System for a bicycle

A bicycle system includes controller devices. Each controller device includes at least one respective input element configured to receive input from a user. The system includes operation-enacting devices. Each operation-enacting device is configured to enact at least one respective operation on the bicycle. The system includes a network coordinator device configured to (i) establish a wireless network for communications between the network coordinator device, the controller devices, and the operation-enacting devices, and (ii) transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the wireless network, a roster identifying the controller devices and the operation-enacting devices paired to the wireless network. The controller devices are configured to transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the wireless network, signals indicating input received by the input elements of the controller devices. The operation-enacting devices are configured to determine, based on the roster, how to enact the operations responsive to the signals received from the controller devices.

BACKGROUND

A bicycle includes various components that allow a user to control the operation of the bicycle. For instance, the bicycle may include a drivetrain where one or more gears can be selectably engaged with a drive chain to modify pedaling cadence and resistance. Correspondingly, the bicycle may include controller devices that receive input from the user to cause the drive chain to engage different gears.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, embodiments provide systems, devices and methods for controlling components on a bicycle. According to an example embodiment, a system for a bicycle includes a plurality of controller devices, wherein each controller device includes at least one respective input element configured to receive input from a user. The system includes a plurality of operation-enacting devices, wherein each operation-enacting device is configured to enact at least one respective operation on the bicycle. The system includes a network coordinator device configured to (i) establish a wireless network that enables communications between the network coordinator device, the controller devices, and the operation-enacting devices, and (ii) transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the wireless network, a roster identifying the controller devices paired to the wireless network and the operation-enacting devices paired to the wireless network. The controller devices are further configured to transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the wireless network, signals indicating input received by the input elements of the controller devices. The operation-enacting devices are configured to determine, based on the roster received from the network coordinator device, how to enact the operations responsive to the signals received from the controller devices.

According to another example embodiment, a network coordinator device for a bicycle includes a first communication interface configured to communicate wirelessly with a plurality of controller devices and a plurality of operation-enacting devices. Each controller device includes at least one respective input element configured to receive input from a user, and each operation-enacting device is configured to enact at least one respective operation on the bicycle. The network coordinator device includes one or more processors configured to execute program instructions stored on computer-readable media, which when executed cause the one or more processors to: (i) establish, via the first communication interface, a pairing session that allows the controller devices and the operation-enacting devices to be paired to a wireless network, and (ii) transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the first communication interface, a roster identifying the controller devices and the operation-enacting devices paired to the wireless network. The wireless network allows the controller devices to transmit to the operation-enacting devices signals indicating input received by the input elements of the controller devices, thereby causing the operation-enacting devices to enact the operations based on the roster.

According to yet another example embodiment, a controller device for a bicycle includes at least one input element configured to receive input from a user and to provide a signal in response to the input. The controller device includes a communication interface configured to communicate wirelessly with a network coordinator device and a plurality of operation-enacting devices, and is further configured to transmit a device type identification to the network coordinator device. The network coordinator device is configured to establish a pairing session to pair the controller device, other controller devices, and the operation-enacting devices to a wireless network, the network coordinator device pairing the controller device to the wireless network only if the device type identification is different from device type identifications associated with the other controller devices and the operation-enacting devices. The communication interface is further configured to transmit, via the wireless network, the signal from the at least one input element to the operation-enacting devices, the signal causing one of the operation-enacting devices to enact at least one operation on the bicycle.

According to a further embodiment, an operation-enacting device for a bicycle includes at least one movable component configured to modify an operative state of the bicycle. The operation-enacting device includes a communication interface configured to communicate wirelessly with a network coordinator device, a plurality of controller devices and other operation-enacting devices. The network coordinator device establishes a pairing session to pair the operation-enacting device, the controller devices, and other operation-enacting devices to a wireless network. The communication interface receives (i) from the network coordinator device, a roster identifying the controller devices and other operation-enacting devices paired to the wireless network, and (ii) from the controller devices, signals indicating input received by input elements of the controller devices. Based on the roster received from the network coordinator, the at least one movable component modifies the operative state of the bicycle responsive only to the signals from a single assigned controller device or a single assigned particular combination of controller devices.

Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar or identical structures have similar reference numerals. Various embodiments of the invention will be described herein with reference to the drawings. It will be understood that the drawings and the description set out herein are provided for illustration only and do not limit the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto and any and all their equivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to aspects of the present disclosure, embodiments provide systems, devices and methods for controlling components on a bicycle. The embodiments employ a plurality of controller devices that receive input from a user to control operation-enacting devices on the bicycle. Operation-enacting devices generally include at least one movable component configured to modify an operative state of the bicycle. The controller devices and the operation-enacting devices are paired to a wireless network. When a particular controller device receives an input from the user, the particular controller device sends a corresponding signal to the operation-enacting devices paired to the network. Embodiments employ a set of assignments to determine which, if any, of the operation-enacting devices responds to the signal from the particular controller device. Advantageously, the set of assignments can be modified by the user according to the user's preferences. In other words, the embodiments provide a reconfigurable control system for the components of the bicycle.

