Patent Publication Number: US-2021179223-A1

Title: User interaction and visual feedback system for bikes

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/946,868, filed on Dec. 11, 2019. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present exemplary embodiment relates to user interaction and visual indication apparatuses and systems for bicycle and motorcycle type vehicles. 
     Background 
     Bicycles and motorcycles have been invented in the 19 th  century and since then have been an integral part of our everyday life both for commuting and leisure. Their widespread use and success is a common sight in virtually every country. Early designs have evolved and soon reliable two and three-wheeled versions were made available. Despite the many improvements over time, the main design features of such vehicles have remained the same: a frame, a handlebar, a saddle or seat, a mechanism to convert some form of push force on a pair of pedal or other foot holds, a transmission mechanism (most often a geared one) and a brake mechanism (and a motor in motorcycles). Although other extras may be used like electric motor, lights, tachometer, trip computers, stand, antitheft device, storing compartments and baskets, etc. the previous elements are the ones universally adopted in virtually all designs. 
     As a result of the previous designs, a rider needs to hold on the handlebar of his vehicle and either use his feet to provide the energy to operate his bicycle or turn a gas handle on the handlebar to supply gas to the motor of his motorbike and thereby control speed of motion. To brake, the rider, according to the type of braking system of his vehicle, can use a pedal brake, or more often a hand brake, while to turn he simply has to turn the handlebar to the desired direction. 
     It is not uncommon for a rider to indicate his intention to turn so as to warn other vehicles and pedestrians for safety reasons. Motorbikes are usually equipped with flashing indicator lights, much like cars, which lights are operated by a switch, usually a three-position switch (Left-Off-Right), so the rider has to deflect the switch to the desired position to indicate his intended direction of turning. This operation is rather easy with some degree of discomfort and risk of potential instability as the rider deflects his finger (typically his thumb) to operate the switch, which sometimes may lead less experienced drivers to unintentionally turn the handlebar slightly and deviate the vehicle from the intended direction of movement. 
     Very few bicycles have turning lights (operated in much the same way as those of motorbikes). As a result, their riders either turn without a warning or release one hand from the handlebar and extend it sideways to indicate their intention to turn. Both actions bear risk. The first for not warning others and the second for causing instability to the bicycle and for causing a small or larger degree of unintentional turning which can cause an accident. 
     The situation gets more complicated and riskier with the use of portable devices, trip computers, mobile phones, portable music players, etc. which flood the available space of handlebars. Such devices operate autonomously and use different interfaces that add to the frustration and confusion of the rider. As a result, the rider has to think how a specific device&#39;s interface is designed before he can interact with it, while at the same time distracting his attention from the riding environment. To operate these devices, the rider has to release one of his hands from the steering wheel, and even worse, distract his attention from the road scene and look at and focus on the device he wants to operate. This is a very serious situation and a cause of numerous accidents to both bicycle and motorbike riders. 
     Various systems and devices have been proposed in prior art to help riders keep a stable ride and avoid distractions. Among them are switches, knobs, touch buttons and touch pads for controlling head lights, indicator lights and other devices attached to or integrated with a bicycle (including electric bicycle—e-bike) or motorbike. Other prior art references teach the use of switches etc. for controlling the operation of external to the bicycle (or motorbike) computing devices like mobile phone etc. These switches are attached to the handle (steering) bar of bicycles and motorbikes and in some cases the indicator system consisted of vibration devices to inform the rider of a certain event or haptic devices, like haptic knobs to provide him with feedback, e.g. relating to the acceptance of his input to a computing system on-board the bicycle. 
     Last, there are very limited references which combine user command/action capture with the feedback/information provision actions in a single device, like a haptic knob. 
     The discovered prior art mainly consists of add-on devices that are attached to the handlebar, the frame, and few near the pivoting edge of the hand brake lever. 
     The discovered prior art teaches specific implementations for specific operations and all are designed to function in a way that will require a non-significant amount of user distraction to operate them (e.g., push/pull, press or touch button at specific positions on the handlebar or the pivoting edge of the hand brake levers, etc.). In cases where the control of external devices is required, the above interaction mechanism assumes that the rider will have visual contact with the screen of the device whose operation he wants to control (i.e. he is severely distracted). So, despite the fact that prior art teaches solutions to reduce user distraction while operating the said inventions, there remains a serious problem, i.e. a significant amount of user distraction, which is of course undesirable. 
     There is, therefore, a need for a User Interaction (UI) mechanism that is non-distracting, easy to use so as to be adopted by riders, and versatile enough to support a large variety of operations and use scenarios. 
     SUMMARY 
     A methodology and system are presented for configuring 2, 3, or 4-cycle bike brake levers into a device for user interaction and, optionally, visual feedback. 
     In a first embodiment, a touch-sensitive strip is attached to the frontal surface of a bike brake lever. The user can touch the lever to either initiate a braking action or to interact with the system or with external devices and applications. Electronics and software on the lever capture, analyze and interpret the user&#39;s input and communicate with external devices and applications without distracting the user. 
     In a second embodiment, a touch-sensitive strip is attached to the frontal surface of a bike brake lever. The user can touch the lever to either initiate a braking action or to interact with the system or with external devices and applications. A light emitting surface is attached to the back surface of the lever. The light emitting surface is configured to produce visual feedback associated with data received from the bike, or from the external devices and applications, or associated with the user interaction that is captured by the touch sensitive surface. The combination of touch UI and visual feedback are easy to use while not distracting the user from the riding task and the environment. The proposed system can be used for indicating turning so that turn indicators are reproduced at the light emitting surface, adjusting volume, indicating battery lever, interfacing with a navigation application or system where the visual feedback indicates to the rider when and where to turn while using the same visual information as indication to cyclists and motorists behind, thereby also increasing road safety. Other use scenarios are implemented with the proposed system. Special software is used to differentiate between accidental/random user touch and real interaction gestures. Additional hardware elements like buttons and sensors may be attached on the lever to support the operation of the present system and help better differentiate between user interaction and braking. 
     In a third exemplary embodiment, a touch sensitive surface and associated electronics are integrated with the lever and are used as a single device and not as an add-on to existing levers. 
     In a fourth exemplary embodiment, a touch sensitive and a light producing surfaces and associated electronics are integrated with the lever and are used as a single device and not as an add-on to existing levers. 
     In a fifth exemplary embodiment, a touch sensitive surface and associated electronics are formed as an elastic glove which is worn on top of existing brake levers. The design of the glove is such that materials with suitable friction coefficients are chosen for allowing the glove to be easily worn-in/out of the lever while allowing the glove to stay securely in place while force is exerted on it while braking or other user actions. The glove contains elastic battery cells for autonomous operation in the absence of external power. The batteries can be charged with the help of coils. 
     In a sixth exemplary embodiment, a touch sensitive and a light producing surface and associated electronics are formed as an elastic glove which is worn on top of existing brake levers. The design of the glove is such that materials with suitable friction coefficients are chosen for allowing the glove to be easily worn-in/out of the lever while allowing the glove to stay securely in place while force is exerted on it while braking or other user actions. The glove contains elastic battery cells for autonomous operation in the absence of external power. The batteries can be charged with the help of coils. 
     In a seventh exemplary embodiment, the glove is equipped with a connector to allow its batteries to be charged by connecting them via the connector to an available power source like the battery of an e-bike or motorbike, a dynamo, or a mini solar panel, or other similar device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a top-down view of typical user interaction and visual indication apparatuses, forming part of prior art, attached to the handlebar of a bicycle. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top-down view of novel user interaction and visual indication apparatuses, according to the present innovative solution, attached to the handlebar of a bicycle. 
         FIG. 3  shows a frontal, top-down view example of the operation of the novel UI and visual indication and feedback mechanism. 
         FIG. 4  shows a frontal, bottom-up view example of the operation of the novel UI and visual indication and feedback mechanism. 
         FIG. 5  shows a posterior, top-down view example of the operation of the novel UI and visual indication and feedback mechanism. 
         FIG. 6  shows a partially exploded posterior, top-down view of the novel UI and visual feedback hand brake lever attached to a handlebar. 
         FIG. 7  shows a partially exploded posterior, top-down view of an alternative implementation of the novel UI and visual feedback hand brake lever attached to a handlebar. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a frontal, oblique view example of a novel UI and visual feedback add-on device for a hand brake lever, worn on a handlebar 
         FIG. 8B  shows a posterior, oblique view example of a novel UI and visual feedback add-on device for a hand brake lever attached on a handlebar. 
         FIG. 8C  shows a top-down view example of the components of  FIGS. 8A-B . 
         FIG. 9A  shows a detailed view of the outer front surface of an alternative embodiment of the gloves of  FIGS. 8A-C . 
         FIG. 9B  shows a detailed view of the outer rear surface of the glove of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  shows a partially exploded frontal view of a first alternative implementation of the glove of  FIGS. 9A-B . 
         FIG. 11  shows an exploded posterior view of a second alternative implementation of the glove of  FIGS. 9A-B . 
         FIG. 12  shows a UI and visual feedback system installed at the handlebar of a two-wheeled vehicle. 
         FIG. 13  shows a high-level flowchart with the states of operation of the present innovative UI and visual feedback system. 
         FIG. 14  shows an example flowchart diagram of UI actions triggering visual feedback in system  200 . 
         FIG. 15  shows a flowchart diagram of an external device or application feedback triggering visual feedback in system  200 . 
         FIG. 16  shows an example architecture of a computing device or apparatus. 
         FIG. 17  shows the main Software Components of a device or apparatus. 
         FIG. 18  shows the main Software Components of a Server. 
         FIG. 19  shows a hand brake lever setup in a non-engaged position and a hand brake lever setup in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 20  shows a hand brake lever setup with double wishbone elements in a non-engaged position and a hand brake lever setup with double wishbone elements in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 21  shows a user&#39;s hand operating the present innovative solution on the hand brake setup of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  shows a user&#39;s hand operating the present innovative solution on the hand brake setup of  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. 
     The acronym “API” is intended to mean “Application Programming Interface”. 
     The acronym “ASIC” is intended to mean “Application Specific Integrated Circuit”. 
     The acronym “CD” is intended to mean “Compact Disk”. 
     The acronym “CPU” is intended to mean “Central Processing Unit”. 
     The acronym “DSL” is intended to mean “Digital Subscriber Line”. 
     The acronym “DVD” is intended to mean “Digital Versatile Disk”. 
     The acronym “GPS” is intended to mean “Global Positioning System”. 
     The acronym “GUI” is intended to mean “Graphical User Interface”. 
     The acronym “LED” is intended to mean “Light Emitting Diode”. 
     The acronym “OLED” is intended to mean “Organic Light Emitting Diode”. 
     The acronym “PCB” is intended to mean “Printed Circuit Board”. 
     The acronym “OS” is intended to mean “Operating System”. 
