Multiprocessor control system for cycles, for example for competition bicycles

• US 7,200,447 B2
• Filed: 06/29/2004
• Issued: 04/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.
• Original Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.
• Inventors: Campagnolo, Valentino, Guderzo, Gianfranco
• Primary Examiner(s): Knight; Anthony
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hartman, Jr.; Ronald D
• Application Number:
  US10/880,076
• Publication Number:
  US 20040254650A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,008 Days
• Field of Search: 700/1, 700/2, 700/9, 700/17, 700 19- 20, 700/83
• US Class Current: 700/17
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 25/045 having single actuating means operating both front and rear derailleur
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 25/08 with electrical or fluid transmitting systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 22/002 for cycles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks

Abstract

An electronic control system for cycles, for use with a set of sensors, a set of actuators, and a set of control members associated to a cycle. The system having a first processor unit for processing and displaying information; a second processor unit for communication and for interfacing with said set of control members; and a third processor unit for interfacing with said set of sensors and said set of actuators. The first processor unit, the second processor unit, and the third processor unit are connected together via asynchronous bi-directional communication channels.

Claims

1. A system for controlling and managing operations of a mobile bicycle, the system comprising:

a first interface that displays and manages data;

a second interface that manages requests from a user; and

a controller in communication with at least one actuator that controls a gear shifting function of the cycle, wherein the first and second interfaces and the controller are in asynchronous bi-directional communication.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first interface is removably mounted to a cycle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second interface activates operation modes of the system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second interface sorts communication to and from the first interface and the controller.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller controls more than one actuator.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the more than one actuator is activated in response to a request by a user.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the more than one actuator is activated in response to a signal generated by the controller.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller exchanges information via a wireless local area network (WLAN).

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor for obtaining data regarding conditions of use.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor senses pedal cadence.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor senses chain movement.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor senses pedal effort.

13. A mobile bicycle control system comprising:

a first processor having an interface that displays and manages data;

a second processor having an interface that manages requests from a user; and

a controller in communication with at least one servo member that controls gear shifting functions, wherein the first and second processors and the controller are in asynchronous bi-directional communication.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller exchanges information via a wireless local area network (WLAN).

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the first processor interface is removably mounted to a cycle.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the second processor interface activates operation modes of the system.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the second processor interface sorts communication to and from the first interface and the controller.

18. The system of claim 13, further comprising at least one sensor for obtaining data regarding conditions of use.

19. A mobile bicycle gear shift control system comprising:

a first processor that displays and manages a bicycle'"'"'s operational data;

a second processor that receives and manages user requests;

at least one controller associated with performing gear shifting functions; and

an asynchronous communication connection between and among the first and second processors and the controller that selectively activated transmits a communication.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the controller exchanges information via a wireless local area network (WLAN).

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the first processor interface is removably mounted to a cycle.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the second processor interface activates operation modes of the system.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the second processor interface sorts communication to and from the first interface and the controller.

24. The system of claim 19, further comprising at least one sensor for obtaining data regarding conditions of use.