Assistance system of a bicycle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assistance system of a bicycle, comprising a sensor system which is designed to sense the surroundings of the bicycle, a control unit, and an output unit which is designed to output information, wherein the control unit is designed to determine trigger information and to actuate the output unit on the basis of the determined trigger information.

Description

[0001] R.414057

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] bicycle assistance system

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The present invention relates to an assistance system for a bicycle, a bicycle, and a bicycle combination.

[0008] Assistance systems for bicycles are well-known and can incorporate various sensors. These sensors allow the bicycle's surroundings to be monitored. For example, the sensor data collected can be transmitted to the rider.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The assistance system according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, is characterized in that particularly reliable information about the surroundings of a bicycle can be provided to the rider using a simple and reliable technique. This is achieved according to the invention by an assistance system for a bicycle comprising a sensor system configured to detect the bicycle's surroundings, a control unit, and an output unit. The output unit is configured to output information, in particular visual, acoustic, and / or haptic information. The control unit is configured to determine trigger information and to actuate the output unit based on the determined trigger information. R.414057

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[0012] In particular, the control unit is designed to actuate the output unit based on the determined trigger information in such a way that the output unit outputs information about the bicycle's surroundings that was captured by the sensor system.

[0013] Trigger information can be, for example, a signal. Preferably, the trigger information can be generated by a trigger unit. Such a trigger unit can, for example, be configured to generate the trigger information in response to a predetermined detected event.

[0014] In other words, an assistance system for a bicycle is provided which can detect the bicycle's surroundings and output information, preferably about the detected environment, to the bicycle rider via an output unit in response to a trigger information.

[0015] Alternatively, or preferably, the output unit can transmit the information to other road users or similar entities. This means that the assistance system provides targeted, situation-dependent information.

[0016] The assistance system is characterized by its ability to deliver highly targeted, situation-appropriate information. This allows, for example, for particularly effective information to be provided to the driver. Specifically, it prevents information from being displayed in situations where no information about the surroundings is necessary. This minimizes driver distraction caused by the display unit. Furthermore, targeted information delivery ensures that the information is reliably transmitted to the driver in a way that prevents it from being overlooked. This allows for particularly precise and reliable warnings to be issued to the driver in hazardous situations or similar scenarios.Alternatively, in specific situations where increased driver attention is not required, information about other surrounding areas, such as behind the bicycle, can be provided to the driver. R.414057.

[0017] - 3 -

[0018] The dependent claims contain preferred further developments of the invention.

[0019] Preferably, the assistance system further comprises an input unit configured to generate trigger information based on manual user input. In particular, the input unit is configured to receive manual user input from the bicycle rider. For example, the input unit can include buttons and / or a touchscreen or the like. Alternatively or additionally, and preferably, the input unit can receive acoustic input, i.e., for example, voice commands from the user. Preferably, the output unit and input unit can be integrated into a single device. Most preferably, the output unit and input unit can be configured together as a touch-sensitive screen. This allows for the generation of particularly simple and reliably user-determinable trigger information to selectively control the output unit.

[0020] Preferably, the control unit is configured to automatically generate the trigger information, particularly preferably based on sensor data acquired by the sensor system. That is, the control unit is configured to analyze the sensor data and, based on this analysis, especially in response to the detection of a predetermined pattern in the sensor data, to automatically generate the trigger information. This allows, for example, automatic notification and / or warning of the bicycle rider in predetermined situations or the like.

[0021] The sensor system preferably includes a camera. In particular, the camera directly captures the bicycle's surroundings, and the image of the bicycle's surroundings captured by the camera is preferably displayed via the output unit. The camera is particularly preferably oriented backwards with respect to the bicycle's direction of travel, i.e., especially opposite to the bicycle's direction of travel. This allows the assistance system to provide a digital rearview mirror, enabling the cyclist to see an image of the surroundings behind them. By activating the display based on trigger information, the transmission of information can be particularly situationally targeted.

[0022] - 4 - This should be carried out in a manner appropriate to the system. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the sensor system includes a LiDAR sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor. This allows, for example, a particularly reliable and accurate analysis of the environment with regard to objects and / or situations or the like.