     The acronym “UI” is intended to mean “User Interface”. 
     The acronym “URL” is intended to mean “Uniform Resource Locator”. 
     The acronym “USB” is intended to mean “Universal Serial Bus”. 
     The acronym “XML” is intended to mean “eXtensible Markup Language”. 
     The term “mobile device” may be used interchangeably with “client device” and “device with wireless capabilities”. 
     The term “user” may be used interchangeably with “regular user” and “ordinary user” and “rider”. 
     The term “2-wheeled vehicle” may be used interchangeably with “bicycle”, “e-bike”, “motorbike”, “bike”, “3-wheeled vehicle”, tricycle, and quadracycle. 
     For reasons of simplicity the following description and exemplary embodiments focus on bicycles and e-bikes. They are all also applicable to tricycles, quadracycles, and motorbikes even if not specifically mentioned. Unless otherwise specified, “bicycle”, “bike”, and “e-bike” or “electric bicycle” are used interchangeable and in the scope of the following description are treated equally unless otherwise specified. 
     The term “electronics” may be used interchangeably with “electronics module”, “electronics unit” and “electronics layer” and refer to the same entity unless otherwise specified. 
     The term “haptic device” may be used interchangeably with “haptic module”, “haptic unit”, “haptic feedback device”, “haptic feedback module”, “haptic feedback unit” and refer to the same entity unless otherwise specified. 
     The term “surface” and “face” may be used interchangeably and refer to the same entity unless otherwise specified or implied by the disclosure. 
     The term “light producing surface” and “light emitting surface” may be used interchangeably and refer to the same entity unless otherwise specified. 
     Prior Art 
       FIG. 1  shows a top-down view of typical user interaction and visual indication apparatuses, forming part of prior art, attached to the handlebar of a bicycle. A bicycle handlebar equipped with user interaction and visual indication apparatuses  100  are used in any type of bicycle and e-bike (or motorbike). Handlebar  110  is horizontally attached at its middle point to a vertical shaft  115  via connecting parts  111  and  113 . Shaft  115  is connected to the bicycle frame, not shown in the figure, in a way that it turns freely around its longitudinal axis so as to allow handlebar  110  to turn around the same axis of shaft  115  and allow the rider to turn his bicycle to the left or to the right. 
     At both ends, bar  110  has two hand grips  120 ,  121 , each having a shape that matches the shape of and fully encloses the cross-section of bar  110 . Bar  110  may be manufactured, e.g. in metal alloy, carbon-fibers, wood, plastic or other material with sufficient strength and durability to withstand the forces exerted by a rider during riding and turning his bike. Hand grips  120 ,  121  are usually made of a rubber-like polymer, foam-type material, leather, synthetic leather or other material that can be easily shaped, molded, pressed, sandwiched, or otherwise manufactured to the desired shape, and which has surfaces with friction coefficients high enough to allow the hand grip to stay in place around bar  110  and prevent slipping of the rider&#39;s hands. 
     At the end nearer to the shaft  115  and connecting parts  111 ,  113  of each hand grip  120 ,  121 , is attached a handbrake made of a pivoting hand brake lever  130 ,  131 , handbrake body part  140 ,  141  and attachment part  125 ,  126 . Lever  130 ,  131  pivots around a pin-type attachment  144 ,  145  attached on body part  140 ,  141 . Wire ropes or hydraulic lines, and protecting and tuning parts of the hand brake are not shown in  FIG. 1  for simplicity. 
     At the distant to the shaft  115  and connecting parts  111 ,  113  ends of bar  110 , or of hand grips  120 ,  121  are optionally attached two lights that function as indicators for turning left and right. 
     Near the end nearer to shaft  115  and connecting parts  111 ,  113  of each hand grip  120 ,  121 , is attached a switch  190 ,  191  that is attached to bar  110  via attachment part  195 ,  196 , respectively. Switches  190 ,  191  are three-position switches, where each position corresponds to “left”, “off” and “right”. The switch has to be returned to the middle (i.e. “off” position) when the user does not intent to turn or after a turn has been completed. In alternative prior art teachings, these switches are each replaced with three individual push or touch buttons. It is noted that either switch  190 , or switch  191 , or both switches  190 ,  191  may be present in a bicycle. 
     For a rider to operate the switch, say switch  190 , the rider has to remove his right hand from hand grip  120  and deflect switch  190  to the desired position before he can return his right hand to hand grip  120 . During the operation of switch  190 , the rider holds only hand grip  121  with his left hand. As a result, the rider has to maintain stable steering with only his left hand while at the same time moving his right hand to deflect switch  190 . This operation can equally be done with the opposite hands to those described above. 
     Certain variations of prior art place switches  190 ,  191  in contact (or near contact) with hand grips  120 ,  121  so as to allow the rider to operate the switches with his thumb. This setup allows more stable steering but cannot be used by users with injured thumbs. It is also difficult to be operated by riders with short and/or weak finger, e.g. ladies and children which usually hold hand grips  120 ,  121  towards their distant to shaft  115  and connecting parts  111 ,  113  ends so as to apply maximum torque to hand brake levers  130 ,  131 . Once switch  190 ,  191  is displaced to the “left” position, light  127  is switched on, and once switch  190 ,  191  is displaced to the “right” position, light  128  is switched on. Lights  128 ,  127  are switched off when switch  190 ,  191  is returned to the “off” position. Lights  128 ,  127  are flash lights manufactured either as incandescent light bulbs, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), LED arrays, or other similar arrangement. Usually only one switch  190  or  191  is installed on handlebar  110  and the switch to be installed is selected to match left- or right-handed riders. 
     In recent years, riders often use trip computers, smart phones, digital music players and other portable audio-visual devices (e.g. navigators, etc.), which they attach onto handlebar  110  for direct visual contact and interaction. In order to operate them, they typically remove one hand from handlebar  110  and place it on the device attached to handlebar  110  for pressing the control buttons of the device or for interacting via the touch screen of those devices that possess such a screen. This operation may cause accidents as the rider has to keep handlebar  110  stable with one hand while doing complex operations with his other hand and more importantly while visually and mentally focusing on the device controls or touch screen. In many situations the rider even has to listen to feedback offered by the device. This is a very dangerous situation which unfortunately causes thousands of serious accidents every year and in some cases even causes death. 
     With the widespread use of smart phones and other devices, user distraction is a very serious problem which necessitates an efficient solution. Currently there is no known technical solution in prior art. This need for a practical, reliant, affordable and durable solution is offered by the present innovative solution. 
     The Proposed Solution 
       FIG. 2  shows a top-down view of novel user interaction and visual indication apparatuses, according to the present innovative solution, attached to the handlebar of a bicycle. 
     In a first exemplary embodiment, a bicycle handlebar equipped with the user interaction and visual indication apparatuses  200  of the present invention are used in any type of bicycle and e-bike (or motorbike). Handlebar  210  is horizontally attached at its middle point to a vertical shaft  215  via connecting parts  211  and  213 . Shaft  215  is connected to the bicycle frame, not shown in the figure, in a way that it turns freely around its longitudinal axis so as to allow handlebar  210  to turn around the same axis of shaft  215  and allow the rider to turn his bicycle to the left or to the right. 
     At both ends, bar  210  has two hand grips  220 ,  221 , each having a shape that matches the shape of and fully encloses the cross-section of bar  210 . Bar  210  may be manufactured in a metal alloy, carbon-fibers, wood, plastic or other material with sufficient strength and durability to withstand the forces exerted by a rider during riding and turning his bike. Hand grips  220 ,  221  are usually made of a rubber like polymer, foam-type material, leather, synthetic leather or other material that can be easily shaped, molded, pressed, sandwiched, or otherwise manufactured to the desired shape, and which has surfaces with friction coefficients high enough to allow it to stay in place around bar  210  and prevent slipping of the rider&#39;s hands. 
     At the end near shaft  215  and connecting parts  211 ,  213  of each hand grip  220 ,  221 , is attached a handbrake made of a pivoting hand brake lever  230 ,  231 , handbrake body part  240 ,  241  and attachment part  225 ,  226 . Lever  230 ,  231  pivots around a pin-type attachment  244 ,  245  attached on body part  240 ,  241 . Wire ropes and protecting and tuning parts of the hand brake are not shown in  FIG. 2  for simplicity. 
     The present innovative device is the hand brake lever  230 ,  231  (including a brake sensor and a thumb bottom) while the remaining components are standard components widely used in the bicycle and motorbike industries. The innovative solution also contains electronics etc. that will be presented later in the specification. Lever  230 ,  231  may have any form known from prior art (e.g. linear, curved, designed to be operated with the index and middle fingers or with four fingers, having smooth small protrusions to provide holding “pockets” to secure the position of fingers and prevent slipping, ending in a ball-shaped feature to prevent fingers from slipping etc.). The proposed innovative hand brake lever  230 ,  231  may be sold as a single unit to be fitted at any bicycle or motorbike, or alternatively the lever may be attached to any available handbrake body part  240 ,  241  via a pin-type attachment  244 ,  245  attached on handbrake body part  240 ,  241 , which pin  244 ,  245  allows lever  230 ,  231  to pivot around pin  244 ,  245  just like any standard lever known in prior art does. 
     User Interaction (UI) 
     The proposed innovative lever  230 ,  231  has a touch sensitive surface  250 ,  251  attached to its frontal face (or in alternative exemplary embodiments, to its upper-frontal surface, or upper surface, or between the frontal surface and the upper surface). Surfaces  250 ,  251  are formed to cover the part of lever  230 ,  231  which is designed or usually used by riders to be touched by the fingers operating the lever (2, 3 or 4 fingers). Surface  250 ,  251  is made of a touch sensitive material. Surface&#39;s  250 ,  251  thickness is exaggerated in  FIG. 2  for visual clarity. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment touch sensitive surface  250 ,  251  is a piezoelectric strip, while in an alternative exemplary embodiment surface  250 ,  251  is made up of a capacitive surface or of several touch sensitive surfaces placed next to each other along the length of lever  230 ,  231 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, touch surface  250 ,  251  is a matrix of capacitive or piezoelectric elements (coupled to a digitizer module and a processing module) or a touch screen. The operation of touch sensitive surface  250 ,  251  provides a simple to use User Interaction (UI) mechanism to the rider for operating portable devices, for indicating his intention to turn, and for managing e-bike assist modes, electronic gear shifting mechanisms, etc. The rider can operate the proposed innovative UI mechanism without having to alter his riding routine and in particular without having to release his hand from hand grip  220 ,  221 . Furthermore, the proposed UI mechanism allows its user to ride his vehicle either holding hand grip  220 ,  221 , or holding hand grip  220 ,  221  and at the same time having his fingers ( 2 ,  3 , or  4  fingers) grip hand brake lever  230 ,  231 . In order to correctly interpret the user&#39;s input to surface  250 ,  251 , the proposed innovative solution needs to differentiate between touching surface  250 ,  251  for user input and touching for braking. 
