Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to an automobile. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rider assist system and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, automobiles are provided with an assist system that provide an indication to a user of the automobile. With the advancement in technology, rider assist system is updated based on the requirements of a user or other safety measures considered by the industry. The rider assist systems are generally equipped with multiple sensors to assist the user, and such assist systems includes a camera, a Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR), a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), an ultrasonic sensor, and the like. A sensor unit in the rider assist system are generally responsible for sensing the surrounding of the automobile and provide an indication to the user such that the user can take preventive action on imminent events such as a collision and prevent such events from occurring. Such events are provided as an indicator to the user.
[003] Currently, the automobiles are provided with a sensor, such as a radar sensor. The radar sensor emits radio waves and deflect the reflected radio signal to determine a distance of an object that are proximate to the automobile. The sensor unit detects the presence of the object and sends the information to the processing unit. The processing unit processes the information received from the sensor unit and provides the user with an audio alert in case of any imminent event is detected or perceived. The radar sensor is used for reverse parking, blind spot detection, proximity of other automobiles moving around the automobile within a certain range, and the like. The radar sensor is mounted on the front as well as on the rear side of the automobile for forward collision control, adaptive cruise control, and the like.
[004] In conventional automobile systems, the automobile does not have a buzzer unit. Therefore, the user is sent an indication either through a mobile application on a smartphone or indications displayed on the instrument cluster or the indications displayed with LEDs on the speedometer. In all the scenarios, the user is required to look away from the road and the obstacles on the road and hence, may lead to imminent events such as a collision and accident due to non-attention and distraction while riding. For example, if the automobile is on reverse mode and there is a blind spot while the automobile is approaching at a high speed. The user of the automobile needs a high alert in such scenarios to prevent accidents. However, the alert provided on the instrument cluster may fail to serve the situation, as the user may miss looking at the instrument cluster on time.
[005] Further, to check the information on the mobile device or the display unit, the user has to bend over which disturbs the ergonomic comfort of the user. Also, the instrument cluster receives inputs from various sensors, due to which there could be a delay in the processing of the input from the radar sensor. This leads to collision or accidents, as the user may not receive the alert in time.
[006] In some automobiles, an auxiliary buzzer unit is installed in the front portion of the automobile. The existing system leads to an overall increase in the part count and manufacturing complexity as the sensor units and buzzer unit are located at different parts of the automobile and need to be connected by additional wiring. Generally, the sensor unit is disposed at the rear of the automobile and the buzzer unit is placed on the instrument cluster or located towards the front of the automobile, which leads to a slight delay in the transmission of the signal from the rear side of the automobile to the front side.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a rider assist system and a method thereof, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards rider assist system. The rider assist system has a radar assembly. The radar assembly is configured to detect an object proximate to an automobile and compute a distance and a speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on a time to collision (TTC). The radar assembly is further configured to determine a condition based on the distance and the speed of the object from the automobile having the radar assembly and generate an alert signal if the condition determined being one of a set of predefined conditions. The rider assist system also has an indicator unit. The indicator unit is in communication with the radar assembly. The indicator unit is configured to receive the alert signal and provide an indication to a user of the automobile.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the radar assembly includes at least a radar unit, a processor unit and a control unit.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicator unit is disposed proximate to the radar unit or may be attached to the radar assembly and the indicator unit is controlled by the control unit of the radar assembly.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, a set of predefined conditions include one or more of: a forward collision detection, a backward collision detection, a blind spot detection, and a warning detection based on the TTC.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the radar assembly is mounted at predefined locations and orientations on a rear side of the automobile.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the radar unit includes a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit is configured to transmit and receive a radio signal. The radar unit further includes a processor unit, the processor unit is configured to process the radio signal received by the transceiver unit. The radar assembly includes the control unit, which is configured to compute the distance and the speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on the TTC; determine the condition based on the distance and speed of the object approaching the automobile; and generate the alert signal if the condition determined being one of the set of predefined conditions.
[014] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method for providing a rider assist system. The method includes the steps of detecting, by a radar assembly, an object proximate to an automobile; computing, by the radar assembly, a distance and a speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on a time to collision (TTC); determining, by the radar assembly, a condition based on the distance and the speed of the object; generating, by the radar assembly, an alert signal if the condition determined being one of a set of predefined conditions; receiving, by an indicator unit, the alert signal; and providing, by the indicator unit, an indication to a user.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the radar assembly includes at least a radar unit, a processor unit and a control unit.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicator unit is disposed in proximity to the radar unit or may be attached to the and the indicator unit is controlled by the control unit.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the set of predefined conditions includes one or more of: a forward collision detection, a backward collision detection, a blind spot detection, and a warning detection based on the TTC.
