WO2013142977A1 - Method for transmitting an indication of a path followed by a bicycle - Google Patents

Method for transmitting an indication of a path followed by a bicycle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013142977A1
WO2013142977A1 PCT/CA2013/000301 CA2013000301W WO2013142977A1 WO 2013142977 A1 WO2013142977 A1 WO 2013142977A1 CA 2013000301 W CA2013000301 W CA 2013000301W WO 2013142977 A1 WO2013142977 A1 WO 2013142977A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bicycle
position data
wireless
providing
energy storage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2013/000301
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Xavier BARRERA
Original Assignee
Société de vélo en libre-service
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Société de vélo en libre-service filed Critical Société de vélo en libre-service
Publication of WO2013142977A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013142977A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/20—Monitoring the location of vehicles belonging to a group, e.g. fleet of vehicles, countable or determined number of vehicles
    • G08G1/205—Indicating the location of the monitored vehicles as destination, e.g. accidents, stolen, rental
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/029—Location-based management or tracking services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Definitions

  • the invention relates to information technology. More precisely, the invention pertains to a method for transmitting an indication of a path followed by a bicycle. BACKGROUND
  • a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver is often used for obtaining a position of a user or an object. The position is then recorded in a memory.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • a method for enabling an apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle to provide position data the apparatus having an energy storage unit
  • the method comprising the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle receiving a wireless position data request transmitted by a wireless transceiver installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station located in the vicinity of the bicycle; determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission of the position data and transmitting the position data of the bicycle if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission.
  • the wireless position data request is received over a short-range wireless network.
  • the short-range wireless network operates according to one of Bluetooth (TM) and ZigBee (TM) communication standard.
  • TM Bluetooth
  • TM ZigBee
  • the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission comprises monitoring a voltage level of the energy storage unit and determining if the monitored voltage level is greater than a given threshold, further wherein the position data is transmitted if the voltage level is greater than the given threshold.
  • the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor.
  • the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for transmitting the position data further comprises the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle sending a wireless signal to the wireless transceiver, wherein the position data request is transmitted by the wireless transceiver in response to the wireless signal sent.
  • the wireless position data request is transmitted after a user secures the bicycle to a bicycle dock.
  • the transmitting of the position data comprises at least one of compressing and encrypting the position data.
  • An advantage of the method disclosed is that a transmission of the position data occurs only if there is sufficient power in the energy storage.
  • Figure 1 is a diagram which shows an embodiment of a system for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.
  • the system for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle comprises, inter alia, a wireless position providing unit.
  • Figure 2 is a diagram which shows an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit.
  • FIGs 3a and 3b are schematics which show an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit.
  • the wireless position providing unit comprises a position data providing unit, a memory unit, a power providing unit, and a wireless communication module.
  • Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 4, are schematics which show an embodiment of a power providing unit.
  • Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, collectively referred to herein after as Figure 5, are schematics which show an embodiment of a wireless communication module.
  • Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 6, are schematics which show an embodiment of a position data providing unit.
  • Figure 7 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment of a method for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.
  • Figure 8 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment of a method for performing a power-up of the wireless position providing unit.
  • Figure 9 is a flowchart which shows how the clearing of old data is performed according to an embodiment.
  • FIG 10 is a flowchart which shows how the position data are provided in accordance with an embodiment.
  • Figure 1 is a flowchart which shows how the position data are stored in the wireless position providing unit in accordance with an embodiment.
  • Figures 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are flowcharts which show how data are received by the wireless position providing unit in accordance with an embodiment.
  • Figure 13 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment for providing an indication of a power level.
  • Figure 14 is a flowchart which shows how the transmission of the position data is performed in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown an embodiment of a system 100 for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.
  • the system 100 comprises a server 102, a data network 104, a processing unit 106, a data network 108, a wireless interface module 110, a first wireless position providing unit 112 and an n th wireless position providing unit 114.
  • the server 102 also referred to as a remote processing unit, is used for obtaining position data from the wireless interface module 110 via the data network 108.
  • the server 102 comprises a CPU and a database.
  • the database is used for storing the position data.
  • the data network 104 is used for providing a remote access to the server 102. It will be appreciated that the data network 104 may comprise at least one of a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN) and a wide area network (WAN).
  • LAN local area network
  • MAN metropolitan area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • the data network 104 comprises the Internet.
  • the processing unit 106 is used for accessing the server 102. It will be appreciated that the processing unit 106 may be any one of a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a server, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like.
  • processing unit 106 is typically used by a user who wants to access the server 02 via the data network 104.
  • the server 102 comprises an interface for enabling a user to access the position data.
  • the interface is accessed by a user via the data network 104 using a web client, an embodiment of which is a web browser.
  • the data network 108 is used for operatively connecting the server 102 to a plurality of wireless interface modules, an example of which is wireless interface module 110.
  • the data network 108 may comprise any type of wireless data network suitable for achieving such communication.
  • the data network 108 comprises a mobile network.
  • the wireless interface module 110 also referred to as a known wireless transceiver, is installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.
  • a bicycle dock is typically used for securing a bicycle at a given location.
  • a bicycle providing unit is typically used for controlling a bicycle dock, i.e., access to a bicycle secured to the bicycle dock.
  • the wireless interface module 1 10 is wirelessly connected to least one wireless position providing unit located in a vicinity of the wireless interface module 110.
  • the wireless interface module 110 provides, inter alia, a request for position data to a given wireless position providing unit located in the vicinity of the wireless interface module and receives a corresponding position.
  • the wireless interface module 110 is in communication with wireless position providing unit 1 12 and wireless position providing unit n th 114.
