Bicycle Image Capture Controller Automates Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle image capturing devices require riders to manually operate the device to change states, which can be annoying and disrupt the riding experience.

Innovation Solution

A controller for a bicycle image capturing device that includes a reception unit to obtain information about the bicycle and human power input, allowing the control unit to automatically switch between image capturing modes based on detected conditions, such as riding state and environment, and combine images from multiple sources, without the need for manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bicycle image capturing device requires manual operation to change operation state, then the rider can control the device, but the riding experience becomes annoying and disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operation controlVSAvoidriding experience quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects riding conditions through sensors (acceleration, rotation, position) and autonomously switches between image capturing modes without requiring rider intervention. The controller processes sensor data to determine whether to capture still images or moving images, allowing the device to serve itself and eliminate manual operation burden on the rider.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If the device automatically switches between image capturing modes based on riding state, then manual operation burden is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic mode switchingVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic mode switching system is divided into independent functional modules: acceleration detection module (using acceleration sensor), rotation detection module (using rotation sensor), position detection module (using position sensor), and control module. Each module performs a specific detection or control function, allowing the complex automation task to be broken down into manageable segments that can be implemented and maintained separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to detect riding state for automatic mode switching, then automation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveriding state detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it processes data from all sensors (acceleration, rotation, position), determines riding state, selects image capturing mode, and controls the image capturing unit. This multi-functional approach consolidates the system architecture, allowing accurate riding state detection through sensor integration without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3228529B1Bicycle image capturing device and controller for bicycle image capturing device
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

To provide a bicycle image capturing device 70 that reduces annoying operations for changing an operation state and a controller 100 for the bicycle image capturing device 70, the controller 100 for the bicycle image capturing device 70 includes a reception unit 102 and a control unit 104. The reception unit 102 obtains information related to a component 30 of a bicycle 10. The bicycle component 30 is operable in at least a first state and a second state that differs from the first state. The control unit 104 controls a first image capturing unit 90 based on the information obtained by the reception unit 102.