Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a modular hardware platform for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, an electronic control unit of a vehicle includes a processor or a controller along with other electronic modules to process the information received from different components like sensor, other input device etc. of the vehicle. With an increase in technical advancement across all fields, components like sensors, input devices are improved with better features in order to achieve better results. Hence, the software in the system is also upgraded as per the improved features of various components of the vehicle. However, there are times when the software is upgraded but the processor is not upgraded. Therefore, either the processor might not be able to support the upgraded software or might not give the required performance as per the upgraded software as the hardware i.e., the processor is not updated.
[003] In the vehicle, as per existing state of art, if the user has to upgrade the processor, the user has to change the entire electronic control unit of the vehicle or purchase a new vehicle. The user does not have the flexibility to upgrade only the processor, as per the required features.
[004] The existing art does not provide a provision to upgrade the processor as per requirement. Thus, the existing art lack modularity and flexibility. Hence, there is a need in the art to provide a hardware platform which has the provision for upgradation of the processor to enable maximum features in the vehicle without changing the entire electronic control unit of the vehicle or without purchasing a new vehicle or without altering the existing layout of the vehicle.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a modular hardware platform for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a modular hardware platform for a vehicle. The modular hardware platform includes a receiving means. The receiving means is configured to removably receive a processing unit. The modular hardware platform includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to detect the processing unit in the receiving means. The control unit is configured to load predefined files from a first memory to a second memory connected to the processing unit. The control unit is configured to configure the processing unit to execute a plurality of functions in the vehicle.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to load the predefined files based on the processing unit from the first memory to the second memory connected to the processing unit.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to determine whether the processing unit is different from an earlier processing unit received in the receiving means. The control unit is configured to load the predefined files from the first memory to the second memory if the processing unit is different from the earlier processing unit.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the receiving means includes a slot.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the slot includes a push button mechanism. The push button mechanism is configured to allow the processing unit to be received and retained inside the slot and eject the processing unit from the slot.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the receiving means includes a wire harness.
[012] In an embodiment of the invention, the first memory is a flash memory and the predefined files stored in the first memory includes a set of data for the plurality of functions to be executed in the vehicle.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, one or more functions is selectively activated by a user of the vehicle through at least one input device of the vehicle and an application communicatively connected to the vehicle.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the input device is at least one of an image capturing device and a support device.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the processing unit includes a computational unit which is configured to perform the plurality of functions of the vehicle. The plurality of functions is performed by activating the input device and an output device.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more functions being selectively activated by the control unit based on an operating condition of the vehicle.
[017] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a method for upgrading a modular hardware platform for a vehicle. The method includes the step of removably receiving, a processing unit in a receiving means. The method includes the step of detecting, by a control unit, the processing unit in the receiving means. The method includes the step of loading, by the control unit, predefined files from a first memory to a second memory connected to the processing unit. The method includes the step of configuring, by the control unit, the processing unit to execute a plurality of functions in the vehicle.
[018] In an embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of loading, by the control unit, the predefined files based on the processing unit from the first memory to the second memory connected to the processing unit.
[019] In an embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of determining, by the control unit, whether the processing unit is different from an earlier processing unit received in the receiving means. The method includes the step of loading, by the control unit, the predefined files from the first memory to the second memory if the processing unit is different from the earlier processing unit.
[020] In an embodiment of the invention, the receiving means includes a slot.
[021] In another embodiment of the invention, the slot includes a push button mechanism. The push button mechanism is configured to allow the processing unit to be received and retained inside the slot and eject the processing unit from the slot.
[022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the receiving means includes a wire harness.
[023] In an embodiment of the invention, the first memory is a flash memory and the predefined files includes a set of data for the plurality of functions to be executed in the vehicle.
