Description:AN INDICATION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to an indication system, and more particularly, but not exclusively to the indication system for a saddle type vehicle and a method thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Unauthorised vehicle access particularly for a saddle type vehicle is a prevalent issue that affects countless individuals worldwide. Vehicle owners often worry about the safety of their vehicles, especially in public parking areas or when a vehicle is left unattended for an extended period especially during parked conditions. For example, if a user has parked a vehicle and a random individual casually perch themselves on parked saddle type vehicle, or any stray animal such as cats or dogs intends to damage the seat of the vehicle. Such unwanted activities encroach upon the personal space of the vehicle owners. For example, while the vehicle is parked on a side stand, and any random person puts some heavy weight on the vehicle, this could pose a tangible threat of damage to the side stand of the saddle type vehicle. Therefore, there is a growing demand for a comprehensive indication system that integrates advanced technologies and methods to deter such unauthorised access or damage to the vehicle, while also provide real-time notifications to the authorised user about immediate proximity of the vehicle. The lack of such a system leaves vehicle owners uninformed and unable to take timely action to address or prevent such incidents. [0003] Thus, there is need to overcome these challenges by the indication system which is incorporated by a range of security features while using existing vehicle components, and significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised access to the vehicle. Therefore, the user experiences a greater sense of security while the vehicle is in the parked conditions. This invention aims to offer comprehensive protection
3
to the vehicle
, ensuring real time notification to the user about any unauthorised access while the vehicle is in parked condition. .
[0004]
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the 5 remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0005]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, an indication system for a vehicle comprises a sensing unit, a processing unit, and a feedback unit. The sensing unit is oriented to detect one or more object towards a posterior region of the 10 vehicle. The processing unit being communicatively connected to the sensing unit. The feedback unit is communicatively connected with the processing unit. The sensing unit being configured to send a first input to the processing unit on detection of the one or more object in a field of view of the sensing unit. Further, the processing unit is configured to define a target zone for the sensing unit. If the one 15 or more object being detected in the target zone of the sensing unit, the processing unit is configured to send a second input to the feedback unit.
[0006]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit being orientated in line with a steering column of the vehicle. Thus, the angle between a central vertical axis of the steering column is at a predefined angular degree with a 20 central vertical axis of the sensing unit.
[0007]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the target zone being a pre-defined range of coordinates between the sensing unit, and the rearmost portion of the vehicle.
[0008]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit is 25 configured to re-define the target zone in line with an angular difference between the steering column and a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the vehicle is in parked condition.
4
[0009]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the first input and the second input being generated while the vehicle is in parked condition.
[00010]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit being activated in a loop of a predefined range of time interval while the vehicle is in parked condition. 5
[00011]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the feedback unit being configured to transmit a feedback input signal to the processing unit, the feedback input signal enables to activate a warning device.
[00012]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit being disposed above a seat height of the vehicle, such that the target zone being above 10 the seat height of the vehicle.
[00013]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises an image capturing device, the processing unit being configured to activate the image capturing device at a predefined time slot, to capture an image of the one or more object. 15
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014]
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: 20
[00015]
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a saddle type vehicle as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[00016]
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an indication system of the vehicle as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[00017]
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of the method of indicating a user as per 25 an embodiment of the present invention.
5
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00018]
The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the 5 figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the 10 following embodiments described and shown.
[00019]
References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or 15 example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00020]
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many 20 different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00021]
The objective of the present invention is to provide an indication system 25 for a vehicle which aims to prevent unauthorised tampering, and access to the vehicle while the vehicle is in parked condition. For example, if a user has parked a vehicle, and some unauthorized individuals sits on the parked vehicle, the present invention aims to indicate or alert the authorised user about such incident by providing an appropriate indication about such unwanted activities. 30
6
[00022]
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an indication system that is configured to provide a real-time indication to an authorised user relating any unauthorised access or at a predefined proximity to the vehicle while the vehicle is in parked condition. For example, the present invention promptly notifies the authorised vehicle owner when an unauthorized seating, or unauthorised 5 access at a posterior portion of the vehicle is detected. As per an aspect of the present invention, the predefined proximity being at a range of 0 cm to 30 cm from the vehicle body. Thus, the present invention enhances overall security and provide an option of immediate action to the user.
