PEDALING-GOAL SETTING APPARATUS, PEDALING-GOAL SETTING METHOD, PEDALING-GOAL SETTING PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM HAVING PEDALING-GOAL SETTING PROGRAM STORED THEREON

Abstract

There are provided a pedaling-goal setting apparatus, a pedaling-goal setting method, a pedaling-goal setting program and a recording medium having the pedaling-goal setting program storing thereon. The pedal-goal setting apparatus includes a riding posture detection sensor 5 that detects the riding posture of the cyclist, a slope detection sensor 6 that detects the slope of the ground, and the running manner detection sensor 7 that detects the running manner of the cyclist. A cycle computer 1 connected to these sensors calculates the optimal target value based on signals transmitted from these sensors 5 to 7 and target data, and displays the optimal target value on a display part 2, as a benchmark to correct pedaling.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2010/069287, filed Oct. 29, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a pedaling-goal setting apparatus that detects a goal of pedaling of a pedal-driven machine such as a bicycle, a pedaling-goal setting method, a program that allows a computer to detect a goal of pedaling and a recording medium having the program stored thereon.

2. Related Art

Conventionally, an apparatus has been known, which is equipped with a bicycle to calculate information on the running of a bicycle and information on the exercise of the cyclist. This apparatus calculates predetermined information based on a signal transmitted from each sensor provided on the bicycle. To be more specific, a running condition detection apparatus has been known, which calculates and reports (displays) the aging variation of the pressure value for the force acting on the pedals that is caused by the pedaling of the cyclist (hereinafter referred to as “pedal effort”), and the amount of exercise of the cyclist, based on the pressure value detected by a pressure sensor provided on the pedals (see Patent Literature 1). Moreover, an automatic transmission has been known, which calculates the slope of the road and the running manner of the bicycle having a drivetrain system, based on the slope of the road detected by a slope sensor provided on the bicycle and the number of the rotation of a wheel per unit time detected by a speed sensor, in order to adjust the drivetrain system (see Patent Literature 2).

• Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI7-96877
• Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI8-26170

By the way, in order to efficiently ride a bicycle, there is a demand to correct the pedaling of the cyclist (how to rotate the cranks by stepping on the pedals and how to pedal the bicycle).

The running condition detection apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1 presents a benchmark that allows the cyclist to know the cyclist's pedaling by displaying a change in pressure values due to the pedal effort in chronological order. However, the running condition detection apparatus does not present a benchmark for the goal to correct the pedaling such as the relationship between the pedal effort at the time the cyclist steps on a pedal and the direction and timing for the pedal effort. Meanwhile, although the automatic transmission disclosed in Patent Literature 2 appropriately sets the drivetrain depending on the running condition, it does not present a benchmark for the goal to correct the pedaling.

SUMMARY

The present invention was achieved in view of the above-described problem, and therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a pedaling state detection apparatus, a pedaling state detection method, a pedaling state detection program and a recording medium having the pedaling state detection program stored thereon.

To solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to the present invention that has a crank rotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connected to the crank, and that is configured to set a goal of pedaling of a machine having the crank rotated by pedal effort that is force applied to the pedal, the pedaling-goal setting apparatus comprising: a rotation angle detection part configured to detect a rotation angle of the crank; a parameter information acquiring part configured to acquire predetermined parameters for the pedal effort; and an optimal target value deriving part configured to derive an optimal target value for pedaling associated with the rotation angle of the crank detected by the rotation angle detection part and the predetermined parameters acquired by the parameter information acquiring part based on the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters. To solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a pedaling-goal setting method according to the present invention that has a crank rotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connected to the crank, the crank being rotated by pedal effort that is force applied to the pedal, the method comprising: detecting a rotation angle of the crank; acquiring target data that are associated with predetermined parameters for the pedal effort and that are to be the goal of pedaling; acquiring the predetermined parameters; deriving an optimal target value for pedaling associated with the detected rotation angle of the crank and the acquired predetermined parameters based on the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters; and allowing a reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling based on the derived optimal target value. To solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a pedaling-goal setting program and a recording medium having the pedaling-goal setting program stored thereon according to the present invention allows the computer to perform: a rotation angle information acquiring function to acquire a rotation angle of the crank; a target data acquiring function to acquire target data that are associated with predetermined parameters for the pedal effort and that are to be the goal of pedaling; a parameter information acquiring function to acquire the predetermined parameters; an optimal target value deriving function to derive an optimal target value for pedaling associated with the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters based on the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters; and a report control function to allow a reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling, based on the derived optimal target value.” These amendments are based on the amended claims described later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view showing a bicycle equipped with a pedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 1B is a front view showing the bicycle equipped with the pedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 2 shows how a rotation-direction-component detection sensor and a radial-direction-component-detection sensor shown in FIG. 1 are mounted;

FIG. 3A shows a rotation-direction-strain sensor unit attached to a crankshaft;

FIG. 3B shows a radiation direction strain sensor unit attached to the crankshaft;

FIG. 4A is a front view and a side view showing a cyclist in a sitting posture;

FIG. 4B is a front view and a side view showing a cyclist in a dancing posture;

FIG. 5 is an external view showing a cycle computer as the pedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical system of the pedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a partial enlargement view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control system of the pedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing to set a goal of pedaling by the pedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing to determine a running condition;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing to derive an optimal target value;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing to create a drawing;

FIG. 13A is a table showing the configuration of a storage area for the data on representative values in a RAM;

FIG. 13B is a table showing the configuration of a storage area for the data on the result of the determination of running conditions in the RAM;

FIG. 13C is a table showing the configuration of a storage area for the data on optimal target values in the RAM;

FIG. 14A shows an exemplary target data table;

FIG. 14B shows an exemplary running condition determination table;

FIG. 14c shows an exemplary target data selection table;

FIG. 15A shows exemplary target data;

FIG. 15B shows a process of calculating an optimal target value 1;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary graph of the calculated optimal target value 1 and an optimal target value 2; and

FIG. 17A shows an exemplary crank rotation angle object;

FIG. 17B shows an exemplary torque value object;

FIG. 17C shows an exemplary optimal target value object;

FIG. 17D shows an exemplary actual measured value object; and

FIG. 17E shows an exemplary pedaling object.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1

Now, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a side view showing a bicycle B equipped with a pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 1B is a front view showing the bicycle B equipped with the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100. The bicycle B includes: a flame B1 of the bicycle body; two wheels B2 on the front and back of the bicycle B (front wheel B21 and rear wheel B22) that movably support the frame B1; a drive mechanism. B3 that transmits driving power to drive the bicycle B forward, to the rear wheel B22; a handle B4 operated by the cyclist; and a saddle B5 on which the cyclist sits.

The drive mechanism B3 includes: a crank B31 having an axis of rotation (crankshaft) at its one end that is rotatably pivoted with respect to the frame B1; a pedal B32 which is rotatably supported at the other end of the crank B31 and is subjected to force from the cyclist; and a chain B33 that transmits the force acting on the pedal B32 (hereinafter referred to as “pedal effort”), to the rear wheel B22 via the crank B31 by the connection with a sprocket (not shown) provided to rotate together with the crank B31 with respect to the same axis of rotation, which is the crankshaft at the one end of the crank B31, and by the connection with a rear sprocket (not shown) provided to rotate together with the rear wheel B22 with respect to the same axis of rotation, which is the axis of rotation of the rear wheel 22.

The crank B31 includes a left crankshaft B311 provided in the left side of the bicycle B (the left foot side of the cyclist) and a right crankshaft B312 provided in the right side of the bicycle B (the right foot side of the cyclist) when the bicycle B is viewed from the front. These right and left crankshafts B311 and B312 are fixed at the positions symmetrically with respect to the crankshaft. Meanwhile, the pedal B32 includes a left pedal B321 provided in the left side of the bicycle B and a right pedal B322 provided in the right side of the bicycle B when the bicycle B is viewed from the front. The left pedal B321 is rotatably supported by a left pedal shaft (not shown) attached to one end of the left crankshaft B311. Meanwhile, the right pedal B322 is rotatably supported by a right pedal shaft (not shown) attached to one end of the right crankshaft B312.

