Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a system and a method for controlling audio in an audio device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, a rider of a vehicle has his/her device such as mobile phone and a headphone paired so that he/she can receive calls or listen to songs or any audio file while riding the vehicle. If the rider is travelling on highway with a low volume, the rider tends to increase the sound by pressing the volume adjust button. On the other hand, if the rider is travelling with a high volume in the city area, the rider tends to reduce his device volume to address the crowd or to hear any voice coming from the surrounding environment. Whenever the rider wants to adjust the volume of the device, the rider has to manually increase or decrease volume through volume adjust buttons provided in the mobile phone. Such manual adjustment of volume may affect rider’s concentration during riding of the vehicle which may cause an accident. Also, the overall auditory experience of the rider is affected, since the rider has to manually adjust the volume of the device based on surrounding noise which is undesirable.
[003] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system which can address at least the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a system for controlling audio in an audio device. The system includes a control unit which is communicatively coupled to a communication device of a rider of a vehicle. The control unit is configured to receive a vehicle speed from at least one of the communication device and a sensor disposed in the vehicle. The control unit is configured to receive a volume level of the audio device. The control unit is configured to determine a vehicle speed range corresponding to the volume level. The control unit is configured to adjust the volume level of the audio in the audio device corresponding to the vehicle speed, when the vehicle speed deviates from the determined speed range.
[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to adjust the volume level of the audio by increasing the volume level in the audio device when the vehicle speed being greater than the determined speed range.
[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to adjust the volume level of the audio by decreasing the volume level in the audio device when the vehicle speed being lesser than the determined speed range.
[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is one of a vehicle control unit, a dedicated control unit and a Speed Dependent Volume Control (SDVC) unit of the communication device.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the audio device is at least one of a communication device and a wearable audio device.
[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to adjust the volume level of the audio in the audio device corresponding to the vehicle speed at a gradual rate with a buffer of a preset time duration.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the communication device is communicatively coupled to an instrument cluster of the vehicle. The instrument cluster is adapted to display data related to the vehicle.
[011] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a method for controlling audio in the audio device. The method includes the step of receiving, by the control unit, the vehicle speed from at least one of the communication device and the sensor disposed in the vehicle. The method includes the step of receiving, by the control unit, the volume level of the audio device. Further, the method includes the step of determining, by the control unit, the vehicle speed range corresponding to the volume level. The method includes the step of adjusting, by the control unit, the volume level of the audio in the audio device corresponding to the vehicle speed when the vehicle speed deviates from the determined speed range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for controlling audio for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the vehicle depicting ABS control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram for controlling audio in an audio device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a flow diagram of a method for controlling audio in the audio device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[014] The present invention generally relates to an audio device and particularly relates to a system for controlling audio in the audio device. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle 200 is a motorcycle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile like a scooter or any other saddle type vehicle capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[015] In an embodiment, the vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle or a multi-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle may be powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor through one or more batteries or a hybrid-electric motor as per requirement. It should be understood that the scope of present invention is not limited to the illustrated two-wheeled vehicle having the internal combustion engine.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the system 100 for controlling audio in the audio device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises a control unit 102 which is communicatively coupled to a communication device 104 of a rider of a vehicle 200 (shown in figure 2). In an embodiment, the communication device 104 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 102 via wireless communication. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 is one of a vehicle control unit or a dedicated control unit. In another embodiment, the control unit 102 is a Speed Dependent Volume Control (SDVC) unit 106 of the communication device 104. In an embodiment, SDVC is a technique to control volume of an audio device 114. The SDVC is a feature incorporated in the communication device 104. In an embodiment, the communication device 104 is at least one of a mobile phone, a tablet or an electronic device which is used for communication by the rider of the vehicle 200.
