Bicycle Component Identification via Hierarchical Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle enthusiasts who own multiple bicycles face challenges in accurately associating data from interchangeable components with the correct bicycle configuration, making it difficult to collect and analyze data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that automatically identifies and distinguishes among multiple configurable bicycles using data reported by their components, allowing for accurate association of data with the correct bicycle for real-time and later review and analysis, utilizing a remote service that collects data from multiple bicycles via a wired or wireless network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components are made interchangeable and swappable between multiple bicycles, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but data association accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification process into multiple hierarchical levels: bicycle-level identification (using frame numbers or GPS), component-level identification (using serial numbers), and configuration-level identification (using component combinations). This segmentation allows the system to handle interchangeable components by checking multiple identification layers to ensure accurate data association.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system that mediates between the physical component and the digital data record. This intermediary layer uses unique identifiers, hierarchical classification, and configuration matching to bridge the gap between interchangeable physical components and their specific data associations, preventing misattribution of performance data.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration tracking is used to maintain data association, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the identification and data association process occurs automatically without requiring manual user intervention. The system autonomously collects component identifiers, compares them against stored configurations, and assigns data to the correct bicycle, eliminating the need for users to manually track component locations while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically verify data association accuracy and provide corrections when mismatches are detected. This feedback loop ensures high measurement precision while requiring minimal user input, as the system self-corrects identification errors through automated comparison and validation processes.
3Measurement precision
If detailed component tracking is implemented, then data association accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity is segmented and distributed across multiple simple modules: a data collection module that gathers component identifiers, a comparison module that matches identifiers against stored configurations, and a data association module that assigns data to bicycles. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high data association accuracy through specialized functional modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal identification protocols and data structures that can handle multiple component types and identification methods (frame numbers, serial numbers, GPS coordinates) through a single unified framework. This multi-functionality approach reduces complexity by avoiding the need for separate tracking systems for different component categories.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments relate to a computer-based system and/or method which automatically, e.g. with minimal, or entirely without, human intervention, identifies, distinguishes, disambiguates or otherwise differentiates among multiple configurable bicycles based on the data reported to the system from the bicycle's data-reporting components, such that the data reported by those components may be associated with a particular bicycle for real-time and/or later review, analysis, etc. More particularly, where one or more data reporting components of a bicycle may change, the disclosed embodiments enable a data gathering system/service to identify, distinguish, disambiguate or otherwise differentiate among multiple bicycles which may use, or have used, one or more of the same components so as to associate the reported data, such as from a particular ride, with the correct bicycle configuration for real-time and/or later review and/or analysis.