Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more particularly, a method for altitude determination of the vehicle using ambient air pressure detection.
BACKGROUND
[002] In conventional vehicles, a display unit is provided to display various 5 vehicle information to a user. These vehicle information can be provided on a real time basis or after a certain duration of time. These vehicle information includes engine performance details, vehicle safety and diagnostic details, and also surrounding environmental condition details for suitably adjusting vehicle mode and vehicle performance by the user. 10
[003] In general, the vehicle surrounding environmental condition details include an ambient pressure detection system which determines an altitude at which the vehicle is running. The altitude at which the vehicle is running determines the vehicle speed regulation, vehicle throttle regulation and also fuel efficiency of the vehicle. 15
[004] In general, at each stage whenever an ignition of the vehicle is turned on, the vehicle location and current air pressure is sent to a server. This server is hosted remotely and is not disposed on the vehicle. Therefore, although the information of the vehicle location is captured on a real time basis, the computation of the altitude of the vehicle is done remotely. This in turn causes a lag in actual determination of 20 the altitude of the vehicle and hence accurate information of the altitude of the vehicle is not provided to the user.
[005] In order to overcome the above stated problem, the altitude at which the vehicle is running is determined in vehicles through a barometric sensor. This barometric sensor determines the ambient pressure of the surrounding air and 25 provides this value to a vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit determines the altitude of the vehicle by computing the detected ambient pressure using a complex logic. This in turn not only increases the overall part count of an additional barometric sensor in the vehicle, but also complicates the logic and performance of the vehicle control unit. Eventually, this configuration of the altitude determination 30
3
of the vehicle reduces the overall vehicle performance and complicates the logic used in the vehicle control unit. [006] In a known art, the altitude of the vehicle is determined by computing an inverse relationship between a vehicle throttle and a vehicle speed to determine a first altitude and a second altitude. The first altitude is the lowest altitude at which 5 the vehicle has started, and the second altitude is the highest altitude at which the vehicle has stopped functioning. This configuration only provides the altitude of the start and stop position of the vehicle and thus provides limited information to the user for appropriately adjusting the vehicle speed.
[007] In another known art, the vehicle control unit determines the altitude of the 10 vehicle by correlating with certain predetermined conditions of braking duration of the vehicle. However, this determination is a fail safe method to determine the altitude of the vehicle when the barometric sensor malfunctions. Thus, in this configuration, the overall logic of the vehicle control unit is complicated, and more power is required to run the vehicle control unit due to complex logic processing. 15 Thus, this configuration not only increases the part count of the vehicle but also makes the vehicle bulky.
[008] Hence, it is required to have a vehicle with an ambient pressure detection system to accurately locate the altitude of the vehicle and thereby enable the user to make an informed decision about vehicle handling and vehicle riding conditions. 20
SUMMARY
[009] The present subject matter provides a vehicle comprising one or more vehicle components such as an electronic control unit, a speedometer and one or 25 more vehicle sensors which interacts with each other to determine an altitude of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the ambient pressure of the vehicle through inputs received from the one or more vehicle sensors and the electronic control unit consequently determines the altitude of the vehicle from a look up table. 30
4
[010] As per an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprising a speedometer, an electronic control unit and one or more vehicle sensors. The one or more vehicle sensors configured to sense an intake air pressure of the vehicle. The electronic control unit determines an ambient air pressure from the intake air pressure sensed by one of the one or more vehicle sensors. The electronic control 5 unit also calculates altitude of the vehicle from the ambient air pressure at one or more engine operating conditions based on a look up table. The speedometer displays the altitude of the vehicle on a display unit.
[011] As per an embodiment, the display unit is one of a display unit of the speedometer and a display unit of a communication device. The one or more vehicle 10 sensors are an engine speed sensor being configured to determine an engine speed of the vehicle, a throttle position sensor being configured to determine a throttle position of the vehicle, and a manifold air pressure sensor being configured to determine the intake air pressure by an engine of the vehicle.
