DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to system and method for a communication system and method thereof. More particularly, but not exclusively to a system and method of a communication system for wearable devices for vehicles, particularly to detect potential hazards and tracking other vehicles in a vehicle network.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Group rides, a recreational activity among motorcycle enthusiasts, cycling clubs, and outdoor adventurers, necessitate effective communication among riders for safety and a seamless experience. The group ride hinges on the ability of the lead rider to navigate terrain and maintain situational awareness, ensuring the safety and comfort of the entire crew throughout the journey. However, traditional communication methods such as hand signals and gestures, while effective in ideal conditions, prove inadequate in challenging environments such as rainy or nighttime settings, potentially endangering the riders.
[0003] In addition to the existing challenges posed by traditional communication methods, existing wireless communication channels often suffer from inaccuracies in rider or vehicle location due to GPS availability constraints. Furthermore, reliance on continuous internet connectivity for ranging purposes poses limitations in scenarios where internet access may be intermittent or unavailable.
[0004] Existing communication channels, predominantly Bluetooth-based or MHz walkie-talkie systems, present significant limitations. These include restricted range, difficulties in managing central to peripheral role transitions, and latency issues, wherein each node translates to a vehicle riding in the group. Moreover, these channels primarily support audio communication, overlooking the potential benefits of multimedia data sharing, such as photos and videos, for enhancing the group riding experience.
[0005] In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need for an innovative communication system tailored specifically for group rides. This system should address the shortcomings of existing channels while offering enhanced functionality to ensure seamless communication and safety during rides. Key requirements include improved range to accommodate comfortable distances between riders, efficient handling of role changes within the communication network, and support for multimedia data sharing alongside audio communication.
[0006] The current technology has several problems that make group rides less safe. The prevalent issue is that there is often a delay in communication between riders, therefore, they cannot quickly share important information while riding together. Also, riders cannot easily share photos or videos during the ride. Another issue is that the technology does not allow for memory exhaustive data to be sent back and forth between riders, thereby, restraining the information to be shared between them. The communication system entirely relies on the internet connection, thereby making it less reliable.
[0007] There is a requirement in the state of the art to communicate between riders in a group, where the communication is to be done in the mode of images. The existing technology in the field of the art is has not addressed this problem as mentioned above.
[0008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a method and a system for a wearable device communication system and method thereof being used for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.
[0009] 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 reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00010] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention a system for communication in a vehicle network and method thereof.
[00011] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention relates to a method for communication in a vehicle network with two or more vehicles. The method comprising: initiating, by one or more peripheral device associated with each of the two or more vehicles creation of a local network. The local network is configured to be in communication with one or more user devices coupled to the one or more peripheral device. The local network is created based on a received user input from at least one of the one or more peripheral device. The method further comprising: prompting, by the one or more peripheral device, a notification to the one or more user devices for communicatively coupling to the created local network. The one or more user devices is configured to operate as a plurality of connected nodes in the created local network. The method further comprising: determining, by the one or more peripheral device, a relative location between the plurality of connected nodes. The method further comprising: designating, a leading node of the plurality of connecting nodes as a master node based on the relative location. The method further comprising: enabling, the master node to communicate one or more notifications with the plurality of connecting nodes in one or more operating modes.
[00012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprising the one or more operating modes being a crew mode. The master node initiates the crew mode by: introducing, by the one or more peripheral device associated with the master node, a crew mode configuration to each of the plurality of connected nodes; and communicating selectively, with the plurality of connected nodes by transmitting and receiving the one or more notifications based on an acceptance of the crew mode configuration by the plurality of connected nodes.
[00013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more notifications including at least one of: an operating mode of the one or more operating modes, one or more environmental parameters, location, one or more vehicle parameters, graphic image, and audio message
[00014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more peripheral device being: receiving, one or more vehicle parameters from one or more sensors coupled to a corresponding vehicle of the two or more vehicles; communicating, the one or more notifications to the one or more peripheral device of the plurality of connected nodes; and transmitting, the received one or more notifications to the one or more user devices communicatively coupled to the peripheral device.
[00015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the master node receives the one or more notification being indicative of a connection status of each of the plurality of connecting nodes with the master node.
[00016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the master node triggers an alert to the plurality of connected nodes when the connecting status associated with any one of the plurality of connecting nodes being at least one of: weak, unstable, unsecure and disrupted.