[00023]
It is yet another objective of the present invention to ensure integration of 10 the present invention with existing vehicle security systems to provide a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the vehicle and vehicle parts whenever any random individual or one or more object comes in proximity to the vehicle. Furthermore, it is an objective of the present invention to ensure user-friendliness, ensuring ease of installation, maintenance, and compatibility across various 15 segments of the vehicle.
[00024]
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an indication system for a vehicle which provides real time indication to the user, while ensuring minimal draining of battery and power in pursuit of an efficient and sustainable indication to the user. Thus, the present invention enables to activate the sensing 20 unit only at predefined loop of time while the vehicle is in parked condition. By optimizing power consumption within the sensing and indication mechanisms, the indication system seeks to minimize its impact on the vehicle's battery, ensuring that continuous monitoring capabilities are maintained without undue strain on power resources of the vehicle. 25
[00025]
The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures & embodiment in the following description.
[00026]
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle (100) as per an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram of the 30
7
indication system as per an embodiment of the present invention.
The figure 1, and the figure 2 are explained together for ease of explanation and sake of brevity. The indication system (200) comprises: a sensing unit (102), a control unit (201), and a feedback unit (204). The control unit (201) comprises a processing unit (202), an input layer (202a) and an output layer (202b). The input layer (202a) receives inputs 5 from the sensing unit (102). The processing unit (202) is communicatively connected to the sensing unit (102) and the feedback unit (204) through the input layer (202a) and the output layer (202b) respectively. The sensing unit (102) is oriented such that it can detect the one or more object (104) towards a posterior region of the vehicle (100) when the vehicle (100) is viewed from front direction. 10 For example, the posterior region is the area proximal to a seat (106) of the vehicle (100) to the rearmost portion of the vehicle (100) when the vehicle(100) is viewed in front view . The sensing unit (102) has a field of view (FoV) (not shown) which refers to an angular extent of the surrounding space that the sensing unit (102) can "see" or sense. It is essentially the spatial area such as a conical area within which 15 the sensing unit (102) can detect and measure one or more object (104). The field of view (FoV) is specified in terms of angles, typically in degrees, and it defines the range over which the sensing unit (102) can effectively sense the one or more object (104). For example, as per an embodiment of the present invention the FoV of the sensing unit (102) lies in the range of ± 0 to180 degrees in horizontal FoV and ± 0 20 to 180 degrees in vertical FoV of sensing unit (102). As per the present invention, when the sensing unit (102) detects the one or more object (104) in a FoV, the sensing unit (102) is configured to send a first input to the processing unit (202).
[00027]
Further, the processing unit (202) is configured to define a target zone (108) for the sensing unit (102) for indicating the user relating unwanted activities 25 around the vehicle (100) or to prevent unauthorised access to the vehicle (100). As per an embodiment of the present invention the target zone (108) are predefined set of cartesian coordinates (X_ start, Y_ start, Z_ start to X_ end, Y_ end, Z_ end) which is a subset zone within the horizontal FoV and vertical FoV of the sensing unit (102). As per an embodiment, the cartesian coordinate of the sensing unit (102) is 30 considered as an origin (0,0,0). The predefined set of cartesian coordinates (X_ start,
8
Y_
start, Z_ start to X_ end, Y_ end, Z_ end) of the target zone is defined with respect to the cartesian coordinate of the sensing unit (102).
