DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a locking system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the locking system. Embodiments of the present invention also disclose the locking system and the method adapted to auto-lock the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, every vehicle is provided with a locking mechanism or a locking device. The locking device is operated for locking the vehicle for ensuring vehicle safety. Over the years, several locking methods and/or devices have been adapted for locking the vehicle. The most generic method of locking the vehicle is through a mechanical locking system. In the event the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle, the mechanical locking system is accompanied through an ignition locking system for locking a handlebar of the vehicle.
[003] One of the major drawbacks of the mechanical locking system along with the ignition locking system is that there needs to be an intervention of a user to enable locking of the vehicle. Another issue faced by the mechanical locking system is that it is easier to bypass and gain access to the vehicle. As an example, the mechanical locking system is easier to tamper with or is easier to break for gaining access to the vehicle.
[004] To overcome the aforementioned limitations in the mechanical locking system, a wireless access key or a key fob is provided. The key fob is typically provided with buttons. Actuation of the buttons on the key fob at a distance from the vehicle, operates the locking system (between a locked condition and an unlocked condition). Thus, the key fob minimizes intervention of the user with the locking system, since the key fob mitigates the need for the user to manually lock and manually unlock the vehicle. However, the key fob is typically associated with plurality of components in the vehicle, consequently increasing part count in the vehicle. Moreover, the key fob is typically connected to an instrument cluster of the vehicle. Thus, the key fob requires an additional connection between the cluster and the key fob, which is undesirable. Additionally, the user is prevented from accessing the vehicle without the key fob. As such, the user is required to hold onto the key fob till the journey is completed in the vehicle. Further, any person other than the user will be able to unlock the vehicle with the key fob, which is undesirable. Such a scenario causes inconvenience to the user, thereby affecting user experience, which is undesirable. Moreover, in the conventional auto-locking systems, the vehicle is locked even when the multimedia activity is taking place which causes inconvenience to the user, thereby affecting the user experience to the user, which is undesirable.
[005] Furthermore, there are instances where the user forgets to lock the vehicle. In such a scenario, the vehicle would be in unlocked condition until the user locks the vehicle, which is a major safety concern. Also, when the vehicle is in the unlocked condition, a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) and other electronic components are typically in an ON condition, thereby drawing-up power from a battery pack of the vehicle. If the vehicle is an electric vehicle, such a situation where VCU and electrical components are drawing-up power when the vehicle is not-in use critically affects the range of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[006] In the view of the above, there is a need of a locking system for a vehicle that overcomes one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a locking system for a vehicle is disclosed. The locking system comprises a control unit configured to receive at least one of an information pertaining to one or more operating parameters of the vehicle and an input from a user of the vehicle from one or more user devices. A state of the vehicle is then determined based on the information pertaining to the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. A locking device is then operated to a locked condition when the vehicle is detected to be in an inactive state. The locking device in the locked condition is adapted to lock at least a steering unit of the vehicle and disable one or more electronic components of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to operate the locking device to the locked condition, when the vehicle being detected in at least one of a charging mode and a standby mode of the vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect the charging mode of the vehicle, when a charging port of the vehicle is connected to a charging terminal and a power in-flow being detected and an inactive state of the instrument cluster
[010] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect the standby mode of the vehicle, when at least an inactive condition of the instrument cluster being reckoned over a predetermined duration of time and a side stand of the vehicle is deployed.
[011] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect the standby mode of the vehicle, when at least an inactive condition of the instrument cluster is reckoned over a predetermined duration of time and a side stand of the vehicle is deployed.
[012] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine the inactive condition of the vehicle, when at least one of: the vehicle is idle for the predetermined period of time, the speed is zero and when the side stand of the vehicle is in the extended position.
[013] In an embodiment, the instrument cluster is communicably coupled to the control unit and to a power ON button of the vehicle. The instrument cluster is adapted to determine a press condition of the power ON button. The control unit is adapted to operate the locking device to the locked condition, upon determining actuation of the power ON button to the first pressed condition through the instrument cluster.
[014] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to transmit a signal indicative of initiation of operating the locking device to the locked condition to at least one of the one or more user devices and an instrument cluster of the vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the control unit is adapted to operate the locking device to an unlocked condition upon receiving the input from the user through one of the one or more user devices and a power ON button, the input being indicative of an unlock request from the user. The locking device in the unlocked condition is adapted to unlock a steering unit of the vehicle and enable one or more electronic components of the vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, the control unit is adapted to operate the locking device to the locked condition and an unlocking condition upon authenticating the input received from the user through one of the one or more user devices and the power ON button.
