Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a vehicle comprising an infotainment system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A growing demand for luxurious, safe and smart vehicles has pressure the 5 development of infotainment related gadgets. Automobiles are now integrated with infotainment systems which are a combination of entertainment and information for an enhanced in-vehicle user experience. The development of basic infotainment systems in-vehicle has catapulted the development of advanced rider assistance system (ARAS), V2X connectivity solutions and telematics integrated 10 with the automobile to further improve the driving experience.
[0003] The conventional architecture of in-vehicle infotainment system is an integration of existent in-vehicle subsystems and components of the external environment including an external stimulus to deliver the requested entertainment and information to the users of the vehicle. The most common interface when it 15 comes to usage of in vehicle infotainment systems is an instrument cluster or dashboard of the vehicle. The instrument cluster receive user input and accordingly communicates to in-vehicle sub systems in accordance with the infotainment feature incorporated in the vehicle.
[0004] Nuances of infotainment systems such as instrument cluster with 20 integrated stereo systems are observed in spacious three wheeled, four wheeled and multi axle vehicles. In the segment of spacious vehicles such as but not limited to three wheeled, four wheeled and multi axle vehicles the instrument cluster serves as a central control console while the stereo system may be disposed in various regions of the vehicle. The stereo systems are typically 25 disposed in the dashboard in the front portion of the vehicle or mounted on the A-pillars connecting the chassis to the roof at a rear portion of the vehicle. In spacious vehicle layouts the stereo system is controlled through the instrument cluster. However, inculcation of infotainment systems in a compact vehicle layout such as, but not limited to, a two wheeled or straddle type vehicles faces dire 30
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packaging concerns. In compact vehicle layouts packaging of hefty stereo systems is cumbersome owing to space constrains. Further, bulky stereo systems and alike forms of infotainment system when disposed in a compact vehicle layout may adversely impact vehicle dynamics leading to vehicle instability. An advantage in spacious layout, owing to the higher base area of the chassis is that the disposition
5 of bulky stereo systems and other forms of infotainment systems have a miniscule impact on vehicle dynamics and stability. [0005] Further the mode of mobility in compact vehicle layouts such as but not limited to 2 wheeled vehicles without a covered top encompasses propulsion of the vehicle with wind hitting the vehicle’s front portion. Owing to conventional
10 configuration of compact vehicle layouts eliminating a covered top, a depreciation in the quality of the infotainment system is often observed along with added concerns of durability of the infotainment system against potential ingress of mud, rain and water.
[0006] Known methods addressing concerns of integration of infotainment 15 systems in compact vehicle layout encompasses integration of audio systems with a user wearable device such as but not limited to a helmet. However, a disadvantage associated with the same is that they integration of speakers with the helmet vacuums the external environments noise making the rider oblivious to the vehicle’s external operating conditions. The void or vacuum created by audio 20 speaker integrated helmets makes the vehicle prone to accidents in absence of effective communication of on-road conditions.
[0007] In passenger or commuter segment vehicles, the aspects of information transmission play a role. An alternate domain of infotainment systems involves the reception and transmission of information effectively between the user of the 25 vehicle and the external environment. Some conventional methods of communication is via usage of signage, where cabs are often provided with a signage indicative of an intent to be hired. The signage is often disposed over the covered top of the four wheeled vehicle. With recent popularity of bike taxis or taxi services being provided using compact vehicles such as 2 wheeled or straddle 30 type vehicles, the aspects of limited space for disposition of a signage provides a
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drawback to the passengers as well as the riders. Therefore, the in-vehicle infotainment system concerning a compact vehicle layout should additionally inculcate aspects of communication between the user of the vehicle and other road users. [0008] Therefore, there arises a need for secure packaging of the infotainment
5 system in a vehicle without major disruption in the packaging of other components in the compact vehicle layout. 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 remainder of the present application and with 10 reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an infotainment system comprising one or more lighting units, one or more audio transmission units and a control unit. 15 The control unit is communicatively connected to at least one of the one or more audio transmission units and the one or more lighting units. The infotainment system is disposed in a pre-defined region of the vehicle. In an aspect, the pre-defined region is at least a front portion of the vehicle above an axis of one or more front wheels of the vehicle. 20
[00010] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter provides an infotainment system. The infotainment system comprises a control unit communicatively connected to at least one of one or more lighting units and one or more audio transmission units. The control unit is configured to: receive an input signal from one or more users and generate an output signal associated with 25 the received input signal. The output signal controls at least one of luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units and audio characteristics of the one or more audio transmission units.
[00011] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter provides a method for operating an infotainment system. The method comprises a 30
first step of receiving by a control unit an input signal associated with a user desired state. The method then proceeds to generating by the control unit an output signal associated with the user desired state. The control unit thereby controls at least one of luminescence characteristics of one or more lighting units and audio characteristics of one or more audio transmission units based on the 5 generated output signal. [00012] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00013] 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. 15
[00014] Figure 1(a) illustrates a front view of a vehicle comprising an infotainment system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00015] Figure 1(b) illustrates a portion of a front view of the vehicle comprising the infotainment system in accordance with some embodiments of the present 20 disclosure.