     Electronics (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) perform the necessary processing to differentiate between user input and braking. The innovative solution ignores all touch input (i.e. false/unintentional user input) on surfaces  250 ,  251  while braking. This design feature has a two-fold action: first it ignores finger slipping, repositioning, or change in pressure (that could otherwise be interpreted as “button press” action) during braking, and second it discourages the rider from trying to input to (i.e. interact with) surface  250 ,  251  which could potentially distract his attention from the riding situation and his fingers from the braking action or reduce the exerted pressure on the hand brake and result in weaker braking and even accidents. 
     To differentiate between braking and UI, a pressure switch  270 ,  271  is inserted between the lever&#39;s  230 ,  231  end proximal to the pivot pin  244 ,  245  and the handbrake body part  240 ,  241 . In one exemplary embodiment switch  270 ,  271  is “on” when no braking is performed (i.e., the lever&#39;s  230 ,  231  end proximal to the pivot pin  244 ,  245  and pin  244 ,  245  touch). Once the user&#39;s fingers apply enough pressure to deflect lever  230 ,  231  from its rest (i.e. non-braking) position the switch  270 ,  271  switches on and the electronics detect the braking action. As a result, any finger movements and other actions (e.g., double pressing that could otherwise be interpreted as a “double click”, relative to each other movement of fingers that could be interpreted as a “zooming” operation or as a “slide” operation, etc.) are ignored until switch  270 ,  271  switches off and braking action ceases. The necessary pressure on lever  230 ,  231  to brake (and open switch  270 ,  271 ) depends on the type and tuning of the braking system upon which lever  230 ,  231  is installed. 
     In variations of the present exemplary embodiments, pressure switch  270 ,  271  may be connected in a reverse setup, so that it is in “on” state when no braking is performed, or it may be replaced by other types of electronic components acting as buttons and switches, like for example capacitive or resistive elements, piezoelectric elements, optical elements, optical matrices, or force sensitive resistors either on switches  270 ,  271  or in surfaces  250 ,  251 , optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, mini radars, push buttons, force sensing elements, stress sensing elements etc. 
     In other exemplary embodiments switch  270 ,  271  may optionally be placed on the upper surface of handbrake body part  240 ,  241  so that the user may operate the switch with his thumb, either by pressing, touching or approaching his thumb near switch  270 ,  271 . In a variation of this exemplary setup, switch  270 ,  271  is placed on attachment part  225 ,  226  for better ergonomic access by the rider&#39;s thumb. 
     It is noted that innovative hand brake lever  230 ,  231  and/or switch  270 ,  271  may be installed at either the left or right side of handlebar  210  to accommodate left or right handed riders, or at both sides for accommodating both types of riders or for accepting commands from both sides (e.g. the left side input may be assigned to correspond to an “up-down” action or to a 1 st  application control while the ride side input may be assigned to correspond to a “left-right” action or to a 2 nd  application control, etc.). 
     The innovative UI-enabled hand brake lever  230 ,  231  in  FIG. 2  allows the user to interact without distracting his balance, his normal handlebar handling and without releasing any hand from the handlebar. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiment, switch  270 ,  271  is replaced by a sensor for detecting pressing action of the handbrake lever. This pressing action may be effected by a force applied on the handbrake lever in any direction and the detection of this pressing action may be used to differentiate between intentional touch input and unintentional touch input. The sensor (or the switch in the previous embodiment) is connected with the electronics modules and may also be directly connected with a power module if the electronics module does not supply the power needed for its operation. In one aspect a sensor is used for each direction of applied force. 
     In another exemplary embodiment hand brake lever  230 ,  231  has an optional miniature electric cam motor (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), i.e. a motor that is slightly off-balanced to produce vibrations, or a linear mass actuator, i.e. a vibration motor that produces an oscillating force across a single axis by relying on an AC voltage to drive a voice coil pressed against a moving mass connected to a spring. The cam motor (or the linear mass actuator) is attached to lever  230 ,  231  and when operating (i.e. “on” state) the motor transmits vibrations to lever  230 ,  231  which are felt by the rider&#39;s fingers touching (and interacting with) touch sensitive surface  250 ,  251  on the front face of lever  230 ,  231 . The cam motor is connected with the electronics module, which controls it and may also be connected with a power module if the electronics do not supply the necessary power for its operation. The intensity and frequency of the vibrations may be adjusted by adjusting the turning speed of the motor. By means of example, low intensity and frequency vibrations may be triggered automatically by the electronics when the user&#39;s fingers are touching surface  250 ,  251  (as sensed by the surface itself) and high intensity and frequency vibrations may be triggered when the user is not touching hand brake lever  230 ,  231  so as the vibrations may be felt by the rider&#39;s hand on hand grip  220 ,  221 . 
     A modification to this exemplary embodiment may place the cam motor (or the linear mass actuator) on hand grip  220 ,  221 , or in handlebar  210 , or on handbrake body  240 ,  241 , or use two cam motors, the first motor on lever  230 ,  231  and the second motor on hand grip  220 ,  221 . According to the particular exemplary embodiment used, cam motor or motors may be use on the left, the right, or both sides of handlebar  210 . In a variation of the present exemplary embodiment, the rider may select to switch “on” and “off” the haptic operation (i.e. the cam motor) and adjust intensity and patterns of operation to his liking (e.g. set different vibration patters to indicate different events, like confirmations of various UIs and various indication like directions from a navigator device or application, or an incoming call at a connected smart phone). 
     The resulting lever  230 ,  231  and/or hand grip  220 ,  221  act as haptic devices providing sense (i.e. vibration feedback) to the rider to confirm his input or to alert his attention. 
     The present exemplary embodiment may function as a user interface device for not distracting the rider during his ride. 
     Visual Indications and Feedback 
     A second exemplary embodiment builds on top of the components of the first exemplary embodiment. The proposed innovative lever  230 ,  231  has a light producing surface  260 ,  261  attached to its back face (or to the upper surface, or between the back surface and the upper surface). Surface  260 ,  261  is formed to cover the posterior part of lever  230 ,  231  which is not touched or covered by the rider&#39;s fingers operating the lever (2, 3 or 4 fingers), and as a result surface  260 ,  261  is unobstructed and visible both by the rider and by others (e.g., riders, drivers and pedestrians) behind the rider. Surface  260 ,  261  is made of a strip of light producing elements, like a Light Emitting Diode (LED) strip. Surface&#39;s  260 ,  261  thickness is exaggerated in  FIG. 2  for visual clarity. 
     In an alternative exemplary embodiment surface  260 ,  261  is made up of several miniature incandescent light bulbs placed next to each other along the length of lever  230 ,  231 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, surface  260 ,  261  is a matrix of LEDs or miniature incandescent light bulbs, or a curved screen (e.g. if the lever has a curved plane), or a flat screen (e.g. one suitable for viewing under sunlight and during low or no ambient light. These components may be integrated of connected to an external electronic unit, like a digitizer, a processing unit, or a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for conditioning their electrical signal and interfacing with other components. The CPU contains at least one memory unit, either internal, external, or a combination of the two. 
     Light producing surface  260 ,  261  has a two-fold use: (a) to provide the rider with feedback (e.g. displaying feedback from the portable devices, e-bike system, electronic gear shifter etc., and applications he operates via touch sensitive [i.e. UI] surface  250 ,  251 , and visual confirmation of correct reception and interpretation of his input to surface  250 ,  251 ), and (b) to provide others with visual indications (i.e. riders intention to turn left, or braking action, etc.). The information displayed on the light producing surface  260 ,  261  is controlled and presented by the (one or more) electronics unit. 
     Light producing surface  260 ,  261  may produce single-color visual signals or may support various colors. In the latter case, red indications may, for example, correspond to braking, green or white to feedback to the user and yellow to indicate the rider&#39;s intention to turn (either in a flashing mode or a moving line, etc.). Similarly, colors and light patterns may be assigned to information related to specific actions and indications produced by mobile devices connected to the interaction and visual feedback surfaces. In another example, colors are used to visualize signals from a navigation application running at the rider&#39;s smartphone, so that a yellow color on one side may indicate instructions for turning towards this direction, a yellow color on both sides may indicate arrival at destination, a red color on both sides may prompt the rider to make a U-turn. 
     In a variation of the present exemplary embodiment, the user may select colors and light patterns, as well as, assign them to specific feedback and/or indication actions. 
     The rider can use the proposed innovative visual indication and feedback mechanism without having to alter his riding routine, without having to release his hand(s) from hand grips  220 ,  221 , and more importantly with minimal or no distraction from his riding routing and sight. Even if the rider selects to consult the visual indications on light producing surfaces  260 ,  261 , he has to slight lower his eyes and direction of sight (i.e. no need to move his head), and he has to read an over simplified visual display as opposed to the complex, highly detailed and difficult to read (both in daylight due to low contrast and during low or no ambient light conditions where a detailed screen might significantly negatively affect the sensitivity of his eyes to the low light conditions he faces during riding). The oversimplified visual feedback from light producing surfaces  260 ,  261  needs minimal effort and time to read and can be interpreted even with peripheral vision in most cases by using simple light signals like the ones previously described by means of example and without limiting the scope of the present innovative solution. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, visual feedback can be reduced even further by replacing a subset of or all the visual feedback signals with haptic feedback (vibrations) produced by a haptic feedback device like a cam motor(s) and delivered to the rider&#39;s fingers or combined and/or replaced with synchronized audio signals. In a further modification to these exemplary embodiments, audio signals are produced only after sensing (with a mini microphone, e.g. the microphone of a connected smartphone, or a microphone installed on the vehicle, or carried or worn by the rider) that the ambient sound is below a preset level (either automatically or user selected), where this sound level is deemed to allow easy auditory reception by the rider. The rider may also manually adjust the volume of such auditory signals. 
     In an alternative exemplary embodiment electronics in the handbrake lever communicate with wireless (or wired) earphones worn by the rider, or with mini speakers attached to or integrated in the rider&#39;s helmet. 
     The innovative combined visual indication and feedback lever  230 ,  231  in  FIG. 2  allows the user to receive feedback (e.g. confirmation of his UI), information, and to be alerted with minimal or no distraction due to the position of the visual feedback, the oversimplification of the provided information, its adaptation to various parameters of use, and its combination with haptic feedback. Furthermore, the use of light producing surfaces  260 ,  261  eliminates the need for flashing indicator lights  128 ,  127  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). 
     In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the touch sensitive surface and the light emitting surface are both placed in the upper face of the handbrake lever for easier operation and visibility by the rider. In such a setup there is no support for visual information to others behind the rider (e.g. other riders, driver, or pedestrians). The touch sensitive surface is dimensioned to approximately half the length of the handbrake lever and the light emitting surface is also dimensioned to approximately half the length of the handbrake lever, and the two surfaces are placed next to (and near) each other along the length of the lever. In a variation of this exemplary implementation, the length and/or width of the two surfaces relative to each other may differ. In yet another variation of this exemplary implementation, the two surfaces are placed in parallel near each other, instead of next to each other along the length of the lever. 