  • the communication between a wireless interface module 110 and a wireless position providing unit is achieved using a short-range wireless network.
  • the short-range wireless network operates using one of Bluetooth (TM) and ZigBee (T ) communication standard.
  • TM Bluetooth
  • T ZigBee
  • each of the plurality of wireless position providing units is typically installed in a corresponding bicycle and is used for storing a bicycle path as further explained below.
  • the wireless position providing unit is mounted in an enclosure that is attached to the bicycle and is not available to the user.
  • the wireless position providing unit will log the position of the bicycle at regular intervals while the bicycle is checked out. Once the bicycle is returned to a bicycle dock, the wireless position providing unit will upload the position data log for that specific rental to the wireless interface module located in the vicinity of the bicycle dock used in an embodiment.
  • the wireless position providing unit will not interoperate with the user of the bicycle.
  • the user may not be aware that the wireless position providing unit is present and in operation.
  • no user controls or indicators are visible to the user.
  • a wireless position providing unit 200 also referred to as an apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.
  • the wireless position providing unit 200 comprises a power providing unit 202, a position data providing unit 206, a processing unit 208, a memory unit 210 and a wireless communication unit 212.
  • the power providing unit 202 comprises a power providing interface operatively connected to an electrical generator of the bicycle, an example of which is a dynamo.
  • the power providing unit 202 further comprises an energy storing unit operatively connected to the power providing interface.
  • the combination of the processing unit 208 and the wireless communication unit 204 may be referred to as a wireless module 204.
  • the power providing unit 202 is used for providing electrical power to the wireless position providing unit 200.
  • the power providing unit 202 takes the raw output of a bicycle dynamo and conditions it for use by the position data providing unit 206, the processing unit 208, the memory unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless providing unit 200.
  • the 202 is capable of providing, via the power providing interface, an indication that a bicycle is or not in motion.
  • the determination may be made by monitoring the raw output of the dynamo using an integration circuit.
  • An analog circuit may also be monitored by an analog to digital converter of the wireless communication module for the possibility of gauging speed.
  • the processing unit 208 is further operatively connected to the power providing interface.
  • the power providing interface provides an indication of a motion of the bicycle, wherein the storing of the received at least one part of the position data signal is performed if the bicycle is in motion.
  • the energy storage unit of the power providing unit 202 comprises a capacitor. It has been contemplated that rechargeable batteries can store a greater amount of energy but they require more support circuitry. In addition, batteries may be more affected by temperature, and most importantly will need to be replaced as they cycle and wear down which may be a drawback. It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the wireless communication module may be able to monitor a voltage level of the capacitor using an analog to digital converter in one embodiment. In fact, it will be appreciated that the amount of charge of a capacitor is proportional to its voltage, so this will give the application knowledge it needs regarding stored power availability.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit 200.
  • the wireless position providing unit comprises the power providing unit 202, the wireless module 204 and the position data providing unit 206.
  • FIG. 4 there is shown an embodiment of the power providing unit 202.
  • the wireless position providing module 200 further comprises a position data providing unit 206.
  • the position data providing unit 206 is used for providing position data indicative of a position of a bicycle.
  • the position data is obtained using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the position data providing unit 206 comprises a stand-alone off-the-shelf GPS receiver.
  • the GPS receiver provides GPS radio receiver and signal processing functions including the antenna.
  • the firmware is flash based.
  • the position data providing unit 206 comprises ISM480F1 manufactured by Inventek Systems (TM) . It will be appreciated that the chip used contains an integrated ROM-based ARM7 processor and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that provides signal processing of the received radio signal and controls the real time aspects of the system.
  • TM Inventek Systems
  • DSP Digital Signal Processor
  • the GPS receiver module communicates with an external microcontroller through high-level messages over one of several industry standard serial busses. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the antenna will be comprised in the position data providing unit 206 itself. An advantage of such design is that this will preclude cabling and/or external protrusions from the enclosure.
  • the position data providing unit 206 is managed by the wireless communication module 204 with an objective of minimizing power consumption.
  • the position data providing unit 206 will operate at a sampling rate specified by the wireless interface module 110.
  • the position data providing unit 206 will be woken up by the wireless communication module 204, achieve synchronization with the GPS satellites, provide real-time and global position, and be put back to sleep. It will be appreciated that while power consumption in the full on state may be significant, the power consumption in the sleep state is almost insignificant.
  • the position data providing unit 206 may be woken up by the wireless communication module 204, get a fix, and put to sleep as needed. Subsequent cycles will take about 1 second.
  • the initial fix determines the position of the position data providing unit 206 without any previous knowledge of its position or of the satellites in the area. Subsequent fixes are based on previous knowledge and can therefore be completed much more quickly.
  • the position data providing unit 206 can use the previous stored samples to aid in getting the initial fix and save time in the process.
  • the position data providing unit 206 is operatively connected to the wireless communication module 214 over a standard asynchronous serial interface.
  • GPS coordinates are available in NMEA format, known to the skilled addressee.
  • the memory unit 210 is used for storing data. It will be appreciated that the memory unit 210 is used for storing a plurality of position data which may also be referred to as a position log.
  • the memory unit 210 comprises an external Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) non-volatile memory.
  • EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
  • the memory unit 210 is operatively connected to the wireless communication module 204 over a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus port.
  • SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
  • the wireless communication module 204 comprises the processing unit 208 and the wireless communication unit 212.
  • the wireless communication module 204 comprises firmware provided by the manufacturer that supports several functions. The firmware cannot be changed over the wireless interface in an embodiment.
  • the wireless communication unit 212 is used for communicating with the wireless interface module 110.
  • a wireless download may enable the user owner-generated Python scripts to be loaded into the wireless communication module 204 flash.
