Patent Publication Number: US-2023159125-A1

Title: Detecting system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention generally relates to a detecting system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a detecting system to be implemented with a bicycle crank assembly. 
     Background Information 
     Bicycles are sometimes equipped with various sensors for providing information to a rider and/or for providing information to a controller to control various aspects of the bicycle, such as shifting or suspension stiffness. For example, pedaling force detectors typically use strain gauges to measure pedaling force during pedaling. These pedaling force detectors are sometimes disposed a bicycle crank assembly such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,581,508 (assigned to Shimano). Sensor circuits may be configured to process the pedaling force information detected by the strain gauges and transmit this information so that it is received by the rider. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a detecting device is provided for detecting a condition of a bicycle crank assembly including a bicycle crank provided to a bicycle frame. The detecting device includes an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to obtain information relating to an image of the crank. The electronic controller is configured to determine an angle of the crank based on the information. 
     With the detecting device according to the first aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting device according to the first aspect is configured so that the detecting device further comprises an inclinometer configured to detect an inclination angle of the crank. The electronic controller is configured to determine the angle of the crank based on the information relating to the image and the inclination angle. 
     With the detecting device according to the second aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting device according to the first aspect is configured so that the electronic controller is configured to detect an inclination angle of the crank and define a reference line based on the image. The electronic controller is configured to determine the angle based on the reference line and the inclination angle. 
     With the detecting device according to the third aspect, the detecting system can provide the user with alternative options to easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting device according to any of the first to third aspects is configured so that the detecting device further comprises a camera configured to capture the image of the crank with respect to the bicycle frame. 
     With the detecting device according to the fourth aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting system according to any of the first to third aspects is configured so that the detecting device further comprises a light detection and ranging detector configured to obtain the information relating to the image. 
     With the detecting system according to the fifth aspect, the detecting system can provide the user with alternative options to easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting system according to any of the fourth or fifth aspects is configured so that the detecting device further comprises a first storage configured to store at least one reference image of the crank. The detecting device further comprises an electronic display configured to concurrently display the at least one reference image and a live image of the crank prior to capture the image of the crank. 
     With the detecting system according to the sixth aspect, the detecting system can provide the user with alternative options to easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting system according to any of the fourth or sixth aspects is configured so that detecting device further comprises a first storage configured to store a plurality of reference images at least including an outer shape of the crank respectively. The detecting device further comprises an electronic display configured to display at least one of the plurality of the reference images. The electronic controller is configured to control the electronic display to display a first reference image selected from the plurality of reference images. 
     With the detecting system according to the seventh aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a detecting system for the bicycle crank assembly according to any of the first to seventh aspects is configured so that the detecting system comprises the detecting device according to the first aspect. The detecting system further comprises a sensor provided to the crank. The sensor is configured to detect an object provided to the bicycle frame in a detecting state where the crank is arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the bicycle frame. The detecting device is configured to determine an inclination angle of the crank in detecting state. 
     With the detecting system according to the eighth aspect, the user can easily position the crank to the predetermined position. 
     In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting system according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the detecting system further comprises a second storage provided to the crank assembly. The detecting device is configured to transmit the inclination angle to the second storage device. The second storage is configured to store the inclination angle transmitted by the detection device as a reference angle. 
     With the detecting system according to the ninth aspect, the user can easily access the reference angle. 
     In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting system according to any of the eighth or ninth aspects is configured so that the detecting system further comprises an electronic indicator configured to indicate that the crank is in the predetermined position. 
     With the detecting system according to the tenth aspect, the user can easily determine the predetermined position. 
     In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting system according to any of the eighth to tenth aspects is configured so that the detecting system further comprises a wireless communicator. The wireless communicator is in electronic communication with the detecting device so as to transmit a signal to the detecting device. The signal indicates that the crank is in the predetermined position. 
     With the detecting system according to the eleventh aspect, the user can easily determine the predetermined position. 
     In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the detecting system according to any of the eighth to eleventh aspects is configured so that the detecting device is configured to automatically determine the inclination angle upon receiving the signal. 
     With the detecting system according to the twelfth aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method for detecting a condition of a bicycle crank assembly including a bicycle crank provided to a bicycle frame is configured so that the method comprises detecting a detecting state where the crank is arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the bicycle frame. The method further comprises obtaining an information relating to an image of the crank with respect to the bicycle frame using a detecting device in a detecting state. The detecting state is where the crank is arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the bicycle frame. The method further comprises measuring an inclination angle of the crank using the detecting device based on the information. 
     With the method according to the thirteenth aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to the thirteenth aspect further comprises detecting the predetermined position using a sensor provided to the bicycle crank assembly. 
     With the method according to the fourteenth aspect, the user can easily position the crank to the predetermined position. 
     In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to any of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspects further comprises receiving an indication from an electronic indicator. The indication indicates that the crank is in the predetermined position. The predetermined position is a position in which the electronic indicator generates the indication. 
     With the method according to the fifteenth aspect, the user can easily determine the predetermined position. 
     In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to the fifteenth aspect further comprises using the detecting device to access a reference image of the crank after receiving the indication. 
     With the method according to the sixteenth aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to the fifteenth aspect is configured so that the reference image is accessed from a first storage of the detecting device. 