[0023] Preferably, the output unit is mounted on the bicycle or designed to be mounted on it. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the output unit is part of a user device, such as a smartphone. A further alternative or additionally, preferably, the output unit is designed to be worn on the head, for example, as smart glasses. Particularly preferably, the output unit is configured to output visual and / or acoustic and / or haptic information. The output unit can thus be adapted with particular flexibility to enable targeted information output to the bicycle user, allowing the user to perceive the information in the best possible way.

[0024] Preferably, the output unit is configured to display an image of the surroundings captured by the sensor system. This is particularly advantageous if the sensor system includes a camera and the output unit includes a screen or similar device. This allows the user to easily view the bicycle's surroundings and perceive, for example, other road users or obstacles, without having to turn their head.

[0025] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to detect, and in particular classify, objects, preferably road users and / or traffic infrastructure and / or a traffic situation, based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor system. In particular, the detection, and preferably classification, of objects can be based on pattern recognition using the sensor data acquired by the sensor system. In other words, environmental monitoring with regard to objects in the vicinity of the bicycle can be carried out. In particular, other road users or traffic infrastructure or a specific traffic situation can be detected, and the output unit can preferably be activated based on this. This allows the cyclist to be automatically and easily provided with reliable information about the current surroundings.

[0026] - 5 - This enables practical scenarios regarding cycling. For example, warnings about impending collisions or similar situations can be issued easily and reliably.

[0027] Preferably, the control unit includes a machine learning system and / or an algorithm derived from the machine learning system for object recognition. In other words, object recognition can thus be achieved essentially through artificial intelligence. Preferably, the machine learning system is designed to learn, with the machine learning system undergoing training over time, particularly during use. Preferably, the learning can take place within the assistance system or, alternatively, in a cloud. Alternatively, and preferably, the machine learning system can be designed to be non-learning. This allows for a particularly precise and effective implementation of object recognition and classification using the machine learning system, thereby enabling particularly reliable operation and a high level of user-friendliness for the assistance system.

[0028] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to output information to the cyclist and / or other road users via the output unit, based on the detected road users and / or the detected traffic situation. In particular, this information can be a warning message. For example, the cyclist and / or other road users can be informed of potentially approaching road users, allowing them to focus their attention on these other road users. Furthermore, potential impending collisions can be detected and displayed via this information.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the control unit is further configured to recognize a turning situation, preferably by means of the machine learning system and / or based on the object recognition algorithm determined by the machine learning system. For example, the turning situation can be recognized based on pattern recognition. In particular, the turning situation is recognized based on the environment of the bicycle as detected by the sensor system. A turning situation is considered to be, in particular, a future drivable route, i.e., for example, an R.414057

[0030] - 6 - further road course, may include an intersection. Preferably, the detection of the turning situation can additionally include determining whether the bicycle and / or another road user can or will turn in the further course of the drivable area. This allows, for example, potentially dangerous situations for the cyclist to be detected. Preferably, depending on the detection of the turning situation, trigger information can be specifically generated in order to inform the cyclist in a targeted manner.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit is preferably configured to issue a warning message to the bicycle user and / or other road users via the output unit, based on road users detected in the vicinity and the detected turning situation. That is, if a turning situation is detected and additionally other road users are detected in the immediate vicinity of the bicycle, the warning message is specifically issued via the output unit, particularly after prior generation of trigger information, in order to warn the bicycle user. This targeted warning message can thus increase the attention of the rider and / or other road users, especially in turning situations.

[0032] Preferably, the sensor system and the control unit are further configured to detect and recognize a trailer coupled to the bicycle. In particular, the sensor system has a sensor facing backwards relative to the bicycle's direction of travel, for example, a rear-facing camera, which can detect a trailer being pulled behind the bicycle. This allows for targeted activation of the output unit when a trailer is attached. Particularly preferably, the output unit can directly display information about the trailer detected by the sensor system to the bicycle user. For example, a camera image from the sensor can be displayed by the output unit, so that the bicycle user can see the trailer via the display unit.

[0033] Preferably, the control unit is further equipped to detect persons and / or animals located in the trailer, and in particular to detect the behavior of the persons and / or animals, based on the means of R.414057

[0034] - 7 -

[0035] Sensor system data is acquired by the sensor system. Particularly preferably, the detection of persons and / or animals, and especially their behavior, can be based on pattern recognition using the sensor system's acquired data. This means, for example, that the bicycle user can be shown information, such as an image, of the trailer and the persons and / or animals inside it at the output unit when their presence or a specific behavior is detected. This allows the bicycle user to be informed about the persons and / or animals in the trailer or their behavior only when necessary. This reduces distractions caused by constant information.