Here, the left crankshaft B11 and the right crankshaft B312 have the same shape, and the left pedal B321 and the right pedal B322 have the same shape. That is, the same structure constituted by a crankshaft and a pedal is provided in the right and left sides. Hereinafter, distance L1 between the crankshaft and a pedal shaft (the right or left pedal shaft) is referred to as “crank length.”

The pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 includes: a crack rotation angle detection sensor 2 that detects the rotation angle of the crank B31; a rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 that detects the magnitude of the component of the pedal effort in the direction in which the crank 30 rotates (hereinafter referred to as “rotation-direction-component of the pedal effort”); a radial-direction-component detection sensor 4 that detects the magnitude of the component of the pedal effort in the radial direction of the crankshaft (or the length direction of the crankshaft (hereinafter referred to as “radial-direction-component of the pedal effort”); a riding posture detection sensor 5 that detects the riding posture of the cyclist; a slope detection sensor 6 7 that detects the slope of the ground; a running manner detection sensor that detects the running manner of the bicycle B; a cycle computer 1 that displays the actual measured value and the optimal target value of a torque, which are described later, based on signals transmitted from the crank rotation angle sensor 2, the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, the riding posture detection sensor 5, the slope detection sensor 6, and the running manner detection sensor 7.

Here, the crank rotation angle sensor 2, the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, the riding posture detection sensor 4, the slope detection sensor 6 and the running manner detection sensor 7 have transmitters (not shown), respectively, and therefore can transmit detection signals to the cycle computer 1. That is, the cycle computer 1 is connected to these sensors 2 to 7 by radio.

The crank rotation angle detection sensor 2 is formed as an optical rotation detection sensor including a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, which is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the periphery of the crack gear. The crank rotation angle detection sensor 2 counts the number of gear teeth passing between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part, and calculates the ratio between the count value and the number of gear teeth to detect the rotation angle of the crank. Here, the rotation angle detection sensor 2 is not limited to this, but existing sensors such as a potentiometer and so forth are applicable. This sensor 2 transmits a rotation angle detection signal according to the rotation angle of the crank, to the cycle computer 1.

Here, with the present embodiment, the rotation angle of the crank is represented with respect to the left crankshaft B311. That is, when the left crankshaft B311B is positioned at twelve o'clock (the front end is turned up), the rotation angle of the crank is “0 degree.” When the left crankshaft B311 is positioned at three o'clock (the front end faces forward), the crank angle detection sensor 2 indicates that the rotation angle of the crank is “90 degrees.” Moreover, when the left crankshaft B311 is positioned at nine o'clock (the front end faces backward), the crank angle detection sensor 2 indicates that the rotation angle of the crank is “270 degrees.” Then, the range of the rotation angle (θ) of the crank, which is detected by the crank angle detection sensor 2 is equal to or more than 0 degree and less than 360 degrees (0≦θ<360 degrees). The direction in which the left crankshaft 311 rotates from twelve o'clock in clockwise direction is defined as “+direction.”

The rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 includes: a sensor unit 3a constituted by two strain sensors (hereinafter referred to as “rotation-direction-strain sensor unit 3a”); a rotation-direction-strain detection circuit 3b connected to the respective terminals of the strain sensors of the rotation-direction-strain sensor unit 3a; and the rotation-direction-component control part 3c that comprehensively controls the sensor 3 (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 is attached to the front face of the crankshaft B31, which faces the traveling direction when the crankshafts B311 and B312 are positioned at six o'clock. The rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 is constituted by a left rotation-direction-component detection sensor 31 attached to the left crankshaft B311 and a right rotation-direction-component detection sensor 32 attached to the right crankshaft B312.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the strain sensors of the rotation-direction-strain sensor unit 3a are attached to the front face of the crankshaft B311 such that the strain sensors are orthogonal to one another. The same applies to the crankshaft B312. The rotation-direction-strain detection circuit 3b amplifies and adjusts the output of each strain sensor and transmits information indicating a uniform amount of strain (hereinafter referred to as “rotation-direction-strain information”) to the control part 3c. The rotation-direction-component control part 3c of each of the sensors 31 and 32 calculates magnitude Fx of the component of the pedal effort in the direction in which the crank rotates, according to the following equation 1, based on the rotation-direction-strain information transmitted from the rotation-direction-strain detection circuit 3b, and transmits to the cycle computer 1a rotation-direction-component detection signal according to the magnitude Fx of the component of the pedal effort in the direction in which the crank rotates.

F_x=mg(X−X_z)/(X_c−X_z)  Equation 1

Here, “m” represents mass; “g” represents acceleration of gravity; “X” represents the amount of strain detected by the rotation-direction-strain detection circuit 3b; “Xc” represents the amount of strain in the front face of the crank B31 when vertical force (mg (N)) is applied to the pedal B32 while the crank B31 is kept horizontal; and “Xz” represents the amount of strain in the front face of the crank B31 when no load is applied to the crankshaft B31. Here, Xc and Xz are acquired by calibrating the sensor unit 3a attached to the front face of the crank B31 before use of the sensor 3.

The radial-direction-component detection sensor 4 includes: sensor unit 4a constituted by two strain sensors (hereinafter referred to as “radial-direction-strain sensor unit 4a); a radial-direction-strain detection circuit 4b connected to the respective terminals of the strain sensors of the radial-direction-strain sensor unit 4a; and a radial-direction-component control part 4c that comprehensively controls the sensor 4 (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4 is attached to the outside face of the crank B31. The radial-direction-component detection sensor 4 is constituted by a left radial-direction-component detection sensor 41 attached to the left crankshaft B311 and a right radial-direction-component detection sensor 42 attached to the right crankshaft B312.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the strain sensors of the radial-direction-strain sensor unit 4a are attached to the lateral surface of the crankshaft B311 such that the strain sensors are orthogonal to one another. The same applies to the crankshaft B312. The rotation-direction-strain detection circuit 3b amplifies and adjusts the output of each strain sensor and transmits information indicating a uniform amount of strain (hereinafter referred to as “rotation-direction-strain information”) to the control part 4c. The radial-direction-component control part 4c of each of the sensors 41 and 42 calculates magnitude Fy of the component of the pedal effort in the direction in which the crank rotates, according to the following equation 2, based on the radial-direction-strain information transmitted from the radial-direction-strain detection circuit 4b, and transmits to the cycle computer 1a radial-direction-component detection signal according to the magnitude Fy of the component of the pedal effort in the direction in which the crank rotates.

F_y=mg(Y−Y_z)/(Y_u−Y_z)  Equation 2

Here, “m” represents mass; “g” represents acceleration of gravity, “Y” represents the amount of strain detected by the radial-direction-strain detection circuit 4b; “Yu” represents the amount of strain in the lateral surface of the crank B31 when vertical force (mg (N)) is applied to the pedal B32 while the pedal B32 is located at the bottom dead center; and “Yz” represents the amount of strain in the lateral surface of the crank B31 when no load is applied to the crankshaft B31. Here, Yu and Yz are acquired by calibrating the sensor unit 4a attached to the lateral surface of the crank B31 before use of the sensor 4.

The riding posture detection sensor 5 includes: a first distance measurement sensor 5A mounted on the handle B4; a second distance measurement sensor 5B mounted in the vicinity of the hole into which the handle B4 of the frame B1 is inserted; and a reflector 5C mounted to the waist of the cyclist. Here, the sensors 5A and 5B face the reflector 5C mounted to the cyclist, and the reflector 5C faces the sensors 5A and 5B. Then, the first distance measurement sensor 5A detects distance d1 between the first distance measurement sensor 5A and the waist of the cyclist, and outputs a first riding posture detection signal according to the distance d1, to the cycle computer 1. Meanwhile, the second distance measurement sensor 5B detects distance d2 between the second distance measurement sensor 5B and the waist of the cyclist, and outputs a second riding posture detection signal according to the distance d1, to the cycle computer 1. Here, each of the distance measurement sensors 5A and 5B has a pair of a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device that can perform wide-angle transmission and reception, and therefore can detect the distance up to the waist of the cyclist even if the riding posture of the cyclist varies.

