the performance of the first bicycle 10 includes at least one of the performance of the drive mechanism mounted on the first bicycle 10 and the performance of the electrical components mounted on the first bicycle 10.

[0069] In this way, the presentation unit 13 can take into account the performance of the first bicycle 10 and present a riding route that is suitable for the performance of the first bicycle 10.

[0070] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of Technology 3 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1, 1a described in Technology 2. In this case, the riding history of the second bicycle 20 includes at least one of the performance of the second bicycle 20, the actual riding route traveled by the second bicycle 20, an evaluation of the actual riding route, and the number of accompanying persons.

[0071] According to this, by taking into account the riding history of the second bicycle 20, it is possible to present a suitable riding route for the first bicycle 10, taking into account the riding performance of the second bicycle 20.

[0072] Furthermore, the driving assistance system 1, 1a of Technology 4 according to this embodiment is the driving assistance system 1, 1a described in Technology 3. In this case, the driving purpose includes at least one of a driving route desired by the driver (first driver) and a driving environment desired by the driver (first driver).

[0073] According to this, the presentation unit 13 can propose a driving route that matches the preferences of the first operator by taking into account the driving purpose of the first operator.

[0074] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of Technology 5 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1, 1a described in Technology 4. In this case, the presentation unit 13 presents a riding route for the first bicycle 10, taking into account the performance of the first bicycle 10 and the riding history of the second bicycle 20, so as to satisfy the needs of the rider (first rider) indicated in the riding purpose.

[0075] According to this, the presentation unit 13 can take into consideration the requests of the first operator and propose a driving route that suits the preferences of the first operator.

[0076] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1a of Technique 6 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1a described in any one of Techniques 1 to 5. In this case, the riding assistance system 1a further includes a calculation unit 16 that calculates information that optimizes resource consumption of the first bicycle 10 in accordance with the presented riding route.

[0077] This is expected to optimize the consumption of the battery installed on the first bicycle 10.

[0078] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of Technology 7 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1, 1a described in any one of Technologies 1 to 6. In this case, the riding assistance system 1, 1a is an information terminal mounted on the first bicycle 10, the presentation unit 13 has a display unit 15 for displaying the riding route, and the acquisition unit 11 is a communication module capable of communicating with the second bicycle 20.

[0079] This allows it to be mounted on the first bicycle 10, making it easier to use.

[0080] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of Technology 8 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1, 1a described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 7. In this case, the performance of the first bicycle 10 includes at least one of the model of the first bicycle 10, the number of gears, the performance of the assist mode, and the battery capacity.

[0081] In this way, the presentation unit 13 can take these performance characteristics of the first bicycle 10 into consideration and present a riding route that is suitable for the performance characteristics of the first bicycle 10.

[0082] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of Technique 9 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1, 1a described in any one of Techniques 1 to 8. In this case, the first information further includes information related to the riding of the first bicycle 10.

[0083] This allows the presentation unit 13 to take into account not only the performance of the first bicycle 10 but also information regarding the riding of the first bicycle 10, thereby making it possible to present a riding route that is suitable for the first bicycle 10.

[0084] Furthermore, the driving assistance system 1, 1a of Technology 10 according to the present embodiment is the driving assistance system 1, 1a described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 9. In this case, the first information further includes information indicating the ability of the pilot (first pilot).

[0085] This allows the presentation unit 13 to take into account not only these performance characteristics of the first bicycle 10 but also information indicating the ability of the first rider, thereby making it possible to present a suitable riding route for the first bicycle 10.

[0086] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of Technique 11 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1, 1a described in any one of Techniques 1 to 10. In this case, the second information further includes information indicating the performance of the second bicycle 20.

[0087] In this way, the presentation unit 13 can take into account the performance of the second bicycle 20 and present a riding route that is suitable for the performance of the first bicycle 10.

[0088] Furthermore, the riding assistance system 1, 1a of Technique 12 according to this embodiment is the riding assistance system 1, 1a described in any one of Techniques 1 to 11. In this case, the second information further includes information indicating the surrounding environment of the second bicycle 20.

[0089] In this way, the presentation unit 13 can take into account the surrounding environment of the second bicycle 20 and present a riding route that is suitable for the performance of the first bicycle 10.