[00017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more operating modes being a search mode comprising: designating, by the master node, a missing node. The missing node is any one of the plurality of connected nodes not transmitting the location of the corresponding node. The search mode further comprises: retrieving, by the master node, the location of the plurality of connected nodes in a specific range of a last transmitted notification by the missing node; and transmitting, by the master node, the notification associated with a search of the missing node to the plurality of connected nodes
[00018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more operating modes being a crash detection mode, when the one or more notifications received from any one of the plurality of connected nodes being indicative of a crash of a corresponding node. The crash detection mode comprising: receiving, by the master node, of one or more notifications from the plurality of connected nodes; comparing, by the master node, the received one or more notifications with a pre-set range of crash parameters; designating, by the master node, a crash status to a corresponding node having the one or more notifications in the pre-set range of crash parameters; and transmitting, by the master node, location coordinates of the corresponding node to the plurality of connected nodes.
[00019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprising the one or more operating modes being an obstruction detection mode, when the one or more notifications received from any one of the plurality of connected nodes being indicative of an obstruction. The obstruction detection mode comprising: receiving, by the master node, of one or more notifications from the plurality of connected nodes; comparing, by the master node, the received one or more notifications indicative of an object on a road with a pre-set range of road obstructions. The obstruction detection mode further comprises designating, by the master node, the object as a road obstruction when the one or more notifications are in the pre-set range of road obstructions; and transmitting, by the master node, location coordinates and designation of the road obstruction to the plurality of connected nodes.
[00020] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention relates to a system for communication in a vehicle network with two or more vehicles. The system comprises one or more peripheral device associated with each of the two or more vehicles; and one or more user devices. The one or more user devices are configured to operate as a plurality of connected nodes in a local network created by the any one of the one or more peripheral device. In an embodiment, a leading node of the plurality of connecting nodes is designated as a master node, and the master node communicates one or more notifications with the plurality of connecting nodes in one or more operating modes in the created local network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00021] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a wearable device communication system and method thereof along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[00022] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a diagram depicting a plurality of connected nodes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00023] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a method for communication in a vehicle network with two or more vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00024] Figure 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E exemplarily illustrates a flowchart for communication between the plurality of connected nodes in a created local network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00025] 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 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.
[00026] An objective of the present subject matter is to provide a communication system for vehicles that efficiently provides reliable and seamless information communication without delay, and enhances safety and coordination among riders.
[00027] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the system comprises a user device associated with each vehicle. The user device alternately referred to as a wearable device is equipped with wireless transceivers, such as, but not limited to, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), RF (Radio Frequency), and Bluetooth transceivers. The user device is communicatively coupled to a peripheral device of the vehicle. The peripheral device may be a speedometer or instrument cluster incorporating wireless communication modules such as Bluetooth or other RF communication modules. In an aspect, for two or more vehicles sharing a destination, a user may trigger a group ride creation by initiating the creation of a local network amongst the vehicles in its vicinity. The local network creation may be executed by the peripheral device of the user initiating the group ride. The other vehicles, upon acceding to the group ride configuration, enables communication within the local network amongst the vehicles. The communication may be via the peripherals of the respective vehicles, which may then be transmitted to the user device, such as a smart helmet. The local network permits coordination amongst the vehicles in one or more operating modes via communication of one or more notification. The one or more notifications may relate to location data, crash data, object identification data, images, videos, audio messages, or text messages.
[00028] The disclosed configuration permits inter-vehicle communication in a secure local network. Since the disclosed configuration does not use cellular network-based communication involving multiple transceivers, the data latency in the present system and method is limited, and further the strength of the secure network is maintained amongst the connected nodes.
[00029] An objective of the present invention is to provide features of crew/group ride, crash detection, object identification and avoidance, search or reconnaissance of missing vehicles.
[00030] To this end, the present method provides a leading node, designated as a master node, communicating with the plurality of connected nodes in the local network.
[00031] In an embodiment, the master node or any other connected node may initiate a crew mode riding of the vehicles in the created local network. The crew mode permits sharing or broadcasting of multi-media or notifications amongst the connected nodes in the crew mode. The notifications may be video or image data of the road data, audio conversations between riders via the microphones and speakers embedded in user devices such as a smart helmet.
[00032] In an embodiment, the notifications or information pertinent to location coordinates of each connected node is shared with the master node. In the event, the master node detects the absence of a location coordinate of a node, hereon designated as a missing node, the master node may initiate a search or reconnaissance for the missing node. In the search mode, the last received location of the missing node is shared amongst the connected nodes. Alternately, when a weak network strength is detected amongst the plurality of connected nodes, the master node may transmit a notification requiring the connected nodes to move in a cluster, to ensure that no vehicle is lost,
[00033] In another embodiment, in case the notification transmitted by a connected node or master node is indicative of a crash, the location coordinates of the corresponding vehicle/node is transmitted to the connected nodes. The crash detection may be ascertained via vehicle parameters such as wheel speed, orientation/lean/position of the vehicle.
