OF A PATH FOLLOWED BY A BICYCLE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/617,527, entitled "Method and apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle" that was filed on March 29, 2012, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

This patent application further claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/617,533, entitled "Integrated apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle" that was filed on March 29, 2012, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

This patent application further claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/617,571 , entitled "Method and apparatus for transmitting an indication of a path followed by a bicycle" that was filed on March 29, 2012, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The invention relates to information technology. More precisely, the invention pertains to an integrated apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle. BACKGROUND

Providing position data is of great interest for various reasons. Many applications make use of geo-localization data for offering additional, yet pertinent information to users.

A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver is often used for obtaining a position of a user or an object. The position is then recorded in a memory.

Public bike-sharing systems are now available in many cities around the world. While geo-localization would be desirable for obvious reasons to public bike-sharing users, many issues render an implementation of geo-localization complicated. A first issue may be the fact that geo-localization has a substantial inherent power requirement.

Another issue may be the fact that geo-localization devices are sensitive devices. In fact, bicycles of a public bike-sharing system have to be able to withstand outdoors conditions which possibly include harsh climatic conditions.

Another issue may be the fact that public bike-sharing systems may be subject to vandalism.

There is a need for an apparatus that will overcome at least one of the above-identified drawbacks.

Features of the invention will be apparent from review of the disclosure, drawings and description of the invention below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to a broad aspect there is provided an apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle, the apparatus comprising an enclosure secured to the bicycle, the enclosure comprising a power providing interface operatively connected to an electrical generator of the bicycle; an energy storage unit operatively connected to the energy providing interface; a position data providing unit operatively connected to the energy storage unit, the position data providing unit providing a position data signal indicative of a position of a bicycle; a memory unit operatively connected to the energy storing unit; a wireless communication unit operatively connected to the energy storing unit, the wireless communication unit for transmitting a received signal to a known wireless transceiver; a processing unit operatively connected to the energy storage unit, to the position data providing unit, to the memory unit and to the wireless communication unit, the processing unit adapted for receiving the position data signal and for storing at least one part of the received position data signal in the memory unit, the processing unit further adapted for retrieving position data from the memory unit and for providing the retrieved position data to the wireless communication unit when the wireless communication unit is in the vicinity of the known wireless transceiver. In accordance with an embodiment, the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor.

In accordance with an embodiment, the position data providing unit comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

In accordance with an embodiment, the known wireless transceiver is integrated in one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.

In accordance with an embodiment, the wireless communication unit operates according to one of Bluetooth ^(TM) and ZigBee ^(TM) communication standard.

In accordance with an embodiment, the enclosure is defined by a support portion member and a cover.

In accordance with an embodiment, the support portion member comprises a stem cap positioned over a member such that a handlebar of the bicycle is sandwiched between the member and the stem cap.

In accordance with an embodiment, the cover is fastened against the support portion member using fastening means.

In accordance with an embodiment, the fastening means comprise a set of screws and corresponding acorn nuts.

In accordance with an embodiment, the memory unit comprises an external electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

In accordance with an embodiment, the processing unit is further operatively connected to the power providing interface and wherein the power providing interface provides an indication of a motion of the bicycle, wherein the storing of the received at least one part of the position data signal is performed if said bicycle is in motion.

In accordance with an embodiment, the electrical generator of the bicycle comprises a dynamo.

In accordance with an embodiment, the providing of the retrieved position data to the wireless communication unit is performed when the wireless communication unit is in the vicinity of the known wireless transceiver and a request for position data is received by the wireless communication unit, the request for position data being transmitted by the known wireless transceiver. In accordance with an embodiment, the request for position data is transmitted following a wireless signal sent by the wireless communication unit to the known wireless transceiver.

In accordance with an embodiment, the processing unit is further adapted to monitor a voltage level of the energy storage unit; the providing of the retrieved position data to the wireless communication unit is performed if the voltage level is higher than a first given threshold.

In accordance with an embodiment, the storing of at least one part of the received position data signal in the memory unit is performed if the voltage level is higher than a second given threshold.

In accordance with an embodiment, the storing of at least one part of the received position data signal in the memory unit comprises determining if a current position data is identical to an immediately time-preceding position data and storing the current position data if the current position data is different than the immediately time-preceding position data.

An advantage of the apparatus disclosed herein is that it is integrated within the bicycle.