[012] As per another embodiment, the ambient air pressure is a first ambient air 15 pressure, and the first ambient air pressure is calibrated at an engine idling condition of the one or more engine operating conditions. The engine idling condition being when the engine speed being equal to a first preset engine speed and the throttle position being equal to zero.
[013] As per another embodiment, the ambient air pressure is a second ambient 20 air pressure, and the second ambient air pressure is calibrated at an engine running condition of the one or more engine operating conditions. The engine running condition being when the engine speed is greater than the first preset engine speed and less than a second preset engine speed and the throttle position being between zero and a first predetermined value. 25
[014] As per another embodiment, the ambient air pressure being a third ambient air pressure, and the third ambient air pressure is calibrated at an engine racing condition of the one or more engine operating conditions. The engine racing condition being when the engine speed is greater than the second preset engine speed and the throttle position being greater than the predetermined throttle value. 30
5
[015] As per another embodiment, the first ambient air pressure is calculated through multiplication with a first multiplication factor by the electronic control unit, and corresponding altitude is calculated from the look up table by the electronic control unit. Further, the second ambient air pressure is calculated through multiplication with a second multiplication factor by the electronic control unit, and 5 corresponding altitude is calculated from the look up table by the electronic control unit. Furthermore, the third ambient air pressure is calculated through multiplication with a third multiplication factor by the electronic control unit, and corresponding altitude is calculated from the look up table by the electronic control unit.
[016] As per another embodiment, the communication device includes a wireless 10 communication module, and the wireless communication module communicates with a wireless communication module of the speedometer of the vehicle. The wireless communication being one of a Bluetooth module and a Wi-Fi module.
[017] As per another aspect of the present invention, a method for altitude determination of a vehicle comprising the following steps. Firstly, detecting an 15 intake air pressure sensed by one or more vehicle sensors by an electronic control unit at one or more engine operating conditions. Secondly, determining by the electronic control unit an ambient air pressure from the intake air pressure. Thirdly, calculating by the electronic control unit an altitude of the vehicle upon determination of the ambient air pressure based on a look up table. Fourthly, 20 displaying by the electronic control unit the altitude of the vehicle on a display unit.
[018] As per an embodiment, the one or more engine operating conditions being one of an engine idling condition, an engine running condition, and an engine racing condition. The altitude of the vehicle is displayed by the electronic control unit on one a display unit of the speedometer of the vehicle and a display unit of a 25 communication device.
[019] As per another embodiment, the one or more vehicle sensors being an engine speed sensor being configured to determine the engine speed of the vehicle, a throttle position sensor being configured to determine the throttle position of the vehicle, and a manifold air pressure sensor being configured to determine the intake 30 air pressure by the engine of the vehicle.
6
[020] As per another embodiment, the altitude determination of the vehicle at the one or more engine operating conditions comprising the following steps. Firstly, detecting by the electronic control unit, an ignition key input being equal to one. Secondly, determining by the electronic control unit, an engine speed and a throttle position value of the value being sensed by the one or more vehicle sensors. Thirdly, 5 determining by the electronic control unit one of the engine idling condition, the engine running condition and the engine racing condition.
[021] As per another embodiment, the altitude determination of the vehicle at engine idling condition comprising the following steps. Firstly, determining by the electronic control unit, the engine speed being equal a first preset engine speed and 10 the throttle position value being equal to zero, and the first preset engine speed being 200 rpm. Secondly, receiving by the electronic control unit, the air intake pressure value and multiplying with a first multiplication factor for calculating a first ambient pressure. Finally, determining by the electronic control unit, the altitude of the vehicle upon verification of the first ambient pressure corresponding to the altitude 15 of the vehicle in the look up table.
