阅读说明：本技术 设有电子设备的自行车部件 (Bicycle component provided with an electronic device ) 是由 安东尼奥·里佐 于 2021-04-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及设有电子设备的自行车部件。本发明涉及一种操作与自行车部件相关联并包括处理器和唤醒单元的电子设备的方法,该方法包括能够由所述电子设备的所述处理器执行的以下步骤：-以待机模式和运行模式交替地操作,-在预定唤醒条件下,在从所述唤醒单元接收到唤醒信号时,从所述待机模式切换到所述运行模式,以及-在从所述运行模式切换到所述待机模式之前,通过更新所述预定唤醒条件来修改所述唤醒单元的配置,使得后续的唤醒信号在更新后的唤醒条件下被发送到所述处理器。本发明还涉及相关的自行车部件。(The present invention relates to a bicycle component provided with an electronic device. The invention relates to a method of operating an electronic device associated with a bicycle component and comprising a processor and a wake-up unit, the method comprising the following steps executable by the processor of the electronic device: -alternately operating in a standby mode and a run mode, -switching from the standby mode to the run mode upon receiving a wake-up signal from the wake-up unit under a predetermined wake-up condition, and-modifying the configuration of the wake-up unit by updating the predetermined wake-up condition before switching from the run mode to the standby mode such that subsequent wake-up signals are sent to the processor under the updated wake-up condition. The present invention also relates to an associated bicycle component.)

1. A method of operating an electronic device associated with a bicycle component and comprising a processor and a wake-up unit, the method comprising the following steps executable by the processor of the electronic device:

-operating alternately in standby mode and in running mode,

-switching from a standby mode to an operational mode upon receiving a wake-up signal from said wake-up unit under predetermined wake-up conditions, an

-before switching from the running mode to the standby mode, modifying the configuration of the wake-up unit by updating the predetermined wake-up condition such that a subsequent wake-up signal is sent to the processor in the updated wake-up condition.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle component is a bicycle moving component, preferably a bicycle rotating component, more preferably a bicycle transmission component.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined wake-up condition comprises at least one condition selected from the group consisting of: a predetermined position of the bicycle component relative to a fixed reference element of the bicycle, a predetermined inclination assumed by the bicycle and/or the bicycle component relative to a reference axis, a predetermined load acting on the bicycle component, a predetermined angular position assumed by the rotating bicycle component or the bicycle transmission component during a rotational movement about an axis of rotation.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the wake-up unit comprises a sensor, and further comprising the following steps executable by the wake-up unit of the electronic device:

-detecting a parameter associated with the bicycle component by means of the sensor; and

-send the wake-up signal to the processor when the parameter detected by the sensor satisfies the predetermined wake-up condition.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein in the step of modifying the configuration of the wake-up unit, the updated wake-up condition is defined starting from the predetermined wake-up condition or starting from a value assumed by the parameter detected by the wake-up unit when the operating mode of the processor switches to the standby mode.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein when the predetermined wake-up condition comprises a predetermined angular position of the rotating bicycle component or the bicycle transmission component, in the step of modifying the configuration of the wake-up unit, the predetermined wake-up condition is updated to an updated angular position:

-the updated angular position is moved by a predetermined update angle relative to the predetermined angular position, or

-the updated angular position is moved by a predetermined update angle relative to the angular position assumed by the bicycle component when switching from the running mode to the standby mode of the processor.

7. Method according to claim 4, wherein said parameter detected by said sensor of said wake-up unit comprises a first component of a vector measured along a first detection axis of said sensor, and preferably a second component of a vector measured along a second detection axis of said sensor, said first component and, if present, also said second component of said vector being defined by a respective magnitude and a positive or negative sign representing the orientation of said first and second components along the respective detection axis.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the predetermined wake-up condition specifies: the first component of the vector measured along the first detection axis of the sensor exceeds a first magnitude threshold of the vector in magnitude and matches a positive or negative sign; or in case the second component of the vector is also present, the predetermined wake-up condition provides for:

-the first component of the vector measured along the first detection axis of the sensor exceeds in magnitude a first magnitude threshold of the vector and matches a positive or negative sign; or

-the second component of the vector measured along the second detection axis of the sensor exceeds in magnitude a second magnitude threshold of the vector and matches a positive or negative sign.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor of the wake-up unit is an accelerometer and the vector detected is an acceleration.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step executable by the processor of the electronic device of: switching from the run mode to the standby mode under a sleep condition, the sleep condition comprising at least one condition selected from the group consisting of: a predetermined position of the bicycle component relative to a fixed reference element of a bicycle, a predetermined inclination assumed by a bicycle and/or the bicycle component relative to a reference axis, a predetermined load acting on the bicycle component, a duration of a predetermined angular position assumed by the rotating bicycle component or the bicycle transmission component during a rotational movement about an axis of rotation being longer than a time threshold; and the rotating bicycle component or the bicycle transmission component has no rotational movement for longer than a time threshold.

11. A bicycle component comprising an electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

-a processor adapted to operate alternately in a standby mode and a run mode, and

a wake-up unit operatively connected to the processor and configured to send a wake-up signal to the processor to switch from the standby mode to the run mode under predetermined wake-up conditions,

wherein the processor is adapted to modify the configuration of the wake-up unit each time by updating the predetermined wake-up condition before switching from the run mode to the standby mode, such that a subsequent wake-up signal is sent to the processor in the updated wake-up condition.

12. A component according to claim 11, which is a bicycle moving component, preferably a bicycle rotating component, more preferably a bicycle transmission component, preferably selected from the group consisting of: crank arm, pedal, spider frame guide rod of crank arm on drive side, fluted disc, axis mandrel, flywheel body of the gear train, sprocket.

13. The component of claim 11, wherein the wake-up unit comprises a sensor configured to detect a parameter associated with the bicycle component, and wherein the wake-up unit is configured to send the wake-up signal to the processor when the parameter detected by the sensor satisfies the predetermined wake-up condition, the sensor preferably being selected from the group consisting of: accelerometers, magnetic field sensors, inclinometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, load sensors, the magnetic field sensors being more preferably self-contained.

14. The component of claim 11, wherein the electronic device comprises one or more electronic components selected from the group consisting of: at least one stress/strain detector, a cadence detector, an analog-to-digital converter, a communication module, an external/internal temperature sensor, a volatile/non-volatile memory, a battery power supply unit, a connector, a battery charging and current and/or voltage limiting circuit, a protection circuit for said battery power supply unit, one or more optical indicators, a control device for an electromechanical or electrohydraulic actuator.

15. The component of claim 11, wherein the electronic device implements or is an integral part of a torque meter and/or a power meter and/or a wireless communication system and/or an electromechanical or electrohydraulic actuator.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of bicycles and, more particularly, to a bicycle component provided with an electronic device and an associated operating method.

Background

Bicycles are increasingly being equipped with one or more electronic devices.

Here, the electronic device of particular interest is, for example, a torque meter or a power meter, which can be associated with a bicycle component (such as, for example, a transmission component). In the present description and in the appended claims, the term "torque meter" refers to an instrument for detecting the torque transmitted by a cyclist; the term "power meter" refers to an instrument for detecting the pedaling power. As is well known, the power measurement may be obtained by the processor by combining the output of the torque meter with the output of the angular velocity meter.

