Multi-processor control system for cycle racing

[0001] [Technical field to which the invention belongs] The present invention relates to a control system for a bicycle, which has been developed with particular attention to application to a competition bicycle. In any case, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of application of the present invention in relation to this applicability, especially in relation to its applicability to racing bicycles. [0002] [Conventional technology] Over the past few years in the field of bicycles, to obtain various information regarding the use / operation of such means, for example, based on certain criteria that operate automatically, but also based on specific commands issued by the user. However, there is an increasing tendency to use sensors of various characteristics with the aim of intervening to change the conditions of use / operation of the means via an actuator. [0003] This tendency is remarkable in the direction of extracting and processing a continuously increasing amount of data, and as a result, there is an increasing demand for a more sophisticated and connected system. Since these systems must be mounted on the bicycle, they must not adversely affect the performance of the bicycle, especially in terms of weight, overall dimensions and consumption of electrical energy. [0004] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to meet the above-mentioned needs that are expected to be further increased in this field. [0005] [Means for solving problems] According to the present invention, this can be achieved by a system having the features embodied in the following claims. Simply put, the system according to the invention is based on a multiprocessor electronic structure that controls and manages the operation of bicycles such as competition bicycles. [0006] The solution according to the invention is to identify functional areas that are modularized to reach an integrated control system in order to control the function of the bicycle and monitor the appearance of the bicycle in use, and with the bicycle and its users. It is based on improving the performance of the entire system, which consists of. In particular, the architecture obtained from the modularization of functional units allows careful evaluation of the timing of signal transmission made by the framework of the system, while at the same time achieving a reduction in the number of connections. [0007] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention is set forth below in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying figures. The system according to the present invention, which is indicated by reference numeral 1, is composed of a series of functional blocks interconnected at the level of a communication channel. The aforementioned functional blocks can be arranged in a manner optimized for bicycles, such as competition bicycles, as will be shown in more detail later in FIG. [0008] In general, System 1 basically consists of the following functional blocks: --With the first block 10 designed to act as an interface for system display and management; --A second block 20 designed to act as an interface and module for managing requests made by the user himself, both of which are the execution of commands made by the user, their appearance, state, and /. Or it is about the variation of various functional parameters of the bicycle, and even the activation of a specific operation mode (eg training session); This block 20 can also perform the function of classifying communications with various other functional blocks of the system; Roles such as controlling special functions, such as controlling servo mechanism elements, and / or controlling the exchange of communications over local broadcast networks (eg, wireless local area networks-the type of network currently known as WLAN). Consists of a third block 30, which is designed to carry out. [0009] Looking at the structure of the block in more detail, block 10 usually contains a main processor 101, to which one or more pushbuttons 102 and even a display unit 103 are connected. It will be understood that there is. [0010] As can be seen more from the content shown in FIG. 2, the block 10 is preferably configured as an element that is selectively removable from the bicycle. In this sense, block 10 is at least partially integrable, duplicateable, and competing with additional block 10a, which is essentially configured as a so-called "user organizer", especially with respect to communication with block 20. It may be configured to be possible. The latter device 10a is considered to be well known in itself. [0011] The block 20 includes a processor 201 for managing communication as a main element thereof, to which a series control unit 202 is connected. The same block 20 may include a line 203 for managing inputs, for example connected to one or more control pushbuttons 28, 29 (again, see Figure 2) located on the handlebars of the bicycle. preferable. This handle is the element on which the block 20 is normally mounted and is preferably mounted in the center thereof. [0012] Reference numeral 205 indicates the possibility of one or more sensors connected