Claims (10)
Embodiments:Embodiments:
The concept can be captured in more then one embodiment. They all have the functionality as described.The concept can be captured in more then one edition. They all have the functionality as described.
The enclosure/ embodiment that is illustrated in the attached drawings is mounted on the center of the handlebar of the bicycle and combines the functionality of the bell with the mount for a cycling computer.The enclosure / embodiment that is illustrated in the attached drawings is mounted on the center of the handlebar of the bicycle and combines the functionality of the bell with the mount for a cycling computer.
The foregoing description(s) of the preferred central unit, bell activator and alarm activator have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the electronic bicycle bell to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations in design are possible in light of the above teachings. One embodiment of the electronic bicycle bell has been described. It should be understood that the concepts described in connection with one embodiment of the electronic bicycle bell might be combined with the concepts described in connection with another embodiment (or other embodiments) of the electronic bicycle bell.The foregoing description (s) or the preferred central unit, bell activator and alarm activator have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the electronic bicycle bell to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations in design are possible in light of the above teachings. One embodiment of the electronic bicycle bell has been described. It should be understood that the concepts described in connection with one edition of the electronic bicycle bell might be combined with the concepts described in connection with another edition or the electronic bicycle bell.
Embodiment Central Unit:Embodiment Central Unit:
For illustrating the central unit see figure 1: central device mounted on the center of the bar. The configuration has the following main components.For illustrating the central unit see figure 1: central device mounted on the center of the bar. The configuration has the following main components.
1. The central unit (1) consists of an outer shell, which is referred to as 'embodiment. The embodiment contains all components mentioned and is waterproof (minimum IP66 according to waterproof classification).1. The central unit (1) consists of an outer shell, which is referred to as' embodiment. The embodiment contains all components mentioned and is waterproof (minimum IP66 according to waterproof classification).
2. The electronic bicycle bell has a (or multiple) circuit board (6), see figure 2: intersection view central device. The Printed Circuit Board holds the programmable logic controller as well as other electronics (different sensors, memory, sound driver, amplifier, battery charging, ambient light sensor, etc.)2. The electronic bicycle bell has a (or multiple) circuit board (6), see figure 2: intersection view central device. The Printed Circuit Board holds the programmable logic controller as well as other electronics (different sensors, memory, sound driver, amplifier, battery charging, ambient light sensor, etc.)
3. The other main component is the speaker (5), which emits the sound. A piezo type speaker is used producing a output of >100 dB's (at 10cm range)3. The other main component is the speaker (5), which emits the sound. A piezo type of speaker is used producing a output or> 100 dBs (at 10 cm range)
4. The battery (8) used is a rechargeable one that is charged using a (mini-) USB connector or similar.4. The battery (8) used is a rechargeable one that is charged using a (mini) USB connector or similar.
5. The camera lens to record video/images. Not depicted in drawings.5. The camera lens to record video / images. Not depicted in drawings.
6. Led lights, which blink when ringing the bell or when the alarm is sounding, and as light to be seen. Activation will be by an ambient light sensor, and also possible using a switch.6. Led lights, which blink when ringing the bell or when the alarm is sounding, and as light to be seen. Activation will be an ambient light sensor, and also possible using a switch.
7. Storage capacity (memory card or similar)7. Storage capacity (memory card or similar)
The main circuit board includes a micro USB port for recharging the battery and/or downloading information (eg custom sounds) into memory. The micro USB port allows for connection of a bell to a USB cable for recharging by way of a computers USB port, a standard power outlet with an adapter or a cigarette lighter with an adapter, amongst other know techniques.The main circuit board includes a micro USB port for recharging the battery and / or downloading information (eg custom sounds) into memory. The micro USB port allows for connection of a bell to a USB cable for charging by way of a computers USB port, a standard power outlet with an adapter or a cigarette lighter with an adapter, among other know techniques.
When attached to a bicycle the present embodiment of the bicycle bell and wireless controls are effectively water resistant. The opening for the piezo is covered with a membrane (for instance, but not limited to Gore Tex). Furthermore, the other openings like USB port and memory ports are covered with rubberized closing caps. Finally, the skin and design is made of a waterproof material and can be made by any of the following material (not limited to): plastic, carbon, silicone, and aluminum.When attached to a bicycle the present version of the bicycle bell and wireless controls are effectively water resistant. The opening for the piezo is covered with a membrane (for instance, but not limited to Gore Tex). Furthermore, the other opening like USB port and memory ports are covered with rubberized closing caps. Finally, the skin and design is made of a waterproof material and can be made by any of the following material (not limited to): plastic, carbon, silicone, and aluminum.