[024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of selectively activating, by a user of the vehicle, one or more functions, through at least one input device of the vehicle and an application communicatively connected to the vehicle.
[025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the input device is at least one of an image capturing device and a support device.
[026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the processing unit includes a computational unit configured to perform the plurality of functions of the vehicle. The plurality of functions is performed by activating the input device and an output device.
[027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of selectively activating one or more functions, by the control unit, based on an operating condition of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[028] 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 illustrates a block diagram of a system including a modular hardware platform for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of available configurations of the processing unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of components and functions which can be incorporated in the system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting selection of one or more functions based on an operating condition of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a method flow chart for upgrading the modular hardware platform for the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[029] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a modular hardware platform for a vehicle. The modular hardware platform is a system that uses modular hardware components. The modules or the components of the modular hardware platform and can be attached or detached from the platform. Generally, an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle includes a processor or a controller along with other electronic modules to process the information received from different components like sensor, other input device etc. of the vehicle. More particularly, the present invention related to a modular hardware platform for the ECU.
[030] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 of the vehicle (not shown) which includes the modular hardware platform 102. The system 100 also includes one or more input devices 114, a device interface 112, and one or more output devices 116. The modular hardware platform 102 executes a plurality of functions after receiving inputs from one or more input devices 114 through a device interface 112, and provide output through the one or more output devices 116.
[031] The modular hardware platform 102 includes a processing unit 104. The processing unit 104 is connected to the modular hardware platform 102 through multiple ways. In an embodiment, the modular hardware platform 102 includes a receiving means (not shown) configured to removably receive the processing unit 104. In an embodiment, the receiving means includes a slot (not shown). The slot includes a push button mechanism (not shown). The push button mechanism is configured to allow the processing unit 104 to be received and retained inside the slot and eject the processing unit 104 from the slot. In the push button mechanism, a button is pushed, and the slot is ejected. In the slot, the processing unit 104 can be inserted and pushed back. In an alternate embodiment, the processing unit 104 is placed in a slot which has a latch mechanism. When the latch is open, the processing unit 104 is placed in the slot, and then the latch is closed. In another embodiment, the processing unit 104 is attached to the modular hardware platform 102 by a wire by using a USB cable which fits into a slot of the modular hardware platform 102. Hence, depending upon the requirement, the processing unit 104 can be replaced by ejecting the existing processing unit from the slot and replacing the existing processing unit with a new processing unit. In another embodiment, the receiving means includes a wire harness. The processing unit 104 is attached to the modular hardware platform 102 by a wire harness of the vehicle.
[032] In an embodiment, the processing unit is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing unit. The AI processing unit is a special purpose processor used to perform specialized AI and Machine Learning functions. Further, the modular hardware platform 102 includes a control unit 106. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 is a microcontroller. The control unit 106 is configured to detect the processing unit 104 in the receiving means.
[033] Further, upon detection of the processing unit 104 in the receiving means, the control unit 106 is configured to load predefined files from a first memory 108 to a second memory 110 connected to the processing unit 104.
[034] In an embodiment, the control unit 106 is configured to load the predefined files based on the processing unit 104 from the first memory 108 to the second memory 110. The control unit 106 determines a type of the processing unit 104. As illustrated in figure 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the modular hardware platform 102 of the present invention allows the user to choose the processing unit 104 from a list of options (i.e., processing unit 1 128, processing unit 2 130, processing unit 3 132), which offers a wide variety of features which each one of the processing unit options is offering. For example, the processing unit 2 offers certain enabled features such as face recognition, helmet taction and along with a mid-range of thermal design power (TDP).
[035] As illustrated in figure1, depending upon the type of the processing unit 104, the control unit 106 is configured to load the predefined files for the type of processing unit 104 from the first memory 108 to the second memory 110. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 is configured to determine whether the processing unit 104 is different from an earlier processing unit 104 received in the receiving means. If the processing unit 104 is different from the earlier processing unit 104 then the control unit 106 loads the predefined files from the first memory 108 to the second memory 110. In an embodiment, the predefined files are stored in the first memory 108. In an embodiment, the first memory 108 is a flash memory and the predefined files stored in the first memory 108 comprise a set of data for the plurality of functions to be executed in the vehicle Flash memory is a non-volatile memory that is used to store and transfer data. In a non-limiting example flash memory is a multi-media card (MMC). In an embodiment, the second memory 110 is a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory connected to the processing unit 104.