[00016] Figure 1(c) illustrates a front view of a mirror assembly comprising one or more audio transmission units in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00017] Figure 1(d) illustrates an exploded view of a mirror assembly comprising 25
one or more audio transmission units in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [00018] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an infotainment system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 5
[00019] Figure 3 illustrates a method for operating an infotainment system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00020] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are 5 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 figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the system 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 10 to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[00021] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate 15 that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or 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. 20
[00022] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many 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 25
skilled in the art. [00023] The present invention is illustrated a two wheeled vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the present illustration and certain features, aspects and advantages of 6
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embodiments of the present invention can be used with other forms of straddle, staddle, trikes, tadpole configuration vehicles, all terrain vehicles, three wheeled vehicle, four wheeled vehicle and multi axle vehicles. In an aspect, features, embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to any vehicle subsystem serving in-vehicle infotainment operations. The term “vehicle”
5 used in the present disclosure shall be construed to include but not limited to internal combustion engine-based vehicles, electric vehicle, as well as hybrid vehicles employing the integrated assembly as per the present disclosure. [00024] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction
10 with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00025] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should 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 15 principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00026] The present subject matter may be implemented in any form of automobile. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the 20 present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting a two wheeled vehicle.
[00027] Figure 1(a) illustrates a front view of a vehicle comprising an infotainment system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 25
[00028] Figure 1(b) illustrates a portion of a front view of the vehicle comprising the infotainment system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
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[00029] For the sake of brevity, Figures 1(a) and 1(b) shall be explained in conjunction. With reference to Figure 1(a) and 1(b), 100 denotes a vehicle, 102 denotes a handlebar assembly, 104 denotes one or more front wheel, 106 denotes a steering rod, 108 denotes one or more cover panels, 110 denotes an instrument cluster, 112 denotes a headlamp assembly, 116 denotes
one or more mirror 5 assembly and 206 denotes one or more lighting units.
[00030] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises a prime mover configured to transform the available energy into usable work applied to at least one of the one or more front wheels 104 and the one or more rear wheels (not shown) via a transmission member (not shown). The vehicle 100 may be supported by a frame 10 assembly extending along a vehicle length from a front portion F to a rear portion R of the vehicle 100.
[00031] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises a handlebar assembly 102 disposed in a front portion F of the vehicle 100. The handlebar assembly 102 may be connected to the frame assembly. The vehicle 100 is provided with one or 15 more seating members in a rear portion R of the vehicle 100. The one or more seating members are configured to accommodate one or more users of the vehicle 100.
[00032] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a two-wheeled type vehicle. The terms “vehicle” and “two-wheeled vehicle” are interchangeably used 20 in this disclosure. However, both the terms “vehicle” and “two-wheeled vehicle” are one and the same. The term “vehicle” is used in place of “two-wheeled vehicle” more often for brevity. In an aspect, the vehicle 100 may comprise a floorboard in the event a scooter type vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle or the like is used. The vehicle 100 may also be operational without a floorboard such as 25 in, but not limited to, motorcycle type vehicles.
[00033] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 depicted in Figure 1(a) comprises a handlebar assembly 102 connected to a steering rod 106. The configuration of the handlebar assembly 102 in conjunction with the steering rod 106 permits manoeuvring of the vehicle 100. The steering rod 106 may be connected to the 30
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one or more front wheels 104 of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the steering rod 106 may be connected to a front suspension assembly (not shown) with the front suspension assembly connected to the one or more front wheels 104.The headlamp assembly 112 may be disposed ahead of the handlebarassembly 102, whereby the headlamp assembly 112 comprises at least a lighting
5 unit referred to as headlamp, a headlamp stay supporting the headlamp and ahousing covering the headlamp and the headlamp stay from a front view of thevehicle 100. The headlamp assembly 112 partially covers a portion of thehandlebar assembly 102.[00034] In an aspect, the handlebar assembly 102 may comprise control switches
10 disposed in vicinity of grippers disposed at opposite ends of the handlebar assembly 102. One or more braking levers may be connected to a portion of the handlebar assembly 102 to facilitate safe vehicle manoeuvring and propulsion.
[00035] In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a motorcycle type vehicle (as depicted in Figure 1(b)) with the one or more mirror assembly 116 connected to a 15 portion of a handlebar assembly (102). In another embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a scooter type vehicle (as depicted in Figure 1(a)) with the one or more mirror assembly 116 connected to a portion of the headlamp assembly 112. The one or more mirror assembly 116 is configured to provide a rear view to the one or more users of the vehicle during vehicle propulsion. 20
[00036] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises an instrument cluster 110. The instrument cluster 110 provides an interface between the one or more users and the vehicle sub-systems. The instrument cluster 110 often comprises several gauges such as but not limited to speedometer, odometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, tire pressure indicator and display of the ride mode of the 25 vehicle. The instrument cluster 110 may comprise load drivers such as stepper motor for non-graphical gauges. The instrument cluster may alternately comprise a graphic engine with a backlighting LED for graphical information display. The instrument cluster 110 may additionally comprise a communication module for improving connectivity between the vehicle sub-systems. The communication 30
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module may support CAN, LIN or other acceptable communication protocols. The instrument cluster 110 may also comprise a processor or microcontroller coupled to a memory unit integrated with the communication module. [00037] In an aspect, one or more cover panels 108 may be disposed below the handlebar assembly 102 of the vehicle 100, whereby the one or more cover panels
5 108 partially cover a portion of the steering rod 106. In an aspect, the one or more cover panels 108 as seen in the vehicle front view in figure 1(a) may be referred to as a front panel. The one or more cover panels 108 improve the aesthetics fo the vehicle 100 whilst protecting against dust, rain, water towards the vehicle components. The one or more cover panels 108 may additionally be configured to 10 accommodate one or more lighting units 206 of the vehicle 100.