The embodiment has a lens opening where a camera lens can be added.The embodiment has a lens opening where a camera lens can be added.
Although the device switches on/off automatically using an accelerometer to sense movement, the device can hold an on/off button. When the power button is pushed for a number of seconds, the bicycle bell is turned on. When the button is hold for a number of seconds, the bell turns off.Although the device switches on / off automatically using an accelerometer to sense movement, the device can hold an on / off button. When the power button is pushed for a number of seconds, the bicycle bell is turned on. When the button is hold for a number of seconds, the bell turns off.
There are also other locations where the central unit can be mounted:There are also other locations where the central unit can be mounted:
• Bottlecage holder • Underneath the saddle • Directly on the frame or fork of the bicycle• Bottlecage holder • Underneath the saddle • Directly on the frame or fork of the bicycle
The design of the central unit will be changed according to the mounting position.The design of the central unit will be changed according to the mounting position.
Embodiment bell activatorEmbodiment bell activator
The wireless remote bell activator button (4) is comprised of:The wireless remote bell activator button (4) is comprised of:
1. An embodiment which is waterproof with minimum classification IP661. An embodiment which is waterproof with minimum classification IP66
2. The embodiment contains the electronics, a small replaceable battery and Bluetooth / ANT+ or RF technology to connect with the central unit with minimal latency.2. The edition contains the electronics, a small replaceable battery and Bluetooth / ANT + or RF technology to connect to the central unit with minimal latency.
3. A battery indicator light3. A battery indicator light
4. One or multiple buttons to operate the functions of the central bicycle bell4. One or multiple buttons to operate the functions of the central bicycle bell
For race cyclist the bell activator (4) is placed on the inside of the brake lever/ shifter (2) of the racing bike. Placement on this location leads to the fact that the cyclist has the button at close proximity of the hand where the hand is placed for >98 % of time riding the bike. Therefor he/she doesn't have to move his or her hand to operate the bell. Research points out that therefore the bell is used more often then when placed at other locations.For race cyclist the bell activator (4) is placed on the inside of the brake lever / shifter (2) or the racing bike. Placement on this location leads to the fact that the cyclist has the button close proximity of the hand where the hand is placed for> 98% of time riding the bike. Therefor he / she doesn't have to move his or her hand to operate the bell. Research points that is why the bell is used more often then when placed at other locations.
Placement of the bell activator is by using a rubber band wherein the bell activator is integrated. The rubber band can be mounted around the brake lever / shifter (2).Placement of the bell activator is by using a rubber band integrated into the bell activator. The rubber tire can be mounted around the brake lever / shifter (2).
Embodiment alarm activatorEmbodiment alarm activator
The wireless remote alarm activator button (figure 3: alarm activator) is comprised of:The wireless remote alarm activator button (figure 3: alarm activator) is comprised of:
1. An embodiment which is waterproof1. An embodiment which is waterproof
2. The embodiment contains the electronics, a small replaceable battery and Bluetooth / ANT+ or RF technology to connect with the central unit.2. The edition contains the electronics, a small replaceable battery and Bluetooth / ANT + or RF technology to connect to the central unit.
3. A alarm indicator light3. A alarm indicator light
4. One button for activating the alarm one button for deactivating the alarm4. One button for activating the alarm One button for activating the alarm
Figure 3 shows an alarm activator in a simple form with two buttons, one for activating the theft prevention alarm function and one for deactivating it.Figure 3 shows an alarm activator in a simple form with two buttons, one for activating the theft prevention function and one for deactivating it.
Alternative control is by using a mobile phone app that connects with the central unit.Alternative control is using a mobile phone app that connects with the central unit.
SoundsSounds
A number of specifically engineered and pre-installed sounds will be provided. The main sound design can be recognized as a bicycle bell but has a better localization and speed indication effect, so people can pinpoint better where the sound is coming from and at what speed. This is what people recognize in traffic. It will be possible to change the sounds by firmware updates.A number of specifically engineered and pre-installed sounds will be provided. The main sound design can be recognized as a bicycle bell but has a better localization and speed indication effect, so people can pinpoint better where the sound is coming from and at what speed. This is what people recognize in traffic. It will be possible to change the sounds by firmware updates.
Sound levelsSound levels
The central unit can produce sounds over lOOdb at 10cm distance.The central unit can produce sounds about 100 dB at 10 cm distance.
Radio connectivityRadio connectivity
For wireless connecting the remote to the central unit proven radio frequency technology is used, for example Bluetooth Low Energy or ANT+technology.For wireless connecting the remote to the central unit proven radio frequency technology is used, for example Bluetooth Low Energy or ANT + technology.
