DE10341890A1 - Bicycle computer has additional LED indicators for indicating whether a selected target training threshold is being exceeded or undershot - Google Patents

Abstract

Bicycle computer (1) has a display field (2) for output of a number of training parameters and operating elements (3) for controlling the computer. Additional indicators (15-17) are provided whose state depends on values in the target window (5). An independent claim is made for a method for provision of training information using a bicycle computer, whereby a user selects a parameter from the target window and the selected parameter is compared with a training value. Dependent on the result of the comparison the additional indicators are activated or not. Typically the indicators are colored LEDs with their illumination indicating a particular state, e.g. if the current speed is above or below the average speed.

Description

The The present invention relates to a bicycle computer comprising Display field for visualization of several training parameters, operating elements for operation of the bicycle computer and at least one data acquisition system, in which the display field has a target window, which optionally has a representing several different training parameters. such Bicycle computers are used in particular for carrying out training cycles, in which the bicycle user comply with predetermined training parameters should.

in the In terms of effectiveness such training cycles it is desirable that the exerciser strictly adheres to the specifications of the training program holds resp. does not exceed its load limits. For this purpose it is known, for example the pulse rate monitor the exerciser and the trainee by, for example, acoustic Signals the overshoot to communicate a limit value.

Of these, Based on the object of the present invention, a bicycle computer to provide an increased Measure flexibility in terms of supervised Training parameter offers. At the same time should be guaranteed that will also be monitoring or the identification of exceeding or falling below predefinable limits in a simple and guaranteed in a clear way is. Next is a process for providing information be proposed by means of a bicycle computer, also a simple and safe operation of the bicycle within selected Ensures training parameters.

These Tasks are solved by a bicycle computer having the features of the claim 1 or a method having the features of patent claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the respective dependent claims. It should be noted that the disclosed in the individual claims Features can occur in any combination with each other and so lead to further advantageous embodiments.

Of the bicycle computer according to the invention comprises a display panel for the visualization of several (especially different, freely selectable) Training parameters, controls for operating the bicycle computer and at least one data acquisition system. The display field of the Bicycle computers has a destination window which optionally has one of represents the several different training parameters. The bike computer is characterized by the fact that at least one information provider dependent on of each training parameter currently displayed in the target window is controllable.

to explanation be executed that the "display panel" like a familiar Display, a well-known liquid crystal screen or the like may be formed. The display field can be be configured two or more colors. The visualization of Training parameter is preferably carried out with a value (digit or Number) and their unit. During the Value of the training parameters in different time intervals is updated (for example, every two seconds), the Display of the unit unchanged. The display panel can be illuminated at least for a limited time. For this purpose can in the display field or in a frame around the display light source be provided that emit light on the display panel. In order to is guaranteed that the operator recognizes the display even in the dark.

Regarding the "controls" for operating the Bicycle computers are all kinds of buttons, touch pads, joysticks, etc. to understand. If necessary, it is also possible, via voice input, infrared interface, USB interface, wireless LAN, or the like an operation or programming the bike computer to allow. The controls should be resistant in view of the weather conditions encountered (e.g. Frost, sunlight, etc.). Keys or push buttons are preferably made of plastic or coated with a rubber-like material.

Furthermore, the bicycle computer has at least one measured value acquisition system. Such a "measured value acquisition system" is to be understood as meaning a multiplicity of different sensors or measuring means which record and forward certain parameters of the bicycle operation to the bicycle computer For example, such data acquisition systems comprise units for speed detection, pulse detection, foot force detection, etc. The measured values must be electrical signals, time intervals, deformations, etc., can also be detected and converted into the finally desired training parameter The means for converting (for example, a measured voltage into the pedal force causing it) are usually part of the measured value acquisition system itself However, it is also possible that this conversion only in components of the bike computer through to be led.

