GB2596580A

GB2596580A - A device for processing and/or presenting data

Info

Publication number: GB2596580A
Application number: GB2010171.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Booker Mike
Original assignee: Seeka Sports Ltd
Current assignee: Seeka Sports Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-02
Filing date: 2020-07-02
Publication date: 2022-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-02
Also published as: GB202010171D0; GB2596580B

Abstract

A device 1 for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity comprises a display for providing visual information to the participant including a plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions 12, preferably discrete LEDs. Each point or region is operable to emit one or more wavelengths of visible light. A receiver is operable to receive performance data from a further device and a memory is operable to store one or more performance target values. A processor compares the performance data received from the further device with the one or more performance target values and controls operation of the display based on the comparison. The display preferably comprises light sources arranged along a central longitudinal axis of a device. The device may be worn by a user or attached to a bicycle. The device may incorporate a means for determining location such as a GPS system, and an alternative embodiment can vary the target values based on location data. The aerodynamic device can provide an easily visible display that the user can see in their peripheral vision.

Description

A DEVICE FOR PROCESSING AND/OR PRESENTING DATA The present disclosure relates to a device for processing and/or presenting data to participants in sporting activities, in particular running, swimming and cycling activities. The disclosure also relates to a system comprising such a device.

Devices operable to record, process and/or present data to a user during sporting activities are known. Such devices typically comprise a display screen suitable for displaying a plurality of data sets to a user in alphanumerical form. in cycling, the data sets displayed often include speed, cadence, power output and/or time, for example, with devices displays often being customisable to display data sets chosen by a user. In running, the data sets displayed may include cadence, pace and/or heart rate, for example. In swimming, the data sets displayed may include pace, heart rate and/or stroke rate, for example.

A user may use such a device during both training and in competitive scenarios. Attempting to read alphanumerical data from a screen can be difficult to do during a sporting activity and/or can be detrimental to safety and/or performance.

During cycling, and in particular during competitive cycling such as time trialling, maintaining an aerodynamic position is vital to performance. Also, maintaining good visibility of the road ahead is vital to safety. Further, cyclists will often aim to produce a power output that they know is sustainable for the duration of an event, or aim to produce target power outputs at different points during an event.

In cycling, such devices (which are sometimes called bike computers) are typically connected at or near the handlebars of a bicycle. Reading numerical data presented on a screen typically requires a rider to look down at the device, and as such may negatively affect the rider's aerodynamics and/or safety. Furthermore, it can be difficult to read alphanumeric values in a variety of situations such as low light, high light, when wearing dark glasses or in wet conditions, for example. Known devices are typically configured to present as clearly as possible a variety of data usually in alphanumeric form. In order to do this, the devices may be relatively large It would be beneficial to mitigate or at least reduce one or more of the problems associated with the prior art A first aspect provides a device for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity, comprising: a display for providing visual information to the participant including a plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions, each point or region being operable to emit one or more wavelengths of visible light; a receiver operable to receive performance data from a further device; a memory operable to store one or more performance target values; and a processor, wherein the processor is operable to compare the performance data received from the further device with the one or more performance target values and to control operation of the display based on the comparison.

The display may consist of only the plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions.

The display may be configured to appear to a user as an array of discrete light sources.

The plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions of the display may each comprise a discrete light source. The plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions of the display may be provided by an array of discrete light sources. The or each light source may, for example, comprise a light emitting diode (LED). It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that any suitable light source may be used.

Advantageously, the display may provide the participant, e.g. a cyclist, with an easily visible display representative of data values that may not rely on numerical or alphanumeric indications. As such, in use, the participant, e.g. the cyclist, may be able to see dearly the light sources in their peripheral vision and therefore eliminate the need to look directly at a screen in this way, aerodynamics and/or safety may be improved for the cyclist.

Employing LEDs as the light sources may be convenient, since LEDs are relatively inexpensive, light, reliable and have low power consumption.

The device may comprise two or more light sources, e.g. LEDs. The device may comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more light sources, e.g. LEDs. The device may comprise any suitable number of light sources.