[036] Once the predefined files are loaded in the second memory 110 connected to the processing unit 104, the control unit 106 configures the processing unit 104 to execute the plurality of functions in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the plurality of functions is performed by activation of the input device 114 and the output device 116.
[037] Sometimes, in an embodiment, the control unit 106 selectively activates one or more functions based on an operating condition of the vehicle. In an embodiment, control unit 106 can enable or disable certain functions of the vehicle based on various parameters such as a state of charge (SOC), fuel level, or rider conditions etc. In a non-limiting example, if the processing unit 104 is capable of performing certain number of functions, but since the SOC of a battery of the vehicle is in the range of 0 to 25% of the full battery the control unit 106 will disable certain functions of the vehicle in order to save the power of the battery of the vehicle. In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in figure 4, the control unit 106 checks the vehicle operating condition. If certain vehicle operating condition are met, then the control unit 106 will select the corresponding configuration and activate or deactivate certain functions, support device 124 and reset the TDP. In a non-limiting example, if the SOC of a battery of the vehicle is above 25% of the full battery and the fuel level is above 50%, then the control unit 106 will select the corresponding configuration i.e., configuration 2 and activate functions such as face recognition (F2), helmet detection (F3) etc. and support device 124 and reset the TDP to 2W. High TDP would mean faster computation by the processing unit 104. For example, if a processing unit 104 performs function 1 (F1), function 2 (F2) and function 3 (F3), then the processing unit 104 will be performing these functions faster in a system having higher TDP.
[038] In an embodiment, a user can also selectively activate the one or more functions of the vehicle from the plurality of functions which the processor 104 can execute. In another embodiment, the one or more functions is selectively activated by the user through at least one input device 114 of the vehicle and the application (not shown) communicatively connected to the vehicle.
[039] In an embodiment, in a non-limiting example, the input devices 114 through which the user can selectively activate the one or more functions includes a human machine interface (HMI) device (not shown). The HMI devices include at least one of a touch display panel and a push button, a mobile device connected to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the user can also selectively activate the one or more functions through the application of a mobile device (not shown) which is communicatively connected to the vehicle.
[040] In an embodiment, the input device 114 is also used to receive data. As illustrated in figure 3, the input device 114 is at least one of an image capturing device 122 and a support device 124. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the image capturing device 122 includes at least one of a RGB camera, an infrared (IR) camera, a thermal camera, time of flight (TOF) camera and an imaging radar. The support devices 124 are unit which support the functioning of the input device 114. In a non-limiting example, the support device 124 includes a combination of the RGB camera and the IR camera. In another non-limiting example, if the ambient light around an area is low, then the support device 124 could enable activating an illuminating device (not shown), or a vehicle illuminator (not shown) such that the image capturing device 122 can clearly capture the image.
[041] Once the input data is received from the input device 114. In another embodiment, the processing unit 104 is configured to process the received data to execute the plurality of functions. In an embodiment, the processing unit 104 includes a computational unit 126 which computes the received data from the input device 114 to execute the plurality of functions of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the processing unit 104 is configured with artificial intelligence (AI) modules also. The computational unit 126 includes a microcontroller or a microprocessor. In an embodiment, the microprocessor is based on Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) Architecture or X86 Architecture. In a non-limiting example, the operating system of the processing unit 104 includes at least one of a Linux, an android, robot operating system (ROS), Nvidia drive, VxWorks.
[042] In an embodiment, the plurality of functions that can be executed by the processing unit 104 varies as per the type of the processing unit 104. The function enable unit 120 of the processing unit 104 enables certain exemplary functions that can be performed by the processing unit 104. In a non-limiting example, in a face recognition function, the image capturing device 122 captures an image of the user of the vehicle, sends an image data to the processing unit 104 to recognize the user of the vehicle. In helmet detection function, the processing unit 104 compares the image data with pre stored data and uses AI modules to check whether the user is wearing a helmet. In helmet strap detection function, the processing unit 104 checks whether the user has locked the helmet. The processing unit 104 can also check the posture of the ride, it checks whether it is ergonomically correct or not, under posture detection function. Further, in vehicle unlock function, the processing unit 104, checks the facial image of the user, if the user is an authorised user then enable the unlock feature of the vehicle. Furthermore, in geofencing function, if the vehicle goes beyond a geographical location, the processing unit 104 enables the vehicle to send an alert to the user of the vehicle. Further, sentry mode function is to limit a maximum speed of the vehicle based on the certain vehicle condition.
