Description:A SYSTEM FOR VERIFYING OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY OF A PARKING STAND

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to saddle-type vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for verifying an operational integrity of a parking stand equipped with a saddle-type vehicle.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a saddle-type vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame, a handlebar, a pair of wheels, and a parking stand such as a side stand, mounted on the frame. The parking stand carries the weight of the vehicle in a parking position. The parking stand is adapted to be manually operated by a rider to park the two-wheeled vehicle. However, the configuration of the existing parking stand has some limitations as the rider must consciously check whether the parking stand is in an engaged position or a disengaged position, before riding the vehicle. If the parking stand is in the engaged position and the rider rides the vehicle without checking, this may lead to an accident and hamper the safety of the rider.
[0003] Currently, several solutions have been proposed to overcome the above mentioned problem. For instance, in a known art, a stand sensor is disclosed which is mounted on the parking stand to provide feedback of a position of the parking stand. Consequently, the switching ON/OFF of the vehicle may be controlled based on the position of the parking stand. However, the implementation of such sensors is prone to malfunction and such sensors may also be tampered. As a result, the sensors may provide faulty feedback to the rider. Thus, to overcome accidental switching ON/OFF of the vehicle due to faulty sensors, the rider electrically shorts the connection of the parking stand sensor or replaces the parking stand sensor with a resistor. The electrical shorting of the connection of the parking stand sensor or the replacement of the parking stand sensor provides feedback to a control unit that the parking stand is always in the disengaged state. This eliminates the accidental switching ON/OFF of the vehicle based on the faulty feedback from the parking stand sensor. However, this configuration again increases the safety concern of the rider and may lead to terrible accidents.
[0004] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a parking stand that can eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned problems associated with existing parking stands.
SUMMARY

[0005] 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.
[0006] The present disclosure provides a system for verifying an operational integrity of a parking stand sensor in a saddle-type vehicle. The system includes a sensing unit and a control unit. The sensing unit includes the parking stand sensor. The sensing unit is configured to monitor an operational status of a plurality of parameters associated with the saddle-type vehicle. The plurality of parameters includes an inclination of the saddle-type vehicle, a steering lock condition of the saddle-type vehicle, and an operating position of a parking stand. The control unit is in communication with the sensing unit. The control unit is configured to receive the operational status of the plurality of parameters from the sensing unit. The control unit is configured to compare the received operational status of each parameter with a predefined operational status of each parameter. The control unit is configured to determine whether the operational status of at least one parameter differs from a predefined operational status of the at least one parameter, based on the comparison. The control unit is configured to identify, based on the determination, that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor is compromised if the operational status of the at least one parameter differs from the predefined operational status of the at least one parameter.
[0007] Further, a method for verifying an operational integrity of a parking stand sensor in a saddle-type vehicle, is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, by a control unit, from a sensing unit, an operational status of a plurality of parameters associated with the saddle-type vehicle. Further, the method includes comparing, by the control unit, the received operational status of each parameter with a predefined operational status of each parameter. Furthermore, the method includes determining, by the control unit, based on the comparison, whether the operational status of at least one parameter differs from a predefined operational status of the at least one parameter. Furthermore, the method includes identifying, by the control unit, based on the determination, that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor is compromised if the operational status of the at least one parameter differs from the predefined status of the at least one parameter.
[0008] 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

[0009] 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:
[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a saddle-type vehicle having a parking stand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] Figure 2A illustrates a block diagram of a system for verifying an operational integrity of a parking stand sensor of the parking stand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Figure 2B illustrates a block diagram of a control unit of the system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for verifying the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor in the saddle-type vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] 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