[0036] Preferably, the sensor system is further configured to detect the area around the bicycle in the direction of travel, that is, in particular, in front of the bicycle. The control unit is further configured to detect obstacles in the detected area around the bicycle. Particularly preferably, the control unit is configured to detect obstacles in the area of ​​a future path of travel by the bicycle. Preferably, for example, the rider of the bicycle can be provided with corresponding information via the output unit by selectively generating a trigger signal when obstacles are detected.

[0037] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to determine a predicted future trajectory of the bicycle, for example, using the bicycle's navigation system. In addition, the control unit is configured to detect impending collisions of the bicycle with detected obstacles, based on the obstacles detected by the sensor system and the determined predicted future trajectory, and particularly preferably based on the width of the trailer coupled to the bicycle, as detected by the sensor system. In other words, impending potential collisions of the bicycle can be automatically detected based on the detected obstacles. Preferably, the control unit is configured to generate trigger information when impending collisions are detected. Advantageously, the width of the bicycle and preferably also of the trailer can be automatically determined and taken into account.This allows for a particularly reliable determination of whether, especially with regard to width, R.414057.

[0038] - 8 - a collision-free journey along the predicted future route is possible. Information about potential collisions can be automatically and reliably provided to the user.

[0039] Preferably, the output unit is configured to display a lane projection. This lane projection includes a width of the bicycle or any trailer attached to the bicycle, which can be entered manually and / or detected by the sensor system. In particular, the control unit is configured to display the lane projection in a representation of the bicycle's surroundings. For example, the lane projection could consist of two lines representing the width of the bicycle and / or trailer, projected directly or virtually into the bicycle's environment. This allows the cyclist to immediately see whether potential collisions might occur at narrow points along the planned route, enabling them to adjust their route or riding style accordingly.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention leads to a bicycle comprising the described assistance system. Preferably, the bicycle is an electric bicycle.

[0041] The invention further relates to a bicycle combination comprising the described bicycle and a trailer that can be coupled to the bicycle. In particular, the trailer can be mechanically coupled to the bicycle so that the bicycle can pull the trailer. The trailer can be specifically designed for transporting objects and / or persons and / or animals. For example, the trailer can be single-track or, alternatively, preferably, double-track.

[0042] Brief description of the drawings

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle with an assistance system according to a first embodiment of the invention, R.414057

[0045] - 9 -

[0046] Figure 2 shows a highly simplified schematic view of an exemplary traffic situation with the bicycle of the first embodiment,

[0047] Figure 3 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the assistance system of the first embodiment,

[0048] Figure 4 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle with an assistance system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0049] Figure 5 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle with an assistance system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a simplified schematic view of a bicycle combination with an electric bicycle comprising an assistance system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Figure 7 shows a highly simplified schematic view of a bicycle combination with an electric bicycle, which includes an assistance system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, and

[0052] Figure 8 shows a simplified schematic view of a track projection during the operation of an electric bicycle with an assistance system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0053] Embodiments of the invention

[0054] Preferably, all identical components, elements, and / or units in all figures are designated with the same reference numerals. R.414057

[0055] - 10 -

[0056] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle 100 with an assistance system 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the electric bicycle 100 of the first embodiment operating in a specific exemplary traffic situation. Figure 3 further shows a highly simplified schematic view of the assistance system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0057] The electric bicycle 100 comprises a drive unit 101 with a motor, which is in particular an electric motor. The motor can be powered by electrical energy stored in an electrical energy storage device 109 of the electric bicycle 100.

[0058] The drive unit 101 is located in the area of ​​a bottom bracket of the electric bicycle 100, and is therefore designed as a mid-drive motor.

[0059] A motor torque generated by the motor of the drive unit 101 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.

[0060] The assistance system 10 includes a sensor system 1 which is set up to detect an environment 150 of the bicycle 100.

[0061] In detail, the sensor system 1 in the first embodiment comprises at least one camera 11 a, which is set up to capture an image of the environment 150.