to the line 203. These sensors are, for example, gradient sensors, altitude sensors, temperature sensors and the like. This type of sensor is also known in the prior art and does not need to be described in detail here. [0013] In this regard, it should be noted that the present invention is primarily concerned with the overall architecture of System 1, its configuration as shown in blocks, and the modality adopted to coordinate the communication and interaction between each block. Should. Therefore, the detailed description of the present invention is primarily relevant to these aspects and does not refer to individual elements that are considered to be well known as a whole (for obvious reasons for brevity). .. [0014] Moving on to scrutinize block 30, reference numeral 31 indicates a processor designed primarily to perform functions controlling a drive such as actuators 38, 39 as shown below. Reference numeral 32 indicates an additional processor designed to perform the function of controlling the WLAN type local broadcasting network indicated by reference numeral 320, which includes one or more sensors 41, ... 4k ..., 4n is connected. For example, communication interfaces 410, ... 4k0 ..., 4n0, which are now called wireless peripheral units (WPUs), are connected to each sensor. [0015] The number of sensors n (including, for example, pedal speed, pedal operation, pedal force, user's heart rate, etc.) and the number of corresponding interfaces may be any number. In fact, one of the most interesting properties of the solution according to the invention is to provide a very high degree of flexibility in choosing the number and / or characteristics of the sensors coupled to none other than System 1. is there. [0016] The block 30 is another sensor or transducer, such as a transducer 36 that senses the position of the crankwheel fixed to the crankset, or a sensor 37 that has a transducer that can sense the movement of the bicycle chain. It is preferable that it is configured so that it can also receive a signal from. [0017] These sensors / converters, which are designed to be connected to block 30 on the physical lines indicated by the symbols 360 and 370, respectively, are also in the same situation as described above for the various sensors contained in the WLAN network 320. Can be seen. [0018] This control processor 31 is also indicated by reference numerals 38 and 39 by the aspect of being essentially dual to those previously described for the various sensors 41, ... 4k ..., 4n and 36, 37. Interacts with various actuators. These are, for example, to control the gear shift function of the bicycle.<u style="single">Forward</u>Transmission and<u style="single">Rear</u>Such as an actuator connected to the transmission of. [0019] In the case of sensors 36 and 37, communication with actuators 38 and 39 is performed by physical lines 380 and 390, respectively. It is advantageous to connect feedback lines 381, 391 to these lines, for example through which actuators 38 and 39 indicate to processor 31 their actual position and operational status. [0020] Therefore, in the case of a sensor connected to the network 320, the number and properties of the sensors 36 and 37 and the number and properties of the actuators such as the actuators 38 and 39 may be anything. Regarding the aspect of communication, it is possible to intend to insert one or more actuators into the wireless network 320. [0021] [0021] Figure 2 shows the possible arrangement of some of the elements shown above in the bicycle. The arrangement of blocks 10 and 20, as well as control buttons 28 and 29, has been described earlier. [0022] It is convenient to mount the block 30 at a position just below the bottle car, which is approximately central to the various sensors 41, 42, 43, etc. provided by the network 320. In this regard, just as an example, in Figure 2, three of these sensors are one on the front wheel fork (sensor 41), one near the crankset (sensor 42), and one on the rear wheel of the bicycle. It can be seen that it is shown at approximately the center position along the fork (sensor 43). Regarding the sensor 44, which is shown here as a heart rate sensor as an example, it can be seen that there is a possibility of communication with a sensor that is not necessarily installed on the bicycle for the network 320. [0023] The sensor 36 is clearly located in a position corresponding to the crankset, preferably in a position corresponding to the lower bracket, while the sensor 37 is located.