[00028]
As per an embodiment, the target zone lies between the sensing unit (102), and the rearmost portion of the vehicle (100). As per an embodiment, the rearmost portion of the vehicle (100) is a taillight of the vehicle (100). For instance, the target 5 zone (108) is the region proximal to the seat (106) till the rear most portion of the vehicle (100). For example, as seen from Fig 1, the target zone is cuboidal shaped zone having 8 vertices. Each vertex of the target zone has a designated coordinates (x1, y1, z1, to x8, y8, z8) with respect to the sensing unit’s (102) cartesian coordinates (0,0,0). Thus, after the first input (102b) is received by the processing 10 unit (202), the processing unit (202) analyses if the one or more object (104) lies in the target zone (108). If the one or more object (104) lies in the target zone (108), the processing unit (202) is configured to send a second input to the feedback unit (204). As per an embodiment, the feedback unit (204) is a personal device equipment such as mobile phone which indicated the user in case of detection of 15 unwanted one or more object (104) on the vehicle (100) while the vehicle (100) is in parked condition.
[00029]
For example, if a user has parked a vehicle (100), and a random individual sits on the seat (106) of the vehicle (100) or places any one or more object (104) on the seat (106). The sensing unit (102) sends a first input (102b) to the processing 20 unit (202). The processing unit (202) analyses if the one or more object (104) lies in the target zone (108) of the sensing unit (102). If the one or more object (104) is in the target zone (108), then the processing unit (202) indicates the user via a mobile device or any personal device equipment. This ensures that the user can take actions if needed based on real time notification from the indication system (200). 25
[00030]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit (102) is orientated in line with a steering column (not shown) of the vehicle (100), such that the angular difference (not shown) between a central vertical axis (not shown) of the steering column is at a predefined angular degree (not shown) with a central vertical axis (not shown) of the sensing unit (102). As per an embodiment, of the 30
9
present invention the
sensing unit (102) is disposed at a range of 0 degrees to 30 degrees angular difference with the steering column (not shown).
[00031]
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit (202) re-define the target zone (108) in line with an angular difference between central axis (not shown) of the steering column and a central longitudinal axis (A’-A’’) of 5 the vehicle (100) when the vehicle (100) is in parked condition. As per an aspect of the present invention, the typical range of angular difference between the central axis of the steering column and a central longitudinal axis (A’-A’’) of the vehicle (100) when the vehicle (100) is in parked condition is pre-fed to the processing unit (202) based on a segment or model of the vehicle (100). For example, when the 10 vehicle (100) is in parked condition, the steering column is titled by a predefined degree, such as 30 degrees to the left. In such conditions, the processing unit (202) is configured to re-define the target zone (108) by shifting the predefined coordinates of the target zone (108) towards the 30 degrees right of the vehicle, such that the target zone (108) at proximity to the vehicle (100) is accurate at all the 15 parking condition of the vehicle (100). The sensing unit (102) is disposed above a seat (106) height of the vehicle (100), such that the target zone (108) being above the seat (106) height of the vehicle (100). As per an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit (102) is a radar sensor. The first input (102b) and the second input (102d) are the electrical signals which convey the information between 20 the sensing unit (102), the processing unit (202) and the feedback unit (204).
[00032]
The sensing unit (102) is configured to send the first input (102b) signal to an input layer (202a), which is further transmitted to the processing unit (202). If the one or more object (104) lies in the range of target zone (108), the processing unit (202) is configured to send a second input (102d) to the output layer (202b). 25 The output layer (202b) is in communication with the feedback unit (204) such that if any one or more object (104) is detected in the target zone (108), the user receives a real time indication of unwanted accessing of the vehicle (100). Furthermore, the feedback unit (204) is configured to transmit a feedback input (102e) signal to the input layer (202a) of the processing unit (202). This enables the processing unit 30
10
(202)
to activate a warning device such as an alarm unit (not shown) of the vehicle (100) to warn and alert the surrounding of the vehicle (100). As per an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit (202) is configured to activate the alarm unit after a predefined time gap from the activation of the indication system (200). As per embodiment of the present invention, the predefined time gap being ranging 5 from 100 milliseconds to 5 minutes. Further, as per yet another embodiment, the processing unit (202) is configured to activate the alarm unit after a signal from the user. Further, as per an embodiment of the present invention the system also comprises an image capturing device such as a camera. Therefore, once the processing unit (202) receives the feedback input from the feedback unit (204), the 10 image capturing device is activated at a predefined time slot, to capture an image of the one or more object (104). For example, the predefined time slot being in the range of 100 milli seconds to 5 minutes of activation of the feedback unit (204).