[00038] The vehicle 100 comprises one or more lighting units 206 such as but not limited to turn signal lamps, headlamp assembly 112, brake lamp, hazard lamp, daytime running lamps, fog lamp and tail lamp assembly. The one or more lighting units 206 such as head lamp assembly 112, turn signal lamps and the tail 15 lamp assembly serve as indicators to other road users of an intended direction of propulsion of the vehicle 100 and other vehicle operations. Further, one or more lighting units 206 such as hazard lamps and brake lamps improve visibility of the vehicle 100 as well as the braking characteristics of the vehicle 100 to other road users. One or more lighting units 206 such as fog lamps and daytime running 20 lamps improve the road visibility for the rider of the vehicle 100. The one or more lighting units 206 may be controlled by control switches provided in the handlebar assembly 102 of the vehicle 100. In two wheeled vehicles varying from motorcycle type to scooter type or step through or other straddle type of vehicles, the disposition of one or more lighting units 206 is variable based on the chosen 25 vehicle architecture.
[00039] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises an infotainment system 200 (described in greater detail with reference to Figure 2). The infotainment system 200 comprises at least one of one or more audio transmission units 204, one or more lighting units 206 and a control unit 202. The control unit 202 is 30
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communicatively connected to at least one of the one or more audio transmission units 204 and the one or more lighting units 206. The infotainment system 200 is disposed in a pre-defined region of the vehicle 100. The pre-defined region is at least a front portion (F) of the vehicle 100 above an axis XX of one or more front wheels 104 of the vehicle 100.
5 [00040] In an aspect, the axis XX is indicative of a region of contact between the one or more front wheels 104 and the front suspension assembly. In another aspect, the axis XX is indicative of a region of contact between the one or more front wheels 104 and a steering rod 106 or a portion of a frame assembly of the vehicle 100. In another aspect, the axis XX passes through a mid-point of the one
10 or more front wheels 104.
[00041] In an aspect, the control unit 202 is provided in the instrument cluster 110 of the vehicle 100. The instrument cluster 110 serves as an interface between the one or more users of the vehicle 100 and the vehicle sub-systems including the infotainment system 200. The control unit 202 is configured to receive an input 15 signal. The input signal may be transmitted by the one or more users of the vehicle 100 by an electronic device 208 communicatively connected to the control unit 202. The electronic device 208 may be a personal digital assistant of the one or more users such as but not limited to pagers, remote, key fob, mobile phones, and other forms of electronic gadgets. The input signal may be transmitted by the 20 one or more users of the vehicle 100 by actuation of one or more switches enclosed in the control switch housing provided in the handlebar assembly 102. The input signal may also be transmitted by the one or more users of the vehicle 100 by a gesture-based input where the control unit 202 may be integrated with one or more visual sensors, such as but not limited to cameras, linked with a 25 memory unit storing a pre-defined set of gestures. The input signal may also be transmitted by the one or more users of the vehicle 100 by a speech-based input where the control unit 202 may be integrated with one or more audio receivers linked with a memory unit storing a pre-defined set of speech-based instructions. The input signal may also be transmitted by the one or more users of the vehicle 30
100 by a touch-based input via an interface of the instrument cluster 110 or the electronic device 208. [00042] In an aspect, infotainment system 200 comprising the one or more audio transmission units 204 is packaged in one or more mirror assembly 116 disposed in the vehicle. The infotainment system 200 comprising one or more lighting units
5 206 may be disposed on an housing of the headlamp assembly 112 or on the one or more cover panels 108. Further with the control unit 202 being disposed in the instrument cluster 110, communication between the one or more audio transmission units 204, the one or more lighting units 206 and the control unit 202 is compact and convenient. In the event a wire harness is employed, the wire 10 harness connecting the components of the infotainment system 200 may be easily routed through an internal surface of the one or more cover panels 108.
[00043] In an preferred embodiment, to further limit the length of the wire harness connecting the components of the infotainment system 200, the one or more lighting unit’s 206 disposition may be limited to a portion of the headlamp 15 assembly 112, with the pre-defined region of the infotainment system 200 confining to the vicinity of the headlamp assembly 112.