Another advantage of the apparatus disclosed herein is that it is sealed from the outside.

Another advantage of the apparatus disclosed is that the transmission of the position data only occurs when the apparatus is in the vicinity of a wireless receiver that is known to the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram which shows an embodiment of a system for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle. The system for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle comprises, inter alia, a wireless position providing unit.

Figure 2 is a diagram which shows an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit. Figures 3a and 3b, collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 3, are schematics which show an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit. The wireless position providing unit comprises a position data providing unit, a memory unit, a power providing unit, and a wireless communication module.

Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, collectively referred to hereinafter as

Figure 4, are schematics which show an embodiment of a power providing unit.

Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, collectively referred to herein after as Figure 5, are schematics which show an embodiment of a wireless communication module.

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 6, are schematics which show an embodiment of a position data providing unit.

Figure 7 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment of a method for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.

Figure 8 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment of a method for performing a power-up of the wireless position providing unit.

Figure 9 is a flowchart which shows how the clearing of old data is performed according to an embodiment.

Figure 10 is a flowchart which shows how the position data are provided in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 11 is a flowchart which shows how the position data are stored in the wireless position providing unit in accordance with an embodiment.

Figures 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, collectively referred to hereinafter as Figure 12, are flowcharts which show how data are received by the wireless position providing unit in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 13 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment for providing an indication of a power level.

Figure 14 is a flowchart which shows how the transmission of the position data is performed in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 15 is a diagram which shows an exploded view illustrating how a wireless position providing unit may be installed in a bicycle in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram which shows an exploded view of various items showing how the wireless position providing unit may be installed in a bicycle in accordance with an embodiment. The diagram shows in particular the handlebar of the bicycle.

Further details of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description included below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the embodiments, references to the accompanying drawings are by way of illustration of an example by which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed.

Now referring to Figure 1 , there is shown an embodiment of a system 100 for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.

In this embodiment, the system 100 comprises a server 102, a data network 104, a processing unit 106, a data network 108, a wireless interface module 110, a first wireless position providing unit 112 and an n ^th wireless position providing unit 114.

More precisely, the server 102, also referred to as a remote processing unit, is used for obtaining position data from the wireless interface module 110 via the data network 108.

In an embodiment, the server 102 comprises a CPU and a database. The database is used for storing the position data.

The data network 104 is used for providing a remote access to the server 102. It will be appreciated that the data network 104 may comprise at least one of a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN) and a wide area network (WAN).

In an embodiment, the data network 104 comprises the Internet.

The processing unit 106 is used for accessing the server 102. It will be appreciated that the processing unit 106 may be any one of a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a server, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like. It will be appreciated that the processing unit 106 is typically used by a user who wants to access the server 102 via the data network 104.

The server 102 comprises an interface for enabling a user to access the position data. The interface is accessed by a user via the data network 104 using a web client, an embodiment of which is a web browser.

The data network 108 is used for operatively connecting the server 102 to a plurality of wireless interface modules, an example of which is wireless interface module 110.

It will be appreciated that the data network 108 may comprise any type of wireless data network suitable for achieving such communication. In an embodiment, the data network 108 comprises a mobile network.

The wireless interface module 110, also referred to as a known wireless transceiver, is installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit. A bicycle dock is typically used for securing a bicycle at a given location. A bicycle providing unit is typically used for controlling a bicycle dock, i.e., access to a bicycle secured to the bicycle dock. The wireless interface module 10 is wirelessly connected to least one wireless position providing unit located in a vicinity of the wireless interface module 110. As mentioned further below, the wireless interface module 110 provides, inter alia, a request for position data to a given wireless position providing unit located in the vicinity of the wireless interface module and receives a corresponding position.

In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 1 , the wireless interface module 110 is in communication with wireless position providing unit 112 and wireless position providing unit n ^,h 114.

In an embodiment, the communication between a wireless interface module 1 0 and a wireless position providing unit is achieved using a short-range wireless network.

In one embodiment, the short-range wireless network operates using one of Bluetooth ^(TM) and ZigBee ^(TM) communication standard.