[0062] The camera 11 a is oriented forward with respect to a direction of travel 110 of the electric bicycle 100 and can detect the surroundings 150, for example within a detection area 11 b, which extends in front of and to the left side of the electric bicycle 100 (see Figure 2).

[0063] Furthermore, the assistance system 10 includes a control unit 2 and an output unit 3. R.414057

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[0065] The output unit 3 is configured to provide information to the rider of the electric bicycle 100, in particular acoustically and / or visually and / or haptically. Most preferably, the output unit 3 comprises a display which is arranged on the handlebar 107 of the electric bicycle, i.e., within the rider's field of vision.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the output unit 3 may also include a turn signal and / or a rear light, in particular for the visual output of light signals to other road users.

[0067] Preferably, control unit 2 and output unit 3 are integrated together in a single device.

[0068] Control unit 2 is configured to determine a predetermined trigger information and, based on this information, to selectively activate output unit 3. Activation of output unit 3 results in a warning message being sent to the rider of the electric bicycle 100.

[0069] As a warning, the driver is preferably given a visual and preferably also an audible indication, in particular a warning message. This allows the driver to be warned of a dangerous traffic situation, for example, as described in detail below.

[0070] The trigger information is automatically generated by the control unit 2 itself, based on sensor data acquired by the sensor system 1. Preferably, a video preprocessing function 21 of the control unit 2 is used to preprocess and analyze the acquired sensor data (see Figure 3).

[0071] The pre-processed data are then further processed by means of an object recognition 22 and a situation recognition 23 of the control unit 2.

[0072] Object recognition 22 is used to detect objects, in particular other road users 120 and / or traffic infrastructure in the vicinity 150 of the e-bike 100. Road users 120 located in the immediate vicinity of the e-bike 100 are given priority for detection. R.414057

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[0074] Using situation recognition 23, a predetermined traffic situation is preferably determined based on the acquired sensor data. Particularly preferably, turning situations are detected. An example of such a situation is shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the turning situation comprises a road layout that has at least two different paths 151, which are potentially possible due to a road design 155. In the example shown in Figure 2, for instance, driving straight ahead, indicated by arrow 110, and turning right, indicated by arrow 111, are possible.

[0075] The control unit 2 includes a machine learning system and / or an algorithm determined based on a machine learning system, which is used by object recognition 22 and situation recognition 23. Based on object recognition 22 and situation recognition 23, the control unit 2 also performs a risk assessment 24, which analyzes the detected objects, in particular road users 120, and traffic situations, and based on this, for example, determines potential collisions of the electric bicycle 100 with the detected objects.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 2 includes a signal generator 25, which generates the trigger information depending on the risk assessment 24. That is, if, for example, a potentially dangerous situation is detected by means of the risk assessment 24, the trigger information is generated by means of the signal generator 25, so that the output unit 3 outputs the warning information to the rider of the electric bicycle 100.

[0077] Additionally, preferably, an acoustic and / or visual warning information can be issued to other road users 120 in the vicinity 150 of the electric bicycle 100 by means of the output unit 3.

[0078] In other words, by means of the assistance system 10 of the first embodiment, a warning message is particularly preferably issued via the output unit 3 when predetermined road layouts and / or intersections are detected and at the same time other road users 120 are detected in the immediate vicinity 150 of the e-bike. This occurs in particular when, preferably in road layouts with right-hand traffic, a R.414057

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[0080] The possibility is being considered that in the future it will be possible to drive straight ahead and also to turn right.

[0081] Alternatively or in addition to recording the route based on camera 11 a, the route can be recorded using map and / or navigation information from a navigation system.

[0082] The risk assessment 24 particularly preferentially analyzes one type of other road user 120. In particular, the signal generation 25 only generates the trigger information if it is recognized that the other road user 120 is a motor vehicle, especially a car or truck.

[0083] Figure 4 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle 100 with an assistance system 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment corresponds essentially to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, with the difference being an alternative design and function of the assistance system 10.