Then, the cycle computer 1 calculates distance L2 between the saddle B5 and the waist of the cyclist, based on the posture detection signals, and compares between the calculated value of the distance L2 and a predetermined value. With the present embodiment, “sitting” and “dancing” are set as the types of the riding posture. Here, the sitting represents a state where the cyclist is pedaling, sitting on the saddle B5. Meanwhile, the dancing represents a state where the cyclist is pedaling, rising from the saddle B5.

The slope detection sensor 6 includes: a first atmosphere pressure sensor 6a and a second atmosphere pressure sensor 6b provided on the frame B1, which are spaced from one another and parallel to the ground; and a slope control part 6c that is connected to the atmosphere pressure sensors 6a and 6b and calculates the slope α of the ground, based on the values detected by the atmosphere pressure sensors 6a and 6b. This sensor 6 transmits a slope detection signal according to the slope level to the cycle computer 1.

The running manner detection sensor 7 is formed as a cadence sensor including a magnet fixed to, for example, the left crankshaft B312 and a magnet detector mounted on the frame B1 at a predetermined position. The running manner detection sensor 7 detects the number of the rotation of the crank B31 per unit of time (one minute) by detecting the number of times n (rpm) the magnet passes through the front face of the magnet detector. This sensor 7 transmits a running manner detection signal according to the number of the rotation of the crank B31 per unit of time, to the cycle computer 1. As described later, the cycle computer 1 determines the running manner of the cyclist based on a running manner signal. To be more specific, the cycle computer 1 calculates power P using a predetermined equation described later, and compares between the calculated value and a predetermined value to determine a running manner. With the present embodiment, “aggressive running” and “defensive running” are set as running manners. In the aggressive running, the cyclist is running by using up all cyclist's energy. Meanwhile, in the defensive running, the cyclist is running, preserving the energy.

Next, the configuration of the cycle computer 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8. FIG. 5 is an external view showing a cycle computer 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical system of the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cycle computer 1 is mounted to the bicycle B via an attaching member 8 that is removably attached to the handle B4 of the bicycle B. The cycle computer 1 includes: an input part 11 used to input predetermined information; a display part 12 used to display predetermined information; a control part (see FIG. 6) having an operating circuit that performs predetermined processing associated with pedaling described later; and a housing 14 that accommodates these input part 11, display part 12 and control part 13.

The input part 11 includes: three buttons 11a, 11b and 11c that are arranged side by side and protrude from the upper surface of the housing 14 to allow the cyclist to push these buttons; and a power switch 11d that can be slid to switch between on and off of the power supply.

As shown in FIG. 6, the input part 11 has an input control circuit 11e that relays input signals by the operation of buttons 11a to 11c and the power switch 11d, to the control part 13, as control information. When each of the buttons 11a to 11c is pushed, the input control circuit 11e converts the input signal into control information corresponding to the pushing operation, and transmits the information to the control part 13. By this means, even if the number of the buttons 11a to 11c is limited, it is possible to realize a plurality of kinds of input operations whose number is equal to or greater than the number of buttons, by combining the operations of these buttons. Therefore, the cyclist can perform input operations including input of unique information on the cyclist and the bicycle, input to start/stop of measurement and so forth.

Here, with the present embodiment, the buttons 11a to 11c that can be pushed by the cyclist are employed, as a structure for inputting predetermined information. However, it is by no means limiting, but a pointing device such as a ten-key keypad, a track ball and a joystick may be employed.

The display part 12 includes: a liquid crystal panel 12a used to display predetermined information such as the actual measured value of a torque (pedaling state) described later and an optimal target value (goal of pedaling); and a display control circuit 12e that controls the display of the liquid crystal panel 12a according to the information to be displayed. Here, another configuration is possible where the liquid crystal panel 12a may be a touch panel, and the input part 11 and the display part 12 are integrally formed.

The control part 13 of the cycle computer 1 is constituted by a CPU 13a, a ROM 13b, a RAM 13c, a recording medium I/F 13d, a sensor I/F 13e, a communication I/F 13f and an oscillating circuit 13g. These are connected to each other via a bus 13h.

The CPU 13a controls the basic actions of the cycle computer 1, which includes the setting and the display of the optimal target values of predetermined parameters associated with pedaling, based on the program stored in the ROM 13b in advance. The ROM 13b previously stores program codes to perform the basic processing of the cycle computer 1, which is performed by the CPU 13a. The RAM 13c functions as a working area for data and so forth in arithmetic processing that is performed when the CPU 13a performs the basic processing of the cycle computer 1.

The recording medium I/F 13b is an interface for recording parameters of running conditions described later, on a recording medium such as a memory card and so forth. The sensor I/F 13e captures various detection signals transmitted from the above-described crank rotation angle detection sensor 2, rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, riding posture detection sensor 5, slope detection sensor 6 and running manner detection sensor 7, and internally and externally outputs the signals based on a command from the CPU 13a. The communication I/F 13f is an interface to transmit and receive data to/from an external processing device, for example, a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone or a PC installed at home. The oscillating circuit 13g has a crystal oscillator as a clock oscillator and outputs a pulse signal to the CPU 13a at a predetermined period. Here, the input part 11, the display part 12 and the control part 13 are connected to each other via the bus 13g to transmit and receive necessary information.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control system of the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment of the invention. The pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 includes a unique information acquiring part 51, a target data acquiring part S2, a running condition information acquiring part S3, a running condition determining part S4, an optimal target value deriving part S5, a drawing creating part S6 and an information display part S7. Here, the running condition information acquiring part S3 includes a crank-rotation-angle-information acquiring part S31, a pedal effort rotation-direction-component information acquiring part S32, pedal effect radial-direction-component information acquiring part S33, a riding posture information acquiring part S34, a slope information acquiring part S35 and a running manner information acquiring part S36.

The unique information acquiring part S1 has a function to acquire information unique to the cyclist and the bicycle B that is not affected by the running of the bicycle but affects the pedal effort (hereinafter referred to as “unique information”). The unique information acquiring part S1 is realized by, for example, the input part 11, and the control part 13 that displays input items on the display part 12 according to the operations of the buttons 11a to 11c of the input part 11, and saves data based on the control information outputted from the input control circuit 11e, according to the operations of the buttons 11a to 11c. With the present embodiment, the unique information acquiring part S1 stores at least data representing the maximum power (hereinafter “data on maximum power”), data representing the length of the crank (hereinafter “data on crank length”), data representing position X0 of the saddle B5 (hereinafter “data on saddle position”), data representing position X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A (hereinafter “data on the position of the first distance measurement sensor”), and data representing position X2 of the second distance measurement sensor 5B (hereinafter “data on the position of the second distance measurement sensor”), in predetermined areas in the RAM 13c, respectively. Here, the maximum power means the power of the cyclist when the cyclist runs with the full energy. In addition, with the present embodiment, data on each position is presented by a coordinate constituted by x component and y component, and the position X0 of the saddle B5 is set as “origin” (0, 0).

The target data acquiring part S32 loads a plurality of target data stored in the ROM 13b into the storage area for the target data in the RAM 13c. The target data means the torque value that is ideal and should be the goal for one rotation of the crank B31. The target data are preset and associated with predetermined parameters. With the present embodiment, the target data are associated with a plurality of parameters, and each of a plurality of target data are set for a combination of the components of the predetermined parameters. To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 14A, the riding posture (sitting/dancing) of the cyclist, the slopes of the ground (−10%/0%/+10%), the running manners of the cyclist (aggressive running/defensive running) and the maximum power (1000 W) of the cyclist constitute the parameters of each of the target data.

As described above, the following components of the parameter (riding posture of the cyclist) are set in associated with the target data: “sitting” state where the cyclist is pedaling, sitting on the saddle B5; and “dancing” state where the cyclist is pedaling, not sitting on the saddle but standing on the pedal B2. Here, dancing tends to apply more load (stepping force) to the pedal B32 than sitting.

Specific examples of the slope α of the ground associated with the target data are 0%, +10% and −10%. Here, the greater the slope α of the ground, the greater the load (stepping force) applied to the pedal B32.

As described above, the following components of the parameter (running manner of the cyclist) are set in associated with the target data: “aggressive running” where the cyclist is running by using up all cyclist's energy; and “defensive running where the cyclist is running, preserving the energy. Here, the aggressive running tends to apply more load (effort) to the pedal B32 than the defensive running. It is because “aggressive/defensive running” states are associated with the power of the bicycle, and the power of the bicycle B tends to increase in a state in which the cyclist is running by using up all cyclist' energy compared to a state in which the cyclist is running, preserving the energy.