[017] Further, the vehicle 200 includes an instrument cluster 112 disposed in the vehicle 200. The instrument cluster 112 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 102. In an embodiment, the instrument is also communicatively coupled to the communication device 104. The instrument cluster 112 is adapted to display data related to the vehicle 200. Further, the vehicle 200 includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (not shown). The ABS includes an ABS control unit 108 (shown in figure 2) which is configured to control the braking of the wheel of the vehicle 200. The ABS control unit 108 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 102. Further, the vehicle 200 includes a wheel speed sensor 110 which is communicatively coupled to the control unit 102 through the ABS control unit 108. The wheel speed sensor 110 is configured to detect the speed of the vehicle 200 and communicate the wheel speed to the control unit 102.
[018] The control unit 102 is configured to receive the vehicle speed from the wheel speed sensor 110 disposed in the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the wheel speed sensor 110 is disposed on a wheel hub (not shown) of a front wheel 202 of the vehicle 200. The control unit 102 is also configured to receive the vehicle speed from the communication device 104. The communication device 104 includes features which enables the communication device 104 to provide the speed at which the communication device 104 moves while being carried on the vehicle 200 by the rider. In an embodiment, Global Positioning System (GPS) is a feature which enables the communication device 104 to provide the speed at which the communication device 104 moves. Therefore, the control unit 102 is configured to receive the vehicle speed from at least one of the communication device 104 and the sensor 110.
[019] Further, the audio device 114 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 102. In an embodiment, the audio device 114 can be the communication device 104 and/or a wearable audio device (not shown) such as a wireless or wired earphone, a wireless or wired headphone etc. The control unit 102 is configured to receive a volume level of the audio device 114. Once the control unit 102 receives the volume level of the audio device 114, the control unit 102 is configured to determine a vehicle speed range corresponding to the volume level. Further, the control unit 102 is configured to adjust the volume level of the audio in the audio device 114 corresponding to the vehicle speed, when the vehicle speed deviates from the determined speed range. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 is configured to adjust the volume level of the audio by increasing the volume level in the audio device 114, when the vehicle speed increases from the predetermined speed range corresponding to the previous volume level of the audio. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 gradually increases the volume level of the audio to the corresponding volume range of the new predetermined vehicle speed range.
[020] In another embodiment, the control unit 102 is configured to adjust the volume level of the audio by decreasing the volume level in the audio device 114, when the vehicle speed decreases from the predetermined speed range corresponding to the previous volume level of the audio. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 gradually decreases the volume level of the audio to the corresponding volume range of the new predetermined vehicle speed range. In an embodiment, the increase or the decrease in the volume level in the audio device 114 and the speed of the vehicle 200 is displayed on the instrument cluster 112.
[021] In an embodiment, the control unit 102 is configured to adjust the volume level of the audio in the audio device 114 corresponding to the vehicle speed at a gradual rate with a buffer of a preset time duration. In an exemplary embodiment, the volume changes gradually from 10 to 5 when it is decreasing or from 5 to 10 when it is increasing. The volume gradually reduces from 10 to 9, 9 to 8, 8 to 7, 7 to 6 and then 6 to 5. In a non-limiting example, the gradual variation of the volume occurs within a time period of 2 seconds. Such a configuration of the system mitigates sudden volume drop in the audio device 114, which may feel problematic to the rider and also may distract the rider during riding of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the rider may modify the rate of volume reduction and the time required for volume reduction as per requirement.
[022] Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram of a method for controlling audio in the audio device 114, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The control unit 102 is communicatively coupled to the communication device 104 and the sensor 110. At step 302, the control unit 102 receives the vehicle speed from at least one of the communication device 104 and the sensor 110 disposed in the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 is one of the vehicle control unit, the dedicated control unit and the SDVC unit 106 of the communication device 104. In an embodiment, the communication device 104 is at least one of the mobile phone, the tablet or the electronic device which is used for communication by the rider of the vehicle 200. The control unit 102 is configured to receive the vehicle speed from the sensor 110 disposed in the vehicle 200. The control unit 102 is also configured to receive the vehicle speed from the communication device 104. The communication device 104 includes features which enables the communication device 104 to provide the speed at which the communication device 104 moves while being carried on the vehicle 200 by the rider. At step 304, the control unit 102 receives the volume level of the audio device 114. In an embodiment, the audio device 114 is at least one of a communication device 104 and a wearable audio device. Once the control unit 102 receives the volume level of the audio device 114, at step 306, the control unit 102 determines a vehicle speed range corresponding to the volume level. Further, at step 308, the control unit 102 adjusts, the volume level of the audio in the audio device 114 corresponding to the vehicle speed, when the vehicle speed deviates from the determined speed range. In an embodiment, as explained above, the control unit 102 adjust the volume level of the audio in the audio device 114 corresponding to the vehicle speed at a gradual rate with a buffer of a preset time duration. In another embodiment, the control unit 102 adjust the volume level of the audio by increasing the volume level in the audio device 114, when the vehicle speed being greater than the determined speed range. In an alternate embodiment, the control unit 102 adjust the volume level of the audio by decreasing the volume level in the audio device 114, when the vehicle speed being lesser than the determined speed range. In am embodiment, the communication device 104 is communicatively coupled to the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle. The instrument cluster 112 is adapted to display data related to the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the increase or the decrease in the volume level in the audio device 114 and the speed of the vehicle 200 is displayed on the instrument cluster 112.