[043] After execution of the function, the output is provided to the user through an output device 116. In an embodiment, the output device includes a display device, a haptic device and an audio device, depending upon the type of output.
[044] Figure 5 illustrates the method steps involved in the method 500 for upgrading the modular hardware platform 102 for the vehicle. At step 504, when the user starts the vehicle at step 502, the control unit 106 is switched ON. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 is a microcontroller.
The modular hardware platform 102 for the vehicle includes the receiving means which removably receives the processing unit 104. In an embodiment, the receiving means includes the slot. In an embodiment, the slot includes the push button mechanism. The push button mechanism is configured to allow the processing unit 104 to be received and retained inside the slot, and eject the processing unit 104 from the slot. In another embodiment, the receiving means includes the wire harness. At step 506, the control unit 106 detects whether the processing unit 104 is available in the modular hardware platform 102 or not. If yes, then, the control unit 106 detects the processing unit 104 in the receiving means. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 detects the type of processing unit 104. In an embodiment, at step 508, the control unit 106 determines whether the processing unit 104 is different from an earlier processing unit 104 received in the receiving means. If the processing unit 104 is same as the earlier processing unit 104, then at step 514, the control unit 106 will start the plurality of functions in the vehicle. But if, the processing unit 104 is different from the earlier or initial processing unit 104 received in the receiving means, then at step 510, the control unit 106 loads the predefined files from the first memory 108 to the second memory 110 connected to the processing unit 104. In a non-limiting example, the earlier or initial processing unit 104 is a processing unit with TDP 2W and is based on ARM Architecture. If the earlier or initial processing unit 104 is replaced with a different processing unit 104 with TDP 5W and is based on X86 Architecture in the receiving means, then at step 510, the control unit 106 loads the predefined files from the first memory 108 to the second memory 110 connected to the processing unit 104. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 loads the predefined files based on the processing unit 104 from the first memory 108 to the second memory 110 connected to the processing unit 104. In an embodiment, the first memory 108 is the flash memory and the predefined files includes the set of data for the plurality of functions to be executed in the vehicle.
[045] At step 512, the control unit 106 configure the processing unit to execute the plurality of functions in the vehicle. Once the processing unit 104 is configured, at step 514, the control unit 106 will start the plurality of functions in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the user of the vehicle can selectively activate the one or more functions through at least one input device 114 of the vehicle and an application communicatively connected to the vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 selectively activates the one or more functions based on the operating condition of the vehicle. The control unit 106 can enable or disable certain functions of the vehicle based on various parameters such as the SOC, fuel level, or rider conditions etc.
[046] In an embodiment, the processing unit 104 includes the computational unit 126 which is configured to perform the plurality of functions of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the input device 114 is at least one of the image capturing device 122 and the support device 124
[047] Advantageously, the present invention provides a modular hardware platform which has the provision for upgradation of the processor. The present invention provides a provision to removably attach and upgrade the processor in the system as per requirement. Hence, the present invention allows the user to enable maximum features in the vehicle without changing the entire electronic control unit of the vehicle or without purchasing a new vehicle or without alerting the existing layout of the vehicle.
[048] Further, if there is any damage in the processing unit, the same can be replaced without replacing the entire hardware platform as the processing unit is detachably attached to the hardware platform.
[049] The present invention aims to provide flexibility, and modularity to the user to upgrade hardware. The present invention ensures that user no longer has to be interdependent on the requirement of hardware. If a user wants to update the system, he can replace the components of the modular hardware platform. The present invention also increases the performance and allow the user to easily handle the vehicle. The present invention also increases market attractiveness of the vehicle.
[050] “In light of the abovementioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[051] 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 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.”
[052] 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 - System
102 – Modular hardware platform
104 – Processing unit
106 – Control unit
108 – First memory
110 – Second memory
114 – Input device
112 – Device Interface
116 – Output Device
120 – Function Enable Unit
122 – Image Capturing Device
124 – Support Device
126 – Computational Platform , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A modular hardware platform (102) for a vehicle, comprising:
a receiving means, the receiving means configured to removably receive a processing unit (104), and
a control unit (106), the control unit (106) being configured to:
detect the processing unit (104) in the receiving means;
load predefined files from a first memory (108) to a second memory (110) connected to the processing unit (104); and
configure the processing unit (104) to execute a plurality of functions in the vehicle.

2. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) being configured to load the predefined files based on the processing unit (104) from the first memory (108) to the second memory (110) connected to the processing unit (104).

3. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) being configured to determine whether the processing unit (104) being different from an earlier processing unit (104) received in the receiving means, and load the predefined files from the first memory (108) to the second memory (110) if the processing unit (104) is different from the earlier processing unit (104).

4. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving means comprises a slot.

5. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the slot comprises a push button mechanism, the push button mechanism configured to allow the processing unit to be received and retained inside the slot, and eject the processing unit from the slot.

6. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving means comprises a wire harness.

7. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first memory (108) being a flash memory and the predefined files stored in the first memory (108) comprise a set of data for a plurality of functions to be executed in the vehicle.

8. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more functions being selectively activated by a user of the vehicle through at least one input device 114 of the vehicle and an application communicatively connected to the vehicle.

9. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the input device 114 being at least one of an image capturing device (122) and a support device (124).

10. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (104) comprises of a computational unit (126) configured to perform the plurality of functions of the vehicle, wherein the plurality of functions being performed by activating an input device (114) and an output device (116).

11. The modular hardware platform (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more functions being selectively activated by the control unit (106) based on an operating condition of the vehicle.

12. A method (500) for upgrading a modular hardware platform (102) for a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
removably receiving, a processing unit (104) in a receiving means;
detecting, by a control unit (106), the processing unit (104) in the receiving means;
loading, by the control unit (106), predefined files from a first memory (108) to a second memory (110) connected to the processing unit (104); and
configuring, by the control unit (106), the processing unit (104) to execute a plurality of functions in the vehicle.

13. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, comprising the step of loading, by the control unit (106), the predefined files based on the processing unit (104) from the first memory (108) to the second memory (110) connected to the processing unit (104).

14. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, comprising the step of determining, by the control unit (106), whether the processing unit (104) being different from an earlier processing unit (104) received in the receiving means, and loading, by the control unit (106), the predefined files from the first memory (108) to the second memory (110) if the processing unit (104) being different from the earlier processing unit (104).

15. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the receiving means comprises a slot.

16. The method (500) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the slot comprises a push button mechanism, the push button mechanism configured to allow the processing unit (104) to be received and retained inside the slot, and eject the processing unit (104) from the slot.

17. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the receiving means comprises a wire harness.

18. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first memory (108) being a flash memory and the predefined files comprise a set of data for a plurality of functions to be executed in the vehicle.

19. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, comprising the step of selectively activating, by a user of the vehicle, one or more functions, through at least one input device (114) of the vehicle and an application communicatively connected to the vehicle.

20. The method (500) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the input device (114) being at least one of an image capturing device (122) and a support device (124).

21. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the processing unit (104) comprises of a computational unit (126) configured to perform the plurality of functions of the vehicle, wherein the plurality of functions being performed by activating an input device 114 and an output device 116.

22. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, comprising the step of selectively activating one or more functions, by the control unit (106), based on an operating condition of the vehicle.