     With the method according to the seventeenth aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to the seventeenth aspect further comprises comparing the reference image with a live image of the crank using the detecting device. 
     With the method according to the eighteenth aspect, the user can have alternative options to easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to any of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects further comprises displaying the live image of the crank with the reference image concurrently on an electronic display provided to the detecting device. 
     With the method according to the nineteenth aspect, the user can easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to any of the fourteenth to nineteenth aspects further comprises creating a reference indication for the detection device. The method further comprises measuring the inclination angle using the detecting device based on the information and the reference indication. 
     With the method according to the twentieth aspect, the user can have alternative options to easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to the twentieth aspect is configured so that creating the reference indication includes creating a reference line on an electronic display provided to the detecting device. The electronic display further displays a reference image of a bicycle outline concurrently with the live image of the crank. The reference line is created on the bicycle frame. 
     With the method according to the twenty-first aspect, the user can have alternative options to easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to the twenty-first aspect is configured so that creating the reference indication includes creating a reference line on an electronic display provided to the detecting device. The electronic display further displays a live image of a surrounding area concurrently with the live image of the crank. The reference line is created on the surrounding area. 
     With the method according to the twenty-second aspect, the user can have alternative options to easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to the fourteenth aspect further comprises accessing a light detection and ranging detector on the detecting device to measure the inclination angle of the crank. 
     With the method according to the twenty-third aspect, the user can have alternative options to easily determine the angle of the crank using the detecting device. 
     In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the method according to any of the fourteenth to twenty-second aspects further comprises transmitting the inclination angle to a second storage provided to the bicycle crank using the detecting device. The second storage configured to store the inclination angle as a reference angle. 
     With the method according to the twentieth aspect, the user can easily access the reference angle. 
     Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed detecting system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses one embodiment of the detecting system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: 
         FIG.  1    is a side elevational view of a bicycle having a bicycle crank assembly that is equipped with a detecting device of a detecting system that captures information regarding the bicycle crank assembly in accordance with one illustrated embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram of the bicycle crank assembly and the detecting system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an outside elevational view of the bicycle crank assembly illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2    with the an electronic indicator disposed on the crank arm; 
         FIG.  4    is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the bicycle illustrated in  FIG.  1    with a right crank arm of the bicycle crank assembly being in a non-detected position such that the electronic indicator is not producing a detection signal; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged side elevational view of the portion of the bicycle illustrated in  FIG.  4   , but with the right crank arm of the bicycle crank assembly being at the predetermined angular position such that the indicator produces a detection signal; 
         FIG.  6    is a sample screenshot of a detecting device that can be implemented with the detecting system; 
         FIG.  7    is another sample screenshot of the detecting device that can be implemented with the detecting system; 
         FIG.  8    is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the detecting system; 
         FIG.  9    is another sample screenshot of the detecting device that can be implemented with the detecting system; 
         FIG.  10    is another side elevational view of the bicycle having the bicycle crank assembly that is equipped with the detecting device with the detecting device taking different information regarding the bicycle crank assembly; 
         FIG.  11    is a flow chart illustrating a first default method of the detecting system; 
         FIG.  12    is a flow chart illustrating a second default method of the detecting system; 
         FIG.  13    is a flow chart illustrating a third default method of the detecting system; and 
         FIG.  14    is a flow chart illustrating a fourth default method of the detecting system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS.  1  to  3   , a bicycle  10  is illustrated that is equipped with a bicycle crank assembly  12  having a bicycle electric device  14 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the bicycle  10  illustrated is a road style bicycle having various electrically-controlled components. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the bicycle crank assembly  12  and/or the bicycle electric device  14  can be implemented with other types of bicycles as needed and/or desired. The bicycle electric device  14  is provided to the bicycle crank assembly  12 , and is configured to aid in determining a crank  16  angle of the bicycle crank assembly  12  as discussed below. The bicycle crank assembly  12  is rotatably mounted to a bicycle frame F in a conventional manner. The bicycle crank assembly  12  includes a bicycle crank  16  that is provided to a bicycle frame F of the bicycle  10 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the bicycle  10  is further provided with a detecting device  18  for detecting a condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the condition detected by the detecting device  18  includes an inclination state or an inclination angle of the bicycle crank assembly  12  that is installed on the bicycle  10 , as will be further discussed below. Further, the detecting device  18  of the illustrated embodiment is an electronic detecting device  18  having an electronic controller ECU that is programmable with one or more processors for executing electronic operations, as seen in  FIG.  2   . 