[00044] In an aspect, the pre-defined region is in vicinity of the handlebar assembly 102 of the vehicle 100. The one or more audio transmission units 204 are disposed in one or more mirror assembly 116 connected to the handlebar 20 assembly 102, while the control unit 202 is disposed in the instrument cluster 110 connected to the handlebar assembly 102. Further, the one or more lighting units 206 are disposed on one or more cover panels 108 at least partially covering at least one of the handlebar assembly 102 and a steering rod 106 connected to the handlebar assembly 102. 25
[00045] In an aspect, the pre-defined region is in vicinity of a headlamp assembly 112 of the vehicle 100. The one or more audio transmission units 204 are disposed in one or more mirror assembly 116 connected to one or more panels of the headlamp assembly 112 with the control unit 202 disposed behind the headlamp 12
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assembly 112. Further, the one or more lighting units 206 are disposed below the headlamp assembly 112. [00046] In an embodiment, when the vehicle 100 has minimum cover panels disposed (such as in a motorcycle type vehicle), the one or more lighting units 206 may be disposed in a region between the headlamp assembly 112 and the
5 instrument cluster 110 when the vehicle 100 be viewed from a front view. In this configuration, the wiring harness of the infotainment system is optimized with routing along the handlebar rod. The wiring harness would connect the one or more audio transmission units 204 in the one or more mirror assembly 116, the control unit 202 in the instrument cluster 110 and the one or more lighting units 10 206 above the headlamp assembly 112 and ahead of the handlebar assembly 102.
[00047] In an aspect, the one or more lighting units 206 as per the present disclosure is configured to visually indicate a signage associated with a user desired state based on received input signal. The user desired state may comprise at least one of an alpha-numeric and graphic presentation of at least one of a for-15 hire signage, breakdown signage and a U-turn signage.
[00048] Conventional vehicles are typically provided with a heads-up display or digital sign boards which is accommodated on a top cover of the vehicle such as four wheeled or multi-axle vehicles. The provision of one or more lighting units 206 indicative of signage associated with a user desired state in a compact vehicle 20 layout such as in two wheeled vehicles poses serious packaging concerns. Further provision of a head-up display of known configuration denudes the aesthetics of the vehicle, with an added component cost and weight. Further, bulky heads-up display which otherwise are easily accommodated in spacious vehicle layouts like four wheeled or multi-axle vehicles, would deteriorate the vehicle dynamics and 25 vehicle stability when deployed in a compact vehicle layout such as two wheeled vehicle.
[00049] In another aspect, the one or more lighting units 206 align with an alpha-numeric or graphical representation of the user desired state. For instance, the one or more lighting units 206 comprising a cluster of light emitting diodes or other 30
light sources aligned to represent the alphanumeric code pertinent to “For Hire” signage. The input signal received by the control unit 202 modifies or regulates the luminescence characteristics for suppression or indication of the user desired state based on the received input signal. In another aspect, to improve the alertness or consciousness of the one or more lighting units 206 indicating the
5 user desired state, the control unit 202 regulates the luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units 206. In an aspect, the comprises regulation of at least one of wavelength, frequency of luminescence, field of view and luminous intensity. In an embodiment, the one or more lighting units 206 indicative of “fore hire” signage is configured to blink at a pre-defined interval, with the wavelength 10 modified to improve conspicuousness of the signage. [00050] In an embodiment, the instrument cluster 110 or the one or more lighting units 206 configured to visually indicate a signage may comprise a Plasma display, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, and an Active Matrix OLED
15 (AMOLED) display.
[00051] In another instance, the vehicle 100 may be equipped with one or more lighting units 206 configured to visually indicate a signage associated with a user desired state, where the user desired state may be “breakdown”. The one or more lighting units 206 comprising a cluster of lighting sources such as but not limited 20 to LEDs may be aligned to alpha-numerically or graphically represent the breakdown of the vehicle 100 as caution to other road users.
[00052] In view of the one or more lighting units 206 serving function of communication to other road users, the one or more lighting units 206 may be deployed in a conspicuous location of the vehicle 100. The conspicuous location 25 is determined based on the maximum permissible field of view of the one or more lighting units 206 to permit maximum perception of the user desired state by other road users. In an aspect, the location of the one or more lighting units 202 may be along side cover panels of the vehicle 100 and a rear portion of the vehicle 100. 14
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[00053] In an embodiment, the one or more lighting units 206 may be integrated with a digital signage serving as a platform for targeted or location-specific content advertising. In this configuration, the one or more lighting units 206 integrated with the digital signage disposed in one or more cover panels 118 of the vehicle 100.
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[00054] In an aspect, the one or more mirror assembly 116 are disposed on one or more ends of the handlebar assembly 102 of the vehicle 100. The one or more mirror assembly 116 (as depicted in Figure 1(b)) comprises one or more audio transmission units 204 enclosed by a housing 120. The one or more audio transmission units 204 are disposed relative to the rear-view mirrors or reflecting 10 surfaces of the one or more mirror assembly 116. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more audio transmission units 204 are disposed on an opposite surface to the reflective surface, with one or more perforations 118 in the housing 120 configured to permit emanation of the audio output from the one or more audio transmission units 204. 15
[00055] In an embodiment, the vehicle is a three wheeled vehicle such as in passenger segment or cargo segment three wheeled vehicle with a soft top covering a top portion of the vehicle and connected to the vehicle’s frame assembly. In an aspect, the three wheeled vehicle comprises a driver compartment separated from a cargo compartment or passenger compartment by provision of a 20 partition wall. In view of maintaining a low vehicle cost, the three wheeled vehicle may be exposed to the external atmosphere and may therefore face the same predicaments as in two wheeled vehicles where the audio quality is deteriorated owing to noises and wind in the external environment. In this embodiment, the one or more audio transmission units 204 provided in the one or 25 more mirror assembly 116 is disposed in the front portion or a driver compartment of the vehicle in a pre-defined orientation.