  • the application code will be initially loaded to the wireless communication module 204 over a wired connection. It can be later updated using this feature.
  • the wireless communication module 204 firmware supports 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption over the wireless link. Accordingly, position data may be encrypted prior transmission.
  • the wireless position providing unit 200 application software will be loaded into the wireless communication module 204 using Flash at manufacturing time and may be updated subsequently wirelessly.
  • the power to run the wireless position providing unit 200 is sourced from the bicycle dynamo, the availability of power may be uncertain. For instance, the user may stop for an extended period of time in the course of the rental, etc. Therefore, the firmware of the wireless position providing unit 200 must be able to deal with power outage at any time.
  • An analog-to-digital converter within the processing unit 208 will be used in an embodiment to measure the power reserves and allow the firmware to proceed if there is enough power reserve to complete the task, as further explained below.
  • the most critical task in this category may be the writing on the memory unit 210 which can be corrupted if power is lost in the middle of an operation. For that reason and in an embodiment, a supervisor circuit will be used to reset the wireless communication module 204 when the power level drops below a critical level.
  • FIG 7 there is shown an embodiment of a method for storing position data for a bicycle.
  • position data of a bicycle are stored in use. It will be appreciated that the position data of the bicycle are stored in the wireless position providing unit 200.
  • a request for position data is received.
  • the request for position data may be transmitted by a wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.
  • the request for position data is received by the wireless position providing unit 200 and is transmitted by a wireless interface module 110 located in the vicinity of the wireless position providing unit 200.
  • the wireless interface module 110 is located in a bicycle providing station. According to processing step 706, the position data are wirelessly transmitted. The position data are wirelessly transmitted to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.
  • FIG. 14 there is shown an embodiment for transmitting the position data to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.
  • an indication of a power available is obtained. It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the indication of power available may be obtained according to various embodiments.
  • the indication of power available is obtained using an analog to digital converter as explained above.
  • processing step 1404 a test is performed in order to find out if the energy stored in the energy storage is sufficient for transmission of the position data.
  • the test is performed by the processing unit 208.
  • the transmission of the position data may occur in the future when the energy stored in the energy storage will be sufficient, i.e., greater than the given threshold.
  • this embodiment is of great advantage since this embodiment will ensure that no position data is lost during a wireless transmission of data started but not finished due to insufficient power which is very desirable. In fact, a loss of data may create a lot of frustration.
  • the position data are wirelessly transmitted from the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module 10.
  • the position data is compressed prior wireless transmission to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.
  • the position data are transmitted to a remote processing unit. It will be appreciated that the position data are transmitted to a remote processing unit comprising an interface for enabling access to the user.
  • the position data are transmitted to a remote location via a data network.
  • the interface may be of various types.
  • the interface may be accessed using a web client, such as a web browser that communicates with the server.
  • the user accesses the website using a processing unit running the web browser in one embodiment as explained above.
  • processing step 802 input and outputs of the wireless position providing unit 200 are initialized.
  • a parameter table of the wireless position providing unit 200 is tested.
  • the parameter table comprises all parameters associated with the power on self test.
  • processing step 806 a test is performed in order to find out if the parameter table of the wireless position providing unit 200 is valid or not.
  • the parameter table is not valid and in accordance with processing step 810, the parameter table is initialized.
  • sleepmode is set to off.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if an upload of position data started but had not finished, i.e., if a portion of old position data has been transmitted to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.
  • processing step 816 the position data providing unit 206 is initialized.
  • processing step 818 the wireless communication unit 212 is initialized.
  • the data are cleared from the memory unit 210.
  • processing step 904 storage pointer is reset to the beginning of the memory unit 210.
  • processing step 1000 a test is performed in order to find out if the wireless position providing module 200 is in sleep mode.
  • a test is performed to find out if a bicycle motion is detected.
  • a bicycle motion may be detected according to various embodiments.
  • the bicycle motion may be detected by monitoring an output from a dynamo of the bicycle.
  • the bicycle motion may be detected by monitoring an output from an accelerometer.
  • sleepmode is set to false.
  • the wireless position providing module 200 remains in sleep mode.
  • position data is read.
  • a test is performed by the wireless communication module 204 in order to find out if stored power is large enough, i.e., if stored power is greater than a given threshold. In one embodinnent, this is achieved by ensuring that a voltage level of the energy storage unit is greater than a given threshold.
  • the position data is stored in the memory unit 210.
  • a wireless signal is sent.
  • the wireless signal is sent by the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200.
  • the wireless signal sent comprises an identification of the bicycle transmitting the wireless signal, i.e., an identification of the bicycle to which the wireless position providing unit 200 is secured.
  • the wireless signal comprises an identification of a current location.
  • the wireless signal is sent to a wireless interface module.
  • a wireless signal is received.
  • the wireless signal is received by the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200. Still in an embodiment, the wireless signal is received from a wireless interface module in response to a wireless signal sent.
  • FIG. 11 there is shown an embodiment for storing position data.
  • the position data is provided.
  • the position data is provided by the position data providing unit 206.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the position data has changed, i.e., if a current position is identical to an immediately time-preceding position data.
  • the test is performed by the processing unit 208 of the wireless communication module 204.
  • the position data is stored.
  • the position data is stored in the memory unit 210.
  • the storing of the position data comprises storing a plurality of time stamps.
  • a position storing rate may be amended depending on space available for storing position data.
  • a command is received. It will be appreciated that the command is comprised in the wireless signal received.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the command is an acknowledgement command.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the command in an upload log command.
  • the command is an upload log command, also referred to as a request for position data
  • the position log is transmitted. It will be appreciated that such command may be transmitted after a user secures its bicycle to a bicycle dock.