Although the ability to reconfigure the control system may be a desirable feature, there may be concern over whether unknown devices can access and make unwanted modifications to the control system over the wireless network. The embodiments, however, can secure the control system against such access by unknown devices. According to one approach, the embodiments initiate a pairing session that allows the user to select controller devices and operation-enacting devices for the wireless network. Once the pairing session is complete, the roster of devices paired to the network is fixed and unchangeable, even though the assignments between the controller devices and the operation-enacting devices already on the network can still be changed by the user. As such, unknown devices cannot join the wireless network and interfere with the control system. According to another approach, the embodiments may not allow duplicate device types to be paired to the wireless network, so that an unknown device cannot imitate another device type that has already been selected for pairing. According to yet another approach, the embodiments may only permit each operation enacted by an operation-enacting device to occur in response to the signals from a single assigned controller device or a single assigned particular combination of controller devices, thereby reducing the likelihood of an unwanted response by an operation-enacting device to a signal from an unknown device. Moreover, the embodiments may employ a proprietary network protocol to enhance security by limiting access to the wireless network to devices that can operate under the protocol.

FIG. 1Aillustrates a right side view of an example road bicycle100. The bicycle100includes a frame102, a front wheel104, a rear wheel106, and a drivetrain108. The front wheel104and the rear wheel106are rotatably coupled to the frame102. The bicycle includes a front brake110for braking the front wheel104and a rear brake112for braking the rear wheel106. To allow a user to steer the bicycle100, the bicycle100includes a handlebar assembly114attached to the frame102.

FIG. 1Billustrates a schematic diagram depicting the handlebar assembly114and other components coupled to the handlebar assembly114. As shown inFIGS. 1A and/or 1B, the handlebar assembly114includes a right drop bar114aand a left drop bar114bto accommodate the left and right hands of the user, respectively. Additionally, the bicycle100includes a first or right controller device120coupled to the right drop bar114a. The first controller device120includes a first or right brake lever116to allow the user to operate the rear brake112. Correspondingly, the bicycle100includes a second or left controller device122coupled to the left drop bar114b. The second controller device122includes a second or left brake lever118to allow the user to operate the front brake110.

As shown inFIGS. 1A, 1C and 1D, the drivetrain108includes a drive chain108a, a front crank108b, front chainrings108c, a front gear changer such as an electromechanical front derailleur108d, rear sprockets108e, and a rear gear changer such as an electromechanical rear derailleur108f. The front chainrings108care coupled to the front crank108b. The diameters and number of teeth on the front sprockets108cmay differ from each other. The rear sprockets108eare coaxially mounted to the rear wheel106. The diameters and the numbers of teeth on the rear sprockets108emay gradually decrease from left to right. Alternatively, the diameters and the numbers of teeth on the rear sprockets108emay gradually decrease from right to left. The chain108aengages a selected chainring108cand a selected sprocket108e.

To drive the bicycle100, the user can pedal to rotate the front crank108brelative to the frame102. Rotation of the front crank108bcauses the selected chainring108cto rotate and the chain108ato move through the drivetrain108. Movement of the chain108acauses corresponding rotation of the selected sprocket108eand thus the rear wheel106. Rotation of the rear wheel106against the ground may propel the bicycle100in a forward direction. The front and/or forward orientation and movement of the bicycle10is indicated by the direction of arrow “A.” Further, other terms relating to direction may be used herein. For example, the “inboard” and “outboard,” and “left” and “right” may be used. The terms “right” and “left,” and “inboard” and “outboard” describe a position between parts or items and a vertical plane substantially bisecting the bicycle or a direction toward or away from the vertical plane substantially bisecting the bicycle. Moreover, terms such as “front” and “rear” referred to bicycle mechanisms conventionally mounted to the bicycle and with the bicycle oriented in the forward direction.

The selected chainring108cand the selected sprocket108e, in combination, determine a gear ratio for driving the bicycle100. Operation of the front derailleur108dallows the user to change the selected chainring108cengaged by the chain108a. In particular, the front derailleur108dcan be actuated to shift the chain108aleft or right from one chainring108cto the other. The front derailleur108dis shown as a wireless electrically-actuated front derailleur mounted to the frame102. The front derailleur108dmay include a base member108gmounted to the bicycle frame102and a chain guide assembly108hor cage movably connected to the base member108gby a front linkage108iin the form of a parallelogram. A front power supply108j, in this embodiment a removable battery, may be mounted on the front derailleur108d. The front power supply108jmay supply power to a front motor unit108k. The front motor unit108kis configured to supply torque to the components of the front derailleur108dto move the chain guide assembly108hrelative to the front base member108gsuch that the front derailleur108dmay shift the chain108abetween the front sprockets108c.