It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of wireless position providing units is typically installed in a corresponding bicycle and is used for storing a bicycle path as further explained below. More precisely, the wireless position providing unit is mounted in an enclosure that is attached to the bicycle and is not available to the user. The wireless position providing unit will log the position of the bicycle at regular intervals while the bicycle is checked out. Once the bicycle is returned to a bicycle dock, the wireless position providing unit will upload the position data log for that specific rental to the wireless interface module located in the vicinity of the bicycle dock used in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the wireless position providing unit will not interoperate with the user of the bicycle. As a matter of fact, the user may not be aware that the wireless position providing unit is present and in operation. Still in an embodiment, no user controls or indicators are visible to the user.

Now referring to Figure 2, there is shown an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit 200, also referred to as an apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle.

In this embodiment, the wireless position providing unit 200 comprises a power providing unit 202, a position data providing unit 206, a processing unit 208, a memory unit 210 and a wireless communication unit 212.

It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, the power providing unit 202 comprises a power providing interface operatively connected to an electrical generator of the bicycle, an example of which is a dynamo.

The power providing unit 202 further comprises an energy storing unit operatively connected to the power providing interface.

Now referring to both Figure 15 and Figure 16, there is shown how the wireless position providing unit 200 is integrated in the bicycle in accordance with an embodiment.

In this embodiment, the power providing unit 202, the position data providing unit 206, the processing unit 208, the memory unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 212 are secured on a printed circuit board (PCB) 1504.

The printed circuit board 1504 is secured on a support portion member 1502 using securing means, an embodiment of which are screws 510.

In this embodiment, the support portion member 1502 is a stem cap which is secured against item 1500. Still in this embodiment, the stem cap is made of aluminum. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be provided.

A bicycle handlebar, shown in Figure 16, is located between the support portion member 1502 and item 1500. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the support portion member 1502 comprises a stem cap positioned over the member 1500 such that handlebar of the bicycle is sandwiched between the member 1500 and the support portion member 1502.

Still in this embodiment, a cover 1506 is tightly fastened against the support portion member 1502 using fastening means 1512 and 1508. In this embodiment, the fastening means 1512 and 1508 comprise a set of four screws and corresponding acorn nuts.

It will be appreciated that the cover 1506 and the support portion member 1502 define an enclosure for receiving the wireless position providing unit 200. The skilled addressee will therefore appreciate that the wireless position providing unit 200 is therefore integrated in the bicycle, which is of great advantage.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be possible for integrating the wireless position providing unit 200 to the bicycle.

It will be appreciated that the combination of the processing unit 208 and the wireless communication unit 204 may be referred to as a wireless module 204.

The power providing unit 202 is used for providing electrical power to the wireless position providing unit 200.

More precisely and in an embodiment, the power providing unit 202 takes the raw output of a bicycle dynamo and conditions it for use by the position data providing unit 206, the processing unit 208, the memory unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless providing unit 200.

Since the output of the dynamo is intermittent, it is necessary to store energy in a reservoir and deliver it to the circuitry as needed. It will be appreciated that being able to provide an indication of how much energy is available, i.e., stored power, may be of great interest as further explained below.

It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the power providing unit 202 is capable of providing, via the power providing interface, an indication that a bicycle is or not in motion. The determination may be made by monitoring the raw output of the dynamo using an integration circuit. An analog circuit may also be monitored by an analog to digital converter of the wireless communication module for the possibility of gauging speed.

In one embodiment, the processing unit 208 is further operatively connected to the power providing interface. In such embodiment, the power providing interface provides an indication of a motion of the bicycle, wherein the storing of the received at least one part of the position data signal is performed if the bicycle is in motion.

In an embodiment, the energy storage unit of the power providing unit 202 comprises a capacitor. It has been contemplated that rechargeable batteries can store a greater amount of energy but they require more support circuitry. In addition, batteries may be more affected by temperature, and most importantly will need to be replaced as they cycle and wear down which may be a drawback.

It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the wireless communication module may be able to monitor a voltage level of the capacitor using an analog to digital converter in one embodiment. In fact, it will be appreciated that the amount of charge of a capacitor is proportional to its voltage so this will give the application knowledge it needs regarding stored power availability.

Now referring to Figure 3, there is shown an embodiment of a wireless position providing unit 200.

As shown in Figure 3, the wireless position providing unit comprises the power providing unit 202, the wireless module 204 and the position data providing unit 206.

Now referring to Figure 4, there is shown an embodiment of the power providing unit 202. Now referring back to Figure 2, the wireless position providing module 200 further comprises a position data providing unit 206.