  • the position log is transmitted by the wireless communication module 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the command is an initlog command.
  • the old data is cleared.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a set heart rate command.
  • the rate of the heart beat is amended accordingly.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a set GPS rate command.
  • a GPS polling rate is amended accordingly.
  • a given position storing rate may be modified.
  • the command is not a set GPS rate command and in accordance with processing step 1220, a test is performed in order to find out of the command is a sleep command.
  • the position data providing unit 206 is powered down. The storing of the position data of the bicycle is stopped.
  • the wireless communication unit is powered down.
  • a sleep mode is set.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a request power level command.
  • a message is transmitted with an indication of a stored power level.
  • the message is transmitted by the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module 110.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a request revision command.
  • a message comprising a firmware version is transmitted.
  • a firmware is downloaded by the wireless position providing unit 200 from the wireless interface module 110.
  • the firmware is stored. It will be appreciated that the firmware is stored in the wireless communication module 204.
  • FIG. 13 there is shown an embodiment for providing an indication of a level of power.
  • a stored power voltage is read.
  • the stored power voltage is read by the wireless communication module 204.
  • a test is performed in order to find out if the stored power voltage is greater than a given threshold.
  • the test is performed by the wireless communication module 204.
  • Clause 1 A method for enabling an apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle to provide position data, the apparatus having an energy storage unit, the method comprising the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle receiving a wireless position data request transmitted by a wireless transceiver installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station located in the vicinity of the bicycle; determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission of the position data; and transmitting the position data of the bicycle if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission.
  • Clause 2 The method as claimed in clause 1 , wherein the wireless position data request is received over a short-range wireless network.
  • Clause 3 The method as claimed in clause 2, wherein the short-range wireless network operates according to one of Bluetooth (T ) and ZigBee (TM) communication standard.
  • T Bluetooth
  • TM ZigBee
  • Clause 4 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission comprises monitoring a voltage level of the energy storage unit and determining if the monitored voltage level is greater than a given threshold, further wherein the position data is transmitted if said voltage level is greater than the given threshold.
  • Clause 5 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor.
  • Clause 6 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for transmitting the position data further comprises the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle sending a wireless signal to the wireless transceiver, wherein the position data request is transmitted by the wireless transceiver in response to the wireless signal sent.
  • Clause 7 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the wireless position data request is transmitted after a user secures the bicycle to a bicycle dock.
  • Clause 8 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the transmitting of the position data comprises at least one of compressing and encrypting the position data.

Abstract

A method is disclosed for enabling an apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle to provide position data, the apparatus having an energy storage unit, the method comprising the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle receiving a wireless position data request transmitted by a wireless transceiver installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station located in the vicinity of the bicycle; determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission of the position data and transmitting the position data of the bicycle if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission.

Description

METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING AN INDICATION OF A PATH
FOLLOWED BY A BICYCLE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/617,527, entitled "Method and apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle" that was filed on March 29, 2012, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
This patent application further claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/617,533, entitled "Integrated apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle" that was filed on March 29, 2012, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
This patent application further claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/617,571 , entitled "Method and apparatus for transmitting an indication of a path followed by a bicycle" that was filed on March 29, 2012, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD
The invention relates to information technology. More precisely, the invention pertains to a method for transmitting an indication of a path followed by a bicycle. BACKGROUND
Providing position data is of great interest for various reasons. Many applications make use of geo-localization data for offering additional, yet pertinent, information to users.
A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver is often used for obtaining a position of a user or an object. The position is then recorded in a memory.
Public bike-sharing systems are now available in many cities around the world. While geo-localization would be desirable for obvious reasons to public bike-sharing users, many issues render an implementation of geo-localization complicated. A first issue may be the fact that geo-localization has a substantial inherent power requirement.
Features of the invention will be apparent from review of the disclosure, drawings and description of the invention below. BRIEF SUMMARY
According with a broad aspect, there is disclosed a method for enabling an apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle to provide position data, the apparatus having an energy storage unit, the method comprising the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle receiving a wireless position data request transmitted by a wireless transceiver installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station located in the vicinity of the bicycle; determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission of the position data and transmitting the position data of the bicycle if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission.
In accordance with an embodiment, the wireless position data request is received over a short-range wireless network.
In accordance with an embodiment, the short-range wireless network operates according to one of Bluetooth(TM) and ZigBee(TM) communication standard.
In accordance with an embodiment, the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission comprises monitoring a voltage level of the energy storage unit and determining if the monitored voltage level is greater than a given threshold, further wherein the position data is transmitted if the voltage level is greater than the given threshold.
In accordance with an embodiment, the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor.
In accordance with an embodiment, the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for transmitting the position data further comprises the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle sending a wireless signal to the wireless transceiver, wherein the position data request is transmitted by the wireless transceiver in response to the wireless signal sent.
In accordance with an embodiment, the wireless position data request is transmitted after a user secures the bicycle to a bicycle dock.
In accordance with an embodiment, the transmitting of the position data comprises at least one of compressing and encrypting the position data.
An advantage of the method disclosed is that a transmission of the position data occurs only if there is sufficient power in the energy storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a diagram which shows an embodiment of a system for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle. The system for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle comprises, inter alia, a wireless position providing unit.
Figure 2 is a diagram which shows an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit.
Figures 3a and 3b, collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 3, are schematics which show an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit. The wireless position providing unit comprises a position data providing unit, a memory unit, a power providing unit, and a wireless communication module.
Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 4, are schematics which show an embodiment of a power providing unit.
Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, collectively referred to herein after as Figure 5, are schematics which show an embodiment of a wireless communication module.
Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 6, are schematics which show an embodiment of a position data providing unit.
Figure 7 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment of a method for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle. Figure 8 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment of a method for performing a power-up of the wireless position providing unit.
Figure 9 is a flowchart which shows how the clearing of old data is performed according to an embodiment.
Figure 10 is a flowchart which shows how the position data are provided in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 1 is a flowchart which shows how the position data are stored in the wireless position providing unit in accordance with an embodiment.
Figures 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 12, are flowcharts which show how data are received by the wireless position providing unit in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 13 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment for providing an indication of a power level.
Figure 14 is a flowchart which shows how the transmission of the position data is performed in accordance with an embodiment.
Further details of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description included below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description of the embodiments, references to the accompanying drawings are by way of illustration of an example by which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed.
Now referring to Figure 1 , there is shown an embodiment of a system 100 for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.
In this embodiment, the system 100 comprises a server 102, a data network 104, a processing unit 106, a data network 108, a wireless interface module 110, a first wireless position providing unit 112 and an nth wireless position providing unit 114.
More precisely, the server 102, also referred to as a remote processing unit, is used for obtaining position data from the wireless interface module 110 via the data network 108. In an embodiment, the server 102 comprises a CPU and a database. The database is used for storing the position data.
The data network 104 is used for providing a remote access to the server 102. It will be appreciated that the data network 104 may comprise at least one of a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN) and a wide area network (WAN).
In an embodiment, the data network 104 comprises the Internet.
The processing unit 106 is used for accessing the server 102. It will be appreciated that the processing unit 106 may be any one of a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a server, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like.
It will be appreciated that the processing unit 106 is typically used by a user who wants to access the server 02 via the data network 104.
The server 102 comprises an interface for enabling a user to access the position data. The interface is accessed by a user via the data network 104 using a web client, an embodiment of which is a web browser.
The data network 108 is used for operatively connecting the server 102 to a plurality of wireless interface modules, an example of which is wireless interface module 110.
It will be appreciated that the data network 108 may comprise any type of wireless data network suitable for achieving such communication. In an embodiment, the data network 108 comprises a mobile network.
The wireless interface module 110, also referred to as a known wireless transceiver, is installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit. A bicycle dock is typically used for securing a bicycle at a given location. A bicycle providing unit is typically used for controlling a bicycle dock, i.e., access to a bicycle secured to the bicycle dock. The wireless interface module 1 10 is wirelessly connected to least one wireless position providing unit located in a vicinity of the wireless interface module 110. As mentioned further below, the wireless interface module 110 provides, inter alia, a request for position data to a given wireless position providing unit located in the vicinity of the wireless interface module and receives a corresponding position. In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 1 , the wireless interface module 110 is in communication with wireless position providing unit 1 12 and wireless position providing unit nth 114.
In an embodiment, the communication between a wireless interface module 110 and a wireless position providing unit is achieved using a short-range wireless network.
In one embodiment, the short-range wireless network operates using one of Bluetooth(TM) and ZigBee(T ) communication standard.
It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of wireless position providing units is typically installed in a corresponding bicycle and is used for storing a bicycle path as further explained below.
More precisely, the wireless position providing unit is mounted in an enclosure that is attached to the bicycle and is not available to the user. The wireless position providing unit will log the position of the bicycle at regular intervals while the bicycle is checked out. Once the bicycle is returned to a bicycle dock, the wireless position providing unit will upload the position data log for that specific rental to the wireless interface module located in the vicinity of the bicycle dock used in an embodiment.
In an embodiment, the wireless position providing unit will not interoperate with the user of the bicycle. As a matter of fact, the user may not be aware that the wireless position providing unit is present and in operation. Still in an embodiment, no user controls or indicators are visible to the user.
Now referring to Figure 2, there is shown an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit 200, also referred to as an apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.
In this embodiment, the wireless position providing unit 200 comprises a power providing unit 202, a position data providing unit 206, a processing unit 208, a memory unit 210 and a wireless communication unit 212.
It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, the power providing unit 202 comprises a power providing interface operatively connected to an electrical generator of the bicycle, an example of which is a dynamo. The power providing unit 202 further comprises an energy storing unit operatively connected to the power providing interface.
It will be appreciated that the combination of the processing unit 208 and the wireless communication unit 204 may be referred to as a wireless module 204.
The power providing unit 202 is used for providing electrical power to the wireless position providing unit 200.
More precisely and in an embodiment, the power providing unit 202 takes the raw output of a bicycle dynamo and conditions it for use by the position data providing unit 206, the processing unit 208, the memory unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless providing unit 200.
Since the output of the dynamo is intermittent, it is necessary to store energy in a reservoir and deliver it to the circuitry as needed.
It will be appreciated that being able to provide an indication of how much energy is available, i.e., stored power, may be of great interest as further explained below.
It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the power providing unit
202 is capable of providing, via the power providing interface, an indication that a bicycle is or not in motion. The determination may be made by monitoring the raw output of the dynamo using an integration circuit. An analog circuit may also be monitored by an analog to digital converter of the wireless communication module for the possibility of gauging speed.
In one embodiment, the processing unit 208 is further operatively connected to the power providing interface. In such embodiment, the power providing interface provides an indication of a motion of the bicycle, wherein the storing of the received at least one part of the position data signal is performed if the bicycle is in motion.
In an embodiment, the energy storage unit of the power providing unit 202 comprises a capacitor. It has been contemplated that rechargeable batteries can store a greater amount of energy but they require more support circuitry. In addition, batteries may be more affected by temperature, and most importantly will need to be replaced as they cycle and wear down which may be a drawback. It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the wireless communication module may be able to monitor a voltage level of the capacitor using an analog to digital converter in one embodiment. In fact, it will be appreciated that the amount of charge of a capacitor is proportional to its voltage, so this will give the application knowledge it needs regarding stored power availability.
