Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of sound generation systems and methods in vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for generating a plurality of sound tones in a vehicle using a singular horn device.

BACKGROUND

Sound generation systems for generating notification sounds or audio alerts have been known for decades in the automotive industry. Conventionally, such sound generation systems include horns and transducers configured to generate turn indicator notifications, seat belt warnings, and door alerts. These alerts are required to alert the operator and/or a pedestrian in different scenarios, leading each of the individual sound generating devices to generate a specialized sound for a specific scenario. This leads to the deployment of multiple transducers in vehicles. For example, a door alert may be generated by one transducer while a seat belt notification or turn indicator notification may be generated by another transducer. Since these transducers are typically monotone transducers, capable of producing only one type of sound tone, several such transducers may be deployed to generate the appropriate sound tone for the specific scenario.

A major drawback of existing sound generation systems include the complexity arising from the use of multiple specialized transducers. Each individual transducer requires a circuitry of its own, leading to increased component count and intricate wiring requirements. Moreover, the monotone nature of individual transducers necessitates the use of multiple sound transducers, for example, horns, speakers, beepers, buzzers, etc., for generating diverse sound tones. This complexity not only affects the reliability of the system but also complicates vehicle design and assembly processes. Furthermore, fault detection of the installed wiring for each transducer becomes difficult. Finally, the overall cost of the sound generation system increases with the increase in the number of transducers and increase in complexity of the control system for controlling their operation.

One such prior art includes a signaling system incorporating an electronic circuit. The electronic circuitry includes an electronically powered programmable microcontroller, a horn driver circuit, voltage sensing circuit, on a printed circuit board (PCB) Assembly and one or more sensors. The system generates warning sounds, performs multiple functions, and is compatible to operate in different voltage ranges.

Considering the aforementioned challenges, there is a compelling need for consolidating the functions of multiple transducers into lesser complex systems. Such a system should be capable of producing a variety of sound tones as required for different alerts, which would significantly simplify the installation, space requirements, and reduce component count. Furthermore, such a system would enhance the reliability and efficiency of audio alert systems in vehicles, leading to advancements in automotive safety and user experience.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is advantageous to provide a system and a method that can overcome one or more of the above-mentioned problems and limitations of the existing sound generation systems in the vehicles.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure aims to provide a system and a method for generating a plurality of sound tones in a vehicle using a singular horn device.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for generating sound tones in a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a memory unit, a Vehicle Control Unit, a selection unit, an enhancement unit, and a horn device. The memory unit is configured to store the sound tones including horn tones and audio tones such that each audio tone corresponds to a notification sound of the vehicle. The Vehicle Control Unit is configured to receive information associated with the vehicle and the selection unit is in communication with the memory unit and the Vehicle Control Unit. The selection unit is configured to generate, via the horn device coupled to the selection unit, at least one audio tone retrieved from the audio tones in the absence of a horn tone input signal and a horn tone retrieved from the horn tones in the presence of the horn tone input signal. The enhancement unit is in communication with the selection unit, the memory unit, and the horn device. The enhancement unit is configured to generate reconstructed audio power signals upon receiving an output signal indicative of at least one of the retrieved audio tone and the retrieved horn tone from the selection unit. The horn device is configured to generate the sound tones from the reconstructed audio power signals generated by the enhancement unit.

In another embodiment, a method for generating a plurality of sound tones in a vehicle, is disclosed. The method includes storing, by at least one memory unit, the sound tones including horn tones and audio tones such that each audio tone corresponds to a notification sound of the vehicle. Next, the method includes receiving, by a Vehicle Control Unit, information associated with the vehicle and/or its environment. Then, the method includes generating, by a selection unit in communication with the memory unit and the Vehicle Control Unit, an output signal indicative of at least one of an audio tone retrieved from the audio tones in the absence of a horn tone input signal and a horn tone retrieved from the horn tones in the presence of the horn tone input signal. Thereafter, the method includes generating, by an enhancement unit, reconstructed audio power signals upon receiving the generated output signal from the selection unit. Finally, the method includes generating, via a horn device coupled to the selection unit and the enhancement unit, the sound tones from the reconstructed audio power signals generated by the enhancement unit.