Another example of an electronic device may comprise a wireless communication system, i.e. a radio system that sends/receives commands, which may be associated with bicycle components, such as e.g. transmission components, wheels, hubs, (front or rear) derailleur elements, derailleur control devices, in particular with handlebars, brake levers, saddle, seat levers, shock absorbers, etc.

The electronic device typically comprises one or more electronic components, such as for example a processor, and is typically powered by one or more battery power supply units suitably arranged on the bicycle. Sometimes, each electronic device of a bicycle includes its own battery power unit.

The battery power supply unit that powers the electronic device may be replaceable, rechargeable on the vehicle or rechargeable when removed from the bicycle. In all cases, it is necessary to keep the energy consumption of the electronic device as low as possible in order to preserve the charge of the battery power supply unit and thus to maintain the autonomy of the electronic device.

To this end, in addition to providing the electronic device with an actual on/off switch, one or more electronic components of the device (like for example a processor) may be operated according to different operation modes (for example by alternating the run mode with the standby mode).

In the present description and in the appended claims, the "standby mode" (sometimes also indicated as sleep or standby or low power mode) is intended to denote a condition in which the electronic component is not operating but is ready to switch from a temporary non-use state to a running mode; in standby mode, typically only those circuits that allow a component to be activated when a command or generally an input is received that involves actuating the component remain operational, thus having low power consumption.

In contrast, in the present description and in the appended claims, an "operating mode" of an electronic component is intended to mean a mode in which the component is ready to receive commands or, in general, inputs and perform tasks, but it may merely participate in waiting for commands and inputs without performing any specific task.

In this description and in the appended claims, a switch from a standby mode to an operating mode is indicated as a wake-up of an electronic component. More generally, it is also intended to cover: upon wake-up of the component, the device is kept in a run mode, preventing it from entering a standby mode. In both cases, the same signal or similar signals may be used.

The applicant has noted that the switching from the standby mode to the operating mode is typically controlled by a wake-up mechanism adapted to transmit a wake-up signal. The wake-up signal may be transmitted based on detection by a suitable sensor associated with the electronic device.

For example, european patent application EP3566935a1 of the same applicant describes a bicycle crank arm provided with an electronic system comprising a battery power supply unit, a processor having a standby mode and a running mode, and a wake-up unit emitting a wake-up signal of the processor.

In the embodiment described in this application, the wake-up unit is implemented by an accelerometer, and the wake-up signal comprises: an interrupt generated by the accelerometer when the accelerometer detects an acceleration along one of its axes that is equal to or greater than a threshold or minimum acceleration.

In this context, the technical problem facing the applicant is to provide an alternative wake-up mechanism.

In particular, the applicant faced the technical problem of providing a reliable and efficient alternative wake-up mechanism.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method of operating an electronic device associated with a bicycle component and comprising a processor and a wake-up unit, the method comprising the following steps executable by the processor of the electronic device:

-operating alternately in standby mode and in running mode,

-switching from the standby mode to the operational mode upon receiving a wake-up signal from the wake-up unit under a predetermined wake-up condition, an

-before switching from the run mode to the standby mode, modifying the configuration of the wake-up unit by updating the predetermined wake-up condition such that a subsequent wake-up signal is sent to the processor in the updated wake-up condition.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention also relates to a bicycle component comprising an electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

a processor adapted to operate alternately in a standby mode and a run mode, an

A wake-up unit operatively connected to the processor and configured to send a wake-up signal to the processor to switch from the standby mode to the run mode under predetermined wake-up conditions,

characterized in that the processor is adapted to modify the configuration of the wake-up unit each time by updating the predetermined wake-up condition before switching from the run mode to the standby mode, such that a subsequent wake-up signal is sent to the processor in the updated wake-up condition.

As will be clear from the following description, each time the wake-up condition is updated (in other words modified), such that a subsequent wake-up signal is sent to the processor in the updated (in other words modified) wake-up condition, advantageously allows for an alternative, reliable and efficient wake-up mechanism.

Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention, the updating of the wake-up condition particularly allows to minimize the chance of unwanted wake-ups of the processor of the electronic device and thus to save the charge of the battery power supply unit powering the device and its components.

The invention in one or more of its aspects may have one or more of the preferred features given below, which may be combined with each other as desired, depending on the application requirements.

Preferably, the bicycle component is a moving bicycle component.

In this description and the appended claims, a moving part of a bicycle is intended to mean a part of the bicycle that can be moved, in use, between one or more positions relative to a fixed reference element of the bicycle, for example by a translational movement and/or a rotational movement about an axis of rotation.

The fixed reference element of the bicycle is for example the frame of the bicycle.

Non-limiting examples of moving parts of a bicycle include rotating bicycle parts, elements of the moving body of the (front or rear) derailleur, the saddle, the seat post, the shock absorber, the derailleur control device (in particular associated with the handlebar).

More preferably, the bicycle component is a rotating bicycle component.

In this specification and the appended claims, a "rotating bicycle component" is intended to mean a bicycle component that is configured to rotate about its axis of rotation in use.

For example, such a rotating component can be a wheel, a rim, a hub, a shaft of an actuator adapted to move a bicycle element (e.g., a shaft of a motor or gear motor associated with an electromechanical actuator of a derailleur), or a bicycle transmission component.

In the present description and in the appended claims, by "bicycle transmission component" it is intended to mean a component that starts to rotate during use of the bicycle (and not only by the pedaling motion exerted by the cyclist, when the bicycle is moved from the outside onto a running surface, for example by displacement of the user's hands).

Even more preferably, the bicycle component is a bicycle transmission component.

The bicycle transmission component is preferably selected from the group consisting of a crank arm, a pedal, a spider yoke guide (spider leg) of the crank arm on the transmission side, a chainring, a bottom bracket spindle, a freewheel body of the gearset, and a sprocket.

Preferably, the predetermined wake-up condition comprises at least one condition selected from the group consisting of: a predetermined position of the bicycle component relative to a fixed reference element of the bicycle, a predetermined inclination assumed by the bicycle and/or the bicycle component relative to a reference axis, a predetermined load acting on the bicycle component, a predetermined angular position assumed by the rotating bicycle component or the bicycle transmission component during the rotational movement about the rotational axis.

In particular, when the bicycle component is a moving component, the predetermined wake-up condition is preferably a predetermined position comprising the bicycle component relative to a fixed reference element of the bicycle (such as e.g. the frame).

In the case of a rotating part, more particularly a bicycle transmission part, the predetermined wake-up condition preferably comprises a predetermined angular position assumed by the bicycle part during a rotational movement about the rotational axis.

In particular, in the case where the bicycle component is a transmission component, providing an update of the predetermined wake-up condition for issuing each subsequent wake-up signal has a particularly advantageous implementation, since involuntary movements or vibrations of the bicycle component (not corresponding to the rotation imparted by the cyclist through the voluntary pedaling motion) are able to satisfy such predetermined wake-up condition and cause an unwanted wake-up of the processor of the electronic device to be effectively minimized, thereby advantageously preserving the charge of the battery power supply unit powering the electronic device and its components.