[00056] In an aspect, the one or more mirror assembly 116 are rotatable about one or more pivot joints 122a, 122b. In a working example, the one or more audio transmission units 204 when operating during a vehicle running condition, the 30
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audio output emanating through the one or more perforations 118 may not be comprehensible to the one or more users of the vehicle 100. In vehicle running condition, the direction of propulsion of the vehicle 100 is opposite to the direction of acting wind which deteriorates the audio output of the one or more audio transmission units 204. The control unit 202 in this configuration regulates
5 the audio characteristics of the one or more audio transmission units 204. During, a vehicle idling or resting condition or an operating condition of the vehicle 100 where the usage of the mirror assembly 116 is not required, the one or more users may rotate the one or more mirror assembly 116 in a desired orientation such that the one or more audio transmission units 204 may provide the requested audio 10 output. [00057] Figure 1(c) illustrates a front view of a mirror assembly comprising one or more audio transmission units in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00058] Figure 1(d) illustrates an exploded view of a mirror assembly comprising 15 one or more audio transmission units in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00059] For the sake of brevity, Figures 1(c) and 1(d) shall be explained in conjunction. With reference to Figure 1(c) and 1(d), 116 denotes the mirror assembly, 118 denotes one or more perforations, 120 denotes a housing, 122a and 20 122b denotes one or more pivot joints, 124 is a stem, and 204 denotes one or more audio transmission units.
[00060] In an aspect, the stem 124 is disposed between a first pivot joint 122a and a second pivot joint 122b. The one or more pivot joints 122a, 122b are rotatable joints. In a preferred embodiment, the first pivot joint 122a and the second pivot 25 joint 122b have zero degrees of freedom such as in, but not limited to ball joint configuration. In an aspect, the first pivot joint 122a is provided on a portion of the handlebar assembly 102 or a portion of a headlamp assembly 112. In another aspect, the second pivot joint 122b connects the stem 124 to the enclosure of the one or more mirror assembly 116. The stem 124 may be a flexible component 30
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permitting ease of orientation of the one or more mirror assembly 116 to the one or more users. In another aspect, the direction of audio transmission or sound output may be adjusted by tilting or relative movement of the mirror assembly 116 permissible by the one or more pivot joints 122a, 122b.
[00061] In an aspect, the one or more mirror assembly 116 comprises a reflecting
5 surface 126a and the one or more audio transmission units 204 enclosed in a housing 120. The reflecting surface 126a may face towards a rear portion (R) of the vehicle 100. The one or more audio transmission units 204 are disposed in an opposite surface 126b of the reflecting surface 126a. In an aspect, the housing 120 at least partially encloses the one or more audio transmission units 204 and the 10 opposite surface 126b. The one or more mirror assembly 116 is movable about one or more pivot joints 122a, 122b. In an aspect, a wiring harness connecting the control unit 202 to the one or more audio transmission units 204 are routed through a hollow provision in the stem 124.