The present disclosure provides a configuration of a system along with a method to operate the system to generate the plurality of sound tones via the horn device.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram depicting an operation of an enhancement unit of the system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4 illustrates a method performed by the system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (100-A) of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) may be an Electric vehicle (EV) or a battery powered vehicle, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the “vehicle (100)” may be construed to interchangeably refer to the EV (100), a conventional vehicle (100) adapted to be powered by an internal combustion engine, a hybrid vehicle (100), a hydrogen powered vehicle (100), an ammonia powered vehicle, or a fuel cell powered vehicle (100). The EV (100) or the battery powered vehicle including, and not limited to two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes/motorcycles; three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four-wheelers such as cars and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the EV. In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) may be interchangeably referred to as the EV (100), without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the EV (100) may have at least one wheel which is electrically powered to traverse such a vehicle. The term ‘wheel’ may be referred to any ground-engaging member which allows traversal of the EV (100) over a path. The types of EVs include Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).

In construction, the EV (100) typically comprises hardware components such as a battery or battery module enclosed within a battery casing and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an on-board charger, a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor and an electric transmission system. In addition to the hardware components/elements, the EV (100) may be supported with software modules comprising intelligent features including and not limited to navigation assistance, hill assistance, cloud connectivity, Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, adaptive display techniques and so on. The firmware of the EV (100) may also comprise Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) driven modules which enable the prediction of a plurality of parameters such as and not limited to driver/rider behaviour, road condition, charging infrastructures/charging grids in the vicinity and so on. The data pertaining to the intelligent features may be displayed through a display device present in the dashboard of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the display device may contain a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen of a predefined dimension. In another embodiment, the display device may contain a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) screen of a predefined dimension. The display device may be a water-resistant display supporting one or more User-Interface (UI) designs. The EV (100) may support multiple frequency bands such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and so on. Additionally, the EV (100) may also be equipped with wireless infrastructure such as, and not limited to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and so on to facilitate wireless communication with other EVs or the cloud.

In one example, the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (100-A) of the EV (100) is responsible for managing all the operations of the EV (100), wherein the key elements of the VCU (100-A) typically includes (i) a microcontroller core (or processor unit) (120); (ii) a memory unit (140); (iii) a plurality of input (160) and output modules (180) and (iv) communication protocols including, but not limited to a CAN protocol, Serial Communication Interface (SCI) protocol and so on. The sequence of programmed instructions and data associated therewith can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory unit (140) or storage device which may be any suitable memory apparatus such as, but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk drive and the like. In one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, non-transitory computer-readable storage media can be embodied with a sequence of programmed instructions for monitoring and controlling the operation of different components of the EV.

The processor unit (120) may include any computing system which includes, but is not limited to, Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Visual Processing Unit (VPU), and/or an AI-dedicated processor such as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). In an embodiment, the processor can be a single processing unit or several units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory. The instructions can be compiled from source code instructions provided in accordance with a programming language such as Java, C++, C#.net or the like. The instructions can also comprise code and data objects provided in accordance with, for example, the Visual Basic™ language, LabVIEW, or another structured or object-oriented programming language. The one or a plurality of processing units (120) control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (AI) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning algorithms which include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

Furthermore, the modules, processes, systems, and devices can be implemented as a single processor or as a distributed processor. Also, the processes, modules, and sub-modules described in the various figures of and for embodiments herein may be distributed across multiple computers or systems or may be co-located in a single processor or system. Further, the modules can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit (120) can comprise a computer, a processor, such as the processor, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions.

The processing unit (120) can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit (120) can be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the modules may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit (120), perform any of the described functionalities. In an embodiment, the modules may include a receiving module, a generating module, a comparing module, a pairing module, and a transmitting module. The receiving module, the generating module, the comparing module, the pairing module, and the transmitting module may be in communication with each other. The data serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules. Exemplary structural embodiment alternatives suitable for implementing the modules, sections, systems, means, or processes described herein are provided below.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system (200), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system (200) may be associated with the vehicle (100), without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The system (200), disclosed herein, for generating a plurality of sound tones in the vehicle (100) includes the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (100-A), at least one memory unit (202), a selection unit (204), an enhancement unit (206), and the horn device (208). The at least one memory unit (202) is configured to store the plurality of sound tones including a plurality of horn tones and a plurality of audio tones. In an embodiment, the memory unit (202) is also configured to store gain data and tone data corresponding to each of the horn tones and the audio tones. The VCU (100-A) is configured to receive information associated with the vehicle (100). The information may include, but is not limited to, information associated with an activated/deactivated state of a turn indicator switch, an open/close state of a door of the vehicle (100), an engaged/disengaged state of a seat belt of the vehicle (100), an engaged/disengaged state of a side stand of a two-wheeled vehicle (100), a traction battery low State of Charge (SOC) state, a vehicle reversing state, etc. The selection unit (204) is in communication with the memory unit (202) and the VCU (100-A).

