CN118514799A - Bicycle remaining endurance mileage comparison and visualization content - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to comparison and visualization contents of remaining endurance mileage of a bicycle, in particular to a method for monitoring the endurance mileage of the bicycle based on a computer. The method includes retrieving electric bicycle range data and defining remaining electric bicycle range based at least in part on the electric bicycle range data. The method then determines or acquires distance data from the destination and defines a remaining distance from the destination based at least in part on the distance data from the destination. The method then compares the electric bicycle range data or the remaining electric bicycle range with the distance data or the remaining distance from the destination, and generates a visual content that compares the electric bicycle range data with the distance data from the destination. The application also provides a system for implementing the method.

Description

Bicycle remaining endurance mileage comparison and visualization content

Cross reference to related applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No.63/485,645 filed on day 17, 2, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to communicating a relationship between a range of an electric bicycle and an expected route of a rider and/or a power output of the rider.

Background

For electric bicycle riders, it is useful to know the relationship between their electric bicycle battery and their intended route to avoid running out of the electric bicycle battery before their bicycle riding is completed. Heretofore, the relationship between the remaining endurance mileage and the distance that the electric bicycle rider intends to ride has been difficult to calculate. The changing distance increment is usually known by mental means. That is, the expected range is subtracted from the expected remaining distance.

While some products (including cycle computers, telephone applications, and smartwatches) provide two values in digital form (i.e., remaining range: 27.5 mi/remaining distance: 54.3 mi), these supplies still require the rider's arithmetic, and their attention is preferably directed elsewhere.

Similarly, it is useful for riders of electric bicycles to know the relationship between the motor power of their electric bicycles and their own power output to grasp their riding rhythm. This is especially true when riding with other riders. Heretofore, the relationship between electric bicycle power and rider power has been difficult to calculate. The varying power increment is known by mental arithmetic. That is, the electric bicycle motor power is subtracted from the rider power.

While some products (including cycle computers, telephone applications, and smartwatches) provide two values in digital form (i.e., electric bicycle power: 103W/rider power: 247W), these supplies still require the rider's arithmetic, and their attention is best placed elsewhere.

There is a need for a method and system for displaying easily understood visual content to a user that allows the user to evaluate the remaining electric bicycle range in terms of their own rider-specific power output in the context of the remaining distance to the destination and/or the electric motor power output.

There is also a need for a method and system that provides a mechanism for presenting advice and a mechanism for increasing the range when insufficient range is determined for the remaining electric bicycle.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiments described herein are designed to reduce the time and effort required for riders to properly understand the relationship between the remaining range in their electric bicycle and the remaining distance to navigate to their destination.

Other embodiments described herein are designed to reduce the time and effort required for a rider to properly understand the relationship between the rider's power output and the motor power of an electric bicycle.

Other embodiments described herein are designed to help riders maintain sufficient electric bicycle range to reach their destination.

In some embodiments, a computer-based method for monitoring a range of a bicycle is provided. The method includes obtaining electric bicycle range data and defining a remaining electric bicycle range based at least in part on the electric bicycle range data. The method then determines or acquires distance data from the destination and defines a remaining distance from the destination based at least in part on the distance data from the destination.

The method then compares the electric bicycle range data or the remaining electric bicycle range with the distance data or the remaining distance to the destination and generates a visual display that compares the electric bicycle range data with the distance data to the destination.

In some such embodiments, the method displays an indication upon determining that the remaining electric bicycle range represented by the bicycle range data is less than the remaining distance from the destination represented in the distance data from the destination. In some such embodiments, the indication is a presentation of the user-generated visual content, or a display or color change of a user interface element in the context of the visual content.

In some embodiments, the generated visual content presents a first user interface element having characteristics based on bicycle range data and a second user interface element having characteristics based on distance data from the destination, and the characteristics of the first user interface element are dimensional characteristics proportional to the remaining bicycle range and the characteristics of the second user interface element are dimensional characteristics proportional to the distance from the destination.

In some embodiments, the generated visual content includes a map presenting the hypothetical destinations, wherein the method further includes highlighting all destinations of the hypothetical destinations within the range of the remaining electric bicycle.

In some embodiments, the distance data to the destination is based on a predefined destination, and the method retrieves or determines a current location of a device implementing the method, and calculates a distance to the predefined destination based on the mapping module, and provides the result as a remaining distance.

In some such embodiments, the electric bicycle range data is based at least in part on a grade or road texture of at least one segment of the route defined by the mapping module, a device factor associated with a bicycle used to implement the method, an environmental condition at the location of the bicycle, or a hardware factor associated with a drive unit or battery used by the bicycle.

In some such embodiments, the remaining distance is based on the main route and the remaining electric bicycle range is based on electric bicycle range data. The method then further includes defining and evaluating at least one alternative route based on the alternative electric bicycle range data associated with the alternative route and defined by the mapping module. The method then generates a recommendation of an alternative route when it is determined that the alternative electric bicycle range data generates the following alternative remaining electric bicycle range values: the range value of the alternative remaining electric bicycle is larger than the range value of the range data of the electric bicycle, or the percentage of the range value of the alternative remaining electric bicycle in the alternative route is larger than the percentage of the range of the remaining electric bicycle in the main route.

In some embodiments, where the destination is predefined, the remaining electric bicycle range is based at least in part on a first auxiliary mode of the drive unit associated with the bicycle for implementing the method and selected from a plurality of potential auxiliary modes.

In some such embodiments, upon determining that the remaining electric bicycle range is less than the remaining distance from the destination, the method transitions the drive unit to a second auxiliary mode of the plurality of potential auxiliary modes that is different from the first auxiliary mode, wherein the second auxiliary mode provides a reduced motor output relative to the first auxiliary mode.

In some embodiments, the destination is inferred based on the likely travel path, and then the electric bicycle range data is based on the likely travel path.

In some embodiments, the remaining electric bicycle range is a predicted value based at least in part on a combination of the amount of remaining power and the predicted contribution of rider power such that the remaining electric bicycle range is greater than the battery-only bicycle range.

In some such embodiments, the projected contribution of rider power assumes a continuous contribution from the user based on a rolling average over a period of time prior to retrieving the electric bicycle range data.

In some such embodiments, the method displays an indication when it is determined that the remaining electric bicycle range represented by the electric bicycle range data is less than the distance from the destination represented by the distance data from the destination. The method then repeatedly obtains updated electric bicycle range data and determines or obtains updated distance data from the destination, and the updated electric bicycle range data is based on different time periods prior to retrieval such that the indication is dependent on the projected contribution of updated rider power.

In some embodiments, the projected contribution of rider power is based at least in part on biometric data of the rider.

In some embodiments, the projected contribution of rider power is based at least in part on historical data based on historical cyclists in comparable riding scenarios. In some such embodiments, the historical bicycle rider-based history data is normalized based on the rider's biometric data using a computer-based method.

In some embodiments, a system for implementing the various methods described herein is provided. Such a system includes a user interface device having a processor, a communication module, and a display, the user interface device being mounted on a bicycle. The system also includes an energy storage device mounted on the bicycle, the energy storage device having a communication module that communicates with the communication module of the user interface device.

The system further includes a drive unit mounted on the bicycle and powered by the energy storage device such that the drive unit uses energy from the energy storage device to apply motive force to propel the bicycle.

The user interface device retrieves electric bicycle range data from the energy storage device and determines a remaining electric bicycle range based on the bicycle range data. The user interface device then determines or obtains distance data from the destination, which represents the remaining distance from the destination.

The user interface device then compares the electric bicycle range data with the distance data from the destination and generates visual content that compares the electric bicycle range data with the distance data from the destination.

In some such embodiments, the communication module of the user interface device and the communication module of the energy storage module communicate wirelessly.