In this way, there are twelve patterns of combinations of the components of the parameters, which are constituted by two types of the riding posture of the cyclist; three types of the slope of the ground; two types of the running manner of the cyclist; and one type of the maximum power. Correspondingly, twelve types of the target data are set.

Moreover, the target data is associated with the crank rotation angle θ. That is, each of the target data corresponds to one rotation of the crank B31, and is listed in a table in which the crank rotation angles are associated with the ideal torque values (hereinafter referred to as “target data table”). To be more specific, the target data table lists the torque value for θ=0 degree, the torque value for θ=30 degrees, . . . the torque value for θ=330 degrees.

The running condition information acquiring part S3 has a function to acquire information that may vary while the bicycle B runs (hereinafter referred to as “running condition information”). The running information is constituted by the pedal effort, the conditions of the cyclist and the bicycle B that affect the pedal effort and the conditions of the external environment. The running condition information acquiring part S3 is realized by the crank rotation angle detection sensor 2, the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, the riding posture detection sensor 5, the slope detection sensor 6, the running manner detection sensor 7 and the control part 13 that saves data based on the signals transmitted from these sensors 2 to 7.

The crank rotation angle acquiring part S31 is realized by the crank rotation angle detection sensor 2 and the control part 13, and has a function to store the data on the crank rotation angle based on the signal outputted from the crank rotation angle detection sensor 2, in a predetermined area of the RAM 13c. The pedal effort rotation-direction-component information acquiring part S32 is realized by the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 and the control part 13, and has a function to store the data on the rotation angle component based on the signal outputted from the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, in a predetermined area of the RAM 13c. The pedal effect radial-direction-component information acquiring part S33 is realized by the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4 and the control part 13, and has a function to store the data on the radial-direction-component based on the signal outputted from the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, in a predetermined area of the RAM 13c.

The riding posture information acquiring part S34 is realized by the riding posture detection sensor 5 and the control part 13, and has a function to store the data on the riding posture based in the signal outputted from the riding posture detection sensor 5, in a predetermined area of the RAM 13c. The slope information acquiring part S35 is realized by the slope detection sensor 6 and the control part 13, and has a function to store the data on the slope based on the signal outputted from the slope detection sensor 6, in a predetermined area of the RAM 13c. The running manner information acquiring part S36 is realized by the running manner detection sensor 7 and the control part 13, and has a function to store the data on the running manner based on the signal outputted from the running manner detection sensor 7, in a predetermined area of the RAM 13c.

The running condition determining part S4 is realized by the control part 13, and has functions to calculate the torque value (the magnitude of the torque) associated with the crank rotation angle, based on the data acquired by the crank-rotation-angle-information acquiring part S31, the rotation-direction-component information acquiring part S32, and the radial-direction-component information acquiring part S33; and store the data on the calculated torque value in a torque value part of the storage area for the data on the representative values in the RAM 13c. Here, with the present embodiment, the torque value in each range of crank rotation angles, which is obtained by evenly dividing one rotation of the crank B31 by twelve. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13A, the torque value portion is divided into twelve portions, and one portion corresponds to one range of crank rotation angles.

The running condition determining part S4 also has functions to determine the riding posture of the cyclist, the slope of the ground and the running manner of the cyclist while the crank B31 rotates 360 degrees, based on the data acquired by the running posture information acquiring part S34, the slope information acquiring part S35 and the running manner information acquiring part S36; and sores the data on the result of the determination of the riding posture, the data on the result of the determination of the slope and the data on the result of the determination of the running manner, in the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions in the RAM 13c. Here, the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions is constituted by a riding posture portion to store the data on the result of the determination of the riding posture; a slope portion to store the data on the result of the determination of the slope; and a running manner portion to store the data on the result of the determination of the running manner.

Here, with the present embodiment, the determination of the riding posture means to select dancing or sitting based on the riding posture detection signal transmitted from the riding posture detection sensor 5. The dancing is selected when the distance L2 between the saddle B5 and the waist is 35 cm or more, meanwhile the sitting is selected when the distance L2 between the saddle B5 and the waist is less than 35 cm. When selecting the dancing, the running condition determining part S4 stores a dancing flag (02H) in the riding posture part of the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions. Meanwhile, when selecting the sitting, the running condition determining part S4 stores a sitting flag (01H) in the riding posture part of the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions. Here, as the representative value of the distance L2, the average value of the distances for one rotation of the crank B31, which is targeted for the determination.

The determination of the slope of the ground means to calculate the representative value of the slope α detected for one rotation of the crank B31, which is targeted for the determination. Here, as the representative value of the slope α, the average of the slopes for one rotation of the crank B31, which is targeted for the determination.

The determination of the running manner means to select aggressive running or defensive running, based on the running manner detection signal transmitted from the running manner detection sensor 7. The aggressive running is selected when the representative value of power P detected for one rotation of the crank B31, which is targeted for the determination, is a predetermined value or more. Meanwhile, the defensive running is selected when the power P is less than the predetermined value. When determining the aggressive running, the running condition determining part S4 stores an aggressive flag (03H) in the running manner part of the storage area for the result of the determination of the running manner. Meanwhile, when determining the defensive running, the running manner determining part S4 stores a defensive flag (04H) in the storage area for the data on the running manner. Here, as the representative value of the power P, the average of the power P for one rotation of the crank B31, which is targeted for the determination.

The optimal target value deriving part S5 is realized by the control part 13, and has functions to calculate the ideal or optimal target value for one rotation of the crank B31, based on the result of each determination by the running condition determining part S4, and store the data on the optimal target value in the storage area for the data on the optimal target value in the RAM 13c. The optimal target value means the ideal torque value corresponding to the combinations of the unique information and the running condition information. With the present embodiment, the optimal target value deriving part S5 calculates the optimal target value in association with the crank rotation angle, and stores the data on the optimal target value in the storage area for the data on the optimal target value in the RAM 13c.

The drawing creating part S6 is realized by the control part 13, and has a function to create drawing data to be the basis for drawings representing the results of determination, in order to visually report the actual measured value of the torque values for each of the ranges of the crank rotation angles, which is calculated by the running condition determining part S4, and the optimal target value 2 of the torque values for each of the ranges of the crank rotation angles, which is calculated by the optimal target value deriving part S5. To be more specific, the drawing creating part S6 creates, as drawing data, data to be the basis for a crank rotation angle object that represents one rotation (pedaling) of the crank B31, data to be the basis for a torque value object that represents a torque value, data to be the basis for an object that represents an actually measured torque value, and data to be the basis for the object represents the second optimal target torque value, and stores these data in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 13c. Moreover, the drawing creating part S6 creates data to be the basis for a pedaling object obtained by overlaying these objects on each other, and set the data in a transmission buffer realized by the RAM 13C.

The information display part S7 is realized by the control part 13 and the display part 12, and has a function to display the drawings on the display part 2, based on the drawing data created by the drawing creating part S6.

Next, a process/method of setting and displaying (reporting) a goal of pedaling for the bicycle B which is running by the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 9 to 17. Here, the process/method of setting and displaying the goal of pedaling for the left crankshaft B311 is the same as the process/method of setting and displaying the goal of pedaling for the left crankshaft B312. Therefore, with the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the process/method of setting and displaying the goal of pedaling for the left crankshaft B311 (left foot) will be explained as an example.

When the cycle computer 1 is supplied with power by the operation of the power switch 11d, system reset occurs in the CPU 13a. Then, the CPU 13a starts processing to set a goal of pedaling shown in FIG. 9, based on the pedaling-goal detection program stored in the ROM 13b.

First, in step S1, information input processing is performed. Here, the CPU 13a displays caution to prompt the cyclist to input unique information by using the buttons 11a to 11c, and waits until desired information is inputted. Then, when the information including a first detection signal representing that the button 11a is pushed; a second detection signal representing that the button lib is pushed; and a third detection signal representing that the button 11c is pushed, is inputted from the input part 11, the CPU 13a stores the data on the unique information in the storage area for the unique data in the RAM 13b, based on the inputted information. “Unique information” includes, for example, the maximum power, the sex, the height, the weight, and the seated height of the cyclist, the type of the bicycle, the size and type of the tires, the crank length L1, the position X0 of the saddle B5, the position X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A, the position X2 of the second distance measurement sensor 5B and so forth, and these pieces of information are appropriately set.