<u style="single">Rear</u>It is located and shown in a position corresponding to the transmission so that the movement of the chain can be detected. Actuator 38 is shown here in the form of an actuator that controls gear shifts. [0024] Reference numerals 50, 50A, and 50B are for exemplifying the existence of a power supply source such as a battery mounted on a bicycle, and a generator for charging the battery can be attached. Furthermore, since the system according to the present invention is sufficiently compatible with the supply by a small battery having a long life (for example, a battery for a clock), the existence of these plurality of generators is all present. It is a surplus, if not to say. [0025] It will be clear that the representation in FIG. 2 merely illustrates how some of the elements shown in FIG. 1 are arranged on the bicycle. Therefore, this display should not be considered complete and / or limiting in their arrangement, especially with respect to the possibility of functional integration to allow for more advanced monitoring of the function of the bicycle. [0026] The amount of information associated with achieving the functions described above for the communication and processing of data within System 1 leads to the adoption of certain techniques that are considered preferred. [0027] Connections between the various modules, especially between blocks 10, 20, and 30, are preferably made bidirectionally, preferably by standards using a series format. This applies in particular to the communication line 12 connecting blocks 10 and 20 and the communication line 23 connecting blocks 20 and 30. [0028] The above-mentioned connection mode enables data transmission in a situation where the number of connections is reduced as much as possible, for example, avoiding a direct connection between blocks 10 and 30. [0029] Block 10 (which is essentially similar to the so-called "cycling computer"), which is essentially configured to act as a block for managing the system, is preferably removable from the bicycle, as described above. It is formed, and as a result, attachment and detachment detection is possible both by the block 10 itself and by the block 20 that interacts with the block 10. [0030] In addition, by relying on bidirectional communication for at least the most important flow of information, it is possible to give clear priority to information that appears to be of higher importance in each flow of information. It becomes possible, and further, it becomes possible to guarantee the predictability of communication. Moreover, this system (particularly block 30) can accurately monitor the operation status of the power source, whether it is a battery or a generator. [0031] In addition, the system can optimize power consumption. This is preferably achieved according to the criteria detailed described in the two patent applications for industrial inventions filed by the applicant on the same day. [0032] In this regard, it will be appreciated that the block 20 is preferably attached to an element (such as a bracket) that detachably mounts the block 10. Such a mounting form facilitates communication of the block with pushbuttons 28, 29, which is preferably carried out via a line that can be mounted within the handle. The above configuration allows physical coupling between block 20 and block 30, which is preferably secured in a container located directly under the bottle cage as described above. [0033] The block diagram of FIG. 3 shows in more detail the preferred aspects of the physical coupling between block 10, block 20, and block 30. From the block diagram shown in Figure 3, the number of couplings is minimized in terms of allowing bidirectional information exchange, preferably performed by asynchronous protocols (ie, those that do not require synchronization or clock signals). It turns out that it is preferable to limit it. [0034] First, a closer look at the line 12 connecting block 10 and block 20 reveals that this line usually consists of the ground line 86, as well as the other two lines indicated by the codes 84 and 85. These two lines, or lines, are designed to allow transmission from block 10 to block 20 and transmission from block 20 to block 10, respectively. [0035] Preferably, the plurality of wires 84 and 85 are joined to the receiving side of their respective couplings and include registers 10R, 20R1 arranged between the wires themselves and ground. This plurality of registers makes it possible to verify whether or not a physical coupling exists between the corresponding blocks by evaluating the logic state of the received signal Rx. If the signal remains invariant with the logic value "0", it means that no one is driving the corresponding coupling, which means that no coupling exists. In the normal coupled state, the received signal is maintained at a higher logic level (ie, logic value "1") by the transmitted signal Tx, at least temporarily. [0036] Almost the same configuration is adopted for the line 23 that connects the block 20 to the block 30. In this case, the ground line is coded 83, and the two lines that allow transmission from block 20 to block 30 and block 30 to block 20 are indicated by codes 81 and 82, respectively. These two lines 81 and 82 also have registers 20R2 and 30R connected to their respective receiving terminals and designed to evaluate the existence of physical coupling. [0037] Block 20 which basically has the function of the transmission unit is mainly: --Verify that system 1 is usable in view of the existence and coupling of all functional blocks 10, 20 and 30; for example, the removal of block 10 with the function of a display unit Detected by the method described above, ie, by removing register 10R, block 20 inhibits system 1 and suppresses all functionality of system 1, or at least suppresses the function linked to the presence of block 