     In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the visual feedback apparatus is constructed and used independently and without the user interaction apparatus. This embodiment has a light producing surface, an electronics layer, and a support layer. It lacks the touch sensitive surface. 
     In all the previous exemplary embodiments the electronics layer (or unit) may be replaced by more electronics layers (or units) without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     User Operation of the UI and Visual Feedback Mechanism 
       FIG. 3  shows a frontal, top-down view example of the operation of the novel UI and visual indication and feedback mechanism. A rider&#39;s hand operating the proposed innovative solution is shown  300 . The rider places his hand  380  on handlebar  310  and in particular on hand grip  320 . The exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment where a hand brake lever  330  is designed to be operated with the index  384  and middle  383  fingers, while the two smaller fingers  382 ,  381  grab hand grip  320 . In variations of the present exemplary embodiment, lever  330  may be designed for operation by four fingers  381 - 384 . Lever  330  is pivoting around pin  344  secured on handbrake body part  340 , which is in turn attached to handlebar  310  via attachment part  325 . 
     An optional button  370  is positioned on handbrake body part  340  (or on attachment part  325  in a variation of the present exemplary setup), which button is operated by the rider&#39;s thumb  385  to indicate that he is not braking and the present innovative solution can accept his UI as sensed by touch sensitive surface  350  detecting the rider&#39;s finger  383 ,  384  touch/pressure and movements. An optional software (used in both the first and second exemplary embodiments) may be used to determine whether a rider&#39;s command is intentional and should be accounted by the system, or accidental when the rider just touches the lever (e.g. for other type of interaction with the system, like to indicate turning) and should be ignored. Such an algorithm may, for example, use time and/or pressure thresholds to differentiate between the two cases. By means of example, a very short-duration interaction or a very light pressure on the lever are not to be interpreted as a braking action. In one implementation, the algorithm is configured to reject user touches and finger movements on the touch sensitive surface that deviate from a strict, pre-defined set of touches and movement patterns that a rider is allowed to use as commands. These patterns must be chosen carefully so that they are not done inadvertently during other instances such as braking or resting the rider&#39;s fingers on the lever while riding. In other exemplary embodiments, button  370  is inserted between lever&#39;s  330  end proximal to the pivot pin  344  and the handbrake body part  340 , thereby allowing automatic operation without the rider having to press it. Implementation examples of button  370  where presented in the description of  FIG. 2 . 
     Index  384  and middle  383  fingers grab and rest on the front face of lever  330 . On the front face of lever  330 , a touch sensitive surface  350  is attached, so that the rider&#39;s fingers  384 ,  383  are in contact with surface  350 . When braking, any pressure or movement of fingers on surface  350  is ignored. When not braking, the user presses button  370  with his thumb  385 , either once or for the duration of the UI that is effected by his index  384  and middle  383  fingers on touch sensitive surface  350 . In a variation of this setup, special software, as previously described, may be optionally used to reject random or accidental touches on the lever, thereby alleviating the need for a thumb button  370 . In alternative exemplary embodiments where there is no thumb operated button  370 , button  370  is placed in the touch area between lever  330  and handbrake body part  340  (when the brake is not engaged) and is, therefore automatically operated every time the rider engages braking. This embodiment is not shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The rider can operate the UI functionality and interact with lights and portable devices and applications by pressing or moving his index  384  and/or middle  383  fingers (or any or the combination of his four fingers  381 - 384  in alternative embodiments). 
     By means of example, the rider may press  353  or swipe down his index finger  384  (e.g. to indicate a choice associated with a mobile device or application, like pausing the reproduction of music playback on a mobile phone or a portable music player), or move  356  his index finger  384  towards his thumb, or swipe right (e.g. to indicate his intention to turn right—the use of this left hand to indicate a right turn may be especially useful to a left hand rider), or move both his index  384  and/or middle  383  fingers in opposite directions  359 , or pinch-in e.g. to indicate zooming-in a map presented on the screen of a portable navigation device or smartphone attached to handlebar  310 , or to stop the music reproduction or the audio guidance associated with a portable device or a smartphone (running a navigation application) both stored out of the rider&#39;s sight in his backpack or in a storage pocket attached to the frame or handlebar of his bicycle (or e-bike or motorbike). 
     User&#39;s UI, derived from finger pressure and/or movements is interpreted by electronics and visual feedback is produced on a light producing surface (not shown) for the rider to see, understand and interpret. Such visual feedback is made of oversimplified indications that are easy to see, understand and interpret and which do not require effort nor disturb the rider. Visual feedback may also target others except the rider or both. By means of example, visual feedback may be an orange flashing or moving arrow or line to indicate to others the rider&#39;s intention to turn and optionally to the rider to confirm his UI, a flashing or still green arrow or line, or a moving arrow or line to indicate to the rider instructions from a navigation application (e.g., running in a portable navigation device or smart phone stored or carried out of the rider&#39;s sight for minimizing distraction) or a visual representation of command buttons (e.g. “play” and “stop” for a music playback application) which are associated with approximate areas on the touch sensitive surface  350  on the opposite face of lever  330 , for the rider to provide his input/commands, etc.), or visual arrows to indicate a slide direction to perform actions (e.g. “play” and “stop” for the music playback application). 
     Details on the potential candidates for implementing the various components of  FIG. 3  are given in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  shows a left hand operating the proposed innovative solution. The right hand or both hands can equally be used. The rider may associate finger actions with actions on devices, applications, and the light producing surface. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, button  370  is removed and at the back surface of touch sensitive surface  350  a strip of (or one or more) touch-sensitive resistors are added (not shown). When the rider wants to brake, he exerts significantly more pressure compared to non-braking. This pressure is detected by the hardware connected to the pressure sensitive resistor(s) and, thus, the braking action is detected. A change above a predefined threshold of the resistivity of the pressure sensitive resistance(s) can be associated with a braking action. 
       FIG. 4  shows a frontal, bottom-up view example of the operation of the novel UI and visual indication and feedback mechanism. A rider&#39;s hand operating the proposed innovative solution is shown  400 . The rider places his hand  480  on handlebar  410  and in particular on hand grip  420 . The exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4  shows an embodiment where a hand brake lever  430  is designed to be operated with the index  484  and middle  483  fingers, while the two smaller fingers  482 ,  481  grab hand grip  420 . In variations of the present exemplary embodiment, lever  430  may be designed for operation by four fingers  481 - 484 . Lever  430  is pivoting around pin  444  secured on handbrake body part  440 , which is in turn attached to handlebar  410  via attachment part  425  and an optional screw  456 . 
     An optional button is positioned on handbrake body part  440  (not visible in this view), which button is operated by the rider&#39;s thumb (not shown) to indicate that he is not braking and the present innovative solution can accept his UI as sensed by touch sensitive surface  450  detecting the rider&#39;s finger  483 ,  484  touch/pressure and movements. In other exemplary embodiments the button is inserted between lever&#39;s  430  end proximal to the pivot pin  444  and the handbrake body part  440 , thereby allowing automatic operation without the rider having to press it. Alternatively, a button at or near position  456  may be used instead. Special software like the one previously mentioned may be used to filter out random or accidental touches. 
     Index  484  and middle  483  fingers grab and rest on the front face of lever  430 . On the front face, a touch sensitive surface  450  is attached, so that the rider&#39;s fingers  484 ,  483  are in contact with surface  450 . When braking, any pressure or movement of fingers on surface  450  is ignored. In one implementation, when not braking, the user presses the button with his thumb, either once or for the duration of the UI that is effected by his index  484  and middle  483  fingers on touch sensitive surface  450 . In a different implementation the user does not need to press the button with his thumb, as software rejects all interactions while braking action is detected. Both implementations can also be used for e-bikes to cut-off power when braking both for preserving power and entering braking-charge mode, and as a safety feature to make braking more effective In alternative exemplary embodiments where there is no thumb operated button, the button is placed in the touch area between lever  430  and handbrake body part  440  (when the brake is not engaged) and is, therefore automatically operated every time the rider engages braking. 
     The rider can operate the UI functionality and interact with lights and portable devices and applications by pressing or moving his index  484  and/or middle  483  fingers (or any or the combination of his four fingers  481 - 484  in alternative embodiments). 
     User&#39;s UI, derived from finger pressure and/or movements is interpreted by electronics and visual feedback is produced on a light producing surface (not visible in  FIG. 4 ) for the rider and/or others to read. 
       FIG. 5  shows a posterior, top-down view example of the operation of the novel UI and visual indication and feedback mechanism. A rider&#39;s hand operating the proposed innovative solution is shown  500 . The rider places his hand  580  on handlebar  510  and in particular on hand grip  520 . The exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  shows an embodiment where a hand brake lever  530  is designed to be operated with the index  584  and middle  583  fingers, while the two smaller fingers  582 ,  581  grab hand grip  520 . In variations of the present exemplary embodiment, lever  530  may be designed for operation by four fingers  581 - 584 . Lever  530  is pivoting around pin  544  secured on handbrake body part  540 , which is in turn attached to handlebar  510  via attachment part  525  and optional screw  526 . 
     An optional button  570  is positioned on handbrake body part  540 , which button is operated by the rider&#39;s thumb  585  to indicate that he is not braking and the present innovative solution can accept his UI as sensed by touch sensitive surface (not visible in  FIG. 5 —opposite display surface  560 ) detecting the rider&#39;s finger  583 ,  584  touch/pressure and movements. In other exemplary embodiments button  570  is inserted between lever&#39;s  530  end proximal to the pivot pin  544  and the handbrake body part  540 , thereby allowing automatic operation without the rider having to press it. In another exemplary embodiment, button  570  is replaced by software that detects and filters out random and accidental touches. 
     Index  584  and middle  583  fingers grab and rest on the front face of lever  530 . On the front face, a touch sensitive surface (not visible) is attached, so that the riders fingers  584 ,  583  are in contact with the touch sensitive surface (not visible in  FIG. 5 —opposite display surface  560 ). When braking, any pressure or movement of fingers on the touch sensitive surface is ignored. When not braking, the user presses button  570  with his thumb  585 , either once or for the duration of the UI that is effected by his index  584  and middle  583  fingers on touch sensitive surface  550 . In another exemplary embodiment, button  570  is replaced by software that detects and filters out random and accidental touches. In alternative exemplary embodiments where there is no thumb operated button  570 , button  570  is placed in the touch area between lever  530  and handbrake body part  540  (when the brake is not engaged) and is, therefore automatically operated every time the rider engages braking. 
