GB2569279A - Sensing bicycles - Google Patents
Sensing bicycles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2569279A GB2569279A GB1717823.7A GB201717823A GB2569279A GB 2569279 A GB2569279 A GB 2569279A GB 201717823 A GB201717823 A GB 201717823A GB 2569279 A GB2569279 A GB 2569279A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- sensing system
- module
- sensor modules
- sensing
- bicycle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J27/00—Safety equipment
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J43/00—Arrangements of batteries
- B62J43/30—Arrangements of batteries for providing power to equipment other than for propulsion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J45/00—Electrical equipment arrangements specially adapted for use as accessories on cycles, not otherwise provided for
- B62J45/40—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof
- B62J45/41—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof characterised by the type of sensor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J45/00—Electrical equipment arrangements specially adapted for use as accessories on cycles, not otherwise provided for
- B62J45/40—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof
- B62J45/41—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof characterised by the type of sensor
- B62J45/414—Acceleration sensors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J50/00—Arrangements specially adapted for use on cycles not provided for in main groups B62J1/00 - B62J45/00
- B62J50/20—Information-providing devices
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume, or surface-area of porous materials
- G01N15/06—Investigating concentration of particle suspensions
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00871—Communications between instruments or with remote terminals
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62H—CYCLE STANDS; SUPPORTS OR HOLDERS FOR PARKING OR STORING CYCLES; APPLIANCES PREVENTING OR INDICATING UNAUTHORIZED USE OR THEFT OF CYCLES; LOCKS INTEGRAL WITH CYCLES; DEVICES FOR LEARNING TO RIDE CYCLES
- B62H3/00—Separate supports or holders for parking or storing cycles
- B62H2003/005—Supports or holders associated with means for bike rental
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume, or surface-area of porous materials
- G01N2015/0042—Investigating dispersion of solids
- G01N2015/0046—Investigating dispersion of solids in gas, e.g. smoke
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00871—Communications between instruments or with remote terminals
- G01N2035/00881—Communications between instruments or with remote terminals network configurations
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N2035/00891—Displaying information to the operator
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
- G01P15/00—Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration
Abstract
A sensing system 100 for use on a bicycle includes a processor 102; a wireless data transfer module 120; a location sensing module 106; and a power supply 104; wherein the sensing system 100 is arranged to connect to one or more sensor modules 108,110,112, and the power supply 104 is arranged to supply power to the processor 102, the wireless data transfer module 120, and the location sensing module 106. The power supply 104 may be a battery or a dynamo. The sensor modules 108,110,112 may measure air quality or use an accelerometer to indicate road surface condition.
Description
SENSING BICYCLES
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to bicycles having sensing equipment, and methods of monitoring environmental parameters using such bikes.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
In recent times, it has become more necessary than ever to monitor the state of the environment, given the rapidly increasing level of pollution in the world’s major cities. Traditionally, this has been done using a number of stationary environmental sensors which may be dotted over the municipalities in question. However, to obtain a satisfactory coverage using stationary environmental sensors would require a large number of sensors located everywhere. This is of course impractical, and potentially very costly. It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative way of monitoring environmental parameters on a large scale, without the requirement for large numbers of stationary sensors all over the place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention aims to solve this problem in the provision of mobile sensors, located on bicycles. Broadly speaking, the present invention provides a bicycle having a sensing platform, which incorporates location sensing, wireless data transfer capability and to which one or more sensing modules can be added. More specifically, a first aspect of the present invention provides a bicycle having a sensing system, the sensing system including:
a processor;
a wireless data transfer module;
a location sensing module; and a power supply;
wherein:
the sensing system is arranged to connect to one or more sensor modules, and the power supply is arranged to supply power to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, and the location sensing module.
Bicycles according to the first aspect of the invention can thus be connected to any kind of compatible sensor module, which may then be able to sense, detect or measure some parameter, preferably an environmental parameter. This data may then be associated with a location, using the location sensing module. It should be noted that the sensing system does not include the sensor module itself. Such an arrangement means that a user of the bike is not confined to a specific sensor module. This may have advantages in bicycle share schemes, where the provider of the scheme (e.g. a city council) is then able to replace the sensor modules on the bicycles available in such a scheme, in order to monitor the geographical distribution or density of a particular parameter. In preferred embodiments, the location sensing module is a geolocation module such as GPS module. Alternatively the geolocation module may rely on alternative technology such as GLONASS, though GPS is preferred.