The light sources may be arranged substantially linearly. The light sources may be arranged along a substantially straight line. The light sources may be arranged along more than one substantially straight line. The light sources may be spaced apart. The light sources may be equally, or unequally, spaced apart. The light sources may be arranged near to or at a longitudinal axis of the device. The light sources may be arranged at or near a central longitudinal axis of any face or surface of the device. The light sources may be arranged at or near a central longitudinal axis of a top-facing surface of the device.

The light sources may be arranged in two or more substantially parallel lines. Each line of light sources may be separated by a distance.

The light sources may comprise a plurality of separate and discrete light sources.

The LEDs may comprise one or more LED strips.

The light sources, e.g. LEDs, may each emit a single colour (wavelength) of visible light. The light sources, e.g. LEDs, may be operable to emit one or more colours of light. The light sources, e.g. LEDs, may comprise more than one different colour light source. The light sources may comprise multicolour light sources operable to provide more than one colour of light, The display may be at least partially disposed within a housing. The receiver, processor and/or memory may be at least partially disposed within the housing. The housing may be substantially watertight.

The display may be arranged in any suitable position relative to the housing. For example, a portion of one or more of the light sources, e.g. LEDs, may protrude from the housing. A portion of one or more of the light sources, e.g. LEDs, may be disposed within one or more apertures disposed in a surface of the housing. A portion of one or more of the light sources, e.g. LEDs, may be arranged to provide a flush surface with a portion of the housing surrounding the one or more apertures. One or more of the light sources, e.g. LEDs, may be disposed entirely within the housing.

The receiver may be operable to receive performance data from the further device by any suitable means, e.g. via a wire or a wireless connection The further device may be disposed at any suitable location relative to the housing. The further device may be connectable to the housing. The further device may be disposed within the housing. The device for processing and presenting data to the participant in a sporting activity and the further device may share a common housing.

For example, the receiver may be operable to receive performance data via Bluetoothit and/or ANT+. The receiver may be operable to receive performance data from more than one further devices individually and/or simultaneously.

The receiver may be operable to transmit performance data to the memory. The memory may be operable to store the performance data. The performance data stored on the memory may be transmitted to a remote device.

The device may be configured to be attached to a bicycle or a part thereof. The device may be attachable to a bicycle or a part thereof by any suitable means, such as at or near a component of a cockpit. The device may be detachable from the bicycle or a part thereof The device may be permanently or fixedly connected to or built into a bicycle or a part thereof The device may be housed at least partially within a bicycle or a part thereof The device may comprise a first connection means, the first connection means being operable to form a connection to the bicycle. The first connection means may be operable to connect to a bicycle at or near the cockpit, for example, at or near the handlebars. The first connection means may be operable to connect to the stem of a bicycle. The first connection means may be configured such that the device is operable to form a detachable connection with the bicycle.

The device may be configured to be connectable to one or more aerobars or extensions of a bicycle comprising such components. Such bicycles are typically used for time trialling or pursuit cycling activities. The first connection means may be operable to form a connection with a single extension. The first connection means may be operable to form a connection with a single extension such that the housing may be disposed on any side of the extension. The first connection means may comprise a means for tightening the connection to the extension, such as a clamping means.

The housing may be connected to the first connection means. The first connection means may comprise a moveable joint. The joint may allow rotation about a single axis of rotation. The joint may allow rotation about one or more axes of rotation, e.g. a plurality of axes of rotation. As such, when the first connection means is connected securely to a bicycle, the housing may be moveable relative to the bicycle Advantageously, the position of the housing relative to the bicycle may be adjusted.

As such, the position of the housing may be adjusted by the participant such that they can more easily see the display, in use.

The joint may allow for up to 3600 of rotation about a single axis of rotation. The 20 joint may be arranged such that the housing may be positioned at any angle through the range of rotation The joint may be arranged such that the housing may be positioned at discrete rotational intervals through the range of rotation.

The housing may be arranged to form a detachable connection with the first connection means. The housing may be arranged to form a slidable connection with the first connection means. The housing and first connection means may be arranged such that a portion of the housing may be slidably received into a portion of the first connection means. The first connection means may comprise a sleeve portion, or the like. The housing may comprise a portion arranged to be received by the sleeve portion. The housing may form a substantially flush connection with the first connection means.

The housing may comprise a substantially elongate shape extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis. The device may be arranged, in use, such that the longitudinal axis of the housing is substantially parallel to or substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bicycle.