[018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the radar assembly is mounted at predefined locations and orientations on a rear side of the automobile.
[019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of transmitting, by a transceiver unit, a radio signal; receiving, by the transceiver unit, the radio signal; processing, by a processor unit, the radio signal; computing, by a control unit, the distance and the speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on the TTC; determining, by the control unit, the condition based on the distance and speed of the object; and generating, by the control unit, the alert signal if the condition determined being one of the set of predefined conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] 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 1A illustrates a rider assist system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1B illustrates a radar unit for the rider assist system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a method for providing the rider assist system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary method for providing the rider assist system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] The present invention generally relates to an automobile. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rider assist system and a method thereof.
[022] Figure 1A illustrates a rider assist system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rider assist system 100 as provided in the present invention has an integrated or attached indicator unit such as a warning/buzzer system. For example, the present invention provides the rider assist system 100, wherein the indicator unit 120 is disposed on a radar assembly 110, which has at least a radar unit 160, a processor unit 140 and a control unit 150. In an embodiment, the control unit 150 can be a radar control unit or a vehicle control unit. The control unit 150 is configured to regulate and control the operation of the radar assembly 110. The indicator unit 120 is activated when a collision or a blind spot is detected by the radar assembly 110.
[023] The rider assist system 100 has a radar assembly 110. The radar assembly 110 includes at least a radar unit 160, a processor unit 140 and a control unit 150. The processor unit 140 is configured to process the information received from the radar unit 160 and then transmit the processed information to the control unit 150. In an embodiment, the radar unit 160 may be a sensor or a sensor device mounted on the front and the rear and the sides of the automobile for assisting the user of the automobile. The processor unit 140 is configured for processing the radar signals received by the radar assembly 110. The control unit 150 on the radar unit 160 is used to process the received signal and make decisions on the collision events and blind spot detection and transmit the processed signal to the radar unit 160. In an embodiment, the control unit 150 activates the indicator unit 120. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle control unit activates the indicator unit 120. For example, when an event is detected for collision to occur, the processed signal from the control unit 150 is transmitted to the indicator unit 120 to alert the user either directly by the control unit 150 or via the radar assembly 110.
[024] The radar assembly 110 is configured to detect an object proximate to the automobile. The radar assembly 110 is further configured to compute a distance and a speed of the object that is proximate to the automobile based on a time to collision (TTC). For example, the radar unit 160 detects the object proximate to the automobile by continuously transmitting and receiving the radio signals. The control unit 150 provided in the radar assembly 110 processes the radio signals received from the radar unit 160 and calculates the distance and speed of the object from the automobile. When a blind spot or collision event conditions occurs, the radar unit 160 sends an indication information to the indicator unit 120. The indicator unit 120 then activates the warnings such as warning indication to the user, an audio alert with buzzer to the user, and the like.
[025] The radar assembly 110 is configured to determine a condition based on the distance and the speed of the object approaching the automobile. The radar assembly 110 is configured to generate an alert signal if the condition determined being one of a set of predefined conditions. In an embodiment, the set of predefined conditions include one or more of: a forward collision detection, a backward collision detection, a blind spot detection, and a warning detection, which may be based on the TTC. In an embodiment, the TTC is in the range of 0-120 seconds. In a further embodiment, the radar assembly 110 may be mounted at predefined locations and orientations of the automobile. In an embodiment, the radar assembly 110 is mounted on the front side, the rear side, the left side and the right side of the automobile. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the radar assembly 110 is mounted near a front panel of the automobile, near a rear panel of the automobile, near a left panel of the automobile and near a right panel of the automobile. The predefined location and orientation are decided based on the feasibility and the easy detection of the object to prevent collision of the object with the automobile. For example, the radar assembly 110 is mounted on the rear side of the automobile to prevent the backward collision and detection of the blind spot. The radar assembly 110 is mounted on the front side of the automobile to prevent a forward collision. Similarly, the radar assembly 110 is mounted on the left side and the right side of the automobile to prevent the lateral collision of the automobile.