     The rider can operate the UI functionality and interact with lights and portable devices, bike/e-bike system and mechanisms, and applications by pressing or moving his index  584  and/or middle  583  fingers (or any or the combination of his four fingers  581 - 584  in alternative embodiments). 
     User&#39;s UI, derived from finger pressure and/or movements is interpreted by electronics and visual feedback is produced on a light producing surface  560  for the rider to read. Such visual feedback is made of oversimplified indications that are easy to read and which do not require effort to read them nor disturb the rider. Visual feedback may also target others except the rider or both. 
     Assembling the Innovative UI and Visual Feedback Hand Brake Lever 
       FIG. 6  shows a partially exploded posterior, top-down view of the novel UI and visual feedback hand brake lever attached to a handlebar. A third and fourth exemplary embodiments are presented. The third exemplary embodiment is used only for user interaction (and does not contain a visual feedback surface and associated electronics). The fourth exemplary embodiment is used for user interaction and visual feedback. Partially exploded view of the lever attached to the handlebar  600  will help describe how the present innovative solution is manufactured and assembled using off-the-shelf and/or custom-made components. Hand brake lever  630  is pivoting around pin  644  attached to a handbrake body part  640 , which is in turn attached to a handlebar  610  via an attachment part  625  secured on handlebar  610  via optional screw (not shown) upon which an optional button  656  is attached for indicating user input. A hand grip  620  is also attached to the end of handlebar  610 . 
     Lever  630  is designed with a gap  649  running along its length, and a fixture part with a hole  623  for attachment via pin  644  to the handbrake body part  640 . In between lever  630  and handbrake body part  640  is positioned a switch  675  to detect braking action for regulating the use of user input (user input is ignored during braking) as described in the previous figures. 
     Inside gap  649  of lever  630  are sandwiched 5 component layers that create a two-faceted component with a touch sensitive (i.e. UI) frontal face and a visual indicator posterior face. In one exemplary implementation all five layers have dimension to securely fit inside gap  649 , while in other exemplary implementations one of the two end layers or both end layers have slightly larger dimensions to serve as fixture points about gap  649  for all 5 layers. Other variations in dimensions may be chosen as long as the sandwiched five-layer (or fewer layers, e.g. three-layer) two-faced component can fit gap  649  and be secured on lever  630 . 
     The sandwiched component is secured on lever  630  such that a first layer  631 , composed of a light producing surface (as previously described) faces the back of the vehicle and can be easily read by the rider and others behind him. A second layer  632  (with an empty space  633 ) made of an insulating, foam, rubber, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or other material is placed on top of light producing layer  631  and acts as a support (i.e. spacer) for a third layer  634 . The third layer  634  is a PCB layer upon which electronic components needed to drive the light elements of light producing layer  631  and read the touch sensitive elements of a fifth layer  639  (used for UI) are securely attached. A fourth layer  637  is sandwiched between the third  634  and fifth  639  layers. Fourth layer  637  (with an empty space  638 ) is made of an insulating, foam, rubber, PCB or other material and acts as a support for fifth layer  639 . Second  632  and fourth  637  support layers have a second function; to house and protect electronic components  635  that protrude on either or both sides of third layer  634 . Connecting cables and other secondary components and connections are not shown in  FIG. 6  for visual clarity. 
     In this particular implementation third layer  634  electronics  635  perform interfacing, low level control functions (e.g. Analogue to Digital [A/D] conversion), and communication with an external processing unit (not shown) that may be attached on handlebar  610 , or housed or stored at a position on the vehicle&#39;s frame, storage pocket, rider&#39;s backpack, etc., or with an e-bike&#39;s or motorbikes computer and electronics. 
     In an alternative exemplary implementation third layer  634  houses electronics  635  with enough processing power to act as an autonomous processing unit to fully support the operation of the present innovative solution. Power supply is not shown in  FIG. 6  for visual clarity. In the third exemplary embodiment, the light emitting layer  639  is omitted and spacing layer  637  may be optionally used, In a variation of the third exemplary embodiment, lever  630  contains a depression formed and size to accommodate layers  631 ,  632 ,  634  and (optionally)  637 , while its rear surface may be non-void so as to provide support and protection for layer  631 ,  632 ,  634  and (optionally)  637 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a partially exploded posterior, top-down view of an alternative implementation of the novel UI and visual feedback hand brake lever attached to a handlebar. Partially exploded view of the lever attached to the handlebar  700  will help describe how the present innovative solution is manufactured and assembled using off-the-shelf and/or custom-made components. Hand brake lever  730  is pivoting around pin  744 , which is attached to a handbrake body part  740 , which is in turn attached to a handlebar  710  via an attachment part  725  secured on handlebar  710  via optional screw (not shown) upon which an optional button  756  is attached for indicating user input. A hand grip  720  is also attached to the end of handlebar  710 . 
     Lever  730  is designed with a gap  749  running along its length, and a fixture part with a hole  723  for attachment via pin  744  to the handbrake body part  740 . In between lever  730  and handbrake body part  740  is positioned a magnet  745  (attached on hand lever  730 ), which operates with magnetic sensor  743  (attached on handbrake body part  740 ) acting as a switch to detect braking action for regulating the use of user input (user input is ignored during braking). Magnetic sensor  743  houses all the necessary electronics to operate the switch. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, magnetic sensor  743  is integrated with interfacing and communication hardware to communicate (wired or wirelessly) with an external processing unit. In a variation of this alternative exemplary embodiments, the integrated sensor  743  and additional hardware are designed to be used as a fully functional processing unit. 
     In other exemplary embodiments magnetic sensor  743  is replaced by an ultrasonic or light (e.g. LED transceiver) sensor or mini radar. Magnet  745  is scrapped in these embodiments. 
     Inside gap  749  of lever  730  are sandwiched 3 component layers (or 5 in other exemplary embodiments—not shown) that create a two-faceted component with a touch sensitive (i.e. UI) frontal face and a visual indicator posterior face. In one exemplary implementation all 3 layers have dimension to securely fit inside gap  749 , while in other exemplary implementations the two end layers (or just one layer) have slightly larger dimensions to serve as fixture points about gap  749  for all 3 layers. Other variations in dimensions may be chosen as long as the sandwiched three-layer two-faced component can fit gap  749  and be secured on lever  730 . 
     The sandwiched component is secured on lever  730  such that a first layer  733 , composed of a light producing surface (as previously described) faces the back of the two wheeled vehicle and can be easily read by the rider and others behind him. A second layer  735  made of an insulating, foam, rubber, PCB or other material is placed on top of light producing layer  733  and acts as a support for first layer  733  and a third layer  738 . Third layer  738  is made of touch sensitive elements (used for UI). First  733  and third  738  layers have a minimum of interface hardware components to connect via a thin flat cable tape  746  to a processing unit. In one exemplary embodiment the processing unit is integrated with magnetic sensor  743 , while in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the processing unit is attached either to handbrake body part  740 , or to handlebar  710 . 
     In an alternative exemplary embodiment, cable tape  746  and processing unit  743  may be used in the setup described in  FIG. 6 . 
     Other connecting cables and other secondary components and connections are not shown in  FIG. 7  for visual simplicity. 
     In  FIGS. 2-7  there may be included power modules, not shown in the figures, in the form of batteries or power connectors or coils without batteries, which provide the power necessary for the operation of the electronic components of the exemplary embodiments. These batteries may be charged either wirelessly via coils, or via connectors (e.g. USB-C or other proprietary or standard connector) drawing power for external batteries, the battery of an e-bike or motorbike, mini solar panels, power banks, dynamos, etc. 
     Innovative UI and Visual Feedback Hand Brake Lever Glove Add-On 
     Various views  800  of a novel UI and visual feedback glove-type add-on device for a hand brake lever attached to a handlebar are presented below.  FIG. 8A  shows a frontal, oblique view example of a novel UI and visual feedback add-on device for a hand brake lever, attached on a handlebar. In a fifth exemplary embodiment, a hand brake lever  830  is attached to a handbrake body part  840  via pin  844 , which body part  840  is attached to a handlebar  810  via an attachment part  825 . A hand grip  820  is also attached to the end of handlebar  810 . 
     Lever  830  can be any type of hand brake lever installed in any type of bicycle, e-bike, scooter, e-scooter, tricycle, quadracycle, etc., or motorbike. The innovative exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8A  allows to add UI and visual feedback functionalities to be commercially available on two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, or quadracycles without having to replace their existing hand brake levers with one of the levers described in  FIGS. 2-7 . To achieve this result, the touch sensitive and the light producing surfaces together with electronic and other secondary components are formed in a glove-like device  850  that can be worn on any type of hand brake lever  830 . Seen from the front, the glove completely encloses at least the part of the lever designed to receive the rider&#39;s fingers (2, 3, or 4 fingers). Along the length of the glove&#39;s  850  frontal surface, a touch sensitive surface  852  (e.g. a strip) is attached. Touch sensitive surface is preferably formed of a semi-flexible or flexible material so as to withstand deformations during the application of glove  850  to lever  830 . To support such a flexible touch sensitive surface  852 , glove  850  is made of an elastic material like (by means of example and without limiting the scope of manufacture, use, operation and protection of the current exemplary embodiment) rubber, foam, elastic polymer, woven elastic fabric, non-woven elastic fabric and the like. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, on the back surface of the glove (in contact with the handbrake lever) with respect to the touch sensitive surface, a rubber strip of higher friction coefficient compared to the rest of the glove is added. This high-friction rubber component, every time the rider exerts pressure on the touch sensitive surface, is pressed against the handbrake lever and as a result friction between the rubber strip and the lever increases and the glove stays securely in place. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a posterior, oblique view example of a novel UI and visual feedback add-on device for a hand brake lever attached on a handlebar. In a sixth exemplary embodiment, a hand brake lever  830  is attached to handbrake body part  840  via pin  844 , which body part  840  is attached to handlebar  810  via an attachment part  825 . A hand grip  820  is also attached to the end of handlebar  810 . 
     The touch sensitive and the light producing surfaces together with electronic and other secondary components, which are formed in glove-like device  850  are worn on any type of hand brake lever  830 . Seen from behind, the glove completely encloses the part of the lever designed to receive the rider&#39;s fingers (2, 3, or 4 fingers). Along the length of the glove&#39;s  850  posterior surface, a light producing surface  854  (e.g. a LED strip, strip of miniature incandescent bulbs, flexible display, flexible Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, etc.) is attached. Light producing surface  854  is preferably formed of a semi-flexible or flexible material to as to withstand deformations during the application of glove  850  to lever  830 . A touch sensitive surface is formed at the frontal surface of glove-like device  850  but is not visible in the current view. 
       FIG. 8C  shows a top-down view example of the components of  FIGS. 8A-B . Hand brake lever  830  is attached to handbrake body part  840  via pin  844 , which body part  840  is attached to handlebar  810  via an attachment part  825 . A hand grip  820  is also attached to the end of handlebar  810 . 