[017] In another aspect, a method for controlling the locking system of the vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises the step of receiving by the control unit, at least one of the information pertaining to the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle and the input from the user of the vehicle from the one or more user devices. The state of the vehicle is then determined based on the information pertaining to the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. The locking device is then operated to a locked condition when the vehicle is in the inactive state. The locking device in the locked condition is adapted to lock a steering unit of the vehicle and disable one or more electronic components of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a locking system for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of a User Interface (UI) alerting a user prior to operation of the locking system to a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of the User Interface (UI) alerting the user prior to operation of the locking system to the locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method for controlling the locking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a method for operating the locking system to an unlocked condition through one or more user devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a method for operating the locking system to the unlocked condition through a power ON button in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a method for operating the locking system to the unlocking condition through a Near Field Communication (NFC) device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a method for locking the vehicle through the power ON button, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a flow diagram of a method for operating the locking system to the locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] The present invention relates to a locking system for locking and a method for controlling the locking system. The present invention also discloses the locking system and the method adapted to auto-lock the vehicle, when a user of the vehicle forgets to lock the vehicle or avoids unintentional auto-locking of the vehicle by checking a plurality of pre-defined conditions. The vehicle in the context of the present invention may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement. In the present embodiment, the vehicle may be a two-wheeled electric vehicle.
[020] In the context of the present invention, the term “locked condition” pertains to actions performed by the control unit for locking the vehicle and restricting access to one or more vehicle functionalities. Also, the term “unlocked condition” pertains to actions performed by the control unit for unlocking the vehicle. The term “locked condition” and “locking of the vehicle” are interchangeably used in the present disclosure, since the term “locked condition” is synonymous with locking of the vehicle. Similarly, the term “unlocked condition” and “unlocked of the vehicle” are interchangeably used in the present disclosure, since the term “unlocked condition” is synonymous to unlocking of the vehicle and permitting limited or complete access to the one or more vehicle functionalities. The one or more vehicle functionalities may include access to multi-media features of the instrument cluster, access to vehicle information, access to charging status of the vehicle as well as access to vehicle’s mobility function. Further, the term “auto-lock” corresponds to automatic operation of a locking device in the vehicle to a locked position.
[021] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a locking system 100 for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The locking system 100 is adapted to ensure that the vehicle is locked and secured, even when a user forgets to lock the vehicle. As such, the locking system 100 is adapted to enhance security and safety of the vehicle. Additionally, the locking system 100 mitigates the need for a key or a key fob for unlocking the vehicle.
[022] The locking system 100 comprises one or more user devices 102 that are adapted to receive an input from the user of the vehicle. The one or more user devices 102 may be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or any other computing device that is capable of receiving an input from the user. The one or more user devices 102 may also be a wearable device worn by the user such as but not limited to a smartwatch or a smart helmet. In another embodiment, the one or more user devices 102 may also be a device that is supported on a handlebar of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the input received by the one or more user devices 102 may be a command or instructions or request received from the user for locking or unlocking the vehicle. Accordingly, the input from the user is one of a lock request of the vehicle and an unlock request of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more user devices 102 may receive the input from the user through a voice command or through keypad on the user device or through a touch interface provided on the user device. The one or more user devices 102 may also be provided with an application interface, which can be a mobile application 104. The mobile application 104 is capable of interacting with the user for receiving the input.
[023] The locking system 100 also includes a locking device 112 disposed in the vehicle. The locking device 112 is coupled to a steering unit (not shown) of the vehicle. The locking device 112 is also communicably coupled to one or more electronic components of the vehicle such as a battery pack, a lighting device of the vehicle, an electric motor of the vehicle and the like. In the present embodiment, the locking device 112 is an E-lock or an Electronic-lock of the vehicle.
[024] The locking device 112 is operable between a locked condition (not shown) and an unlocked condition (not shown). In the locked condition, the locking device 112 is adapted to lock the steering unit as well as disable one or more electronic components of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the locking device 112 in the locked condition is adapted to lock rotation of the steering unit of the vehicle, while also cutting-off power supply to the one or more electronic components from the battery pack. In the unlocked condition, the locking device 112 is adapted to unlock the steering unit and also enable the one or more electronic components of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the locking device 112 in the unlocked condition is adapted to allow rotation of the steering unit, while also enabling power supply to the one or more electronic components from the battery pack.