In some embodiments of the system, the drive unit has a first configuration utilizing a first auxiliary mode of the plurality of auxiliary modes, and the remaining electric bicycle range is based at least in part on the configuration of the drive unit. Upon determining that the remaining bicycle range is less than the remaining distance from the destination, the user interface device may then transmit instructions to the drive unit via the communication module to transition the drive unit to a second configuration using a second auxiliary mode of the plurality of auxiliary modes, wherein the second auxiliary mode provides a reduced motive force relative to the first auxiliary mode.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle that provides a background for implementing the systems and methods of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a bicycle frame with an energy storage device and a drive unit mounted thereto.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device and drive unit of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a side perspective view of the energy storage device of fig. 2.

Fig. 5 shows a PCB incorporated into the energy storage device of fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an energy storage device for use in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a user interface device for implementing a method according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 8A is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring a range of a bicycle according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B shows a schematic representation of the relationship between the user interface device and the data source for the method of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C shows a schematic representation of the relationship between the user interface device and system components for the method of FIG. 8A.

Fig. 9A to 9C illustrate visualized contents generated by the method of fig. 8A.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring bicycle power output according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 11A to 11C illustrate visualized contents generated by the method of fig. 10.

Fig. 12A and 12B illustrate alternative visualizations generated by the method of fig. 8A.

Fig. 13 illustrates a user interface device implementing a portion of the method of fig. 8A.

Fig. 14 illustrates a user interface device implementing a portion of the method of fig. 8A.

Fig. 15 illustrates a method for modifying hardware system settings in the context of the method of fig. 8A.

Detailed Description

The description of the illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

The term "communication" refers to a connection that allows transmission of power and/or data, and may include wired or wireless connections. The terms "first," "second," and the like as used herein do not denote a particular element so designated, but rather simply denote such elements in the order of numerals referred to, meaning that an element designated as "first" may later be an element such as "second," depending on the order in which it is referenced. It should also be understood that the designation of "first" and "second" does not necessarily mean that the two components or values so designated are different, meaning that, for example, a first direction may be the same as a second direction, each of which is simply applicable to a different component.

Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly so indicated. Unless explicitly described otherwise, terms such as "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and the like refer to a relationship wherein structures are fixed or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures as well as both movably attached or rigidly attached or connected. The term may refer to an electrical or mechanical connection.

Furthermore, the features and benefits of the present invention are described with reference to the exemplary embodiments. Thus, the invention should not be expressly limited to exemplary embodiments showing some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may be present alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. Thus, in the context of FIG. 1, the terms "upper," "lower," "rear," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "right," "left," "inboard," "outboard," and variations or derivatives thereof refer to the orientation of the exemplary bicycle 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 as viewed by a user sitting thereon, e.g., the "inboard" component or feature is closer to the vertical mid-plane of the bicycle extending in direction A. The term "transverse" means non-parallel. The terms "outer" and "outwardly" refer to directions or features that diverge from a centralized location, e.g., the phrases "radially outward," "radially direction," and/or derivatives thereof refer to features that diverge from a centralized location, e.g., the rotational axis 2 of the shield shown in fig. 2. Conversely, the terms "inwardly" and "inwardly" refer to directions facing toward a centralized or internal location. The term "subassembly" refers to an assembly of multiple components, wherein the subassembly can be further assembled into other subassemblies and/or final assemblies, such as a bicycle 50.

This disclosure describes one or more best modes presently contemplated for practicing the invention. The description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense, but rather to provide examples of the invention presented for illustrative purposes only by reference to the accompanying drawings to inform those ordinarily skilled in the art of the advantages and constructions of the invention. The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

When riding on a bicycle and utilizing the user interface device mounted on the bicycle and implementing the methods disclosed herein, subsequent updates to the rider's position from a position determination module (such as GPS) may be used to calculate and thereby determine the remaining distance from the destination. The user interface device may separately retrieve information regarding the remaining electric bicycle range from an energy storage device mounted on the bicycle and in communication with the user interface device, and such data may be used to generate visual content for display.

Similarly, the user interface device may retrieve information regarding the rider-specific power output from a sensor associated with the energy storage device or a drive unit mounted on the bicycle. The user interface device may similarly retrieve information about the motor output power from the energy storage device or drive unit, and such data may be used to generate visual content for display.

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a human powered vehicle (i.e., bicycle 50) that provides a background for implementing the systems and methods of the present disclosure. The human powered vehicle also provides a powered drive system, such as an electric drive system, as shown in the following figures.

In this example, the vehicle is one possible type of bicycle 50, such as a mountain bike. The bicycle 50 has a frame 52, a handle 54 near the front end of the frame 52, and a seat or saddle 56 for supporting a rider on top of the frame 52. The bicycle 50 also has a first or front wheel 58 that is carried by a front fork assembly 60 that supports the front end of the frame 52. The bicycle 50 also has a second or rear wheel 62 that supports the rear end of the frame 52. The rear end of the frame 52 may be supported by a rear suspension member 61, such as a rear shock absorber. The bicycle 50 has a drive train 64, the drive train 64 having a crank assembly 66, the crank assembly 66 being operatively coupled to a rear freewheel 70 or a driven sprocket assembly adjacent the hub via a roller chain 68 to provide an axis of rotation of the rear wheel 62. The crank assembly 66 includes at least one and typically two crank arms 75 and pedals 76, as well as a front chain ring assembly 301 or drive sprocket assembly. The crank spindle or shaft may connect two crank arms. The crankshaft defines a central axis of rotation of the chainring assembly 301. The crank assembly may also include other components.

A rear shifting device 37 (e.g., a derailleur) is provided at the rear wheel 62 to move the roller chain 68 through the different sprockets of the freewheel 70. In one embodiment, a front shifting device (not shown), such as a derailleur, can be provided to move the chain 68 over a plurality of sprockets (if present) of the chain ring assembly 301. In the example shown, the saddle 56 is supported on a seat bar 81 having an end received in the top of a frame seat tube 89 of the frame. The clamp ring 91 may be tightened to secure the upper seat post 81 to the lower frame seat tube 89. In fig. 1, arrow a depicts the normal riding or forward direction of movement of the bicycle 50.

In some embodiments, a user interface device 700, sometimes referred to herein as a head unit or cycle computer, is provided and may be mounted at the handlebar. Such a device may be a cycle computer and may be used to track various characteristics of the rider's use of the bicycle 50, as discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bicycle frame 52 with the energy storage device 102 (sometimes referred to herein as a battery) and the drive unit 100 mounted on the bicycle frame 52. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device 102 shown in fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the energy storage device 102 of fig. 2. The drive train may be provided with a power meter device 77, as shown in fig. 1. Such a power meter device 77 may output data representative of the power applied by the user at the crank arm 65. As shown in fig. 2, when the drive unit 100 is used to drive the crank assembly 66, the data generated and output by the power meter device 77 may represent the total power applied to the crank assembly by both the user and the drive unit. Alternatively, the power meter device 77 may be configured to output data representing the power applied by the rider, regardless of the power independently applied by the drive unit 100.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the power meter device 77 is removed to facilitate the integration of the replacement sensor into the drive unit 100 mounted on the bicycle frame 52. However, such alternative sensors may similarly measure the force applied by the rider and the drive unit 100, either independently or in combination.

As shown, the bicycle 50 includes a drive unit 100 mounted on the frame 52 and coupled to the crank assembly 66. The drive unit 100 may be powered to partially or fully assist in rotation of the crank assembly 66, the associated movement of the chain 68, and the associated rotation of the flywheel 70 and rear wheel 62. The drive unit 100 may be electrically coupled to an energy storage device 102, otherwise referred to as a battery, which supplies power to the drive unit 100.