     In particular, the detecting device  18  of the illustrated embodiment includes a camera  20  configured to manually or automatically capture an image of the bicycle with the bicycle components installed thereon. The camera  20  is also configured to capture an image of the nearby surrounding area A of the bicycle  10 . The detecting device  18  of the illustrated embodiment further includes an inclinometer  22  configured to determine the condition of the bicycle crank  16  based on information captured by the camera  20 . Additionally, the detecting device  18  of the illustrated embodiment further includes a first storage  24 , as will be further discussed below. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle  10  is provided with a detecting system  26  for the bicycle crank assembly  12 . The detecting system  26  comprises the detecting device  18  that at least has the electronic controller ECU configured to obtain information relating to an image of the crank  16 . That is, the electronic controller ECU is capable of processing the images captured by the camera  20  of the detecting device  18 , as will be further described below. The electronic controller ECU is configured to determine the angle of the crank  16  (e.g., the condition of the crank  16  or the inclination angle) based on the information. The detecting system  26  can further include the bicycle crank assembly  12  that is provided to the bicycle  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the bicycle crank assembly  12  comprises, among other components, a first or right crank arm  16 A, a second or left crank arm  16 B and a crankshaft  16 C. As seen in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the first and second crank  16 A and  16 B arms and are rigidly connected by the crankshaft  16 C. The crankshaft  16 C is preferably made a hollow shaft. A bicycle pedal P is rotatably attached to each of the crank arms  16 A and  16 B. The first crank  16  includes a pair of bicycle sprockets S 1  and S 2 . When a rider applies a force on the bicycle pedals P during riding, a pedaling force or a pedaling torque is transmitted to the first and second crank arms  16 A and  16 B. The first and second crank arms  16 A and  16 B rotate the bicycle sprockets S 1  and S 2  to move a bicycle chain BC and propel the bicycle  10  in a conventional manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the “bicycle crank  16 ” will refer to the bicycle  10  having either or both of the first and second crank arms  16 A and  16 B. For simplicity, the first and second crank arms  16 A and  16 B will simply be referred to as the “bicycle crank  16 ” in this disclosure. 
     As seen in  FIG.  2   , the bicycle crank assembly  12  can be equipped with a plurality of strain sensors  28  that are provided to the bicycle crank  16 . The strain sensors  28  can be disposed and utilized in a similar manner as taught in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0060212 which also teaches various configurations of strain sensors  28  mounted to a crank. Alternatively, the strain sensors  28  can be disposed on the crankshaft  16 C. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0120119 discloses mounting a strain sensor or torque sensor onto a crankshaft. As another alternative, the strain sensors  28  can be disposed on the bicycle pedal P that is provided with the bicycle crank assembly  12 . For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0052583 discloses various configurations of strain sensors that are disposed on a pedal spindle. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the strain sensors  28  are connected to corresponding the sensor circuits  30  that are configured to interpret the strain signal(s) to generate pedaling force information that is transmitted to the cycle computer CC via the wireless communication device. The operation of the strain sensors  28  and the sensor circuits  30  can be similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,475,303 and will not be further described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  4   , the detecting system  26  of the illustrated embodiment preferably further comprises the bicycle electric device  14  that is provided to the bicycle crank assembly  12 . The electric device  14  includes a housing unit  32  that is detachably mounted to the crank  16 . Alternatively, the housing unit  32  can be fixedly mounted to the crank  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the electric device  14  is disposed on a sprocket mounting portion of the crank  16 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the bicycle electric device  14  can be located on various locations of the crank  16  as needed and/or desired. 
     As discussed below, the bicycle electric device  14  comprises an electronic indicator  34  that is configured to generate a user signal indicating that the bicycle crank  16  is at a predetermined position, as will be discussed below. Therefore, the detecting system  26  further comprising the electronic indicator  34  configured to indicate that the crank  16  is in the predetermined position. Upon the crank  16  reaching the predetermined position, the detecting device  18  is configured to determine the inclination angle of the crank  16  when in the detecting state based on information relating to the image of the crank  16  that is captured by the camera  20 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the bicycle electric device  14  further comprises a sensor  26  that is configured to be provided on the bicycle crank  16 . Therefore, the detecting system  26  further comprises the sensor  26  that is provided on the crank  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor is a position sensor  36  that is configured to detect an object (e.g., a magnet  38 ) that is provided to the bicycle frame F in a detecting state where the crank  16  is arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the bicycle frame F, as best seen in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . Further, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the bicycle electric device  14  further comprises the magnet  38  that is configured to be mounted on the bicycle frame F. The magnet  38  actuates the position sensor  36  to indicate that the crank  16  is in the predetermined position. The detecting device  18  determines the angle of the crank  16  when the crank  16  is in the predetermined position, as will be further discussed below. The electronic indicator  34 , the sensor and the magnet  38  can be positioned on the bicycle crank assembly  12  in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,475,303. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the electric device further includes a second storage  40 , as seen in  FIG.  2   . Therefore, the detecting system  26  further comprises the second storage  40  provided to the crank  16  assembly. The second storage  40  is configured to store the inclination angle transmitted by the detecting device  18  as a reference angle, as will be discussed below. The second storage  40  device is operatively coupled to the crank  16 . As discussed below, the second storage  40  stores various data and/or programs that are used in connection with providing pedaling information to a rider or a user. The second storage  40  device can be a ROM (Read Only Memory) device and RAM (Random Access Memory) device or flash drive. 
     The bicycle electric device  14  further comprises a wireless communicator  42  that enables the bicycle electric device  14  to wirelessly communicate with the detecting device  18 . Therefore, the detecting system  26  further comprising the wireless communicator  42  in electronic communication with the detecting device  18  so as to transmit a signal to the detecting device  18 . The signal indicates that the crank  16  is in the predetermined position. The detecting device  18  can be programmed to automatically determine the inclination angle upon receiving the signal, as will be discussed below. 