In fact, since the updating of said predetermined wake-up condition involves modifying the angular position of the bicycle component at the time of the wake-up signal, the chance of the component randomly moving to an updated angular position (which differs from the previous angular position each time) is consistently reduced, if not substantially eliminated.

In other words, unwanted and repeated vibrations or movements in the same direction and/or in the same orientation are prevented from causing the wake-up of the processor in an unwanted manner.

This type of wake-up mechanism is therefore particularly suitable for application to electronic devices such as torque meters or power meters, for example crank arms or other transmission components, which must necessarily pass through a particular angular position in a particular sequence, due to the fact that the cyclist must step on the pedal to generate power.

Even more preferably, the bicycle component is a crank arm.

In this case, the electronic device is preferably fixed on the crank arm or integrated in the crank arm.

More preferably, the crank arm is monolithic and made of a composite material comprising structural fibres incorporated in a polymer matrix, the crank arm being co-moulded with one or more printed circuit boards implementing said electronic device.

Preferably, the wake-up unit comprises a sensor configured to detect a parameter associated with the bicycle component, and the wake-up unit is configured to send the wake-up signal to the processor when the parameter detected by the sensor satisfies a wake-up condition.

Preferably, in this case, the method further comprises the following steps that can be performed by the wake-up unit of the electronic device:

-detecting, by the sensor, a parameter associated with a bicycle component; and is

-sending a wake-up signal to the processor when the detected parameter fulfils a predetermined wake-up condition.

In an embodiment, in the step of modifying the configuration of the wake-up unit, the updated wake-up conditions are defined starting from predetermined wake-up conditions.

According to this way of updating the wake-up conditions (hereinafter also denoted "wake-up"), updated wake-up conditions are defined starting from predetermined wake-up conditions, in other words from those wake-up conditions of the processor at the previous wake-up.

In particular, in embodiments where the wake-up condition includes a predetermined angular position of the rotating bicycle component or bicycle transmission component, the updated angular position is moved by a predetermined update angle relative to the predetermined angular position of the bicycle component.

In this case, the updated angular wake-up position is defined starting from the predetermined angular position, again according to the "wake-up-wake-up" update pattern of the wake-up condition, which corresponds to the last angular wake-up position of the bicycle component, in other words, to the position of the processor at the previous wake-up.

Preferably, in an alternative embodiment, in the step of modifying the configuration of the wake-up unit, the updated wake-up condition is defined starting from a value assumed by a parameter detected by the wake-up unit when switching from the operational mode to the standby mode of the processor.

This update mode of the wake-up condition (hereinafter also indicated as "sleep-wake") provides for defining an updated wake-up condition based on values assumed by parameters associated with the bicycle component when sleeping or entering a standby step of the processor.

In particular, in embodiments where the wake-up condition includes a predetermined angular position of a rotating bicycle component or bicycle transmission component, the updated angular position is shifted by a predetermined update angle relative to the angular position assumed by the bicycle component when switching from the processor's operating mode to the standby mode.

In this particular case, according to the "sleep-wake" update pattern of wake-up conditions, subsequent updated angular positions are determined from the last angular sleep position of the processor, which is of course not known a priori, so unlike the "wake-wake" pattern, subsequent updated angular positions for each transmission of a wake-up signal are distributed substantially randomly and unpredictably along a complete circle, rather than falling at positions that have been predetermined from the beginning. However, this configuration is advantageous because it further reduces the chance of unwanted wake-ups of the processor. In fact, the updated angular position is prevented from being accidentally defined at the last angular sleep position of the processor.

Preferably, in all of the cases listed above, the predetermined update angle is 90 °.

In an embodiment, the processor of the electronic device is configured to switch from the standby mode to the running mode only after receiving a plurality of repeated wake-up signals from the wake-up unit.

In this case, the step of switching from the standby mode to the operational mode, which can be performed by the processor of the electronic device, preferably comprises switching from the standby mode to the operational mode only after receiving a plurality of repeated wake-up signals from the wake-up unit.

This configuration enhances the wake-up condition by ignoring the first wake-up signal (and possibly also further subsequent wake-up signals) to prevent false alarms (false positives). For example, in fact, when the wake-up condition comprises a predetermined angular position of a rotating bicycle component or bicycle transmission component, the first wake-up signal (and possibly also further subsequent wake-up signals) may be due to an involuntary and undesired rotation of the bicycle component (even if it occurs in rare and accidental cases) that brings the bicycle component precisely into the updated angular position where the emission of the first wake-up signal takes place.

Alternatively, the wake-up unit may be configured to: the wake-up unit sends a wake-up signal to the processor only after a parameter detected by the sensor has fulfilled the wake-up condition a certain number of times, or for example only after the angular position of the rotating bicycle component has gradually moved by a predetermined repetition angle relative to the previous angular position of the component, after said parameter has fulfilled.

Preferably, the repetition angle is equal to the update angle, more preferably equal to 90 °.

Preferably, the sensor of the wake-up unit is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a magnetic field sensor (preferably self-contained), an inclinometer, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, a load sensor.

In the present description and in the appended claims, the term "self-contained magnetic field sensor" is intended to mean a magnetic sensor (for example a magnetometer) which is completely autonomous and does not require any other element outside the electronic device housing the magnetic sensor to perform its function. For example, the self-contained magnetic field sensor may be a magnetometer adapted to detect the earth's magnetic field.

Preferably, the parameter associated with the bicycle component detected by the wake-up unit and in particular by its sensor comprises a first component of a vector measured along a first detection axis of the sensor.

Preferably, the vector indicates or can relate to a position, more preferably an angular position, of a bicycle component.

The vector is preferably selected from acceleration, gravitational acceleration, velocity, angular velocity, earth's magnetic field, rotation angle.

Preferably, the parameter associated with the component detected by the wake-up unit and in particular by its sensor comprises a second component of said vector measured along a second detection axis of the sensor.

In an embodiment, said parameter detected by the wake-up unit, and in particular by its sensor, further comprises a third component of said vector measured along a third detection axis of the sensor.

Preferably, said first component and, if present, said second and/or said third component of the vector detected by the wake-up unit are defined by respective magnitudes and signs (positive or negative) representative of the direction of the above-mentioned components along the respective detection axis.

Preferably, said predetermined wake-up condition provides that said first component of the vector measured along the first detection axis of the sensor exceeds in magnitude a first magnitude threshold of the vector and matches a positive or negative sign.

More preferably, the predetermined wake-up condition specifies:

-said first component of the vector measured along a first detection axis of the sensor exceeds in magnitude a first magnitude threshold of the vector and matches with a positive or negative sign; or

-said second component of the vector measured along the second detection axis of the sensor exceeds in magnitude a second magnitude threshold of the vector and matches either the positive or negative sign.

In this way, the wake-up signal is transmitted each time at an orientation (detection axis) and an orientation (positive or negative) from which the vector is measured, which are different and preferably configured to follow the movement (preferably rotation) of the bicycle component when in use.

More preferably, the predetermined wake-up conditions further each comprise whether the first component of a vector or respectively also the second component of a vector is above the respective first and second magnitude thresholds by more than a duration threshold.

This allows verifying that the magnitude of the detected vector is steadily above the threshold, thus filtering out false-positive situations due to random or undesired oscillations of the magnitude of the vector.