Here, when it is stated that the sensing system is arranged to “connect” to one or more sensor modules, this may mean that the sensing system includes one or more connectors, such as mechanical connectors or ports. It is also preferable that the power supply is arranged to supply power to any sensor modules connected to the sensing system. In order to achieve this, the connectors preferably include an electrical contact for connecting a sensor module to the power supply. In other embodiments, the connection between the sensing system and a given sensor module may be a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensing system may be arranged to connect to a plurality of sensor modules, in order to allow a number of different parameters to be monitored. In such embodiments, the power supply is preferably arranged to supply power to each of the plurality of sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
The power supply may include a dynamo, connected to the wheels or pedals of the bicycle. In some embodiments, the dynamo may be connected directly to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module, and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system. However, in preferred embodiments, the power supply additionally includes an energy store connected to the dynamo, the energy store connected to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module, and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system. The energy store may be in the form of a rechargeable battery or a capacitor (or supercapacitor). In some embodiments, the bicycle may also include a charging connector arranged to connect an electrical device such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to the power supply. This facility would allow a user of the bicycle to charge that electrical device while cycling.
As the name suggests, the wireless data transfer module is arranged to transmit data wirelessly in some fashion. In preferred embodiments, the wireless data transfer module may be arranged to transmit data via a Bluetooth connection. In other embodiments, the wireless data transfer module may be arranged to transmit data via a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network (e.g. GSM).
It is illustrative to describe various additional optional features of sensing systems according to the first aspect of the invention by considering the operation of the bicycle. As a user cycles around e.g. a city, with a sensor module attached to the sensing system, that sensor module may either continuously collect data, or collect data at regular, preferably fixed, intervals. In addition, the location sensing module is preferably arranged to record the location of the sensing system at the same time as the sensor module collects its data, in order to associate the reading from the sensor module with a specific location. This allows the geographical distribution or density of that parameter to be mapped. That data may then be transmitted from the sensor module to the processor. In preferred embodiments, the sensing system also includes a data bus in order to transmit data from a sensor module to the processor. Then, the data is processed by the processor. The processor may be connected to a storage unit, where the processed data may be stored. Then, the processed data may be transmitted by the wireless data transfer module, to an external device. For example, the data may be transferred to the mobile phone, tablet or laptop of a user. Alternatively, the data may be transferred to a server or cloud storage system or database, or another equivalent web-connected storage area or device. In other embodiments, the bicycle may be docked (e.g. in bicycle share schemes), and the data may be transmitted to a hub at the docking station. An arrangement having a storage unit is of particular value in embodiments in which the wireless data transfer module does not continuously transmit the data, for example in embodiments in which the data is only transmitted via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth at a docking station. Then, all of the processed data that is stored on the storage unit can be transferred at once when appropriate.
Then, the processed data may be transmitted by the wireless data transfer module, to an external device. For example, the data may be transferred to the mobile phone, tablet or laptop of a user. Alternatively, the data may be transferred to a server or cloud storage system or database, or another equivalent web-connected storage area or device. In other embodiments, the bicycle may be docked (e.g. in bicycle share schemes), and the data may be transmitted to a hub at the docking station.
The data bus referred to above may effectively provide a channel connecting together one or more sensor modules, the location sensing module, the processor and the wireless data transfer module. Specifically, these components may not be connected in series, but rather each component is connected to a single main channel, that main channel being the data bus. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the data bus may run from the front of the bicycle to the back of the bicycle. This means that the various components referred to throughout this application can be spread across the length of the bicycle.
A second aspect of the invention provides a bicycle according to the first aspect of the invention, further including one or more sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
The sensor modules which may be connected to the sensing system are preferably configured to sense, detect or measure environmental parameters. Such environmental parameters may include: air quality, temperature, ambient light level. The sensor modules may also include an accelerometer. Data from the accelerometer may then be used to sense, detect or measure environmental parameters such as road condition. Accelerometers may also use be used to detect crashes. Sensor modules may also be configured to detect other properties or parameters such as the health of the dynamo, the overall health (i.e. condition) of the bike. They may also be used to sense, measure or detect various features of a rechargeable battery, such as predicting the battery life, the time required until battery replacement, and the condition of the battery.
A third aspect of the present invention relates to a sensing system for attachment to a bicycle, the sensing system including:
a processor;
a wireless data transfer module;
a location sensing module; and means for connecting to a power supply;
means for attachment to a bicycle;
wherein:
the sensing system is arranged to connect to one or more sensor modules, and the power supply is arranged to supply power to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, and the location sensing module.