[026] In a further embodiment, the rider assist system 100 is also provided with an indicator unit 120. The indicator unit 120 is in communication with the radar assembly 110. The indicator unit 120 is configured to receive the alert signal if the condition determined being one of a set of predefined conditions and then provide an indication to the user of the automobile. In an embodiment, the indicator unit 120 is disposed proximate to the radar unit 160 of the radar assembly 110 or may be attached to the radar unit 160 of the radar assembly 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the indicator unit 120 is integrated with the radar assembly 110 forming a single unit and hence, reduces the overall part count in the automobile. The indicator unit 120 is activated when the collision events are detected by the control unit 150 of the radar assembly 110.
[027] Figure 1B illustrates a radar unit of Figure 1A for the rider assist system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the radar unit 160 includes a transceiver unit 130 and a processor unit 140. The transceiver unit 130 is configured to transmit and receive a radio signal to and from the automobile. The processor unit 140 is configured to process the radio signal received by the transceiver unit 130. The radar assembly 110 is also provided with a control unit 150. The control unit 150 is configured to compute the distance and the speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on the TTC, and determine an event to occur, such as a condition based on the distance and speed of the object approaching the automobile and generate an alert signal if the condition determined being one of the set of predefined conditions.
[028] The indicator unit 120 is responsible to provide the indication to the user in the form of a Human Machine Interface (HMI), buzzer, audio alert, haptic alert, and the like. The radar unit 160 detects the presence of the object and the control unit 150 based on the analysis sends the indication to the user through instrument cluster/speedometer, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), audio alert, haptic alert, and the like.
[029] In accordance with the present invention, real time automobile data such as speed (210), Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) (220), and Global Positioning System (GPS) (230) information from the GPS (230) on the automobile, map and traffic data (240) may be received by the radar unit 160. The radar unit 160 uses these data to trigger a warning for the user of the automobile based on the required situations. The control unit 150 is configured to take decisions to activate the audio warning based on the real time data from other automobile Electronic Control Unit (ECU). For example, if a particular traffic situation is detected and a signal is sent to the control unit 150, the control unit 150 suppresses the audio warnings, hence reducing the user distractions. The radar assembly 110 is used in the automotive field for providing various advanced assistance and alert function to the user of the automobile. The radar unit 160 is configured to detect the object in the Field of View (FOV) that are within a specified range. The control unit 150 is configured to compute possible collision events and transmit an alert signal to the indicator unit 120. The control unit 150 upon receiving the signal, processes the signal and alerts the user of the automobile with any of the available mode of user interface such as display, LEDs, audio beeps, and the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, the radar assembly 110 is further provided with an inbuilt indicator unit 120 and the indicator unit 120 is in proximity to the radar unit 160, which is activated by the radar assembly 110 when the control unit 150 has computed a collision like events.
[030] Further, the indicator unit 120 is also integrated on the radar assembly 110 hardware or may be disposed in proximity to the radar unit 160, wherein the radar assembly 110 manages the alerts for blind spot detections, forward collision, backward collision, lateral collision and other warnings. The integrated indicator unit 120 is used when there is no buzzer available with the automobile control unit 150. In an embodiment, the control unit 150 may be configured to control the buzzer activation of the indicator unit 120. This eliminates the need for having a buzzer being collocated on other parts of the automobile, such as the automobile instrument cluster, for blind spot and forward collision warnings. The alert transmission delay for transmitting the alerts to different automobile units is also reduced, which gives effective and efficient alerting mode and ensures timely action from the user.
[031] When the control unit 150 computes the occurrence of a blind spot or collision detection based on the signal received, the control unit 150 is configured to transmit an alert, which is then provided to the user by means of the indicator unit 120. In an embodiment, the control unit 150 may activate the integrated indicator unit 120 and transmit the alert to the indicator unit 120 thereby alerting the user of the automobile. In an embodiment, the control unit 150 may be configured to modify the frequency of the indicator unit 120 to change the intensity of the indicator, for example the intensity of the audio alert. For different level of warning, the control unit 150 may be configured to transmit different level of audio signals, for example a beep or a buzz, to the indicator unit 120. Further, the present system can be used when there is no indicator unit such as a buzzer in other automobile ECUs. In an embodiment, the indicator unit 120 is integrated with the radar assembly 110. In case the automobile does not have a dedicated indicator unit 120, the present radar assembly 110 acts as a retrofit assembly which can be mounted to any part of the automobile as required.
[032] Figure 2 illustrates a method for providing the rider assist system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary steps involved in the method 200 for providing the rider assist system are illustrated in Figure 2. As illustrated, at step 202, the radar assembly 110 detects an object proximate to an automobile. In an embodiment, the radar assembly 110 includes a radar unit 160, a processor unit 140 and a control unit 150.
