Method for operating a bicycle system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a bicycle system, comprising the steps of: determining an individual bicycle identifier of a bicycle, creating an individual user identifier for a user of the bicycle, and linking the bicycle identifier and the user identifier to form a digital bicycle-owner identifier.

Description

[0001] R.415466

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Method for operating a bicycle system

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for operating a bicycle system, and a bicycle.

[0008] Bicycles are known to have individual identification markings, such as a serial number or similar. Such individual markings are often physical, for example, affixed to the bicycle frame. These markings can provide a certain degree of theft protection. However, known bicycle identification markings are often easily tampered with, for example, by removing the physical marking from the bicycle.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] In contrast, the method according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is characterized by the fact that increased theft protection for bicycles can be provided in a particularly simple and reliable manner. According to the invention, this is achieved by a method for operating a bicycle system comprising the following steps:

[0011] - Determining an individual bicycle identifier for a bicycle,

[0012] - Creating an individual user ID for a user of the bicycle, and

[0013] - Linking the user ID to a digital bicycle owner ID. R.415466

[0014] - 2 -

[0015] An individual bicycle identifier can be, in particular, a marking that uniquely identifies the bicycle. For example, this identifier comprises a specific sequence of letters and / or numbers. Such an individual bicycle identifier could, for instance, be a serial number.

[0016] An individual user identifier is defined, in particular, as an identifier that uniquely identifies exactly one user. For example, the user identifier can be a specific sequence of letters and / or numbers and / or an individual user profile. Preferably, the user can determine the individual user identifier themselves. Alternatively, or preferably, the user identifier can be automatically assigned to the user, for example, by an external provider system. Particularly preferably, the individual user identifier is linked to the user's user profile. Preferably, such a user profile is integrated into a networked online portal.

[0017] Preferably, the individual bicycle identifier is determined automatically by the bicycle system. For example, the individual bicycle identifier can be stored and transmitted by a control unit, for example to the external provider system via an internet connection.

[0018] In other words, the process links the bicycle's individual identifier and the user's unique identifier to form a shared digital bicycle owner identifier. This digital bicycle owner identifier is preferably stored within the bicycle system and / or externally, for example, in a cloud or similar location. This ensures that a specific bicycle is uniquely and permanently assigned to a specific owner. This allows for a simple and reliable increase in theft protection for the bicycle. For example, in the event of a stolen or lost bicycle, it can be clearly and reliably verified whether the current user of the bicycle is also its owner. Furthermore, the individual creation of the bicycle owner identifier enables a variety of advantageous functions within the bicycle system.For example, certain functions of the bicycle system can only be used with unambiguous identification R.415466.

[0019] - 3 - can be activated with appropriate user authorization, and in other cases can be specifically blocked.

[0020] The dependent claims contain preferred further developments of the invention.

[0021] Preferably, the linking of the bicycle identifier and the user identifier to form the digital bicycle owner identifier is carried out using an external provider system. An external provider system can be, in particular, a server, preferably belonging to a provider of bicycle functions and / or a manufacturer of the bicycle or bicycle components, or the like. Preferably, the bicycle system can be connected to the external provider system via the internet. In particular, the bicycle user can access functions of the external provider system, such as an online portal, via the internet. This allows for particularly simple and user-friendly operation of the bicycle system and also provides a particularly high level of theft protection.

[0022] Preferably, the linking of the bicycle identifier and the user identifier to form the digital bicycle owner identifier is carried out during the initial pairing of the bicycle with the external provider system, particularly via the internet. This means, for example, that when the user first activates the bicycle system, the external provider system pairs the individual bicycle identifier with the individual user identifier. It is particularly advantageous that operation, or at least certain functions of the bicycle system, can be specifically prevented until this pairing has taken place. This allows for a particularly simple and targeted provision of effective theft protection.

[0023] Preferably, the procedure also includes the following steps:

[0024] - Determining an individual component identifier of at least one bicycle component of the bicycle, and

[0025] - Linking the component identifier and the user identifier to form a digital component owner identifier.