10. ; --Periodic polling of control unit 32 of network 320 to allow information to be updated and transmitted to block 10 (after processing if necessary); --For example, process the request corresponding to the command sent by push buttons 28, 29 (these push buttons connected to block 20 are not shown in Fig. 3 for the sake of simplicity), and the command (these commands are not shown in Fig. 3). Allows it to be determined to transmit a request) to block 10, which acts as a display unit, and / or control unit 31, which includes block 30. Fields such as. [0038] Block 20 activity is managed based on criteria that reduce the time to activate resources in order to reduce power consumption. [0039] The information from block 30 to block 20 starting from the two functional blocks 31 and 32 has already been described. Block 31 (essentially responsible for interacting with actuators such as actuators 38, 39) reacts only when a request coming from unit 20 is involved, i.e., when there is an activation command. [0040] In a symmetrical relationship, the block 32, which is responsible for managing the network 320, transmits the information coming from the network 320 to the communication unit 20 if enabled by the signal sent from the controller 31 by the line 35. [0041] A protocol and a physical interface are preferably used for this purpose, in addition to the use of signals sent by lines 81, 82 to allow asynchronous bidirectional communication between blocks 20 and 30. It also uses the signals available on the additional line 89 driven by processor 201 for the purpose of activating processor 31 configured as a slave. The signal generated by the processor 31 and existing on the line 35 has a function of releasing the signal existing on the line 82 in order to control the processor 32 acting as a slave in this case. [0042] As a result, under normal operating conditions, information is generated from processor 32 and transmitted to unit 20. If there is a request from block 20 to send processor 31, it is done by the following steps: --A signal on line 89 is activated, which activates processor 31, which is also configured as a slave, and brings line 35 for processor 32, which is also configured as a slave, to the deactivation level; --After the predetermined time required to complete the communication between processor 32 and processor 201, the request from block 201 arrives at processor 31 via the signal on line 81; --Control of the signal on line 82 by processor 32 is re-enabled via the enable level of signal 35 by processor 31; --Once the request is executed, processor 31 requests the control of the signal on line 82 via signal 35 by processor 32, and after a predetermined time, the response is from processor 31 to processor 201. Sent; --At the end of the transmission of the response, the normal operating state is restored and line 32 is enabled to control the signal on line 82 through the enable obtained by utilizing line 35. [0043] Again, on communication line 23, there is a line 90 designed to allow the delivery of the supply voltage from block 30 (which usually connects to power sources 50, 50A, 50B) to block 20. Will be understood. Block 10 has its own power source 10B available because it needs to be supplied even when it is removed from the system. [0044] Communication between block 30 and block 20 is preferably performed in byte frames at a predetermined baud rate. The format of one frame is generated by processor 32 on processor 201: the format of the other frame is related to processor 31 and processor 201. Since communication is bidirectional, each of the two main forms of a frame has a unique subform for different situations. [0045] Typically, the structure of the frame contains a header byte, which allows the source of the information to be transmitted (processor 31, processor 32, processor 201, etc.) and the specific format of the frame to be identified. :: --Data blocks sent from processor 32 to processor 201; --The state of block 30 and the actuator information sent from processor 31 to processor 201; --Requests sent from processor 201 to processor 31; And / or --Requests sent from processor 201 to processor 32, There is. [0046] This is followed by a unique data field for each type of frame involved in the transmission. The final control byte is provided to verify the successful outcome of the communication. [0047] Some examples of communication frames are shown in Figures 4-7. In all of these figures, the reference numeral H indicates the header byte and the reference numeral CK indicates the final control byte. [0048] Specifically, FIG. 4, which is divided into three parts a), b), and c), shows an example of a frame that can be used for transmitting information from the processor 32 to the unit 20. For example, FIG. 4a) shows a frame that can be used to send information about data generated by a speed sensor, such as sensor 41, inserted into network 320 to block 20. [0049] In the frame, the first field C1 can be used to display the number of pulses generated by the velocity sensor and / or the value of the average period of these pulses with a predetermined time reference. The second field C2 can be used to display