[022] As per another embodiment, the altitude determination of the vehicle at engine running condition comprising the following steps. Firstly, determining by the electronic control unit, the engine speed being between a first preset engine speed and a second present engine speed, and the throttle position value being between 20 zero and a predetermined throttle value, and the second preset engine speed being 600 rpm. Secondly, receiving by the electronic control unit, the air intake pressure value and multiplying with a second multiplication factor for calculating a second ambient pressure. Finally, determining by the electronic control unit, the altitude of the vehicle upon verification of the second ambient pressure corresponding to the 25 altitude of the vehicle in the look up table.
[023] As per another embodiment, the altitude determination of the vehicle at engine racing condition comprising the following steps. Firstly, determining by the electronic control unit, the engine speed being greater than the second present engine speed, and the throttle position value being greater than the predetermined throttle 30 value. Secondly, receiving by the electronic control unit, the air intake pressure value
7
and multiplying with a third multiplication factor for calculating a third ambient pressure. Finally, determining by the electronic control unit, the altitude of the vehicle upon verification of the third ambient pressure corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle in the look up table. [024] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the 5 following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS
[025] The present invention is described with reference to figures. This 10 invention is implementable in two-wheeled, three wheeled and four wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.
[026] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an 15 embodiment of the present subject matter.
[027] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of one or more components of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[028] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart for a method of ambient pressure detection in the vehicle through an electronic control unit of the vehicle, in accordance with 20 an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[029] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart for a method of ambient pressure detection at engine idling condition of the vehicle through the electronic control unit of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. 25
[030] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart for a method of ambient pressure detection at engine running condition of the vehicle through the electronic control unit of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[031] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart for a method of ambient pressure detection at engine racing condition of the vehicle through the electronic control unit of the 30
8
vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
5
[032] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed 10 embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.
[033] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be 15 devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[034] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to 20 the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without 25 departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[035] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's 30 understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or
9
modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification. [036] Hence it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle capable 5 of altitude determination of the vehicle at different engine operating conditions and also to overcome other related problems known in the art as explained in the background problem.
[037] It is also an object of the present invention to reduce overall part count and eliminate use of multiple sensors in the vehicle to ascertain the altitude of the vehicle. 10
[038] It is also an object of the present invention to utilize the existing vehicle sensors to maximize the output and the electronic control unit to determine the altitude of the vehicle without using complex logic.
[039] It is also an object of the present invention to reduce lag in displaying real time altitude of the vehicle on the display unit to a user. 15
[040] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[041] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A vehicle (100) comprising one or more vehicle components for functioning of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) 20 comprising a frame assembly (not shown) which forms a skeletal support structure of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises a headlamp assembly (102) which is supported on the frame assembly (not shown). The vehicle (100) further includes a handlebar assembly (108) which includes a speedometer (124) being supported on a front portion of the vehicle (100) when viewed along a vehicle longitudinal axis. 25 The vehicle (100) has a front wheel (104) which is provided with a front fender (106) for preventing splashes on the vehicle during running condition of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) further comprising a front suspension and a rear suspension system for absorbing jerks experienced during running condition of the vehicle (100). 30
10
[042] The vehicle (100) further comprising a power unit (114) which is run through fuels. The power unit (114) is an internal combustion engine in one embodiment and the fuel to propel the power unit (114) is stored in a fuel tank (110) which is disposed on top of the power unit (114). The power unit (114) is interchangeably termed as an engine (114). The power from the engine (114) is 5 transmitted to a rear wheel (120) of the vehicle (100) through a transmission system (122). Further the vehicle (100) includes a seat (112) extending rearwardly from the fuel tank (110). The seat (112) comprising a pillion handle (116) for enabling support for a pillion rider during running condition of the vehicle (100). The rear wheel (120) is provided with a rear fender (118) for disposition of a tail lamp assembly (not 10 shown) of the vehicle (100).