[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.”
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 100 having a parking stand 114, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The saddle-type vehicle 100 may include, but is not limited to, a frame 102, a system 104, the parking stand 114, a parking stand sensor 116, a battery 118, a traction motor 120, a dashboard 122, a transmission system 124, a charging infrastructure 126 and an on-board charger 128. Herein, the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be interchangeably referred to as a vehicle 100.
[0024] In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be an Electric vehicle (EV) or a battery powered vehicle 100. The EV or the battery powered vehicle includes, and is not limited to, a two-wheeler such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes/motorcycles, that primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the EV.
[0025] Furthermore, the electric vehicle 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 that allows traversal of the electric vehicle over a path. The types of EVs include a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and a Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be interchangeably referred to as the electric vehicle or EV, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The electric vehicle 100 may include a steering column 112 and the parking stand 114. In an embodiment, the steering column 112 may be adapted to operate the electric vehicle 100 and assist in maintaining balance of the electric vehicle 100 by a rider, while riding the electric vehicle 100.
[0026] The electric vehicle 100 may be supported with software modules comprising intelligent features including and not limited to a navigation assistance, a hill assistance, a cloud connectivity, one or more Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, adaptive display techniques, and so on.
[0027] The firmware of the electric vehicle 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 behavior, 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 unit 110 present in the dashboard 122 of the electric vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the display unit 110 may contain a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen of a predefined dimension. In another embodiment, the display unit 110 may contain a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) screen of a predefined dimension. The display unit 110 may be a water-resistant display supporting one or more Rider-Interface (UI) designs. The electric vehicle 100 may support multiple frequency bands such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and so on. Additionally, the electric vehicle 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.
[0028] Further, in construction, the electric vehicle 100 typically comprises hardware components such as the battery 118 or a battery module enclosed within a battery casing to form a battery pack and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an on-board battery charger, a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor, and an electric transmission system. The primary function of the above-mentioned elements is detailed in the subsequent paragraphs: The battery 118 of the electric vehicle (also known as Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) or traction battery) is rechargeable in nature and is the primary source of energy required for the operation of the electric vehicle. The battery 118 is typically charged using the electric current taken from the grid through a charging infrastructure. The battery 118 may be charged using an Alternating Current (AC) or a Direct Current (DC). In the case of AC input, the on-board battery charger converts the AC signal to DC signal after which the DC signal is transmitted to the battery via the BMS. However, in the case of DC charging, the on-board battery charger 128 is bypassed, and the current is transmitted directly to the battery 118 via the BMS. In an embodiment, the on-board battery charger 128 may be interchangeably referred to as a battery charger, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0029] The battery 118 is made up of a plurality of cells which are grouped into a plurality of modules such that the temperature difference between the cells does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. The terms “battery”, “cell”, and “battery cell” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any of a variety of different rechargeable cell compositions and configurations including, but not limited to, lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen, nickel-zinc, silver zinc, or any other battery type/configuration. The term “battery pack” as used herein may be referred to multiple individual batteries enclosed within a single structure or multi-piece structure. The individual batteries may be electrically interconnected to achieve a desired voltage and capacity for a desired application. The Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system whose primary function is to ensure that the battery is operating safely and efficiently. The BMS continuously monitors different parameters of the battery such as temperature, voltage, current, and so on, and communicates these parameters to a control unit 108 and the Motor Controller Unit (MCU) in the electric vehicle 100 using a plurality of protocols including and not limited to Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol which facilitates the communication between the ECU/MCU and other peripheral elements of the electric vehicle without the requirement of a host computer.
[0030] In an embodiment, the electric vehicle 100 may be adapted to be operated in a parking state and a riding state. Further, the parking stand 114 may be adapted to support the electric vehicle 100, when the electric vehicle 100 is in a parking condition. In an embodiment, the parking stand 114 may be embodied as a side stand. In an embodiment, the system 104 of the electric vehicle 100 is adapted to verify an operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 connected with the parking stand 114. In another embodiment, the system 104 may verify the operational integrity of a stand sensor connected with any stand positioned at different locations in the electric vehicle 100.
[0031] In subsequent paragraphs, the constructional and operational aspects of the system 104 to verify the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 connected with the parking stand 114 are explained with reference to Figure 2A in conjunction with Figure 1.
[0032] In an embodiment, the system 104 may include, but is not limited to, a sensing unit 106 and the control unit 108, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Figure 2A illustrates a block diagram of the system 104 for verifying the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 of the parking stand 114, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 and 2A, the system 104 may include, but is not limited to, the sensing unit 106, and the control unit 108. The sensing unit 106 may be configured to monitor the operational status of the plurality of parameters associated with the vehicle 100. The sensing unit 106 may transmit an input indicative of the operational status of the plurality of parameters to the control unit 108. Herein, the plurality of parameters may include an inclination of the saddle-type vehicle 100, a steering lock condition, and an operating position of the parking stand 114.
[0033] The sensing unit 106 may include, but is not limited to, the parking stand sensor 116, a locking/unlocking sensor (not shown) and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor (not shown). In an embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the parking stand sensor 116 may be positioned in proximity to the parking stand 114. The parking stand sensor 116 may be adapted to detect the position of the parking stand 114. The locking/unlocking sensor and the IMU sensor may be positioned on the vehicle 100 in proximity to the parking stand 114.