[025] The system 100 further comprises a control unit 110 that is disposed in the vehicle. The control unit 110 is communicably coupled to the one or more user devices 102. The one or more user devices 102 may be communicably coupled with the control unit 110 wirelessly or may be wired as per requirement. In an embodiment, the one or more user devices 102 are communicably coupled to the control unit 110 using communication protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Radio Frequency (RF) etc. The control unit 110 is adapted to receive the input from the user through the one or more user devices 102, to lock or unlock the vehicle. Based on the input, the control unit 110 authenticates the input and thereafter proceeds to operate the locking device 112 suitably to either lock or unlock the vehicle.
[026] In an embodiment, an instrument cluster 106 is communicably coupled with the control unit 110 using a wired communication or a wireless communication. The instrument cluster 106 is further communicably coupled with one or more user devices 102 using communication protocols such as Bluetooth Law Energy (BLE), Radio Frequency (RF) etc. The instrument cluster 106 is adapted to authenticate the input received from the user through the one or more user devices 102. Subsequently, the instrument cluster 106 is adapted to send a request to the control unit 110 through CAN. The control unit 110, upon receiving the request from the instrument cluster 106, proceeds to operate the locking device 112 suitably to lock or unlock the vehicle.
[027] In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 may be provided with a processing unit (not shown) that is capable of receiving the input from the user through the one or more user devices 102. The processing unit in the instrument cluster 106 is also communicably coupled with the control unit 110 through wired or wireless communication and is adapted to provide a request to the control unit 110 upon receiving the input from the user. In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 may comprise a memory unit (not shown) configured to store one or more user authentication keys for at least a pin-based access to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle may comprise a reception device such as a Near-Field Communication (NFC) reader, configured to communicate with one or more transmitter cards flashed by an authorized user of the vehicle to achieve vehicle locking and unlocking function. In an exemplary embodiment the one or more transmitter cards are Near-field Communication (NFC) Cards.
[028] In an embodiment, the one or more user devices 102 is adapted to provide the input from the user to the instrument cluster 106. The instrument cluster 106 and the one or more user devices 102 are paired through the BLE, which in itself is an authenticated connection. The instrument cluster 106 further provides the input to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 may be hardwired to the locking device 112 (which can be an Electronic-Lock), and the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 suitably as per the request provided by the instrument cluster 106.
[029] The locking system 100 further comprises a power ON button 108 provided on a handlebar (or a steering unit) of the vehicle. The power ON button 108 is communicably coupled to the control unit 110. The power ON button 108 is capable of being operated to an actuated condition. The actuated condition of the power ON button 108 can be a first pressed condition and a second pressed condition. The power ON button 108 in the actuated condition is adapted to notify the control unit 110. Upon receiving notification from the power ON button 108, the control unit 110 suitably operates the locking device 112 to lock or unlock the vehicle.
[030] In an embodiment, the first pressed condition of the power ON button 108 is a long press condition. Accordingly, upon long pressing the power ON button 108, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the locked condition, thereby the control unit 110 locks the vehicle. In another embodiment, the first pressed condition comprises operation of the Power button to a first contact end. In an embodiment, the second pressed condition of the power ON button 108 is a short press condition. In another embodiment, the second pressed condition comprises operation of the power button to a second contact end. The first pressed condition and the second pressed condition for vehicle locking and vehicle unlocking may be used vice versa as well. Accordingly, upon short pressing the power ON button 108, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the unlocked condition, thereby the control unit 110 unlocks the vehicle. As such, based on the duration or degree of pressing the power ON button 108, the control unit 110 either locks or unlocks the vehicle. In an embodiment, the power ON button 108 is hardwired to the control unit 110. Accordingly, the status of the power ON button 108 is monitored by the control unit 110.
[031] In an embodiment, the status of the power ON button 108 is sent to the instrument cluster 106 through a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication by the control unit 110, particularly when the power ON button 108 is in the first pressed condition or long press condition. At this scenario, the instrument cluster 106 seeks for a passcode from the user for authentication. Upon authentication, the control unit 110 unlocks the vehicle.