[043] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of one or more components of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) further comprising one or more vehicle sensors (304) and an electronic control unit (ECU) (306). The vehicle (100) is configured with the electronic control 15 unit (306) to determine an altitude of the vehicle (100) under one or more engine operating conditions. The electronic control unit (306) receives an ignition key input from the engine (114). The one or more vehicle sensors (304) senses one or more vehicle input values including an intake air pressure of the engine (114) of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the one or more vehicle sensors (304) includes an 20 engine speed sensor, a throttle position sensor, and a manifold air pressure sensor (MAP). The engine speed sensor is configured to determines the engine speed of the vehicle (100). The throttle position sensor determines the throttle position value of the vehicle (100). The manifold air pressure sensor determines the intake air pressure by the engine (114) from the surrounding environment. 25
[044] The electronic control unit (306) is configured to determine an ambient air pressure from the air intake pressure sensed by the manifold air pressure sensor. The electronic control unit (306) further calculates the altitude of the vehicle from the ambient air pressure at the one or more engine operating conditions by determining the altitude value from a look up table. The speedometer (124) displays the altitude 30 of the vehicle (100) on a display unit to a user, after receiving the altitude value from
11
the electronic control unit (306). In one embodiment, the display unit is a display unit of the speedometer (124). In another embodiment, the display unit is a display unit of a communication device (308). In one embodiment, the communication device is a smart phone, an electronic tablet, or any other electronic device. The communication device (308) is configured with a wireless communication module 5 to communicate with a wireless module of the speedometer (124) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module. In another embodiment, the wireless communication module is a Wi-Fi module. [045] In one embodiment, the one or more engine operating conditions are an 10 engine idling condition, an engine running condition, and an engine racing condition. The one or more engine operating conditions are determined by the electronic control unit (306) upon determination of the engine speed and the throttle position value of the vehicle (100). The electronic control unit (306) further determines the altitude of the vehicle (100) at each of the one or more engine operating conditions. 15 The electronic control unit (306) determines a first ambient air pressure at the engine idling condition, and the engine idling condition being when the engine speed is equal to a first preset engine speed and the throttle position is zero. In one embodiment, the first present engine speed is 200 rpm and the engine idling condition is when the vehicle (100) is halted at a location after start of the vehicle 20 (100), like in a traffic condition of the vehicle (100). The altitude of the vehicle (100) is calculated at the engine idling condition by multiplying the first ambient pressure with a first multiplication factor by the electronic control unit (306). The electronic control unit (306) then compares the above mentioned value from a look up table to determine the altitude of the vehicle (100). 25
[046] The electronic control unit (306) determines a second ambient air pressure at the engine running condition, and the engine idling condition being when the engine speed is greater than the first preset engine speed and less than a second preset engine speed and the throttle position is between zero and a first predetermined value. In one embodiment, the second present engine speed is 600 rpm and the 30 engine running condition is when the vehicle (100) is running at a constant speed
12
after start of the vehicle (100), like in a smooth terrain. The altitude of the vehicle (100) is calculated at the engine running condition by multiplying the second ambient pressure with a second multiplication factor by the electronic control unit (306). The electronic control unit (306) then compares the above mentioned value from a look up table to determine the altitude of the vehicle (100). In one 5 embodiment, the first predetermined value of the throttle position is between 0-0.7 volts. [047] The electronic control unit (306) determines a third ambient air pressure at the engine racing condition, and the engine racing condition being when the engine speed is greater than the second preset engine speed and the throttle position is 10 greater than the first predetermined value. In one embodiment, the engine racing condition is when the vehicle (100) is running at a very high speed after start of the vehicle (100), like in a highway. The altitude of the vehicle (100) is calculated at the engine racing condition by multiplying the third ambient pressure with a third multiplication factor by the electronic control unit (306). The electronic control unit 15 (306) then compares the above mentioned value from a look up table to determine the altitude of the vehicle (100).