At least according to the invention an information provider in dependence can be controlled by each training parameter currently displayed in the target window. This means in particular, that the information providers each exactly on the training parameters Present signals that are currently being used by the operator important classified and therefore in the target window is represented. While in known bicycle computers, only a single training parameter vorge ben who monitors by an information provider is proposed here, that one and the same information provider for a plurality different training parameters is used. Possibly can for the a training parameter in the target window even a plurality of Providers should be provided, which are preferred in terms differentiate their type of information presentation. As information provider Both visual and acoustic information providers come to us Commitment. Especially with regard to the different weather conditions during the Operation of such a bicycle computer, it may be advantageous to a combination of acoustic and visual information providers provided. in principle But it is also conceivable that the information provider by the operator haptic (over the sense of touch) can be perceived, for example by vibrating the handlebar or similar. In any case, the combination of the freely selectable training parameter in the destination window with the at least one information provider, who in dependence activated by the training parameter shown in the target window or deactivated, a particularly simple monitoring of the training performance of the user, although here increased user flexibility with regard to the supervised Training parameters is given.

According to one further embodiment of the bicycle computer is proposed that the information providers separate, differently colored lamps are. In other words, that means that the user has the information whether he meets the self-imposed training requirements, on gets communicated visually. The different information are characterized by different colors. The colors are for the Bicycle users also recognizable from the corner of their eyes, so it is not necessary for the user to keep moving focused on the bike computer, but rather the Driving distance in the field of vision may have. Bulbs, bulbs, Diodes etc. are used. The bulbs are outside of the display panel, ie separately arranged. By the spatial Distance to the display field, because of the constantly changing Distracting values from the bulbs will give an increased signal effect reached.

Further It is proposed that the at least one information provider three comprises spaced-apart diodes, which are preferably blue, red and green Give off light. The providence of diodes has the advantage that only relatively little space required However, the luminosity for the desired Signal effect is sufficient. The diodes are preferably in one Line and in particular above or below the display panel arranged.

Further It is suggested that the training parameters adjustable in the target window at least two parameters from the following group are: Pedaling, cadence, speed. The ones mentioned here Training parameters are preferred in very short time intervals recorded and provided to the bicycle computer. These are suitable Data acquisition systems required. In terms of capture the pulse rate, it is possible, for example, on the upper body of a Bicycle users to attach a transmitter, the current pulse rate transmitted to the bike computer. The pedaling or the cadence can, for example, on / in the bottom bracket self-determined and then over a cable is supplied to the bicycle computer. In particular, "pedaling" is used also on the pedals Torque understood by the operator. For this purpose, the bottom bracket has suitable Sensors that determine the forces acting on the bottom bracket. The speed of the bicycle is preferably over the Rotation speed of the wheels of the bicycle. Again, this value will be in very short time intervals determined and updated.

According to a further embodiment of the bicycle computer, storage means are provided which contain limit values with regard to the training parameters which can be displayed in the target window and / or further basic information. These storage means may be designed to be write-once or multiple writable. It is also possible that the storage means already comprise proprietary basic information which is not rewritable, while other areas of the storage means are freely available to the user. Preferably, an upper limit and a lower limit are stored for each training parameter. However, it is also possible for other basic information stored in the storage means to be used to determine the limit values. For example, the age, weight, height, etc. of the user may be stored, the cycle computer then specifying the resulting upper and lower limits of a respective training parameter. The storage means are, at least over a predefinable Period, also able to store values of the training parameters themselves. This makes it possible that mean values of the training parameters can be determined and specified.

In addition, points the bicycle computer controls on which limits regarding the Change the training parameters that can be displayed in the target window and permanently available together with storage media. So, for example in the bicycle computer a menu structure be present, the determination of limits by the operation the buttons or pushbuttons etc. in almost self-explanatory Way allows. Different operating elements are used to select the training parameters as well as to change the currently stored values.