In other embodiments, the predetermined wake-up condition specifies one of the following alternative conditions:

-said first component of the vector measured along a first detection axis of the sensor exceeds in magnitude a first magnitude threshold of the vector and matches with a positive or negative sign; or

-said second component of the vector measured along a second detection axis of the sensor exceeds in magnitude a second magnitude threshold of the vector and matches a positive or negative sign; or

-said third component of the vector measured along a third detection axis of the sensor exceeds in magnitude a third magnitude threshold of the vector and matches either the positive or negative sign.

Preferably, in this case, the predetermined wake-up conditions each further comprise that the first component of a vector and respectively also the second and third component of a vector exceed the respective first, second and third magnitude thresholds of a vector by a duration threshold.

More preferably, the sensor of the wake-up unit is an accelerometer.

In this case, the detected vector is an acceleration.

When the sensor is an accelerometer, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer with piezo effect, an accelerometer with piezo-resistive effect, an accelerometer with capacitive effect, an accelerometer for measuring eddy currents.

Preferably, in this case, the predetermined wake-up condition comprises that said first acceleration component measured along the first axis of the accelerometer exceeds a first acceleration threshold in magnitude and matches a positive/negative sign.

More preferably, in this case, the predetermined wake-up condition specifies:

-said first acceleration component measured along a first axis of the accelerometer exceeds a first acceleration threshold in magnitude and matches a positive or negative sign; or

-said second acceleration component measured along the second axis of the accelerometer exceeds a second acceleration threshold in magnitude and matches either a positive or negative sign.

In this way, the wake-up signal is sent each time in the orientation (axis of the accelerometer) and the pointing direction (positive or negative sign) along which the acceleration is measured, which are different and preferably configured to follow the movement, preferably the rotation, that the bicycle component follows in use.

For example, when the bicycle component is a crank arm, the magnitude, orientation and pointing direction of the acceleration component measured along the detection axis of the accelerometer corresponds to the rotation of the crank arm imparted by the rider during pedaling.

Preferably, the processor is configured to detect a rotational movement of the rotating bicycle component, more preferably based on an output signal of said sensor of the wake-up unit.

Preferably, the processor is configured to: the processor switches from the run mode to the standby mode when no rotational movement of the rotating bicycle component is detected for longer than a threshold.

Preferably, the wake-up unit is supported entirely by or in the bicycle component.

In other words, the wake-up unit does not include and does not require elements other than bicycle components for operation of the shoe-changing unit.

Preferably, the electronic device comprises one or more electronic components selected from at least one stress/strain detector, cadence detector, analog-to-digital converter, communication module, external/internal temperature sensor, volatile/non-volatile memory, preferably containing a wake-up condition, battery power supply unit, recharging connector, one or more internal connectors (if the electronic device is made in multiple parts), one or more external connectors, battery charging and current and/or voltage limiting circuits, protection circuits of the battery power supply unit (also indicated as ESD circuit), one or more optical indicators, control devices of electromechanical or electrohydraulic actuators of elements of the bicycle.

When the electronic device comprises a battery power supply unit, this preferably comprises one or more batteries which are replaceable, are rechargeable on board or are rechargeable in a state detached from the electronic device.

When the electronic device comprises a number of electronic components, the processor is preferably configured to control the various electronic components such that the electronic device operates according to different operating states, like for example a full operating state (also indicated as fully awake state), a standby state, and possibly a temporary or partial operating state (also referred to as monitoring state).

For example, it may be provided that, in a fully awake state of the electronic device, all electronic components comprised therein are in a respective operating mode; in the standby state of the device, all electronic components are in standby mode, and in partial operating mode, some components (like for example processors and wake-up units) are in operating or partial operating mode, while other components not currently in use are in standby mode.

Preferably, the electronic device implements or is an integral part of a torque meter and/or a power meter.

Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device implements or is a component of a wireless communication system.

Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device implements, or is an integral part of, an electromechanical or electrohydraulic actuator for a bicycle component.

In the case of an electronic device implementing a torque meter and/or a power meter or being an integral part thereof, such a meter is preferably of the symmetrical type and comprises two sub-systems made at each crank arm of the bicycle, one of said sub-systems comprising the aforesaid electronic device.

In an alternative embodiment, the torque meter and/or the power meter are of the asymmetric type.

In this case, the torque meter and/or the power meter comprise a single system made at the crank arm on the transmission side of the bicycle or at the bottom bracket spindle of the crank set.

Preferably, when the sensor of the wake-up unit is an accelerometer, this also serves as a cadence detector for the electronic device, in particular when the electronic device implements or is a constituent part of a torque meter and/or a power meter.

Preferably, when the electronic device comprises a stress/strain detector, this comprises at least one strain gauge and a relative reading unit.

In this case, the processor of the electronic device is preferably configured to generate a torque signal based on the signal of the stress/strain detector and/or a power signal based on the signal of the stress/strain detector and the signal of the cadence detector.

Preferably, the processor is configured to turn on the stress/strain detector when the electronic device enters a fully awake state, and to turn off the stress/strain detector when the electronic device enters a standby state (or a partial run/monitor state, if present).

Preferably, when the electronic device comprises a communication module, this preferably comprises a radio transceiver configured to communicate with the external component, in particular to transmit data, such as torque or power measured at the external component.

Preferably, in this case, the processor is configured to turn on the communication module when the electronic device enters a fully awake state, and to turn off the communication module when the electronic device enters a standby state (or a partial run/monitor state, if present).

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of detecting the rotational movement of the rotating bicycle component, which step may be performed by a wake-up unit of the electronic device, more particularly by a sensor thereof, or alternatively by a second sensor of the electronic device or a second sensor located elsewhere on the bicycle.

Preferably, the method further comprises the steps executable by the processor of the electronic device of: switching from the run mode to the standby mode under a sleep condition, the sleep condition comprising at least one condition selected from the group consisting of: a predetermined position of the bicycle component relative to a fixed reference element of the bicycle, a predetermined inclination assumed by the bicycle and/or the bicycle component relative to a reference axis, a predetermined load acting on the bicycle component, a duration of the predetermined angular position assumed by the rotating bicycle component or the bicycle transmission component during the rotational movement about the rotation axis is longer than a time threshold; and the rotating bicycle component has no rotational motion for longer than a time threshold.

Preferably, the method further comprises the steps executable by the processor when in the run mode of: crank arm rotation cadence data and/or pedaling torque data applied by a rider on the crank arm is processed.

Preferably, the method further comprises the steps executable by the processor when in the run mode of: a torque signal and/or a power signal is generated.

Preferably, when the bicycle component is a crank arm, the pedaling torque data is obtained based on a force obtained from an output of the stress/strain detector and based on a known crank arm length.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of a preferred embodiment thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an electronic device that may be associated with a bicycle component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an electronic device that can be associated with a bicycle component in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a bicycle component in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a graph relating to the trend over time of parameters that can be detected by sensors of the electronic device of FIG. 2 associated with the bicycle component of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the bicycle component of FIG. 3 in a different angular position;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the definition of a wake-up condition associated with a bicycle component according to one embodiment of the present invention;

figure 7 shows the qualitative trend of the parameter detected by the sensor and the associated wake-up signal according to the prior art;

FIG. 8 shows a qualitative trend of a parameter detected by a sensor of an electronic device supported by a bicycle component and a related wake-up signal according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a method of operating an electronic device associated with a bicycle component in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram relating to an electronic device 10 configured to be associated with a bicycle component in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The electronic device 10 includes a processor 12 and a wake-up unit 14 operatively connected to each other.