The position data providing unit 206 is used for providing position data indicative of a position of a bicycle.

In an embodiment, the position data is obtained using a Global Position

System (GPS) receiver.

It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the position data providing unit 206 comprises a stand-alone off-the-shelf GPS receiver. The GPS receiver provides GPS radio receiver and signal processing functions including the antenna. The firmware is flash-based.

In an embodiment, the position data providing unit 206 comprises ISM480F1 manufactured by Inventek Systems ^(TM) . It will be appreciated that the chip used contains an integrated ROM-based ARM7 processor and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that provides signal processing of the received radio signal and controls the real-time aspects of the system.

The GPS receiver module communicates with an external microcontroller through high-level messages over one of several industry-standard serial busses.

It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the antenna will be comprised in the position data providing unit 206 itself. An advantage of such design is that this will preclude cabling and/or external protrusions from the enclosure.

It will be appreciated that the position data providing unit 206 is managed by the wireless communication module 204 with an objective of minimizing power consumption.

Accordingly and in an embodiment, the position data providing unit 206 will operate at a sampling rate specified by the wireless interface module 110.

In an embodiment, the position data providing unit 206 will be woken up by the wireless communication module 204, achieve synchronization with the GPS satellites, provide real-time and global position, and be put back to sleep. It will be appreciated that while power consumption in the full on state may be significant, the power consumption in the sleep state is almost insignificant.

In an embodiment and once powered up, it has been contemplated that it takes about one minute for the position data providing unit 206 to get an initial position fix. After that, the position data providing unit 206 may be woken up by the wireless communication module 204, get a fix, and put to sleep as needed. Subsequent cycles will take about 1 second.

It will be appreciated that the initial fix determines the position of the position data providing unit 206 without any previous knowledge of its position or of the satellites in the area. Subsequent fixes are based on previous knowledge and can therefore be completed much more quickly.

It will be appreciated that in the case where the bicycle is stopped and if power is lost completely, the position data providing unit 206 can use the previous stored samples to aid in getting the initial fix and save time in the process.

It will also be appreciated that another factor may be the power-up time of the position data providing unit 206 itself. For instance, code may need to be loaded from internal Read Only Memory (ROM) into internal Random Access Memory (RAM), the Power ON Self-Test (POST) may need to run, and the internal firmware may need to initialize the internal hardware modules. It will be appreciated that this may not be necessary for subsequent fixes.

In an embodiment, the position data providing unit 206 is operatively connected to the wireless communication module 214 over a standard asynchronous serial interface.

Still in an embodiment, the GPS coordinates are available in NMEA format, known to the skilled addressee.

Now referring back to Figure 2, the memory unit 210 is used for storing data. It will be appreciated that the memory unit 210 is used for storing a plurality of position data which may also be referred to as a position log.

In an embodiment, the memory unit 210 comprises an external Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) non-volatile memory. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the data will be retained across a complete power outage.

In an embodiment, the memory unit 210 is operatively connected to the wireless communication module 204 over a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus port. Still referring to Figure 2, the wireless communication module 204 comprises the processing unit 208 and the wireless communication unit 212.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication module 204 comprises firmware provided by the manufacturer that supports several functions. The firmware cannot be changed over the wireless interface in an embodiment.

As mentioned above, the wireless communication unit 212 is used for communicating with the wireless interface module 110.

It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, a wireless download may enable the user owner-generated Python scripts to be loaded into the wireless communication module 204 flash.

Still in an embodiment, the application code will be initially loaded to the wireless communication module 204 over a wired connection. It can be later updated using this feature.

It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, the wireless communication module 204 firmware supports 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption over the wireless link.

The wireless position providing unit 200 application software will be loaded into the wireless communication module 204 using Flash at manufacturing time and may be updated subsequently wirelessly.

Since the power to run the wireless position providing unit 200 is sourced from the bicycle dynamo, the availability of power may be uncertain. For instance, the user may stop for an extended period of time in the course of the rental, etc. Therefore, the firmware of the wireless position providing unit 200 must be able to deal with power outage at any time. An analog-to-digital converter within the processing unit 208 will be used in an embodiment to measure the power reserves and allow the firmware to proceed if there is enough power reserve to complete the task, as further explained below.