     The touch sensitive  852  and the light producing  854  surfaces are shown while electronics and other secondary components are not visible. These surfaces which are formed in glove-like device  850  are worn on any type of hand brake lever  830  and glove  850  completely encloses the part of the lever designed to receive the rider&#39;s fingers (2, 3, or 4 fingers). 
     The interior and the exterior surfaces of glove  850  have friction coefficients that are high enough to securely keep the glove on the desired position on lever  830 , and prevent the rider&#39;s hands from slipping from touch sensitive surface  852 . The range of friction coefficient and the exact chemical composition of the chosen materials is beyond the scope of protection of the present innovative solution and is known to persons of ordinary skill in related art. Numerous alternative materials can be used, all known to bicycle and motorcycle component manufacturers and to riders using such components. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a detailed view of the outer front surface of an alternative embodiment of the gloves of  FIGS. 8A-C . In  FIGS. 8A-C  the glove is made of a uniform elastic material. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9A , elastic glove  900  is made of an elastic material with a cylindrical shape, when not deformed, which is formed as a 6-faced longitudinal elastic part  910 ,  911 ,  925 ,  916 ,  915 ,  920  of a material with either the same or different elasticity or flexibility. These six longitudinal parts are connected to each other by any means know in prior art, such but not limited to stitching, molding, glueing, thermo-connected, or other. The choice of elasticity and flexibility of the components of glove  900  is done to accommodate extra components attached to them (touch sensitive surface) and to provide a controlled-flexibility base for glove  900  to stay in place on the brake lever when in use, subject to torque producing forces exerted to the glove by the rider&#39;s fingers during UI and especially during braking. Choosing materials that have a similar flexibility to the extra components attached to them (e.g. touch sensitive surface  930 ) can also help protect these components from damage. In a variation of the present exemplary embodiment elastic glove  900  may be implemented with more or with less than 6 faces. 
       FIG. 9B  shows a detailed view of the outer rear surface of the glove of  FIG. 9A . Elastic glove  900  is made of an elastic material with a cylindrical shape when not deformed, formed as a 6-faced longitudinal elastic part  910 ,  911 ,  925 ,  916 ,  915 ,  920 . The rear surface  925  of glove  900  has a light producing surface  931  along its length. Choosing materials that have a similar flexibility to the light producing surface  931  can help protect surface  931  from damage during UI and braking actions, as well as during applying and removing the glove from the lever. 
     Surfaces  930 ,  931  may be formed to run either the entire length of glove&#39;s  900  longitudinal elastic parts  920 ,  925  upon which they are attached, or run only along a useful sub-length according to the particular exemplary implementation. In a variation of the present exemplary embodiment elastic glove  900  may be implemented with more or with less than 6 faces. 
       FIG. 10  shows a partially exploded frontal view of a first alternative implementation of the glove of  FIGS. 9A-B . Glove  1000  is made up of a 6-faced elastic and flexible glove component  1020 , having a hole  1021  along its entire length. Upon component  1020  a touch sensitive surface  1023  is attached at its frontal face and a light producing surface  1029  is attached to its posterior face. A mid layer  1025  housing electronic component  1027  in its frontal, posterior, or both faces is inserted either adjacent to surface  1023  or  1029 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, two mid layers (not shown) are inserted, each mid layer below one of surfaces  1023  or  1029 . Mid layer(s)  1025  are wired with external layers  1023 ,  1029 . The wiring is not shown for visual simplicity. 
     Components  1023 ,  1029 ,  1025  are securely attached to each other at their two distant ends; at one end by a pair of flexible battery cell members  1005 ,  1007  facing each other; at the other end by a metal coil  1040 , which also serves the charging function of glove  1000 . The position of members  1005 ,  1007  and coil  1040  may be swapped. When not in use, glove  1000  is removed from the hand brake lever and is placed around a coil member or an external charging device, whether a battery-operated charging device or one connected to mains power either directly or via a voltage transformer. In a modification of the exemplary embodiment, the pair of flexible battery cell members  1005 ,  1007  are replaced by any type of energy storage module, typically a battery, a rechargeable battery, etc. 
     In a seventh exemplary implementation, charging is done via a standard connector (e.g. Universal Serial Bus (USB), or USB type C (USB-C) connector) acting as a charging module, which replaces coil  1040 . Other types of standard or proprietary plugs may be used for charging. The connector may be connected to the battery of an e-bike or motorbike, an external battery, power bank, mini solar panel, charger, mains (with or without a transformer), dynamo, or other power source. The charging module can work with any type of energy storage module. 
     The above components of glove  1000  are also enclosed in an elastic cylindrical component  1001  with a hole  1003  along its length made of a material with a friction coefficient high enough to prevent the glove from moving, twisting, or turning on the handbrake lever during UI or braking actions, and the rider&#39;s hand from slipping during UI and especially during braking actions. In a variation of the present exemplary embodiment, a mix of materials with low friction coefficient in the touch sensitive area and high friction coefficient elsewhere may be used. Such materials are known in the prior art. An example (not limiting the scope of the present innovative solution) is materials similar to rubber and others. In a variation of the present exemplary embodiment elastic glove  1000  may be implemented with more or with less than 6 faces. 
       FIG. 11  shows an exploded posterior view of a second alternative implementation of the glove of  FIGS. 9A-B . Glove  1100  is made up of a 6-faced elastic and flexible glove component  1120 , having a whole  1121  along its entire length. Upon component  1120  is an optional force sensitive resistor strip  1127  hidden behind the touch sensitive surface  1125 , attached at its frontal face. A low layer housing electronic component in its frontal, posterior, or both faces is inserted either adjacent to surface  1127  or  1123  (light producing surface). Frontal layer  1125  is wired with layer  1127  and  1123 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, one or two mid layers (not shown) are inserted to house electronic components, each mid layer below one of surfaces  1123  or  1125 . Mid layer(s) are wired with external layers  1123 ,  1125 . The wiring is not shown for visual simplicity. On the inner surface of touch sensitive surface  1125  (i.e. the side touching the brake lever&#39;s frontal area) is attached a rubber strip  1130  with higher resistive coefficient that the rest of the sleeve. Its purpose is to prevent the slipping or movement of the sleeve during use and especially during braking. 
     Components  1123 ,  1125  are securely attached to each other at their two distant ends; at one end by a pair of flexible battery cell members  1105 ,  1107  facing each other; at the other end by a metal coil  1140 , which also serves the charging function of glove  1100 . When not in use, glove  1100  is removed from the hand brake lever and is worn around a coil member of an external charging device, whether a battery-operated charging device or one connected to mains power either directly or via a voltage transformer. 
     The above components of glove  1100  are also enclosed in an elastic cylindrical component  1101  with a hole  1103  along its length made of an elastic material with a friction coefficient high enough to prevent the glove from moving, twisting, or turning on the handbrake lever during UI or braking actions, and to prevent the rider&#39;s hand from slipping during UI and especially during braking actions. Such materials are known in the prior art. An example (not limiting the scope of the present innovative solution) is materials similar to rubber and others. 
     Glove  1100  may omit the use of the touch sensitive surface  1125  or the light producing surface  1123 . This is useful when a rider wants to have all the UI in one hand and visual feedback on both sides of the handlebar. This setup may cut cost as such a user will buy a glove  1100  with visual feedback (or UI) capabilities and a glove  1000  with combined UI and visual feedback capabilities. 
     Strips  1030 ,  1130 ,  1132 ,  1134  are rubber-like material of high friction coefficient. They are designed to come into contact with the front part of the brake lever. This way when force is applied for braking, the glove doesn&#39;t slide off or around the lever. Having high friction material only there helps with installing/uninstalling the glove as by pulling in/out while raising slightly this high friction surface will lower friction between the lever and the glove. This way the glove can slide in/out easily. 
     In variations of the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 10-11  the 6-part elastic and flexible glove components  1020 ,  1120  may be replaced by glove components with less or with more parts. 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 7-10 , the electronics layer is formed in a flexible or elastic electronics board, or circuits, to withstand the deformation of the glove during wearing on or removing from the handbrake lever. 
     In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the PCB board carrying the electronics, is split in smaller PCB boards (standard rigid PCB boards, not flexible or elastic) which are wired to each other by means of elastic connections (e.g. non-tensed wires, printed wires with slack on an elastic substrate, or the like) to ensure that the electronics can withstand the deformation of the glove during wearing on or removing from the handbrake lever. 
     In a further alternative exemplary embodiment, the PCB board is miniaturized so as to reduce its size relative to the length or to the length and width of the glove, so as to allow the PCB board to withstand the deformation of the glove during wearing on or removing from the handbrake lever, without the PCB board having to deform. 
     The previous exemplary implementations may be modified to exclude the presented touch sensitive surface and the sensor for detecting braking. Such an exemplary embodiment of the invention is a visual feedback device used for presenting visual feedback to the user and optionally to other riders and drivers following or behind the user. The visual feedback device may be used together with any user other interaction device, either an interaction device installed anywhere at the bike or the handbrake lever, or an external device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, etc. The visual feedback module comprises all the elements presented in the previous exemplary embodiments except from the touch sensitive surface (fifth layer  639 ), the fourth layer  637 , and the switch  675  to detect braking action. 
     UI and Visual Feedback System 
       FIG. 12  shows a UI and visual feedback system installed at the handlebar of a two-wheeled vehicle. System  1200  is made up of a handlebar  1210 , a hand grip  1220 , a hand brake lever  1230 , pivoting around pin  1244  attached to a handbrake body part  1240 , which is in turn attached to a handlebar  1210  via an attachment part  1225 . Lever  1230  has a touch sensitive surface  1250  attached to its frontal face and a light producing surface  1260  attached to its posterior surface. In between surfaces  1260 ,  1250  is sandwiched a layer housing electronic components which provide interfacing with the elements of surfaces  1260 ,  1250 , and other button-like detector elements that are not shown for simplicity. The electronics of the sandwiched layer also provide a communications interface in the form of a wired or wireless link with an external computing module  1290  which may be attached to any point on handlebar  1210  or any part of the vehicle&#39;s frame, stored in a pocket also attached to the vehicle&#39;s frame, or worn by the user, carried in a backpack, etc. Communication, is done using any known standard or with a propriety protocol. A common choice is the Bluetooth™ protocol for near distance wireless communication. The processing device  1290  may be an off-the-shelf or custom-made processing unit, a trip computer, an e-bike or motorbike computer, an electronic gear shifter or other bike component, a smartphone, or any other portable device. 
     In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the electronics inside lever  1230  may also possess sufficient processing power to operate autonomously or to communicate with a processing unit attached to or integrated in handbrake body part  1240 . To accommodate operation when no external power is supplied to the electronics in the lever, batteries are installed and connected with the electronics. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the batteries are connected to a dynamo-module, a mini solar panel, a power bank, or the battery of an e-bike or motorbike for charging. In these exemplary embodiments, the communication with external devices is wireless, while in other embodiments communication is via wire or a combination of the two. 
