Description:SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AUDIO IN AUDIO DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Present invention relates to a system and a method for controlling audio in an audio device.
BACKGROUND 5
[0002] 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 10 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 15 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.
[0003] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system and method for controlling 20 audio in audio device of a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.
[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, 25 as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed towards a system for controlling audio in an audio device. The system includes a control unit which 5 is communicatively coupled to a communication device of a rider of a vehicle. The control unit is configured to receive a vehicle speed from a communication device. 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 10 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.
[0006] 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 15 audio device when the vehicle speed being greater than the determined speed range.
[0007] 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 20 range.
[0008] 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 levelizer (SDVL) unit of the communication device.
[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the audio device is at least 25 one of a communication device and a wearable audio device.
[00010] 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. 30
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[00011] 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.
[00012] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed towards a method for controlling audio in the audio device. The method includes the 5 step of receiving, by the control unit, the vehicle speed from the communication device. 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, 10 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.
[00013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and 15 explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are 20 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.
[00015] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for controlling audio 25 for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[00016] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the vehicle depicting an environment diagram depicting the communication device and vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[00017] Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram for controlling audio in 30 an audio device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
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[00018] 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 5
[00019] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without 10 departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00020] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some 15 embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified 20 otherwise.
[00021] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should 25 be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific 30 examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
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[00022] The present disclosure 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 present disclosure may be applied to any automobile like a scooter or any other saddle type vehicle capable of 5 accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present disclosure .
[00023] 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 10 motor through one or more batteries or a hybrid-electric motor as per requirement. It should be understood that the scope of present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated two-wheeled vehicle having the internal combustion engine.
[00024] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the system 100 for controlling 15 audio in the audio device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 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 20 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 levelizer (SDVL) unit 106 of the communication device 104. In an embodiment, the SDVL is a technique to control volume of an audio device 114. The SDVL is a feature incorporated 25 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.
[00025] Further, the vehicle 200 includes an instrument cluster 112 disposed in the vehicle 200. The instrument cluster 112 is communicatively coupled to 30 the control unit 102. In an embodiment, the instrument is also
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communicatively coupled to the communication device 104. The instrument cluster 112 is adapted to display data related to the vehicle 200. [00026] The control unit 102 is configured to receive the vehicle speed from the communication device 104. The communication device 104 is configured with a feature which enables the determination of speed at which the 5 communication device 104 moves while being carried on the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the Global Positioning System (GPS) provided in the communication system 104 facilitates precise speed sensing within the vehicle 200. By leveraging GPS functionality, the communication device 104 embedded within the vehicle 200 can accurately determine its own movement 10 speed. GPS works by triangulating signals from multiple satellites to calculate position, velocity, and time information, enabling the communication device 104 to continuously update its speed data. This information is then transmitted to the control unit 102, which serves as the central processing hub within the system. Through this mechanism, the control unit 102 receives real-time 15 speed updates, providing essential input for various operational and monitoring functions.
[00027] 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 20 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 device114, the control unit 102 is configured to determine a vehicle speed rangecorresponding to the volume level. Further, the control unit 102 is configured 25 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 30 range corresponding to the previous volume level of the audio. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 gradually increases the volume level of the
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audio to the corresponding volume range of the new predetermined vehicle speed range. [00028] 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 5 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 10 the instrument cluster 112.
[00029] 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 15 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 20 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.
[00030] Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram of a method for controlling audio in an audio device, in accordance with an embodiment of 25 the invention. The control unit 102 is communicatively coupled to the communication device 104. At step 302, the control unit 102 receives the vehicle speed from at least one of the communication device 104. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 is at least one of a vehicle control unit, the dedicated control unit and the Speed Dependent Volume levelizer (SDVL) 30 unit 106 of the communication device 104. In an embodiment, the
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communication device 104 is at least one of the mobile phones, 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 communication device 104. The communication device 104 includes features which enables the communication device to provide the speed at 5 which the communication device 104 moves while being carried on the vehicle 200 by the rider. In an embodiment, a Global Positioning System (GPS) provided in the communication system 104 facilitates precise speed sensing within the vehicle 200. By leveraging GPS functionality, the communication device 104 embedded within the vehicle 200 can accurately 10 determine its own movement speed. GPS works by triangulating signals from multiple satellites to calculate position, velocity, and time information, enabling the communication device 104 to continuously update its speed data. This information is then transmitted to the control unit 102, which serves as the central processing hub within the system. Through this mechanism, the 15 control unit 102 receives real-time speed updates, providing essential input for various operational and monitoring functions. 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 20 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 25 unit 102 adjusts 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 adjusts 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 30 alternate embodiment, the control unit 102 adjusts the volume level of the audio by decreasing the volume level in the audio device 114, when the
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vehicle speed being lesser than the determined speed range. In an 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 5 speed of the vehicle 200 is displayed on the instrument cluster 112. [00031] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are flow diagrams of the method depicting controlling audio in an audio device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00032] At step 402, the ignition key is ON by the rider of the vehicle 200. 10 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 15 communicatively coupled to the instrument cluster 112, the control unit 102, checks the status of the SDVL unit 106 of the communication device 104 at the application setting of the communication device 104. If the SDVL unit 106 is disabled, at step 408, the control unit 102 displays a message “SDVL is Disabled” on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200. If the SDVL 20 unit 106 is enabled, at step 410, the control unit 102 displays a message “SDVL is Enabled” on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200. In another embodiment when the control unit 102 is an SDVL unit 106. In such case, as per the setting chosen by the rider, at step 410, the SDVL unit 106 of the communication device 104 is configured to displays “SDVL is Enabled” 25 on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200, if the rider has enabled the SDVL unit 106. If the rider has disabled the SDVL unit 106, at step 408, then the communication device 104 is configured to displays “SDVL is Enabled” on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200.