Here, with the present embodiment, the maximum power, the position X0 of the saddle B5, the position X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A, and the position X2 of the second distance measurement sensor 5B are necessary information to display the optimal target value. Therefore, it is essential to input the maximum power, the position X0 of the saddle B5, the position X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A, and the position X2 of the second distance measurement sensor 5B. Therefore, in step S1, the data on the maximum power, the data on the saddle position, the data on the position of the first distance measurement sensor and the data on the position of the second distance measurement sensor are certainly stored in the respective portions of the unique data storage area in the RAM 13c. Moreover, the crank length is necessary information to display the torque value which is actually measured, and therefore, it is essential to input the crank length. Therefore, the data on the crank length is stored in the corresponding portion of the unique data storage area in the RAM 13c.

In step S2, the target data stored in the ROM 13b is stored in the target data storage area in the RAM 13c. As described above, with the present embodiment, target data are represented by the table in twelve patterns of the combinations of the parameters (see FIG. 14A). Here, the numbers (No. 1 to No. 12) are assigned to the target data listed in the table.

In step S3, the CPU 13a determines whether or not to meet the conditions to measure the crank rotation angle θ, the magnitude Fx of the rotation-direction-component, the magnitude Fy of the radial-direction-component, the distances d1 and d2 for the riding posture of the cyclist, the slope α of the ground, and the crank rotation angle n for the running manner of the cyclist (hereinafter referred to as “measurement initiation conditions”), and therefore start measurement. With the present embodiment, it is essential to input the maximum power, the position X0 of the saddle B5, the position X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A, the position X2 of the second distance measurement sensor 5B, and the crank length, and therefore the measurement initiation conditions include at least these items as input. For example, another configuration is possible where the maximum power, the position X0 of the saddle B5, the position X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A, the position X2 of the second distance measurement sensor 5B, and the crank length are inputted, and then control information indicating the start of measurement is transmitted to allow the measurement initiation conditions to be met. In step S3, when determining that the measurement initiation conditions have not been met, the CPU 13a repeats the step S3. On the other hand, when determining that the measurement initiation conditions are met, the CPU 13a moves the step to the step S4.

In step S4, the CPU 13a stores the data on the running condition information in the storage area for the data on the running condition information in the RAM 13c, based on the detection signals transmitted from the detection sensors 2 to 7. With the present embodiment, the running condition information includes the crank rotation angle θ, the magnitude Fx of the rotation-direction-component, the magnitude Fy of the radial-direction-component, the riding posture of the cyclist (the distances d1 and d2), the slope α, and the running manner of the cyclist (the crank rotation angle θ). Here, the data storage area for running condition information includes: a portion to store the data on the crank rotation angle; a portion to store the data on the magnitude Fx of the rotation-direction-component; a portion to store the data on the magnitude Fy of the radial-direction-component; a portion to store the data on the riding posture (distances d1 and d2); a portion to store the dada on the slope α; and a portion to store the data on the running manner (number of times of crank rotations n).

Here, there is a phase difference of 180 degrees between the left crankshaft B311 and the right crankshaft B312. Therefore, the rotation angle of the right crankshaft B312 is obtained by adding 180 degrees to the crank rotation angle represented by the data on the crank rotation angle. In addition, the data on the rotation-direction-component, the radial-direction-component, the riding posture, the slope, and the running manner are stored in association with the crank rotation angle.

The processing in the step S4 is performed, for example, every 10 ms, according to a pulse signal outputted from the oscillating circuit 13g. Here, the data on the crank rotation angle, the data on the rotation-direction-component, the data on the radial-direction-component, the data on the riding posture, the data on the slope, and the data on the running manner, are sequentially stored.

In step S5, the CPU 13a determines whether or not the crank B1 rotates 360 degrees. For example, the CPU 13a determines whether or not to calculate the representative value for each of all the ranges of the rotation angles every time the crank rotation angle represented by the data acquired in the step S3 is over 345 degrees, as described later. When determining that the crank B31 has not rotated 360 degrees in the step S3, the CPU 13a moves the step to step S4. On the other hand, when determining that the crank B31 has rotated 360 degrees, the CPU 13a moves the step to step S6.

In step S6, the CPU 13a determines the running condition for one rotation of the crank B31, based on the running condition information acquired in the step S5, and performs running condition determination processing to store the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions in the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions in the RAM 13c. This processing will be described in detail later.

In step S7, the CPU 13a performs processing to derive the optimal torque target value for each of the ranges of the crank rotation angle, based on the result of the determination of the running conditions acquired in step S6. This processing will be described in detail later.

In step S8, in order to display on the display part 12 the actually measured torque value calculated in the step S6, and the optimal target value calculated in the step S7, the CPU 13a performs processing to create data to be the basis for the drawing that are displayed on the display 12. This processing will be described in detail later.

In step S9, the CPU 13a transmits the data to be the basis for the drawing created in the step S8, to the display part 12, and performs processing to display (report) information on the pedaling state and so forth.

In step S10, the CPU 13a determines whether to meet the measurement termination condition is met, and therefore to terminate the measurement. With the present embodiment, the measurement termination condition is established by receiving a signal indicating a button operation to terminate the measurement. When determining that the measurement termination condition has not been met in the step 10, the CPU 13a moves the step to the step S4. On the other hand, when determining that the measurement termination condition has been met, the CPU 13a terminates the main processing.

Next, processing to determine the running conditions will be explained with reference to FIG. 10. First, in step S61, the CPU 13a calculates the representative torque value for each of the ranges of the crank rotation angle, and stores the data on the representative torque value in a torque value portion of the storage area for the data on the representative values in the RAM 13c. Although the representative value is not limited, the average value is adopted as the representative value with the present embodiment. Also the method of calculating the average of torque values is not limited. However, the average of the torque values is obtained by dividing the total sum of the torque values for the range of the crank rotation angles by the number of times of measurement for the range of the crank rotation angle with the present embodiment.

The total sum of the torque values may be calculated by multiplying the total sum of the magnitudes F of the pedal effort for the crank rotation angle by the crank length represented by the data inputted in the step S1. Alternatively, it may be calculated by totaling the value obtained every time by multiplying the magnitude F of the pedal effort for the crank rotation angle by the crank length represented by the data on the crank angle inputted in the step S1. Here, the pedal effort F for the crank rotation angle is obtained by square root of sum of squares of the magnitude Fx of the rotation-direction-component and the magnitude Fy of the radial-direction-component for the crank rotation angle.

In step S62, the CPU 13a calculates the running condition information associated with the parameters of the target data. In step S63, the CPU 13a determines the running condition (the components for each parameter) for one rotation of the crank B31, based on the running condition information calculated in the step 62. In step S64, the CPU 13a stores the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions for one rotation of the crank B31, in the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions.

In the step S62, the CPU 13a calculates the respective averages of the magnitudes F of the pedal effect, the distances L2 between the saddle B5 and the waist, the slopes α and the power P for one rotation of crank B31, as running condition information. Although the method of calculating each average is not limited, the average is calculated by dividing the total sum of the values for the range of the crank rotation angles by the number of times of measurement for the range of the crank rotation angles with the present embodiment. Here, the distance L2 between the saddle B5 and the waist is obtained by calculating the position X (x,y) of the waist by using the simultaneous equation formed by the following equations 3 and 4, and solving equation 5, based on the calculated position. The power P is calculated by the following equation 6.

(x−x₁)²+(y−y₁)²=(d₁)²  Equation 3

(x−x₂)²+(y−y₂)²=(d₂)²  Equation 4

L₂=√{square root over (x²+y²)}  Equation 5

P=(F·L₁·n·2π)/60  Equation 6

In the step S63, the CPU 13a determines whether or not the average of the distance L2 for one rotation of the crank B31 (hereinafter referred to as “average distance between saddle and waist”) is equal to or more than the determined value of the riding posture. Then, in the step S64, based on the running condition determination table shown in FIG. 14B, when the average distance between saddle and waist is equal to or more than the determined value of the riding posture, the CPU 13a stores sitting flag “01H” in a riding posture portion of the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions. On the other hand, when the average distance between saddle and waist is shorter than the determined value of the riding posture, the CPU 13a stores dancing flag “02H” in the riding posture portion of the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions. Here, although the determined value of the riding posture is not limited, the value is set to “35 cm” with the present invention.