The energy storage device 102 is held in place by engaging the upper contacts 126 of the drive unit cell contact connectors 124 and the guard 104 mounted to the frame 52 at the mounting features 106, which in one embodiment are configured as lugs. The mounting features 106 of the guard 104 define the axis of rotation 2 and include openings that receive fasteners 108 (e.g., pins or shafts), the fasteners 108 securing the mounting features to the frame 52. The guard 104 includes a stop feature that engages the energy storage device. The guard 104 is rotatable about the axis 2. The guard 104 includes a second mounting feature 110, which in one embodiment is configured as a lug, that is further connected to the frame 52 at a second connection point defined by a releasable or removable fastener 112. In one embodiment, the fastener 112 is configured as a pin that can be inserted through an opening in the mounting feature 110 in the guard 104 and engage a corresponding opening located on the bicycle frame 52 or the drive unit 100. The fastener 112 may be removed such that the guard 104 may be rotated about the axis 2 and thereby lowered. The guard 104 includes a plate/support structure 116 extending between the mounting features 106, 110.

The energy storage device 102 may be disposed on or engaged with the guard 104, such as by nesting the energy storage device 102 on the plate/support structure 116. Thereafter, the energy storage device 102 and the guard 104 may be rotated in opposite directions about the axis 2 until the battery contact connection 124 on the energy storage device 102 contacts and engages a corresponding contact 126 on the drive unit or frame 52, which contact 126 may be defined by a pair of prongs. Fasteners 112 may then be inserted to fix the position of energy storage device 102 and guard 104 relative to frame 52 and drive unit 100, while maintaining electrical connection between drive unit 100 and energy storage device 102 by contacting connectors 124 and contacts 126.

In this way, the energy storage device 102 is held in place relative to the frame 52 and the drive unit 100 by the mounting device 120. The mounting device 120 may be defined by the shape of the energy storage device housing 122 and the interface between the housing 122, the guard 104, the frame 52, and/or the drive unit 100. The phrase "mounting means" refers to any structure that maintains the position of the energy storage device 102 relative to the frame 52 and/or the drive unit 100, and may include an interface between the housing 122 and the frame 52 and/or the drive unit 100, including an interface between the contacts 124, 126, and/or may include additional fasteners such as bolts, tabs, clips, snaps, detents, insert/socket interfaces, and/or other suitable connectors. The energy storage device 102, and in particular the housing 122, is releasably connected to the frame 52 and/or the drive unit 100, meaning that the energy storage device 102 and the housing 122 can be moved from an engaged position to a disengaged position and can be replaced with another energy storage device.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the housing 122 may be configured with a pair of laterally spaced apart opposing side walls 130 or covers, and a peripheral wall 132 extending between the side walls 130 and connected to the side walls 130. One or more of the peripheral wall 132 and the side wall 130 may define a housing covered by another side wall, wherein the other of the side wall 130 and the peripheral wall 132 each define a cover. The side wall 130 has an outer edge 134 that generally matches the contour of the peripheral wall 132 or follows the contour of the peripheral wall 132. For example, as shown in fig. 3, the outer edge 134 and the peripheral wall 132 have a front face 136, the front face 136 having an upper portion 138 and a lower portion 140 that form a first acute angle α and a second acute angle β with respect to a bottom face 142. The front face 136 also includes a recessed recess 144 or socket that receives the mounting feature 106 of the guard 104, the mounting feature 106 nesting in the recess 144, the recess 144 partially defining the mounting device 120 of the energy storage device 102. The bottom surface 142 extends rearwardly from the lower portion 140 of the front face 136. The housing 122 also includes a back surface 146 extending upwardly from the bottom surface 142. The back side 146 includes a second recessed recess 148 that receives the outer periphery of the drive unit 100, the second recessed recess 148 nesting in the second recess 148 of the mounting device 120 that partially defines the energy storage device 102. The top surface 150 of the peripheral wall 132 extends forward from the back surface 146 and is connected to the front surface 136 at a protruding corner 152.

The housing 122 includes a charging portion 154 or platform that protrudes or extends from the peripheral wall and has a width that is less than the total width of the peripheral wall. The charging portion 154 may be integrally formed with the peripheral wall and may include one or more charging ports (not shown). Then, the battery contact connection 124 is located on and partially defines the rear portion of the charging portion 154 and may be defined by a charging port. In some embodiments, the first charging port is configured as a DC charging port, including, for example, a pair of electrical contacts, and the second charging port is configured as a USB C charging port. The charging ports may be co-located, for example, on the same mounting plate, which may be a removable cover secured to charging portion 154. Alternatively, one or both of the charging ports may be spaced apart and located on a different portion of the housing, such as on one of the side walls 130. For example, as shown in fig. 4, a second charging port 162 configured as a USB C charging port is located on the outer sidewall 130, and then the first charging port is located separately on the mounting plate 164. It should be appreciated that the charging ports may be located on any portion of the housing separately or together.

The side walls 130 and peripheral walls 132 define an interior cavity of the housing 122. The side wall 130 may be attached to the peripheral wall 132 with a plurality of fasteners 168, shown as screws, or may be integrally formed therewith or connected with other fasteners, such as adhesives, snap-fits, tabs, clips, and/or other suitable fasteners.

The energy storage device 102 generally includes a battery 172 that may take on various configurations, and control circuitry for controlling the behavior of the battery during use in charging and discharging. Fig. 5 shows a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 176 incorporated into the energy storage device 102 of fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the energy storage device 102 of fig. 2. The energy storage device 102 includes a Battery Management System (BMS) 174 disposed in the housing 122. The BMS174 may be mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 176 disposed in the housing. The PCB 176 covers and has connectors inserted into it from the battery cells 170. PCB 176 is typically disposed or mounted inside housing 122. BMS174 is connected to each series set of battery cells 170 in battery pack 172 to monitor the voltage of the battery cells for faults. BMS174 also measures current into and out of battery pack 172 to prevent over-current faults. The BMS174 may include temperature sensors distributed throughout the battery pack to monitor the temperature of the battery pack 172 during charge and discharge, thereby preventing damage to the battery pack due to overheating. Using all of this information, BMS174 may control charge and discharge Field Effect Transistors (FETs) 190, 192 to connect or disconnect battery pack 172 from the rest of the system during charging and discharging. BMS174 receives configuration information from microcontroller 178 and radio 180. The configuration information may include charge/discharge current limits, individual cell voltage limits, and over/under temperature limits, which may be preset by the microcontroller firmware. The configuration information may also be updated via firmware updates or dynamically based on information received by the microcontroller 178 from other systems on the bicycle, such as wirelessly by radio.

The energy storage device 102 includes a charge controller 182 disposed in the housing 122 and mounted on the PCB 176. The charge controller 182 may be connected to a DC power source. The charge controller 182 modulates the DC power to safely charge the battery pack 172. In the case of a lithium ion battery pack, the charge controller 182 supplies a constant current to the battery cell 170 until a target voltage is reached, and then supplies a constant voltage while the current slowly drops to zero. During charging, charge controller 182 communicates with battery management system 174 and microcontroller 178 and receives messages from battery management system 174 and microcontroller 178 so that the charge controller can modulate the charge current to provide a quick and safe charge based on the state of the battery.

The microcontroller 178 may be disposed in the housing 122 or an interior cavity thereof and mounted on the PCB 176. In some embodiments, microcontroller 178 receives data from BMS174, USB C controller, charge controller 182, and any other connected sensors and devices. Such sensors may include an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) 186, and such devices may be smartphones with smartphone applications connected via wireless or wired communications. The microcontroller 178 uses the data to determine how quickly to charge the battery pack 172, how much power is supplied from the USB C charging port 162 (if connected), whether the energy storage device 102 has been dropped when not installed in the bicycle, when an indicator (e.g., LED) is utilized to display the battery charge status, and/or when the output of the energy storage device 102 is enabled. The smart phone application may receive information about the energy storage device 102 via the microcontroller 178 and the radio 180. Some of the information that may be transmitted to a user or human/machine interface (HMI) 700 (otherwise referred to as a user interface, such as a smart phone or cycle computer) may be state of charge, estimated charge time, failure, temperature of the battery, voltage of individual cells, total battery voltage, and health of the battery. The smart phone application may also send information to the battery pack.