The processor 12 is suitably programmed to control one or more electronic components (not shown in fig. 1), which may be an integral part of the electronic device 10 itself, or may be part of other electronic devices supported on the same bicycle component or, more generally, elsewhere on the bicycle.

The processor 12 and the wake-up unit 14, as well as possible other electronic components of the electronic device 10, are powered by a suitable power source, like for example a battery power supply unit (not shown), which may be integrated in the electronic device 10 itself or located elsewhere on the bicycle.

For power saving purposes, the processor 12 is configured to operate alternately according to a run mode and a standby mode, wherein the energy consumption of the processor 12 is minimized.

The wake-up unit 14 specifically includes a sensor 16, the sensor 16 configured to detect one or more parameters associated with a bicycle component supporting the electronic device 10. When the parameter detected by the sensor 16 satisfies a predetermined wake-up condition (which is defined and set in detail below with reference to the figures), the wake-up unit 14 is intended to wake up the processor 12 from the standby mode into the running mode. Similarly, the processor 12 is configured to enter the standby mode whenever a particular sleep condition occurs, which may for example correspond to a particular value of the parameter detected by the sensor 16 of the wake-up unit 14 for a certain period of time.

The sensor 16 may be, for example, any sensor selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a magnetic field sensor (more preferably self-contained), an inclinometer, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, and a load sensor.

In particular, the parameters detected by the sensors 16 of the wake-up unit 14 preferably comprise one or more components of a vector measured along one or more respective detection axes of the sensors 16.

According to the present invention, the processor 12 is configured to update the wake-up condition of the wake-up unit 14 after each wake-up, in particular shortly before entering the standby mode.

In some embodiments, the updating of the wake-up condition allows for minimizing the chance of unwanted wake-ups by the processor 12 of the electronic device 10, thereby achieving advantageous power savings.

The advantages obtainable according to the present invention are apparent, for example, with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in fig. 2 and 3.

In this case, the bicycle component that supports the electronic device 100 is a bicycle transmission component as defined above, more specifically a crank arm, which is indicated by reference numeral 20 in fig. 3.

The crank arm 20 shown is in particular a crank arm on the drive side (in fig. 3, the toothed disc 22 of the front gearshift is indeed visible), but it could equally be a crank arm on the side opposite to the drive side. The electronic device 100 is supported by, and preferably integrated with, the arms of the crank arm 20.

As shown in the block diagram of fig. 2, the electronic device 100 comprises a processor 12 and a wake-up unit 14, which in this case comprises an accelerometer 116 acting as a sensor. Thus, in the present case, the vector detected by the accelerometer 116 is the acceleration of the crank arm 20.

The actual accelerations to which the crank arm is subjected during its rotation generally include gravitational acceleration g, centripetal acceleration and tangential acceleration of the crank arm. During the initial phase of the pedal movement or near the stop, the terms of centripetal and tangential acceleration have a substantially negligible quantity (entity) with respect to the gravitational acceleration g (in particular, this occurs below a certain rotation speed), so in the following, it will be assumed that only gravitational acceleration acts on the crank arm. Therefore, in the detection by the accelerometer 116, only the last term, i.e., the gravitational acceleration g, is considered.

The accelerometer 116 is configured to detect the acceleration of gravity g experienced by the crank arm 20 in a plane of rotation defined by axes x and y, which correspond to the detection axis of the accelerometer 116.

The accelerometer 116 thus detects two components g of the acceleration g acting along its vertical detection axes x and y, respectively_xAnd g_y. More particularly, the component g of the acceleration g_xAnd g_yDefined by the respective magnitude and sign (positive or negative) indicating the orientation of the component along the respective detection axis x or y.

As shown in fig. 3, the axis x is defined as being oriented along the axial direction of the arms of the crank arm 20, while the axis y is oriented tangentially to the arms of the crank arm 20. The positive sense of the detection axis x of the accelerometer 116 is here fixed radially outwards towards the pedals of the crank arm 20, while the positive sense of the axis y is fixed in the same way as the direction of rotation of the crank arm 20.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the component g of gravitational acceleration of the crank arm 20 detected by the accelerometer 116 as the angle of rotation θ of the crank arm about its axis of rotation (of the pin 24 passing through the crank arm) changes_x(t) and g_y(t), which is an angle that is in turn time dependent and therefore indicated as θ (t).

The fraction of the acceleration g detected along the detection axes x and y of the accelerometer 116Amount g_x(t) and g_y(t) have sinusoidal tendencies which are offset from one another by 90 deg.. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 4, at component g_x(t) positive or negative peak of the trend, component g_y(t) is zero, and vice versa.

Fig. 5 schematically shows the crank arm 20 in four angular positions (for simplicity, the chainring 22 is omitted from the figure) with respect to the running ground 50 of the bicycle, which angular positions are sequentially assumed by the crank arm 20 during the pedaling motion applied by the cyclist.

By convention, the first angular position a) is fixed at 0 ° with respect to the ground 50 during the rotation of the crank arm 20 (which occurs in the clockwise direction in fig. 5), from which first angular position a) the crank arm 20 crosses in sequence the other angular positions b)90 °, c)180 ° and d)270 °. During the rotation of the crank arm 20, the detection axes x and y of the accelerometers fixed along the arms of the crank arm 20 therefore also rotate.

As shown in fig. 4, at these four angular positions a), b), c) and d), the component g of the acceleration detected by the accelerometer 116 along the axis x_xComponent g detected on an axis y perpendicular to axis x, taking in succession magnitudes equal to 0, + g, 0 and-g_yTaking in turn quantities equal to + g, 0, -g and 0.

The accelerometer 116 of the wake-up unit 14 is programmed to have a component g shown in figure 4_x(t) and a component g_yEither the positive or negative peak of (t) issues a wake-up signal intended for the processor 12, which is also indicated hereinafter as wake interrupt (wake interrupt). For example, the wake-up condition may correspond to any one of the four angular positions a)0 °, b)90 °, c)180 °, and d)270 ° shown in fig. 5.

For example, the predetermined wake-up condition may be set to correspond in particular to the angular position assumed by the crank arm 20 in the case c), i.e. to 180 °. This means that, in order for the processor 116 to be woken up by the wake-up signal sent by the accelerometer 116 of the wake-up unit 14, the cyclist must make a 180 ° rotation of the crank arm from an angular position at 0 ° with respect to the ground (case a), passing through an angular position at 90 ° (case b) until reaching an angular position at 180 ° (case c). Only when this predetermined angular position is reached will the wake-up unit issue a wake-up signal and the processor may enter a run mode.

As will become more apparent from the description of fig. 6 below, the predetermined angular position is considered to be reached when the crank arm 20 comes within an angular variation or tolerance about the particular angular position described above, to take into account a certain positional tolerance.

Similarly, to express the tolerance as acceleration, once the accelerometer detects two components g_xAnd g_yIs above a minimum acceleration threshold (and by matching with the respective positive or negative sign), the predetermined angular position is considered reached. In the particular case where said predetermined angular position is at 180 ° (case c in fig. 4), when the accelerometer 116 detects a component g of negative sign_yWhen the minimum acceleration threshold is exceeded in magnitude, then a wake-up condition has occurred.