[0084] In the second embodiment, the sensor system 1 of the assistance system 10 comprises a camera 11, which is directed rearward opposite to the direction of travel 110 of the electric bicycle 100. Alternatively or additionally preferably, the sensor system 1 can also comprise another sensor, such as a LiDAR sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0085] Additionally, the sensor system 1 may preferably also include an additional sensor facing forward in the direction of travel 110, such as an additional camera 11 a.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to actuate the output unit 3 based on trigger information that is generated manually and / or automatically. The automatic generation of the trigger information preferably occurs via the control unit 2 based on the analysis of the sensor data from the sensor system 1. Analogous to the object recognition and / or situation recognition of the first embodiment, the response to the recognition of predetermined objects and / or situations can be R.414057

[0087] - 14 - the trigger information is generated, whereby, for example, other predetermined situations may also enable the trigger information to be triggered.

[0088] In addition, the assistance system 10 in the second embodiment includes an input unit 4, which is configured to generate the trigger information based on manual user input. The input unit 4 can, for example, comprise a button and / or an input element of a touchscreen. For example, the input unit 4 can be designed as a separate device, which is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the handlebar 107. Alternatively, preferably (not shown), the input unit 4 can be integrated together with the output unit 3 and / or control unit 2 into a single device.

[0089] In the second embodiment, upon receiving the trigger information from the control unit 2, the output unit 3 is activated such that it displays the image of the surroundings 150 captured by the camera 11. This allows the rider of the electric bicycle 100 to view the surroundings 150 behind the bicycle 100, either manually or automatically via the control unit 2. Thus, the assistance system 10 provides functionality comparable to a rearview mirror, which can be switched manually and / or automatically.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, preferably in addition to displaying the camera image via the output unit 3 arranged on the handlebar 107, output can be provided via an output unit 3 of a user device 31. The user device 31 is preferably a smartphone belonging to the user. This enables an alternative, flexible output with high user convenience.

[0091] Preferably, control unit 2 is further configured to deactivate the output via output unit 3. Deactivation preferably occurs when no trigger information is detected. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the display is actively activated in response to a detected predetermined situation, such as a predetermined traffic situation. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the display can be deactivated by manual user input. R.414057

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[0093] Figure 5 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle 100 with an assistance system 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment corresponds essentially to the second embodiment of Figure 4, with the difference being further additional functions of the assistance system 10.

[0094] In the third embodiment shown in Figure 5, the assistance system 10 further comprises at least one signaling device 14 which is configured to output an optical signal.

[0095] In the third embodiment shown, the signaling device 14 is integrated together with the camera 11 of the sensor system 1 into a single device. In other words, the camera 11 can, for example, also be integrated into a rear light of the electric bicycle 100.

[0096] The assistance system 10 of the third embodiment is further equipped to process the acquired sensor data, in particular the video data, of the sensor system 1, especially by means of the control unit 2. This preferably involves detecting and classifying other road users or persons and / or recognizing the current movement or position of the electric bicycle 100 relative to its surroundings 150. For example, the position of the electric bicycle 100 within a lane can be detected.

[0097] Furthermore, the assistance system 10 can also be set up to process navigation data from a navigation system.

[0098] Preferably, the control unit 2 is configured to detect a turning intention, that is, an impending turning operation, based on sensor data from the sensor system 1 and, for example, additional information such as navigation data.

[0099] The control unit 2 is preferably configured to activate the output unit 2 in the event of a detected imminent turning intention, in order to display the image of the surroundings 150 captured by the camera 11. For example, this can provide a kind of automatic "rearview mirror". R.414057

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[0101] The display is advantageously provided by means of the output unit 3 arranged on the handlebar 107 and / or by means of the output unit 3 of the user device 31 .

[0102] Furthermore, preferably, the signaling device 14 can be used, for example, to automatically generate a flashing signal via the control unit 2 when a turning intention is detected, which displays the turning view, for example.

[0103] Additionally, an acoustic warning signal can preferably be generated, which can, for example, cause the driver to focus his attention on output unit 3.

[0104] Preferably, the output of the output unit 3 is configured such that objects detected by the control unit 2 are visually highlighted by the output unit 3. For example, a frame, particularly one that is visually highlighted, can be displayed around detected objects, such as other road users.

[0105] Furthermore, the signaling device 14 is preferably configured to emit visual signals to other road users in the vicinity 150 of the electric bicycle 100. Preferably, light signals, such as evasive arrows or the like, can be projected onto the roadway by means of the signaling device 14. Alternatively or additionally, the brightness of a rear light of the electric bicycle 100 is selectively changed, for example, to increase the attention of other road users to the electric bicycle 100.