According to one more Another embodiment, the bicycle computer comparison means on, when falling below or exceeding the limit a training parameter by the current value of the training parameter emit a signal to activate a light source. That means with In other words, that, for example, a microprocessor to carry out a Comparative analysis is provided, the current by a data acquisition system determined measured value of the currently considered training parameter with the associated upper or lower limit value is compared. Depending on this comparison Now is from the comparison means a signal, preferably an electrical Signal, sent out, which is the activation of a light source for Episode has. Depending on how the relative position of the current reading is to the upper and lower limit, each becomes another Illuminant activated.

to Improvement of the visual representation is further proposed that the target window has a color mark, in particular the displayed training parameters are displayed larger than all other parameters and preferably a characteristic for the training parameter Icon is displayed. The color marking can be a color set frame, a colored deposit of the displayed value (Background), and / or numerically identified numerical values. Because of the diverse Choice regarding The training parameter requires that the user as possible is quickly informed of which training parameters now just monitored becomes. in principle it is possible, the training parameter by words or letter combinations, but these are often not self-explanatory. Therefore, it is proposed here that a characteristic for the training parameter Icon is displayed. For the pulse rate is suitable, for example, a "heart" as a symbol, for pedaling, for example, a Presentation of the "bicycle pedals" and for the speed the representation of a "wheel." Basically here, of course There are no limits to selecting a characteristic symbol.

According to one more Another embodiment of the bicycle computer is above the target window, a header provided, at least one of which displayed in the target window Training parameter displays various training parameters. The allows the user, two different training parameters simultaneously to monitor. While the training parameter displayed in the destination window simultaneously monitors the information provider the training parameters of the header are only displayed. It is, however, for the operator an easy, the currently shown in the header Training parameters by a corresponding handle of the controls into the target window and thus monitoring by the at least one To ensure information providers.

Especially It is also advantageous that below the target window a two-part menu field is provided, in which a selectable Additional information is displayed, wherein in a first part of the current Value of additional information and in a second part the nature of Additional information is shown. Under an additional information For example, parameters are understood that only become apparent when considering a longer Determine the period, that is, for example, an average or represent a maximum or minimum value. In addition, such additional information to continuously growing / falling or always constant parameters such as mileage, time, calories burned, Remaining training time, training program, date, language, time, gear shift, Get weather information, etc. The additional information shown in the menu field are free by the operator and independent of the training parameters of the target field or the header can be selected.

It is particularly advantageous that the type of additional information is shown as scrolling text. Usually, the type of additional information is displayed by abbreviations in the display panel. As explained earlier, such abbreviations are not always self-explanatory. Therefore, it may be preferable to name the type of additional information completely. However, this is not readily possible for reasons of space on the display panel. Therefore, it is proposed here to provide a limited number of characters in the second part of the menu field, for example three or four characters, wherein the type or designation of additional information (eg "average speed") comprising more than three or four letters is shown as scrolling text, where the letters one after the other going through from right to left.

• – Auswahl eines Trainingsparameters in einem Zielfenster des Fahrradcomputers;
• – Vergleich eines aktuellen Wertes des Trainingsparameters mit einem vorgebbaren zugehörigen oberen Grenzwert und einem vorgebbaren zugehörigen unteren Grenzwert;
• – Anzeigen des Ergebnisses des Vergleiches mit mindestens einem Informationsgeber des Fahrradcomputers.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for providing information by means of a bicycle computer, in particular such as has been described above, is proposed, which comprises at least the following steps:

• - selecting a training parameter in a target window of the bicycle computer;
• - Comparison of a current value of the training parameter with a predeterminable associated upper limit value and a predeterminable associated lower limit value;
• - Displaying the result of the comparison with at least one information provider of the bicycle computer.

in the With regard to the selection of a to be displayed in the target window Training parameters should be noted that this is at least one parameter from the group of the following parameters is: pulse rate, pedaling, cadence, speed. At the same time, however, it is ensured that for the operator at least two of the above parameters for selection stand. After making a selection of the training parameter The bike computer compares during exercise to the current one currently given value of the training parameter with specifiable upper and lower limits. These limits can be set by the user himself However, it is also possible that they are unchangeable stored in the bicycle computer. Depending on how the current work to the upper or lower limit, is the result of the comparison with the at least one information provider shown. In terms of the embodiments of the at least one information provider is At this point, the foregoing explanations are fully incorporated by reference.