     The wireless communicator  42  is preferably disposed on a printed circuit board PCB that is disposed in the housing unit  32 . As mentioned above, the housing unit  32  is mounted to the bicycle crank  16 . In this way, the wireless communicator  42  is operatively coupled to the bicycle crank  16 . The wireless communicator  42  can be equipped with Bluetooth technology, including Bluetooth low energy, or include the wireless protocol ANT+. The bicycle electric device  14  can also include an antenna (not shown) to transmit information from the bicycle electric device  14  and to receive information from the cycle computer CC and the detecting device  18 . 
     The term “wireless communicator” as used herein includes a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a transmitter-receiver, and contemplates any device or devices, separate or combined, capable of transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals, including shift signals or control, command or other signals related to some function of the component being controlled. The wireless communication signals can be radio frequency (RF) signals, ultra-wide band communication signals, or Bluetooth communications or any other type of signal suitable for wireless communications as understood in the bicycle field. Here, the wireless communication communicator can be a two-way wireless communication unit having a receiver and a transmitter. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the detecting system  26  of the illustrated embodiment preferably further comprises a cycle computer CC. The cycle computer CC is configured to wireless communicate with the bicycle electric device  14  and the detecting device  18  as discussed below. The cycle computer CC has a display that is configured to receive the angular force information calculated by detecting device  18  and is configured to display the angular force information on the display. The cycle computer CC is in communication with the detecting device  18  and/or the electric device  14  to receive information regarding the condition of the bicycle crank  16  and to display pedaling information on the display of the cycle computer CC. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the detecting device  18  can include a mobile (external) device that is provided to be used with the bicycle  10 . Examples of the detecting device  18  include a smartphone, a tablet or a personal computer. Preferably, as stated, the detecting device  18  includes at least one software application that is installed to detect, measure and/or send information regarding the crank angle to the second storage  40  or to the cycle computer CC. The inclinometer  22  of the detecting device  18  measures the inclination angle of the crank  16  when the crank  16  is at a predetermined position, as will be further discussed below. Therefore, the detecting system  26  further comprises the inclinometer  22  configured to detect the inclination angle of the crank  16 . The electronic controller ECU is configured to determine the angle of the crank  16  based on the information relating to the image and the inclination angle. 
     The detecting device  18  is preferably further provided with an accelerometer A and a gyroscope G. Hereinafter, the term “inclination angle” or “inclination state” of the crank  16  refers to an angle of the bicycle crank  16  (e.g., the crank arms  16 A and/or  16 B) with respect to a flat plane with the bicycle  10  disposed in an upright position on a flat (level) surface, and the bicycle crank  16  is installed on the bicycle  10 . The bicycle  10  can be placed on ground having an incline as long as the incline is a flat surface, as will be further discussed below. 
     It has been found that riders would like to be informed of the angular force components of the pedaling force during riding. In order to determine these angular force components, the inclination angle of the bicycle crank  16  may be required. The user can utilize the detecting device  18  having the inclinometer  22  to determine the inclination. The detecting device  18  is in communication with the bicycle electric device  14  and/or the cycle computer CC to transmit information regarding the calculated crank angle. The bicycle electric device  14  then transmits the information to the sensor circuit  30  that will process the information to generate angular force information related to pedaling. 
     Alternatively, the cycle computer CC can also include a processor that receives information from the detecting device  18  regarding the crank angle. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the various electrical components provided on the bicycle  10  and the detecting device  18  can be electric communication in a variety of ways and routes, which are not limited to the embodiment shown. 
     The inclinometer  22  of the detecting device  18  is capable of measuring the inclination angle or the crank angle of the crank  16  when the crank  16  is at the predetermined angular position. The inclinometer  22  is capable of measuring the angle of the crank  16  with respect to the force of gravity. External accelerations like rapid motions, vibrations or shocks can introduce errors in the tilt measurements of the inclinometer  22 . Thus, the inclinometer  22  includes at least one of the accelerometer A and the gyroscope G to overcome this problem. The electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  includes an external device processor that is programmed to use one or both of the signals produced by the accelerometer A and the gyroscope G to obtain a value of the crank angle. The inclinometer  22  can be controlled by the electronic controller ECU to determine the inclination angle of the crank  16  once the camera  20  is operated to capture the image of the crank  16 . 
     Thus, the electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  is configured to obtain information relating to the image of the crank  16  where the crank  16  is arranged at the predetermined position. That is, the electronic controller ECU is programmed to determine the inclination angle of the crank  16  from the image acquired by the camera  20 . The electronic controller ECU is preferably a microcomputer that includes one or more processor and the first storage  24  (i.e., a computer memory device). The memory is any computer storage device or any computer readable medium with the sole exception of a transitory, propagating signal. For example, the memory can be nonvolatile memory and volatile memory, and can includes a ROM device, a RAM device, a hard disk, a flash drive, etc. 
     As stated, the detecting device  18  includes the camera  20  configured to capture information regarding the bicycle crank  16 . In particular, the camera  20  can capture an image of the crank  16  with respect to the bicycle frame F. The camera  20  can also capture an image of the crank  16  with respect to the flat ground that supports the bicycle  10 , as seen in  FIG.  10   . Therefore, the detecting device  18  is preferably equipped with one or more sensor(s) and camera circuitry capable of capturing still and video images. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the detecting device  18  further comprises a light detection and ranging detector (LIDAR  44 ) configured to obtain the information relating to the image. The LIDAR  44  is capable of using light to track the position of objects. Specifically, the LIDAR  44  is capable of measuring how quickly light (specifically laser light) takes to hit the object (e.g., the crank  16 ) and come back again, the position of that object can be determined. The LIDAR  44  is also capable of registering the angle of the reflected laser light to generate a three-dimensional image of an object that the LIDAR  44  is directed at. 