Each audio tone corresponds to a notification sound of the vehicle (100). The notification sound may indicate an event or absence of an event. The event may include, but is not limited to, a user of the vehicle (100) disengaging the seat belt while the vehicle (100) is in motion, the user of the vehicle (100) actuating the turn indicator of the vehicle (100), etc. The notification sound includes, for example, but is not limited to, an audio tone notifying the user of the vehicle (100) upon activation of the turn indicator switch, an audio tone notifying the user of disengagement of the seat belt, an audio tone notifying the user of the door of the vehicle in the open state, an audio tone notifying the user of engagement/disengagement of the side stand, an audio tone notifying the user of a low State of Charge (SOC) state of a traction battery, an audio tone notifying the user of the vehicle (100) in the reversing state, etc.

In an embodiment, the audio tone associated with one event may be identical to the audio tone associated with another event. Alternatively, the audio tone associated with each event is distinct. The audio tone may be configured to be generated for a predefined time duration or continuously and/or periodically until a user input for deactivating the audio tone is received. In certain implementations according to the disclosure, the audio tone associated with a first event may be configured to be louder relative to the audio tone associated with a second event. In an embodiment, each audio tone may be configured to be louder than an ambient noise level of the vehicle (100).

In operation, the selection unit (204) may receive a horn tone input signal or an audio tone input signal from the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (100-A). The horn tone input signal or the audio tone input signal may be transmitted by the VCU (100-A) to the selection unit (204) based on the received information associated with the vehicle (100). The horn tone input signal and the audio tone input signal may be received simultaneously or sequentially, i.e., the horn tone input signal followed by the audio tone input signal, or the audio tone input signal followed by the horn tone input signal. The selection unit (204) functions to prioritize or perform a selection between the received audio tone input signal and/or the horn tone input signal. In an embodiment, the horn tone input signal may be a DC signal if the horn device (208) is a horn with an inbuilt resonator actuated switch. Alternatively, the horn tone input signal may be an AC signal with required horn frequency.

The horn tone input signal may be received from the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (100-A) when an operator of the vehicle (100) presses or activates a switch for actuating the horn device (208). The audio tone input signal may be received from the VCU (100-A) upon detection of the event, for example, but not limited to, detection of the actuation of the turn indicator switch, detection of the open door, etc. The selection unit (204) prioritizes selection of the horn tone input signal in case both the horn tone input signal and the audio tone input signal are received simultaneously. The selection unit (204) is configured to generate, via the horn device (208) coupled to the selection unit (204), at least one audio tone retrieved from the audio tones in the absence of the horn tone input signal. This means the at least one audio tone is generated only if the horn tone input signal is absent. While the at least one audio tone is generated, if the horn tone input signal is received, then the selection unit (204) generates, via the horn device (208), the horn tone and the selection unit (204) returns to generating the at least one audio tone when the horn tone input signal is absent or no longer received from the VCU (100-A).

For generating the at least one audio tone, the selection unit (204) is configured to receive the at least one audio tone input signal from the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (100-A). The selection unit (204) proceeds to retrieve the at least one audio tone only if the horn tone input signal is absent. The selection unit (204) retrieves the at least one audio tone associated with the received audio tone input signal from the audio tones stored in the memory unit (202). Thereafter, the selection unit (204) generates, via the horn device (208), the retrieved audio tone in the absence of the horn tone input signal. In an embodiment, the horn device (208) is a fixed frequency electromechanical resonator.

For generating the horn tone, the selection unit (204) is configured to receive, from the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), the horn tone input signal alone or the horn tone input signal and the at least one audio tone input signal simultaneously. In both cases, the selection unit (204) prioritizes the horn tone input signal and proceeds to retrieve the horn tone associated with the received horn tone input signal from the horn tones stored in the memory unit (202). For example, while the turn indicator is activated, if the user intends to activate and activates the horn device (208) due to the presence of an obstacle, the horn tone input signal is prioritized and the audio tone input signal is temporarily cut off or bypassed by the horn tone input signal. Thereafter, the selection unit (204) generates, via the horn device (208), the retrieved horn tone without generating the audio tone associated with the turn indicator until the user stops activating the horn device (208). Thereafter, when the user stops activating the horn device (208), the selection unit (204) returns to retrieve the at least one audio tone associated with the turn indicator provided the turn indicator is still in the activated state. Therefore, the selection unit (204) generates the at least one audio tone associated with the turn indicator only when the selection unit (204) stops receiving the horn tone input signal..