Now referring to Figure 3, there is shown an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit 200.
As shown in Figure 3, the wireless position providing unit comprises the power providing unit 202, the wireless module 204 and the position data providing unit 206.
Now referring to Figure 4, there is shown an embodiment of the power providing unit 202.
Now referring back to Figure 2, the wireless position providing module 200 further comprises a position data providing unit 206.
The position data providing unit 206 is used for providing position data indicative of a position of a bicycle.
In an embodiment, the position data is obtained using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.
It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the position data providing unit 206 comprises a stand-alone off-the-shelf GPS receiver. The GPS receiver provides GPS radio receiver and signal processing functions including the antenna. The firmware is flash based.
In an embodiment, the position data providing unit 206 comprises ISM480F1 manufactured by Inventek Systems(TM). It will be appreciated that the chip used contains an integrated ROM-based ARM7 processor and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that provides signal processing of the received radio signal and controls the real time aspects of the system.
The GPS receiver module communicates with an external microcontroller through high-level messages over one of several industry standard serial busses. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the antenna will be comprised in the position data providing unit 206 itself. An advantage of such design is that this will preclude cabling and/or external protrusions from the enclosure.
It will be appreciated that the position data providing unit 206 is managed by the wireless communication module 204 with an objective of minimizing power consumption.
Accordingly and in an embodiment, the position data providing unit 206 will operate at a sampling rate specified by the wireless interface module 110.
In an embodiment, the position data providing unit 206 will be woken up by the wireless communication module 204, achieve synchronization with the GPS satellites, provide real-time and global position, and be put back to sleep. It will be appreciated that while power consumption in the full on state may be significant, the power consumption in the sleep state is almost insignificant.
In an embodiment and once powered up, it has been contemplated that it takes about one minute for the position data providing unit 206 to get an initial position fix. After that, the position data providing unit 206 may be woken up by the wireless communication module 204, get a fix, and put to sleep as needed. Subsequent cycles will take about 1 second.
It will be appreciated that the initial fix determines the position of the position data providing unit 206 without any previous knowledge of its position or of the satellites in the area. Subsequent fixes are based on previous knowledge and can therefore be completed much more quickly.
It will be appreciated that in the case where the bicycle is stopped and if power is lost completely, the position data providing unit 206 can use the previous stored samples to aid in getting the initial fix and save time in the process.
It will be also appreciated that another factor may be the power-up time of the position data providing unit 206 itself. For instance, code may need to be loaded from internal Read Only Memory (ROM) into internal Random Access Memory (RAM), the Power ON Self-Test (POST) may need to run, and the internal firmware may need to initialize the internal hardware modules. It will be appreciated that this may not be necessary for subsequent fixes. In an embodiment, the position data providing unit 206 is operatively connected to the wireless communication module 214 over a standard asynchronous serial interface.
Still in an embodiment, the GPS coordinates are available in NMEA format, known to the skilled addressee.
Now referring back to Figure 2, the memory unit 210 is used for storing data. It will be appreciated that the memory unit 210 is used for storing a plurality of position data which may also be referred to as a position log.
In an embodiment, the memory unit 210 comprises an external Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) non-volatile memory. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the data will be retained across a complete power outage.
In an embodiment, the memory unit 210 is operatively connected to the wireless communication module 204 over a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus port.
Still referring to Figure 2, the wireless communication module 204 comprises the processing unit 208 and the wireless communication unit 212.
In an embodiment, the wireless communication module 204 comprises firmware provided by the manufacturer that supports several functions. The firmware cannot be changed over the wireless interface in an embodiment.
As mentioned above, the wireless communication unit 212 is used for communicating with the wireless interface module 110.
It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, a wireless download may enable the user owner-generated Python scripts to be loaded into the wireless communication module 204 flash.
Still in an embodiment, the application code will be initially loaded to the wireless communication module 204 over a wired connection. It can be later updated using this feature.
It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, the wireless communication module 204 firmware supports 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption over the wireless link. Accordingly, position data may be encrypted prior transmission. The wireless position providing unit 200 application software will be loaded into the wireless communication module 204 using Flash at manufacturing time and may be updated subsequently wirelessly.
Since the power to run the wireless position providing unit 200 is sourced from the bicycle dynamo, the availability of power may be uncertain. For instance, the user may stop for an extended period of time in the course of the rental, etc. Therefore, the firmware of the wireless position providing unit 200 must be able to deal with power outage at any time. An analog-to-digital converter within the processing unit 208 will be used in an embodiment to measure the power reserves and allow the firmware to proceed if there is enough power reserve to complete the task, as further explained below.
In fact, it will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the most critical task in this category may be the writing on the memory unit 210 which can be corrupted if power is lost in the middle of an operation. For that reason and in an embodiment, a supervisor circuit will be used to reset the wireless communication module 204 when the power level drops below a critical level.
Now referring to Figure 5, there is shown an embodiment of the wireless communication module 204.
Now referring to Fig 7, there is shown an embodiment of a method for storing position data for a bicycle.
According to processing step 702, position data of a bicycle are stored in use. It will be appreciated that the position data of the bicycle are stored in the wireless position providing unit 200.
According to processing step 704, a request for position data is received. The request for position data may be transmitted by a wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.
In an embodiment, it will be appreciated that the request for position data is received by the wireless position providing unit 200 and is transmitted by a wireless interface module 110 located in the vicinity of the wireless position providing unit 200.