[048] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart for a method of ambient pressure detection in the vehicle (100) through the electronic control unit (306) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A method (400) for 20 altitude determination of the vehicle (100) comprising the following steps. Firstly, detecting (504), by the electronic control unit (306) the ignition key input being equal to one. Secondly, determining (406), by the electronic control unit (306), the engine speed and the throttle position value of the vehicle (100) which are sensed by the engine speed sensor and the throttle position sensor of the one or more vehicle 25 sensors (304). Thirdly, detecting (408) by the electronic control unit (306), an intake air pressure sensed by the one or more vehicle sensors at the one or more engine operating conditions. Fourthly, determining (408), by the electronic control unit (306) an ambient air pressure from the intake air pressure. Fifthly, calculating (410), by the electronic control unit (306), an altitude of the vehicle (100) upon 30 determination of the ambient air pressure based on a lookup table. Finally, displaying
13
(412), by the electronic control unit (306) the altitude of the vehicle (100) on the display unit. [049] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart for a method of ambient pressure detection at engine idling condition of the vehicle (100) through the electronic control unit (306) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject 5 matter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method for determination of the altitude of the vehicle (100) at the engine idling condition comprises of the following steps. Firstly, detecting (504), by the electronic control unit (306) the ignition key input being equal to one. Secondly, determining (506), by the electronic control unit (306), the engine speed being equal the first preset engine 10 speed and the throttle position value being equal to zero, which are sensed by the engine speed sensor and the throttle position sensor of the one or more vehicle sensors (304). Thirdly, receiving (508), by the electronic control unit (306), the air intake pressure value and multiplying with the first multiplication factor for calculating the first ambient pressure. Fourthly, determining (510), by the electronic 15 control unit (306), the altitude of the vehicle (100) upon verification of the first ambient pressure corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle (100) in the look up table. Finally, displaying (412), by the electronic control unit (306) the altitude of the vehicle (100) on the display unit.
[050] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart for a method of ambient pressure detection 20 at engine running condition of the vehicle (100) through the electronic control unit of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method for determination of the altitude of the vehicle (100) at the engine running condition comprises of the following steps. Firstly, detecting (504), by the electronic control unit (306) the ignition key input being equal to one. Secondly, 25 determining (506), by the electronic control unit (306), the engine speed being between a first preset engine speed and a second preset engine speed, and the throttle position value being between zero and a predetermined throttle value, which are sensed by the engine speed sensor and the throttle position sensor of the one or more vehicle sensors (304). Thirdly, receiving (508), by the electronic control unit (306), 30 the air intake pressure value and multiplying with the second multiplication factor
14
for calculating the second ambient pressure. Fourthly, determining (510), by the electronic control unit (306), the altitude of the vehicle (100) upon verification of the second ambient pressure corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle (100) in the look up table. Finally, displaying (412), by the electronic control unit (306) the altitude of the vehicle (100) on the display unit. 5 [051] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart for a method of ambient pressure detection at engine racing condition of the vehicle (100) through the electronic control unit (306) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method for determination of the altitude of the vehicle (100) at the engine racing condition 10 comprises of the following steps. Firstly, detecting (504), by the electronic control unit (306) the ignition key input being equal to one. Secondly, determining (506), by the electronic control unit (306), the engine speed being greater than the second preset engine speed and the throttle position value being greater than the predetermined throttle value, which are sensed by the engine speed sensor and the 15 throttle position sensor of the one or more vehicle sensors (304). Thirdly, receiving (508), by the electronic control unit (306), the air intake pressure value and multiplying with the third multiplication factor for calculating the third ambient pressure. Fourthly, determining (510), by the electronic control unit (306), the altitude of the vehicle (100) upon verification of the third ambient pressure 20 corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle (100) in the look up table. Finally, displaying (412), by the electronic control unit (306) the altitude of the vehicle (100) on the display unit.