[00033]
Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a flow chart of a method of the indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as per an embodiment of the present invention. 15 At step 302, while the ignition of the vehicle (100) is in OFF condition, a timer of a predefined range of time interval is activated. At step 304, the sensing unit (102) is activated in a loop of a predefined range of time interval. As per an aspect of the present invention the predefined range of time interval lies in the range of 0.1 seconds to 10 minutes. For example, while the vehicle (100) is in parked condition 20 the sensing unit (102) is activated after every 60 seconds of time loop. The activation of the sensing unit (102) in a loop of a predefined range of time interval prevents the sensing unit (102) from continuously extracting power from the battery of the vehicle (100). This ensures minimal draining of battery and power in pursuit of a real time efficient and sustainable indication to the user. At step 306, once the 25 sensing unit (102) activated the sensing unit (102) starts detecting an one or more object (104) in the FoV of the sensing unit (102). If an one or more object (104) is detected by the sensing unit (102), the sensing unit (102) sends send a first input (102b) to the processing unit (202). At step 308, after receiving the first input (102b), the processing unit (202) analyses if the one or more object (104) lies in the 30 target zone (108) or not. At step 310, if the one or more object (104) lies in the
11
target zone (108)
, the processing unit (202) is configured to send a second input (102d) to the feedback unit (204). The second input (102d) activates the feedback unit (204) for indicating the user.
[00034]
The present invention advantageously provides an indication system (200) for a vehicle (100) which aims to prevent unauthorised tampering, and access to the 5 vehicle (100) of the user. For example, if a user has parked a vehicle (100), and some unauthorized individuals sits on the parked vehicle (100), the present invention aims to assist the authorised user by providing an appropriate indication about such unwanted activities.
[00035]
Further, present invention advantageously prevents theft of the vehicle 10 (100). For example, if the unauthorised person is moving the vehicle (100) or tampering any part of the vehicle (100), the present invention aims to provide real time indication to the user, by buzzing an alarm, and providing an indication through a feedback unit (204) such as mobile unit. Further, the present invention aims to provide an option to the user whether he/she wish to activate the alarm or 15 not.
[00036]
Further, present invention advantageously re-defines the target zone (108) of the sensing unit (102) in accordance with the parking of the vehicle (100). Therefore, even if the steering column of the vehicle (100) is titled by certain degrees, the present invention is adaptable to be adjusted as required. 20
[00037]
Further, advantageously, the sensing unit (102) is activated in a loop of a predefined range of time interval. This prevents the sensing unit (102) from continuously extracting power from the battery of the vehicle (100). This ensures minimal draining of battery and power in pursuit of a real time efficient and sustainable indication to the user relating the unauthorized access to the vehicle 25 (100).
[00038]
Further, advantageously, the sensing unit (102) includes the image capturing device, which can be activated by the processing unit (202) at a predefined time slot. Thus, the present invention enables to capture the image of the
12
authorised user while the
vehicle (100) is in parked condition. This provides enhanced robust indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) which enables the user to take appropriate actions suitably.
[00039]
Moreover, the present invention advantageously provides the indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) without alerting the existing layout and elements 5 of the vehicle (100), thereby eliminating increase in weight, and complexity of manufacturing, compatibility across various segments of the vehicle (100).
[00040]
In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the 10 claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the guard assembly itself as the claimed steps and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00041]
Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected 15 for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not 20 limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00042]
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the 25 following claims.