For example, the respective components g of acceleration_xAnd g_yAre defined with reference to the triangular configuration of fig. 3 according to the following equations (1) and (2):

Tx＝│g*sin(θ)│ (1)

Ty＝│g*cos(θ)│ (2)

those skilled in the art will be able to select the most appropriate Tx and Ty values each time based on a predetermined angular position defined by the angle θ and based on the sampling frequency of the accelerometer.

For greater strength of the wake-up mechanism, the predetermined wake-up condition preferably further comprises a minimum duration t of acceleration components above the respective minimum acceleration threshold Tx or Ty_min. Basically, only when an acceleration value above a threshold is held for longer than said minimum time t_minThe accelerometer 116 will take this value into account for generating the interrupt. The minimum time t_minProvide to filter out possible random fluctuations and transients of acceleration valuesPeriodic filter action.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the processor 12 is configured to update the predetermined wake-up conditions of the wake-up unit 14, in particular the predetermined angular position. The processor 12 performs this operation each time after the last wake-up and preferably just before entering the standby mode, so as to define a different updated angular position of the crank arm 20 starting from the predetermined angular position used at the last wake-up.

According to the wake-wake update mode described above, the updated angular position is in particular shifted by 90 ° with respect to the predetermined angular position previously used. For example, in the actual case, if the last wake-up occurred at a predetermined angular position of 0 ° (case a in fig. 5), a subsequent wake-up signal of the processor would be generated by the accelerometer 116 at an angular position of 90 ° (case b in fig. 5).

Alternatively, the system may be configured to implement the sleep-wake update mode described above, in which case the updated angular position is shifted by 90 ° relative to the angular position assumed by the crank arm 20 the last time the processor 12 entered the standby phase. For example, if sleep of the processor 12 occurs at a predetermined angular position of 0 ° (case a in fig. 5), a subsequent wake-up signal of the processor will be generated by the accelerometer 116 at an angular position of 90 ° (case b in fig. 5).

An example of the definition of the updated angular position of the crank arm 20 according to the sleep-wake pattern is now described with reference to fig. 6.

In the configuration shown, the processor (not visible here) of the electronic device 100 supported by the crank arm 20 is in standby mode, since the crank arm 20 is in an angular position indicated in the figure with REF that does not coincide with the predetermined angular position P corresponding to the wake-up condition.

In particular, the predetermined angular position P shown here coincides with the position at 90 ° of the situation b) of fig. 5. When the crank arm 20 enters a tolerance angle (indicated as θ in the figure) defined about the angular position P_Wake-up) And at a minimum time t_minWhile remaining within this angular variable, the angular position P is considered to be reached and therefore a wake-up condition has occurred.

Tolerance angle theta_Wake-upThe end points E1 and E2 are identified in particular by two angular variables a and β from a reference position REF of the crank arm. The two angular variables α and β are preferably defined by the following relationship:

β＝π+α (3)

thus, the tolerance angle θ_Wake-upCentered on said predetermined angular position P.

However, in alternative embodiments, it is possible to provide the angular variables α and β completely independent of each other, and it is also possible to obtain a tolerance angle θ that is not centered on the predetermined angular position P_Wake-up。

The wake-up mechanism described above is very effective in minimizing the chance of unwanted wake-ups of the processor 12 of the electronic device 100.

The applicant has indeed verified that by updating (i.e. modifying) each time the wake-up condition for issuing a subsequent wake-up signal, the involuntary movement or vibration of the bicycle component (in this example the crank arm 20) not corresponding to the rotation imparted by the cyclist through the pedaling motion is able to satisfy such wake-up condition and cause an unwanted wake-up of the processor 12 of the electronic device 100 to be effectively minimized, thereby advantageously preserving the charge of the battery power unit powering the device 100 and its components.

In particular, since the updating of the wake-up condition involves modifying the angular position of the bicycle component at the time the wake-up signal is issued, the chance of the component randomly moving to an updated angular position (which differs from the previous angular position each time) is significantly reduced, if not substantially eliminated.

In other words, unwanted and repeated vibrations or movements along the same axis and/or in the same sense (which may occur, for example, when a bicycle is transported on a vehicle and subjected to vibrations) are prevented from causing the wake-up of the processor 12 in an unwanted manner.

This is important because each wake-up involves much greater consumption compared to the standby state and therefore greater consumption of the battery power supply unit and shorter lifetime of the electronic device 100.

For example, the described wake-up mechanism is particularly suitable for use in a dynamometer on the crank arm 20 or other transmission component, since this type of dynamometer must necessarily pass through a particular angular position in a particular sequence, subject to the fact that the cyclist must pedal to generate power.

Furthermore, the sleep-wake-up refresh mode described above is particularly advantageous because it further reduces the chance of unwanted wake-ups of the processor 12. In effect, the updated angular position is prevented from being defined accidentally at the last angular sleep position of the processor 12.

The above advantages can be better understood from a comparison between fig. 7 and fig. 8.

Fig. 7 shows the trend of the acceleration detected by an accelerometer along a single detection axis in the presence of unwanted vibrations and the generation of wake-up interrupts according to the prior art.

FIG. 8 shows the acceleration component g of the crank arm 20 in the presence of unwanted vibrations and the generation of wake-up interruptions according to the present invention_xAnd g_yTrend over time.

The applicant has observed that in known wake-up systems (fig. 7), in which the wake-up interruption generated by the accelerometer occurs each time after detecting an acceleration value above a threshold value, but is still detected along the same detection direction, the known wake-up systems are liable to cause an undesired wake-up of the processor. In fact, since the wake-up condition always remains the same, if the undesired movement continues and an acceleration above a threshold is generated (for example during the transport of a bicycle on the roof of a vehicle, and in the presence of vertical bumps due to the passage on uneven roads), the processor will wake up several times by the interrupt I erroneously issued by the accelerometer, resulting in useless consumption of the battery powering the component.

As is clear from fig. 8, on the other hand, the wake-up mechanism according to the invention advantageously allows to avoid undesired wake-ups, since it provides for modifying the wake-up conditions at the beginning of each sleep of the processor 12, in particular the definition of the updated angular position of the crank arm 20, more particularly shifted by 90 ° with respect to the predetermined angular position used at the last wake-up.

In particular, if the crank arm is subjected to repeated random vibrations (for example during the transportation of the bicycle on board a vehicle), even a single first random wake-up occurs (for example at a predetermined angular position of 0 °, case a in fig. 5), and the acceleration component g is exceeded_yMinimum acceleration threshold value T_yIs longer than the minimum time t_minBut still prevents the accelerometer from generating further unwanted wake-up interrupts due to the update of the wake-up conditions operated by the processor 12 (e.g. at an updated angular position of 90 ° (case b in figure 5)) before entering the standby mode.

Fig. 9 shows a flow chart 200 relating to a method of operating an electronic device 100 provided with a wake-up unit 14 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The flow chart shows in particular a program that can be executed by the processor 12 of the electronic device 100.

In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 implements a power meter and thus also comprises one or more stress/strain detectors (in particular in the form of strain gauges), an analog-to-digital converter, a communication module and a volatile/non-volatile memory storing the wake-up condition.