As will be evident, the third aspect of the present invention is directed towards the sensing system of the first aspect of the invention alone, without the constraint that it be attached to a bicycle, rather that it is suitable for attachment to a bicycle via the means for attachment. The means for attachment may include some kind of clip or other fastener. Optional features of the third aspect of the invention are set out below. It will be noted that many of these are repeated from the first aspect of the invention.
Sensing systems according to the third aspect of the invention can thus be connected to any kind of compatible sensor module, which may then be able to sense, detect or measure some parameter, preferably an environmental parameter. This data may then be associated with a location, using the location sensing module. It should be noted that the sensing system does not include the sensor module itself. Such an arrangement means that a user of a bicycle to which the sensing system is attached is not confined to a specific sensor module. This may have advantages in bicycle share schemes, where the provider of the scheme (e.g. a city council) is then able to replace the sensor modules on the bicycles available in such a scheme, in order to monitor the geographical distribution or density of a particular parameter. In preferred embodiments, the location sensing module is a GPS module.
Here, when it is stated that the sensing system is arranged to “connect” to one or more sensor modules, this may mean that the sensing system includes one or more connectors, such as mechanical connectors or ports. It is also preferable that the power supply is arranged to supply power to any sensor modules connected to the sensing system. In order to achieve this, the connectors preferably include an electrical contact for connecting a sensor module to the power supply. In other embodiments, the connection between the sensing system and a given sensor module may be a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensing system may be arranged to connect to a plurality of sensor modules, in order to allow a number of different parameters to be monitored. In such embodiments, the power supply is preferably arranged to supply power to each of the plurality of sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
The power supply may include a dynamo, for connection to the wheels or pedals of the bicycle. In some embodiments, the means for connecting to a power supply may include electrical connections which are arranged to the connect the dynamo directly to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module, and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system. However, in other embodiments, the sensing system may additionally include an energy store connected to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module, and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system. The energy store may then be connected to the power supply (i.e. the dynamo) via means for connecting to a power supply. In other embodiments, the power supply may include the dynamo and the energy store, and the means for connecting to a power supply provides a connection the energy store and the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module and any senor modules connected to the sensing system.
The energy store may be in the form of a rechargeable battery or a capacitor (or supercapacitor). In some embodiments, the sensing system may also include a charging connector arranged to connect an electrical device such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to the power supply. This facility would allow a user of the bicycle to charge that electrical device while cycling with the sensing system attached to the bicycle.
As the name suggests, the wireless data transfer module is arranged to transmit data wirelessly in some fashion. In preferred embodiments, the wireless data transfer module may be arranged to transmit data via a Bluetooth connection. In other embodiments, the wireless data transfer module may be arranged to transmit data via a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network (e.g. GSM).
It is illustrative to describe various additional optional features of bicycles according to the first aspect of the invention by considering the operation of the bicycle. As a user cycles around e.g. a city, with a sensor module attached to the sensing system, that sensor module may either continuously collect data, or collect data at regular, preferably fixed, intervals. In addition, the location sensing module is preferably arranged to record the location of the sensing system at the same time as the sensor module collects its data, in order to associate the reading from the sensor module with a specific location. This allows the geographical distribution or density of that parameter to be mapped. That data may then be transmitted from the sensor module to the processor. In preferred embodiments, the sensing system also includes a data bus in order to transmit data from a sensor module to the processor. Then, the data is processed by the processor. The processor may be connected to a storage unit, where the processed data may be stored. Then, the processed data may be transmitted by the wireless data transfer module, to an external device. For example, the data may be transferred to the mobile phone, tablet or laptop of a user. Alternatively, the data may be transferred to a server or cloud storage system or database, or another equivalent web-connected storage area or device. In other embodiments, the bicycle may be docked (e.g. in bicycle share schemes), and the data may be transmitted to a hub at the docking station. An arrangement having a storage unit is of particular value in embodiments in which the wireless data transfer module does not continuously transmit the data, for example in embodiments in which the data is only transmitted via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth at a docking station. Then, all of the processed data that is stored on the storage unit can be transferred at once when appropriate.
The data bus referred to above may effectively provide a channel connecting together one or more sensor modules, the location sensing module, the processor and the wireless data transfer module. Specifically, these components may not be connected in series, but rather each component is connected to a single main channel, that main channel being the data bus. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the data bus may arranged to run from the front of the bicycle to the back of the bicycle. This means that the various components referred to throughout this application can be spread across the length of the bicycle.