The enhancement unit (206) is in communication with the selection unit (204), the memory unit (202), and the horn device (208) as will be described in detail in the detailed description of Figure 3. The enhancement unit (206) is configured to generate reconstructed audio power signals upon receiving an output signal indicative of at least one of the retrieved audio tone and the retrieved horn tone from the selection unit (204). The horn device (208) is configured to generate the plurality of sound tones from the reconstructed audio power signals generated by the enhancement unit (206). In an embodiment, the horn device (208) is a fixed frequency electromechanical resonator configured to convert generated audio power signals into the plurality of sound tones.

Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram depicting an operation of the enhancement unit (206) of the system (200), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The enhancement unit (206) includes a power amplifier (302), a gain compensation unit (304), and a filter (306).

The power amplifier (302) is in communication with the selection unit (204) and the memory unit (202). The power amplifier (302) modulates signals to required power levels. The memory unit (202) supplies both the tone and the gain data to the power amplifier (302). In an embodiment, the power amplifier (302) is a programmable amplifier with gain control capability of selected frequency bands within the audio signal. The power amplifier (302) is configured to receive and amplify AC and DC output signals received from the selection unit (204), such that the amplified output signal is compatible with the horn device (208). For example, the power amplifier (302) may provide required amplification compatible to the horn device (208) which may or may not have an inbuilt resonator switch mechanism, thus providing for both AC and/or DC power amplification.

The gain compensation unit (304) is in communication with the selection unit (204) and the memory unit (202) and connected between the power amplifier (302) and the horn device (208). The memory unit (202) is designed such that the memory unit (202) provides both the tone data and the gain data for each audio tone being commanded by the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A). The memory unit (202) may also be overridden if an inbuilt resonator switch mechanism is used in the application. The gain compensation unit (304) is configured to generate and transmit an error correction signal to the power amplifier (302) thereby providing feedback of the output power of the power amplifier (302). The gain of the power amplifier (302) is dynamically corrected based on the error correction signal received from the gain compensation unit (304).

Thereafter, the output of the power amplifier (302) is fed to the filter (306) to provide requisite reconstruction of the audio power signal. The filter (306) is connected between the power amplifier (302) and the horn device (208) and configured to process the amplified output signal from the power amplifier (302) to generate reconstructed audio power signals. In an embodiment, the filter (306) may be an LC filter, wherein the LC filter may either be a passive filter (306) or an active filter (306) based on the required power output. The horn device (208) receives the reconstructed audio power signals from the filter (306) to generate the plurality of sound tones.

In an embodiment, the horn device (208) may be configured to generate the sound tones in a continuous mode or in an intermittent mode. In certain implementations, the horn device (208) may be configured to switch to the intermittent mode from the continuous mode after a predetermined time of operating in the continuous mode or switch off from the continuous mode after a predetermined time. In yet another embodiment, the horn device (208) may be configured to generate the sound tones until the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A) receives a deactivation signal.

Figure 4 illustrates a method (400) performed by the system (200) shown in Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The order in which the method steps are described below is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps can be combined in any appropriate order to execute the method or an alternative method. Additionally, individual steps may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.

The method (400) may be performed by programmed computing devices, for example, based on instructions retrieved from non-transitory computer readable media. The computer readable media can include machine-executable or computer-executable instructions to perform all or portions of the described method. The computer readable media may be, for example, digital memories, magnetic storage media, such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable data storage media.

The method (400) for generating the plurality of sound tones in the vehicle (100) by the system (200) begins at step (402) where the method includes storing, by the at least one memory unit (202), the plurality of sound tones including the plurality of horn tones and the plurality of audio tones, each audio tone corresponding to the notification sound of the vehicle (100).

In step (404), the method (400) includes receiving, by the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), information associated with the vehicle (100).