the number of pulses generated by a sensor such as a pedaling sensor and / or the value of the average period on a predetermined time basis. [0050] Figure 4b) shows the possibility of a very simple frame structure, which can be used to transmit information about measurements by the heart rate sensor 44 as shown in Figure 2, in addition to the header H and control bite CK. Includes one field C3. [0051] For example, a similar structure is shown in Figure 4c) for a frame that can be used to transmit information coming from a pedal force sensor. Again, the frame can be used to transmit, for example, some values recorded during the rotation of the crankset (eg 16 force values) in addition to the header H and control bite CK. Includes one field C4. [0052] FIG. 5 shows a more complex frame structure, again with actuators 38, 39 provided with multiple fields C5 to C8 in addition to the header H and control bite CK, coupled to the bicycle transmission. It can be used to send information about one operating state from processor 31 to block 20. In this case, field C5 is designed to send state information, and field C6 is<u style="single">Rear</u>Transmission position and / or<u style="single">Forward</u>Communicate information about the position of the transmission. Fields C7 and C8<u style="single">Rear</u>The height of the transmission position and<u style="single">Forward</u>It can be used to provide an indication of the height of the transmission position. [0053] Instead, FIG. 6 shows a frame structure that can be used to transmit information from processor 201 to processor 31. Also in this case, in addition to the header H and the control byte CK, some fields indicated by the codes C9 to C11 are provided, and these are the requested byte (depending on the bit position) and the predetermined bytes to be read / changed, respectively. It is designed to send an address and a given value to be read / changed. [0054] Finally, FIG. 7 shows an example of a frame structure that can be used to send information from processor 201 to control processor 32. In this case, header H is followed by fields C12 through C14, which are designed to send the request code, the corresponding address in network 320, and the configuration parameters of the elements that form part of network 320, respectively. ing. This is followed by control byte CK as before. [0055] Preferably, each byte in the frame shown in FIGS. 4-7 is characterized by a trailing edge to the start bit and two stop bits. [0056] Of course, without being biased towards the principles of the present invention, it is possible to broadly change the details of the configuration and embodiments with respect to those described and illustrated so far, which does not deviate from the scope of the present invention. Absent. [0057] [Effect of the invention] According to the system according to the present invention based on a multiprocessor electronic structure that controls and manages the operation of a bicycle such as a competition bicycle, the performance of the bicycle is not adversely affected in terms of weight, overall size, and consumption of electrical energy. It is possible to provide a more sophisticated and connected system that enables the retrieval and processing of the ever-increasing amount of data for bicycles. [0058] [0058] In addition, according to the system according to the invention, by relying on two-way communication for at least the most important flow of information, it is clear for information that appears to be of greater importance in each flow of information. Priority can be given, and the predictability of communication can be guaranteed. Moreover, the system can accurately monitor the operation status of the system regardless of whether the power supply source is a battery or a generator, and can optimize the power consumption. [Simple explanation of drawings] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram which shows the whole architecture of the system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing that various modules constituting the system shown in FIG. 1 can be mounted on a bicycle such as a racing bicycle. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing specific contents of some elements shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a detailed view of aspects adopted for transmitting various signals in the system according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of aspects adopted for transmitting various signals in the system according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of aspects adopted for transmitting various signals in the system according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a detailed view of aspects adopted for transmitting various signals in the system according to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols] 1. System, 10. 1st processor unit, 10R, 20R, 30R. Sensor means, 12, 23. Communication channel, 20. 2nd processor unit, 28, 29. Control element, 30. 3rd Processor unit, 31. Processor unit, 32. Processor, 35. Control signal, 36, 37, 41. Sensor, 36, 37. Subset, 38, 39. Actuator, 41. Subset, 50. Power source, 201. Communication processor, 203. Input circuit.