[032] In an embodiment, when the control unit 110 is required to monitor the status of the power ON button 108, the control unit 110 is required to be active always. Such a scenario draws in 250 mAh of power from the battery pack.
[033] In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 can directly read status of the power ON button 108. Therefore, the control unit 110 need not be involved in determining status of the power ON button 108. Accordingly, the control unit 110 need not be awake for reading the power ON button 108. Consequently, the power consumption due to the control unit 110 is reduced. As such, only the instrument cluster 106 is required to be in sleep mode and check the power ON button 108 status. Such a scenario only draws around 50mAh of power from the battery pack, which is significantly lower than the control unit 106 drawing power during the sleep mode which is around 250 mAh.
[034] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is adapted to unlock the vehicle based on the instructions received from the user through the mobile application 104 and/or through the wearable device worn by the user. Accordingly, the requirement of carrying a key or a key fob for locking and unlocking the vehicle is mitigated. The mobile application 104 is required to be connected to the vehicle wirelessly, when the user is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle. In an embodiment, the mobile application 104 is connected to the vehicle through a Bluetooth technology. In another embodiment, the mobile application 104 connects to the vehicle within approximately 10 meters of the vehicle. In this scenario, the user can provide instructions through the mobile application 104 on the smartphone or through the wearable device to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 upon receiving the instruction from the mobile application 104 in the smartphone or through the wearable device is adapted to operate the locking device 112 for locking or unlocking the vehicle.
[035] In an embodiment, when the one or more user devices 102 is the wearable device, the wearable device is required to be connected to the smartphone or a personal electronic device of the user. Further, the smartphone is required to be connected to the instrument cluster 106. In another embodiment, the wearable device can be directly connected to the vehicle for locking and unlocking the vehicle.
[036] In an embodiment, the unlock request from the mobile application 104 in the smartphone or through the wearable device is sent to the cluster through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). In an embodiment, the unlock request is sent to the control unit 110 through CAN communication by the instrument cluster 106. In another embodiment, the control unit 110 operates the E-lock or the locking device 112 to the unlocked condition, upon receiving request or instructions from the mobile application 104 in the smartphone or through the wearable device, wherein the control unit 110 is hardwired to the locking device 112 or the E-lock.
[037] In an embodiment, the one or more user devices 102 may be a Near Field Communication (NFC) device. In another embodiment, the secret token being a near field communication NFC device. Accordingly, the user may use the NFC device for unlocking the vehicle. In an embodiment, the user may tap the NFC device on the vehicle for providing the unlocking instructions to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 upon receiving the instructions from the NFC device is adapted to operate the locking device 112 to the unlocked condition, thereby unlocking the vehicle. In an embodiment, the NFC device is tapped on the instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle for providing the unlocking instructions or the request to the control unit 110. In an embodiment, the NFC device is paired with the instrument cluster 106 in an assembly line of the vehicle itself, and thus the NFC device is authenticated at the initial stages of the assembly. As such, a further authentication step is mitigated by using the NFC device for unlocking the vehicle.
[038] Further, the system comprises one or more sensors 114 disposed in the vehicle. The one or more sensors 114 are adapted to procure information pertaining to vehicle operating parameters such as a speed of the vehicle. The one or more sensors 114 are also adapted to procure information pertaining to position of a side stand (not shown) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 114 comprises a vehicle speed sensor and a position sensor. The vehicle speed sensor may be mounted onto one of the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle speed sensor may be adapted to procure information pertaining to a rotational speed of the wheel. The position sensor may be mounted proximal to the side stand of the vehicle. The position sensor is adapted to procure information pertaining to a position of the side stand on the vehicle, which can be an extended position or a retracted position.
[039] The information procured by the one or more sensors 114 are transmitted to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 upon receiving the information from the one or more sensors 114 is adapted to determine the vehicle operating parameters. Accordingly, the control unit 110 upon receiving information pertaining to the rotational speed of the wheel from the vehicle speed sensor is adapted to determine the speed of the vehicle. Further, the control unit 110 upon receiving information from the position sensor is adapted to determine the position of the side stand. The control unit 110 based on the information pertaining to the operating parameters of the vehicle is adapted to determine a state of the vehicle. The state of the vehicle can be an active state or an inactive state. The active state corresponds to movement or dynamic state of the vehicle. The inactive state corresponds to a standstill state (vehicle speed being zero) of the vehicle.