[033] At step 204, the radar assembly 110 computes a distance and a speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on a time to collision (TTC). In an embodiment, the radar assembly 110 is mounted at predefined locations and orientations of the automobile, which may be the front, rear and the sides of the automobile.
[034] At step 206, the radar assembly 110 determines a condition based on the distance and the speed of the object proximate to the automobile. In an embodiment, the radar assembly 110 has the radar unit 160, which includes a transceiver unit 130 and a processor unit 140. The transceiver unit 130 is configured to transmit radio signals and then receive the radio signal reflected from the object. The processor unit 140 is configured to process the radio signal. The control unit 150 of the radar assembly 110 is configured to compute the distance and the speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on the TTC, determine the condition based on the distance and speed of the object.
[035] At step 208, the radar assembly 110 generates an alert signal if the condition determined being one of a set of predefined conditions. In an embodiment, the set of predefined conditions includes one or more of: a forward collision detection, a backward collision detection, a blind spot detection, and a warning detection based on the TTC. In an embodiment, the TTC is in the range of 0-120 seconds.
[036] At step 210, the indicator unit 120 receives the alert signal and provides an indication to the user if the condition determined being one of a set of predefined conditions. In an embodiment, the indicator unit 120 is disposed in proximity to the radar unit 160 of the radar assembly 110 and the indicator unit 120 is an integrated part of the radar assembly 110 and attached to the radar assembly 110. In an embodiment the indicator unit 120 is controlled by the control unit 150. The process is again repeated if the condition determined does not correspond to one of a set of predefined conditions.
[037] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary method for providing the rider assist system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the illustration in the Figure 3 corresponds to the situation when the automobile is moving in the forward direction. As illustrated in Figure 3, at step 302, the processor unit 140 of the radar unit 160 processes the radio signal to detect the object proximate to the automobile. The radar unit transmits the signal to the control unit 150 for processing.
[038] At step 304, the control unit 150 computes a distance and a speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on a time to collision (TTC). Herein, the object may correspond to the approaching automobile, an obstacle, and the like. The control unit 150 calculates the distance and speed of the object. The speed and the distance of the automobile is fed to the control unit 150 from the automobile control unit. The control unit 150 determines a condition based on the distance and the speed of the object. Further, the control unit 150 computes a warning based on the TTC and the received signal. In an embodiment, the control unit 150 of the radar assembly 110 is configured to compute the distance and the speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on the TTC, determine the condition based on the distance and speed of the object, and generate the alert signal if the condition determined being one of the set of predefined conditions.
[039] At step 306, the radar assembly 110 detects whether the condition determined being one of the set of predefined conditions. At step 308, the radar assembly 110 determines whether the warning detected corresponds to L1 category, L2 category or a L3 category, and the warning is translated to an alert signal to be provided by the indicator unit 120 to the user. Based on the level of warning computed/detected, the frequency of the audio signal can either increase or decrease from a normal frequency level or tone that is set for the automobile. For example, the frequency or tone of the audio changes from the buzzer in the indicator unit 120. In an embodiment, the control unit 150 determines the severity on the basis of L1 (less severe) category, L2 (Moderately severe) category and L3 (Highly severe) category based on the TTC.
[040] For example, the TTC for L3 category is in the range of 0.5-1.5 seconds. Further, the TTC for L2 category is in the range of 1- 2.5 seconds and the TTC for L1 category is in the range of 2.5-3 seconds.
[041] At step 310, if the TTC is in the range of 2.5-3 seconds, then the L1 category indication is transmitted to the indicator unit 120 which can be provided to the user. At step 312, if the TTC is in the range of 1-2.5 seconds, then the L2 category indication is transmitted to the indicator unit 120 which can be provided to the user. At step 314, if the TTC is in the range of 0.5-1.5 seconds, then the L3 category indication is transmitted to the indicator unit 120 which can be provided to the user. In all the scenarios, the audio alert generated is of a different frequency to inform the user about the severity of the situation.
[042] In an embodiment, if the automobile is in the reverse mode, then the automobile calculates the TTC between the speed of the automobile, and the distance between the static object or any blind spot or the speed of the approaching object. The present invention also provides an option to the user to choose the warning category for receiving the alert. For example, the user “X” chooses to receive the alert if the TTC is in the range of L2 warning category. Therefore, the system provides the warning at L2 category stage.
[043] Further, if the automobile is in the reverse mode, the minimum speed of the automobile is in the range of 1-4 kmph, and the distance of the target object in the reverse mode is in the range of 0 to 3 meters. When the automobile is in the front riding mode, the control unit 150 is configured to determine the distance of the target automobile.