In block 202, the processor 12 wakes up and switches to a run mode.

The first execution of block 202 may, for example, occur after the wake-up signal is received by the wake-up unit 14 (see block 228), or may be caused by the on-off switch (not shown) being turned on, or by the battery power supply unit (not shown) being plugged into the electronic device 100.

At block 202, the device 100 switches from a standby state (represented at blocks 226 and 228) to a start and initial configuration state (blocks 204, 205, and 206).

In the standby state of the device 100, the accelerometer 116 is turned on in a low-drain/wake-up mode (e.g., 8-bit, down-sampling at 10Hz) adapted to ensure that a wake-up signal is generated and transmitted to the processor 12. Furthermore, in the standby state of the device 100, a very low drain fraction of the processor 12 for monitoring inputs (referred to as the "sensing unit") is also preferably kept on in order to detect the wake-up signal from the accelerometer 116 when a wake-up condition occurs. Furthermore, other possible components of the electronic device 100 may be switched on, like for example the protection circuitry of the battery power supply unit (if present in the device 100).

Subsequently, in block 204, the processor 12 begins an initial configuration procedure in which it self-configures and is responsible for setting up the auxiliary electronics.

In particular, at block 204, portions of the processor 12 are preferably turned on, such as, for example, a clock unit (RTC) and a data communication peripheral (e.g., of the SPI or I2C type) in communication with the accelerometer 116, which is intended for monitoring whether a rotation of the crank arm 20 has been detected at block 208.

In a subsequent block 205, the processor 12 configures the accelerometer 116 (or the wake-up unit 14 as a whole) so that it operates in a partial run/monitor mode adapted to detect rotation of the crank arm 20. In particular, in this partial run/monitor mode, the accelerometer 116 is adapted to send an interrupt to the processor 12 upon each quadrant change of the crank arm 20 (i.e., each time the crank arm 20 rotates another 90 °). This is obtained due to the fact that: in this mode, upon receiving each interrupt from the accelerometer 116, the processor 12 is adapted to modify the configuration of the accelerometer 116 such that the next interrupt is sent from the accelerometer 116 to the processor 12 upon rotation by an angle of 90 ° relative to the previous interrupt.

The accuracy and sampling frequency (e.g., 10 bits, 50Hz) of the accelerometer 116 when it is in the partial run/monitor mode is higher than the aforementioned low consumption/wake mode, but lower than the full wake mode, in which the accelerometer instead achieves a high accuracy and sampling frequency (e.g., 12 bits/400 Hz or higher).

In block 206, the processor 12 resets the first time counter T1.

In a subsequent block 208, the processor 12 verifies whether the output of the accelerometer 116 of the wake-up unit 14 is indicative of a rotation of the crank arm 20.

In block 208, in order to detect the rotation by the processor 12, it is necessary to have a certain number of subsequent interruptions follow each other, for example after the crank arm 20 passes through 90 ° and then 180 °, with a frequency corresponding to the minimum rotational pedaling tempo. The time distance between two successive interruptions is, for example, 3 seconds, which corresponds to a minimum rotation tempo of 20 revolutions per minute.

If the result of block 208 is negative, i.e., if processor 12 does not detect any rotation, the method moves to block 220 where, in block 220, it is verified whether time T1 is equal to or greater than the first Timeout time Timeout 1. For example, 10s ≦ Timeout1 ≦ 30 s.

If the result of block 220 is negative, the method returns to the verification of block 208 (see above) and the processor 12 simply waits for a rotation event of the crank arm 20.

If the result of block 220 is positive, i.e., if the first Timeout1 has been exceeded, the method moves to block 222.

During execution of blocks 208 and 220 of method 200, electronic device 100 is in a monitoring state in which accelerometer 116 is in a higher consumption state and is operating at a sampling frequency (e.g., 10 bits, 50Hz) necessary to detect rotation of crank arm 20 that is greater than a sampling frequency (e.g., equal to 8 bits, 10Hz) in a standby state of electronic device 100 in which accelerometer 116 is operating in a low consumption/wake-up mode and only has to detect whether motion has been present. Further, the processor 12 is partially operational.

If the result of block 208 is positive, in other words, if the processor 12 detects a rotation of the crank arm 20, then at block 210 the electronic device 100 enters an active or fully awake state that it remains in during the entire execution of block 210 and 218 of the method 200. At block 210, the processor 12 configures the accelerometer 116 so that it sends the data required to detect the cadence of the trampling to the processor 12 for the purpose of subsequent calculations of torque and/or power to improve the accuracy and sampling frequency of the accelerometer, bringing them to, for example, 12 bits, 400 Hz. Further, the processor 12 suspends the operation described above with reference to block 205 each time the angle of the interrupt transmission of the accelerometer 116 is modified.

Furthermore, again at block 210, the processor 12 is responsible for turning on all peripheral devices (e.g., communication modules, analog-to-digital converters, possible LEDs, reading units of the stress/strain detectors) required for the operation of the device 100.

In the next block 212, the second time counter T2 is reset.

Thus, at block 214, the processor 12 performs a calculation of the pedaling torque applied by the rider on the crank arms 20 based on the force obtained by the stress/strain detector, a calculation of the pedaling cadence based on the data obtained by the accelerometer 116, and a calculation of the pedaling power based on the calculated torque and cadence.

In a next block 216, the processor 12 verifies whether at least one or both of the calculated cadence and torque are equal to zero.

In the negative case, the method returns to block 212 and the next block 214 where the reset time counter T2 is executed.

On the other hand, if the verification of block 216 has a positive result, in other words if at least one of the tempo and the torque is zero, then in block 218 it is verified whether the second time counter T2 has exceeded the second Timeout time Timeout 2. For example, 10 ≦ Timeout2 ≦ 30 s.

In the event of a positive result of the verification at block 218, i.e. if the second Timeout time Timeout2 has been exceeded, the method returns to block 205, returns the accelerometer 116 to the partial run/monitor mode, resets the time counter T1 (block 206), and then returns to verify in block 208 whether the accelerometer has detected another rotation of the crank arm 20.

On the other hand, in the negative case of the verification of block 218, in other words, if time T2 does not exceed the second Timeout time Timeout2, the method again moves to performing the calculation at block 214. In this way, the processor 12 takes into account the fact that: i.e. during normal use of the bicycle, there is also a moment when the crank arm does not enter rotation, but only temporarily, e.g. at a traffic light, on a downhill slope, in case of deceleration, etc.

It should be observed that in case of a positive result of the verification of block 218, the method provides for: from block 218 to block 205 (and not directly to block 222, for example), thus switching from the fully awake state of the electronic device 100 to the monitor state. This allows avoiding switching directly to the standby state of the electronic device 100 in case the cyclist may start pedaling again after a short time from stopping and exceeding the time defined by Timeout2 (e.g. after having traveled a certain distance downhill without pedaling or after a short maintenance stop).

In fact, if the time during which there is no pedaling is relatively short, it is more advantageous from an energy point of view to remain in the monitoring state rather than to switch to the standby state, since a complete switch-off and then a switch-back on involves an initial consumption peak. In any case, it may also be permitted to move directly from block 218 to block 222.