[040] The control unit 110, upon receiving the request to lock the vehicle is adapted to operate the locking device 112 to the locked condition for locking the vehicle, based on the vehicle operating parameters. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 locks the vehicle during the long press condition only when the speed of the vehicle is zero. Thus, if the vehicle is moving, the control unit 110 overrides the request from the power ON button 108 and accordingly maintains the unlocked condition of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 also considers the position of the side stand for locking the vehicle. Accordingly, the control unit 110 may lock the vehicle, only when the speed of the vehicle is zero and the side stand is in extended position.
[041] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is adapted to auto-lock the vehicle only during the inactive state of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the inactive state of the vehicle comprises a standby mode and a charging mode. The control unit 110 determines the vehicle to be in the standby mode when the vehicle is idle for a predetermined period of time, the speed is zero and when the side stand is in the extended position. In an embodiment, when the side stand is engaged (or is in the extended position), the control unit 110 considers the vehicle to be in the standby mode. In an embodiment, the predetermined period of time is 2 minutes. The control unit 110 determines the vehicle to be in charging mode, when the vehicle is being plugged into a charging grid or a charging station and/or when a power in-flow is detected. In an embodiment, the mode of the vehicle is sent from the control unit 110 to the instrument cluster 106 through CAN. Accordingly, the instrument cluster 106 communicates the charging activity or the vehicle in the charging mode to the control unit 110 through CAN. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 determines the vehicle to be in standby mode when the vehicle is idling for two minutes, and the speed is zero or when the side stand is engaged and the speed is zero.
[042] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 monitors if multimedia activity is present in the instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle. If multimedia activity is present, then the control unit 110 retains the unlocked condition of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the multimedia activity is playing music, navigation, news, weather, watching videos on an application such as YouTube, playing games etc., In an embodiment, if the vehicle side stand is in the engaged position and multimedia activity is present, then the control unit 110 may selectively switch-OFF the battery pack and the electric motor, while only enabling the instrument cluster 106 for the multimedia activity. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 upon confirming no activity in the instrument cluster 106, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the locked condition, thereby locking the vehicle.
[043] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is adapted to auto-lock the vehicle by operating the locking device 112 to the locked condition. In an embodiment, during the auto-lock, the control unit 110 operates the E-lock to the locked condition for firstly locking the handlebar. Thereafter the control unit 110 turns OFF the battery pack and other electronic components. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is adapted to alert the user of the vehicle, when the vehicle is about to be auto-locked or when initiating operation of the locking device 112 to the locked condition. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is adapted to alert the user through at least one of the instrument cluster 106 and the one or more user devices 102. In an embodiment, the one or more user devices 102 may be a display device 202 (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) provided on the instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle or an audible device or a haptic device.
[044] In another embodiment, the control unit 110 may be adapted to provide an audible alert through the audible device disposed in the instrument cluster 106 or alert through the mobile application 104 or a haptic alert through the haptic device as per design feasibility and requirement. The haptic device may be mounted on the steering unit, such as a handlebar of the vehicle. Accordingly, haptic alert may be provided to the user through the handlebar. In an embodiment, the haptic alert may be provided through the smartphone of the user. The auto-locking ensures vehicle safety and provides a primary theft protection.
[045] In an embodiment, during the charging mode, the control unit 110 is adapted to monitor use of the instrument cluster 106 by the user. If the instrument cluster 106 is idle for the predetermined period of time, the instrument cluster 106 provides a lock request of the vehicle to the control unit 110. Accordingly, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 for locking the vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is disposed in the instrument cluster 106.
[046] In an embodiment, during the standby mode, the control unit 110 is adapted to monitor use of the instrument cluster 106 by the user. If the instrument cluster 106 is idle for the predetermined period of time, the instrument cluster 106 sends the lock request of the vehicle to the control unit 110. Accordingly, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 for locking the vehicle. In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 send the lock request of the vehicle to the control unit 110 using CAN. Accordingly, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 for locking the vehicle.
[047] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 is embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the control unit 110 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In another embodiment, the control unit 110 is configured to execute hard-coded functionality.