[0106] Furthermore, preferably the brightness of the rear light can be varied depending on the ambient brightness detected by the sensor system 1.

[0107] Figure 6 shows a highly simplified schematic view of a bicycle combination 115 with an electric bicycle 100, which includes an assistance system 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment corresponds essentially to the second embodiment of Figure 4, with the difference being additional functions of the assistance system 10. R.414057

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[0109] The bicycle combination 115 comprises, in addition to the electric bicycle 100, a trailer 55 which is coupled to the electric bicycle 100. Specifically, the trailer 55 is mechanically connected to the electric bicycle 100, for example, by means of a coupling device 105 on a rear axle of the electric bicycle 100. Thus, the trailer 55 is pulled by the electric bicycle 100.

[0110] The trailer 55 can, for example, be designed as a single-track or two-track vehicle.

[0111] The trailer 55 includes a compartment 56 within which items such as luggage, or persons or animals, can be transported. The trailer 55 can be designed to be, for example, enclosed or alternatively open.

[0112] The sensor system 1 is designed such that the trailer 55 is within the field of view of the rear-facing camera 11. This allows the rider of the electric bicycle 100 to observe the trailer 55 at any time via the output unit 3, which displays the image captured by the camera 11, without the rider having to look behind them.

[0113] In the fourth embodiment, the assistance system 10 further comprises trailer-specific functions, which are preferably performed using a machine learning system and / or an algorithm determined based on a machine learning system. Here, object and situation recognition are carried out by means of the control unit 2. In other words, the control unit 2 analyzes sensor data acquired by the camera 11 using artificial intelligence.

[0114] In detail, the control unit 2 is set up to recognize the trailer 55 coupled to the electric bicycle 100.

[0115] Furthermore, the control unit 2 is configured to detect persons and / or animals located in the trailer 50. Particularly preferably, the control unit 2 is additionally configured to detect the behavior of the persons and / or animals in the trailer 55. In detail, the control unit 2 is preferably configured to use the machine learning system to detect facial expressions. R.414057

[0116] - 18 - and / or gestures of the persons and / or animals located in trailer 55. Based on this, the control unit 2 preferably generates the trigger information in a specially adapted manner and / or controls the output unit in a defined way to output specific information.

[0117] Control unit 2 is particularly well-suited for generating trigger information in response to the detection of a predefined behavior by people and / or animals in the trailer. For example, a predetermined behavior could be restless movement and / or shouting, or similar actions. This means that upon detection of the predefined behavior, the output of the camera image via output unit 3 can be specifically initiated by generating the trigger information using control unit 2.

[0118] Alternatively, control unit 2 can preferably be configured to generate the trigger information as soon as the presence of a person and / or animal in trailer 55 is detected. In this case, the camera image is continuously displayed via output unit 3.

[0119] Figure 7 shows a highly simplified schematic view of a bicycle combination 115 with an electric bicycle 100, which includes an assistance system 10 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The fifth embodiment corresponds essentially to the fourth embodiment of Figure 6, with the difference of a further additional function of the assistance system 10.

[0120] The additional function of the assistance system 10 of the fifth embodiment of Figure 7 can be regarded as a lane keeping assistant for the bicycle combination 115.

[0121] In the assistance system 10 of the fifth embodiment, an additional width 57 of the trailer 55 is taken into account.

[0122] The width 57 is automatically determined by control unit 2 based on the camera image obtained by the rear-facing camera 11. R.414057

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[0124] Alternatively, a predefined width of 57, which is stored and / or can be manually entered by the rider of the electric bicycle 100, can be used.

[0125] Additionally, the sensor system 1 is equipped with a forward-facing camera 11a to detect an environment 150 in front of the electric bicycle 100 with respect to the direction of travel 110, and the control unit 2 is further equipped to detect obstacles 155 in the environment 150 in front of the bicycle 100. Obstacles are considered to be, in particular, areas of the environment 150 that cannot be traversed.

[0126] Additionally, the control unit 2 is set up to determine a predicted future travel path 40 of the electric bicycle 100, and to determine impending collisions based on the detected obstacles 155 and the predicted future travel path.

[0127] The predicted future driving path 40 is preferably determined based on sensor data from other (not shown) sensors of the sensor system 1, such as a speed sensor and / or an acceleration sensor and / or a wheel speed sensor or the like.

