Is Apple Trying To Patent A 'Smart Bike'?

The bicycle could be Apple's new platform for showing off its iPod and iPhone technology. On Friday, the US Patent and Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that revealed an alleged project to build a "Smart Bicycle System" that could measure speed, distance, time, altitude, elevation, incline, decline, heart rate, temperature, weather, wind speed, and more.

According to the patent, the Smart Bike would use the iPhone's accelerometer and gyroscope (which record acceleration and altitude, respectively) to convey information to the individual cyclist. Built in Wi-Fi would allow--in what could be a landmark moment for the sport--communication between teams of riders in bike races.

Though the patent was just made public two days ago, it was filed last year, according to Patently Apple, a site that provides the incredibly-specific service of reporting solely on Apple patents.

Although there is already existing technology that allows serious cyclists to attach computers to their handlebars, the Smart Bike seems poised to make this technology more widely available.

Wired's Gadget Lab reports that it might be possible for cyclists to use voice commands to communicate with the technology--which, when you're traveling at 45plus MPH, might be a useful feature. A slightly less useful feature, we think, is the Smart Bike's ability to play video. Hey Apple, is that really a good idea?

There's also the question of whether the display would be built into the handlebars, or could be removable. We're also wondering what carrying this extra equipment on your bicycle means for aerodynamics, especially if you're a racer. And, lastly, how much will it cost?

Comments

[Rashock]

06:18 PM on 08/13/2010

Amazing how all the Apple haters jump on these stories on HP. It's like watching lab rats. Drop a couple of juicy pellets and see them spin their wheels bashing Apple again. I'm all for R&D being spent on advancing my cycling experience. I use a Polar heart rate monitor for information to help me improve my times and training. Nothing wrong with new computer technology for cyclists. When it hits the market, if it's good we'll buy it, if not we will stick with current technology. We aren't interested in it for listening to music, texting, etc. and wouldn't be preoccupied with every bit of data being captured during the ride. That information is downloaded after the ride and evaluated to help improve training. Get out from behind your computer, buy a bike and hit the road. You may find as you get into the sport, you might seek out this technology to improve your fitness and training. Don't criticize it just to vent your frustration on Apple's popularity. If you aren't in that niche of people who would be interested in, and understand this technology's benefits, your criticism is not credible, especially since the product is not even out yet.

[genamason]

04:38 PM on 08/11/2010

OK, it's great that this bike is supposed to have technology to "measure speed, distance, time, altitude, elevation, incline," etc. But with texting while driving having become such a nuisance that states are outlawing it, is anyone besides me less than totally convinced that WiFi on bikes is the greatest idea?
http://www.aminn.org/webcast-aipr-patent-reform-presentation-us-patent-and-trademark-office

[thromulese]

11:53 AM on 08/09/2010

...yea yea...

but where's the can opener?

[Mr Vegetarian NY]

12:09 PM on 08/09/2010

but can it core an apple?

[DigDugDog]

03:46 PM on 08/11/2010

Yes it can core a apple.

It's an improvement and proof you cannot dispute.

[NYCeWheels]

10:34 AM on 08/09/2010

We have all those cool apps that find the best product, then find the cheapest price, then show you a map how to get there, then lets all your friends know that you are on the way....

But, you can't wave your iPhone at a flat and it refills itself. Some things need to stay in the real world, relationships with your local bike dealer are one of them (sorry, not a big fan of complicating my life with 9 million apps) Besides my HTC phones did 5 years ago what the iPhones are now starting to claim to be their ideas??

electric bike enthusiast
http://www.nycewheels.com/

[jimmyjones22]

10:32 AM on 08/09/2010

Let me guess, the bike capable of interfacing with this device will cost about 3000$, and won't include a camera, usb port, or pedals.

Also, inflating tires can only be done by authorized apple repairman and will cost 150$ per flat.

[think-it-over]

01:26 PM on 08/09/2010

It's not unusual for good bikes to come without pedals, allowing the rider to choose what they want. If Apple were to actually sell a bike it would be similar, except that the cranks and pedals would have a proprietary threading unique to the pedals sold by Apple. Naturally, Apple will try to get a patent on that threading.

Naturally, the bike will be sold with a license that says the owner can only use genuine Apple components.

[lqw]

03:27 PM on 08/09/2010

And millions will be sold the first 24 hours.

[Philip Rosenberg]

10:10 AM on 08/09/2010

I have already seen one rider with an iPhone mounted on his handle bars, using the GPS feature and Google maps to navigate - it is sort of an obvious idea! This simply may be Apple's way of taking control of this concept in the market - they can either block it or enable its development via the patent application. BTW Garmin already does all this for serious cyclists but there may be a niche for recreational and/or urban riders who also have the iPhone.

[Zach Stein]

12:15 PM on 08/09/2010

Yeah what I don't get is this falls under two categories in the patent world...

1. Extremely obvious
2. Something someone has already invented a number of different times in a number of different ways.

[MaxPowerXP]

08:44 AM on 08/09/2010

Judging from HP reaction to previous products, Apple fans will now begin calling Schwinn and Huffy copycats.

[Zach Stein]

12:15 PM on 08/09/2010

What are you talking about... Steve Jobs invented the bicycle! AND the phone!

[thollandpe]

08:13 AM on 08/09/2010

How about a rear-view mirror on the display? Mount the camera under the seat, reverse the image and voila - objects may be closer than they appear.

[Matthew Harrold]

07:19 AM on 08/09/2010

I'm just waiting them to try and patent the isoul or start up he ireligion. Although many Apple fans act like the latter is already fact.

[Mr Vegetarian NY]

08:53 AM on 08/09/2010

This is what Apple is to me : iCrap and iHype

[jimmyjones22]

10:33 AM on 08/09/2010

lol flagged as abusive? here come the fanboys...

[leftheaded]

06:32 AM on 08/09/2010

Pretty sure they are overestimating the size of the market with this.

[Quack Ackers]

12:49 AM on 08/09/2010

apple is going downhill.

[Tomo Swd]

12:49 AM on 08/09/2010

we'll get "iDrive" in 2011.

[TParrish]

07:45 AM on 08/09/2010

Wheels optional.

[Mr Vegetarian NY]

12:30 PM on 08/09/2010

iBendOver more like

[cykodriven]

12:11 AM on 08/09/2010

They never cease to amaze me to create the most futuristic, cutting edge technology that makes absolutely no sense as to why they decide to even begin spending on R&D for such an obscurely overkilled idea. It's still really cool though. I don't see any real practical use - but's it's neato.

[Pandaforum]

11:55 PM on 08/08/2010

I would rather spend my money on a top bike than have a mediocre one with a bunch of gadgets on it.

[comment from grandpa]

11:30 PM on 08/08/2010

This was intended for publication on April 1st,right?In the comedy section?