[048] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, a User Interface 200 of the application interface in the instrument cluster 106 is depicted. The UI 200 may be displayed to the user on the display device 202, when the vehicle is about to be locked or when the locking device 112 is about to be operated to the locked condition. The UI 200 may be a standby screen having a “all apps” tab 204 which is pre-invoked. Accordingly, the standby screen is provided with tabs 206 including multimedia applications such as a video playing application, a gaming application or a therapeutic application, as per requirement. Above the tab 206, a timer tab 208 is provided. The timer tab 208 indicates the time within which the vehicle will be locked (or auto-locked) by the control unit 110.
[049] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, as the vehicle remains in the idle position, the timer tab 208 is updated to timer tab 210 (as shown in Figure 3). Accordingly, the updated time is depicted to the user within which the vehicle will be auto-locked. In an embodiment, if the user does not want the vehicle to get auto-locked, the user may tap onto the display screen 202 and the auto-locking process is paused or terminated by the control unit 110. In another embodiment, any interaction indicative of remission of locking condition of the vehicle between the one or more user devices 102 and the instrument cluster 106 may dismiss the auto-lock function of the vehicle. This is due to the fact that, the control unit 110 may construe that the user is operating the instrument cluster 106, even though the vehicle is in standby condition and the side stand is in the engaged position. In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 monitors its use by the user.
[050] Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 for controlling the locking system 100 of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[051] At step 402, the control unit 110 receives the information pertaining to the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle and/or the input from the user of the vehicle. The control unit 110 receives the information pertaining to the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle through the one or more sensors 114. The control unit 110 receives the input from the user of the vehicle through the one or more user devices 102.
[052] At step 404, the control unit 110 determines the state of the vehicle, i.e. whether the vehicle is the inactive state or in the active state. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 determines the state of the vehicle even when only the input from the user is received.
[053] At step 406, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the locked condition when the vehicle is in the inactive state, upon receiving a request for locking the vehicle. The control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the locked condition, when a locking request is received from the user. The locking request can be made by the user by invoking a lock tab (not shown) on the mobile application 104 or on the wearable device, or on the instrument cluster 106.
[054] The control unit 110 also operates the locking device 112 to the unlocked condition, when unlocking request is received from the user. The unlocking request can be made by the user by invoking an unlock tab (not shown) on the mobile application 104 or on the wearable device, or on the instrument cluster 106.
[055] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is adapted to automatically operate the locking device 112 to the locked condition, when the vehicle is in the inactive state for the predetermined duration of time. As described in description pertaining to Figures 1 and 2, the control unit 110 automatically operates the locking device 112 to the locked condition when the vehicle speed is zero and the instrument cluster 106 is idle. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 automatically operates the locking device 112 to the locked condition when the vehicle speed is zero, the instrument cluster 106 is idle and the side stand is in extended position or is engaged on a ground surface.
[056] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figure 4, a flow diagram of a method 500 is depicted for unlocking the vehicle through the mobile application 104 and/or the wearable device.
[057] At step 502, the control unit 110 determines whether the mobile application 104 and/or the wearable device are connected to the instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the connection between the mobile application 104 and/or the wearable device and the instrument cluster 106 is through BLE. Upon confirming and authenticating the connection, the control unit 110 moves to step 504.
[058] At step 504, the control unit 110 detects if the user has invoked or pressed the unlock button in the mobile application 104 and/or the wearable device. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 receives confirmation on pressing of the unlock button through BLE. Upon confirming pressing of the unlock button, the control unit 110 moves to step 506. In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 detects if the user has invoked or pressed the unlock button in the mobile application 104 and/or the wearable device.
[059] At step 506, the unlock request is sent from the mobile application 104 and/or the wearable device to the instrument cluster 106. Thereafter, at step 508, the instrument cluster 106 transmits the unlock request to the control unit 110. In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 transmits the unlock request to the control unit 110 through CAN.
[060] At step 510, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the unlocked condition, thereby unlocking the vehicle. In an embodiment, the unlocking request can be made from a predetermined distance, say 10 meters from the vehicle, through the mobile application 104 and/or the wearable device. As such, the user need not be on the vehicle for unlocking or locking the vehicle.
[061] Referring to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figure 4, a flow diagram of a method 500 is depicted for unlocking the vehicle through the power ON button 108.
[062] At step 602, the control unit 110 monitors actuation of the power ON button 108. The control unit 110 monitors whether the power ON button 108 has been operated in the second pressed condition or the short press condition. In an embodiment, the short press condition refers to the condition where the power ON button 108 was rapidly actuated or where the power ON button was depressed partially.