[0034] The IMU sensor may be adapted to determine the operational status associated with the inclination of the vehicle 100. The operational status is indicative of a tilting condition of the vehicle 100 or a normal condition of the vehicle 100. Herein, the tilting condition may be a condition in which the vehicle 100 tilts at an angle towards the ground surface. The normal condition may be a condition in which the vehicle 100 is not titled towards the ground surface.
[0035] The locking/unlocking sensor may be adapted to determine the operational status associated with the steering lock condition of the steering column 112 of the vehicle 100. The operational status of the steering lock condition is indicative of a locked condition of the steering column 112 and an unlocked condition of the steering column 112. Further, the parking stand sensor 116 may be adapted to determine the operational status associated with the operating position of the parking stand 114 of the vehicle 100. Herein, the operational status may be an indicative of an engaged position M-C of the parking stand 114 and a disengaged position M-B of the parking stand 114. The parking stand 114 may be adapted to be moved between the engaged position M-C and the disengaged position M-B.
[0036] The engaged position M-C may be an indicative of a position in which the parking stand 114 contacts the ground surface. In the engaged position M-C, the parking stand 114 may be extended to make the contact with the ground surface. The disengaged position M-B may be an indicative of a position in which the parking stand 114 may be not in contact with the ground surface from the ground surface. In the disengaged position M-B, the parking stand 114 may be retracted and moved towards the frame 102 of the vehicle 100. The parking stand sensor 116, the locking/unlocking sensor, and the IMU sensor are in communication with the control unit 108 to transmit the inputs. The details of the control unit 108 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figure 2B in conjunction with Figures 2A and 1.
[0037] Figure 2B illustrates a block diagram of the control unit 108 of the system 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the control unit 108 may be in communication with the sensing unit 106. The control unit 108 may be configured to determine that the vehicle 100 is operated in the parking state, or the riding state based on the received operational status of the plurality of parameters from the sensing unit 106. The control unit 108 determines the parking state, if the operational status of the inclination is equal to the predefined operational status indicating the tilting condition of the vehicle 100 with respect to a centre axis of the vehicle 100, the operational status of the steering lock condition is equal to the predefined operational status indicating a locked condition of the steering column 112, and the operational status of the parking stand 114 is equal to the predefined operational status indicating an engaged position M-C of the parking stand 114.
[0038] On the other hand, the control unit 108 determines the riding state, if the operational status of the inclination is equal to the predefined operational status indicative one of a tilting condition or a normal condition of the vehicle 100, the operational status of the steering lock condition is equal to the predefined operational status indicating an unlocked condition of the steering column 112, and the operational status of the parking stand 114 is equal to the predefined operational status indicating a disengaged position M-B of the parking stand 114.
[0039] The control unit 108 may include, but is not limited, a processor 202, memory unit(s) 204, module(s) 206, and a database 216. In an embodiment, the control unit 108 connected with the battery of the electric vehicle 100 may be responsible for managing all the operations of the battery of the electric vehicle 100.
[0040] The key elements of the control unit 108 typically include 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(s) 204 or a 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 electric vehicle 100.
[0041] The processor may include any computing system which includes, but is not limited to, a 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 202 can be a single processing unit or several units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 202 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.
[0042] Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory unit 204. 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 processors 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.
[0043] Furthermore, the modules 206, processes, systems, and devices can be implemented as a single processor or as a distributed processor. Also, the processes, the modules 206, 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 206 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by the processor 202, or by a combination thereof. The processor 202 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.
[0044] The processor 202 can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processor 202 can be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the modules 206 may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by the processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities. In an embodiment, the modules 206 may include a determining module, a comparing module, a predicting module, and a controlling module. The database serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by the modules 206. Exemplary structural embodiment alternatives suitable for implementing the modules 206, sections, systems, means, or processes described herein are provided below.
[0045] In an implementation, the module(s) 206 may include a receiving module 208, a comparing module 210, a determining module 212, and an identifying module 214. The receiving module 208, the comparing module 210, the determining module 212, and the identifying module 214 are in communication with each other. The database 216 serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 206.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s) 206 may be implemented as part of the processor 202. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s) 206 may be external to the processor 202. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s) 206 may be part of the memory unit 204. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s) 206 may be part of the hardware, separate from the processor 202.
[0047] The control unit 108 may be configured to receive the operational status of the plurality of parameters from the sensing unit 106. In an embodiment, the receiving module 208 may be configured to receive the operational status of the plurality of parameters from the IMU sensor, the locking/unlocking sensor, and the parking stand sensor 116. Herein, the receiving module 208 may be configured to receive the operational status associated with the inclination from the IMU sensor of the sensing unit 106, and the operational status associated with the steering lock condition of the steering column 112 of the vehicle 100 from the locking/unlocking sensor of the sensing unit 106. Further, the receiving module 208 may be configured to receive the operational status associated with the operating position of the parking stand 114 from the parking stand sensor 116 of the sensing unit 106.
[0048] The control unit 108 may be configured to compare the received operational status of each parameter with a predefined operational status of each parameter. In an embodiment, the comparing module 210 may be configured to compare the received operational status of each parameter with a predefined operational status of each parameter. Herein, the comparing module 210 compares the operational status associated with the inclination, the operational status of the steering lock condition, the operational status of the parking stand 114 with the respective predefined operational status.