In an embodiment, the wireless interface module 110 is located in a bicycle providing station. According to processing step 706, the position data are wirelessly transmitted. The position data are wirelessly transmitted to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.
Now referring to Figure 14, there is shown an embodiment for transmitting the position data to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.
According to processing step 1402, an indication of a power available is obtained. It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the indication of power available may be obtained according to various embodiments.
In an embodiment, the indication of power available is obtained using an analog to digital converter as explained above.
According to processing step 1404, a test is performed in order to find out if the energy stored in the energy storage is sufficient for transmission of the position data.
In an embodiment, the test is performed by the processing unit 208.
In the case where the energy stored in the energy storage is sufficient and in accordance with processing step 1406, a transmission is performed.
In the case where the energy stored in the energy storage is not sufficient, i.e., lower than a given threshold, no transmission of the position data will occur.
It will be appreciated that the transmission of the position data may occur in the future when the energy stored in the energy storage will be sufficient, i.e., greater than the given threshold.
The skilled addressee will appreciate that this embodiment is of great advantage since this embodiment will ensure that no position data is lost during a wireless transmission of data started but not finished due to insufficient power which is very desirable. In fact, a loss of data may create a lot of frustration.
It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the position data are wirelessly transmitted from the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module 10.
It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the position data is compressed prior wireless transmission to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station. Now referring back to Figure 7 and according to processing step 708, the position data are transmitted to a remote processing unit. It will be appreciated that the position data are transmitted to a remote processing unit comprising an interface for enabling access to the user.
In an embodiment, the position data are transmitted to a remote location via a data network.
The skilled addressee will appreciate that the interface may be of various types. In an embodiment, the interface may be accessed using a web client, such as a web browser that communicates with the server. The user accesses the website using a processing unit running the web browser in one embodiment as explained above.
Now referring to Figure 8, there is shown an embodiment for powering up the wireless position providing unit 200.
According to processing step 802, input and outputs of the wireless position providing unit 200 are initialized.
According to processing step 804, a parameter table of the wireless position providing unit 200 is tested. The parameter table comprises all parameters associated with the power on self test.
According to processing step 806, a test is performed in order to find out if the parameter table of the wireless position providing unit 200 is valid or not.
In the case where the parameter table is not valid and in accordance with processing step 810, the parameter table is initialized.
In the case where the parameter table is valid and in accordance with processing step 808, sleepmode is set to off.
According to processing step 812, a test is performed in order to find out if an upload of position data started but had not finished, i.e., if a portion of old position data has been transmitted to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.
In the case where an upload has started but had not finished and in accordance with processing step 814, the old position data is deleted.
According to processing step 816, the position data providing unit 206 is initialized. According to processing step 818, the wireless communication unit 212 is initialized.
Now referring to Figure 9, there is shown an embodiment for clearing the old data.
According to processing step 902, the data are cleared from the memory unit 210.
According to processing step 904, storage pointer is reset to the beginning of the memory unit 210.
Now referring to Figure 10, there is shown an embodiment for providing position data.
According to processing step 1000, a test is performed in order to find out if the wireless position providing module 200 is in sleep mode.
In the case where the wireless position providing module 200 is in sleep mode and in accordance with processing step 1012, a check is performed with the power providing unit 202 for a bicycle motion.
According to processing step 1014, a test is performed to find out if a bicycle motion is detected.
It will be appreciated that a bicycle motion may be detected according to various embodiments.
In one embodiment, the bicycle motion may be detected by monitoring an output from a dynamo of the bicycle.
In an alternative embodiment, the bicycle motion may be detected by monitoring an output from an accelerometer.
In the case where a bicycle motion is detected and in accordance with processing step 1016, sleepmode is set to false.
In the case where no bicycle motion is detected and in accordance with processing step 1018, the wireless position providing module 200 remains in sleep mode.
In the case where the position providing module is not in sleep mode and in accordance with processing step 1002, position data is read.
In accordance with processing step 1004, a test is performed by the wireless communication module 204 in order to find out if stored power is large enough, i.e., if stored power is greater than a given threshold. In one embodinnent, this is achieved by ensuring that a voltage level of the energy storage unit is greater than a given threshold.
In the case where the stored power is large enough and in accordance with processing step 1006, the position data is stored.
In an embodiment, the position data is stored in the memory unit 210.
In accordance with processing step 1008, a wireless signal is sent.
In an embodiment, the wireless signal is sent by the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200.
In one embodiment, the wireless signal sent comprises an identification of the bicycle transmitting the wireless signal, i.e., an identification of the bicycle to which the wireless position providing unit 200 is secured.
In one embodiment, the wireless signal comprises an identification of a current location.
Still in an embodiment, the wireless signal is sent to a wireless interface module.
In accordance with processing step 010, a wireless signal is received.
In an embodiment, the wireless signal is received by the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200. Still in an embodiment, the wireless signal is received from a wireless interface module in response to a wireless signal sent.
Now referring to Figure 11 , there is shown an embodiment for storing position data.
According to processing step 1102, the position data is provided.
In an embodiment, the position data is provided by the position data providing unit 206.
According to processing step 1104, a test is performed in order to find out if the position data has changed, i.e., if a current position is identical to an immediately time-preceding position data.
In an embodiment, the test is performed by the processing unit 208 of the wireless communication module 204. In the case where the position data has changed compared to a previous one and in accordance with processing step 1 106, the position data is stored.
In an embodiment, the position data is stored in the memory unit 210.
It will be appreciated that the storing of the position data comprises storing a plurality of time stamps.
Also, it will be appreciated that a position storing rate may be amended depending on space available for storing position data.