Meanwhile, operation of the rear derailleur108fallows the user to change the selected sprocket108eengaged by the chain108a. In particular, the rear derailleur108fcan be actuated to shift the chain108aleft or right from one sprocket108eto another. The rear derailleur108fis shown as a wireless electrically-actuated rear derailleur mounted to the frame102. The rear derailleur may include a base member1081(e.g., a b-knuckle) that is mounted to the bicycle frame102. A linkage108mmay include two links108nthat are pivotally connected to the base member1081. A movable member108o(e.g., a p-knuckle) may be connected to the linkage108m. A chain guide assembly108qor cage may be configured to engage and maintain tension in the chain108aand may be pivotally connected to a part of the movable member1080.

A motor unit108rand rear power supply108s, in this embodiment a removable battery, are disposed on the rear derailleur108f. The battery108ssupplies power to the motor unit108r. In this embodiment, the motor unit108ris disposed in the movable member1080. Alternatively, the motor unit108rmay be disposed in one of the links108nor in the base member1081. The motor unit108rmay include a motor and a gear transmission. The motor unit108rmay be coupled with the linkage108mto laterally move the cage108qand thus shift the chain108aamong the rear sprockets108e.

Looking toFIGS. 1A, 1B and 1E, to allow the user to operate the front derailleur108dor the rear derailleur108f, the first and second controller devices120,122include first and second electrical switches120c,122c, that are actuated by first and second input elements, in this embodiment first and second shift levers120a,122a, respectively. The first shift lever120ais configured to receive a right input from the right hand of the user and actuate the first electrical switch120c. The second shift lever122aconfigured to receive a left input from the left hand of the user and actuate the second electrical switch122c. The first shift lever120amay be positioned behind to the first brake lever116, while the second shift lever122amay be positioned behind to the second brake lever118.

To provide the right input to the first shift lever120a, the user can manually apply pressure on the right side of the first shift lever120a. In response, the first shift lever120amay pivot about a first shift lever axis L1from an initial rest position to a shift actuation position. The first shift lever120amay be biased with a spring or the like so that when the manual pressure is no longer applied by the user, the first shift lever120areturns to the initial rest position. Similarly, to provide the left input to the second shift lever122a, the user can manually apply pressure on the left side of the second shift lever122a. In response, the second shift lever122amay pivot about a second shift lever axis L2(not shown) from an initial rest position to a shift actuation position. The second shift lever122amay be biased with a spring or the like so that when the manual pressure is no longer applied by the user, the second shift lever122areturns to the left starting position.

The first and second controller devices120,122include first and second controller processors120e,122e, which electronically process the manual input received by the first shift lever120aand the second shift lever122a, respectively. In particular, the right input triggers a first controller communication interface120dto wirelessly send a first shift signal120b, and left input triggers a second controller communication interface122dto wirelessly send a second shift signal122b. Correspondingly, the front derailleur108dand the rear derailleur108finclude communication interfaces and processors that are configured to receive and electronically process the first shift signal120band/or the second shift signal122bto determine a designated response.

In a first scenario, the user provides the right input via the first shift lever120abut does not provide the left input via the second shift lever122a. In response, the first controller device120sends the first shift signal120b, while the left controller device122sends no signal. When the rear derailleur108freceives the first shift signal120bwith no second shift signal122b, the rear derailleur108fshifts the chain108ato engage the next smaller sprocket108eto the right or performs a downshift. Meanwhile, when the front derailleur108dreceives the first shift signal120bwith no second shift signal122b, the front derailleur108dremains idle.

In a second scenario, the user provides the left input via the second shift lever122abut does not provide the right input via the right shift lever120a. In response, the second controller device122sends the second shift signal122b, while the first controller device120sends no signal. When the rear derailleur108freceives the second shift signal122bwith no first shift signal120b, the rear derailleur108fshifts the chain108ato engage the next larger sprocket108eto the left or performs a upshift. Meanwhile, when the front derailleur108dreceives the second shift signal122bwith no second shift signal120b, the front derailleur108dremains idle.

In a third scenario, the user simultaneously provides the right input via the first shift lever120aand the left input via the second shift lever122a. In response, the first controller device120sends the first shift signal120b, and the second controller device122sends the second shift signal122b. When the rear derailleur108freceives the first shift signal120band the second shift signal122bsimultaneously or within a certain time period, the rear derailleur108fremains idle. Meanwhile, when the front derailleur108dreceives the first shift signal120band the second shift signal122bsimultaneously or within a certain time period, the front derailleur108dshifts the chain108aleft or right to engage a different chainring108c. In some cases, the drivetrain108includes only two chainrings108c, so the simultaneous right input and left input causes the chain108ato alternate between the two chainrings108c.

In some embodiments, the user can manually apply pressure to the first shift lever120aand/or the second shift lever122afor varying amounts of time. For instance, without applying pressure to the second shift lever122a, the user may apply continuous pressure to keep the first shift lever120ain the left final position for a period that exceeds a threshold amount of time, e.g., approximately one second. In response, the first controller device120sends the first shift signal120bfor a corresponding amount of time, i.e., until the user releases the pressure on the first shift lever120a. When the rear derailleur108freceives the first shift signal120b, the rear derailleur108fdetermines that the first shift signal120bexceeds a threshold amount of time. In response, rather than merely shifting the chain108ato engage the next sprocket108eto the right, the rear derailleur108fshifts the chain108arepeatedly over multiple sprockets108eto the right until the user releases the pressure on the first shift lever120aand the first shift signal120bceases, or until the chain108areaches the right-most sprocket108e. Alternatively, to shift the chain108arepeatedly over multiple sprockets108eto the left, the user may apply continuous pressure to the left shift lever122afor a period that exceeds the threshold amount of time.