[0128] In response to detected potential future collisions of the electric bicycle 100 and / or the trailer 55 with obstacles 155, the control unit 2 generates the trigger information so that a corresponding warning information is issued by means of the output unit 3.

[0129] Preferably, the control unit 2 is additionally equipped to determine alternative potential future driving routes in the environment, and preferably to provide the driver with instructions to avoid collisions with the obstacles 155 by means of the output unit 3.

[0130] The control unit 2 is preferably configured to validate the determined predicted driving path 40 and / or the determined potential collisions based on the sensor data acquired by the rear-facing camera 11. R.414057

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[0132] Preferably, the control unit 2 is configured to adapt further determinations autonomously using the machine learning system based on this validation. This enables particularly precise results from the assistance system 10.

[0133] Figure 8 shows a highly simplified schematic view of a track projection 20, which can be provided by means of an assistance system 10 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The sixth embodiment corresponds essentially to the fifth embodiment of Figure 7, with the difference being an additional output function of the output unit 3.

[0134] In the sixth embodiment of Figure 8, the output unit 3 is set up to output the track projection 20, which has the width 57 of the electric bicycle 100 or of the trailer 55 coupled to the electric bicycle 100.

[0135] The output unit 3 is configured to visually display the track projection 20 directly in the environment 150. For example, the track projection 20 can be output as two lines projected into the environment 150 onto the surface to be traversed, as simplified in Figure 8.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the track projection 20 is displayed in an image of the environment 150, which is displayed, for example, by means of the output unit 3.

[0137] Using the lane projection 20, the rider of the electric bicycle 100 can easily and reliably determine whether there is sufficient space available in the areas to be traversed. The visual representation allows the rider to assess, particularly easily and accurately, whether the area 150 available for travel offers sufficient clearance or whether potential collisions are imminent.

Claims

R.414057 - 21 - Claims 1. Assistance system of a bicycle (100), comprising: a sensor system (1) which is configured to detect an environment (150) of the bicycle (100), a control unit (2), and an output unit (3) which is configured to output information, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to determine a trigger information, and to actuate the output unit (3) based on the determined trigger information.

2. Assistance system according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit (4) which is configured to generate the trigger information based on manual user input.

3. Assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to automatically generate the trigger information, in particular based on sensor data acquired by means of the sensor system (1).

4. Assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (1) comprises a camera (11 , 11 a) and / or a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor.

5. Assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to detect, and in particular classify, objects, in particular road users and / or traffic infrastructure and / or a traffic situation, based on the sensor data acquired by means of the sensor system (1).

6. Assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (2) is a machine learning system and / or a system based on R.414057 - 22 - exhibits an algorithm for object recognition determined by a machine learning system.

7. Assistance system according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to detect a turning situation, in particular based on the environment (150) of the bicycle (100) detected by means of the sensor system (1).

8. Assistance system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is further configured to issue a warning information by means of the output unit (3) to the user of the bicycle (100) and / or to other road users based on road users (120) detected in the environment (150) and the detected turning situation.

9. Assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (1) and the control unit (2) are further configured to detect and recognize a trailer (55) coupled to the bicycle (100).

10. Assistance system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to detect persons and / or animals located in the trailer (55), and in particular to detect the behavior of the persons and / or animals based on the sensor data acquired by means of the sensor system (1).

11. Assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (1) is further configured to detect an environment (150) of the bicycle (100) in the direction of travel (110) of the bicycle (100), and wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to detect obstacles (155) in the detected environment (150) of the bicycle (100).

12. Assistance system according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to determine a predicted future travel path (40) of the bicycle (100), and to determine impending collisions based on the detected obstacles (155) and the predicted future travel path, and in particular based on a means of the R.414057 - 23 - Sensor system (1) detected width (55) of the trailer (55) coupled to the bicycle (100).

13. Assistance system according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the output unit (3) is configured to output a track projection (20) which has a manually inputtable and / or a width (57) of the bicycle (100) or of the trailer (55) coupled to the bicycle (100) detected by means of the sensor system (1), in particular wherein the output unit (3) is configured to display the track projection (20) in an image of the environment (105) of the bicycle.

14. Bicycle comprising an assistance system (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. Bicycle combination comprising a bicycle (100) according to claim 14, and a trailer (55) which can be coupled to the bicycle (100).

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