Multiprocessor control system for cycles, for example for competition bicycles

• US 7,623,931 B2
• Filed: 03/28/2007
• Issued: 11/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.
• Original Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.
• Inventors: Guderzo, Gianfranco, Campagnolo, Valentino
• Primary Examiner(s): Hartman, Jr.; Ronald D
• Application Number:
  US11/692,673
• Publication Number:
  US 20070179632A1
• Time in Patent Office: 972 Days
• Field of Search: 700/17, 700/83, 340/870.03, 340/870.15, 340/870.3, 701/1, 701/36
• 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 bicycle, the system comprising:

a first interface element that has communications capacity, displays data and manages data;

a second interface element that has communications capacity and manages inputs to the system;

at least one sensor that acquires information regarding conditions of use;

at least one actuator that controls a bicycle function; and

a controller that has communications capacity and controls a bicycle function, the controller, the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator exchange information via a wireless local area network (WLAN),

the first and second interface elements are directly connected with each other and the second interface element and the controller are directly connected with each other.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator is a gear changer.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second interface element sorts communication to and from the first interface and the controller.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller controls more than one actuator.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuator is activated in response to a request by a user.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuator is activated in response to a signal generated by the controller.

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

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first interface element is removably mounted to a bicycle.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor obtains 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 is a pedaling force sensor.