     The images captured by the camera  20  and the LIDAR  44  can be processed to generate images by video codec(s), and/or the processor, and/or graphics hardware, and/or a dedicated image processing unit incorporated within the camera circuitry. The images captured by the camera  20  and/or the LIDAR  44  be stored in the memory and/or the first storage  24  of the detecting device  18 . The memory can include one or more different types of media used by processor, graphics hardware, and image capture circuitry to perform device functions. For example, memory may include memory cache, ROM, and/or RAM. 
     The first storage  24  of the detecting device  18  can be any a non-transitory computer readable medium such as a ROM device, a RAM device, a hard disk, a flash drive, etc. The first storage  24  is configured to store settings, programs, data, calculations and/or results of the processor(s). That is, the electronic controller ECU can include a program or an application that controls the camera  20  to capture the image of the bicycle crank  16  once the bicycle crank  16  is in the predetermined position and to have the processor determine the inclination angle of the crank  16  based on the image. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first storage  24  is configured to store at least one reference image  46  of the crank  16 . More particularly, the first storage  24  is configured to store a plurality of reference images  46 . The reference images at least include an outer shape of the crank  16  respectively, as will be further discussed below. For example, the reference images  46  can include an outline or silhouette that corresponds to an outer shape of the bicycle crank  16 , as seen in  FIG.  7   . The reference images  46  can further include an outer shape, outline or silhouette of the bicycle  10  with the bicycle crank  16  installed thereon, as seen in  FIG.  9   . Therefore, the detecting device  18  includes pre-stored reference images  46  that will be used to determine the inclination angle. 
     The first storage  24  can also store media (e.g., audio, image and video files), computer program instructions or software, preference information, device profile information, and any other suitable data. The memory and/or the first storage  24  can be used to retain computer program instructions or code organized into one or more modules and written in any desired computer programming language. The processor of the electronic controller ECU can execute such computer program code by implementing one or more of the methods described herein. 
     Therefore, the detecting device  18  preferably includes a software application that can carry out the measurements of the crank angle. Thus, the measuring of the angle of the crank  16  further includes calculating of the crank angle using the software application of the detecting device  18 . As stated above, if the bicycle  10  is on an incline, the crank angle can still be calculated by compensating for the incline. For example, the software application of the detecting device  18  can be programmed to compensate for the incline. The software application can perform the compensation mechanism by measuring the actual angle of the crank  16  and also measuring the tilt angle of the bicycle  10  caused by the incline. The desired crank angle can be calculated by taking the difference of the measured actual angle and the tilt angle. Therefore, the electronic controller ECU is configured to determine the angle of the crank  16  based on the information related to the image and the information detected by the camera  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  5  and  6   , the detecting device  18  further includes an electronic display  48  that can display information regarding the reference images that are prestored in the first storage  24 , and/or live images captured by the camera  20 . The electronic display  48  can further display other information accessible by the processor of the electronic controller ECU. The electronic display  48  is preferably a touchscreen that is an assembly of both an input (‘touch panel’) and output (‘display’) device. The touch panel is normally layered on the top of an electronic visual display of an information processing system. The electronic display  48  can be an liquid-crystal display (LCD), active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, or an organic light-emitting (OLED) display. The user can give input or control the information processing system through multi-touch gestures by touching the screen with a special stylus or one or more fingers. The user can use the touchscreen to react to what is displayed and, if the software allows, to control how it is displayed; for example, zooming to increase the text size. 
     The processor of the electronic controller ECU can be any suitable programmable control device capable of executing instructions necessary to carry out or control the operation of the many functions performed by the detecting device  18  (e.g., such as the processing of images captured by the camera  20  and/or LIDAR  44 ). The processor can, for instance, control the electronic display  48  and receive user input from user interface which can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, keyboard, display screen and/or a touch screen. The processor can be a system-on-chip such as those found in mobile devices and include a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU). 
     The processor can be based on reduced instruction-set computer (RISC) or complex instruction-set computer (CISC) architectures or any other suitable architecture and may include one or more processing cores. The detecting device  18  is preferably further equipped with graphics hardware such as special purpose computational hardware for processing graphics and/or an assisting processor to process graphics information. The graphics hardware can include one or more programmable graphics processing units (GPUs). 
     As stated, the electronic controller ECU is configured to determine the angle of the crank  16  based on the information acquired by the camera  20  and/or the LIDAR  44 . In particular, the electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  is configured to detect the inclination angle of the crank  16  and is capable of defining a reference line  52  based on the image captured by the camera  20 . The electronic controller ECU is configured to determine the angle based on the reference line  52  defined by the electronic controller ECU and the inclination angle that is detected by the electronic controller ECU. The electronic controller ECU is configured to determine the angle of the crank  16  based on the reference line  52  and the inclination angle, as described below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4  to  8   , a method of detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  will now be discussed. In particular, referring specifically to  FIGS.  4  and  8   , a method of arriving at the predetermined position of the crank  16  will now be discussed. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined position of the crank  16  is a detecting state of the crank  16 . That is, the method comprises detecting the detecting state where the crank  16  is arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the bicycle frame F. Therefore, the detecting device  18  of the illustrated embodiment is configured to determine the inclination angle of the crank  16  in detecting state. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the user rotates the crank  16  to the predetermined angular position in step S 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the reaching of the predetermined position is determined by the position sensor  36  that is provided on the crank  16 . For example, the user can rotate the crank  16  from the position of  FIG.  4    to the position of  FIG.  5   , which is an illustration of the predetermined position of the crank  16 . Therefore, the method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  comprises detecting the predetermined position using the sensor  36  provided to the bicycle crank assembly  12 . In other words, the method comprises detecting the detecting state where the crank  16  is arranged at the predetermined position with respect to the bicycle frame F. 