[00062] In an embodiment, the one or more mirror assembly 116 may comprise a 15 front cover configured to receive the reflecting surface 126a. The front cover may partially cover a portion of the reflecting surface 126a to secure the disposition of the reflecting surface 126a, but no region of reflection may be compromised. The one or more mirror assembly 116 may comprise a rear cover, the rear cover may comprise a curved profiled configurated to accommodate the one or more audio 20 transmission units 204. The rear cover may be connected to the front cover at one or more mounting provisions. In another aspect, the rear cover and the front cover may be snap-fitted to enclose the reflecting surface and the one or more audio transmission units 204. In another aspect, the front cover and the rear cover are connected along a periphery of at least one of the front cover and the rear cover. 25
[00063] In an aspect, one or more perforations 118 are provided in the housing 120.The one or more perforations 118 are provided in pre-defined locations of thehousing 120. The one or more perforations 118 are directed towards the one ormore audio transmission units 204 at a pre-defined angle range a’. The pre-defined angle range (a’) is 15-60 degrees to an axis (AA) passing through the one 30
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or more audio transmission units 204. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-defined angle is 45 degrees to the ground surface. The pre-defined location of the one or more perforations 118 ensures that by provision of minimum perforations the audio output quality transmitted is optimized. The pre-defined angle range a’ of the one or more perforations 118 ensures that no potential ingress of mud, water
5 or rain occurs during the vehicle operation. In an embodiment, the one or more perforations 118 may be coated with a selectively permeable medium. The selectively permeable medium may permit ingress of air for cooling of electronic components such as, but not limited, to the audio transmission units 204 and associated circuity but may block the ingress of mud, dust and water. The pre-10 defined angle further ensures that the one or more audio transmission units 204 are not directly subjected to the impact of incoming wind or air in the direction of vehicle propulsion. [00064] In an aspect, the one or more perforations 118 are oriented collinear with the direction of audio transmission or audio output of the one or more audio 15 transmission units 204. The disclosed configuration of the one or more perforation 118 ensures that no obstruction is provided in the direction of audio transmission in view of maintaining the audio quality. Further, the one or more perforations 118 provide ventilation to or natural cooling of the other electronic components disposed inside the housing 120. 20
[00065] In an aspect, the one or more audio transmission units 204 comprise an amplifier unit (not shown) operably connected to the control unit 202 disposed in the vehicle 100, through which the volume or audio characteristics of the transmitted audio output is controlled. In another aspect, the one or more audio transmission units 204 comprises a communication module which support 25 multiple communication protocols. The communication protocols supported by the communication module comprises but is not limited to WLAN, Wi-Fi, LTE, WiMAX, GPRS, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Infrared, NearBytes, Near Field Communication (NFC), or any other Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) or Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) communication protocol. 30
[00066] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an infotainment system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00067] With reference to Figure 2, 200 denotes the infotainment system 202 denotes a control unit, 204 denotes one or more audio transmission units, 206 denotes one or more lighting units and 208 denotes an electronic device. 5
[00068] In an aspect, the infotainment system 200 comprises a control unit 202, the one or more audio transmission units 204 and the one or more lighting units 206.The control unit 202 is communicatively connected to at least one of one ormore lighting units 206 and one or more audio transmission units 204. The controlunit 202 is configured to receive an input signal from one or more users. The input 10 signal may be received from an electronic device 208. The control unit 202 is further configured to generate an output signal associated with the received input signal. The control unit 202 controls at least one of luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units 206 and audio characteristics of the one or more audio transmission units 204 based on the generated output signal. 15
[00069] In an aspect, the control of the luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units 206 comprises regulation of at least one of wavelength, frequency of luminescence, field of view and luminous intensity.
[00070] In an aspect, the control of the audio characteristics comprises regulation of at least one of volume, amplitude, pitch, bass, timbre of audio generated by the 20 one or more audio transmission units 204.
[00071] In an aspect, the control of luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units 206 are configured to visually indicate a signage associated with a user desired state based on received input signal. The user desired state comprising at least one of an alpha-numeric and graphic presentation of at least 25
one of a for-hire signage, breakdown signage and a U-turn signage. [00072] In an aspect, the one or more audio transmission units 204 are disposed in one or more mirror assembly 116 disposed in a vehicle 100. The one or more mirror assembly may comprise a reflecting surface 126a facing towards a rear 19
20
portion (R) of the vehicle 100 and the one or more audio transmission units 204 disposed in an opposite surface 126b of the reflecting surface 126a. The housing 120 at least partially encloses the one or more audio transmission units 204 and the opposite surface 126b. The one or more mirror assembly 116 is movable about one or more pivot joints 122a, 122b. The housing 120 may comprise one or more
5 perforations 118 directed towards the one or more audio transmission units 204 at a pre-defined angle range a’. The pre-defined angle range a’ is 15-60 degrees. [00073] In an aspect, the one or more audio transmission units 204 generating an audio output based on a user desired state based on the received input signal. The user desired state comprising at least one of a voice assist, text to speech
10 transcription, notification indicator and media player.
[00074] In an aspect, the electronic device 208 may be a personal digital assistant not limited to a tablet, a smart phone or a phablet of the one or more users communicatively coupled to the control unit 202 via a network. Examples of the network may include, but are not limited to the Internet, Wireless Local Area 15 Network (WLAN), Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). The electronic device 208 may also be a remote server that may control the vehicle 100 from a remote location via the network discussed above.
[00075] In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 202 is configured to 20 detect one of a vehicle riding mode, a vehicle standing mode and a vehicle idling or resting mode. The control unit 202 based on detected vehicle mode regulates the audio characteristics of the one or more audio transmission units 204 and the luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units 204. For instance, during vehicle riding mode the air flow against the direction of vehicle propulsion 25 is higher, therefore the one or more audio transmission units 204 need to generate the audio output at a higher volume so that there is a strong output towards the one or more users of the vehicle 100.
[00076] In an aspect, the control unit 202 may comprise a processor that is coupled to a memory. The memory stores instructions for the processor, which, on 30
21
execution, causes the processor to perform desired operations. The memory may be a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory. Examples of the non-volatile memory may include, but are not limited to a flash memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), and Electrically EPROM (EEPROM) memory. Examples of volatile memory may 5 include but are not limited to Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), and Static Random-Access memory (SRAM). [00077] Figure 3 illustrates a method for operating an infotainment system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00078] The method 300 begins at step 302 and proceeds to step 304. 10
[00079] At step 304, the control unit 202 receives an input signal associated with a user desired state. The user desired state may comprise at least one of an alpha-numeric and graphic indication of at least one of a for-hire signage, a breakdown signage and a U-turn signage. The user desired state may alternatively comprise at least one of a a voice assist, text to speech transcription, notification indicator and 15 media player. After the control unit 202 receives the input signal, the method 300 proceeds to step 306.