Now referring to Figure 12, there is shown what happens following the receiving of a wireless signal shown in processing step 1010 in accordance with an embodiment.
According to processing step 1202, a command is received. It will be appreciated that the command is comprised in the wireless signal received.
According to processing step 1204, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is an acknowledgement command.
In the case where the command is not an acknowledgement command and in accordance with processing step 1206, a test is performed in order to find out if the command in an upload log command.
In the case where the command is an upload log command, also referred to as a request for position data, the position log is transmitted. It will be appreciated that such command may be transmitted after a user secures its bicycle to a bicycle dock.
In an embodiment, the position log is transmitted by the wireless communication module 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.
In the case where the command is not an upload log command and in accordance with processing step 1210, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is an initlog command.
In the case where the command is an initlog command and in accordance with processing step 1212, the old data is cleared. In the case where the command is not an initlog command and in accordance with processing step 1214, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a set heart rate command.
In the case where the command is a set heart rate command and in accordance with processing step 126, the rate of the heart beat is amended accordingly.
In the case where the command is not a set heart rate command and in accordance with processing step, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a set GPS rate command.
In the case where the command is a position storing rate, an embodiment of which is a set GPS rate command and in accordance with processing step 1218, a GPS polling rate is amended accordingly.
It will be appreciated that a given position storing rate may be modified. In the case where the command is not a set GPS rate command and in accordance with processing step 1220, a test is performed in order to find out of the command is a sleep command.
In the case where the command is a sleep command and in accordance with processing step 1224, the position data providing unit 206 is powered down. The storing of the position data of the bicycle is stopped.
In accordance with processing step 1226, the wireless communication unit is powered down.
In accordance with processing step 1228, a sleep mode is set.
In the case where the command is not a sleep command and in accordance with processing step 1230, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a request power level command.
In the case where the command is a request power level command, a message is transmitted with an indication of a stored power level. The message is transmitted by the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module 110.
In the case where the command is not a request power level command and in accordance with processing step 1236, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a request revision command. In the case where the command is a request revision command and in accordance with processing step 1234, a message comprising a firmware version is transmitted.
In the case where the command is not a request revision command and in accordance with processing step 1238, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is an update firmware command.
In the case where the command is an update firmware command and in accordance with processing step 1240, a firmware is downloaded by the wireless position providing unit 200 from the wireless interface module 110.
In accordance with processing step 1242, the firmware is stored. It will be appreciated that the firmware is stored in the wireless communication module 204.
Now referring to Figure 13, there is shown an embodiment for providing an indication of a level of power.
In accordance with processing step 1302, a stored power voltage is read.
In an embodiment, the stored power voltage is read by the wireless communication module 204.
According to processing step 1304, a test is performed in order to find out if the stored power voltage is greater than a given threshold.
In an embodiment, the test is performed by the wireless communication module 204.
In the case where the stored power voltage is greater than a given threshold and in accordance with processing step 1308, an indication that the stored voltage is greater than the threshold is provided.
In the case where the stored power voltage is not greater than a given threshold and in accordance with processing step 1306, an indication that the stored voltage is not greater than the threshold is provided.
Clause 1 : A method for enabling an apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle to provide position data, the apparatus having an energy storage unit, the method comprising the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle receiving a wireless position data request transmitted by a wireless transceiver installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station located in the vicinity of the bicycle; determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission of the position data; and transmitting the position data of the bicycle if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission.
Clause 2: The method as claimed in clause 1 , wherein the wireless position data request is received over a short-range wireless network.
Clause 3: The method as claimed in clause 2, wherein the short-range wireless network operates according to one of Bluetooth(T ) and ZigBee(TM) communication standard.
Clause 4: The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission comprises monitoring a voltage level of the energy storage unit and determining if the monitored voltage level is greater than a given threshold, further wherein the position data is transmitted if said voltage level is greater than the given threshold.
Clause 5: The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor.
Clause 6: The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for transmitting the position data further comprises the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle sending a wireless signal to the wireless transceiver, wherein the position data request is transmitted by the wireless transceiver in response to the wireless signal sent. Clause 7: The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the wireless position data request is transmitted after a user secures the bicycle to a bicycle dock. Clause 8: The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the transmitting of the position data comprises at least one of compressing and encrypting the position data.
Although the above description relates to a specific embodiment as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspect includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the elements described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A method for enabling an apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle to provide position data, the apparatus having an energy storage unit, the method comprising:
the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle receiving a wireless position data request transmitted by a wireless transceiver installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station located in the vicinity of the bicycle;
determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission of the position data; and
transmitting the position data of the bicycle if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the wireless position data request is received over a short-range wireless network.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the short-range wireless network operates according to one of Bluetooth(T ) and ZigBee(TM) communication standard.
4. The method as claimed in any ones of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for performing such transmission comprises monitoring a voltage level of the energy storage unit and determining if the monitored voltage level is greater than a given threshold, further wherein the position data is transmitted if said voltage level is greater than the given threshold.
5. The method as claimed in any ones of claims 1 to 4, wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor.
6. The method as claimed in any ones of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determining if the energy storage unit has sufficient power for transmitting the position data further comprises the apparatus for providing an indication of a path of a bicycle sending a wireless signal to the wireless transceiver, wherein the position data request is transmitted by the wireless transceiver in response to the wireless signal sent.
7. The method as claimed in any ones of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wireless position data request is transmitted after a user secures the bicycle to a bicycle dock.
8. The method as claimed in any ones of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmitting of the position data comprises at least one of compressing and encrypting the position data.
PCT/CA2013/000301 2012-03-29 2013-03-28 Method for transmitting an indication of a path followed by a bicycle WO2013142977A1 (en)

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