Further, as described below, the user interface device 700 may receive information from the energy storage device 102 during use. Such information may include, for example, a measurement of the remaining energy in the energy storage device or a measurement of the remaining power supply range of the drive unit 100 when powered by the energy storage device. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 178 may also manage information retrieved from the drive unit 100 and transmitted to the drive unit 100. Thus, the microcontroller can manage and the radio 180 can transmit information about the motor power output during use and the rider generated power retrieved from the power meter device 77, for example, integrated into the bicycle 50 or into the drive unit 100 or the energy storage device 102.

The energy storage device may also include an indicator 188, in one embodiment, the indicator 188 is configured as an array of LEDs mounted on the PCB 176, wherein the LEDs are visible to a user through or on the exterior of the housing. The indicator 188 may be a collection of red/blue/green (RGB) LEDs that may be used to display a state of charge, an error message, or a general bicycle alert. The LEDs may be activated depending on whether the energy storage device 102 has been installed via the battery installation detection device 198 or by the IMU 186. An indication may also be sent to the user via a smart phone application or via the user interface device 700. Push notifications for faults may alert a user in more detail what has caused the energy storage device 102 to fail. Within the application, battery state of charge and state of health may be displayed on the component screen. In one embodiment, a plurality of indicators 188 are provided, including, for example, five (5) RGB LEDs, to provide various indications. There are several possible ways these LEDs can be used to indicate the state of charge and malfunction to the user. For example, a state of charge (SOC) indication may be provided when the energy storage device 102 is not installed in a bicycle, and may be triggered, for example, when the energy storage device 102 is picked up or otherwise moved, wherein movement is detected by the IMU 186.

The indicator 188 may be used by using only green LEDs and reducing the brightness as the state of charge decreases. For example, if there are five (5) LEDs, each LED may be turned off after the system consumes another 20% charge state. Within each 20%, the LED brightness will decrease from 100% to 0%. Alternatively, the indicator 188 may be configured as an RGB LED that changes from green to orange to red within each 20% of the SOC. A fault may be indicated by illuminating a particular LED or LED pattern in a manner that does not appear to be an indication of SOC. For example, a single red LED may illuminate at a location where SOC is not indicated. Different locations may indicate different types of faults. Flashing the LEDs in a pattern may indicate different faults based on timing and color.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a user interface device 700 for implementing the methods described herein when communicating with at least one of the energy storage device 102 and the drive unit 100 described above. In the embodiment discussed, the apparatus 700 is generally a bicycle computer head unit or other navigation device, and is so referred to herein, and is operable to provide navigation functions to a rider. However, the device 700 may similarly be a device designed for other activities (such as cycling or driving), or it may be a general purpose smart phone with navigation applications. Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus 700 may be a dedicated position determining device having features sufficient to implement the methods described herein.

The apparatus 700 is provided with a processor 710 and a memory 720. Processor 710 includes processing circuitry and provides processing functionality for apparatus 700, and may include any number of processors, microcontrollers, or other processing systems. Processor 710 may be formed of various materials and components and may perform the methods described herein.

Memory 720 may provide storage functionality and may store various instructions and data associated with the operation of device 710. Such instructions and data may include software programs for implementing the methods described herein, as well as data for supporting the software programs.

Memory 720 may be integrated with or separate from processor 710 and may take various forms. For example, the memory may be a non-removable memory element such as RAM, as well as ROM, flash memory (such as a removable memory card), magnetic media, optical media, USB devices, and the like. The data for the methods described herein may be provided at the memory 720 or may be provided separately in the database 725. However, the data described herein as being stored in database 725 may similarly be provided within memory 720 itself. Such data may include instructions for operating an application implementing the methods described herein, as well as data for supporting the methods, such as mapping data and metadata, as well as other data.

The device 700 is also provided with a user interface 730 through which the user interacts with the device. Such a user interface 730 may be, for example, a touch screen through which a user may input commands and receive feedback. Such a touch screen may display a map and present an output of the interface features discussed herein. Instead of or in addition to the touch-based features in the display, the user interface 730 may include buttons, and the user interface may similarly include a display independent of any user controls. For example, in the case of the cycle computer 700, the user can control the device through voice recognition software, or the user can control the device through buttons mounted on the handlebars rather than on the device 700 itself. Similarly, user interface 730 may be configured to incorporate gesture-based controls. The display may be any of a variety of standard displays, including LCD, LED, and any other type of display. The display is typically configured to present textual and/or graphical information to a user.

In general, applications implementing the methods described herein are stored in memory 720 and executed by processor 710. Such an application implements a software user interface and a user interacts with the application through user interface 730 of device 700.

The apparatus 700 also provides a communication module 740 for providing access to the apparatus and to a data source independent of the apparatus itself. The communication module 740 includes a location determination module 750, which typically takes the form of a GPS receiver 760, as described above. The position determination module 750 may then receive signal data transmitted by one or more external data sources, typically GPS satellites 770. Although GPS satellites 770 are shown, the location data used to geo-locate the device 700 may take various forms, such as location beacons used to triangulate the device. In any event, the location determination module 750 is operable to determine location by processing data received from an external data source, such as a geographic location utilizing GPS satellites 770.

In general, the location determination module 750 provides data to the processor 710, and the processor 710 may then be used to implement a variety of basic features, including a graphical representation of the location on a map drawn from the memory 720. Similarly, the data may be used to determine a speed and/or direction of movement of a user of the device, as discussed in more detail below.

The communication module 740 may also include a network connection module 780 for interfacing with an external network 790 or a database 725 and transmitting or receiving information to a second iteration of the device 700 or a different device, such as the energy storage device 102 or the drive unit 100 discussed above. Similarly, the network connection module 780 may allow the device 700 to interface with a user's smart phone. The network communication module 780 may include a transceiver and components for operating the transceiver, such as one or more antennas, radios, data ports, and any required software interfaces for implementing the communication protocols utilized by the network communication module 780. The external network 790 may be a localized network and may be accessed through Wi-Fi or bluetooth protocols, or may be the internet accessed through a cellular provider, for example. In some embodiments, the device 700 is networked to the user's smartphone over a Wi-Fi or bluetooth connection, and accesses the internet over the user's smartphone. Note that while the device 700 is discussed as being networked with other devices through a wireless antenna, a network in the context of a particular bicycle 50 can be formed by a wired connection.

In some embodiments, the device 700 supports an electric bicycle, such as the energy storage device 102 or the drive unit 100 broadcasting its "remaining range" metric in a standardized format. For example, the electric bicycle component may be broadcast via an ant+radio or a bluetooth radio lightweight electric vehicle profile. In this manner, the electric bicycle component can be paired with the apparatus 700 and used as a data source in various ways as discussed below.

A battery 795 is provided to provide power to other components of the apparatus 700. Such a battery 795 may be built into the device 700 and be rechargeable, or it may be removable for charging outside the device or for replacement.

The apparatus 700 may provide at least one sensor or sensor interface 800 for interfacing with external sensors. Such a sensor interface 800 may allow the device to receive data from peripheral sensors (such as a speedometer 810, a step-on frequency sensor 820, a heart rate monitor 830, a power meter device 77, an energy storage device 102, etc.). For example, the sensor interface 800 or the network communication module 780 can allow communication with other data-enabled bicycle components (such as the rear derailleur 37) in order to obtain additional data related to the status of the bicycle as a whole. Such a sensor interface 800 may be wired or wireless. It should be appreciated that sensors may also be integrated into the device 700, such as inertial sensors including accelerometers, direction sensors such as compasses, and general orientation sensors. Such sensors, internal to the device 700 and connected through the sensor interface 800, may support the independent features of the device 700 as well as provide additional data that the device 700 may infer, such as location and directionality. Note that the device may be interchangeably connected through the network connection module 780 and the sensor interface 800, as both interfaces are interfaces through which the device 700 may obtain data.