[063] At step 604, the control unit 110 receives the input from the power ON button 108. The control unit 110 receives information that the power ON button 108 has been actuated in the short press condition.
[064] At step 606, the control unit 110 provides status of the power ON button 108 to the instrument cluster 106. Thereafter, at step 608 the instrument cluster 106 seeks authentication of the user for processing the status of the power ON button 108. In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 seeks for the passcode for authenticating the user.
[065] At step 610, the instrument cluster 106 provides the unlocking request to the control unit 110. Subsequently, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the unlocked condition at step 612 thereby unlocking the vehicle.
[066] Referring to Figure 7 in conjunction with Figure 4, a flow diagram of a method 700 is depicted for unlocking the vehicle through the NFC device.
[067] At step 702, the control unit 110 detects if the user has tapped the NFC device on the instrument cluster 106. Thereafter, at step 704, the control unit 110 automatically authenticates the user, since the NFC device is mapped onto the user details during the assembly line.
[068] At step 706, the control unit 110, upon authentication operates the locking device 112 to the unlocked condition, thereby unlocking the vehicle.
[069] Referring to Figure 8 in conjunction with Figure 4, a flow diagram of a method 800 is depicted for locking the vehicle through the power ON button 108. In this embodiment, the user manually operates the power ON button 108 for locking the vehicle.
[070] At step 802, the control unit 110 detects of the power ON button 108 has been operated to the first pressed condition i.e. the long press condition. In an embodiment, the long press condition refers to sustaining the pressed condition of the power ON button 108 for a predefined period of time or a complete depressed condition of the power ON button 108. Thereafter, the control unit 110 moves to step 804 to detect the long pressed condition of the power ON button 108.
[071] At step 806, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the locked condition, thereby locking the vehicle.
[072] Referring to Figure 9 in conjunction with Figure 4, a flow diagram of a method 800 is depicted for auto-locking the vehicle.
[073] At step 902, the control unit 110 is adapted to receive information from the one or more sensors 114 for determining the state of the vehicle. If the vehicle is in the active state, the control unit 110 moves to step 904 and retains the unlocked condition of the vehicle. If the vehicle is in the inactive state, the control unit 110 moves to step 906 and then to step 908.
[074] At step 908, the control unit 110 monitors if multimedia activity is present in the instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle. If multimedia activity is present, then the control unit 110 retains the unlocked condition of the vehicle. In an embodiment, if the vehicle side stand is in the engaged position and multimedia activity is present, then the control unit 110 may selectively switch-OFF the battery pack and the electric motor, while only enabling the instrument cluster 106 for the multimedia activity. If no multimedia activity is present, the control unit 110 moves to step 910. In an embodiment, the multimedia activity is playing music, navigation, news, weather, watching videos on an application such as YouTube, playing games etc.,
[075] At step 910, the control unit 110 upon confirming no activity in the instrument cluster 106, the control unit 110 operates the locking device 112 to the locked condition, thereby locking the vehicle. In an embodiment, the steps 902-910 are identical for both the standby mode as well as the charging mode of the vehicle.
[076] Advantageously, the present invention provides the locking system, that enables auto-locking of the vehicle in an event that the user forgets to lock the vehicle. Thus, improving safety of the vehicle. Additionally, the system in the present invention selectively locks the vehicle such that, only the instrument cluster for multimedia use is in ON condition, while other electronic peripherals are switched-OFF, thereby saving power. Consequently, improving the range of the vehicle. Moreover, the system ensures that unintended locking is prevented by detecting multimedia activity. Further, the system provides a remote method for locking and unlocking the vehicle, thereby mitigating the need for the user to be present in proximity of the vehicle. Additionally, the system authenticates the user prior to processing the request for locking and unlocking the vehicle. Further, the system mitigates the need for a key fob, thereby minimizing parts in the vehicle. Furthermore, due to the system, the security of the vehicle is increased and energy consumption of the vehicle in inactive mode is reduced, thereby mitigating the problems associated with deep discharging.
[077] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable storage medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media”.