In step (406), the method (400) includes generating, by the selection unit (204) in communication with the memory unit (202) and the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), the output signal indicative of at least one of the audio tone retrieved from the audio tones in the absence of the horn tone input signal and the horn tone retrieved from the horn tones in the presence of the horn tone input signal.

To generate the retrieved audio tone in the absence of the horn tone input signal, the selection unit (204) receives the at least one audio tone input signal from the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A). Thereafter, the selection unit (204) retrieves the at least one audio tone associated with the received audio tone input signal from the audio tones stored in the memory unit (202). Consequently, the selection unit (204) generates, via the horn device (208), the retrieved audio tone in the absence of the horn tone input signal.

Alternatively, to generate the retrieved horn tone via the horn device (208), the selection unit (204) receives, from the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), the horn tone input signal alone or the horn tone input signal and the at least one audio tone input signal simultaneously. Thereafter, the selection unit (204) retrieves the horn tone associated with the received horn tone input signal from the horn tones stored in the memory unit (202). Finally, the selection unit (204) generates, via the horn device (208), the retrieved horn tone, such that the selection unit (204) is configured to retrieve the at least one audio tone associated with the received at least one audio tone input signal in the absence of receiving the horn tone input signal.

In step (408), the method (400) includes generating, by the enhancement unit (206), reconstructed audio power signals upon receiving the generated output signal from the selection unit (204). The enhancement unit (206) generates the reconstructed audio power signals upon receiving the generated output signal from the selection unit (204) includes receiving, by the power amplifier (302) of the enhancement unit (206) in communication with the selection unit (204) and the memory unit (202), the generated output signal from the selection unit (204). Next, the power amplifier (302) of the enhancement unit (206) amplifies the received output signal such that the amplified output signal is compatible with the horn device (208). Thereafter, the gain compensation unit (304) of the enhancement unit (206), connected between the power amplifier (302) and the horn device (208), generates and transmits the error correction signal to the power amplifier (302). Consequently, the filter (306) of the enhancement unit (206), connected between the power amplifier (302) and the horn device (208), processes the amplified output signal from the power amplifier (302) to generate reconstructed audio power signals.

In step (410), the method (400) includes generating, via the horn device (208) coupled to the selection unit (204) and the enhancement unit (206), the plurality of sound tones from the reconstructed audio power signals generated by the enhancement unit (206).

The system (200), disclosed herein, for generating the sound tones using the horn device (208) has many advantages, including increased reliability, reduced circuit complexity, and overall reduced cost. The generation of the sound tones using the horn device (208) alone eliminates the need for additional sound generating devices such as speakers, beepers, buzzers, etc. Hence, additional circuitry and components are not required to be attached to the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (100-A) or the horn device (208) thereby reducing the cost, complexity, and power requirement of the system (200).

It will be appreciated that the modules, processes, systems, and devices described above can be implemented in hardware, hardware programmed by software, software instruction stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium or a combination of the above. Embodiments of the methods, processes, modules, devices, and systems (or their sub-components or modules), may be implemented on a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmed logic circuit such as a programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic (PAL) device, or the like. In general, any process capable of implementing the functions or steps described herein can be used to implement embodiments of the methods, systems, or computer program products (software program stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium).

Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program products may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program product can be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software can be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized.

In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features , Claims:1. A system (200) for generating a plurality of sound tones in a vehicle (100), the system (200) comprising:
at least one memory unit (202) configured to store the plurality of sound tones including a plurality of horn tones and a plurality of audio tones, each audio tone corresponding to a notification sound of the vehicle (100);
a Vehicle Control Unit (100-A) configured to receive information associated with the vehicle (100); and
a selection unit (204) in communication with the memory unit (202) and the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), wherein the selection unit (204) is configured to:
generate, via a horn device (208) coupled to the selection unit (204), at least one audio tone retrieved from the audio tones in the absence of a horn tone input signal; and
generate, via the horn device (208) coupled to the selection unit (204), a horn tone retrieved from the horn tones in the presence of the horn tone input signal;
an enhancement unit (206) in communication with the selection unit (204), the at least one memory unit (202), and the horn device (208), the enhancement unit (206) configured to generate reconstructed audio power signals upon receiving an output signal indicative of at least one of the retrieved audio tone and the retrieved horn tone from the selection unit (204); and
the horn device (208) configured to generate the plurality of sound tones from the reconstructed audio power signals generated by the enhancement unit (206).

2. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein to generate the retrieved audio tone in the absence of the horn tone input signal, via the horn device (208), the selection unit (204) is configured to:
receive at least one audio tone input signal from the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A);
retrieve the at least one audio tone associated with the received audio tone input signal from the audio tones stored in the memory unit (202); and
generate, via the horn device (208), the retrieved audio tone in the absence of the horn tone input signal,
wherein the horn device (208) is a fixed frequency electromechanical resonator.

3. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein to generate the retrieved horn tone, via the horn device (208), the selection unit (204) is configured to:
receive, from the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), at least one of:
the horn tone input signal; and
the horn tone input signal and at least one audio tone input signal;
retrieve the horn tone associated with the received horn tone input signal from the horn tones stored in the memory unit (202); and
generate, via the horn device (208), the retrieved horn tone, wherein the selection unit (204) is configured to retrieve the at least one audio tone associated with the received at least one audio tone input signal in the absence of receiving the horn tone input signal.

4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory unit (202) is adapted to store gain data and tone data corresponding to each of the horn tones and the audio tones.

5. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enhancement unit (206) comprises:
a power amplifier (302) in communication with the selection unit (204) and the memory unit (202), the power amplifier (302) configured to receive and amplify AC and DC output signals received from the selection unit (204), wherein the amplified output signal is compatible with the horn device (208);
a gain compensation unit (304) in communication with the selection unit (204) and the memory unit (202) and connected between the power amplifier (302) and the horn device (208), wherein the gain compensation unit (304) is configured to generate and transmit an error correction signal to the power amplifier (302); and
a filter (306) connected between the power amplifier (302) and the horn device (208), the filter (306) configured to process the amplified output signal from the power amplifier (302) to generate reconstructed audio power signals.

6. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horn device (208) is a fixed frequency electromechanical resonator configured to convert generated audio power signals into the plurality of sound tones.

7. A method (400) for generating a plurality of sound tones in a vehicle (100), the method (400) comprising:
storing, by at least one memory unit (202), the plurality of sound tones including a plurality of horn tones and a plurality of audio tones, each audio tone corresponding to a notification sound of the vehicle (100);
receiving, by a Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), information associated with the vehicle (100);
generating, by a selection unit (204) in communication with the memory unit (202) and the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), an output signal indicative of at least one of:
an audio tone retrieved from the audio tones in the absence of a horn tone input signal; and
a horn tone retrieved from the horn tones in the presence of the horn tone input signal;
generating, by an enhancement unit (206), reconstructed audio power signals upon receiving the generated output signal from the selection unit (204); and
generating, via a horn device (208) coupled to the selection unit (204) and the enhancement unit (206), the plurality of sound tones from the reconstructed audio power signals generated by the enhancement unit (206).

8. The method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein generating, via the horn device (208), the retrieved audio tone in the absence of the horn tone input signal comprises:
receiving at least one audio tone input signal from the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A);
retrieving at least one audio tone associated with the received audio tone input signal from the audio tones stored in the memory unit (202); and
generating, via the horn device (208), the retrieved audio tone in the absence of the horn tone input signal.

9. The method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein generating, via the horn device (208), the retrieved horn tone comprises:
receiving, from the Vehicle Control Unit (100-A), at least one of:
a horn tone input signal; and
the horn tone input signal and at least one audio tone input signal;
retrieving the horn tone associated with the received horn tone input signal from the horn tones stored in the memory unit (202); and
generating, via the horn device (208), the retrieved horn tone, wherein the selection unit (204) is configured to retrieve the at least one audio tone associated with the received at least one audio tone input signal in the absence of receiving the horn tone input signal.

10. The method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein generating, by the enhancement unit (206), the reconstructed audio power signals upon receiving the generated output signal from the selection unit (204) comprises:
receiving, by a power amplifier (302) of the enhancement unit (206) in communication with the selection unit (204) and the memory unit (202), the generated output signal from the selection unit (204);
amplifying, by the power amplifier (302) of the enhancement unit (206), the received output signal, wherein the amplified output signal is compatible with the horn device (208);
generating and transmitting, by a gain compensation unit (304) of the enhancement unit (206) connected between the power amplifier (302) and the horn device (208), an error correction signal to the power amplifier (302); and
processing, by a filter (306) of the enhancement unit (206) connected between the power amplifier (302) and the horn device (208), the amplified output signal from the power amplifier (302) to generate reconstructed audio power signals.