[0090] In addition, the riding assistance system 1b of technology 13 relating to this embodiment includes a terminal device 4 having an input unit 12 that accepts the riding purpose desired by the rider (first rider) of a first bicycle 10 having an electric motor, and a server device 3, and the server device 3 includes an acquisition unit 11 that acquires from the terminal device 4 first information including the performance of the first bicycle 10, second information including the riding history of a second bicycle 20 other than the first bicycle 10, and the riding purpose desired by the rider (first rider) of the first bicycle 10, and a presentation unit 13 that presents a riding route to the first bicycle 10 based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose.

[0091] This system also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0092] In addition, the riding assistance method of technology 14 relating to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11 acquiring first information including the performance of a first bicycle 10 having an electric motor and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle 20 other than the first bicycle 10, an input unit 12 accepting the riding purpose desired by the operator (first operator) of the first bicycle 10, and a presentation unit 13 presenting a riding route to the first bicycle 10 based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose.

[0093] This method also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0094] (Other Embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0095] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the travel assistance system may be installed on a cloud server. In this case, the first bicycle may simply be equipped with a terminal capable of communicating with the cloud server.

[0096] Alternatively, the riding assistance system 1, 1a may have the configuration of a riding assistance system 1b as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is another block diagram showing a riding assistance system 1b according to an embodiment. The riding assistance system 1b may include a terminal device 4 having an input unit 12 that accepts a riding purpose desired by a rider (first rider) of a first bicycle 10 having an electric motor, and a server device 3. The server device 3 may include an acquisition unit 11 that acquires first information, second information, and a riding purpose, and a presentation unit 13 that presents a riding route based on the first information, second information, and riding purpose. The server device 3 may further include a storage unit 14.

[0097] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or 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.

[0098] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. Each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0099] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0100] Furthermore, the present disclosure may be realized as a driving assistance method executed by a computer such as a driving assistance system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute the driving assistance method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0101] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure.

[0102] 1, 1a, 1b Driving assistance system 3 Server device 4 Terminal device 11 Acquisition unit 12 Input unit 13 Presentation unit 15 Display unit 16 Calculation unit

Claims

1. A riding assistance system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires first information including the performance of a first bicycle having an electric motor and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle other than the first bicycle; an input unit that accepts the riding purpose desired by the rider of the first bicycle; and a presentation unit that presents a riding route to the first bicycle based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose.

2. The riding assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the performance of the first bicycle includes at least one of the performance of a drive mechanism mounted on the first bicycle and the performance of electrical equipment mounted on the first bicycle.

3. The driving assistance system of claim 2, wherein the driving history of the second bicycle includes at least one of the performance of the second bicycle, the actual driving route traveled by the second bicycle, an evaluation of the actual driving route, and the number of accompanying persons.

4. The driving assistance system according to claim 3, wherein the driving purpose includes at least one of a driving route desired by the driver and a driving environment desired by the driver.

5. The riding assistance system of claim 4, wherein the presentation unit presents the riding route for the first bicycle, taking into account the performance of the first bicycle and the riding history of the second bicycle, so as to satisfy the rider's needs indicated in the riding purpose.

6. A riding assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates information that optimizes resource consumption of the first bicycle in accordance with the presented riding route.

7. A driving assistance system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the driving assistance system is an information terminal mounted on the first bicycle, the presentation unit has a display unit for displaying the driving route, and the acquisition unit is a communication module capable of communicating with the second bicycle.

8. A riding assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the performance of the first bicycle includes at least one of the model of the first bicycle, the number of gears, the performance of the assist mode, and the battery capacity.

9. A riding assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first information further includes information relating to riding of the first bicycle.

10. A driving assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first information further includes information indicating the ability of the driver.

11. A riding assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second information further includes information indicating the performance of the second bicycle.

12. A driving assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second information further includes information indicating the surrounding environment of the second bicycle.

13. A riding assistance system comprising: a terminal device having an input unit that accepts a riding purpose desired by a rider of a first bicycle having an electric motor; and a server device, wherein the server device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires from the terminal device first information including the performance of the first bicycle, second information including the riding history of a second bicycle other than the first bicycle, and the riding purpose desired by the rider of the first bicycle; and a presentation unit that presents a riding route to the first bicycle based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose.

14. A riding assistance method comprising: an acquisition unit acquiring first information including the performance of a first bicycle having an electric motor and second information including the riding history of a second bicycle other than the first bicycle; an input unit accepting a riding purpose desired by a rider of the first bicycle; and a presentation unit presenting a riding route to the first bicycle based on the first information, the second information, and the riding purpose.

Citation Information

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