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10-01-08, 03:53 PM
So I'm a big android fan; I've had my eye on it since rumors started flying about a google phone. As it happens, I also have a bit of java experience, and I've had a bit of experience with embedded development. So, I've been thinking, wouldn't it be neat to have an android app that did what our existing bike computers do, but more intelligently?
So I'm just curious about how much interest there would be in such a thing, and what suggestions/ideas people might have. This is just me thinking for now, but here's what I'm thinking could be done:
-crank rotation, and wheel rotation sensors (for speed, cadence)
--- On these, I'm not sure it would be feasible to make them wireless - Bluetooth chips and components are much higher in low quantities than USB - a chip like the at90usb could be used to read the VR sensors on the crank and wheel sensors, then translate the rate data to the android device via USB for probably less than $10 in components (most expensive is the chip, which is $3.76 in qty of 1 from digikey), where similar bluetooth setup would probably be more like $70 or so.
-heart rate monitor (would be optional)
-- Since I don't think anyone wants to "jack in" every time they get on their bike, this really needs to be wireless. I'm thinking it would be best to have users get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Polar-WearLink-Transmitter-M-XL/dp/B000JIYNRE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1222893664&sr=1-13 and just build the system to recieve from it. Reciever hardware to pick up that pulse would be very inexpensive, maybe raising the cost to build by $5.
Once the hardware is linked to the device, the rest is up to the software - this is where the opportunities really show up. Given that we're talking a small computer with GPS, clock, accellerometer, internet access, map information, etc, the capabilities are huge---
- speed, cadence, heart rate logging in real time with real-time feedback options
- Not sure how precise the accelerometers are in the device, but could be used to monitor incline, if not, GPS could be used to identify changes in elevation according to maps.
-The software could save history and show progress for training purposes
and whatever else you program it for ...
What do you guys think?
So I'm just curious about how much interest there would be in such a thing, and what suggestions/ideas people might have. This is just me thinking for now, but here's what I'm thinking could be done:
-crank rotation, and wheel rotation sensors (for speed, cadence)
--- On these, I'm not sure it would be feasible to make them wireless - Bluetooth chips and components are much higher in low quantities than USB - a chip like the at90usb could be used to read the VR sensors on the crank and wheel sensors, then translate the rate data to the android device via USB for probably less than $10 in components (most expensive is the chip, which is $3.76 in qty of 1 from digikey), where similar bluetooth setup would probably be more like $70 or so.
-heart rate monitor (would be optional)
-- Since I don't think anyone wants to "jack in" every time they get on their bike, this really needs to be wireless. I'm thinking it would be best to have users get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Polar-WearLink-Transmitter-M-XL/dp/B000JIYNRE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1222893664&sr=1-13 and just build the system to recieve from it. Reciever hardware to pick up that pulse would be very inexpensive, maybe raising the cost to build by $5.
Once the hardware is linked to the device, the rest is up to the software - this is where the opportunities really show up. Given that we're talking a small computer with GPS, clock, accellerometer, internet access, map information, etc, the capabilities are huge---
- speed, cadence, heart rate logging in real time with real-time feedback options
- Not sure how precise the accelerometers are in the device, but could be used to monitor incline, if not, GPS could be used to identify changes in elevation according to maps.
-The software could save history and show progress for training purposes
and whatever else you program it for ...
What do you guys think?