Advantageously, such an arrangement may provide a relatively aerodynamic shape producing only a very small amount of aerodynamic drag, in use.

The housing may comprise a first face. The first face may comprise a substantially planar shape. The first face may extend from the first end towards the second end. The display may be arranged substantially linearly along the first face. The display may be arranged near to or at a longitudinal axis of the first face. The display may be arranged such that they extend along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the first face.

The display may be arranged near to or at a longitudinal axis of any surface of the housing.

Advantageously, by arranging the display near to or at a longitudinal axis of a surface of the housing, the housing may comprise a relatively narrow or thin shape and as such may comprise a relatively aerodynamic shape The device may be configured such that it may be wearable by the participant. The device may be configured such that it can be secured to the participant's arm or wrist, for example. The device may comprise a strap or the like, the strap being operable to secure the device to a user's arm or wrist, for example.

The device may be configured such that the housing may be positioned at or near, for example, the back of a user's wrist. Advantageously, the device may be secured to a user's ann or wrist similarly to a watch and as such may feel convenient for a user. The device may be configured such that it may be attached to or integrated into an article intended to be worn on the participant's head.

The further device may be suitable to measure any performance data metric related to a sporting activity, such as swimming, running or cycling, for example.

The further device may be suitable to measure any performance data metric related to a bicycle and/or a user of a bicycle. The further device may comprise a heart rate monitor, power meter, cadence meter and/or speedometer, for example. The further device may be operable to measure and/or calculate any one or more of heart rate, power output, cadence, speed or coefficient of aerodynamic drag, for example.

The device may comprise a means suitable for determining location. The means suitable for determining location may comprise a GPS, GLONASS, Galileo or BeiDou location means, for example. The means for determining location may be disposed substantially within the housing. The means for determining location may be operable to transmit locational data to the processor. The means for determining location may be described as a further device. The processor may be operable to calculate one or more data metrics using the locational data, such as, for example, speed or acceleration.

The device may weigh 5 grams or less, or 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 grams or less. The device may weigh between 20 and 40 grams. The device may weigh between 25 and 35 grams Advantageously, the device comprises a very low weight which is beneficial for sporting activities.

The memory may be operable to store any suitable amount of data.

The memory may be configured such that performance data corresponding to any metric related to cycling or human performance received from the further device may be stored and/or amended and/or deleted. The performance data stored by the memory may correspond to heart rate, power output, cadence, speed and/or coefficient of aerodynamic drag, for example.

The memory may be configured to store any suitable number of performance target values. The performance target values may correspond to values that the participant may wish to achieve during a cycling activity. For example, the performance target values stored on the memory may correspond to a heart rate, power output, cadence, speed and/or coefficient of aerodynamic drag a user wishes to maintain during a cycling activity.

The processor may be operable to calculate an average value of the performance data received from the further device and compare the average value with a corresponding performance target value. For example, the processor may be operable to calculate an averaged power value from power data received from a power meter and compare the average value with the corresponding power performance target value. The processor may be operable to average the performance data received over a single time period or a successive series of time periods. The processor may be operable to calculate a moving average of the performance data received from the further device and compare the moving average values with a corresponding performance target value. The processor may be operable to average the performance data received over a single time period or multiple time periods of, for example, up to and including 1 second, or up to and including 2, 3, 5, 10 or 30 seconds, or over 30 seconds. The processor may be operable to average the performance data received over any suitable time duration up to and including the length of cycling activity. The time period over which the performance data is averaged may be adjusted by a user, e.g. the participant.

Advantageously, averaging the performance data received from the further device can smooth the data and reduce the effects of outliers and anomalous readings.

The processor may be configured to compare the performance data received from the further device with the corresponding performance target value at any suitable time interval. The time interval may be less than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 seconds, for example. The processor may be configured such that a user can adjust the time interval between each comparison. The processor may be configured to activate none, or one or more of the points or regions of the display based on each comparison.

The data comparison may be indicated to a user by means of the number of and/or position of the points or regions of the display that are activated.