As shown inFIGS. 1A-B, the first controller device120and the second controller device122employ the first shift lever120aand the second shift lever122aas respective input elements to generate corresponding wireless shift signals120b,122bto actuate the front derailleur108dand the rear derailleur108fAlternative embodiments, however, may include controller devices with different configurations to control a front derailleur and/or a rear derailleur. For instance, a bicycle may include aerobars with pushbuttons instead of drop bars with shift levers, where the pushbuttons act as input elements that can be pressed by the user to generate wireless signals which can be received and processed by the front derailleur and the rear derailleur. Also, while some controller devices may be coupled to handlebar assemblies, other controller devices may be coupled to other areas of a bicycle, such as locations throughout the frame. Furthermore, other types of controller devices are contemplated. For instance, a unified shifter device may be employed, where the user can press one or more pushbuttons on a mounted box to send signals that control the front derailleur and/or the rear derailleur. Alternatively, a pedal sensor may be employed to receive input from the user via the user's pedaling action and the front derailleur and/or the rear derailleur may respond to a signal from the pedal sensor, e.g., select gears to maintain a desired cadence or pedal resistance.

While the example bicycle100shown inFIGS. 1A-Bis a road bicycle, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented with bicycles of any type. For instance,FIG. 2Aillustrates a right side view of an example mountain bicycle200. The bicycle200includes a frame202, a front wheel204, a rear wheel206, a drivetrain208, front disk brakes210, and rear disk brakes212. The drivetrain208includes a chain208a, a front crank208b, a front chainring208c, rear sprockets208e, and a rear derailleur208f, which operate in a manner similar to the corresponding components of the drivetrain108above.

In contrast to the bicycle100, the bicycle200includes other operating-enacting devices such as a height-adjustable seat post assembly226and front and rear suspension systems230,232. InFIGS. 2A and 2C, the seat post assembly in shown as a wireless, electrically-actuated seat post assembly226that allows the position of a seat228to be dynamically adjusted. For instance, the adjustable seat post226may include an operable valve (not shown) that allows the seat228to be dropped to a lower height during a ride to change the position of the user relative to the frame202and achieve better handling. The seat post assembly226includes a first or lower tube226aand a second or upper tube226b. The two tubes226a,226bare movable relative to each other to establish a height of the seat228relative to the frame202. A head226cis fixed to a top of the second tube226b. A seat post motor unit226dis mounted to the head226cand a power supply226e, in this embodiment a removable battery, is attached to the motor unit226d. The motor unit226dmay include a motor and a gear transmission. The seat post power supply226emay supply power to the seat post motor unit226d. The seat post motor unit226dis configured to supply torque to the components of the seat post assembly226to open and close the operable valve.

The front suspension system is shown as a wireless, electrically-actuated front suspension system230that allows the suspension characteristics at the front wheel204to be dynamically adjusted. Furthermore, the rear suspension system is shown as a wireless, electrically-actuated rear suspension system232that allows the suspension characteristics at the rear wheel206to be dynamically adjusted. The front and rear suspension systems230,232may further include power supplies such as batteries that supply power to front and rear suspension motor units, respectively. The motor units may be configured to supply torque to the components of the suspension systems to open and close one or more values to change various suspension characteristics.

Looking toFIGS. 2A and 2B, the bicycle200includes a first or right controller device220and a second or left controller device222. The first and second controller device includes first and second electrical switches220c,222cthat are actuated by first and second input elements, in this embodiment, first and second shift levers220a,222a, respectively. The handlebar assembly214includes a flat bar or a riser bar instead of drop bars. As such, the first controller device220is coupled to a right side of the flat or riser bar, and the second controller device222is coupled to a left side of the flat or riser bar. Additionally, the bicycle200may include a seat post controller device234and front and rear suspension controller devices236,238coupled to the handlebar assembly214.

The user can operate the first shift lever220aand/or the second shift lever222aas described above to generate a first shift signal220band/or a second shift signal222b, respectively. Similar to the bicycle100, the first shift signal220band/or the second shift signal222bcan be employed to control the rear derailleur208f. To allow the user to adjust the height of the seat post assembly226, the seat post controller device234includes a seat post electrical switch234cthat is actuated by a seat post input element234csuch as a lever or button.

To allow the user to adjust the characteristics of the front and rear suspension systems230,232, the front and rear suspension controller devices236,238include front and rear suspension electrical switches236c,238cthat are actuated by suspension input elements236a,238asuch as levers or buttons. Alternatively, the adjustable seat post assembly226, the adjustable front suspension system230, and the adjustable rear suspension system232may also be configured to receive the first shift signal220band/or the second shift signal222b, so that these devices can also be controlled by operation of the first shift lever220aand/or the second shift lever222a.