[0026] As a bicycle component, in particular a drive unit and / or a battery and / or an output unit and / or an input unit R.415466

[0027] - 4 - is provided. This means that a specific identifier is determined for each or certain bicycle components and linked together with the individual user identifier to form a separate individual digital component owner identifier. This also increases theft protection of the bicycle components.

[0028] In particular, this can also prevent or hinder the use of disassembled and stolen bicycle components on another bicycle.

[0029] Preferably, the linking of the bicycle identifier and the user identifier to form a digital bicycle owner identifier, and / or preferably the linking of the component identifier and the user identifier to form a digital component owner identifier, is only possible for exactly one single user. This means that the bicycle and / or bicycle components are assigned to only one specific owner. This allows for particularly simple and efficient theft protection.

[0030] Preferably the method further includes the step:

[0031] - Creating a theft flag in response to user input. A theft flag is a digital piece of information that can, for example, indicate that a bicycle has been stolen. It can also be considered a "flag." The user can manually submit this input to the external provider's system. In other words, the process allows the user to selectively create the theft flag, preferably by the user, thus marking the bicycle as stolen. The theft flag can be used in various ways, such as sharing information and / or triggering specific functions or actions, like deactivating certain bicycle features. This provides a simple and effective way to achieve a particularly high level of theft protection.

[0032] Preferably, the procedure also includes the step:

[0033] - Saving the theft marker using a database of the external provider system. R.415466

[0034] - 5 -

[0035] For example, the database can be stored in a cloud. This means that the generated theft tag is stored centrally via the external provider's system. This allows, for instance, the theft tag to be transmitted to the bicycle and / or predetermined actions to be initiated when the stolen bicycle is connected to the external provider's system via the internet. Preferably, certain functions of the bicycle are locked by transmitting the theft tag to the bicycle and / or predetermined information is displayed via an output device on the bicycle.

[0036] Preferably, the creation of the theft tag via user input is only possible for predetermined authorized users. Preferably, only the user whose individual user ID has been linked to the bicycle ID to form the digital bicycle owner ID is considered an authorized user. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the theft tag can be created by the external provider system and / or a service provider, such as a dealer or repair shop. Preferably, authorization can be performed before the theft tag is created, and in particular, the creation of the theft tag is specifically prevented if the corresponding authorization is lacking. This allows for a particularly simple and reliable way to prevent misuse of the theft tag.

[0037] Preferably the method further includes the step:

[0038] - Outputting theft information when responding to the creation of the theft marker.

[0039] Theft information is preferably output via an output unit on the bicycle. For example, information about the stolen status can be communicated to other users of the bicycle. Alternatively, or preferably, the theft information is communicated to the bicycle's owner, for example, via an application, preferably a user device, that can communicate with the external provider system. This means that the bicycle's owner can be informed of the theft, for example, when the theft notification is created by the external provider system and / or another authorized user, such as a repair shop. R.415466

[0040] - 6 -

[0041] The procedure particularly preferably also includes the step:

[0042] - Locking the bicycle and / or at least one bicycle component in response to the creation of the theft marker.

[0043] Locking the bicycle preferably includes disabling the activation of the bicycle system. Alternatively or additionally, functions and / or activations of individual or all bicycle components can be locked. In particular, the locking can be carried out using a control unit of the bicycle system. This allows for a particularly high level of theft protection to be provided in a simple and efficient manner.

[0044] Particularly preferably, locking the bicycle and / or at least one bicycle component includes specifically preventing the operation of a drive unit of the bicycle. Preferably, preventing operation includes preventing the drive unit from receiving an electrical power supply. That is, the operation of the drive unit for motor assistance of the bicycle is specifically prevented, particularly by the bicycle's control unit. This significantly restricts the operation of the bicycle, thereby reliably reducing the likelihood of theft.

[0045] Preferably the method further includes the step:

[0046] - Reactivating the locked bicycle and / or locked bicycle component using a digital key, in particular through the external provider system.