The processor may be configured to activate a first set of one or more of the points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs) if the performance data received from the further device is within a first range relative to the performance target value. The first range may comprise data values up to or including 1% above or below the performance target value, or 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% above or below the performance target value, for example The processor may be configured to activate a second set of one or more of the points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs) if the performance data received from the further device is within a second range relative to the performance target value. The second set may comprise the first set and one or more additional points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs). The second set may comprise one or more different points or regions of the display from the first set. The second range may comprise performance data values up to or and including 1% above or below the target value, or 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 30% above or below the target value, for example. The second range may comprise performance data values further from the target value than the first range. The second range may comprise performance data values outside the first range.

One or more further sets of one or more of the points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs) may be activated if the performance data received from the further device is within any further range present. Each further range may comprise performance data values lying further from the target value than the previous range. The limits of each range may be adjusted by a user. The number of ranges may be adjusted by a user. The limits of each range may be defined using specific values instead of percentages. For example, a first range may comprise power values up to 5 watts above or below a target power value and a second range may comprise power values from 5 watts above or below and respectively up to 10 watts above or below a target power value.

Different points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs) may be activated if the performance data received from the further device comprises a value lower than the performance target value than if the performance data received from the further device comprises a value greater than the performance target value. For example, one or more central points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs) may be activated when the performance data received from the further device is within the first range. One or more points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs)disposed further towards the first end of the housing than the one or more central LEDs may be activated if the performance data received is greater than the performance target value, and one or more points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs) disposed further towards the second end of the housing than the one or more central points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs) may be activated if the performance data received from the further device is lower than the performance target value. A greater number of points or regions of the display (e.g. light sources such as LEDs) may be activated if the performance data received from the further device is further from the target performance value than if the performance data received is closer to the performance target value. For example, a first additional point or region of the display (e.g. a light source such as an LED) may be activated to indicate that the performance data received is within a second range, and a second additional point or region of the display (e.g. a light source such as an LED) may be activated to indicate that the performance data received is within a third range.

Advantageously, the position of the point(s) or region(s) of the display activated can clearly indicate to the participant if the current performance metric is above or below the target value. Advantageously, the number of points or regions of the display activated may clearly indicate the magnitude of difference between the performance data received and the performance target value.

Any pattern of activated points or regions of the display may be used to indicate the results of the performance data comparison. The patterns of activated points or regions of the display may be adjusted by a user. Different patterns of activation may be used for different data metrics.

No points or regions of the display may be activated if the performance data received from the further device is outside of the limits of each range. A single point or region of the display may be activated if the performance data received from the further device is outside of the limits of each range.

Advantageously, the activation of one or more points or regions of the display can clearly indicate to the participant data metrics without requiring reading of a numerical value or indication or alphanumeric value or indication. The relative position of activated points or regions of the display may indicate whether the data received corresponding to a user-chosen metric is above or below the target value, without requiring the user to read numerical values.

In use, each point or region of the display when activated may emit a constant light intensity until it is deactivated.

The display may be operable to simultaneously indicate one or more performance data metrics. For example, the comparison of a first set of performance data received from a first further device relative to a performance target value may be indicated to the participant by activating a pre-determined pattern of points or regions of the display.

A second performance data metric may be simultaneously indicated to the participant.

One or more points or regions of the display may be configured to be activated and deactivated at a pre-determined rate. One or more points or regions of the display may be configured to be activated and deactivated at a rate that corresponds to a desired cadence. The rate of activation and deactivation of one or more points or regions of the display may be adjusted by a user using the remote device. As such, in use the participant may be able to better time their pedalling cadence without having to read a numerical value. The one or more points or regions of the display configured to indicate a chosen cadence may be the same points or regions of the display or different points or regions of the display from the points or regions of the display used to indicate the results of the data comparison of the first performance metric.

The performance target values may be constant throughout an activity. The performance target values may vary throughout an activity.

The processor may be operable to change a target value during a cycling activity. The target values may be changed based on pre-determined time intervals. For example, a first performance target value may be used for a first time interval and a second performance target value may be used for a second time interval, wherein the first and second performance target intervals have different performance target values. The device may be configured such that a user can adjust the performance target values for each pre-determined time interval.