The seat post and front and rear suspension controller devices234,236,238include processors234e,236e238e, respectively, which electronically process the manual input received by the seat post and front and rear suspension input elements234a,236a,238a, respectively. The seat post input triggers a seat post controller communication interface234dto wirelessly send a seat post signal234b. The front and rear suspension inputs trigger front and rear controller communication interfaces236d,238dto wirelessly send front and rear suspension signals236b,238b. Correspondingly, the seat post assembly226includes a communication interface and a processor that is configured to receive and electrically process the seat post signal234bto determine a designated response. The front and rear suspensions include communication interfaces and processors that are configured to receive and electronically process the front and rear suspension signals, respectively, to determine a designated response.

FIGS. 1A-Eand2A-C illustrate how various controller devices can be employed to wirelessly communicate control signals to different combinations of operation-enacting devices. The signals from the controller devices may be communicated wirelessly using any technique, protocol, or standard. For instance, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) 802.11 standards, IEEE 802.15.1 or BLUETOOTH® standards, and/or ANT™ or ANT+™ standards may be used. In some embodiments, however, control signals may be communicated wirelessly over a proprietary protocol, such as one that operates on top of the physical layer of the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless protocol. Advantageously, the use of a proprietary protocol can enhance security by limiting access to the wireless network to devices specifically configured to communicate under the proprietary protocol. This may thereby reduce the likelihood of unwanted interference from other wireless devices. The bicycle100includes a network coordinator device124that may be configured to establish and manage the wireless communications between the various devices as described in further detail below. Similarly, the bicycle200includes a network coordinator device224. Alternatively, one of the controller devices or the operation-enacting devices on the bicycle may be the network coordinator.

FIG. 3illustrates an example system300for controlling different combinations of operation-enacting devices on a bicycle. The system300includes a plurality of controller devices302. Each controller device302includes at least one respective input element302aconfigured to receive input from a user. For instance, as described above, the controller devices302may include a right controller device and a left controller device coupled to a handlebar assembly, where respective shifter levers act as input elements302a. In general, input elements302amay include any variety of shifter, pushbutton, clicker, switch, other toggled device, sensor (e.g., peddling sensor, etc.), or the like. A single controller device302may also include more than one input element302a, (e.g., two shifter levers, a plurality of pushbuttons, etc.).

The system300also includes a plurality of operation-enacting devices304, where each operation-enacting device304is configured to enact at least one respective operation on the bicycle. For instance, the operation-enacting devices304may include a front derailleur, a rear derailleur, a height-adjustable seat post assembly, a front suspension system, and/or a rear suspension system as described above. Each operation-enacting device304may include at least one movable component311configured to modify an operative state of the bicycle. In some cases, an operation-enacting device304may act on more than one component of the bicycle in a single operation. In other cases, a single operation may include more than one act on one or more components of the bicycle. In yet other cases, the operation may include a physical action and a wireless action, where the wireless action sends wireless signals to cause further action by other cooperative device(s).

The system300also includes a network coordinator device306. The network coordinator device306includes a first communication interface306aconfigured to communicate wirelessly with the controller devices302and the operation-enacting devices304. Using the first communication interface306a, the network coordinator device306can establish a wireless network308that enables communications between the network coordinator device306, the controller devices302, and the operation-enacting devices304. Correspondingly, each controller device302includes a communication interface302cand each operation-enacting device304includes a communication interface304afor communicating with other devices, i.e., receiving and transmitting data/signals, on the wireless network308. Although the network coordinator device306may appear inFIG. 3as a separate device, the features of a network coordinator device306in alternative embodiments may be provided by one or more of the other controller devices302and/or operation-enacting devices304such as a rear derailleur.

FIG. 5illustrates a method for establishing a wireless network between a network coordinator device, controller devices and operation-enacting devices and establishing a set of default assignments that determine how the operating-enacting devices enact the operations in response to the signals received from the controller devices. The acts of the method presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiment, the method may be accomplished with one or more additional acts not described, and/or without one or more of the acts discussed. Additionally, the order in which the acts of the method are illustrated inFIG. 5and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, the method may be implemented in one or more processing device (e.g. digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog-circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or more processing devices include one or more devices executing some or all the acts of the method in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the acts of the method.

The network coordinator device306is configured to initiate a new pairing session to pair the controller devices302, and the operation-enacting devices304to the wireless network308. In act502, the user selects the network coordinator device306from among the controller devices302and operation-enacting devices304by operating a pairing input element306csuch as a pushbutton, switch, or the like that prompts the selected network coordinator device306to initiate a new pairing session. While in the pairing mode, in act504, the network coordinator device306scans for pairing signals from other devices. When the new pairing session is active, the user can selectively pair a controller device302or an operation-enacting device304to the wireless network308by operating a corresponding pairing input element302d,304bsuch as a pushbutton, switch, or the like on the given device to be placed into pairing mode. While in pairing mode, in act506, the selected device transmits a pairing signal to the network coordinator device306in response to operation of the pairing input element302d,304bof the selected device. In act508, the pairing signal allows the network coordinator device306to recognize the given device and permit the given device to join the wireless network308. If a proprietary network protocol is employed for the wireless network308, only devices configured to communicate according to the proprietary network protocol can be recognized by the network coordinator device306and paired.