In addition, in the step S63, the CPU 13a determines which of less than −10%; −10% or more and less than 0%; 0% or more and less than +10%; and +10% or more is the average of the slopes α (hereinafter referred to as “slope average”) for one rotation of the crank B31. Then, in the step S64, based on the running condition determination table shown in FIG. 14B, when the slope average is −10% or less, the CPU 13a stores steep downslope flag “05H” in a slope portion of the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions; when the slope average is −10% or more and less than 0%, the CPU 13a stores gentle downslope flag “06H” in the slope portion; when the slope average is 0% or more and less than +10%, the CPU 13a stores gentle upslope flag “07H” in the slope portion; and when the slope average is +10% or more, the CPU 13a stores steep upslope flag “08H” in the slope portion.

Moreover, in the step S63, the CPU 13a determines whether or not the average of the power P of the bicycle B for one rotation of the crank 31B (hereinafter referred to as “the average of the running manner”) is equal to or more than the determined value of the running manner. Then, in the step S64, based on the running condition determination table shown in FIG. 14B, when the average of the running manner is equal to or more than the determined value of the running manner, the CPU 13a stores aggressive flag “03H” indicating aggressive running in a running manner portion of the storage area for the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions. On the other hand, when the average of the running manner is less than the determined value of the running manner, the CPU 13a stores defensive flag “04H” in the running manner portion (see FIG. 13B). Here, although the determined value of the running manner is not limited, the value is set to “200(W)” with the present embodiment.

Next, processing to derive the optimal target value will be explained with reference to FIG. 11. First, in step S71, the CPU 13a selects two target data tables based on the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions stored in the step S64. To be more specific, the CPU 13a collates the data on the result of the determination of the running conditions, which reflects the running conditions for one rotation of the crank B31, with the target data selection table shown in FIG. 14C to select two target tables for deriving the optimal target values.

The components of the parameters (the running conditions and the riding posture) are common between the target data table and the running condition determination table. However, the slopes, −10%, 0% and −10%, which are listed in the target data, are not completely correspond to the average slopes listed in the running condition determination table. To solve this problem, two data are selected from the target data table, which represent that the riding posture and the running manner are the same between them, and that the slopes are close to the slope average of the slopes listed in the target data table.

For example, in a case in which the result of the determination of the running conditions in the step S63 is (01H, 03H, 07H), that is, the riding posture is “sitting”, the running manner is “aggressive running” and the range of the slopes is 0% or more and less than +10%, when this result is compared with the target data selection table shown in FIG. 14C, the data No. 2 and No. 3 are selected from the target data table (see FIG. 15).

In step S72, the CPU 13a calculates an optimal target value (optimal target value 1) for the running conditions based on the two data selected in the step S71, and stores the optimal target value 1 in the storage area for the data on the optimal target value in the RAM 13c. Here, as shown in FIG. 13C, the corresponding portion for the optimal target value 1 is divided into twelve portions, and the crank rotation angles are associated with respective portions. The data on the optimal target data 1 is stored in association with the crank rotation angle.

Although the method of deriving the optimal target value 1 is not limited, the optimal target value 1 is calculated by performing linear interpolation every crank rotation angle with the present embodiment. For example, when the average slope value calculated in the step S62 is +3%, the CPU 13a calculates the optimal target value 1 based on the torque value represented by the target data (No. 2) of the slope of 0% and the torque value represented by the target data (No. 3) of the slope of +10% every crank rotation angle, by linear interpolation (see FIG. 15B), and stores the data on the optimal target value 1 in the portion for the optimal target value 1 in the storage area for the data on the optimal target value in the RAM 13c.

Here, when the average slope value calculated in the step S62 is +13%, the target data (No. 2) and the target data (No. 3) are selected, and linear interpolation is performed as shown in FIG. 15B.

In step S73, the CPU 13a derives an optimal target value (optimal target value 2) for the unique information based on the optimal target value 1 calculated in the step S72, and stores the optimal target value 2 in the storage area for the data on the optimal target value in the RAM 13c. As shown in FIG. 13C, a portion for the optimal target value 2 is divided into twelve portions, and the crank rotation angles are associated with respective portions. The data on the optimal target data 2 is stored in association with the crank rotation angle.

Although the method of deriving the target value for the unique information is not limited, with the present embodiment, the target value for the unique information is obtained by multiplying the optimal target value 1 calculated every crank rotation angle by (the maximum power inputted in the step S1/the maximum power associated with the target data) because the maximum power is associated with the target data and inputted in the step S1. For example, when the maximum power associated with the target data is 1000 W, and the maximum power inputted in the step S1 is 600 W, the optimal target value 2 is obtained by the optimal target value 1 calculated every crank rotation angle by (600/1000) as shown in FIG. 16.

Next, processing to create a drawing will be explained with reference to FIG. 12. First, in step S81, the CPU 13a creates data to be the basis for a crank rotation angle object (see FIG. 17A) representing the rotational motion of the left crankshaft B311 (hereinafter referred to as “data on the crank rotation angle object”), and stores this object in the storage area for the data on the crank rotation angle object. As shown in FIG. 17A, the crank rotation angle object is formed by a θ axis as a right horizontal arrow. This crank rotation angle object is provided with a scale at a predetermined interval (for example, every 30 degrees), which indicates the crank rotation angle from which the actually measured torque value and the ideal value are derived.

In step S82, the CPU creates data to be the basis for a torque value object representing the torque value (hereinafter referred to as “data on the torque value object”), and stores the data in the storage area for the data on the torque value object in the RAM 13c. This torque value object is formed of T axis, which is an up arrow.

In step S83, the CPU 13a creates data to be the basis for an optimal target value object (see FIG. 17C) that represents optimal target torque value 2 for one rotation of the crank B31 (hereinafter referred to as “data on the optimal target value object”), and stores the data in the storage area for the data on the optimal target value object. To be more specific, referring to the portion for the optimal target value 2 in the storage area for the data on the optimal target value in the RAM 13c, the CPU 13a creates data on the optimal target value object, which is represented by a smoothly curving line passing through each point of the optimal target value 2. Here, each point of the optimal target value 2 is associated with the crank rotation angle (θ, T: crank rotation angle, optimal target value 2).

In step S84, the CPU 13a creates data to be the basis for an actual measured value object (see FIG. 17D) that represents the actually measured torque value for one rotation of the crank B31 (hereinafter referred to as “data on the actual measured value object), and stores the data in the storage area for the data on the actual measured value object in the RAM 13c. To be more specific, referring to the portion for the torque value of the storage area for the data on the representative values in the RAM 13c, the CPU 13a creates data on the actual measured value object, which is a bar graph representing the average torque value for each range of the torque rotation angles.

In step S84, the CPU 13a combines the objects created in the steps S81 to S84, creates data to be the basis for a pedaling object (see FIG. 17E) that represents the pedaling state and the pedaling target for one rotation of the crank B31 (hereinafter referred to as “data on the pedaling object”), and sets the data in the transmission buffer in the RAM 13c. Here, in order to easily view and recognize the optimal target value object and the actual measured value object even if they overlap one another, the depth of the optimal target value object is different from that of the actual measured value object. With the present embodiment, the depth of the optimal target value object is higher than that of the actual measured value object because the optimal target value object is a curving line and the actual measured value object is a bar graph.

As described above, the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 calculates the optimal target value 2 that is a real goal of pedaling, based on the target data associated with the parameters affecting the pedal effort, and displays the optimal target value 2 as a benchmark for correcting the pedaling. Therefore, it is possible to correct the pedaling while the cyclist is riding the bicycle, and consequently achieve ideal pedaling. Moreover, the target data are associated with the specific parameters such as the riding posture of the cyclist, the slope, the running manner of the cyclist and so forth, which vary while the cyclist is riding the bicycle, that is, while the crank is rotating. Also, information on these specific parameters is acquired while the cyclist is riding the bicycle. As a result, it is possible to accurately calculate the optimal target value depending on the condition. Consequently, it is possible to achieve ideal pedaling. Moreover, even if the specific parameter associated with the target data is different from the real running condition, it is possible to calculate a real and optimal target value based on the basic target value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in an amount of data previously stored in the ROM 13b and so forth.