The performance target values may be changed based on locational data. As such, a performance target value may be adjusted based on topography encountered during an activity. For example, a target power value may be greater for a section of road comprising a positive gradient than for a section of road comprising a negative gradient The device may be configured such that a user, e.g. the participant, may select performance target values relating to location& data. For example, a first performance target value may be chosen for a first portion of a road, and a second performance target value may be chosen for a second portion of a road. As such a user may be able to adjust one or more performance target values for different portions of a known route. Any suitable number of performance target values may be selected for any number of geographical locations.

The device may be programmable such that the stored performance target values may be changed by a user. The performance target values stored on the memory may be changed via a remote device. The performance target values stored on the memory may be changed via a remote device through either a wireless or wired connection The remote device may comprise an application configured to change performance target values stored on the processor. The remote device may comprise a mobile phone, a laptop or any other suitable device, for example. The remote device may be operable to transfer data to the device via Bluetoothk, or any other suitable wireless connection means.

The device may comprise a power source. The power source may comprise a battery, or the like. The battery may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The battery may comprise a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

The device may comprise a connection port operable to allow the battery to be recharged. The connection port may be disposed at an end of the housing. The connection port may be disposed at the end of the housing configured to form a connection with the first connection means. The connection between the housing and the first connection means may provide a substantially watertight connection.

The connection port may be operable to form a connection with any suitable connector such as a USB connector or a USB-C connector, for example. The connection port may also allow for a wired connection to any suitable remote device.

A second aspect provides a component of a bicycle cockpit assembly comprising a device for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity, the device comprising: a display for providing visual information to a user including a plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions, each point or region being operable to emit one or more wavelengths of visible light; a receiver operable to receive performance data from a further device; a memory configured to store one or more performance target values; and a processor, wherein the processor is operable to compare the performance data received from the further device with the one or more corresponding performance target values and to control operation of the display based on the comparison.

The component of the bicycle cockpit assembly may comprise a stem, a base bar, a handlebar or an extension suitable for time trialling, for example.

The device may be configured to be attached to the component of the bicycle cockpit assembly. The device may be attachable to the component of the bicycle cockpit assembly by any suitable means. The device may be detachable from the component of the bicycle cockpit assembly.

The device may be permanently or fixedly connected to or built into the component of the bicycle cockpit assembly. The device may be housed at least partially within the component of the bicycle cockpit assembly.

Any feature, unless mutually exclusive of the first aspect or any other aspect may be applied to the second aspect.

A third aspect provides a device for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity, the device comprising: a display for providing visual information to the participant; a receiver operable to receive performance data from a further device; a means operable to determine location and provide locational data; a memory operable to store one or more performance target values, wherein the performance target value(s) is/are variable based on the locational data; and a processor, wherein the processor is operable to compare the performance data received from the further device with the one or more performance target values and to control operation of the display based on the comparison.

The means operable to determine location may comprise a GPS, GLONASS, Galileo or BeiDou location means, for example. The means for determining location may be disposed substantially within the housing. The means for determining location may be operable to transmit locational data to the processor.

The display may include a plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions, each point Or region being operable to emit one or more wavelengths of visible light.

Any feature, unless mutually exclusive of the first aspect or any other aspect may be applied to the third aspect.

A fourth aspect provides a component of a bicycle cockpit assembly comprising a device for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity, the device comprising: a display for providing visual information to the participant; a receiver operable to receive performance data from a further device; a means operable to determine location and provide locational data; a memory operable to store one or more performance target values, wherein the performance target value(s) is/are variable based on the locational data; and a processor, wherein the processor is operable to compare the performance data received from the further device with the one or more performance target values and to control operation of the display based on the comparison.

Any feature, unless mutually exclusive of the first aspect, third aspect or any other aspect may be applied to the fourth aspect.

A fifth aspect provides a bicycle comprising a device according to the first aspect or the third aspect or a component of a bicycle cockpit assembly according to the second aspect or the fourth aspect.

A sixth aspect provides a system comprising a device according to the first aspect or the third aspect or a component of a bicycle cockpit assembly according to the second aspect or the fourth aspect or a bicycle according to the fifth aspect; and a further device operable to measure and transmit performance data to the receiver.