In fact, it will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the most critical task in this category may be the writing on the memory unit 210 which can be corrupted if power is lost in the middle of an operation. For that reason and in an embodiment, a supervisor circuit will be used to reset the wireless communication module 204 when the power level drops below a critical level. Now referring to Figure 5, there is shown an embodiment of the wireless communication module 204.

Now referring to Figure 7, there is shown an embodiment of a method for storing position data for a bicycle.

According to processing step 702, position data of a bicycle are stored in use. It will be appreciated that the position data of the bicycle are stored in the wireless position providing unit 200.

According to processing step 704, a request for position data is received. The request for position data may be transmitted by a wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.

In an embodiment, it will be appreciated that the request for position data is received by the wireless position providing unit 200 and is transmitted by a wireless interface module 110 located in the vicinity of the wireless position providing unit 200.

In an embodiment, the wireless interface module 110 is located in a bicycle providing station.

According to processing step 706, the position data are wirelessly transmitted. The position data are wirelessly transmitted to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.

Now referring to Figure 14, there is shown an embodiment for transmitting the position data to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing unit.

According to processing step 1402, an indication of a power available is obtained. It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the indication of power available may be obtained according to various embodiments.

In an embodiment, the indication of power available is obtained using an analog-to-digital converter as explained above.

According to processing step 1404, a test is performed in order to find out if the energy stored in the energy storage is sufficient for transmission of the position data.

In an embodiment, the test is performed by the processing unit 208. In the case where the energy stored in the energy storage is sufficient and in accordance with processing step 1406, a transmission is performed.

In the case where the energy stored in the energy storage is not sufficient, i.e., lower than a given threshold, no transmission of the position data will occur.

It will be appreciated that the transmission of the position data may occur in the future when the energy stored in the energy storage will be sufficient, i.e., greater than the given threshold.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that this embodiment is of great advantage since this embodiment will ensure that no position data is lost during a wireless transmission of data started but not finished due to insufficient power which is very desirable. In fact, a loss of data may create a lot of frustration.

It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the position data are wirelessly transmitted from the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module 110.

It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the position data is compressed prior wireless transmission to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.

Now referring back to Figure 7 and according to processing step 708, the position data are transmitted to a remote processing unit. It will be appreciated that the position data are transmitted to a remote processing unit comprising an interface for enabling access to the user.

In an embodiment, the position data are transmitted to a remote location via a data network.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that the interface may be of various types. In an embodiment, the interface may be accessed using a web client, such as a web browser that communicates with the server. The user accesses the website using a processing unit running the web browser in one embodiment as explained above.

Now referring to Figure 8, there is shown an embodiment for powering up the wireless position providing unit 200.

According to processing step 802, input and outputs of the wireless position providing unit 200 are initialized. According to processing step 804, a parameter table of the wireless position providing unit 200 is tested. The parameter table comprises all parameters associated with the power on self test.

According to processing step 806, a test is performed in order to find out if the parameter table of the wireless position providing unit 200 is valid or not.

In the case where the parameter table is not valid and in accordance with processing step 810, the parameter table is initialized.

In the case where the parameter table is valid and in accordance with processing step 808, sleepmode is set to off.

According to processing step 812, a test is performed in order to find out if an upload of position data started but had not finished, i.e., if a portion of old position data has been transmitted to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.

In the case where an upload has started but had not finished and in accordance with processing step 814, the old position data is deleted.

According to processing step 816, the position data providing unit 206 is initialized.

According to processing step 818, the wireless communication unit 212 is initialized.

Now referring to Figure 9, there is shown an embodiment for clearing the old data.

According to processing step 902, the data are cleared from the memory unit 210.

According to processing step 904, storage pointer is reset to the beginning of the memory unit 2 0.

Now referring to Figure 10, there is shown an embodiment for providing position data.

According to processing step 000, a test is performed in order to find out if the wireless position providing module 200 is in sleep mode.

In the case where the wireless position providing module 200 is in sleep mode and in accordance with processing step 1012, a check is performed with the power providing unit 202 for a bicycle motion. According to processing step 1014, a test is performed to find out if a bicycle motion is detected.

It will be appreciated that a bicycle motion may be detected according to various embodiments.

In one embodiment, the bicycle motion may be detected by monitoring an output from a dynamo of the bicycle.

In an alternative embodiment, the bicycle motion may be detected by monitoring an output from an accelerometer.