In addition, by calculating the optimal target value 2 in association with the crank rotation angle and displaying the optimal target value 2 in association with the crank rotation angle, it is possible more strictly correct the pedaling. Moreover, by calculating the optimal target value for each crankshaft and displaying the value as a benchmark (pedaling-goal) for correcting the pedaling, it is possible to more strictly correct the cyclist's pedaling. Moreover, by displaying the optimal target value as a graph by using a display device, it is possible to easily understand the goal of pedaling. Furthermore, by displaying both the optimal target value and the real torque value, it is possible to more strictly correct the pedaling.

The pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 according to the present invention is constituted by the cycle computer 1, the crank rotation angle detection sensor 2, the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, the riding posture detection sensor 5, the slope detection sensor 6 and the running manner detection sensor 7. The parameter information acquiring part according to the present invention is realized by the unique information acquiring part S1 and the running condition information acquiring part S3. The target data acquiring part according to the present invention is realized by the target data acquiring part S2. The optimal target value deriving part according to the present invention is realized by the optimal target value deriving part S5. The basic target data according to the present invention is realized by the target data. The optimal target value and the benchmark for correcting the pedaling according to the present invention are realized by the optimal target value 2. The parameters according to the present invention include the maximum power, the posture, the slopes and the running manners. The specific parameters of the present invention include the postures, the slopes and the running manners. The report control part according to the present invention is realized by the drawing creating part S6 and the information display part S7. The reporting part according to the present invention is realized by the display part 2. The crank-rotation-angle-information acquiring part according to the present invention is realized by the crank-rotation-angle-information acquiring part S31.

Another Embodiment

With Embodiment 1, there are twelve patterns of target data are provided by the combinations of the components of the predetermined parameters. However, it is by no means limiting. For example, 500 W and 1000 W may be set as the components of the parameter (the maximum power), and therefore twenty-four types of target data are set. Moreover, the value to determine each parameter is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the determined value of the running manner may be 150 W. Moreover, the determined values of the riding posture may include the first value, 30 cm and the second value, 40 cm. There may be three types of the riding posture, which are dancing, sitting, and an intermediate stage of them, as a running condition. Here, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained where the riding posture is determined based on the distance L2 between the saddle B5 and the waist, and the running manner is determined based on the power P. However, it is by no means limiting.

Also, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained where the input of the maximum power by the cyclist allows the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 to acquire the maximum power information. However, it is by no means limiting. For example, the maximum power may be calculated using parameters such as a cyclist level and a gear level. To be more specific, the maximum power is calculated by acquiring a cyclist level and a gear level by using a table in which cyclist levels and gear ratios are associated with the maximum power, which is stored in the ROM. 13b. The cyclist levels (for example, beginner/intermediate/advanced levels) may be acquired by the input of the processing to input information in the step S1. The gear level may be acquired by using a gear ratio detection sensor that can detect a gear ratio, acquiring the data on the gear ratio in the processing to acquire the running condition information in the step S4 and referring to a table representing the relationship between the gear ratios and the gear levels. The pedal effort varies depending on the cyclist level and the gear level and affects the power of the pedaling. Therefore, by reflecting the cyclist level and the gear level in the maximum power, as the parameters of the maximum power, it is possible to more precisely detect the goal of pedaling. As a result, the cyclist can correct the pedaling to ideal form.

Moreover, the data on the torque value or the data on the representative torque value may be stored as previous data in a storage device such as RAM 13c and a storage medium to calculate the maximum power based on the previous data. In this way, by calculating the maximum power unique to the cyclist, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the optimal target value, and therefore more strictly correct the pedaling. In addition to this, there is a benefit for the cyclist to automate to acquire the maximum power, so that it is possible to improve the operability of the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100.

With Embodiment 1, the parameters of the target data and the optimal target value include the riding posture, the slope of the ground, the running manner and the maximum power, it is by no means limiting. These parameters may be part of them, may be a combination of part of them and the other parameters, or all parameters may be different from the above-described parameters. The other parameters are not limited but may be, for example, gear levels (1 to 12), wind directions (following wind/opposing wind/crosswind), sex (male/female) or age (infant/youth/maturity/old stage) as long as they affect the load on the pedaling. Moreover, by using body shape (for example, weight, height and the length of a leg) as parameters of the target data and the optimal target value, it is possible to reflect the difference in power transmission due to the difference in geometry, and therefore detect the optimal target value according to the body shape of the cyclist. By this means, the cyclist can correct the pedaling to ideal form.

Moreover, the method of determining the components of the parameters and the equations for calculating the running condition information associated with the parameters are not limited to the methods with Embodiment 1.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, the target data is represented by the table in which the torque values are associated with the crank rotation angles. However, it is by no means limiting, but the target data may be obtained by predetermined equations.

With Embodiment 1, the processing to determine the running condition in the step S6 and the processing to derive the optimal target value in the step S7 are performed on all the ranges of the crank rotation angles. However, the ranges may be limited to the ranges (from 210 degrees to 330 degrees) of “drawing up portion” in which it is easy to apply the pedal effort, and the ranges (from 30 degrees to 150 degrees) of “pushing down portion” in which it is hard to apply the pedal effort. Moreover, any of “all the ranges of the crank rotation angles”, “drawing up portion”, and “pushing down portion” may be selected in the processing to input information in the step S1.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained where the processing to determine the running condition in the step S6 to the processing to display information in the step S9 are performed every the crank B31 rotates 360 degrees. However, another configuration is possible where the processing in the steps 6 to 9 is performed for each of a plurality of times of rotation of the crank B31 (for example, ten times), or for each of a predetermined period of times (for example, at 10 second intervals).

In addition, with Embodiment 1, the optimal target value for the unique information is calculated after the optimal target value for the running condition information. This order may be exchanged. In this case, the optimal target value for the unique information is the optimal target value 1, and the optimal target value for the running condition is the optimal target value 2. However, with Embodiment 1, two target data are selected based on the slope α, and therefore it is preferable to first calculate the optimal target value for the running condition information. The reason is that it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of steps of the processing performed by the control part 13.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained where the target data is acquired by loading the target data previously stored in the ROM 13b. However, another configuration is possible where the target data is stored in a storage medium such as a SD card, which is compatible with the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100, and acquired via the storage medium I/F 13. Moreover, further another configuration is possible where the target data is previously stored in a server and so forth, and acquired via the communication I/F 13 by inputting the user ID in the processing to input information in the step S1.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained where the optimal target value 1 is derived by linear interpolation, and the optimal target value 2 is derived by multiplying the optimal target value 1 by (the maximum power inputted in the step S1/the optimal power associated with the target data). However, the method of driving the optimal target values 1 and 2 is not limited to this. For example, the optimal target value 1 may be obtained by setting the torque values in the target data table every one degree of the crank rotation angle; selecting the crank rotation angle that is the most similar to the detected crank rotation angle, among the set crank rotation angles; and determining torque value corresponding to the most similar crank rotation angle. Similarly, the optimal target value 2 is obtained by setting the torque values in the target data table every 100 W in a predetermined range of the maximum power (e.g. 0 to 1000 W); selecting the maximum power that is the most similar to the input maximum power, among the set maximum power; and determining the torque value corresponding to the most similar maximum power. In this way, it is possible to obtain the optimal target value only by using the target data table. By this means, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control part 13. Moreover, when only the target data table is used, it is preferred to add the unique information to the running condition determination table. By this means, it is possible to obtain the optimal target value at one time without separately calculate the optimal target value 1 and the optimal target value 2. By this means, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of steps of the processing and further reduce the burden on the control part 13.