In other arrangements, the processor, wireless data transfer module, location sensing module, and any sensor connected to the sensing system may be arranged for attachment to a bicycle which already includes a data bus.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides a sensing system according to the third aspect of the invention, further including one or more sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
The sensor modules which may be connected to the sensing system are preferably configured to sense, detect or measure environmental parameters. Such environmental parameters may include: air quality, temperature, ambient light level. The sensor modules may also include an accelerometer. Data from the accelerometer may then be used to sense, detect or measure environmental parameters such as road condition. Accelerometers may also use be used to detect crashes. Sensor modules may also be configured to detect other properties or parameters such as the health of the dynamo, the overall health (i.e. condition) of the bike. They may also be used to sense, measure or detect various features of a rechargeable battery, such as predicting the battery life, the time required until battery replacement, and the condition of the battery.
A fifth aspect of the invention, which is related to the previous four is directed more towards the use of bicycles for measurement of environmental parameters over a large area, e.g. at city-scale or town-scale. Accordingly, a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a set of bicycles, each including:
an environmental sensor;
a location sensing module; and a wireless data transfer module, arranged to transmit data collected by the environmental sensor to an external hub or server.
It is appreciated that the fifth aspect of the invention appears similar to the previous four, however, as mentioned, it focuses less on the hardware and operation of the sensing apparatus, and more so on the measurement and use of the data. Specifically, the environmental sensor is preferably arranged to sense, measure or detect an environmental parameter.
The environmental sensor is preferably arranged to collect data either continuously or at regular (preferably fixed) intervals. In order to map the data over a large area, the location sensing module is preferably arranged to detect the location of the bicycle at the same time as the environmental sensor takes a reading of the environmental parameter in question. As above, the location sensing module is preferably a GPS module. In preferred embodiments, each bicycle also includes a storage unit arranged to store data collected by the environmental sensor, and/or the associated data collected by the location sensing module.
The wireless data transfer module is arranged to transmit data collected by the environmental sensor to an external hub or server, either directly from the environmental sensor/location sensing module, or from the storage unit. As above, the wireless data transfer module may be arranged to transmit the data via a Bluetooth connection, via a Wi-Fi network, or via a cellular (e.g. GSM) network.
Where compatible, the optional features set out with reference to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention may also apply to the fifth aspect of the invention.
A larger-scale arrangement still, a sixth aspect of the present aspect provides a system for monitoring an environmental parameter over a large area, the system including:
a set of bicycles according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, and one or more hubs or servers, each arranged to receive data from the wireless data transfer modules of the set of bicycles.
As we have discussed, this arrangement is particularly well-suited to city-wide bicycle sharing schemes. In such schemes, there are a number of docking stations located at various points around a city. So, in preferred embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, each of the hubs or servers is located at a bicycle docking station, and is arranged to receive data from the set of bicycles when one of said set of bicycles is docked at that docking station. The system may further include a central hub or server, arranged to receive the data from all of the hubs or servers which are located at the docking station, in order to obtain collective data representative of a large, city-scale area.
The set of bicycles may include any of the optional features presented elsewhere in this invention. They need not be limited to the optional features explicitly set out with reference to the fifth aspect of the invention.
A seventh aspect of the invention is similar to the sixth, but provides a method of monitoring an environmental parameter over a large area, the method including:
receiving, at a hub or server, data relating to an environmental parameter from a set of bicycles of the fifth aspect of the present invention.
Again, the optional features presented elsewhere in the application apply equally well to the seventh aspect of the invention, where compatible.
Further optional features of the invention are set out below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 shows a system diagram of a sensing system according to the present invention.
DEATILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 shows a system diagram of the sensing system 100 of the present invention.
At the centre of the system is processor 102, which is connected to all of the remaining components of the sensing system 100.
In order to operate, the processor requires a power input from the power supply 104. As indicated previously in this application, the power supply 104 may have both input and storage components. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the input may be either a dynamo or a charge port. Electrical charge from the inputs may be stored, for example in the form of a supercapacitor, a battery, a cell or a regular capacitor. The dashed arrows on the right hand side of power supply 104 represent transfer of power into and out of the power supply 104 to modules which are external to sensing system 100. The lower arrow represents input of power from an external source, such as a charging station. The upper arrow labelled “External Charge Connector” represents flow of power stored in the power supply 104 to external components such as mobile phones and tablets, so that they may be plugged into the sensing system 100 for charging. The block arrow between processor 102 and power supply 104 represents transfer of data between the processor 102 and power supply 104.