     As stated, the position sensor  36  is actuated by the magnet  38 , which is mounted on the bicycle frame F. In particular, when the position sensor  36  is within proximity of the magnet  38 , the electronic indicator  34  indicates that the predetermined angular position has been reached. Thus, in step S 2 , the user receives an indication indicating that the crank  16  is at the predetermined angular position. The indication can be in many forms. For example, the indication can comprise lighting. The indication can also comprise a sound indication. The indication can also comprise a combination of lighting and sound indication. Therefore, the method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  further comprises receiving the indication from the electronic indicator  34 . The indication indicates that the crank  16  is in the predetermined position. Therefore, the predetermined position is a position in which the electronic indicator  34  generates the indication. 
     In step S 3 , the user stops rotation of the crank  16  upon reaching the predetermined angular position. Now, the electronic indicator  34  sends the indication, and the user knows to maintain the crank  16  in the predetermined angular position. 
     Steps S 1  to S 3  comprise the method of arriving at the predetermined position of the crank  16  that is the detecting state of the crank  16 . In the illustrated the method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  preferably further comprises obtaining an information relating to an image of the crank  16  with respect to the bicycle frame F using the detecting device  18  in the detecting state where the crank  16  is arranged at the predetermined position with respect to the bicycle frame F. 
     In particular, the method can include a plurality of inclination angle determination methods, as seen in  FIG.  6   . That is, the electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  can be preprogrammed with one or more software applications for the user to select a preferred way of determining the crank angle. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the electronic controller ECU can be preprogrammed with at least four ways or methods of determining the inclination of the crank  16  using the detecting device  18 . However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the electronic controller ECU of the detected device is not limited to the methods listed. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the detecting device  18  can be programmed with additional methods of determining the crank  16  when the crank  16  is in the predetermined position as needed and/or necessary. 
     For example, the user can select using a crank silhouette, shape or outline for determining the inclination of the crank  16 . Therefore, the detecting system  26  proceeds to step S 51  in which the user receives the reference image  46 . Thus, the method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  further comprises using the detecting device  18  to access the reference image  46  of the crank  16  after receiving the indication. As stated, the reference image(s)  46  are prestored in the first storage  24  of the detecting device  18  and can include a crank silhouette, shape or outline, such as that shown in  FIG.  6   . Thus, the reference image is accessed from the first storage  24  of the detecting device  18 . 
     As seen in  FIG.  7   , the electronic display  48  is configured to display at least one of a plurality of the reference images  46 A (two examples of references images  46 A and  46 B are illustrated in  FIG.  7   ). In particular, the first storage  24  can include different types or models of crank assemblies such that the user can select the appropriate crank model that corresponds with the crank  16  that is installed to the bicycle  10 , though only two are illustrated for simplicity. Thus, the electronic display  48  is configured to display at least one of the plurality of the reference images  46 . As shown, the electronic controller ECU is configured to control the electronic display  48  to display the first reference image  46 A that is selected from the plurality of reference images  46 . Thus, the electronic controller ECU is configured to control the electronic display  48  to display the first reference image  46 A that was selected from the plurality of reference images  46  displayed in  FIG.  6    on the screen in  FIG.  7    to compare the first reference image  46 A with the live image  47  of the crank  16 . 
     Therefore, the electronic display  48  will display the reference image  46  with a live image  47  of the crank  16  that is being captured by the camera  20 , such as seen in  FIG.  5   . The method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  further comprises displaying the live image  47  of the crank  16  with the reference image  46 A concurrently on the electronic display  48  provided to the detecting device  18 , as seen in  FIG.  5   . In other words, the electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  is configured to concurrently display the at least one reference image  46 A and the live image  47  of the crank  16  prior to capturing the image of the crank  16 . 
     In step S 51 A, the user will align the live image  47  of the crank  16  screened by the camera  20  with the reference image  46 A on the electronic display  48 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the live image  47  and the reference image  46 A are substantially aligned on the electronic display  48 . Thus, the method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  further comprises comparing the reference image  46 A with the live image  47  of the crank  16  using the detecting device  18 . 
     In step S 6 , once the reference image  46  and the live image  47  are aligned or substantially aligned, the camera  20  can capture the image of the crank  16 . The camera  20  can be configured to automatically capture the image once the detecting device  18  senses that the reference image  46  and the live image  47  are aligned or substantially aligned. Alternatively, the user can capture the image by operating the camera  20 . 