User profilesUser profiles
The central unit can store several user profiles based on the type of cyclist you are. User profiles can differentiate in sounds and sound volumes. Described here is a standard user profile for race cyclists The profile can be changed by uploading new firmware or updates at any moment.The central unit can store several user profiles based on the type of cyclist you are. User profiles can differentiate in sounds and sound volumes. Described here is a standard user profile for racing cyclists The profile can be changed by uploading new firmware or updates at any time.
Standard profileStandard profile
1. Press button short (<0,3sec) - bell rings for short period at normal volume (approx. 80 decibel at 10 cm). Used for nearby traffic and in city-environment1. Press button short (<0.3 sec) - bell rings for short period at normal volume (approx. 80 decibels at 10 cm). Used for nearby traffic and in a city environment
2. Press button long (>0,3 sec) - bell sounds as long button is pressed at increased volume (>100 decibel at 10 cm). Used for warning traffic at longer distance, in loud conditions and in rural area's.2. Press button long (> 0.3 sec) - bell sounds as long button is pressed at increased volume (> 100 decibels at 10 cm). Used for warning traffic at longer distances, in loud conditions and in rural areas.
3. Press button twice (press-release-press-release) = sound 2 increased volume (>100dB's). User specific sound selected from sound database with sounds specifically engineered for different purposes / situations.3. Press button twice (press-release-press-release) = sound 2 increased volume (> 100dBs). User specific sound selected from sound database with sounds specifically engineered for different purposes / situations.
It will be possible to load different sounds by a smartphone app. It's also possible to determine the functionality of the button(s).It will be possible to load different sounds with a smartphone app. It is also possible to determine the functionality of the button (s).
The buttons on the remote controller unit can also be programmed to be used to control other devices like GPS devices or bicycle computer which use the same wireless protocol.The buttons on the remote controller unit can also be programmed to be used to control other devices like GPS devices or bicycle computers which use the same wireless protocol.
5 Data collection5 Data collection
Activations of the bell will be stored in memory combined with location data and time and uploaded to either a mobile phone app or to a web based application using explicit customer consent. After analyzing the data it is combined with other data from third parties like Strava or others. It can also be provided to road authorities or other (governmental) organizations that are involved in road 10 safety.Activations of the bell will be stored in memory combined with location data and time and uploaded to either a mobile phone app or to a web based application using explicit customer consent. After analyzing the data it is combined with other data from third parties like Strava or others. It can also be provided to road authorities or other (governmental) organizations that are involved in road 10 safety.
Other data that is generated by the electronic bicycle bell is motion data that is used for visualizing road surface conditions. This data is collected and combined with other data to provide insights about road conditions to consumers (for route planning or ride analysis) or to road authorities for road maintenance planning or to insurance companies to validate claims.Other data that is generated by the electronic bicycle bell is motion data that is used for visualizing road surface conditions. This data is collected and combined with other data to provide insights about road conditions to consumers (for route planning or ride analysis) or to road authorities for road maintenance planning or to insurance companies to validate claims.
15 Connectivity to other manufacturers15 Connectivity to other manufacturers
The bicycle bell can also be controlled by brand specific technology, which uses the same wireless protocol. Examples are Shimano's DI2 shifters where the buttons on the brake/shifting levers can be programmed to provide a trigger signal to our bicycle bell. Other companies like SRAM and Campagnolo and Mavic are also using wireless functionality with Bluetooth and ANT+ technology on 20 their bicycles. The electronic bicycle bell will be ready to connect with their hardware.The bicycle bell can also be controlled by brand specific technology, which uses the same wireless protocol. Examples are Shimano's DI2 shifters where the buttons on the brake / shifting livers can be programmed to provide a trigger signal to our bicycle bell. Other companies like SRAM and Campagnolo and Mavic are also using wireless functionality with Bluetooth and ANT + technology on 20 their bicycles. The electronic bicycle bell will be ready to connect with their hardware.
The bicycle bell can also be used to trigger third party hardware. By connecting through API's to other hardware like for instance action camera's, which are mounted on the bicycle (examples are Go Pro, and Garmin Virb), it is possible to activate the recording function of these cameras. It's then possible to record video or images after pressing the remote control activator.The bicycle bell can also be used to trigger third party hardware. By connecting through APIs to other hardware like for instance action cameras, which are mounted on the bicycle (examples are Go Pro, and Garmin Virb), it is possible to activate the recording function of these cameras. It is then possible to record video or images after pressing the remote control activator.
