Apple's patent is about using a new iPod or iPhone system primarily on a bike so that they could share information with other cyclists riding in a group. It could also provide feedback to cyclists regarding their performance or the performance of other cyclists with whom they are riding.
In some embodiments, this could be applied to users of other types of vehicles (e.g., motorcycles, automobiles, or trucks) or other modes of transportation (e.g., walking, running, horseback riding, or transportation using any other animal). Although many features described in the patent could be in the context with a bicycle or cycling embodiment, it will be understood that the features or descriptions can be applied to any suitable vehicle or mode of transportation.
The control circuitry of the proposed system could be operative to determine at least one riding characteristic of the first bicycle, and receive, in real-time from each of the detected several electronic devices on other bikes, at least one riding characteristic of each of the plurality of bicycles. Riding characteristic could include at least one of speed, distance, time, altitude, elevation, incline, decline, heart rate, power, derailleur setting, cadence, wind speed, path completed, expected future path, heart rate, power, and pace.
In some embodiments, a sensor for use with an electronic device could be provided. The sensor could be coupled to a bicycle and include communications circuitry operative to pair with at least one authorized electronic device. The sensor could also provide control circuitry relating to security.
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