The further device may be suitable to measure any performance data metric related to a bicycle and/or a user of a bicycle. The further device may comprise a heart rate monitor, power meter, cadence meter and/or speedometer, for example. The further device may be operable to measure and/or calculate any one or more of heart rate, power output, cadence, speed or coefficient of aerodynamic drag, for example The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective viev, of a device according to an embodiment: Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device; Figure 3 is a top view of the device; Figure 4 is a side view of the device; Figure 5 is a side view of the device; Figure 6 is cross sectional view of the device Figure 7 is a perspective view of the device wherein a housing is disconnected from a connection means; Figure 8 is an end view of the device from a second end; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second end of the housing when disconnected from the connection means; Figure 10 is a top view of the device when the connection means is connected to an extension used in cycling; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the handlebars of a bicycle with the device connected; Figure 12 is a rear view the handlebars of a bicycle with the device connected; Figure 13 is a front view the handlebars of a bicycle with the device connected and Figure 14 is an end view of the device when connected to a bicycle.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a device 1 configured to be attached to a bicycle is shown. The device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a connector 4. The connector 4 is connected to an attachment means 6 via a joint 8. The housing 2 comprises seven LEDs 12 disposed along a first surface 14. Together, the seven LEDs 12 may be considered to make up a display for providing visual information to a user. The first surface 14 comprises a substantially planar surface.

The housing 2 comprises an elongate shape extending from a first end 16 to a second end 18. The first end 16 and second end 18 are disposed at opposing longitudinal ends of the housing 2.

The housing 2 is configured such that, in use, the first surface 14 faces towards a user and the first end 16 is directed approximately towards the direction of travel of a bicycle. The housing 2 comprises a relatively narrow shape and as such, is relatively aerodynamic.

The LEDs 12 are spaced apart and extend from near the first end 16 to near the second end 18. In the embodiment shown, the device 1 comprises seven LEDs 12. In other embodiments the device I may comprise more or fewer LEDs 12.

The LEDs 12 are arranged along a central longitudinal axis of the first surface 14. Each LED 12 is spaced apart from any adjacent LED 12. The LEDs 12 at least partially extend through apertures in the first surface and as such are easily visible to a user.

The attachment means 6 is operable to form a detachable connection with an extension 38 of a bicycle, as is shown in Figures 10 to 14. Equally, the attachment means may be operable to form a connection with a different portion of a bicycle, such as the handlebars or the stem.

The attachment means 6 comprises a detachable elastic member 7 configured to extend around the circumference of an extension 38. The elastic member 7 is configured to provide a secure connection to the extension 38. In some embodiments, the attachment means may comprise a clip, clamp, bracket, screws or any other suitable means for attaching the device 1 to a bicycle The joint 8 comprises a ball and socket type joint providing rotation through three axes. As such, when attached to the extension 38, the relative position of the housing 2 may be adjusted without the need for moving the attachment means 6. Such adjustability through three axes of rotation allows the LEDs 12 to be made more visible to users of different anatomical sizes and for bicycles with different geometry. In some embodiments the joint 8 may allow for adjustment in one or two axes of rotation.

A cross section of the joint 8, attachment means 6 and housing 2 can be seen in Figure 6. The relatively narrow shape of the housing 2 can be clearly seen in Figure 2, Figure 7 shows the housing 2 separated from the connector 4. The second end 18 of the housing 2 comprises a sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 is configured to be slidably received into the connector 4. The sleeve 20 comprises locating slits 21 configured to engage with corresponding protrusions (not shown) disposed inside the connector 4. Engagement between the locating slits 21 and corresponding protrusions prevents relative rotation between the housing 2 and connector 4 when connected. The sleeve 20 may comprise any further slits and/or protrusions configured to interact with corresponding features disposed within the connector 4 to assist with providing a secure connection between the sleeve 20 and the connector 4.

Figures 8 and 9 show the housing 1 when disconnected from the connector 4. Provided at the second end 18 of the housing 2 is a connection port 50, the connection port 50 being operable to form a connection with a cable 52. The cable 52 is suitable for providing electricity to the device 1 via the connection port 50 in order to charge a battery (not shown) disposed within the housing 2 in some embodiments the cable may also be suitable for transmitting data via the connection port 50 between the device I and a remote device.

Figures 10 to 14 show the device 1 when connected to the extension 38 of a bicycle.

The cockpit 30 as shown in Figures 11 to 13 comprises base bars 32, arm rests 34, risers 36 and the extensions 38.