[00043]
A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated
13
that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other
features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00044]
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and 5 additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application. In addition, the systems of the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented using a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and are not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass 10 embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[00045]
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a 15 particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:I/We claim:
1.
An indication system (200) for a vehicle (100), wherein the indicationsystem (200) comprises:
a sensing unit (102), the sensing unit (102) being oriented to detect 5 an one or more object (104) towards a posterior region of the vehicle (100);
a processing unit (202), the processing unit (202) being communicatively connected to the sensing unit (102);
a feedback unit (204), the feedback unit (204) being communicatively connected with the processing unit (202); 10
wherein the sensing unit (102) being configured to send a first input (102b) to the processing unit (202) on detection of one or more object (104) pin a field of view (FoV) of the sensing unit (102);
wherein, the processing unit (202) being configured to define a target zone (108) for the sensing unit (102), wherein if the one or more 15 object (104) being detected in the target zone (108) of the sensing unit (102), the processing unit (202) being configured to send a second input (102d) to the feedback unit (204).
2.
The indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1,20 wherein the sensing unit (102) being orientated in line with a steeringcolumn of the vehicle (100)(100), such that the angle between a centralvertical axis of the steering column being at a predefined angular differencewith a central vertical axis of the sensing unit (102)?.
25
3.
The indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1,wherein the target zone (108) being a subset portion of the FoV of thesensing unit (102), wherein the target zone (108) being predefined set ofcartesian coordinates (X_ start, Y_ start, Z_ start to X_ end, Y_ end, Z_ end) withrespect to cartesian coordinates of the sensing unit (102).30
15
4.
The indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (202) being configured to re-define the target zone (108) in line with an angular difference between the steering column and a central longitudinal axis (A’-A’’)of the vehicle (100) when the vehicle 5 (100) is in parked condition.
5.
The indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (102) being activated in a loop of a predefined 10 range of time interval while the vehicle (100) is in parked condition.
6.
The indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback unit (204) being configured to transmit a feedback input (102e) signal to the processing unit (202), the feedback input (102e) 15 signal enables to activate a warning device.
7.
The indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (202) is configured to activate the warning device after a predefined time gap from the activation of the indication 20 system (200).
8.
The indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (102) being disposed above a seat (106) height of the vehicle (100), such that the target zone (108) being above the seat (106) 25 height of the vehicle (100).
9.
The indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises an image capturing device, the processing unit (202) being configured to activate the image capturing device at a 30 predefined time slot, to capture an image of the one or more object (104).
16
10.
A method of an indication system (200) for a vehicle (100), wherein the method comprises the steps of:
sensing one or more object (104), by a sensing unit (102) towards a posterior region of the vehicle (100) when the vehicle (100) is viewed from front direction; 5
sending a first input (102b) to a processing unit (202), by the sensing unit (102) upon sensing of one or more object (104) while the vehicle (100) is in off condition;
computing, by the processing unit (202) to determine if the one or more object (104) being in a target zone (108) of the sensing unit 10 (102);
if the one or more object (104) is in the target zone (108), the processing unit (202) being configured to send a second input (102d) to a feedback unit (204).
15
11.
The method of the indication system (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein re-defining , by the processing unit (202), the target zone (108) in line with an angular difference between the steering column and a central longitudinal axis (A’-A’’)of the vehicle (100) when the vehicle (100) is in parked condition . 20
12.
The method of the indication system (200) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein activating the sensing unit (102) being in a loop of a predefined range of time interval while the vehicle is in parked condition. 25
13.
The method of the indication system (200) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein transmitting, a feedback input (102e) signal to the processing unit (202) by the feedback unit (204), the feedback input (102e) signal enables to activate a warning device. 30
17
14.
The method of the indication system (200) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein activating, an image capturing device by the processing unit (202) at a predefined time slot, to capture an image of the one or more object (104).