ClausesClauses
What is offered is:What is offered is:
1. An apparatus comprising:1. An apparatus including:
a. An electronic bicycle bell producing sound and emitting lighta. An electronic bicycle bell producing sound and emitting light
b. A remote control unit which uses wireless protocol to trigger the bellb. A remote control unit which uses wireless protocol to trigger the bell
c. An included camera to record dangerous situationsc. An included camera to record dangerous situations
d. Included sensors for collecting user data on number of activations combined with location and time to generate information on potential hazardous situationsd. Included sensors for collecting user data on number of activations combined with location and time to generate information on potential hazardous situations
e. Included accelerometer, gyro sensor and GPS used for collecting data on road surface monitoringe. Included accelerometer, gyro sensor and GPS used for collecting data on road surface monitoring
f. Included theft alarm using motion sensors and operated by a mobile phone app or wireless remotef. Included theft alarm using motion sensors and operated by a mobile phone app or wireless remote
2. The electronic bicycle bell can be mounted to the following examples (not limited to)2. The electronic bicycle bell can be mounted to the following examples (not limited to)
a. the handlebar by a clamp and an embodiment on which a navigation device can be mounteda. the handlebar by a clamp and an embodiment on which a navigation device can be mounted
b. the bicycle frame using the bottle cage mount screwsb. the bicycle frame using the bottle cage mount screws
c. under the bottle cage mountc. under the bottle cage mount
d. integrated in the bottle caged. integrated in the bottle cage
e. under the vertical bottle cage positione. under the vertical bottle cage position
f. under the saddlef. under the saddle
3. The electronic bicycle bell is waterproof (minimum IP66)3. The electronic bicycle bell is waterproof (minimum IP66)
4. The electronic bicycle bell can contain multiple user profiles, which means different sound levels and multiple sounds depending on the type of cyclist you are, where the sounds can be uploaded by wireless technology through telephone or computer (Bluetooth technology as an example, but not limited to).4. The electronic bicycle bell can contain multiple user profiles, which means different sound levels and multiple sounds depending on the type of cyclist you are, where the sounds can be uploaded by wireless technology through telephone or computer (Bluetooth technology as an example, but not limited to).
5. The wireless transmitter has one or more buttons to control the sound/sound level and possibly other devices using the same wireless technology5. The wireless transmitter has one or more buttons to control the sound / sound level and possibly other devices using the same wireless technology
6. The camera can capture video/images to analyze traffic situations after ringing the bell6. The camera can capture video / images to analyze traffic situations after ringing the bell
7. Data from the electronic bicycle bell can be stored by connecting to a mobile device. This data contains the number of activations of a bell indicating potential hazardous situations and contains motion data indicating road conditions (based on accelerometer combined with location data)7. Data from the electronic bicycle bell can be stored by connecting to a mobile device. This data contains the number of activations of a bell indicating potential hazardous situations and contains motion data indicating road conditions (based on accelerometer combined with location data)
8. Generated and analyzed data can be used to directly or indirectly (third parties) inform cyclists and /or road authorities on potentially hazardous situations based on number of bell activations per location and/or based on road conditions.8. Generated and analyzed data can be used to directly or indirectly (third parties) inform cyclists and / or road authorities on potentially hazardous situations based on number of bell activations per location and / or based on road conditions.
9. With the data a reduction of resources needed for road inspections at (local) government (road authorities) involved can be accomplished.9. With the data a reduction of resources needed for road inspections at (local) government (road authorities) involved can be accomplished.
10. Theft of the bicycle is prevented by using a lOOdB + alarm sound that will be activated when the bicycle is moved.10. Theft of the bicycle is prevented by using a LOOdB + alarm sound that will be activated when the bicycle is moved.
Conclusie:Conclusion:
Het betreft een apparaat dat we omschrijven als fietsbel.This is a device that we describe as a bicycle bell.
De voorgestelde innovatie draagt bij aan een betere veiligheid voor fietsers. Fietsers kunnen veilig hun handen aan het stuur houden om de fietsbel te bedienen. Dit middels 5 de knop/ activator die op elke gewenste locatie nabije de hand bevestigd kan worden en op draadloze wijze de centrale unit bedient die het geluid voortbrengt De fietsbel kan een hoger geluidsniveau laten horen dan de huidige (mechanische) fietsbellen waardoor andere weggebruikers eerder gewaarschuwd kunnen worden voor gevaar. Daarnaast kan het geluid specifiek voor de doelstelling ontwikkeld waardoor geluiden 10 geproduceerd kunnen worden die leiden tot een betere reactietijd bij medeweggebruikers. Om de locatie van de fietsers goed te bepalen rusten we de bel uit met verlichting die gaat knipperen zodra de bel wordt geactiveerd. De verlichting kan ook als verlichting ter bevordering van de zichtbaarheid ingeschakeld worden.The proposed innovation contributes to better safety for cyclists. Cyclists can safely keep their hands on the handlebars to operate the bicycle bell. This by means of the 5 button / activator that can be attached at any desired location near the hand and wirelessly controls the central unit that generates the sound. can be for danger. In addition, the noise can be developed specifically for the purpose, as a result of which noises can be produced which lead to a better reaction time among fellow road users. To properly determine the location of the cyclists, we equip the bell with lighting that will flash as soon as the bell is activated. The lighting can also be switched on as lighting to promote visibility.