       FIG. 13  shows a high-level flowchart with the states of operation of the present innovative UI and visual feedback system. Methodology  1300  contains four states of operation  1310 ,  1325 ,  1340 ,  1360  of the present innovative solution and interconnecting steps. System operation at power-up starts in a first default state, Base State  1310 , where the processor connected or integrated with the UI and Feedback module (i.e. the handbrake lever components or glove module and the associated electronics and processor module) waits for system command input. If no application is running  1315  on an external device interfaced via an application Programming Interface with the processor module of the present solution, the processor instructs visual feedback module  260  on the back face of hand brake lever  230  to display the battery power level  1320  of the system (i.e. of the processor module battery, or lever electronics module battery, or e-bike battery if used) and the percentage of power assist for e-bikes, or the state or mode of operation. 
     If a connected application is running  1315  on an external computing module or device, then the system enters a second state, Smart Activity State  1325 , where the processor (a) waits for application or system command input, and (b) displays system information  1330  (and connected application information produced at every new application event). The processor checks if an interrupt signal or a system command has been received  1335 . If no interrupt is received then the system stays in smart state  1325 . 
     If an interrupt signal or a system command has been received  1335 , the system enters a third state, Interrupt State  1340 , where the processor erases all the displayed visual information  1345  displayed at visual feedback module  260 . The processor then displays information  1350  related to the interrupt or system command. 
     The processor then checks if a user interaction has occurred  1355  (i.e. the rider has interacted with the touch sensitive module  250  on the front face of hand brake lever  230  while a braking action is not detected). If no UI is detected (or a UI is detected while braking), then the system stays in smart state  1325 . 
     If a user interaction (while not braking) is detected  1355 , then the system enters a fourth state, Feedback State  1360 , where the processor instructs visual feedback module  260  on the back face of hand brake lever  230  to display a light pattern  1365  that corresponds to the detected, and interpreted by the processor, UI pattern. This visual feedback is aimed at informing the user of the reception of his UI and ensures that the UI is correctly interpreted. Haptic/Pattern UI and feedback is user defined. A similar operation occurs in smart activity state for predetermined commands for a connected application (e.g. volume-up/down). 
     The processor then checks if a power-off command has been received  1370  for the UI and visual feedback module. If a power-off command has been received  1370 , the processor instructs the visual feedback module to power off  1375  and methodology  1300  ends. If no power-off command has been received, the processor checks if the external device or application is still connected and running  1380 . If the external application is not connected  1380 , then the system returns to base state  1310 , while if the external application is connected  1380 , the system returns to smart activity state  1325 . 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, the application in step  1315  is running at the processor of the present invention or at the electronics of the UI and feedback module; the system also contains haptic feedback to supplement the visual feedback; and the pattern of UI to be detected and the pattern of visual and haptic feedback are defined or adapted by the rider during system setup (and not while riding to avoid accidents). 
     At step  1335 , if no interrupt is received, the system checks of a user input has been received  1337 . If no user input is received  1337 , then the system enters smart activity state  1325 . If a user input is received  1337 , then the systems sends the user&#39;s command (as it is captured by the touch-sensitive surface and interpreted by the system) to the connected application (or device)  1339  and the system enters feedback state  1360 . 
     The flowchart of  FIG. 13  contains only the main states and steps in the operation of the present innovative system. Other states and steps may exist but are not included in the present high-level flowchart. These are in general known to all readers of ordinary skill in related art (electronics, information technology, and software). 
     SYSTEM OPERATION EXAMPLE 
     Examples of actions taking place in the four systems states presented in  FIG. 13  are presented below. 
     First Example Actions 
     In a first example, in base state  1310 , a white bar on the left or right visual display module  250 ,  251  represents the remaining battery power percentage of the UI and feedback system. 
     Second Example Actions 
     In a second example, in base state  1310 , a white bar on the left visual display module  251  represents the percentage of the power applied to electrical assist mode of an e-bike, while on the right visual display module  250  a white bar of the remaining battery power percentage is displayed. Simultaneous one-finger swipes on both levers could increase/decrease level of assist (i.e. power) if the rider moves his fingers apart or close to each other. 
     Third Example Actions 
     In a third example, in smart activity state  1325 , “Maps” and “Music” applications are active on the rider&#39;s smart phone, which is carried in his backpack, out of the rider&#39;s sight. Maps&#39; touch inputs are assigned to left lever UI surface  251  while Music&#39;s inputs are assigned to the right lever UI surface  250  (e.g. swipe to adjust volume, etc.). Maps&#39; navigation information for taking a right or left turn flashes a yellow right or left light bar in the visual feedback modules  260 ,  261 , respectively. 
     In a variation of the third example, the flashing light bars are replaced by a light bar increasing in length or moving towards the direction that the Maps indicate and so the rider is directed to turn towards this direction. 
     In yet another variation of the third example, haptic feedback is also used to vibrate the side (left or right) indicated by the visual feedback modules  260 ,  261  so as to eliminate the need to check the visual feedback modules  260 ,  261  or to alert the rider to check them. 
     Fourth Example Actions 
     In a fourth example, in interrupt state  1340 , the rider&#39;s smart phone, stored out of the rider&#39;s sight, is connected to the UI and visual feedback system. A call is received at the smart phone, and the “Phone” application (running at the smart phone and being connected to the processor of the UI and visual feedback system&#39;s processor), creates an interrupt signal and causes the system to enter interrupt state  1340 . A right-moving green bar on the right visual feedback module  260 , and a left-moving red bar on the left visual feedback module  261  are displayed. The rider makes a right swipe with any finger on any of the two visual feedback modules  260 ,  261  to accept the call, or a left swipe to decline it. 
     Fifth Example Actions 
     In a fifth example, in feedback state  1360 , whenever the rider makes a recognizable touch pattern on any of touch sensitive modules  250 ,  251  (e.g. one of the patterns in examples 1-4 above) a similar pattern is displayed on the corresponding visual feedback modules  260 ,  261 . If the user swipes right and the command is accepted (i.e. recognized as a valid command), a bar is displayed swiping right on the correspond visual feedback module  260 . 
     The above examples are only indicative and are not intended to limit the scope of protection and use of the present invention. Modification, addition and deletion of steps etc. can be done without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
     Example of UI Triggering Visual Feedback 
       FIG. 14  shows an example flowchart diagram of UI actions triggering visual feedback in system  200 . Methodology  1400  starts with the system processor (and/or the local processor at or near hand brake levers  230 ,  231 ) checking if a braking action occurs  1410 . When braking is no longer detected  1410 , the input from touch sensitive modules  250 ,  251  is read  1420  and analyzed  1430 . The analyzed touch input (i.e. rider&#39;s UI) triggers an output to be displayed  1440  at the corresponding visual feedback module  260 ,  261 . 
     The processor starts a timer as soon as it instructs the visual feedback module  260 ,  261  to display the triggered output  1440  and after the timer reaches a timeout value t 1    1445 , the processor instructs visual feedback module  260 ,  261  to erase  1450  its display and return to one the four states described in  FIG. 13 . 
     Example of Input from External Device or Application triggering Visual Feedback 
       FIG. 15  shows a flowchart diagram of an external device or application feedback triggering visual feedback in system  200 . Methodology  1500  starts with the system processor (and/or the local processor at or near hand brake levers  230 ,  231 ) checking if input from an external device or an application running at an external device connected to the processor is received  1510 . When input is received  1510 , the input is read and analyzed  1520 . The analyzed input (e.g. indications from “Maps”, an incoming call from “Phone”, or input from other applications) triggers  1530  an output to be displayed  1540  at the corresponding visual feedback module  260 ,  261 . If the input does not trigger  1530  an output to be displayed, the methodology branches back to the first step, i.e. checking for input  1510 . 
     The processor starts a timer as soon as it instructs the visual feedback module  260 ,  261  to display the triggered output  1540  and after the timer reaches a timeout value t 2    1545 , the processor instructs visual feedback module  260 ,  261  to erase  1550  its display and revert back to one of four states described at  FIG. 13 . 
     Interpretation of User Operation of the UI and Visual Feedback Mechanism 
     User input at the touch sensitive surface needs to be initially captured and then analyzed before the user&#39;s actions (e.g. swipe, etc.) are understood and then trigger associated actions. Initially analogue signals of the touch sensitive elements are captured and digitized by the electronics at the hand brake levers. If a braking action has been detected the digitized inputs are ignored. If no braking action is detected the digitized signals are analyzed either at the electronics in the hand brake lever or at some external processing unit. 
     By means of example if no fingers touch the touch sensitive (UI) surface  250 ,  251 , placement of any finger can be interpreted as a “tap” if the action is repeated more than once within a predetermined 1 st  time threshold. If one or more fingers touch the UI surface, a tap action has to be repeated more than once within the first, within a 2 nd  time threshold. The need to repeat the tap actions is used so as to differentiate between an intended “tap” and an accidental touch event. In a variation of the present exemplary embodiment, taps may also be ignored all together because if the rider is on a bumpy road it might be difficult to avoid repetitive unintentional taps. A solution to this problem is to just ignore taps as an input pattern and use other, more unique input patterns instead (such as swipe, pitch etc.). 
     Depending of the type of touch sensor, in one exemplary embodiment a resistive sensor can accurately sense  1  finger. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a capacitive sensor can accurately sense  2  (or more fingers) and thereby support more complex interaction. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a series of matrix sensors arranged back-to-back are used to track each finger. 
     By means of example and order to detect a swipe right action (e.g. to indicate the intention to turn right or to select an action associated with an external device or application), the electronics analyzing the touch interaction need to track and follow the rider&#39;s finger position. The initial position is stored and subsequent positions are tracked. If motion is consistent (i.e. for a swipe to the right, the movement has to be continuous from left to right and not alternating between short left and right motions or interrupted) and within a predefined range of speeds (e.g. v 1  and v 2 ) then a “swipe right” action is detected. 
     Other actions can be defined together with ranges and parameters needed to accurately detect them. These definitions can be done by the rider (when not riding his bike) or common default settings can be used. For user definitions, communication with an external computer or smart phone or server is necessary and in particular with an application running at any of these devices. Usually a visual graphical interface is provided by such applications to facilitate operation even by non-computer programmers. The same application can be used to define shortcuts for other commonly used by the rider applications (e.g. music playback applications, navigator application, etc.). Alternatively, these shortcuts are created in the applications they refer to or a combination of both. 
     Communication and interfacing between the hardware in the handbrake levers or gloves (and in particular with the software [firmware or other] they run) and the external processing units (and the applications, firmware and other software they run) is done using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDK). There is no restriction in the programming languages that are used and thereby any programming language (including high and low level languages, eXtensible Markup Languages [XMLs], etc.) or combination of languages may be used. 