     In step S 7 , the inclination angle is measured using the detecting device  18  based on the information related to the image of the crank  16  that was captured by the camera  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, measuring of the angle of the crank  16  includes using the detecting device  18  while the crank  16  is in the predetermined angular position. As stated, the inclinometer  22  is configured to detect the inclination angle of the crank  16 . The electronic controller ECU is configured to determine the inclination angle of the crank  16  with respect to the bicycle frame F based on the information obtained by the electronic controller ECU and the inclination angle. Thus, the measuring of the inclination angle of the crank  16  preferably further includes calculating of the crank angle using software application of the detecting device  18 . 
     In step S 8 , the user then transmits information with respect to the angle of the crank  16  using the detecting device  18  to the crank  16  which has the second storage  40  that will store the inclination angle as a reference angle. Therefore, the detecting device  18  is configured to transmit the inclination angle to the second storage  40  device that is provided to the bicycle crank  16 . The second storage  40  is configured to store the inclination angle as the reference angle. The reference angle will be used by the sensor circuit to determine the strain forces acting on the bicycle pedals P. In the illustrated embodiment, the crank  16  is an example of a bicycle component having the storage device that can receive the crank angle information. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the condition of the bicycle crank  16  can be transmitted to another bicycle component having a storage. For example, the detecting device  18  can transmit the crank angle information to the cycle computer CC for displaying on the display of the cycle computer CC. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8  to  10   , after steps S 1  to S 3 , the user can select another preferred way of determining the crank angle from the methods that are listed in  FIG.  6   . For example, the user can select using a bicycle silhouette, shape or outline for determining the inclination of the crank  16 . Therefore, the detecting system  26  proceeds to step S 53  in which the user can receives a reference image  50  that includes a bicycle silhouette, shape or outline. The reference image  50  of the bicycle  10  can be prestored in the first storage  24  of the detecting device  18  and can include a bicycle silhouette, shape or outline, such as that shown in  FIG.  9   . Alternatively, in this method, the reference image  50  can be a live image that is detected by the camera  20  in step S 52 . Thus, step S 52  includes either accessing the reference image  50  from the first storage  24  or detecting the reference image  50  as a live image using the camera  20 . 
     In step S 52 A, the detecting system  26  will concurrently display the reference image  50  of the bicycle outline concurrently with a live image  47  of the crank  16  that is detected by the camera  20 , as seen in  FIG.  10   . Therefore, the electronic display  48  displays the reference image  50  of the bicycle outline concurrently with the live image of the crank  16 . In particular, the electronic display  48  concurrently displays the reference image  50  and the live image  47  of the crank  16  prior to capturing the image of the crank  16 . By concurrently displaying the images  47  and  50  of the crank  16  and the bicycle  10  on the electronic display  48 , the detecting system  26  can compare the reference image  50  of the bicycle  10  with the live image  47  of the bicycle  10  having the crank  16  using the electronic detecting device  18 . 
     In step S 52 B, the camera  20  can capture the image of the crank  16 . The user can capture the image by operating the camera  20 . In step S 52 C, the user creates a reference line  52  for the detecting device  18 . In particular, the user creates the reference line  52  on the electronic display  48  after the camera captures the image of the crank  16 , as seen in  FIG.  10   . The inclination angle of the crank  16  can be determined based on the reference line  52 . As seen in  FIG.  10   , the reference line  52  can be created on the bicycle frame F. For example, the reference line  52  can include a first reference line  52 A that connects the axles of the front and rear wheels in a straight line. The reference line  52  can include a second reference line  52 B that connects two corresponding portions of the front and rear wheels (e.g., a top point of the front and rear wheels), as seen in  FIG.  10   . 
     Therefore, the method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  further comprises creating a reference indication that includes creating the reference line  52  on the electronic display  48 . Alternatively speaking, the method further comprises creating the reference indication (e.g., the reference line  52 ) on the detecting device  18 . Thus, the electronic control is configured to detect the inclination angle of the crank  16  and define the reference line  52  based on the image received by the camera  20 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the reference line  52  can also include additional reference lines or reference indications connecting different parts of the bicycle  10  just so long as the reference line  52  forms a flat plane on the electronic display  48 . 
     Next, the detecting system  26  proceeds to step S 7 , which the crank angle is measured using the detecting device  18 , as described for step S 7  above. The method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  further comprises measuring the inclination angle using the detecting device  18  based on the information and the reference indication. 
     In particular, the electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  can be programmed with a protractor that can calculate or detect the angle between the crank  16  and the reference line  52  to determine the angle of the crank  16 . Thus, the electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  is configured to detect the inclination angle of the crank  16  and define the reference line  52  based on the image captured by the camera  20 . In step S 8 , the user then transmits information with respect to the angle of the crank  16  from the detecting device  18  to the crank  16  which has the second storage  40  device that will store the crank angle information, as described for step S 8 , above. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8  and  10   , after steps S 1  to S 3 , the user can select another preferred way of determining the crank angle from the methods that are listed in  FIG.  6   . For example, the user can select using a live image of the surrounding area A of the bicycle  10  for determining the inclination of the crank  16 . In step S 53 , the user can receive an image (similar to the reference image  50 ) of the bicycle silhouette, shape or outline along with a surrounding area A of the bicycle  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the surrounding area A of the bicycle  10  will at least include a surface on which the bicycle  10  sits in an upright condition, as seen in  FIG.  10   . In particular, the camera  20  can detect the image of the surrounding area A in step S 53 . 