In the case where a bicycle motion is detected and in accordance with processing step 1016, sleepmode is set to false.

In the case where no bicycle motion is detected and in accordance with processing step 1018, the wireless position providing module 200 remains in sleep mode.

In the case where the position providing module is not in sleep mode and in accordance with processing step 1002, position data is read.

In accordance with processing step 1004, a test is performed by the wireless communication module 204 in order to find out if stored power is large enough, i.e., if stored power is greater than a given threshold. In one embodiment, this is achieved by ensuring that a voltage level of the energy storage unit is greater than a given threshold.

In the case where the stored power is large enough and in accordance with processing step 1006, the position data is stored.

In an embodiment, the position data is stored in the memory unit 210. In accordance with processing step 1008, a wireless signal is sent.

In an embodiment, the wireless signal is sent by the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200.

In one embodiment, the wireless signal sent comprises an identification of the bicycle transmitting the wireless signal, i.e., an identification of the bicycle to which the wireless position providing unit 200 is secured.

In one embodiment, the wireless signal comprises an identification of a current location. 2013/000300

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Still in an embodiment, the wireless signal is sent to a wireless interface module.

In accordance with processing step 1010, a wireless signal is received.

In an embodiment, the wireless signal is received by the wireless communication unit 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200. Still in an embodiment, the wireless signal is received from a wireless interface module in response to a wireless signal sent.

Now referring to Figure 11 , there is shown an embodiment for storing position data.

According to processing step 1102, the position data is provided.

In an embodiment, the position data is provided by the position data providing unit 206.

According to processing step 1104, a test is performed in order to find out if the position data has changed, i.e., if a current position is identical to an immediately time-preceding position data.

In an embodiment, the test is performed by the processing unit 208 of the wireless communication module 204.

In the case where the position data has changed compared to a previous one and in accordance with processing step 106, the position data is stored.

In an embodiment, the position data is stored in the memory unit 210.

It will be appreciated that the storing of the position data comprises storing a plurality of time stamps.

Also, it will be appreciated that a position storing rate may be amended depending on space available for storing position data.

Now referring to Figure 12, there is shown what happens following the receiving of a wireless signal shown in processing step 1010 in accordance with an embodiment.

According to processing step 1202, a command is received. It will be appreciated that the command is comprised in the wireless signal received.

According to processing step 1204, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is an acknowledgement command. In the case where the command is not an acknowledgement command and in accordance with processing step 1206, a test is performed in order to find out if the command in an upload log command.

In the case where the command is an upload log command, also referred to as a request for position data, the position log is transmitted.

In an embodiment, the position log is transmitted by the wireless communication module 212 of the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module installed in at least one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station.

In the case where the command is not an upload log command and in accordance with processing step 1210, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is an initlog command.

In the case where the command is an initlog command and in accordance with processing step 12 2, the old data is cleared.

In the case where the command is not an initlog command and in accordance with processing step 1214, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a set heart rate command.

In the case where the command is a set heart rate command and in accordance with processing step 126, the rate of the heart beat is amended accordingly.

In the case where the command is not a set heart rate command and in accordance with processing step, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a set GPS rate command.

In the case where the command is a position storing rate, an embodiment of which is a set GPS rate command and in accordance with processing step 1218, a GPS polling rate is amended accordingly.

It will be appreciated that a given position storing rate may be modified.

In the case where the command is not a set GPS rate command and in accordance with processing step 1220, a test is performed in order to find out of the command is a sleep command. In the case where the command is a sleep command and in accordance with processing step 1224, the position data providing unit 206 is powered down. The storing of the position data of the bicycle is stopped.

In accordance with processing step 1226, the wireless communication unit is powered down.

In accordance with processing step 1228, a sleep mode is set.

In the case where the command is not a sleep command and in accordance with processing step 1230, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a request power level command.

In the case where the command is a request power level command, a message is transmitted with an indication of a stored power level. The message is transmitted by the wireless position providing unit 200 to the wireless interface module 110.

In the case where the command is not a request power level command and in accordance with processing step 1236, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is a request revision command.

In the case where the command is a request revision command and in accordance with processing step 1234, a message comprising a firmware version is transmitted.

In the case where the command is not a request revision command and in accordance with processing step 1238, a test is performed in order to find out if the command is an update firmware command.

In the case where the command is an update firmware command and in accordance with processing step 1240, a firmware is downloaded by the wireless position providing unit 200 from the wireless interface module 110.