[0047] Preferably, the digital key can be transmitted from the external provider system to the bicycle via an internet connection in order to reactivate it, i.e., unlock it. The digital key can preferably only be generated after appropriate authentication of the bicycle's owner. This means that the external provider system can restore the bicycle's functionality from a locked state using the digital key.

[0048] The procedure preferably also includes the following step:

[0049] - Resetting the digital bicycle owner identifier by the external provider system. This means that the link between the bicycle identifier and the user identifier can be reset by the external provider system, which R.415466

[0050] - 7 - means it will be deleted, so that the bicycle can be assigned to another user, for example. This allows for particularly simple and flexible operation of the bicycle, for example after a change of ownership.

[0051] Furthermore, the invention leads to a bicycle, preferably an electric bicycle, comprising a control unit which is set up to carry out the described method.

[0052] Brief description of the drawings

[0053] An embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:

[0054] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of a bicycle in which a method for operating a bicycle system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is carried out, and

[0055] Figure 2 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the method according to the invention.

[0056] Embodiments of the invention

[0057] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0058] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of a bicycle 100 in which a method 20 for operating a bicycle system 150 of the bicycle 100 is carried out according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0059] The bicycle 100 is an electric bicycle 100, which includes a drive unit 105.

[0060] The drive unit 105 comprises a motor, which is in particular an electric motor. The motor can be powered by a battery 109, which provides an electrical R.415466

[0061] - 8 -

[0062] The energy storage unit of the electric bicycle 100 is supplied with electrical energy. A motor torque generated by the motor of the drive unit 105 can provide motor assistance to the pedaling force generated by the rider of the electric bicycle 100. The rider's muscle power can be applied via a crank mechanism with cranks 104.

[0063] The drive unit 105 further comprises a component control unit 3, which is configured to actuate the motor in a controlled manner. For example, the component control unit 3 can control an electrical actuation current to actuate the motor.

[0064] The bicycle 100 is part of a networked bicycle system 150, which also includes an external provider system 200. The external provider system 200 is, for example, a server that can provide and process data for the operation of the electric bicycle 100.

[0065] A connection between external provider system 200 and electric bicycle 100 can be established via an internet connection, which can be made, for example, via a central control unit 2 of the electric bicycle 100.

[0066] Furthermore, the electric bicycle 100 comprises an output unit 106 and an input unit 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the output unit 106 and input unit 107 are integrated together into a single device, which is arranged on the handlebars of the electric bicycle 100. Preferably, the output unit 106 and input unit 107 are jointly formed by a touchscreen. In particular, the device is a bicycle computer, which also has its own component control unit 3.

[0067] The method 20 according to the invention allows for increased theft protection for the electric bicycle 100 and / or for the bicycle components 1 of the electric bicycle 100, as described below with reference to Figure 2.

[0068] In procedure 20, an individual bicycle identifier for the electric bicycle 100 is first determined. For example, a serial number is determined as the bicycle identifier. R.415466

[0069] - 9 -

[0070] In addition, an individual user ID is created for each user of the electric bicycle. This user ID is preferably created when the user registers online on an online portal of the external provider system.

[0071] Subsequently, the bicycle identifier 22 and the user identifier are linked using the external provider system 200 to form a common digital bicycle owner identifier. Preferably, this linking 23 takes place after the creation 22 of the individual user identifier and upon the first connection of the e-bike 100 to the external provider system 200 via the internet.

[0072] The generated digital bicycle owner identifier is preferably stored on the external provider system 200.

[0073] Using the generated digital bicycle owner ID, each electric bicycle 100 is assigned to exactly one owner, and this information is stored. This allows the electric bicycle 100 to be easily and reliably assigned to a specific user, thus enabling reliable theft protection.

[0074] Preferably, a reset of the digital bicycle owner identifier can be carried out by the external provider system 200, for example if there is a change of ownership.

[0075] In parallel, enhanced theft protection can also be provided for the individual bicycle components 1 of the electric bicycle 100 in an analogous manner. For this purpose, an individual component identifier 31 is determined for each separate bicycle component 1 of the electric bicycle 100 in an optional sub-process 20a.