Accordingly, the various components described herein may be used in a system that implements the methods described herein. Such a system may include a user interface device 700 having a processor 710, a communication module 740, and a display, such as user interface 730. The user interface device 700 may be, for example, a head unit of a cycle computer, and may be mounted on the bicycle 50.

The system also includes an energy storage device 102 mounted on the bicycle that includes a communication module or interface 840 that communicates with a communication module 740 of the user interface device 700.

The system further includes a drive unit 100 mounted on the bicycle 50 and powered by an energy storage device 102. The drive unit 100 uses energy from the energy storage device 102 to apply motive force to propel the bicycle 50.

Fig. 8A is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring a range of a bicycle according to the present disclosure. Fig. 8B shows a schematic representation of the relationship between the user interface device 700 and various potential data sources for the method of fig. 8A, and fig. 8C shows a schematic representation of the relationship between the user interface device 700 and system components for the method of fig. 8A.

A computer-based method is typically implemented at the apparatus 700 and the data is retrieved through the network connection module 780 or the sensor interface 800. As such, and as shown in fig. 7 and 8B, when retrieving data, the data is typically retrieved from, for example, the energy storage device 102 or the drive unit 100. However, in certain implementations, additional data may be retrieved from the database 725, the various sensors 37, 77, 810, 820, or 830, or the GPS module 770. As shown in fig. 8C, the various components may be connected by a wired or wireless network, and in some embodiments, communication may be accomplished in both directions such that the head unit 700 may retrieve data from the various system components and sensors, and the head unit 700 may also send messages to, for example, the drive unit 100 or the battery 102 to effect modifications or changes to the settings.

As shown, the computer-based method begins by retrieving electric bicycle range data (850). The electric bicycle range data generally includes data retrieved from the energy storage device 102 through the network connection module 780. Such data represents the remaining range of the electric bicycle. However, as discussed in more detail below, the bicycle range data (retrieved at 850) may contain data other than the battery data retrieved from the energy storage device 102, and additional data may be considered when defining the remaining electric bicycle range using the electric bicycle range data. Thus, in some embodiments, the retrieval of the range data (at 850) and the determination of the remaining electric bicycle range (at 855) may be discrete steps implemented by the method such that the method initially retrieves the range data and then defines the remaining electric bicycle range based at least in part on the range data.

The method then separately determines or obtains distance data (860) from the destination that represents or is used to define a remaining distance (at 865) from the destination. Such data may be contained in on-board memory 720 or may be retrieved from an external device, such as a smart phone. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 700 is a cycle computer and generally includes a position determination module 750 and may be used to map a route. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 700 may internally determine distance data (at 860) from the destination such that it is independent of the external device. Thus, the distance to the destination may be a distance along a defined route. The remaining distance to the destination may then be defined (at 865) based at least in part on the determined or acquired distance data to the destination.

In some embodiments, the bicycle range data 850 may include data retrieved from various sources, and the definition of the remaining electric bicycle range from that data (at 855) may require additional analysis steps. For example, as shown in fig. 8B, the device or head unit 700 may retrieve data from the drive unit 100 and/or the power meter 77, such as the torque applied by the rider, motor torque, the rider pedaling cadence, and/or motor temperature. The above data transmitted to head unit 700 may identify how much torque the rider is currently inputting into the system and how much energy the motor is applying to the system, and this information may help the method compensate for the amount of energy provided by the user. The total torque applied to the system can be used to estimate how much electrical energy will be needed.

Alternatively or additionally, some of this data may be supplemented with data from additional sensors, such as the pedal frequency sensor 820 and the rear derailleur 37, which may provide data regarding pedal frequency and transmission information, which in turn may be used to calculate an expected or theoretical speed in real time. Similarly, the head unit 700 may retrieve data from the energy storage device or battery 102, such as the current state of health and state of charge of the battery, battery temperature, discharge current, and state of charge.

The battery factors assessed by the head unit 700 may include battery consumption analysis, including data regarding discharge current, which may be used to help determine the expected discharge time for a given battery history. The data may also include overall health status in view of battery life and performance degradation. Such information may assist in the methods described in derating batteries during life. The data may also include battery temperature, also used to predict derating, and current state of charge, which may be used with historical data and other system data discussed below to determine range in the current scenario.

Additional data may be retrieved by the apparatus 700 for inclusion in both the bicycle range data (at 850) and the distance data from the destination (at 860). For example, data retrieved from the GPS module and/or satellite 770 (either alone or in combination with the mapping and location determination module 750) may be used to evaluate range data and distance data from the destination, as discussed in more detail below. Further, additional external data may be stored in the external database 725 or in the system memory 720 that defines the rider data, bicycle weight, tire type and current suspension state, as well as the currently selected driving mode, and in some embodiments, may be historical data of the current user, or historical data of the current path, location, or other comparable aspect of the current use. In some embodiments, additional rider data may also be utilized, including biometric data such as heart rate, calories burned, fatigue, and rider weight. For example, rider weight and bicycle weight may be used to calculate the amount of energy required to move the system due to the increased mass. The tire type may be used to evaluate friction losses due to style and weight factors, the suspension state may be used to determine the associated energy loss, and the driveline losses may be extracted from the data or provided independently. The current speed determined based on the step frequency and the transmission information or extracted from the GPS data can be used to estimate the expected energy demand.

The apparatus 700 may also control and consider the selected level of assistance or other riding patterns. The desired level of assistance may be used to calculate how much assistance the rider wants to have, and as discussed in more detail below, may be controlled from or by the head unit to automatically compensate for energy use or prioritize additional assistance during climbing grades.

The data from the drive unit 100 may also include motor temperature, which may allow for performance derating and evaluation of the potential need to reduce motor torque to continue to provide power on a defined route.

The historical data may be used in various ways and may include power data from previous rides performed by the current user. Data from the head unit 700 and/or various system components may be uploaded to an external network 790, such as a cloud service, which may be done in real-time or after riding for analysis. Such data may also include recorded biometric data. The historical data may also include "community" data or data from other riders. As discussed below, such data may include power data from previously recorded riders, and if determined to be in some way comparable to the current user or current use case, it may be utilized by the methods described herein. For example, if the power data from a previously recorded rider is for a ride on the same path that the current user is using. Such power data may need to be normalized if the data is comparable along certain dimensions (i.e., the same path) but different along other dimensions (i.e., gender, weight, actual power output by the user, or fitness level).

In some embodiments, the analysis is performed by the apparatus 700 itself, while in other embodiments, the data may be sent to the network 790 or cloud system for analysis.

Once both the bicycle range data and the distance data from the destination are acquired, the method proceeds to compare (870) the remaining electric bicycle range (defined at 855) with the remaining distance (865) from the destination, and to generate (880) visual content comparing the electric bicycle range data with the distance data from the destination in raw form or from the remaining electric bicycle range and the distance from the destination represented thereby. The visual content may then be presented 890 to the user at the user interface 730 of the user interface device 700.

In some embodiments, the method iteratively implements the described method. Accordingly, the method may repeatedly retrieve the electric bicycle range data (at 850) and define the remaining electric bicycle range (at 855), and determine or acquire distance data from the destination (at 860) and define the remaining distance from the destination (at 865) in order to continuously update the comparison and final visualization. In some embodiments, the comparison is internally processed (at 870), and the method displays an indication (such as the visual content presented at 890) when it is determined (at 875) that the remaining electric bicycle range represented by the range data is less than the remaining distance from the destination represented in the distance data from the destination. If the remaining range is greater than the remaining distance, the method may proceed to repeatedly determine the current location (at 856) and retrieve updated range data (at 850) to repeatedly update the comparison (at 870).

In some such embodiments, the visual content is a display or color change of a user interface element presented to the user. In this way, the user interface device 700 may present a standard navigation interface, and upon determining that the remaining electric bicycle range is insufficient for the remaining distance from the destination, the display element may change color, such as the indicator changing to red, or may activate an indicator light. Similarly, the visual content discussed below may be presented and may replace a portion of the display at user interface 730.