Returning to the verification of block 220, in the event of a positive result, the method 200 moves to a next block 222 in which the processor 12 defines an updated wake-up condition, in this case represented as an updated angular position. By updating the minimum acceleration threshold T_x、T_yOf the magnitude of (a), acceleration components g along two detection axes x and y_xAnd g_yAnd possibly also updating the minimum time threshold t kept above the acceleration threshold_minThe updating of the wake-up condition is performed by the processor 12.

In a next block 224, the processor 12 prepares the device 100 for shutdown by executing a conventional shutdown (shut-down) routine for the various electronic components to put itself and the device 100 into a standby state.

During execution of block 222-224 of the method 200, the electronic device 100 is at the beginning of an off state that places the processor 12 in a standby mode (block 226) and places the device 100 in a standby state (blocks 226 and 228).

Once the electronic device has entered the standby mode at block 226, the processor 12 (and in particular its sensing unit) remains active to ensure monitoring of its inputs, and in particular to verify (block 228) the reception of a possible wake-up signal by the accelerometer 116.

In the event of a negative result of the test, the processor 12 returns to block 226 and remains in the standby state.

On the other hand, if the verification of block 228 is positive and a wake-up signal is detected, the method starts again from block 202.

To further enhance the wake-up mode of the processor 12, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the processor 12 and/or the wake-up unit 14 may be suitably configured such that the wake-up signal is only sent to the processor 12 in a "repeat" wake-up condition (block 228).

For example, in a first scenario, the wake-up unit 14 may be configured such that it directly issues a wake-up signal to the processor 12 only after having counted a predetermined number N of times (by waking up a counter internal to the device) that the crank arm 20 passes (in other words rotates past) a previously defined predetermined angular position. In a similar manner, the wake-up unit 14 can be configured such that it directly issues a wake-up signal to the processor 12 only after a predetermined number N of quadrant changes of the crank arm has been counted (in other words N movements of 90 ° from the previously determined predetermined angular position). To detect these different passes, the accelerometer 116 may be operated at a slightly higher sampling frequency than the general case described above, which results in a slightly greater energy consumption by the accelerometer 116 when the device 100 is in a standby state. This scenario assumes that some of the computational functions are performed inside the wake-up unit 14.

In a second scenario, the processor 12 may be configured such that switching of the processor 12 from the standby mode to the run mode (switching from block 228 to block 202) occurs only after the wake-up unit 14, and in particular the accelerometer 116, has received a plurality of repeated wake-up signals. This second scenario requires that the pulse counter that goes into processor 12 is also able to operate with the processor partially shut down.

Although in the foregoing detailed description reference has been made primarily to a wake-up unit comprising an accelerometer acting as a sensor, the invention is also suitable, mutatis mutandis, for wake-up units comprising different types of sensors, such as for example a magnetic field sensor (more preferably self-contained), an inclinometer, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor or a load sensor.

Furthermore, although reference is primarily made to crank arms, the invention is equally applicable to other parts of a bicycle, such as moving parts, preferably rotating parts, more preferably other parts of a transmission mechanism of a bicycle, like e.g. pedals, crank arms on the transmission side, chainrings, bottom bracket spindles, freewheel bodies of a gear set or sprockets.

Thus, depending on the type of bicycle component supporting the electronic device 10, 100 and the type of sensor 16 included in the wake-up unit 14, the wake-up condition may include other conditions in addition to the predetermined angular position of the component about its own axis of rotation, such as, for example, a predetermined position of the bicycle component relative to a fixed reference element of the bicycle, a predetermined inclination assumed by the bicycle and/or the bicycle component relative to a reference axis, a predetermined load acting on the bicycle component, and so forth.

For example, in other embodiments, the bicycle electronic devices 10, 100 can implement a wireless communication system supported by a derailleur and/or by an opposing controller associated therewith.

In this case, merely by way of example, it may be provided that the sensor of the wake-up unit is intended to detect the inclination assumed by the bicycle with respect to a reference axis or with respect to the magnetic/gravitational field of the earth. In this case, the wake-up condition comprises a respective predetermined inclination of the bicycle with respect to the aforementioned reference axis.

According to the invention, in this case, the processor is preferably configured to update the subsequent wake-up condition according to the sleep-wake up update mode each time before returning to the standby mode, defining an updated inclination of the bicycle indicative of the use condition.

In one practical example, if the processor of the electronic device enters a standby mode when the bicycle is kept "lying" on the ground for a period of time (i.e. in a sleep condition corresponding to the bicycle being kept substantially horizontally inclined for longer than a time threshold), it may be provided that the next wake-up condition is defined with an updated vertical inclination, such that the processor wakes up only when the user lifts the bicycle from the ground for use.

Or vice versa, if the processor of the electronic device enters a standby mode when the bicycle remains vertically positioned for a period of time (e.g., fixed to the vehicle for transportation), it may be stated differently that the next wake-up condition is defined with an updated laterally inclined inclination (e.g., corresponding to the moment at which the user takes the bicycle off the vehicle and tilts it to ride it on).

In still other alternative embodiments, the bicycle electronic device 10, 100 can be supported by a seat post or by a bicycle shock absorber.

In these cases, the sensor of the wake-up unit may be realized, for example, by a load cell adapted to detect the pressure/load acting on the vehicle seat or, respectively, on the shock absorber. In the case of a shock absorber, a sensor adapted to detect a change in the length of the rod of the shock absorber may be provided, like for example an optical sensor adapted to detect a notch on said rod.

Thus, the wake-up condition may in this case comprise a predetermined load value acting on the seat post or on the shock absorber of the bicycle, or in the case of a shock absorber a predetermined length of the post of the shock absorber, and the processor is thus configured to define an updated wake-up condition indicative of the use of the bicycle each time according to the sleep-wake up update pattern.

For example, if the processor of the electronic device enters a standby mode and the "no load" value (in other words, the minimum or zero load due to the user going up and down from the bicycle) is maintained for a period of time, an updated load value may be provided as a wake-up-update condition, which corresponds to a certain extent to the minimum weight of the user acting on the seat and/or the shock absorber, in order to wake up the processor when the user returns to the bicycle.

Or vice versa, if the processor of the electronic device enters a standby mode when the bicycle remains stationary for a period of time with the user on the saddle, the "no-load" value (in other words, minimum load or zero load) can be provided differently as an updated wake-up condition, since the user gets up to give a starting thrust after a temporary stop.

Also in these other cases, by changing the wake-up conditions, the wake-up mechanism may be implemented according to an alternative, reliable and efficient technique. Furthermore, undesired wake-up of the electronics of the device due to vibrations or other conditions of the bicycle typically associated with e.g. transportation can be avoided.

The foregoing is a description of various embodiments of inventive aspects and further changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The shape and/or size and/or location and/or orientation of the various components and/or the order of the various steps may be changed. The functions of an element or module may be performed by two or more components or modules, and vice versa. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting may have intermediate structures disposed between the components. Steps shown immediately after each other may have intermediate steps performed between the steps. The details shown in the figures and/or described with reference to the figures or embodiments may be applied to other figures or embodiments. Not all details shown in the drawings or described in the same context need necessarily be present in the same embodiment. The features or aspects of the innovations relative to the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, are considered to be described as such, regardless of what is explicitly described as being inventive.