     For the rider to be able to switch between external devices and applications to interact with, the firmware or application processing the UI on the touch sensitive surface of the hand brake lever communicates with a special application running in the background of the external device. This external application receives UI input and switches between other applications to perform the user intended actions. In an alternative implementation, some or all the functionalities of applications or external devices are integrated in the Operating System (OS) of the external devices. This design may result in the firmware or application processing the UI on the touch sensitive surface of the hand brake lever to communicate directly with the OS of the external devices. 
     The same mechanism is used to control the visual feedback surface and present indications to the users and/or third parties. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the lever electronics connect to the computer of an e-bike and take power from the vehicle&#39;s battery. Battery level and/or remaining time are displayed on the posterior face of the handbrake lever like, for example, a bar showing the corresponding power and/or time level. 
     In another exemplary embodiment the left UI and visual feedback module is associate with a first external device, while the right with a second external device. In a variation of this exemplary embodiment, the left module is associated with a first application while the right module with a second application. The first and second applications run at the same external device (e.g. the first external device) or the first application runs on the first external device and the second application runs at the second external device or vice versa. 
     When the UI and visual feedback modules are used in a motorbike no special switch on the hand brake is needed for detecting a braking action. This sensing signal may be supplied by the braking sensor already present in the motorbike and used to switch on and off a brake light at the rear of the motorbike. However, this is true only for the hand brake side of the handlebar and not for the side where the clutch is located. 
     Example Hardware Architecture 
       FIG. 16  shows an example architecture of a computing device or apparatus. Such computing device  1600  comprises Processor  1650  upon which Graphics Module  1610 , Screen  1620  (in some exemplary embodiments the screen may be omitted), Interaction/Data Input Module  1630 , Memory  1640 , Battery Module  1660  (in some exemplary embodiments the battery module may be omitted if power is supplied by an external source like an e-bike&#39;s main battery module), Camera  1670  (in some exemplary embodiments the camera may be omitted), Communications Module  1680 , and Microphone  1690  (in some exemplary embodiments the microphone may be omitted). Sensors modules may optionally be included (e.g. ambient light sensor, magnetic sensor, etc.). 
     Example Software Architecture 
       FIG. 17  shows the main Software Components of a device or apparatus. At the lowest layer of software components  1700  are Device-Specific Capabilities  1760 , that is the device-specific commands for controlling the various device hardware components. Moving to higher layers lie the Operating System (OS)  1750 , Virtual Machines  1740  (like a Java Virtual Machine), Device/User Manager  1730 , Application Manager  1720 , and at the top layer, Applications  1710 . These applications may access, manipulate and display data. 
       FIG. 18  shows the main Software Components of a Server. At the lowest layer of the software components  1800  is OS Kernel  1860  followed by Hardware Abstraction Layer  1850 , Services/Applications Framework  1840 , Services Manager  1830 , Applications Manager  1820 , and Services  1810  and Applications  1870 . 
     It is noted, that the software and hardware components shown in  FIGS. 16-18  are by means of example and other components may be present but not shown in these figures, or some of the displayed components may be omitted. 
       FIG. 19  shows a hand brake lever setup in a non-engaged position and a hand brake lever setup in an engaged position. Hand brake lever setup  1900  is made up of handlebar  1910 , mounting part  1940 , hand brake lever  1930  pivoting about pin  1944 , (optional) button  1970 , and handgrip  1920 . Lever  1930  is not engaged and at an angle to hand bar  1910  (and handgrip  1920 ). 
     Hand brake lever setup  1901  is made up of handlebar  1911 , mounting part  1941 , hand brake lever  1931  pivoting about pin  1945 , (optional) button  1971 , and handgrip  1921 . Lever  1931  is engaged and parallel with respect to hand bar  1911  (and handgrip  1921 ). 
       FIG. 20  shows a hand brake lever setup with double wishbone elements in a non-engaged position and a hand brake lever setup with double wishbone elements in an engaged position. Hand brake lever setup  2000  is made up of handlebar  2010 , mounting part  2040 , hand brake lever  2030  pivoting about pins  2036 ,  2046  on two wishbone elements  2032 ,  2042 , which in turn pivot about pins  2034 ,  2044  on mounting part  2040 . Hand brake lever setup  2000  also has a (optional) button  2070 , and handgrip  2020 . Lever  2030  is not engaged and is parallel with respect to hand bar  2010  (and handgrip  2020 ). 
     Hand brake lever setup  2001  is made up of handlebar  2011 , mounting part  2041 , hand brake lever  2031  pivoting about pins  2037 ,  2047  on two wishbone elements  2051 ,  2061 , which in turn pivot about pins  2035 ,  2045  on mounting part  2041 . Hand brake lever setup  2001  also has a (optional) button  2071 , and handgrip  2021 . Lever  2031  is engaged and is parallel with respect to hand bar  2011  (and handgrip  2021 ). The use of the two wishbones  2032 ,  2042  (or  2051 ,  2061 ) ensures that lever  2030 ,  2031  is always kept parallel to handlebar  2010 ,  2011  and handgrip  2020 ,  2021  for easier operation by the rider. 
       FIG. 21  shows a user&#39;s hand operating the present innovative solution on the hand brake setup of  FIG. 19 . The rider has his hand  2150  placed around handgrip  2120 , which is mounted around handlebar  2110 . A mounting part  2140  is securely attached on handlebar  2110  and has an optional button  2170  for indicating user input action. Upon mounting part  2140  is attached via pin  2144  a handbrake lever  2130   1 (shown in an unengaged position) upon which the rider places his index finger to operating the touch sensitive surface (not shown). The rider is trying to swipe his finger  2152  from a first position  2155  on the touch sensitive surface to a second position  2159  on the same surface. Anatomically, the rider can swipe from a position  2154  (outside the touch sensitive surface) towards position  2159 . This is dictated by the axis along the index finger  2152 , where at the first position axis  2153  will move to the second position of index finger  2157 , axis  2158 , and draw an arc  2160 . To draw a linear path from position  2155  to position  2159  the driver has to deflect his index finger and make a conscious effort to do so. Such effort may result in discomfort, fatigue and, up to a certain degree, distract his attention from the riding environment. 
       FIG. 22  shows a user&#39;s hand operating the present innovative solution on the hand brake setup of  FIG. 20 . The rider has his hand  2250  placed around handgrip  2220 , which is mounted around handlebar  2210 . A mounting part  2240  is securely attached on handlebar  2210  and has an optional button  2270  for indicating user input action. Upon mounting part  2240  are attached via pins  2234 ,  2244  two wishbone members  2231 ,  2241  and upon the two wishbone members  2231 ,  2241  is attached a handbrake lever  2230  upon which the rider places his index finger to operate the touch sensitive surface (not shown). Hand brake lever  2230  is kept parallel to handlebar  2210  and handgrip  2220  both when engaged and when non-engaged. 
     The rider is trying to swipe his finger  2252  from a first position  2254  on the touch sensitive surface to a second position  2259  on the same surface. Anatomically, the rider can swipe from position  2254  towards position  2259  (both on the touch sensitive surface). This is dictated by the axis along the index finger  2252 , where at the first position axis  2253  will move to the second position of index finger  2257 , axis  2258 , and draw an arc  2260 . To draw a linear path  2255  from position  2254  to position  2259  the driver simply has to slide his index finger on the touch sensitive surface. Arc  2260  and linear path  2255  are closely matching one another and since they do not require the rider to move his finger at any uncomfortable angle to its normal motion, the rider is not distracted and his finger is not experiencing any discomfort (as opposed to the standard setup without the double wishbone design. In an alternative embodiment, the wishbone elements  2231 ,  2241  could have slightly different lengths and the positioning of pins  2234 ,  2244 ,  2236 ,  2246  could be slightly offset in order to allow different positioning of the brake lever  2230  in the engaged and/or the non-engaged position. For example, lever  2230  could be parallel to handlebar  2210  at the non-engaged position but have a slight inner-leaning angle at the engaged position so as to prevent the rider&#39;s fingers from sliding outwards during braking. 
     In all the exemplary embodiments presented above, the touch sensitive surface may be placed on the frontal surface of the (single or double-double wishbone) handbrake lever, or on its upper-frontal surface, or on its upper surface. 
     The present innovative solution can also be implemented by software written in any programming language, or in an abstract language (e.g. a metadata-based description which is then interpreted by a software or hardware component). The software running in the above-mentioned hardware, effectively transforms a general-purpose or a special-purpose hardware or computing device, apparatus or system into one that specifically implements the present innovative solution. 
     Alternatively, the present innovative solution can be implemented in Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) or other hardware technology. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments the UI and visual feedback module in the handbrake lever communicates (either directly or via some external processing unit) with remote servers which provide UI and data for display in the posterior surface of the lever. 
     The above exemplary embodiment contains a large number of components. Among these components the following are essential for the operation of the present innovative solution for each embodiment presented earlier:
         (i) touch sensitive surface, optional sensor for detecting braking, and electronics layer for digitizing and interpreting user input, and for communicating with external devices, all attached to a bike handbrake lever   (ii) touch sensitive surface, light emitting surface, sensor for detecting braking, and electronics layer for digitizing and interpreting user input, and for communicating with external devices, all attached to a bike handbrake lever   (iii) a bike handbrake lever with integrated touch sensitive surface, sensor for detecting braking, and electronics layer for digitizing and interpreting user input, and for communicating with external devices   (iv) a bike handbrake lever with integrated touch sensitive surface, light emitting surface, sensor for detecting braking, and electronics layer for digitizing and interpreting user input, and for communicating with external devices   (v) an elastic glove to be worn on a bike handbrake lever, containing a touch sensitive surface, an optional sensor for detecting braking, and an electronics layer for digitizing and interpreting user input, and for communicating with external devices,   (vi) an elastic glove to be worn on a bike handbrake lever, containing a touch sensitive surface, a light emitting surface, a sensor for detecting braking, and an electronics layer for digitizing and interpreting user input, for displaying visual information to the light emitting surface and for communicating with external devices,   (vii) glove similar to (v) or (vi) with connector for charging.
 
In certain variations of the exemplary embodiments, the light producing surfaces are optional and the innovative solution is used only for accepting user input and in some embodiments also for haptic feedback. The remaining components are optional and may be omitted or substituted by others.
       

     The above exemplary embodiment descriptions are simplified and do not include hardware and software elements that are used in the embodiments but are not part of the current invention, are not needed for the understanding of the embodiments, and are obvious to any user of ordinary skill in related art. Furthermore, variations of the described system architecture are possible, where, for instance, some servers may be omitted or others added. 
     Various embodiments of the invention are described above in the Detailed Description. While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventor that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). 
     The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment and best mode of the invention known to the applicant at this time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     The previous description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.