The processor 102 is also connected to location sensing module 106, which may be a GPS or a GLONASS system. As shown by the block arrow, the location sensing module 106 is arranged to transfer data representing the location of the sensing system 100 to the processor 102. The location sensing module 106 receives power input from the processor 102 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. However, in other embodiments, the location sensing module 106 may receive power input directly from the power supply 104.
While the location sensing module 106 provides location information to the processor 102, other types of information may be received from a variety of other sensor modules 108, 110, 112. These sensor modules 108, 110, 112 may include air quality sensors, road quality sensors, temperature sensors or accelerometers.
The processor 102 receives input from the sensor modules 108, 110, 112 via the sensor system bus 114 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. However, in other embodiments, the processor 102 may receive data input from sensors directly from the sensor modules themselves. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the sensor system bus 114 runs along the length of the bicycle which includes the sensing system 100.
Sensor module 108 is a wireless sensor module, which transmits sensing data to the sensor system bus 114 wirelessly. Sensor modules 110, 112 are connected to the sensor system bus 114 using a wired connection, via power and data connectors 116, 118.
In a similar manner to location sensing module 106, power is provided from the processor 102 to the sensor modules 110, 112 via the sensor system bus 114 and the power and data connectors 116, 118. In other embodiments, the power may be received directly from the power supply 104. Sensor module 108 on the other hand, is wireless, and so must have its own power supply (not shown).
The processor 102 receives inputs relating to various environmental parameters and a location of the sensing system 100 from the sensor modules 108, 110, 112 and the location sensing module 106 respectively. The processor 102 is then arranged to associate the environmental parameter measurements with the locations at which those measurements were taken.
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The data may then be sent to the wireless data transfer module 120, e.g. via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a cellular network (GSM). From there, data may be transferred to external storage or components such as a mobile phone/tablet 122 or to an external hub or cloud storage service 124. Data may also be transferred from these external storage or components to the processor 102 via the wireless data transfer module 120.
Again, the wireless data transfer module 120 receives power supply 104, via the processor 102, but in other embodiments, the power may be received directly from the power supply 10 104.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the 15 invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
All references referred to above are hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims (40)
1. A bicycle having a sensing system, the sensing system including:
a processor;
a wireless data transfer module;
a location sensing module; and a power supply;
wherein:
the sensing system is arranged to connect to one or more sensor modules, and the power supply is arranged to supply power to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, and the location sensing module.
2. A bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the location sensing module is a GPS module.
3. A bicycle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sensing system includes one or more connectors for connecting to the one or more sensor modules.
4. A bicycle according to claim 3, wherein the one or more connectors each include an electrical contact for connecting a sensor module to the power supply.
5. A bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensing system is arranged to connect to a plurality of sensor modules.
6. A bicycle according to any one claims 1 to 5, wherein the power supply includes a dynamo.
7. A bicycle according to claim 6, wherein the dynamo is connected directly to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module, and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
8. A bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the power supply further includes an energy store connected to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module, and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
9. A bicycle according to claim 8, wherein the energy store is in the form of a rechargeable battery, capacitor or supercapacitor.
10. A bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the wireless data transfer module is arranged to transmit data via a Bluetooth connection, via a Wi-Fi network or via a cellular network.
11. A bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further including one or more sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
12. A bicycle according to claim 11, wherein the one or more sensor modules are each configured to sense, detect or measure a respective environmental parameter.
13. A bicycle according to claim 12, wherein the environmental parameters include air quality.
14. A bicycle according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the environmental parameters include road quality.
15. A bicycle according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the environmental parameters include temperature.
16. A bicycle according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the one or more sensor modules includes an accelerometer.
17. A bicycle according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the one or more sensor modules are each arranged to collect data wither continuously or at regular intervals.
18. A sensing system for attachment to a bicycle, the sensing system including:
a processor;
a wireless data transfer module;
a location sensing module; and means for connecting to a power supply;
means for attachment to a bicycle;
wherein:
the sensing system is arranged to connect to one or more sensor modules, and the power supply is arranged to supply power to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, and the location sensing module.