In accordance with processing step 1242, the firmware is stored. It will be appreciated that the firmware is stored in the wireless communication module 204.

Now referring to Figure 13, there is shown an embodiment for providing an indication of a level of power. In accordance with processing step 1302, a stored power voltage is read. In an embodiment, the stored power voltage is read by the wireless communication module 204.

According to processing step 1304, a test is performed in order to find out if the stored power voltage is greater than a given threshold.

In an embodiment, the test is performed by the wireless communication module 204.

In the case where the stored power voltage is greater than a given threshold and in accordance with processing step 1308, an indication that the stored voltage is greater than the threshold is provided.

In the case where the stored power voltage is not greater than a given threshold and in accordance with processing step 1306, an indication that the stored voltage is not greater than the threshold is provided.

It will be appreciated that an advantage of the apparatus disclosed herein is that it is integrated within the bicycle.

Another advantage of the apparatus disclosed herein is that it is sealed from the outside.

Another advantage of the apparatus disclosed herein is that the transmission of the position data only occurs when the apparatus is in the vicinity of a wireless transceiver that is known to the apparatus.

Clause 1 : An apparatus for providing an indication of a path followed by a bicycle, the apparatus comprising:

an enclosure secured to the bicycle, the enclosure comprising:

a power providing interface operatively connected to an electrical generator of the bicycle;

an energy storage unit operatively connected to the energy providing interface;

a position data providing unit operatively connected to the energy storage unit, the position data providing unit providing a position data signal indicative of a position of a bicycle;

a memory unit operatively connected to the energy storing unit; a wireless communication unit operatively connected to the energy storing unit, the wireless communication unit for transmitting a received signal to a known wireless transceiver;

a processing unit operatively connected to the energy storage unit, to the position data providing unit, to the memory unit and to the wireless communication unit, the processing unit adapted for receiving the position data signal and for storing at least one part of the received position data signal in the memory unit, the processing unit further adapted for retrieving position data from the memory unit and for providing the retrieved position data to the wireless communication unit when the wireless communication unit is in the vicinity of the known wireless transceiver.

Clause 2: The apparatus as claimed in clause 1 , wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor.

Clause 3: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the position data providing unit comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

Clause 4: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the known wireless transceiver is integrated in one of a bicycle dock and a bicycle providing station. Clause 5: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the wireless communication unit operates according to one of Bluetooth ^{(T )} and ZigBee ^(TM) communication standard.

Clause 6: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the enclosure is defined by a support portion member and a cover. Clause 7: The apparatus as claimed in clause 6, wherein the support portion member comprises a stem cap positioned over a member such that a handlebar of the bicycle is sandwiched between the member and the stem cap. Clause 8: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 6 to 7, wherein the cover is fastened against the support portion member using fastening means.

Clause 9: The apparatus as claimed in clause 8, wherein the fastening means comprise a set of screws and corresponding acorn nuts.

Clause 10: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the memory unit comprises an external electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

Clause 11: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the processing unit is further operatively connected to the power providing interface and wherein the power providing interface provides an indication of a motion of the bicycle, wherein the storing of the received at least one part of the position data signal is performed if said bicycle is in motion.

Clause 12: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 11 , wherein the electrical generator of the bicycle comprises a dynamo.

Clause 13: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the providing of the retrieved position data to the wireless communication unit is performed when the wireless communication unit is in the vicinity of the known wireless transceiver and a request for position data is received by the wireless communication unit, the request for position data being transmitted by the known wireless transceiver.

Clause 14: The apparatus as claimed in clause 13, wherein the request for position data is transmitted following a wireless signal sent by the wireless communication unit to the known wireless transceiver. Clause 15: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the processing unit is further adapted to monitor a voltage level of the energy storage unit, further wherein the providing of the retrieved position data to the wireless communication unit is performed if the voltage level is higher than a first given threshold.

Clause 16: The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, further wherein the storing of at least one part of the received position data signal in the memory unit is performed if the voltage level is higher than a second given threshold.

Clause 17: The apparatus as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the storing of at least one part of the received position data signal in the memory unit comprises determining if a current position data is identical to an immediately time-preceding position data and storing the current position data if the current position data is different than the immediately time-preceding position data.

Although the above description relates to a specific embodiment as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspect includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the elements described herein.