When riding, a user may position their forearms or elbows upon the arm rests 34. The user will then position their hands upon the extensions 38. A user's clearest forward view of the road ahead will typically be provided by looking over the top of their hands and over the top of the extensions 38. For reasons of both safety and aerodynamics, a user will want to limit head movement throughout a ride.

As shown in Figure 12, the device I may be positioned such that in use the first surface 16 and LEDs 12 are facing towards a user's face. The relatively narrow shape of the housing 2 allows the housing 2 to be positioned at a positive gradient relative to a road surface and direction of travel without significant negative aerodynamic effects.

A processo memory battery, data receiver and GPS system are disposed within the housing 2.

The memory may be operable to store power data. The power data stored may comprise at least one value and can be adjusted by a user. The power data stored on the memory comprises one or more target power values The device is operable to establish a wireless data connection with a remote device via Bluetoothit. The remote device may be a mobile phone. The target power values stored on the memory can be adjusted by a user using the mobile phone. A user is able to use the mobile phone to set a target power value corresponding to power output.

The processor is configured such that the user can store a plurality of target power values on the memory where the target power value changes after a pre-determined time period. The user can also adjust each pre-determined time interval. For example, the user may set a first target value of 100 watts for a first time period, the first time period being 10 minutes. The user may then set a second target value of 200 watts for a second time period, the second time period being 5 minutes.

The first time period begins when the data receiver receives power data from the power meter as this would indicate the user has begun to ride the bicycle. The processor is operable to measure the first time period, and following the first time period the first target value is changed to the second target value.

The device is also operable to change the target value based on locational data received from the GPS system. The processor is operable to store target power data corresponding to specific locations. For example, a user may assign a target power value of 200 watts for a first portion of a road, and assign a second target power value of 250 watts to an adjacent portion of the road. As such, when the GPS system detects the user is cycling on the first portion of road the processor uses the first power target value, and when the GPS system detects the user is cycling on the second portion of road the second power target value is used.

The memory is operable to store a plurality of target values corresponding to a plurality of location data.

In some embodiments, a user may use additional geographical data to manually or automatically assign target values to a plurality of geographical locations. For example, a separate application or mapping software may be used to plan a route that is to be cycled. The route data may comprise gradients of the roads within the planned route. Separate target values may then be assigned to discrete portions of a route based on discrete road gradient values. Alternatively, or in addition, weather data such as wind speed and direction may also be used by a user to assign target power values to discrete portions of a planned route.

In use, the device 1 may be connected to a bicycle as shown in the Figures.

The device 1 is operable to establish a wireless data connection with a further device and the data receiver is operable to receive performance data transmitted from the further device via Bluetoothk or ANT-t, the further device being, for example, a power meter connected to the bicycle. The power meter is operable to measure the power output from the rider, in use.

The data receiver is operable to transmit the power data received from the power meter to the processor. The processor is configured to average the power data received over a moving 3 second time period. The moving average helps smooth the power data received.

The processor is configured to compare the averaged power data value with the target power value. If the averaged power value is within a first range, a first set of LEDs are activated. The first set of LEDs comprises a centrally disposed three LEDs. The first range comprises power values within 5% of the target power value.

If the averaged power value is within a second range, a second set of LEDs are activated. The second set of LEDs comprises the centrally disposed three LEDs plus an additional LED. The second range comprises power values from 5% above or below of the target power value and up to 10% above or below the target power value.

If the averaged power value is within 5% to 10% above the target power value, the central three LEDs are activated and also an additional LED disposed further towards the first end of the device is activated. If the averaged power value is within 5% to 10% below the target power value, the central three LEDs are activated and also an additional LED disposed further towards the second end of the device is activated.

Additional LEDs are activated if the averaged power value is within a third range.

The processor is configured to compare an averaged power value to the target power value every 1 second. Following each comparison, a set of LEDs are activated or deactivated based on the comparison. If one or more LEDs to be activated are already activated, then those LEDs will remain activated. For example, if a first comparison results in the averaged power value being within a first range, then a centrally disposed three LEDs will be activated, if a second comparison results in the averaged power value remaining within a first range, then the centrally disposed three LEDs will remain activated. If a third comparison results in the averaged power value being above the target power value and within the second range then the centrally disposed three LEDs will remain activated but an LED disposed adjacent to the centrally disposed three LEDs and closer to the first end of the device will be activated. The now four LEDs will then remain activated for each comparison where the averaged power value is above the target power value and within the second range.