19. A sensing system according to claim 18, wherein the mean for attachment to a bicycle includes a clip or fastener.
20. A sensing system according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the location sensing module is a geolocation module.
21. A sensing system according to 20, wherein the geolocation module is a GPS module.
22. A sensing system according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the sensing system includes one or more connectors for connecting to the one or more sensor modules.
23. A sensing system according to claim 22, wherein the one or more connectors each include an electrical contact for connecting a sensor module to the power supply.
24. A sensing system according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the sensing system is arranged to connect to a plurality of sensor modules.
25. A sensing system according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the means for connecting to a power supply includes electrical connections arranged to connect a dynamo directly to the processor.
26. A sensing system according to claim 25, wherein the dynamo is connected directly to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module, and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
27. A sensing system according to any one of claims 18 to 26, further including an energy store connected to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
28. A sensing system according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the power supply further includes an energy store connected to the processor, the wireless data transfer module, the location sensing module, and any sensor modules connected to the sensing system.
29. A sensing system according to claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the energy store is in the form of a rechargeable battery, capacitor or supercapacitor.
30. A sensing system according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the wireless data transfer module is arranged to transmit data via a Bluetooth connection, via a Wi-Fi network or via a cellular network.
31. A sensing system according to any one of claims 18 to 30, further including one or more sensor modules connected thereto.
32. A sensing system according to claim 31, wherein the one or more sensor modules are each configured to sense, detect or measure a respective environmental parameter.
33. A sensing system according to claim 32, wherein the environmental parameters include air quality.
34. A sensing system according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the environmental parameters include road quality.
35. A sensing system according to any one of claims 32 to 24, wherein the environmental parameters include temperature.
36. A sensing system according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the one or more sensor modules includes an accelerometer.
37. A sending system according to any one of claims 18 to 36, wherein the one or more sensor modules are each arranged to collect data wither continuously or at regular intervals.
38. A set of bicycles, each including:
an environmental sensor;
a location sensing module; and a wireless data transfer module, arranged to transmit data collected by the environmental sensor to an external hub or server.
39. A system for monitoring an environmental parameter over a large area, the system including:
5 a set of bicycles according to claim 38; and one or more hubs or servers, each arranged to receive data from the wireless data transfer modules of the set of bicycles.
40. A method of monitoring an environmental parameter over a large area, the method to including:
receiving, at a hub or server, data relating to an environmental parameter from a set of bicycles of claim 38.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB1717823.7A GB2569279B (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2017-10-30 | Sensing bicycles |
EP18800062.4A EP3704007A1 (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2018-10-30 | Sensing bicycles |
PCT/EP2018/079733 WO2019086470A1 (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2018-10-30 | Sensing bicycles |
TW107138348A TW201923312A (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2018-10-30 | Sensing bicycles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB1717823.7A GB2569279B (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2017-10-30 | Sensing bicycles |
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GB201717823D0 GB201717823D0 (en) | 2017-12-13 |
GB2569279A true GB2569279A (en) | 2019-06-19 |
GB2569279B GB2569279B (en) | 2020-08-05 |
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GB1717823.7A Active GB2569279B (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2017-10-30 | Sensing bicycles |
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EP (1) | EP3704007A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2569279B (en) |
TW (1) | TW201923312A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019086470A1 (en) |
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CN110758614B (en) * | 2019-12-04 | 2021-01-01 | 深圳市易联易通科技有限公司 | Intelligent monitoring system for bicycle |
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2017
- 2017-10-30 GB GB1717823.7A patent/GB2569279B/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-10-30 EP EP18800062.4A patent/EP3704007A1/en active Pending
- 2018-10-30 TW TW107138348A patent/TW201923312A/en unknown
- 2018-10-30 WO PCT/EP2018/079733 patent/WO2019086470A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
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US20150360740A1 (en) * | 2014-04-08 | 2015-12-17 | Seyed Amin Ghorashi Sarvestani | Bicycle activity monitoring and recording device with air pollution sensors |
CN104156533A (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2014-11-19 | 河海大学常州校区 | Portable air sampling device and method with public bike leasing net |
CN106394747A (en) * | 2016-11-08 | 2017-02-15 | 任有恒 | Intelligent wireless bicycle tail lamp |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2019086470A1 (en) | 2019-05-09 |
TW201923312A (en) | 2019-06-16 |
GB201717823D0 (en) | 2017-12-13 |
EP3704007A1 (en) | 2020-09-09 |
GB2569279B (en) | 2020-08-05 |
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