In some embodiments, in act506, the pairing signal from a given device provides a respective device type identification, and the network coordinator device306only pairs devices having different respective device type identifications in act510. For instance, the pairing signal may identify a given device to be a rear derailleur. By limiting the pairings to devices with different respective device type identifications, the system300will not include more than one rear derailleur. As such, an unknown device cannot imitate another device type that has already been selected for pairing.

In act512, the user can manually end the pairing session, e.g., by operating the pairing input element306con the network coordinator device306. Alternatively, the network coordinator device306may automatically end the pairing session after a set time period has elapsed.

In act514, a roster310is defined by the controller devices302and the operation-enacting devices304that have been paired to the wireless network308at the end of the pairing session. To enhance the integrity of the system300, no other devices can be paired to the wireless network308after the pairing session has ended. By fixing the roster310, the system300only includes the devices302,304selected by the user. This blocks unauthorized devices from joining the wireless network308and maliciously or accidentally interfering with the operation of the devices302,304actually selected by the user.

In act516, when the pairing session ends, the network coordinator device306is configured to transmit, to the operation-enacting devices304, the roster310identifying the controller devices302and the operation-enacting devices304paired to the wireless network308. In act518, the operation-enacting devices304are configured to determine, based on the roster310received from the network coordinator device306, how to enact operations in response to the signals302breceived from the controller devices302.

If desired, a new pairing session can be initiated with the network coordinator device306to reset the roster310and to pair a different set of devices302,304. Upon the end of the new pairing session, this different set of devices defines a new roster310. The new pairing session unpairs and resets all devices that may have been added to the wireless network308in a previous pairing session. In general, paired devices302,304cannot be removed from the roster310and new devices cannot be added to the roster310until a new pairing session is initiated. A device paired to the wireless network308can be paired into another wireless network (e.g., on another bicycle system), but that device cannot rejoin the prior wireless network308because it is reset when paired to the other wireless network.

The controller devices302are configured to transmit, to the operation-enacting devices304, signals302bindicating input received by the input elements302aof the controller devices302. For instance, the first controller device120and the second controller device122may wirelessly transmit a first shift signal120band a second shift signal120aas described above to indicate input received by the first shift lever120aand the second shift lever122a, respectively.

The operation-enacting devices304are configured to process a default set of assignments312based on the roster310to determine how the operation-enacting devices304enact the operations responsive to the signals302b. The default set of assignments312can be transmitted to the each operation-enacting device304by the network coordinator device306, and/or stored locally on each operation-enacting device304.

For example, after a pairing session is completed, the roster310may include a right controller device with a right shift lever, a left controller device with a left shift lever, a front derailleur, and a rear derailleur. The default set of assignments312controlling the operation of the operation-enacting devices304is determined according to the particular set of devices in the roster310. For instance, the default set of assignments312may provide that with the example roster310above: (i) the rear derailleur shifts the chain to a sprocket on the left in response to signals from the left controller device (with no signals from the right controller device); (ii) the rear derailleur shifts the chain to a sprocket on the right in response to signals from the right controller device (with no signals from the left controller device); and (iii) the front derailleur shifts the chain to an alternate chainring in response to simultaneous signals from the right controller device and the left controller device. If the roster310includes a different set of devices, the default set of assignments312may be different. For example, if the roster310includes a height-adjustable seat post assembly and does not include a front derailleur, the seat post assembly lowers the seat in response to the simultaneous signals from the right and left controller devices.

A paired device is considered to remain in the wireless network308and the roster310does not change even if the paired device becomes inactive or unavailable (e.g., if it loses power or is re-paired to another wireless network).

Each operation enacted by the corresponding operation-enacting device304occurs only in response to the signals302bfrom a single assigned controller device302or a single assigned combination of controller devices302as described below. For instance, an operation may involve shifting the chain to a sprocket on the left or inboard with the rear derailleur and such operation only occurs in response to signals from the left controller device. Advantageously, this reduces the likelihood of an unwanted response by an operation-enacting device304to a signal from an unknown device.

When a combination of more than one controller device is employed to produce simultaneous signals, e.g., simultaneous signals from the right controller device and the left controller device, the combination of controller devices may be considered to be a single virtual controller device. Thus, an operation may involve the front derailleur shifting the chain to an alternate chainring, and such operation only occurs in response to signals from the single virtual controller device defined by the combination of the right controller device and the left controller device. Alternatively, a single virtual device may be provided by simultaneous signals from two or more inputs on a single device, e.g., simultaneous presses of pushbuttons on a single unified shifter device.