[00033] At step 402, the ignition key is turned ON by the rider of the vehicle 30 200.At step 412, after the ignition key is ON, the control unit 102 receives
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the vehicle speed from the communication device 104. At step 414, the control unit 102 will display the vehicle speed on the instrument cluster 112 of the vehicle 200. [00034] Once the vehicle speed is determined by the control unit 102 from
Communication device 104 and the status of SDVL unit 108 is received by 5 the control unit 102, at step 420, the control unit 102 access the Speed-volume mapping table stored in the SDVL unit 108. 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 103 maintains the same volume level as per the speed volume mapping table. At step 424, if the vehicle speed 10 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 15 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.
[00035] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a system to adjust 20 the volume of audio device based on the rider’s requirement in a specific environment. The present disclosure 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).
[00036] As per the present disclosure, the volume of audio device is adjusted 25 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 disclosure ensures that the audio remains clear and audible, compensating for the increase in road noise at high speeds.
[00037] As per an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the SDVL unit 30 of the communication device is the control unit which does major processing
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and execution of the present disclosure, the load on the instrument cluster of the vehicle has reduced significantly. [00038] The present disclosure allows rider to ride vehicle with a steady concentration as the system of the present disclosure gradually increases the volume level of the audio. As a result, the rider-communication device 5 interaction while riding the vehicle has reduced which enables a safe riding condition. The present disclosure 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 disclosure provides a system which eliminates wired connections to a great extend 10 making the system simpler and cheaper.
[00039] Considering 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 15 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.
[00040] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. 20 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. 25 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 30 media.
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[00041] While the present disclosure 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.
[00042] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the 5 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 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. 10
[00043] 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 claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly 15 bring an improvement in the functioning of the configuration itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00044] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to 20 illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.
[00045] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected 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 25 detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00046] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, 30 other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
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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 following claims. [00047] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that 5 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 particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the 10 particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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Reference Numerals:
100 – System
102 - Control unit
106 – SDVC unit
104 - Communication device 5
112 – Instrument cluster
114 – Audio device
200 - Vehicle
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1.A system (100) for controlling audio in an audio device (114), thesystem (100) comprises:
a control unit (102) communicatively coupled to a communication5 device (104) of a rider of a vehicle (200), the control unit (102) beingconfigured to:
receive a vehicle speed from at least one of the communicationdevice (104);
receive a volume level of the audio device (114);10
determine, a vehicle speed range corresponding to the volumelevel; and
adjust, the volume level of the audio in the audio device (114)corresponding to the vehicle speed, when the vehicle speed deviatesfrom the determined speed range.15
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 increasingthe volume level in the audio device (114), when the vehicle speedbeing greater than the determined speed range.20
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 decreasingthe volume level in the audio device (114), when the vehicle speedbeing lesser than the determined speed range.25
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 aSpeed Dependent Volume levelizer (SDVL) unit (106) of thecommunication device (104).30
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5.The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the audio device(114)being at least one of: a communication device (104) and awearable audio device.
6.The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102)5 being configured to adjust the volume level of the audio in the audiodevice (114) corresponding to the vehicle speed at a gradual rate witha buffer of a preset time duration.
7.The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication10 device (104) being communicatively coupled to an instrument cluster(112)of the vehicle (200), the instrument cluster (112) being adaptedto display data related to the vehicle (200).
8.A method (600) for controlling audio in an audio device (114), the15 method comprising steps of:
receiving, by a control unit (102), a vehicle speed from at least one ofa communication device (104);
receiving, by the control unit (102), a volume level of the audio device (114); 20
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. 25
9.The method (600) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps ofadjusting, by the control unit (102), the volume level of the audio byincreasing the volume level in the audio device (114), when thevehicle speed being greater than the determined speed range.
10.The method (600) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps of30 adjusting, by the control unit (102), the volume level of the audio by
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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 anda Speed Dependent Volume levelizer (SDVL) unit (106) of the
5 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 awearable audio device.10
13.The method (600) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps ofadjusting, by the control unit (102), the volume level of the audio inthe audio device (114) corresponding to the vehicle speed at a gradualrate with a buffer of a preset time duration.
14.The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the communication15 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).