[044] Advantageously, the present invention provides for a retrofittable integrated warning system which includes a radar assembly with an indicator unit. The indicator unit, which may be a buzzer, is integrated with the radar assembly, which may be inbuilt into the radar assembly or attached separated to the radar assembly. The present invention allows for providing a secure warning system to alert the user of an automobile efficiently without any delay. The warning system is an integrated warning system and is retrofittable and can be mounted to any automobile without altering the layout of the automobile. Since, the indicator unit is integrated in the radar assembly, there is no need of an additional buzzer unit in the present invention. Hence, the design of the present invention is simple and cost-effective.
[045] The present invention further eliminates the need of additional wiring or system for sending an alert to the user of the automobile. This leads to cost saving not only in terms of length of cable, but also in terms of reduced copper usage, leading to better overall automobile efficiency. The present invention aims to overcome the challenge of transmission delay between the radar assembly and the instrument cluster of the automobile. The present invention is advantageous since the radar assembly is exposed to the environment so that the user can easily perceive the warning being generated by the present invention.
[046] The efficient packaging of the radar assembly allows for the reduced wiring harness length since the radar assembly is placed in the proximity of the indicator unit. Further, due to the disposition of the radar assembly on the automobile at the desired location and orientation, the data transmission rate is faster. Further, the assembly of the present invention on the automobile is easier and less sophisticated.
[047] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100: Rider Assist System
110: Radar Assembly
120: Indicator Unit
130: Transceiver Unit
140: Processor Unit
150: Control Unit
160: Radar Unit
200: Method for Providing a Rider Assist System
210: Speed
220: RPM
230: GPS
240: Traffic Data
, Claims:1. A rider assist system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a radar assembly (110), the radar assembly (110) configured to:
detect an object proximate to an automobile;
compute a distance and a speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on a time to collision (TTC);
determine a condition based on the distance and the speed of the object; and
generate an alert signal if the condition determined being one of a set of predefined conditions; and
an indicator unit (120), the indicator unit (120) in communication with the radar assembly (110), wherein the indicator unit (120) being configured to receive the alert signal and provide an indication to a user.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radar assembly (110) comprises at least a radar unit (160), a processor unit (140) and a control unit (150).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indicator unit (120) being disposed proximate to a radar unit (160) and the indicator unit (120) being controlled by a control unit (150).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of predefined conditions include one or more of: a forward collision detection, a backward collision detection, a blind spot detection, and a warning detection based on the TTC.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radar assembly (110) being mounted at predefined locations and orientations on a rear side of the automobile.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a radar unit (160) comprises:
a transceiver unit (130), the transceiver unit (130) configured to transmit and receive a radio signal;
a processor unit (140), the processor unit (140) configured to process the radio signal; and
a control unit (150), the control unit (150) configured to:
compute the distance and the speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on the TTC;
determine the condition based on the distance and speed of the object; and
generate the alert signal if the condition determined being one of the set of predefined conditions.

7. A method (200) for providing a rider assist system, the method (200) comprising the steps of:
detecting, by a radar assembly (110), an object proximate to an automobile;
computing, by the radar assembly (110), a distance and a speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on a time to collision (TTC);
determining, by the radar assembly (110), a condition based on the distance and the speed of the object;
generating, by the radar assembly (110), an alert signal if the condition determined being one of a set of predefined conditions;
receiving, by an indicator unit (120), the alert signal; and
providing, by the indicator unit (120), an indication to a user.

8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the radar assembly (110) comprises at least a radar unit (160), a processor unit (140) and a control unit (150).

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the indicator unit (120) being disposed proximate to a radar unit (160) and the indicator unit (120) being controlled by a control unit (150).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the set of predefined conditions includes one or more of: a forward collision detection, a backward collision detection, a blind spot detection, and a warning detection based on the TTC.

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the radar assembly (110) being mounted at predefined locations and orientations on a rear side of the automobile.

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, the method (200) comprising the steps of:
transmitting, by a transceiver unit (130), a radio signal;
receiving, by the transceiver unit (130), the radio signal;
processing, by a processor unit (140), the radio signal;
computing, by a control unit (150), the distance and the speed of the object proximate to the automobile based on the TTC;
determining, by the control unit (150), the condition based on the distance and speed of the object; and
generating, by the control unit (150), the alert signal if the condition determined being one of the set of predefined conditions.