FIG. 6illustrates a method for controlling the operation-enacting devices. Once the roster310is established and the default set of assignments312is determined according to the roster310, in act602, each operation-enacting device304can receive, via the wireless network308, the signals302bfrom the controller devices302. In act604, each operation-enacting device304can identify the one or more signals302bfrom an assigned controller device302or from an assigned combination of controller devices. In act606, each operation-enacting device enacts the operation in response to the one or more signals302bfrom the assigned controller device302or assigned combination of controller devices302.

Although the default set of assignments312may provide an effective approach for determining how the operation-enacting devices304should respond to the signals302bfrom the controller devices302, the user may prefer to use a modified set of assignments312′. For instance, the modified set of assignments312′ may provide that with the example roster310above: (i) the rear derailleur shift the chain to the sprocket on the left in response to signals from the right controller device that do not exceed a threshold amount of time (without signals from the left controller device); (ii) the rear derailleur shift the chain to the sprocket on the right in response to signals from the right controller device that meet or exceed the threshold amount of time (without signals from the left controller device); and (iii) the front derailleur shift the chain to an alternate chainring in response to signals from the left controller device.

In some cases, the user may provide a modified set of assignments312′ where an operation-enacting device304does not respond to signals302bfrom any controller device302. For instance, with the example roster310above, the modified set of assignments312′ may alternatively provide that: (i) the rear derailleur shifts the chain to a sprocket on the left in response to signals from the left controller device (with no signals from the right controller device); (ii) the rear derailleur shifts the chain to a sprocket on the right in response to signals from the right controller device (with no signals from the left controller device); and (iii) the front derailleur remains idle regardless of what signals are transmitted by the left controller device and/or the right controller device. In general, not every operation by an operation-enacting device304must be assigned to an input received by a controller device302.

Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure allow the assignments between the controller devices302and the operation-enacting devices304to be modified to reconfigure the system300. As shown further inFIG. 3, the network coordinator device306may include a second wired and/or wireless communication interface306bconfigured to receive the modified set of assignments312′, where the modified set of assignments312′ causes at least one operation enacted by a operation-enacting device304to occur in response to the signals302bfrom a different controller device302. The second communication interface306bmay employ a different protocol than the first communication interface306a, particularly if the first communication interface306aemploys a proprietary protocol.

FIG. 7illustrates a method of modifying the default or current set of assignments. In act702, the network coordinator device306receives a modified set of assignments312′. In act704, the network coordinator device306is configured to transmit, via the wireless network308, the modified set of assignments312′ to the operation-enacting devices304. Correspondingly, in act706, the operation-enacting devices304are configured to replace the default or current set of assignments312with the modified set of assignments312′. In act708, the operation-enacting devices304are configured to determine how the operation-enacting devices304enact operations in response to the signals302baccording to the modified set of assignments312′. If desired, the user can modify the set of assignments again in a similar manner.

According to some embodiments, the second communication interface306bis configured to wirelessly couple the network coordinator device306to an external computing device314, such as a smart phone, computing tablet, laptop, personal computer, or the like. The external computing device314may include an application316, such as a mobile application or other computer software. The application316is configured to receive the modified set of assignments312′ from a user and to transmit the modified set of assignments312′ to the network coordinator device306.

FIGS. 4A-Cillustrate example scenarios400a-cthat further demonstrate how a modified set of assignments may be implemented in the system300. The controller devices302paired to the wireless network308include a first controller device402and a second controller device403. The first controller device402includes a first input element402aconfigured to receive a first input from the user, where the first input modifies a state of the first input element402a. The second controller device403includes a second input element403aconfigured to receive a second input from the user, where the second input modifies a state of the second input element403a. For instance, the first input element402amay be a right shift lever and the second input element403amay be a left shift lever. The user can engage either shift lever so that the state of the shift lever can be modified to any of the following: (i) an active state when engaged by the user for less than a threshold amount of time, (ii) an inactive state when not engaged by the user, or (iii) an update state when continuously engaged by the user for at least the threshold amount of time. The signals302bfrom the controller devices302include a first signal402bfrom the first controller device402and a second signal403bfrom the second controller device403, where the first signal402bindicates the modified state of the first input element402aand the second signal403bindicates the modified state of the second input element403a. The signals302bfrom a particular controller device302may include a device type identification for the particular controller device302, an input identifier for the input element302aon the particular controller device302(in case there is more than one input element302a), and information on the modified state for the input element302a.

The operation-enacting devices304include a first operation-enacting device404and a second operation-enacting device405. For instance, the first operation-enacting device404may be a front suspension system and the second operation-enacting device405may be a rear suspension system. According to a first set of assignments412shown inFIG. 4A, the first operation-enacting device404is configured to (i) identify the first signal402bamong the signals302breceived from the controller devices302, (ii) identify the modified state of the first input element402a, and (iii) enact a first operation on the bicycle in response to the modified state of the first input element402a.

As shown inFIG. 4B, the network coordinator device306is configured to (i) receive a second set of assignments412′, and (ii) transmit the second set of assignments412′ to the first operation-enacting device404via the wireless network308. The first operation-enacting device404is configured to receive the second signal403bfrom the second controller device403via the wireless network308. Responsive to receiving the second set of assignments412′, the first operation-enacting device404is modified to: (i) identify the modified state of the second input element403a, (ii) enact the first operation on the bicycle in response to the modified state of the second input element403a, and (iii) remain idle in response to the first signal from the first controller device402.