Whilst in this embodiment the device 1 is described in relation to a connection with a power meter and using power data, it win be understood that any other suitable device may be used in place of the power meter and using corresponding data.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A device for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity, comprising: a display for providing visual information to the participant including a plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions, each point or region being operable to emit one or more wavelengths of visible light; a receiver operable to receive performance data from a further device; a memory operable to store one or more performance target values; and a processor, wherein the processor is operable to compare the performance data received from the further device with the one or more performance target values and to control operation of the display based on the comparison.
A device as claimed in claim I wherein the display is configured to appear to a user as an array of discrete light sources and/or wherein the plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions of the display each comprises a discrete light source.
A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein the or each light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED).
A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the light sources are arranged at or near a central longitudinal axis of a face or surface of the device.
A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the display and/or the receiver and/or processor and/or memory are at least partially disposed within a housing.
A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the receiver is operable to receive performance data from the further device by any suitable wireless means. 2 3. 6.
7 A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the device is configured to be attached to a bicycle or a part thereof by any suitable means, optionally wherein the device is operable to connect at or near the handlebars, optionally wherein the device is operable to connect to one or more aerobars or extensions of a bicycle.
8 A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device is configured such that it is wearable by the participant.
9. A device as claimed in any previous claim comprising a means suitable for determining location.
10. A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the one or more performance target values correspond to heart rate, power output, cadence, speed and/or or coefficient of aerodynamic drag.
11 A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the processor is operable to calculate an average value of the performance data received from the further device and compare the average value with a corresponding performance target value.
12 A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the processor is configured to activate a first set of one or more of the points or regions of the display if the performance data received from the further device is within a first range relative to the performance target value.
13. A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the processor is configured to activate a second set of one or more of the points or regions of the display if the performance data received from the further device is within a second range relative to the performance target value.
14. A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein different points or regions of the display are activated if the performance data received from the further device comprises a value lower than the performance target value than if the performance data received from the further device comprises a value greater than the performance target value.
15. A device as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the processor is operable to change a performance target value during a sporting activity.
16. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the performance target values are changed based on pre-determined time intervals
17. A device as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 9, wherein the performance target values are changed based on locational data.
18. A device as claimed in any previous, claim wherein the performance target values stored on the memory can be changed via a remote device.
19 A component of a bicycle cockpit assembly comprising a device for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity, the device comprising: a display for providing visual information to a user including a plurality of independently and simultaneously operable points or regions, each point or region being operable to emit one or more wavelengths of visible light; a receiver operable to receive performance data from a further device; a memory configured to store one or more performance target values; and a processor, wherein the processor is operable to compare the performance data received from the further device with the one or more corresponding performance target values and to control operation of the display based on the comparison.
A device for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity, the device comprising: a display for providing visual information to the participant; a receiver operable to receive performance data from a further device; a means operable to determine location and provide locational data; a memory operable to store one or more performance target values, wherein the performance target value(s) is/are variable based on the locational data; and a processor, wherein the processor is operable to compare the performance data received from the further device with the one or more performance target values and to control operation of the display based on the comparison.
21 A component of a bicycle cockpit assembly comprising a device for processing and presenting data to a participant in a sporting activity, the device comprising: a display for providing visual information to the participant; a receiver operable to receive performance data from a further device; a means operable to determine location and provide locational data; a memory operable to store one or more performance target values, wherein the performance target value(s) is/are variable based on the locational data; and a processor, wherein the processor is operable to compare the performance data received from the further device with the one or more performance target values and to control operation of the display based on the comparison.
22 A bicycle comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or any one of claims 9 to 18 when dependent on any one of claims 1 to 7, or claim 20 or a component of a bicycle cockpit assembly according to claim 19 or claim 21.
23. A system comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or claim or a component of a bicycle cockpit assembly according to claim 19 or claim 21 or a bicycle according to claim 22; and a further device operable to measure and transmit performance data to the receiver.