In other embodiments, the visual content (generated at 880) may be selected for display by the user such that it is presented to the user during use of the user interface device 700 by the user. In such embodiments, the reduction of the remaining electric bicycle range below the remaining distance from the destination may not result in a change, or it may change the interface color such that some portion of the display, for example, turns red.

Fig. 9A-9C illustrate examples of visual content 900 (generated at 880). In the illustrated embodiment, the visual content generated (at 880) presents a first user interface element 910 having characteristics based on the bicycle range data (retrieved at 850) and a second user interface element 920 having corresponding characteristics based on the distance data from the destination (retrieved at 860).

The characteristic is typically a size parameter (size parameter), such as the width 930, 940 of the corresponding element, and this parameter is maintained at a size proportional to the corresponding base data. Thus, the first user interface element 910 may have a width 930 proportional to the remaining bicycle range, and the second user interface element 920 may have a width 940 proportional to the remaining distance from the destination.

In the illustrated embodiment, the method may be performed iteratively, as described above, such that the visualization content is updated for each iteration. The first user interface element 910 and the second user interface element 920 may be arranged linearly, and the total width 950 of the visual content 900 including the combination of the two interface elements 910, 920 may be consistently maintained in repeated iterations of the visual content.

Thus, when the total width 950 is consistently maintained, the width 930 of the first user interface element 910 and the width 940 of the second user interface element 940 are repeatedly updated and thus change in the repeated generation of visual content in response to changes in the underlying value. Thus, the dimensions of the first and second user interface elements 910, 920 visually represent a ratio of the remaining electric bicycle range (850) to the repeated updates of the remaining distance from the destination (860).

As described above, the presented visual content 900 may be color coded. Thus, in some embodiments, the first user interface element 910 may be presented in red if the remaining range is equal to or less than the remaining distance from the destination. Alternatively, if the remaining range is greater than the remaining distance from the destination, the first user interface element 910 may be presented in green. The second user interface element 920 may then be consistently presented in a neutral color (such as yellow).

During use, both the remaining electric bicycle range and the remaining distance from the destination will decrease as the user rides toward their destination while consuming energy in the energy storage device 102. Thus, by looking at the visual contents 900 described herein, users can easily determine whether they have enough remaining electric bicycle range even when the base value is dynamic.

Fig. 9A shows a sample readout, which shows that the remaining distance is about twice the battery capacity in the present case. Fig. 9B shows sample readout, which shows that the remaining distance is equal to the battery capacity in the present case. Fig. 9C shows sample readout, which shows that in the present case the remaining distance is significantly shorter than the battery capacity.

Returning to the method of fig. 8A, the distance data to the destination (determined or retrieved at 860) may be retrieved from an external device or determined internally. In the illustrated embodiment, it is internally determined and may be based on a predefined destination. Thus, the method receives a predefined destination, or the user defines the destination (at 853). The destination may be indicated by the user at user interface 730. The user interface device 700 may then determine the current location (at 856), for example, by utilizing the location determination module 750. The apparatus 700 may then implement a mapping routine to determine (at 860) data associated with the route from the current location to the destination and a final distance from the destination. The method then defines a remaining distance from the destination based on the determined data (at 865).

In some embodiments, the method may not have a predetermined destination. Instead, destinations may be inferred based on possible travel paths, and such inferred destinations may be continuously updated based on previous travel by the user. The distance data to the destination may then be based on the possible travel paths.

In some embodiments, the electric bicycle range data (retrieved at 850) is further processed by the apparatus 700 before the remaining electric bicycle range is defined (at 855) and the comparison is continued (at 870). Accordingly, the various data acquired by the apparatus 700 and included in the electric bicycle range data (at 850) may be utilized in various ways, as described above with reference to fig. 8B.

In some embodiments, the device 700 receives an estimated electric bicycle range from the energy storage device 102 that can be used directly. In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 instead receives an indication of remaining energy, such as in terms of remaining watt-hours (watts-hours). The system may then extrapolate the remaining electric bicycle range from such minimum electric bicycle range data based on the parameters stored in the memory 720 of the user interface device 700. For example, the method may have a conversion factor based on a known mile/watt hour rating of the combination of the bicycle 50, the energy storage device 102, and the drive unit 100. The conversion factor may further take into account additional data retrieved or generated at the user interface device 700. For example, where the user interface device 700 generates a route, or when determining a distance from a destination, or independently of the methods discussed herein, the method may consult such a planned route in order to determine any characteristics of the route, such as mountain or road texture, which may affect power usage and final range.

In some embodiments, the electric bicycle range data may be based at least in part on a grade or road texture expected for the route (or for the current location if no route is defined) or segments of the route defined by the map and position determination module 750. Such data may be extracted from GPS data 770 or map data and local altitude variations may be considered. Additional riding surface information, such as whether the surface is gravel, paved, or dirt, may be obtained using an external lookup at the database 725 or other external network 790. Similarly, the device factors associated with the bicycle used to implement the method may be retrieved from the database 725, and the electric bicycle range data may also include the bicycle weight, tire type, or current suspension state of the bicycle. Similarly, biometric data may be maintained at the device memory 720 or in the database 725, and bicycle range data may also depend on the rider's weight or the rider's overall fitness state and the rider's performance history. Environmental conditions at the location of the bicycle, such as local weather, temperature, wind speed or humidity, may be retrieved from the network 790, the apparatus 700 itself or sensors external to the device, and hardware factors from the battery 102 and the drive unit 100 may be included in the retrieved data (at 750). Thus, in determining the remaining electric bicycle range, the methods described herein may determine the expected energy consumption as a sum of the desired power level of the system (i.e., the power assist level of the drive unit), environmental losses, bicycle hardware or other device losses, and in some cases biometric data.

In some embodiments, the conversion factor may take into account rider contribution in addition to route-based data. In this way, the electric bicycle range data may be based on user pedaling, and thus it may be assumed that the bicycle will be driven by both the driving unit 100 and user pedaling. Thus, the predicted range based on the predicted contribution of the remaining power and the rider power is greater than the battery-only bicycle range. Such projected rider contribution may then be based on historical data corresponding to the particular rider, such as data indicating the difficulty with which the rider is generally stepping. Thus, in the context of the calculated remaining electric bicycle range, the expected energy consumption discussed above may further subtract out any applied rider power. Accordingly, the range calculation (whether considered in the context of a particular route or without a route) may be based on various data categories described above, including rider and bicycle weights, battery status, environmental conditions, and historical user data.

In some embodiments, the conversion factor may incorporate elements that are individually derived from historical data for a particular ride. For example, the projected rider contribution may assume a sustained contribution from the user based on a rolling average over a period of time prior to retrieving the electric bicycle range data. Such rolling average may be based on real-time power output from the rider retrieved from the power meter device 77 or from a power meter integrated into the drive unit 100.

Generally, in embodiments where user contribution is considered in determining electric bicycle range data, where the method continuously updates the base data, the method may similarly update a rolling average of the user contribution. As such, the visualization (generated at 880) may be based on updated electric bicycle range data, which itself depends on the projected contribution of updated rider power.

The projected contribution of rider power is retrieved or determined as part of the electric bicycle range data (at 850) or is considered in the definition of the final remaining electric bicycle range (at 855). The projected contribution of rider power may be based at least in part on biometric data of the rider. This may be data retrieved from database 925, including the rider's weight, age, gender, etc., or it may be entered by the rider at device 700. In some embodiments, biometric data may be inferred from historical riding data associated with a particular rider currently using device 700.

In some embodiments, the projected contribution of rider power may be based at least in part on historical data based on historical cyclists in comparable riding scenarios. For example, the projected contribution of rider power may be extracted from a database of system users that were previously riding on the same or similar routes or on any combination of similar road textures, similar road grades, or factors that may make such historical data similar. In some such embodiments, the historical data associated with other riders may be normalized based on the biometric data of the current user of the system, such that the historical data may be filtered based on users having similar physical characteristics or at similar fitness levels, or may be adjusted to reflect the current rider biometric characteristics.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring bicycle power output according to the present disclosure. The method shown is similar to the method discussed above with respect to fig. 8A and similar visual content is generated. However, the visual content may be based on different underlying data.