[00080] At step 306, the control unit 202 generates an output signal associated with the user desired state. The output signal is associated with the subsequent control of the luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units 206 20 and the audio characteristics of the one or more audio transmission units 204.
[00081] In an embodiment, the control unit 202 comprises a look-up table. The look-up table comprises a pre-defined set of input signals associated with a pre-defined set of output signals. In the event the input signal received maps or matches with a value in the pre-defined set of input signals, the control unit 202 25 fetches the associated output signal and generates the same to control at least one of the one or more audio transmission units 204 and the one or more lighting units 206.Upon successful generation of the output signal, the method 300 proceeds tostep 308.
[00082] At step 308, the control unit 202 controls at least one of luminescence characteristics of one or more lighting units 206 and audio characteristics of one or more audio transmission units 204 based on the generated output signal. The output signal relates to controlling the luminescence characteristics comprising regulation of at least one of wavelength, frequency of luminescence, field of view 5 and luminous intensity of the one or more lighting units 206. The output signal may control the audio characteristics of the one or more audio transmission units 204 comprising regulation of at least one of volume, amplitude, pitch, bass, timbre of the audio generated or audio output. The method 300 ends at step 310.
[00083] It is an object of the present subject matter to effectively package an 10 infotainment system in a compact vehicle layout without major disruption in packaging of other components of the vehicle layout. The present subject matter additionally eliminates major revamping of conventional manufacturing processes.
[00084] The present configuration of the infotainment system comprising one or 15 more lighting units and one or more audio transmission units coupled with a control unit is packaged in a pre-defined region of the compact vehicle layout. The integrated packaging of the one or more audio transmission units in pre-set location of one or more mirror assemblies negates any interference with vehicle stability as the centre of mass of the vehicle is still maintained. Further, additional 20 connectors connecting to the one or more audio transmission units and one or more lighting units are routed securely and covered by one or more cover panels of the vehicle.
[00085] It is an object of the present subject matter to maintain the quality of the audio transmitted by the one or more audio transmission units of the infotainment 25 system such that no attenuation in the transmitted audio is observed during vehicle operation in view of the noises accompanying the vehicle’s external environment. [00086] To this end, the one or more audio transmission units is provided with one or more perforations at a pre-defined angle. The pre-defined angle of the one 22
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or more perforations ensures there is minimal impact of incoming air flow on the audio output.
[00087]
In an embodiment, the infotainment system as per the present disclosure is deployed in passenger segment vehicles. In passenger segment vehicles such as, but not limited to, vehicle employed for taxi services in-vehicle entertainment 5 plays a crucial role in alleviating the passenger’s boredom. In instances where two wheeled vehicles be employed for supporting taxi services, the provision of in-vehicle infotainment not only satiates entertainment features provided to the passenger, but also assists in effective communication of alerts, warnings and vehicle diagnosis to the passengers. The present subject matter in view of the 10 disclosed configuration of the infotainment system addresses the infotainment aspects in compact vehicle layouts which provides safety as well as entertainment attributes to passengers. Further, the provision of one or more lighting units indicative of a signage associated with the user desired state facilitates communication between the taxi vehicle and potential passengers in need of taxi 15 services.
[00088] It is an object of the present subject matter to protect the one or more audio transmission units against potential ingress of rain, mud or water against the disadvantages observed in the conventional arts known in the background.
[00089] To this end, the housing enclosing the one or more audio transmission 20 units is provided with one or more perforation. The relative orientation of the one or more perforations at a pre-defined angle range limits the possible ingress of dust, rain and water. Further in an embodiment, the one or more perforations are provided with a medium which is selectively permeable negating the ingress of dust, rain and water. 25
[00090] It is an object of the present subject matter to ensure ventilation of components packaged in the housing of the one or more mirror assembly against potential overheating.
[00091]
To this end, the one or more perforations provided in the housing enclosing the one or more audio transmission units and other components is provided with a medium. The medium is configured to be selectively permeable whereby entry of air is permissible, but water, rain and dust may be obstructed. Associatively, frequently observed overheating of the components such as 5 electronic or electrical components leads to reduced cycle life or durability, which makes frequent part replacement imperative. The present subject matter addresses this exact drawback known in conventional arts by provision of the present configuration of the integrated assembly.
[00092] In passenger segment vehicles involved in taxi or carpooling services 10 audio entertainment along with signage becomes a desirable feature. The present disclosure of provision of an infotainment system comprising the one or more lighting units and the one or more audio transmission units addresses packaging constraints of in compact vehicle layouts.