[052] Various embodiments of the invention provides a vehicle comprising one or more vehicle components such as an electronic control unit, a speedometer and 25 one or more vehicle sensors which interacts with each other to determine an altitude of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the ambient pressure of the vehicle through inputs received from the one or more vehicle sensors and the electronic control unit consequently determines the altitude of the vehicle from a look up table. 30
15
[053] The present invention is a vehicle comprising a speedometer, an electronic control unit and one or more vehicle sensors. The one or more vehicle sensors configured to sense an intake air pressure of the vehicle. The electronic control unit determines an ambient air pressure from the intake air pressure sensed by one of the one or more vehicle sensors. The electronic control unit also calculates altitude of 5 the vehicle from the ambient air pressure at one or more engine operating conditions based on a look up table. The speedometer displays the altitude of the vehicle on a display unit.
[054] The present claimed invention solves the technical problem of use of additional barometric sensors for determination of the altitude of the vehicle on a 10 real time basis.
[055] Specifically, the claimed vehicle and the method for determination of altitude of the vehicle uses existing vehicle sensors to determine the altitude of the vehicle at a particular engine operating condition and thereby provides real time accurate altitude of the vehicle to the user. 15
[056] Additionally, the claimed method of the altitude determination of the vehicle provides real time altitude of the vehicle without any requirement of external servers and without any lag experienced in displaying the information to the user.
[057] Furthermore, the claimed method uses simple logic to determine the real time location of the vehicle and thereby runs the vehicle electronic control unit using 20 the existing vehicle battery.
[058] The present invention also provides advantages of reduction of part count of the vehicle and also maintains the existing weight of the vehicle.
[059] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed vehicle and the disclosed method of altitude 25 determination of the vehicle, the claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed invention enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed invention clearly bring an improvement in the configuration and method of altitude determination of the vehicle at one or more engine operating conditions 30
16
without using additional barometric sensors as the claimed invention provide a technical solution to a technical problem. [060] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing 5 from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Reference Numerals:
100 vehicle
102 headlamp assembly 5
104 front wheel
106 front fender
108 handlebar assembly
110 fuel tank
112 seat 10
114 power unit
116 pillion handle
118 rear fender
120 rear wheel
122 transmission system 15
124 speedometer
304 one or more vehicle sensors
306 electronic control unit
308 communication device , Claims:I/We claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a speedometer (124);
an electronic control unit (306); and
one or more vehicle sensors (304); 5
wherein one of said one or more vehicle sensors (304) being configured to sense an intake air pressure;
wherein said electronic control unit (306) being configured to determine an ambient air pressure from said intake air pressure sensed by said one of said one or more vehicle sensors (304); 10
wherein said electronic control unit (306) being configured to calculate altitude of said vehicle (100) from said ambient air pressure at one or more engine operating conditions based on a lookup table;
wherein said speedometer (124) being configured to display 15 said altitude of said vehicle (100) on a display unit.
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display unit being a display unit of said speedometer (124) and a display unit of a communication device (308).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more vehicle 20 sensors (304) being an engine speed sensor being configured to determine an engine speed of said vehicle (100), a throttle position sensor being configured to determine a throttle position of said vehicle (100), and a manifold air pressure sensor being configured to determine said intake air pressure by an engine (114) of said vehicle (100). 25
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said ambient air pressure being a first ambient air pressure, said first ambient air pressure being calibrated at an engine idling condition of said one or more engine operating conditions, wherein said engine idling condition being when said engine
19
speed being equal to a first preset engine speed and said throttle position being equal to zero.
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said ambient air pressure being a second ambient air pressure, said second ambient air pressure being calibrated at an engine running condition of said one or more engine 5 operating conditions, wherein said engine running condition being when said engine speed being greater than said first preset engine speed and less than a second preset engine speed and said throttle position being between zero and a first predetermined value.
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said ambient air pressure 10 being a third ambient air pressure, said third ambient air pressure being calibrated at an engine racing condition of said one or more engine operating conditions, wherein said engine racing condition being when said engine speed being greater than said second preset engine speed and said throttle position being greater than said predetermined throttle value. 15
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first ambient air pressure being calculated through multiplication with a first multiplication factor by said electronic control unit (306), and corresponding altitude being calculated from said look up table by said electronic control unit (306).