Prefers the result is at least indicated by the at least one information provider presented visually. This means in particular that the information provider is able to use different colors, symbols or other characters to represent that for let the user know in a clear way, whether he is with the current value of the training parameter within the predetermined limits or exceed these limits. below. The visual representation has the advantage that it has a long period can be sustained without the need for User disturbed by it feels. It would be different this with a purely acoustic representation. Would be in such an information the user is permanently exercising in the "green" area, so between the predetermined limits, so this would have a certain continuous tone The result, certainly over disturb the time would. However, this is not to be feared with a small LED.

• (a) Bei Überschreiten des oberen Grenzwertes leuchtet eine rote Diode.
• (b) Bei Unterschreiten des unteren Grenzwertes leuchtet eine blaue Diode.
• (c) Im Bereich zwischen dem oberen Grenzwert und dem unteren Grenzwert leuchtet eine grüne Diode auf.

Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous if the following displays are provided as a result of the comparison:

• (a) When the upper limit is exceeded, a red diode will light up.
• (b) If the temperature falls below the lower limit, a blue diode lights up.
• (c) A green diode lights up in the area between the upper limit and the lower limit.

Here is already clear to users by selecting the colors in Clearly, in what relation the current measured value to the set Limits. The color red represents a danger, leaving him Immediately it is clear that he is in the area of overload. The color Green signals, that everything is alright, i. that he is within the self-imposed or prescribed limits training. Blue is a cool color, So the user immediately realizes that he is still making his efforts increase needs to go in the green Area to come. It should be noted that when switching of the training parameter displayed in the target window, immediately also a comparison with the at least one information provider or the bulbs is made. This means, for example, that in the case of a user who previously exercised in the given "heart rate" and where the green Diode lit, after switching to the training parameter "pedaling" the activation the diode checked and if necessary is adjusted.

It is further proposed that the selection of the current training parameter in the target window or the definition of the associated limit values is variable, in particular sequences defined over a period of time are predefined. This means, inter alia, that, for example, a plurality of different training programs are stored in the bicycle computer, which suggest a training of varying intensity according to training principles. If the user activates such a training program, it may be possible for the training parameter to be located in different areas during different periods of time. This means, for example, that initially a relatively low pulse frequency is to be maintained ("warm-up phase"), then a significantly higher ("high-power phase"), before a lower pulse frequency is again given towards the end ("phase-out phase") At the same time it is also possible that not only the one training parameter (here: pulse frequency), but given if other training parameters can be monitored alternately.

The Invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the figures represent particularly preferred embodiments, However, the invention can not be limited thereto.

It demonstrate:

1 a bicycle with an embodiment of a bicycle computer, and

2 schematically a front view of an embodiment of the bicycle computer.

1 shows a bike 19 with a bike computer 1 , The bike computer 1 is in the field of vision of the user, preferably on the handlebar attached. The bike computer 1 is over cable 20 or via radio with different data acquisition systems 4 connected. Examples of data acquisition systems 4 are the speed detection 21 , the service entry 22 and the pulse detection 23 , With regard to pulse detection 23 is to be explained that this usually includes a transmitter, which is attached to the upper body of the user himself.

2 shows a preferred embodiment of the bicycle computer according to the invention 1 , The illustrated bicycle computer 1 includes a display panel 2 for the visualization of several training parameters and operating elements 3 for the operation of the bicycle computer 1 , The controls 3 are executed here as push buttons. You are at the bottom of the bike computer 1 and are arranged in a line.

The display field 2 has a centrally located target window 5 , In the destination window 5 Optionally one of several different training parameters can be displayed. The displayed target window 5 is from a colored marker 9 enclosed in the form of a frame. In this target window 5 becomes the current value of the training parameter, its unit and a symbol characteristic of the training parameter 10 displayed. Here, the pulse rate is characterized by a heart, with the value "116" and the unit "1 / MIN" is specified.

Above the target window 5 is a header 11 intended. In this header another training parameter can be displayed. This, too, may be characterized by a meaningful symbol. Below the target window 5 is a two-part menu field 12 intended. This serves for the display of additional information, whereby in a first part 13 the current value of the additional information and in a second part 14 the nature of the additional information is shown. For example, in the first part 13 the value "10.1" together with the unit "KM / H" and in the second part 14 the word "average speed" is displayed due to the small size of the second part 14 of the menu field 12 the word "average speed" is displayed as scrolling text.