The display manner of the graph representing the optimal target value 2 and the graph representing the actual measured value is not limited to the manner with Embodiment 1. For example, the same graph is used for both of the optimal target value 2 and the actual measured value. In this case, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control part 13 in the processing to create a drawing in the step S8 and the processing to display information in the step S9. Moreover, although with Embodiment 1, the actual measured value and the optimal target value 2 are separately displayed, these values may be combined to display mixed pedaling. For example, the crank rotation angle is displayed as a circle; the portion corresponding to the range of the crank rotation angles in which the actual measured value is lower than the optimal target value 2 by the value equal to or more than a predetermined reference value is displayed in red (first color); the portion corresponding to the range of the crank rotation angles in which the actual measured values is higher than the optimal target value 2 by the value equal to or more than the reference value is displayed in blue (second color); and the portion corresponding to the range in which the difference between the actual measured value and the optimal target value is lower than the reference value is displayed in yellow (third color). In this way, it is possible to indirectly report the goal of pedaling. Moreover, in this way, by appropriately controlling an amount of information required to know the goal of pedaling, the cyclist can intuitively or sensuously know the goal of pedaling.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, the goal of pedaling and state are presented with respect to both of the right and left feet. However, the information with respect to either of them may be displayed. For example, in the processing to input information in the step S1, which of the pedaling targets and states is displayed may be selected. In addition, in the processing to input information in the step S1, the presence or absence of the display of the actual measured value object may be selected. Moreover, a configuration is possible where a plurality of display manners for the goal of pedaling and the pedaling state are provided, and the display manner corresponding to the goal of pedaling and the pedaling state may be selected in the processing to input information in the step S1.

In addition, with Embodiment 1, the cycle computer 1 determines the running condition and the optimal target value, and displays the goal of pedaling. However, it is by no means limiting, but the goal of pedaling may be displayed by application software of a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone. In this case, the mobile terminal may be set on the bicycle B or carried by the cyclist. In addition, the processing to determine the running condition, the processing to derive the optimal target value, the processing to create a drawing and the processing to display information may be performed by a fixed terminal such as a PC set at home. In this case, the data required for the processing to determine the running condition and the processing to derive the optimal target value are stored in a recording medium such as a memory card via, for example the storage medium I/F 13D of the cycle computer 1 and imported from the recording medium to the fixed terminal. Alternatively, the data may be transmitted and imported to the fixed terminal via the communication I/F of the cycle computer 1.

Here, when the processing to determine the running condition, the processing to derive the optimal target value, the processing to create a drawing and the processing to display information are performed in a fixed terminal, a recording medium such as CD on which a program to perform the processing is stored may be read on the fixed terminal, or application having the program to perform the processing may be downloaded from the server. Moreover, the processing to determine the running condition, the processing to derive the optimal target value, the processing to create a drawing and the processing to display information may be performed on the server via the mobile terminal or the fixed terminal.

Moreover, the pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to the present invention is applicable, in addition to a bicycle running on the road, to a machine that has cranks connected to pedals and is driven by rotating the cranks, such as a stationary exercise bike in a gym, and a boat (e.g. swan boat) which can be driven forward by a person who is pedaling.

Furthermore, although with Embodiment 1, the reporting part is realized by a liquid crystal display device, it is by no means limiting. The reporting part may be realized by another display device, such as a CRT, a plasma display, an organic light emitting display (OLED) and so forth. Moreover, the reporting part may not be a display device, but may be an audio device such as a speaker or an illuminating device such as a light.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• 1. cycle computer
• 2. crank rotation angle detection sensor
• 3. rotation-direction-component detection sensor
• 4. radial-direction-component detection sensor
• 5. riding posture detection sensor
• 5A. first distance measurement sensor
• 5B. second distance measurement sensor
• 5C. reflector
• 6. slope detection sensor
• 7. running condition detection sensor
• 8. attaching member
• 11. input part
• 11a. button
• 11b. button
• 11c. button
• 11d. power switch
• 11e. input control circuit
• 12. display part
• 12a. liquid crystal panel
• 12e. display control circuit
• 13. control part
• 13a. CPU
• 13b. ROM
• 13c. RAM
• 13d. recording medium I/F
• 13e. sensor I/F
• 13f. communication I/F
• 13g. oscillating circuit
• 13h. bus
• 14. housing
• 100. pedaling-goal setting apparatus
• B. bicycle
• B1. frame
• B2. wheel
• B21. front wheel
• B22. rear wheel
• B3. drive mechanism
• B31. crank
• B311. left crankshaft
• B312. right crankshaft
• B32. pedal
• B321. left pedal
• B322. right pedal
• B33. Chain
• B4. handle
• B5. saddle
• B6. spoke
• B7. chain stay
• B8. tire
• S1. unique information acquiring part
• S2. target data acquiring part
• S3. running condition information acquiring part
• S31. crank rotation angle information acquiring part
• S32. pedal effort rotation-direction-component information acquiring part
• S33. pedal effect radial-direction-component information acquiring part
• S34. riding posture information acquiring part
• S35. slope information acquiring part S36. running manner information acquiring part
• S4. running condition determining part
• S5. optimal target value deriving part
• S6. drawing creating part
• S7. information display part

Claims

1-7. (canceled)

8. A pedaling-goal setting apparatus that has a crank rotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connected to the crank, and that is configured to set a goal of pedaling of a machine having the crank rotated by pedal effort that is force applied to the pedal, the pedaling-goal setting apparatus comprising:

a rotation angle detection part configured to detect a rotation angle of the crank; a parameter information acquiring part configured to acquire predetermined parameters for the pedal effort; and

an optimal target value deriving part configured to derive an optimal target value for pedaling associated with the rotation angle of the crank detected by the rotation angle detection part and the predetermined parameters acquired by the parameter information acquiring part based on the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters.

9. The pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein:

the parameters include a specific parameter that can vary while the crank rotates; and

the parameter information acquiring part acquires information on the specific parameter while the crank rotates.

10. The pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising

a report control part configured to allow a reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling in association with the rotation angle of the crank, based on the optimal target value, wherein the optimal target value deriving part derives the optimal target value in association with the rotation angle of the crank.

11. The pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a report control part configured to allow a reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling in association with the rotation angle of the crank, based on the optimal target value, wherein the optimal target value deriving part derives the optimal target value in association with the rotation angle of the crank.

12. The pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein:

the reporting part includes a display device; and

the report control part allows the display device to display an axis representing the rotation angle of the crank and also display the optimal target value associated with the rotation angle of the crank, in association with the axis, as the benchmark to correct pedaling.

13. A method of setting a goal of pedaling of a machine having a crank rotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connected to the crank, the crank being rotated by pedal effort that is force applied to the pedal, the method comprising:

detecting a rotation angle of the crank;

acquiring target data that are associated with predetermined parameters for the pedal effort and that are to be the goal of pedaling;

acquiring the predetermined parameters;

deriving an optimal target value for pedaling associated with the detected rotation angle of the crank and the acquired predetermined parameters based on the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters; and

allowing a reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling based on the derived optimal target value.

14. A pedaling-goal setting program that allows a computer to set a goal of pedaling of a machine having a crank rotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connected to the crank, the crank being rotated by pedal effort that is force applied to the pedal, the program allowing the computer to perform:

a rotation angle information acquiring function to acquire a rotation angle of the crank;

a target data acquiring function to acquire target data that are associated with predetermined parameters for the pedal effort and that are to be the goal of pedaling;

a parameter information acquiring function to acquire the predetermined parameters;

an optimal target value deriving function to derive an optimal target value for pedaling associated with the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters based on the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters; and

a report control function to allow a reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling, based on the derived optimal target value.

15. A non-transitory recording medium having a pedaling-goal setting program stored thereon, the pedaling-goal setting program allowing a computer to set a goal of pedaling of a machine having cranks rotatably connected to a machine body and pedals connected to the cranks, the cranks being rotated by pedal effort that is force applied to the pedals, the program allowing the computer to perform:

a rotation angle information acquiring function to acquire a rotation angle of the crank;

a target data acquiring function to acquire target data that are associated with predetermined parameters for the pedal effort and that are to be the goal of pedaling;

a parameter information acquiring function to acquire the predetermined parameters;

an optimal target value deriving function to derive an optimal target value for pedaling associated with the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters based on the rotation angle of the crank and the predetermined parameters; and

a report control function to allow a reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling, based on the derived optimal target value.

16. The pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

a report control part configured to allow a reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling in association with the rotation angle of the crank, based on the optimal target value, wherein the optimal target value deriving part derives the optimal target value in association with the rotation angle of the crank.