[0076] Preferably, the individual component identifiers of each bicycle component 1 are transmitted to the central control unit 2 via the respective component control unit 3. This central control unit can communicate with the external provider system 200 via the internet connection. R.415466

[0077] - 10 -

[0078] Subsequently, each component identifier and the user's user identifier are linked to form a digital component owner identifier.

[0079] This means that each separate bicycle component can be assigned exactly one owner.

[0080] Furthermore, the procedure 20 includes the following steps which can be carried out in the event of a theft, in particular for electric bicycle 100 and / or one or more of the bicycle components 1.

[0081] Creating a theft marker (41) can occur in response to user input. A theft marker is specifically defined as the marking of the stolen e-bike (100) and / or a bicycle component (1) by the external provider system (200). Preferably, creating the theft marker (41) is only possible for authorized users, ideally the owner, whose individual user ID is linked to the bicycle ID to form the digital bicycle owner ID.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the anti-theft marking can be applied via an authorized dealer and / or an authorized workshop.

[0083] The theft marker is then stored in a database of the external provider system. Preferably, other providers and / or different bicycle systems can access the database of the external provider system to, for example, forward the theft of the electric bicycle and to facilitate the recovery of the stolen electric bicycle.

[0084] Furthermore, when the electric bicycle 100 connects to a system that can communicate with the database of the external provider system 200, a theft information 43 can be output, for example, via the output unit 106 of the electric bicycle 100. This means, for example, that a warning message about the reported theft can be issued. R.415466

[0085] - 11 -

[0086] Furthermore, preferably analogous to connecting the electric bicycle 100 to a system that can communicate with the database of the external provider system 200, a locking 44 of the bicycle 100 and / or of at least one bicycle component 1 of the electric bicycle 100 takes place.

[0087] Particularly preferred is the prevention 44a of operation of the drive unit 105. In detail, operation of the drive unit 105 can be specifically prevented by the central control unit 2 and / or by one of the component control units 3. For example, the power supply to the drive unit 105 by the battery 109 can be specifically blocked and prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, procedure 20 also allows for the reactivation 45 of the locked e-bike 100 and / or the locked bicycle component 1. This is made possible by means of a digital key through the external provider system 200.

[0089] The digital key is preferably generated by the external provider system 200, specifically only upon receiving a corresponding command from an authorized user, such as the owner. This allows, for example, the theft marker to be deleted and the operation of the e-bike 100 and all bicycle components 1 to be reactivated.

Claims

R.415466 - 12 - Claims 1. Method for operating a bicycle system (150), comprising the steps: Determine (21) an individual bicycle identifier for a bicycle (100), create (22) an individual user identifier for a user of the bicycle (100), and Linking (23) the bicycle identifier and the user identifier to form a digital bicycle owner identifier.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the linking (23) is carried out using an external provider system (200).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the linking (23) is carried out during the initial coupling of the bicycle (100) with the external provider system (200).

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps; Determine (31) an individual component identifier of at least one bicycle component (1) of the bicycle (100), and Linking (33) the component identifier and the user identifier to form a digital component owner identifier.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the linking (23, 33) is possible only for exactly one single user.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of: Creating (41) a theft marker in response to user input.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of: R.415466 - 13 - Storing (42) the theft marker using a database of the external provider system (200).

8. Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the creation (41) of the theft marker by user input is possible exclusively by predetermined authorized users.

9. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising the step: outputting (43) a theft information in response to the creation (41) of the theft marker.

10. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising the step: locking (44) the bicycle (100) and / or at least one bicycle component (1) in response to the creation (41) of the theft marking.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein locking (44) the bicycle (100) and / or the at least one bicycle component (1) comprises preventing (44a) operation of a drive unit (105) of the bicycle (100).

12. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, further comprising the step: Reactivating (45) the locked bicycle (100) and / or the locked bicycle component (1) using a digital key, in particular through the external provider system (200).

13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of: Resetting (29) the digital bicycle owner identifier by the external provider system (200).

14. Bicycle, in particular electric bicycle, comprising a control unit (2) which is configured to carry out a method (20) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images