Door het vastleggen van plaats en het tijdstip waarop de bel wordt geactiveerd en door 15 data te verzamelen afkomstig van diverse sensoren waarmee de wegdekkwaliteit wordt gemeten wordt informatie gegenereerd. Informatie betreffende mogelijke risico's op de route en informatie betreffende de gesteldheid van het wegdek waarover is gereden. Deze informatie kan aan zowel de gebruiker als aan wegbeheerders ter beschikking worden gesteld. De gebruikers krijgen op deze wijze inzicht in plaatsen meteenInformation is generated by recording the place and time at which the bubble is activated and by collecting data from various sensors that measure road surface quality. Information regarding possible risks on the route and information regarding the condition of the road surface that has been driven on. This information can be made available to both the user and road authorities. In this way the users gain insight into places immediately
20 verhoogd risico op ongevallen en in kwaliteit van de wegen die zij hebben gereden of juist willen gaan rijden. De wegbeheerders krijgen waardevolle informatie ten aanzien van de kwaliteit van de door hun beheerde weg-infrastructuur en de potentieel gevaarlijke plaatsen daarbinnen. Zij kunnen daardoor gericht maatregelen nemen en de informatie gebruiken voor het optimaliseren van onderhoud aan de betreffende20 increased risk of accidents and the quality of the roads they have driven or intend to drive. The road authorities receive valuable information regarding the quality of the road infrastructure they manage and the potentially dangerous places within it. As a result, they can take targeted measures and use the information to optimize maintenance on the relevant
25 weggedeelten.25 road sections.
De geïntegreerde camera kan gelijktijdig met de bel geactiveerd worden om potentieel gevaarlijke verkeerssituaties vast te leggen met video/foto. Na een ongeval kan dan de situatie en schuldvraag geanalyseerd worden op basis van de verzamelde beelden.The integrated camera can be activated simultaneously with the bell to capture potentially dangerous traffic situations with video / photo. After an accident, the situation and the question of guilt can then be analyzed on the basis of the collected images.
De voorgestelde innovatie heeft tevens een geïntegreerd diefstalpreventie alarm met 30 een zeer hoog geluidsniveau dat wordt geactiveerd zodra de fiets wordt bewogen op het moment dat de alarmfunctie is ingeschakeld.The proposed innovation also has an integrated theft prevention alarm with a very high noise level that is activated as soon as the bicycle is moved when the alarm function is switched on.
Met deze voorzieningen kan de voornoemde fietsbel een belangrijke bijdrage leveren aan het terugdringen van het aantal verkeersongevallen en fietsdiefstallen en een toename van de algehele verkeersveiligheid en het fietsplezier op de weg.With these facilities, the aforementioned bicycle bell can make an important contribution to reducing the number of traffic accidents and bicycle thefts and an increase in overall traffic safety and cycling pleasure on the road.
Embodiment central deviceand remote bell activatorEmbodiment central device and remote bell activator
Figure 1: centrale slevsce suounteil on the centre of the IrasFigure 1: central slevsce suounteil at the center of the Iras
1 is the central unit1 is the central unit
2 is the brake lever,/ shifter a is lhe heisUl·' k-U2 is the brake lever, / shifter a is lhe heisUl · 'k-U
4 is the bell activator4 is the bell activator
Figure 2·. sntersection view ceus.sssi :L:\seeFigure 2. sntersection view ceus.sssi : L : \ see
5 is the housing for the sound emitter5 is the housing for the sound emitter
6 is the PCS6 is the PCS
7 is the computer mounted on top (not included)7 is the computer mounted on top (not included)
8 is the battery8 is the battery
9 is the handlebar9 is the handlebar
10 is the stem10 is the voice
EMLOLiMSMT ALARM ACTIVATOREMLOLIMSMT ALARM ACTIVATOR
Fiptn? Έ mvcAs? alarm aruvaterFiptn? Vc mvcAs? alarm aruvater