Thus, the method first determines a rider-specific power output (1000). As described above, such rider-specific power output may be retrieved from power meter device 77. The method may then determine a motor power output (1010), which may be based on data retrieved or otherwise derived from the energy storage unit 102 or the drive unit 100. For example, as described above, the electric bicycle components of the energy storage unit 102 and the drive unit 100 may transmit (cast) data on the light electric vehicle profile of the ant+ radio signal or the bluetooth radio signal. The electric bicycle component may then project "rider power" and "% of total power" data. The rider power data may then be retrieved and the motor power may then be derived.

The method then compares the rider-specific power output to the motor power output (1020) and generates a visualization of the comparison of the rider-specific power output to the motor power output (1030). The visual content is then presented (1040) to the user.

Examples of this visual content 1100 are shown in fig. 11A-11C. As described above, the generated visual content 1100 presents (at 1030) a first user interface element 1110 having characteristics based on rider-specific power output (retrieved at 1000) and a second user interface element 1120 having corresponding characteristics based on motor power output (retrieved at 1010).

The characteristic is typically a dimensional parameter, such as the width 1130, 1140 of the corresponding element, and the parameter is maintained at a size proportional to the corresponding underlying data. Thus, the first user interface element 1110 may have a width 1130 that is proportional to the rider-specific power output, and the second user interface element 1120 may have a width 1140 that is proportional to the motor power output.

In the illustrated embodiment, the method may be performed iteratively, as discussed above with respect to the method of FIG. 8A, and the visualization content updated for each iteration. The first user interface element 1110 and the second user interface element 1120 may be arranged linearly, and the total width 1150 of the visual content 1100 including the combination of the two interface elements 1110, 1120 may be consistently maintained in repeated iterations of the visual content.

Thus, when the total width 1150 is consistently maintained, the width 1130 of the first user interface element 1110 and the width 1140 of the second user interface element 1140 are repeatedly updated and thereby changed in the repeated generation of visual content in response to changes in the underlying value. Thus, the dimensions of the first user interface element 1110 and the second user interface element 1120 visually represent the ratio of rider-specific power output to repeated updates of motor power output.

Fig. 11A shows a sample readout demonstrating that the rider contributes more power than the electric bicycle drive unit 100. Fig. 9B shows a sample readout that demonstrates the same contribution of the rider and drive unit 100. Fig. 9C shows a sample readout exhibiting more power contributed by the drive unit 100 than the rider.

The rider-specific power output may be a measured real-time or substantially real-time measurement, or it may be based on a rolling average of the rider-specific power output determined over a specified period of time, such as an average of 3 seconds, 10 seconds, or 30 seconds.

In some embodiments, the motor power metric is not retrieved directly from the energy storage unit 102 or the drive unit 100. Instead, the motor power output may be determined (at 1010) based on the rider-specific power output (determined at 1000) and a measure of the percentage of the total power represented by the rider-specific power output.

Fig. 12A and 12B illustrate alternative visualizations generated by the method of fig. 8A. As shown in fig. 12A, the visual content generated by the method (at 880) may include a map 1200 presenting the hypothetical destinations, wherein the method highlights all destinations of the hypothetical destinations within the remaining electric bicycle range (determined at 855). The visual content may then present a map with a main area 1210 that can be reached using the calculated range.

In some embodiments, the visual content may present a map having a secondary region 1220 and a tertiary region 1230 representing longer range than the calculated range. For example, the main region 1210 may represent the range of a bicycle using battery power, assuming no contribution from the rider, while the secondary region 1220 and the tertiary region 1230 may represent range with different amounts of rider effort. Additional extended range areas 1240 may also be shown.

In some embodiments, rather than estimating the range based on the rider power contribution, the method may be estimated based on an expected level of motor assist. The visual content may then similarly present map 1200, with nesting areas 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 representing different levels of assistance associated with different modes of assistance of drive unit 100.

Fig. 12B shows such a map 1200 presented in the context of the user interface 730 of the apparatus 700. As shown, it is assumed that the destinations 1250, 1260, 1270 are represented by bicycles, as shown by three different areas 1210, 1220, 1230. As discussed with reference to fig. 12A, the region may correspond to an expected rider contribution or drive unit 100 assistance level. Alternatively, the areas 1210, 1220, 1230 may correspond to thresholds associated with a desired remaining battery level. Thus, the hypothetical destination 1250 in the main area 1210 can be reached with a battery level greater than the remaining threshold battery level. For example, the threshold battery level may be 50%, allowing for a return range, or it may represent some critical level, or it may be user selectable. The secondary region 1220 may then contain the hypothetical destination 1260 that can be reached using the drive unit 100, but this will result in battery depletion below the threshold. The tertiary region 1230 may then contain hypothetical destinations 1270 that can only be reached if the battery is fully depleted.

The user interface 730 illustrated in fig. 12A may be implemented if the user of the device 700 has not selected a destination.

Fig. 13 illustrates a user interface device 700 that implements a portion of the method of fig. 8A. As described above, in some embodiments, the remaining distance (at 865) from the destination defined based on the base data (retrieved at 860) is based on the predefined destination 1320. The remaining electric bicycle range defined (at 855) based on the base data (retrieved at 850) may then be based at least in part on characteristics of the route itself, such as grade or road texture.

In some such embodiments, the remaining distance from the destination 1320 is then based on the primary route 1300 initially determined by the mapping module as described above. The remaining electric bicycle range is then based on electric bicycle range data, which in turn is extracted to some extent from data associated with the main route. The method may then define and evaluate at least one alternative route 1310 based on alternative electric bicycle range data associated with the alternative route and defined by the mapping module. Thus, the base route data, such as grade or road texture, may be different, resulting in different final remaining electric bicycle range.

Then, the method may continue to generate a recommendation for the alternative route 1310 when it is determined that the alternative electric bicycle range data generates an alternative remaining electric bicycle range value that is greater than a range value of the electric bicycle range data based on the main route. In other words, if the alternative route generates a range prediction that is greater than the main route, the method may recommend a switch to the alternative route.

Similarly, if the proportion of the remaining electric bicycle range associated with alternative route 1310 in the alternative route is greater than the proportion of the remaining electric bicycle range associated with main route 1300 in the main route, the method may generate a recommendation. In other words, the method may generate such recommendations if switching routes allows users to travel farther along their routes without depleting their power supply.

Thus, where the rider defines a destination 1320, rather than a route, the method may evaluate whether the current state of the system is sufficient to reach the selected destination throughout the ride, or whether the rider should modify or shorten their ride.

Similarly, if the user has a desired destination 1320 and a preferred main route 1300, the method may generate a recommendation based on the estimated remaining range. As described above, the method may create an electric bicycle consumption cost for riding, which may calculate battery consumption along the main route 1300 using various weighting factors, including grade, road type, rider weight, assist level, and other factors. The combined data may then recommend an alternative route 1310 in order to shorten or modify the route or avoid climbing.

Fig. 14 illustrates a user interface device 700 implementing a portion of the method of fig. 8A. As shown in the presented visual content, the method may propose a plurality of routes 1400a, b, c to the recommended destination 1410. The multiple routes 1400a, b, c may be presented to the user initially as core metrics based on time, but may be further categorized, or the categorization may be modified based on battery cost, which is evaluated in a similar manner as previously discussed embodiments.

Although several visual content options are shown in the figures, alternative visual content is also contemplated. Such alternative visual content may include, for example, use bars, colors, sounds, and the like.