The illustrated bicycle computer 1 has an information provider 18 on, the three separate bulbs 6 comprising one diode each. The diodes display the result of a comparison of the current value or training parameter shown in the target window with the associated upper and lower limit value. In the illustration, spaced apart from left to right are a blue diode 16 , a green diode 17 and a red diode 15 arranged. When a limit value of the training parameter displayed in the target window is exceeded, the red diode lights up 15 on. If the measured value lies between the upper and lower limit, the green diode lights up 17 on. If the user has the lower limit of the target window 5 training parameters not yet reached, the blue diode lights up 16 on.

In addition, the bike computer 1 with storage media 7 and comparative agents 8th provided, on the one hand allow the storage of additional information or values of training parameters and / or their limits and on the other hand also ensure an exact comparison of the determined current measured value with the limits.

With The described bicycle computer can be particularly simple and purposefully program training cycles, with the clear display the training status, for example, with the colored diodes, the Operator compliance with specified limits during the Training easier.

1

bike computer

2

display

3

operating element

4

Data acquisition system

5

target window

6

Lamp

7

storage means

8th

comparison means

9

mark

10

symbol

11

header

12

menu field

13

first part

14

second part

15

Red diode

16

Blueness diode

17

Green diode

18

information provider

19

bicycle

20

electric wire

21

speed detection

22

activity recording

23

pulse detecting

Claims (15)

Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) comprising a display panel ( 2 ) for the visualization of several training parameters, operating elements ( 3 ) for the operation of the bicycle computer ( 1 ) and at least one data acquisition system ( 4 ), in which the display field ( 2 ) a target window ( 5 ), which optionally represents one of several different training parameters, characterized in that at least one information provider ( 18 ) depending on each in the target window ( 5 ) currently displayed training parameter is controllable. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one information provider ( 18 ) separate, differently colored bulbs ( 6 ) are. Bicycle computer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one information provider ( 18 ) three spaced apart diodes ( 15 . 16 . 17 ) which preferentially emit blue, red and green light. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the target window ( 5 ) training parameters at least two parameters from the following group are: - pulse rate; - pedaling power; - cadence; - speed. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that storage means ( 7 ), the limit values with respect to the target window ( 5 ) include displayable training parameters and / or further basic information. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that operating elements ( 3 ), which limit values with respect to the target window ( 5 ) displayable training parameters and together with memory means ( 7 ) permanently available. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that comparison means ( 8th ) are provided, which when falling below or exceeding the limit value of a training parameter by the current value of the training parameter, a signal for activating a light source ( 6 ) submit. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the target window ( 5 ) a color mark ( 9 ), in particular the displayed training parameters are shown larger than all other parameters and preferably a symbol characteristic of the training parameter ( 10 ) is shown. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that above the target window ( 5 ) a header ( 11 ), whereby at least one of them, in the target window ( 5 ) displays various training parameters. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that below the target window ( 5 ) a two-part menu field ( 12 ) in which a selectable additional information is displayed, wherein in a first part ( 13 ) the current value of the additional information and in a second part ( 14 ) the type of additional information is shown. Bicycle Computer ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the type of additional information is shown as scrolling text. Method for providing information by means of a bicycle computer ( 1 ), in particular a bicycle computer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least the following steps: - selection of a training parameter in a target window ( 5 ) of the bicycle computer ( 1 ); - Comparison of a current value of the training parameter with a predeterminable associated upper limit value and a predeterminable associated lower limit value; - presenting the result of the comparison with at least one information provider ( 18 ) of the bicycle computer ( 1 ). The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one information provider ( 18 ) the result at least visually. represents. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein as a result of the comparison the following indications (a) when the upper limit is exceeded a red diode ( 15 ), (b) falls below the lower limit, a blue diode ( 16 ) and (c) between the upper limit and the lower limit a green diode ( 17 ) on. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the selection of the current training parameter in the target window ( 5 ) or the determination of the associated limit values is variable, in particular over a period of defined sequence can be specified.