     In step S 53 A, the detecting system  26  will concurrently display the surrounding area A of the bicycle concurrently with a live image (similar to the live image  47 ) of the crank  16  on the electronic display  48 , as seen in  FIG.  10   . Therefore, the electronic display  48  displays the surrounding area A having the bicycle  10  concurrently with the live image  47  of the crank  16 . In particular, the electronic display  48  displays the live image  47  of the surrounding area A concurrently with the live image of the crank  16 . 
     In step S 53 B, the camera  20  can capture the image of the surrounding area A. The user can capture the image by operating the camera  20 . In step S 53 C, the user creates a third reference line  52 C on the electronic display  48  on the captured image, such as the third reference line  52 C seen in  FIG.  10   . The inclination angle of the crank  16  can be determined based on the third reference line  52 C. As seen in  FIG.  10   , the third reference line  52 C can be drawn along the surface of the ground on which the bicycle  10  sits. Therefore, in step S 53 B, the reference line  52 C is created on the surrounding area A, with the reference line  52 C being considered a reference indication, similar to that described in steps S 52  to S 52 B above. 
     The detecting system  26  then proceeds to step S 7  in which the crank angle is measured using the detecting device  18 , as described for step S 7  above. The method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  further comprises measuring the inclination angle using the detecting device  18  based on the information and the reference indication. Thus, the electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  is configured to detect the inclination angle of the crank  16  and define the reference line based on the image captured by the camera  20 . The electronic controller ECU can similarly use the programmed protractor to determine the angle of the crank  16  with respect to the reference line  52 C. 
     In step S 8 , the user then transmits information with respect to the angle of the crank  16  from the detecting device  18  to the crank  16  which has the second storage  40  device that will store the crank angle information, as described for step S 8 , above. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , after steps S 1  to S 3 , the user can select another preferred way of determining the crank angle from the methods that are listed in  FIG.  6   . For example, the user can select using LIDAR  44  of the detecting device  18  for determining the inclination of the crank  16 . In step S 54 , the user accesses the LIDAR  44  system of the detecting device  18 . Then, in step S 54 A the user directs the LIDAR  44  to the crank  16  of the bicycle crank assembly  12 . Therefore, the method for detecting the condition of the bicycle crank assembly  12  further comprises accessing the LIDAR  44  on the detecting device  18  to measure the inclination angle of the crank  16 . As stated, the LIDAR  44  can create an image of the crank  16  based on the distance from the detecting device  18  to the crank  16 . Thus, the inclination angle is determined based on the image of the crank  16  created by the LIDAR  44 . In step S 6 , the processor of the electronic controller ECU can create/capture an image of the crank  16  based on the information received by the LIDAR  44 . 
     In step S 7 , the crank angle is measured using the detecting device  18 , as described for step S 7  above. In step S 8 , the user then transmits information with respect to the angle of the crank  16  from the detecting device  18  to the crank  16  which has the second storage  40  device that will store the crank angle information, as described for step S 8 , above. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic controller ECU of the detecting device  18  can alternatively be programmed to determine the crank angle by a default method. That is, the user does not select a preferred crank angle measuring method, as seen in  FIG.  6   . Rather, the detecting system  26  proceeds directly to a default program. As seen in  FIG.  11   , a first set of default steps are illustrated: S 100 , S 101 , S 102 , S 103 , S 104 , S 105 , S 106  and S 107 . Steps  100  to S 107  correspond to the steps S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 51 , S 51 A, S 6 , S 7  and S 8 , of  FIG.  8    respectively and will not be further described for brevity. The electronic controller ECU can be preprogrammed with the set of default steps to determine the crank angle. 
     As seen in  FIG.  12   , a second set of default steps are illustrated: S 200 , S 201 , S 202 , S 203 , S 204 , S 205 , S 206 , S 207  and S 208 . Steps  200  to S 208  correspond to the steps S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 52 , S 52 A, S 52 B, S 52 C, S 7  and S 8 , of  FIG.  8   , respectively. The electronic controller ECU can be preprogrammed with the second set of default steps to determine the crank angle. 
     As seen in  FIG.  13   , a third set of default steps are illustrated: S 300 , S 301 , S 302 , S 303 , S 304 , S 305 , S 306 , S 307  and S 308 . Steps S 300  to S 308  correspond to steps S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 53 , S 53 A, S 53 B, S 53 C, S 7  and S 8  of  FIG.  8   , respectively. The electronic controller ECU can be preprogrammed with the third set of default steps to determine the crank angle. 
     As seen in  FIG.  14   , a fourth set of default steps are illustrated: S 400 , S 401 , S 402 , S 403 , S 404 , S 405 , S 406  and S 407 . Steps S 400  to S 407  correspond to steps S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 54 , S 54 A, S 6 , S 7  and S 8  of  FIG.  8   , respectively. The electronic controller ECU can be preprogrammed with the fourth set of default steps to determine the crank angle. 
     In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated. 
     As used herein, the following directional terms “frame facing side”, “non-frame facing side”, “forward”, “rearward”, “front”, “rear”, “up”, “down”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright, riding position and equipped with the detecting system. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe the detecting system should be interpreted relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and that is equipped with the detecting system. The terms “left” and “right” are used to indicate the “right” when referencing from the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and the “left” when referencing from the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle. 
     Also it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various components these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component and vice-a-versa without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”, “mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. 
     While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present disclosure are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.