Fig. 15 illustrates a method for modifying hardware system settings in the context of the method of fig. 8A. As described above, in some embodiments, the remaining distance (at 865) from the destination defined based on the base data (retrieved at 860) is based on the predefined destination. The remaining electric bicycle range defined (at 855) based on the base data (retrieved at 850) may then be based on a variety of factors, and may be used to determine whether the remaining electric bicycle range is greater than the distance from the destination.

Among the factors that may be used to determine the remaining electric bicycle range (at 855), there may be an auxiliary mode associated with the drive unit 100. The drive unit 100 may then have a number of potential auxiliary modes from which the user or the system itself may select.

The apparatus 700 may then be initially set in a first auxiliary mode of the plurality of auxiliary modes, and the method may obtain a battery level from the energy storage unit 102 (at 1500). The method may then determine a remaining electric bicycle range using the battery level (1510), wherein the determination is based at least in part on the first assist mode. The method may then determine or calculate a remaining distance from the identified destination (1520).

If the calculated distance from the identified destination is less than the remaining electric bicycle range in the current assist mode (at 1530), the method may proceed iteratively (at 1500) by repeatedly confirming the current battery level. However, if the remaining electric bicycle range is less than the remaining distance from the identified destination (at 1530), the method may transition the drive unit to a second auxiliary mode that is different from the first mode. As described above and shown in fig. 8C, the head unit 700 may then transmit a message (1540) to the drive unit 100 in order to adjust the power or auxiliary mode of the drive unit.

The drive unit 100 may then receive the message (at 1550) and in response adjust the motor power output (1560). In such an embodiment, the second auxiliary mode provides a reduced drive unit output relative to the first auxiliary mode.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. Other embodiments may be derived from the disclosure, and utilized, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Some proportions in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, although operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any of the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "application" merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular application or inventive concept. Furthermore, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The abstract of the present disclosure is provided to conform to 37c.f.r. ≡1.72 (b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of any disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter

Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, some or all of the method components are implemented as computer executable code. Such computer-executable code contains a plurality of computer instructions that when executed in a predefined order result in performing the tasks disclosed herein. Such computer executable code may be available as source code or in object code and may further be included, for example, as part of a portable memory device or downloaded from the internet, or embodied on a program storage unit or computer readable medium. The principles of the present invention may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software, and because some of the constituent system components and methods depicted in the accompanying drawings may be implemented in software, the actual connections between the system components or the process function blocks may differ depending upon the manner in which the present invention is programmed.

The computer-executable code may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture. Preferably, the machine is implemented on a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units ("CPU"), random access memory ("RAM"), and input/output interfaces. The computer platform may also include an operating system and microinstruction code. The various processes and functions described herein may be either part of the microinstruction code or part of the application program, or any combination thereof, which may be executed by a CPU, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown. In addition, various other peripheral units may be connected to the computer platform such as an additional data storage unit and a printing unit.

The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor hardware, processing circuitry, ROM, RAM, and non-volatile storage.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of this invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Accordingly, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are protected as the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A computer-based method for monitoring a endurance mileage of a bicycle, the method comprising:

determining the endurance mileage of the remaining electric bicycle;

Determining a remaining distance from the destination;

comparing the endurance mileage of the electric bicycle with the distance from the destination; and

And generating visual contents for comparing the electric bicycle endurance mileage with the distance from the destination.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining remaining electric bicycle range comprises:

Retrieving the endurance mileage data of the electric bicycle; and

The remaining electric bicycle range is defined to be based at least in part on the electric bicycle range data.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the remaining distance from the destination comprises:

acquiring distance data from a destination; and

The remaining distance to the destination is defined to be based at least in part on the distance data to the destination.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method displays an indication when it is determined that the remaining electric bicycle range is less than the remaining distance from the destination.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the indication is a presentation of the visual content generated to a user or a display or color change of a user interface element in the context of the visual content.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the generated visual content presents a first user interface element having a characteristic based on the remaining electric bicycle range and a second user interface element having a characteristic based on the remaining distance from the destination, and wherein the characteristic of the first user interface element is a dimensional characteristic proportional to the remaining electric bicycle range and the characteristic of the second user interface element is a dimensional characteristic proportional to the remaining distance from the destination.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the generated visual content includes a map presenting an imaginary destination, wherein the method further comprises highlighting all destinations of the imaginary destination within the remaining electric bicycle range.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the remaining distance to a destination is based on a predefined destination, and wherein the method retrieves or determines a current location of a device implementing the method and calculates a distance to the predefined destination based on a mapping module and provides a result as the remaining distance.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the remaining electric bicycle range is based at least in part on a grade or road texture of at least a segment of a route defined by the mapping module, a device factor associated with a bicycle used to implement the method, an environmental condition at a location of the bicycle, or a hardware factor associated with a drive unit or battery used by the bicycle.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the remaining distance is based on a main route, and wherein the remaining electric bicycle range is based on the electric bicycle range, and wherein the method further comprises defining and evaluating at least one alternative route based on alternative electric bicycle range data associated with the alternative route and defined by the mapping module, and generating a recommendation for the alternative route when the alternative electric bicycle range is determined to generate the following alternative remaining electric bicycle range values: the range value of the alternative remaining electric bicycle is larger than the range value of the electric bicycle range data, or the percentage of the range value of the alternative remaining electric bicycle in the alternative route is larger than the percentage of the range of the remaining electric bicycle in the main route.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the remaining electric bicycle range is based at least in part on a first auxiliary mode of a drive unit associated with a bicycle for implementing the method and selected from a plurality of potential auxiliary modes.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein upon determining that the remaining electric bicycle range is less than the remaining distance from the destination, switching the drive unit to a second auxiliary mode of the plurality of potential auxiliary modes that is different from the first auxiliary mode, wherein the second auxiliary mode provides a reduced motor output relative to the first auxiliary mode.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein a destination is inferred based on a likely travel path, and the remaining electric bicycle range is then based on the likely travel path.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the remaining electric bicycle range is predicted based at least in part on a combination of a remaining amount of power and a predicted contribution of rider power such that the remaining electric bicycle range is greater than a battery-only bicycle range.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the projected contribution of rider power assumes a sustained contribution from a user based on a rolling average over a period of time prior to determining the electric bicycle range.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method displays an indication when it is determined that the remaining electric bicycle range represented by the electric bicycle range data is less than a distance from a destination represented by the remaining distance from the destination, and wherein the method further comprises repeatedly determining an updated electric bicycle range and determining or obtaining updated distance data from the destination, and wherein the updated remaining electric bicycle range is based on a different time period prior to the retrieving such that the indication depends on an estimated contribution of updated rider power.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the projected contribution of rider power is based at least in part on historical data based on historical cyclists in comparable riding scenarios.

18. A system, the system comprising:

A user interface device having a processor, a communication module, and a display, the user interface device being mounted on a bicycle;

An energy storage device mounted on the bicycle, the energy storage device having a communication module in communication with the communication module of the user interface device; and

A drive unit mounted on the bicycle and powered by the energy storage device such that the drive unit applies motive force to propel the bicycle using energy from the energy storage device,

Wherein the user interface device retrieves electric bicycle range data from the energy storage device and determines a remaining electric bicycle range based on the bicycle range data,

Wherein the user interface means determines or obtains distance data from the destination, the distance data from the destination representing a remaining distance from the destination,

Wherein the user interface device compares the electric bicycle range data with the distance data from the destination and generates visual content that compares the electric bicycle range data with the distance data from the destination.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the communication module of the user interface device and the communication module of the energy storage module communicate wirelessly.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the drive unit has a first configuration utilizing a first auxiliary mode of a plurality of auxiliary modes, and wherein the remaining electric bicycle range is based at least in part on the configuration of the drive unit, and wherein upon determining that the remaining bicycle range is less than the remaining distance from the destination, the user interface device transmits instructions to the drive unit through the communication module to transition the drive unit to a second configuration utilizing a second auxiliary mode of the plurality of auxiliary modes, wherein the second auxiliary mode provides reduced motive force relative to the first auxiliary mode.