[00093] Further, the disposition of the one or more audio transmission units in the 15 one or more mirror assembly of the vehicle in a single housing, improves the potential of provision of multiple brackets or mountings in the vehicle 100. Therefore the present disclosure additionally facilitates reduction of components, weight and cost in provision of an infotainment system in an existent compact vehicle layout. 20
[00094] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed infotainment system, the claimed vehicle and infotainment system as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed system enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed infotainment 25 system clearly brings an improvement in the performance of the in-vehicle infotainment sub systems in additional to improving manufacturing feasibility, and the system configuration of the infotainment system provide a technical solution to a technical problem. 24
25
[00095]
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 detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, 5 the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00096] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-10 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. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the 15 aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.
[00097] 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 20 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 particular embodiment disclosed, but that the 25 present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:We Claim:
1.An infotainment system (200), the infotainment system (200) comprising:
a control unit (202), the control unit (202) being communicatively connected to at least one of one or more lighting units (206) and one or more audio transmission units (204), wherein the control unit (202) being 5 configured to:
receive an input signal from one or more users,
generate an output signal associated with the received input signal, and
control at least one of luminescence characteristics of the 10 one or more lighting units (206) and audio characteristics of the one or more audio transmission units (204) based on the generated output signal.
2.The infotainment system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control15 of the luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units (206)comprises regulation of at least one of wavelength, frequency ofluminescence, field of view and luminous intensity.
3.The infotainment system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control20 of the audio characteristics comprises regulation of at least one of volume,amplitude, pitch, bass, timbre of audio generated by the one or more audiotransmission units (204).
4.The infotainment system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control25 of luminescence characteristics of the one or more lighting units (206)being configured to visually indicate a signage associated with a userdesired state based on received input signal, wherein the user desired statecomprising at least one of an alpha-numeric and graphic presentation of atleast one of a for-hire signage, breakdown signage and a U-turn signage.30
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5.The infotainment system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one ormore audio transmission units (204) being disposed in one or more mirrorassembly (116) disposed in a vehicle (100), wherein the one or moremirror assembly (116) comprising:
a reflecting surface (126a) facing towards a rear portion (R) of the 5 vehicle (100);
the one or more audio transmission units (204) disposed in an opposite surface (126b) of the reflecting surface (126a); and
a housing (120) at least partially enclosing the one or more audio transmission units (204) and the opposite surface (126b), wherein the one 10 or more mirror assembly (116) being movable about one or more pivot joints (122a, 122b).
6.The infotainment system (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing(120)comprising one or more perforations (118), wherein the one or more15 perforations (118) being directed towards the one or more audiotransmission units (204) at a pre-defined angle range (a’), wherein the pre-defined angle range (a’) being 15-60 degrees.
7.The infotainment system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or20 more audio transmission units (204) generating an audio output based on auser desired state based on the received input signal, wherein the userdesired state comprising at least one of a voice assist, text to speechtranscription, notification indicator and media player.
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8.A method (300) for operating an infotainment system (200), the method(300)comprising:
receiving (304), by a control unit (202), an input signal associatedwith a user desired state;
generating (206), by the control unit (202), an output signal 30 associated with the user desired state; and
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controlling (306), by the control unit (202), at least one of luminescence characteristics of one or more lighting units (206) and audio characteristics of one or more audio transmission units (204) based on the generated output signal.
5
9.The method (300) for operating the infotainment system (200) as claimedin claim 8, wherein the user desired state comprising at least one of:
an alpha-numeric and graphic indication of at least one of a for-hire signage, breakdown signage and a U-turn signage; and
a voice assist, text to speech transcription, notification indicator 10 and media player.
10.The method (300) for operating the infotainment system (200) as claimedin claim 8, wherein controlling the luminescence characteristicscomprising regulation of at least one of wavelength, frequency of15 luminescence, field of view and luminous intensity; and whereincontrolling of the audio characteristics comprises regulation of at least oneof volume, amplitude, pitch, bass, timbre of audio generated by the one ormore audio transmission units (204).
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11.A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising an infotainment system(200), the infotainment system (200) comprising at least one of:
one or more audio transmission units (204);
one or more lighting units (206); and
a control unit (202), the control unit (202) being communicatively 25 connected to at least one of the one or more audio transmission units (204) and the one or more lighting units (206),
wherein the infotainment system (200) being disposed in a pre-defined region of the vehicle (100), wherein the pre-defined region being at least a front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) above 30
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an axis (XX) of one or more front wheels (104) of the vehicle (100).
12.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pre-defined regionbeing in vicinity of a handlebar assembly (102) of the vehicle (100),5
wherein the one or more audio transmission units (204) being disposed in one or more mirror assembly (116) connected to the handlebar assembly (102);
wherein the control unit (202) being disposed in an instrument cluster (110) connected to the handlebar assembly (102); and 10
wherein the one or more lighting units (206) being disposed on one or more cover panels (108) at least partially covering at least one of the handlebar assembly (102) and a steering rod (106) connected to the handlebar assembly (102).
15
13.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pre-defined region
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being in vicinity of a headlamp assembly (112) of the vehicle (100),wherein the one or more audio transmission units (204) being disposed in one or more mirror assembly (116) connected to one or more panels of the headlamp assembly (112); wherein the control unit (202) being disposed behind the headlamp assembly (112); and wherein the one or more lighting units (206) being disposed below the headlamp assembly (112).