[023] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are flow diagrams of the method depicting controlling audio in the audio device 114, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[024] At step 402, the ignition key is ON by the rider of the vehicle 200. At step 404, after the ignition key is ON, the communication device 104 is communicatively coupled to the instrument cluster 112. In an embodiment the communication device 104 is at least one of the mobile phone, the tablet and the electronic device which is used for communication by the rider of the vehicle 200. At step 406, once the communication device 104 is communicatively coupled to the instrument cluster 112, the control unit 102, checks the status of the SDVC unit 106 of the communication device 104 at the application setting of the communication device 104. If the SDVC unit 106 is disabled, at step 408, the control unit 102 displays a message “SDVC is Disabled” on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200. If the SDVC unit 106 is enabled, at step 410, the control unit 102 displays a message “SDVC is Enabled” on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200. In another embodiment when the control unit 102 is the SDVC unit 106. In such case, as per the setting chosen by the rider, at step 410, the SDVC unit 106 of the communication device 104 is configured to displays “SDVC is Enabled” on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200, if the rider has enabled the SDVC unit 106. If the rider has disabled the SDVC unit 106, at step 408, then the communication device 104 is configured to displays “SDVC is Enabled” on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200.
[025] At step 402, the ignition key is turned ON by the rider of the vehicle 200. At step 412, after the ignition key is ON, the control unit 102 receives the vehicle speed from at least one of the communication device 104 and the sensor 110 disposed in the vehicle 200. At step 414, the control unit 102 checks for an error in the ABS unit 108 before using the data received from the ABS unit 108 to eliminate the possibility of wrong data being received from the ABS control unit 108. If the error is detected in the ABS control unit 108 by the control unit 102, then at step 416, the control unit 102 will display a message “wheel speed sensor error” on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200. If the error is not detected in the ABS control unit 108 by the control unit 102, then at step 418, the control unit 102 will display the vehicle speed on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200.
[026] Once the vehicle speed is determined by the control unit 102 from the sensor 110 and the status of the SDVC unit 106 is received by the control unit 102, at step 420, the control unit 102 access the Speed-volume mapping table stored in the SDVC unit 106. At step 422, if the vehicle speed is between X1 and X2, and if the volume level of the audio in the audio device 114 is between Y1 and Y2, the control unit 102 maintains the same volume level as per the speed volume mapping table. At step 424, if the vehicle speed decrease from X1 i.e, from the predetermined speed range, at step 426, the control unit 102 gradually decrease the volume level of the audio to the corresponding volume range of the new predetermined vehicle speed range. At step 428, when the vehicle speed increases from X2, i.e., from the predetermined speed range, at step 430, the control unit 102 gradually increases the volume level of the audio to the corresponding volume range of the new predetermined vehicle speed range. The updated volume level of the audio in the audio device 114 is displayed on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200.
[027] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system to adjust the volume of audio device based on the rider’s requirement in a specific environment. the present invention allows the volume of audio device to change as the speed of the vehicle varies when the rider moves from one environment (a crowded city road) to another environment (a highway road).
[028] As per present invention, the volume of audio device is adjusted based on the rider’s vehicle speed as there is a requirement to maintain consistent listening experience even the vehicle speed changes. Further, the present invention ensures that the audio remains clear and audible, compensating for the increase in road noise at high speeds.
[029] As per an embodiment of the present invention, since the SDVC unit of the communication device is the control unit which does major processing and execution of the present invention, the load on the instrument cluster of the vehicle has reduced significantly.
[030] The present invention allows rider to ride vehicle with a steady concentration as the system of the present invention gradually increases the volume level of the audio. As a result, the rider-communication device interaction while riding the vehicle has reduced which enables a safe riding condition. The present invention provides a system which can promote a more balanced auditory environment as it can contribute to safer driving conditions and overall driver comfort. Furthermore, the present invention provides a system which eliminates wired connections to a great extend making the system simpler and cheaper.
[031] In light of the abovementioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the system itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[032] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[033] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100 – System
102 – Control unit
106 – SDVC unit
104 – Communication device
108 – ABS control unit
110 – Wheel speed sensor
112 – Instrument cluster
114 – Audio device
200 – Vehicle

, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for controlling audio in an audio device (114), the system (100) comprises:
a control unit (102) communicatively coupled to a communication device (104) of a rider of a vehicle (200), the control unit (102) being configured to:
receive a vehicle speed from at least one of the communication device (104) and a sensor (110) disposed in the vehicle (200);
receive a volume level of the audio device (114);
determine, a vehicle speed range corresponding to the volume level; and
adjust, the volume level of the audio in the audio device (114) corresponding to the vehicle speed, when the vehicle speed deviates from the determined speed range.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to adjust the volume level of the audio by increasing the volume level in the audio device (114), when the vehicle speed being greater than the determined speed range.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to adjust the volume level of the audio by decreasing the volume level in the audio device (114), when the vehicle speed being lesser than the determined speed range.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) being one of: a vehicle control unit, a dedicated control unit and a Speed Dependent Volume Control (SDVC) unit (106) of the communication device (104).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the audio device (114) being at least one of: a communication device (104) and a wearable audio device.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to adjust the volume level of the audio in the audio device (114) corresponding to the vehicle speed at a gradual rate with a buffer of a preset time duration.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication device (104) being communicatively coupled to an instrument cluster (112) of the vehicle (200), the instrument cluster (112) being adapted to display data related to the vehicle (200).

8. A method (600) for controlling audio in an audio device (114), the method comprising steps of:
receiving, by a control unit (102), a vehicle speed from at least one of a communication device (104) and a sensor (110) disposed in a vehicle (200);
receiving, by the control unit (102), a volume level of the audio device (114);
determining, by the control unit (102), a vehicle speed range corresponding to the volume level; and
adjusting, by the control unit (102), the volume level of the audio in the audio device (114) corresponding to the vehicle speed, when the vehicle speed deviates from the determined speed range.

9. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps of adjusting, by the control unit (102), the volume level of the audio by increasing the volume level in the audio device (114), when the vehicle speed being greater than the determined speed range.

10. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps of adjusting, by the control unit (102), the volume level of the audio by decreasing the volume level in the audio device (114), when the vehicle speed being lesser than the determined speed range.

11. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (102) being one of: a vehicle control unit, a dedicated control unit and a Speed Dependent Volume Control (SDVC) unit (106) of the communication device (104).

12. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the audio device (114) being at least one of: a communication device (104) and a wearable audio device.

13. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps of adjusting, by the control unit (102), the volume level of the audio in the audio device (114) corresponding to the vehicle speed at a gradual rate with a buffer of a preset time duration.

14. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the communication device (104) being communicatively coupled to an instrument cluster (112) of the vehicle (200), the instrument cluster (112) being adapted to display data related to the vehicle (200).

Dated this 31st day of January 2024

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471