As shown inFIG. 4C, the network coordinator device is configured to (i) receive a third set of assignments412″, and (ii) transmit the third set of assignments412″ to the operation-enacting devices304via the wireless network308. The second operation-enacting device405is configured to receive the first signal402bfrom the first controller device402via the wireless network308. Responsive to receiving the third set of assignments412″, (i) the second operation-enacting device405is configured to identify the modified state of the first input element402aand to enact a second operation on the bicycle in response to the modified state of the first input element402a, and (ii) the first operation-enacting device404is modified to remain idle in response to the first signal from the first controller device.

Accordingly, the embodiments described above provide a reconfigurable control system for the components of the bicycle. Despite this desirable feature, the embodiments can secure the control system against such access by unknown devices. In particular, the embodiments initiate a pairing session that allows the user to select controller devices and operation-enacting devices for the wireless network. Once the pairing session is complete, the roster of devices paired to the network is fixed and unchangeable, even though the assignments between the controller devices and the operation-enacting devices already on the network can still be changed by the user. As such, unknown devices cannot join the wireless network and interfere with the control system. Additionally, the embodiments do not allow duplicate device types to be paired to the wireless network, so that an unknown device cannot imitate another device that has been selected to be paired by user. Further, the embodiments only permit each operation enacted by an operation-enacting device to occur in response to the signals from a single assigned controller device or a single assigned combination of controller devices thereby reducing the likelihood of an unwanted response by an operation-enacting device to a signal from an unknown device. Moreover, the embodiments may employ a proprietary network protocol to enhance security by limiting access to the wireless network to devices that can operate under the protocol.

Aspects of the embodiments engage in computer processing, for instance, to receive and transmit wireless signals and to determine how to respond to such signals. For example, the network coordinator device306may include one or more processors306dconfigured to execute program instructions stored on computer-readable media306e, which when executed cause the one or more processors306dto: (i) establish, via the first communication interface306c, a pairing session that allows the controller devices302and the operation-enacting devices304to be paired to a wireless network308, and (ii) transmit to the operation-enacting devices304, via the first communication interface306c, a roster310identifying the controller devices302and the operation-enacting devices304paired to the wireless network308.

For another example, an operation-enacting device304may include one or more processors304cconfigured to execute program instructions stored on computer-readable media304d, the program instructions causing the one or more processors306dto process the default set of assignments312based on the roster310, where the default set of assignments312indicates which of the controller devices302is selected to cause the operation-enacting device304to respond by modifying the operative state of the bicycle. Additionally, the one or more processors304cof the operation-enacting devices304receives, via the communication interface304a, a modified set of assignments312′ from the network coordinator device306, where the modified set of assignments312′ causes the operation-enacting device304to modify the operative state of the bicycle in response to the signals302bfrom a different one of the controller devices, and the program instructions cause the one or more processors304cto replace the default or current set of assignments312with the modified set of assignments312′.

The one or more processors302e,304c,306demployed by the embodiments may include a general processor, digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), analog circuit, digital circuit, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed processor. The processor may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as through shared or parallel processing.

Aspects of the embodiments may also employ computer memory. Such memory may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memory may include one or more of a read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, an electronic erasable program read only memory (EEPROM), or other type of memory. The memory may be removable from the corresponding device, such as a secure digital (SD) memory card. Computer memory includes any one or more of a computer-readable medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. In general, a computer-readable medium includes any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

To power wireless communications and computer processing, embodiments employ power supplies, which may be stored internal to the operating device, or stored external to the operating device. The power supply may include a combination of multiple batteries or other power providing devices. Specially fitted or configured battery types, or standard battery types such as CR 2012, CR 2016, and/or CR 2032 may be used. In some embodiments, the devices in a system are all individually powered, e.g. by a dedicated battery.

As described above, the embodiments employ communication interfaces. Such communication interfaces are configured to send data such as control signals and/or commands to bicycle components. In particular, the communication interface provides for wireless communications in any now known or later developed format. Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof.

It is understood that the illustration or other representation of devices, such as the network coordinator devices, the controller devices, and the operation-enacting devices, include (even if not expressly labeled) any combination of processor(s), memory device(s) (e.g., computer-readable media storing program instructions for execution by processor(s)), communication interface(s), and power supply necessary to achieve the disclosed features.

Although some of the acts and/or functions described in this disclosure have been described as being performed by a particular entity, the acts and/or functions can be performed by any entity, such as those entities described in this disclosure. Further, although the acts and/or functions have been recited in a particular order, the acts and/or functions need not be performed in the order recited. However, in some instances, it can be desired to perform the acts and/or functions in the order recited. Further, each of the acts and/or functions can be performed responsive to one or more of the other acts and/or functions. Also, not all of the acts and/or functions need to be performed to achieve one or more of the benefits provided by this disclosure, and therefore not all of the acts and/or functions are required