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second ambient air 20 pressure being calculated through multiplication with a second multiplication factor by said electronic control (306), and corresponding altitude being calculated from said look up table by said electronic control unit (306).
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said third ambient air 25 pressure being calculated through multiplication with a third multiplication factor by said electronic control unit (306), and corresponding altitude being calculated from said look up table by said electronic control unit (306).
10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said communication device (308) being configured to include a wireless communication module, 30 said wireless communication module being configured to communicate
20
with a wireless communication module of said speedometer (124) of said vehicle (100).
11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said wireless communication module being one of a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module.
12. A method (400) for altitude determination of a vehicle (100), said method 5 comprising steps of:
detecting (408) by an electronic control unit (306), an intake air pressure sensed by one or more vehicle sensors at one or more engine operating conditions,
determining (408), by said electronic control unit (306) an 10 ambient air pressure from said intake air pressure; based on said detection;
calculating (410), by said electronic control unit (306), an altitude of said vehicle (100) upon determination of said ambient air pressure based on a lookup table; 15
displaying (412), by said electronic control unit (306) said altitude of said vehicle (100) on a display unit.
13. The method (400) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said one or more engine operating conditions being one of an engine idling condition, an engine running condition, and an engine racing condition. 20
14. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said altitude determination of said vehicle (100) at said one or more engine operating conditions comprising:
detecting (504), by said electronic control unit (306) an ignition key input being equal to one; 25
determining (406), by said electronic control unit (306), an engine speed and a throttle position value of said vehicle (100) being sensed by said one or more vehicle sensors;
21
determining, (406), by said electronic control unit (306), one of said engine idling condition, said engine running condition and said engine racing condition.
15. The method (500) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said altitude determination of said vehicle (100) at said engine idling condition 5 comprising:
determining (506), by said electronic control unit (306), said engine speed being equal a first preset engine speed and said throttle position value being equal to zero, wherein said first preset engine speed being 200 rpm;
receiving (508), by said electronic control unit (306), said air intake 10 pressure value and multiplying with a first multiplication factor for calculating a first ambient pressure;
determining (510), by said electronic control unit (306), said altitude of said vehicle (100) upon verification of said first ambient pressure corresponding to said altitude of said vehicle (100) in said look up table. 15
16. The method (600) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said altitude determination of said vehicle (100) at said engine running condition comprising:
determining (606), by said electronic control unit (306), said engine speed being between a first preset engine speed and a second preset engine 20 speed, and said throttle position value being between zero and a predetermined throttle value, wherein said second preset engine speed being 600 rpm;
receiving (608), by said electronic control unit (306), said air intake pressure value and multiplying with a second multiplication factor for 25 calculating a second ambient pressure;
22
determining (610), by said electronic control unit (306), said altitude of said vehicle (100) upon verification of said second ambient pressure corresponding to said altitude of said vehicle (100) in said look up table.
17. The method (700) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said altitude determination of said vehicle (100) at said engine racing condition 5 comprising:
determining (706), by said electronic control unit (306), said engine speed being greater than said second preset engine speed and said throttle position value being greater than said predetermined throttle value;
receiving (708), by said electronic control unit (306), said air intake 10 pressure value and multiplying with a third multiplication factor for calculating a third ambient pressure;
determining (710), by said electronic control unit (306), said altitude of said vehicle (1000 upon verification of said third ambient pressure corresponding to said altitude of said vehicle (100) in said look up table. 15
18. The method (400) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said altitude of said vehicle (100) being displayed by said electronic control unit (306) on one of said display unit of said speedometer (124) of said vehicle (100) and a display unit of a communication device (308).
19. The method (400) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said one or more vehicle 20 sensors (304) being an engine speed sensor being configured to determine said engine speed of said vehicle, a throttle position sensor being configured to determine said throttle position of said vehicle, and a manifold air pressure sensor being configured to determine said intake air pressure by said engine (114) of said vehicle (100). 25