Apple Files for Patent on Smart Bicycle System
Bike+ anyone?
Apple's already dabbled in the fitness business through a partnership with Nike. Nike+ is hugely popular among runners, but what about those who are more partial to cycling? Well, Apple could have something for you too.
A patent published today, first noticed by Patently Apple, describes iPod and iPhone integration with a type of multi-feature bicycle computer. Dubbed the Smart Bicycle System, the concept is for both individuals as well as teams of cyclists who wish to communicate course difficulty or certain problems to the rest of the their group.
Patently Apple says the patent is extremely complex and contains tons of little details that hardcore cyclists will really appreciate. The system utilizes sensors built into the iPhone/iPod and the bike to measure speed, distance, time, altitude, elevation, incline and decline, heart rate, power, derailleur setting, cadence, wind speed, path completed, expected future path and pace.
So, is this a product you'd like to see make it to the production line or would you prefer it be relegated to the darkest, dustiest corner of Apple's large patent portfolio?
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huffy+
... What if you ride the bicycle wrong?
All of these "factors" already exist as products currently on the market... Using an i Phone to do the same thing is not patentable..
I agree, just buy a bicycle computer, but thats what apple does.. takes existing technology and calls it something different then tells people they have created something new and revolutionary.
If you touch both handles you lose reception traction.
... What if you ride the bicycle wrong?
They'll tell you to go buy their training wheels. If it is a widespread issue, they may start giving them away for free, though it's very possible they could run into problems manufacturing enough training wheels for everyone who's having an issue riding the bike.
Pretty soon they will be charging people for texting and biking...that is if someone doesn't run into a tree first.
They'll tell you to go buy their training wheels. If it is a widespread issue, they may start giving them away for free, though it's very possible they could run into problems manufacturing enough training wheels for everyone who's having an issue riding the bike.
Or slap extra rubber over the exposed metal.
If you don't ride in a particular position the wireless signal will be blocked!
Could any dangers considered?
This idea made me dumber.
... green-green...
The accompanying i-Padlock is also the battery charger for the system and it's all linked to your iTunes account....so...If you wish to lock your bike up you have to pay per use.
in apple world , you dont ride bike ; bike ride you ! but seriously , it wont let you go to "unathorized streets"
@Apple: No dice!
Might as well patent Mr. Garrison's IT. Either way, the rider gets screwed.
Looks a bit too showy and not very practical. That apple is trying to create new uses for its thin product line again and again shows they can't manufacture anything new.
Can this technology prevent someone from getting "The Door Prize" ?
This is not for regular people. Maybe hardcore bikers, but those guys probably already have stuff like this.
-ibike? I know I bike.
-Now I can tell how fast I'm going, it reads : fast. Cool...
-darn it this an incline or a decline? Considering I am blind and the force of friction is undetectable by human being; we must rely on the iphone.
-lemme check my heart rate. 120. So is my heart on or off?
-hey my phone tell me the wind speed is 10 km/h. ...and why I care?
Knowing Steve Jobs he'll sell it in two versions:
With the seat - iBike
Without the seat - iWedgie
What if it rains?
Knowing there are already computers that do similar things out there is cool but if this gets more people to ride then. GO FOR IT! This may allow all people like gadgets and are not currently bike crazy to become more active. Even though I don't own a single apple item I applaud apple for at least looking into something like this.
The patent is probably for the integration, and underlying database infrastructure that makes the results sharable. A team takes a [training] ride; after it their coach can go over with them all the little differences that might have made one member faster than another.
What is the innovative thing here? I don't see something new?
My earlier comments may have been hasty, take it several steps further jtt283... Team communication with the iPhone, biometrics and GPS positions of the entire team on a laptop used by the team director...
That is not a very smart bicycle. It defies the basic mechanical principle bikes use for propulsion. That being you have a big gear transfering the same area to a small gear, thus the small gear turns faster. The big gear in this bike is puny.
Well, in an actual race, I would think some of those things might not be allowed, especially any kind of communication TO the rider. Also, with a top-end racing bike maybe weighing 13-15lbs, every ounce counts.
... and it will only cost you an arm.
Looks a bit too showy and not very practical. That apple is trying to create new uses for its thin product line again and again shows they can't manufacture anything new.
Apple has pissed off every company that's ever been willing to work with them. Who's going to make anything for them to claim as their own creation? Apple doesn't make the iPod....or the iPhone....or the iPad....they contracted other companies to make them.
You are riding it wrong !!!
... What if you ride the bicycle wrong?
Then it'll say "You're RIDING it wrong!"
Ok!... Apple just reinvented the bicycle. If this goes through the US patent office, it will loose some credibility.