[0049] The control unit 108 may be configured to determine whether the operational status of at least one parameter differs from a predefined operational status of the at least one parameter, based on the comparison. In an embodiment, the determining module 212 may be configured to determine whether the operational status of at least one parameter differs from a predefined operational status of the at least one parameter, based on the comparison. Herein, the determining module 212 may determine that the vehicle 100 is operated in the parking state, if the operational status of the inclination is equal to the predefined operational status indicating a tilting condition of the vehicle 100 with respect to a centre axis of the vehicle 100.
[0050] Further, the determining module 212 may determine that the vehicle 100 is operated in the parking state if the operational status of the steering lock condition is equal to the predefined operational status indicating a locked condition of the steering column 112. Furthermore, the determining module 212 may determine that the vehicle 100 is operated in the parking state if the operational status of the parking stand 114 is equal to the predefined operational status indicating the engaged position M-C of the parking stand 114.
[0051] The control unit 108 may be configured to identify, based on the determination, that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 is compromised if the operational status of the at least one parameter differs from the predefined operational status of the at least one parameter. In an embodiment, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify, based on the determination, that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 is compromised if the operational status of the at least one parameter differs from the predefined operational status of the at least one parameter.
[0052] In the parking state, the identifying module 214 may identify that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 is compromised if the operational status indicates the disengaged position M-B of the parking stand 114. Herein, the operational status of the parking stand 114 may be equal to the predefined operational status indicating a disengaged position M-B of the parking stand 114. Further, the identifying module 214 may identify that the vehicle 100 is operated in the riding state if the operational status of the inclination is equal to the predefined operational status indicative one of the tilting condition or the normal condition of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the control unit 108 may determine that the vehicle 100 is operated in the riding state, if the operational status of the steering lock condition is equal to the predefined operational status indicating an unlocked condition of the steering column 112.
[0053] In the riding state, when the operational status indicates the disengaged position M-B of the parking stand 114, the identifying module 214 may identify that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 is compromised if the operational status of the inclination indicates the tilting condition of the vehicle 100. Herein, the control unit 108 may also determine that the operational status of the steering lock condition indicates a locked condition of the steering column 112.
[0054] Further, the control unit 108 may be configured to allow switching ON of the vehicle 100 if the operational status of the parking stand 114 is indicative of the disengaged position M-B and the operational status of the steering lock condition is indicative of the unlocked condition. Further, the control unit 108 may restrict switching ON of the vehicle 100 if the operational status of the parking stand 114 is indicative of the engaged position M-C. The control unit 108 restricts the operation of the vehicle 100 if the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 is compromised.
[0055] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 may be configured to operate the vehicle 100 in a limp mode if the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 is compromised. In the limp mode, the control unit 108 is configured to restrict the switching ON of the vehicle 100 and allow the vehicle 100 to be manually moved. Furthermore, the control unit 108 may generate a notification indicating that the compromised operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116, such that the rider may be aware of the operational condition of the parking stand 114 and any accidents may be avoided. In an embodiment, the notification is one of a visual notification, an audio notification, a haptic notification, and a combination thereof.
[0056] The present disclosure also relates to a method 300 for verifying an operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 in the vehicle 100 as shown in Figure 3. 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.
[0057] The method 300 for verifying an operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 in the vehicle 100 may be performed by using the system 104 as shown at least in Figure 2A. The method 300 begins at step 302 by receiving the operational status of the plurality of parameters associated with the vehicle 100. Herein, the control unit 108 may receive the operational status of the plurality of parameters from the IMU sensor, the locking/unlocking sensor, and the parking stand sensor 116 of the sensing unit 106. At step 304, the method 300 includes comparing the received operational status of each parameter with a predefined operational status of each parameter. Herein, the control unit 108 compares the operational status associated with the inclination, the operational status of the steering lock condition, the operational status of the parking stand 114 with the predefined operational status of the respective parameter.
[0058] At step 306, the method 300 includes determining whether the operational status of at least one parameter differs from a predefined operational status of the at least one parameter, based on the comparison. Herein, the control unit 108 may determine whether the operational status of at least one of the inclination, the steering lock condition, or the parking stand differs from respective predefined operational status.
[0059] Further, at step 308, the method 300 includes identifying that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 is compromised if the operational status of the at least one parameter differs from the predefined status of the at least one parameter, based on the determination. Herein, the control unit 108 identifies the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 and notifies the rider the about the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116.
[0060] The system 104 of the present disclosure identifies the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116, such that the vehicle 100 may not be operated if the operational integrity of the sensor is compromised. Further, the position of the parking stand 114 may also be correctly displayed for the rider. Thus, the implementation of the system 104 may make the rider aware about the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116 and restrict the operation of the vehicle 100 if the operational integrity of the sensor is compromised. This improves the safety of the rider and prevents the occurrence of any accidents. Therefore, the system 104 provides a cost-effective and a simpler provision to identify the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor 116.
[0061] 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).
[0062] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program product 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.
[0063] 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:We Claim:

1. A system (104) for verifying an operational integrity of a parking stand sensor (116) in a saddle-type vehicle (100), the system (104) comprising:
a sensing unit (106) having the parking stand sensor (116) and configured to monitor an operational status of a plurality of parameters associated with the saddle-type vehicle (100), wherein the plurality of parameters comprises an inclination of the saddle-type vehicle (100), a steering lock condition of the saddle-type vehicle (100), and an operating position of a parking stand (114);
a control unit (108) in communication with the sensing unit (106) and configured to:
receive, from the sensing unit (106), the operational status of the plurality of parameters;
compare the received operational status of each parameter with a predefined operational status of each parameter;
determine, based on the comparison, whether the operational status of at least one parameter differs from a predefined operational status of the at least one parameter; and
identify, based on the determination, that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor (116) is compromised if the operational status of the at least one parameter differs from the predefined operational status of the at least one parameter.

2. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to receive the operational status associated with the inclination from an IMU sensor of the sensing unit (106), wherein the operational status is indicative of a tilting condition of the saddle-type vehicle (100) or a normal condition of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

3. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to receive an operational status associated with the steering lock condition of a steering column (112) of the saddle-type vehicle (100) from a locking/unlocking sensor of the sensing unit (106), wherein the operational status is indicative of a locked condition of the steering column (112) and an unlocked condition of the steering column (112).

4. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to receive an operational status associated with the operating position of the parking stand (114) from the parking stand sensor (116) of the sensing unit (106), wherein the operational status is indicative of an engaged position (M-C) of the parking stand (114) and a disengaged position (M-B) of the parking stand (114).

5. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the saddle-type vehicle (100) is adapted to be operated in a parking state and a riding state.

6. The system (104) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to determine that the saddle-type vehicle (100) is operated in the parking state, if:
the operational status of the inclination is equal to the predefined operational status indicating a tilting condition of the saddle-type vehicle (100) with respect to a centre axis of the saddle-type vehicle (100),
the operational status of the steering lock condition is equal to the predefined operational status indicating a locked condition of a steering column (112), and
the operational status of the parking stand (114) is equal to the predefined operational status indicating an engaged position (M-C) of the parking stand (114).

7. The system (104) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, in the parking state, the control unit (108) is configured to determine that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor (116) is compromised, if:
the operational status indicates a disengaged position (M-B) of the parking stand (114).

8. The system (104) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to determine that the saddle-type vehicle (100) is operated in the riding state, if:
the operational status of the inclination is equal to the predefined operational status indicative one of a tilting condition or a normal condition of the saddle-type vehicle (100),
the operational status of the steering lock condition is equal to the predefined operational status indicating an unlocked condition of a steering column (112), and
the operational status of the parking stand (114) is equal to the predefined operational status indicating a disengaged position (M-B) of the parking stand (114).

9. The system (104) as claimed in claim 8, wherein, in the riding state, when the operational status indicates the disengaged position (M-B) of the parking stand (114), the control unit (108) is configured to determine that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor (116) is compromised, if:
the operational status of the inclination indicates the tilting condition of the saddle-type vehicle (100), and
the operational status of the steering lock condition indicates a locked condition of the steering column (112).

10. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to restrict switching ON of the saddle-type vehicle (100) if the operational status of the parking stand (114) is indicative of an engaged position.

11. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to:
operate the saddle-type vehicle (100) in a limp mode if the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor (116) is compromised, wherein, in the limp mode, the control unit (108) is configured to restrict the switching ON of the saddle-type vehicle (100) and allow the saddle-type vehicle (100) to be manually moved.

12. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to:
generate a notification indicating that the compromised operational integrity of the parking stand sensor (116), wherein the notification is one of a visual notification, an audio notification, a haptic notification, and a combination thereof.

13. A method (300) for verifying an operational integrity of a parking stand sensor (116) in a saddle-type vehicle (100), the method (300) comprising:
receiving (302), by a control unit (108), from a sensing unit (106), an operational status of a plurality of parameters associated with the saddle-type vehicle (100);
comparing (304), by the control unit (108), the received operational status of each parameter with a predefined operational status of each parameter;
determining (306), by the control unit (108), based on the comparison, whether the operational status of at least one parameter differs from a predefined operational status of the at least one parameter; and
identifying (308), by the control unit (108), based on the determination, that the operational integrity of the parking stand sensor (116) is compromised if the operational status of the at least one parameter differs from the predefined status of the at least one parameter.