Reference numerals
100 – System
102 – One or more user devices
104 – Mobile application
106 – Instrument cluster
108 – Power ON button
110 – Control unit
112 – Locking device
114 – One or more sensors
200 – User Interface
202 – Display device
204 – All apps tab
206 – Tabs
208 – Timer tab
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A locking system (100) for a vehicle, the locking system (100) comprising:
a control unit (110) configured to:
receive, at least one of an information pertaining to one or more operating parameters of the vehicle and an input from a user of the vehicle from one or more user devices (102);
determine, a state of the vehicle based on the information pertaining to the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle; and
operate a locking device (112) disposed in the vehicle to a locked condition when the vehicle being detected to be in an inactive state, wherein the locking device (112) in the locked condition being adapted to lock at least a steering unit of the vehicle and disable one or more electronic components of the vehicle.

2. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) being configured to operate the locking device (112) to the locked condition, when the vehicle being detected in at least one of: a charging mode and a standby mode of the vehicle.

3. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (110) being configured to detect the charging mode of the vehicle, when a charging port of the vehicle being connected to a charging terminal and a power in-flow being detected and an inactive state of the instrument cluster (106).

4. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (110) being configured to detect the standby mode of the vehicle, when at least an inactive condition of the instrument cluster (106) being reckoned over a predetermined duration of time and a side stand of the vehicle being deployed.

5. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to determine the inactive condition of the vehicle, when at least one of the vehicle is idle for a predetermined period of time, the speed being zero and when a side stand of the vehicle is in the extended position.

6. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking system (100) comprises an instrument cluster (106) communicably coupled to the control unit (110) and to a power ON button (108) of the vehicle, the instrument cluster (108) being adapted to determine a press condition of the power ON button (108),
wherein the control unit (110) being adapted to operate the locking device (112) to the locked condition, upon determining actuation of the power ON button (108) to a first pressed condition through the instrument cluster (108).

7. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) being configured to transmit a signal indicative of initiation of operating the locking device (112) to the locked condition to at least one of the one or more user devices (102) and an instrument cluster (106) of the vehicle.

8. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) being adapted to operate the locking device (112) to an unlocked condition upon receiving the input from the user through one of the one or more user devices (102) and a power ON button (108), wherein the input being indicative of an unlock request from the user, and
wherein the locking device (112) in the unlocked condition being adapted to unlock a steering unit of the vehicle and enable one or more electronic components of the vehicle.

9. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) being adapted to operate the locking device (112) to an unlocking condition based on at least one of:
an authenticating input received from the user through one of the one or more user devices (102) and a power ON button (108);
a pre-set code being transmitted to an instrument cluster of the vehicle via one or more user devices (102); and
tapping of a secured token onto a receiver unit of the vehicle to verify the user.

10. A method (400) for controlling a locking system (100) of a vehicle, the method (400) comprising:
receiving (402), by a control unit (110), at least one of an information pertaining to one or more operating parameters of the vehicle and an input from a user of the vehicle from one or more user devices (102);
determining (404), by the control unit (110), a state of the vehicle based on the information pertaining to the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle; and
operating (406), by the control unit (110), a locking device (112) disposed in the vehicle to a locked condition when the vehicle being detected to be in an inactive state, wherein the locking device (112) in the locked condition being adapted to lock at least a steering unit of the vehicle and disable one or more electronic components of the vehicle.

11. The method (400) as claimed in claim 10 comprising operating, by the control unit (110), the locking device (112) to the locked condition when the vehicle is detected in at least one of: a charging mode and a standby mode of the vehicle.

12. The method (400) as claimed in claim 11 comprising detecting, by the control unit (110):
the charging mode of the vehicle, when a charging port of the vehicle being connected to a charging terminal and a power in-flow being detected and an inactive state of the instrument cluster; and
the standby mode of the vehicle, when at least an inactive condition of the instrument cluster being reckoned over a predetermined duration of time and a side stand of the vehicle being deployed.

13. The method (400) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method (400) comprising operating, by the control unit (110), the locking device (112) to a locked condition, upon determining actuation of the power ON button (108) to a first pressed condition through the instrument cluster (108).

14. The method (400) as claimed in claim 10 comprising transmitting, by the control unit (110), a signal indicative of initiation of operating the locking device (112) to the locked condition to at least one of the one or more user devices (102) and an instrument cluster (106) of the vehicle.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method comprising operating, by the control unit (110), the locking device (112) to an unlocked condition upon receiving the input from the user through one of the one or more user devices (102) and a power ON button (108), wherein the input being indicative of an unlock request from the user,
wherein the locking device (112) in the unlocked condition being adapted to unlock a steering unit of the vehicle and enable one or more electronic components of the vehicle.