[00034] In another embodiment, the master node may be equipped with user devices such as image capturing devices which are embedded with object classification and detection. The leading node/master node may classify the object ahead as an obstruction or threat and communicate the same with the remaining connected nodes. The object ahead may be a sharp turn, a speed bump, pedestrians, stray or wild animals, pot holes, an invalid vehicle.
[00035] In the present embodiment, the vehicle communication system introduces an innovative approach to group ride communication, enhancing safety and coordination among riders. Each user device, typically in the form of a smart helmet, is equipped with advanced technology including Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Radio Frequency (RF), and Bluetooth transceivers. The system utilizes technology like Ultra-Wideband technology to accurately determine the relative distances between nodes, aiding in the identification of the leading node, which serves as the master node responsible for initiating communication protocols and coordinating the group.
[00036] The process begins with the initiation of a local network by the external device, prompting the wearable device to notify nearby riders of the network's availability. Upon acceptance of the invitation to join the network, the wearable device’s transceiver collects and shares the identification numbers of all joining vehicles, henceforth referred to as nodes, facilitating future connections.
[00037] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the system logs hardware peripherals' status, including onboard camera, wearable device speaker, microphone, GPS status, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) status, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) status, and more, within the vehicle speedometer or vehicle. This logging facilitates future analysis and troubleshooting.
[00038] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, during crew mode, the system determines the relative distance between nodes based on their direction of travel. The leading node, identified as the farthest relative distance in the traveling direction and/or closest to the destination, is declared the master node. A declaration is then sent to all nodes, preparing them for communication within the network.
[00039] A control unit is employed to determine the relative distances between the nodes and reveal their positions, wherein, each node translates to the vehicle and its rider. In an aspect, the control unit is embedded in the user device or peripheral device and is configured to undertake the identification of crash, object, missing node; communication between the connected nodes; and execution of the operating modes. Riders can opt to initiate a crew mode, which identifies the group riding among joint nodes. Nodes in crew mode undergo a mandatory peripheral self-check to ensure vehicle condition monitoring and safety.
[00040] Once crew mode is activated in a particular vehicle, the system identifies the leading node or vehicle based on its relative distance and direction of travel. The leading node is designated as the master node responsible for initiating communication protocols and coordinating the group.
[00041] The master node shares the identification numbers of all nodes in the network for communication purposes, ensuring seamless data exchange and coordination among riders.
[00042] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the master node is enabled to send audio signals, camera data, perform distance estimations, and detect falls and crashes.
[00043] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the master node initiates crew mode, selectively communicates with fellow/connected nodes, and sends alerts based on the crew mode status.
[00044] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the master node triggers one or more notifications such as, but not limited to, the capture of images via an onboard camera, checks the GPS unit for location data, and shares image and GPS data with fellow nodes.
[00045] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the master node awaits acknowledgments from fellow/connected nodes, relays information/notification to delayed/missing nodes via low latency broadcast, and displays image data on the speedometer with audio alerts.
[00046] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, in the absence of GPS data, the master node obtains location data from nearby nodes via low latency broadcast, determines fellow node locations, and alerts fellow nodes about GPS unavailability.
[00047] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the master node determines relative distances between fellow/connected nodes, detects stopped/missing nodes, and broadcasts alerts based on the speed and status of fellow nodes.
[00048] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the master node performs crash detection and notifies fellow nodes in the event of a crash, facilitating timely response and emergency assistance.
[00049] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the system comprises of low latency broadcast mechanisms for efficient communication, ensuring real-time data exchange and enhancing overall network reliability.
[00050] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the system comprising a helmet, mobile app, UWB controller, onboard camera, GPS unit, and communication interfaces between nodes.
[00051] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a computer-readable medium containing instructions for executing the method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, when executed by a processor in a vehicle network system.
[00052] In a working example, consider a group of motorcyclists embarking on a ride. The method initiates as the riders, each equipped with a wearable device (102b), start their journey. They activate a mobile app connected to their respective helmets, initiating the creation of a local network. At a pit stop, the riders decide to enable crew mode to better coordinate their ride. Once activated, the wearable devices prompt a notification on each rider's helmet screen. Upon acceptance, the unique IDs of all participating riders are shared and stored for future reference. As the group continues their journey, the controller within each wearable device continuously monitors the relative distances between riders and reveals its own position. This ensures that the riders are aware of their spatial arrangement within the group. The riders decide to trigger crew mode to increase safety. As the group enters crew mode, each rider's wearable device conducts a peripheral self-check to ensure all safety features are operational and logs vehicle conditions. Meanwhile, the master node, determined based on the leading rider's position within the group, shares the unique IDs list with all nodes for communication purposes. The master node then activates various functions to enhance communication and safety. For example, it sends audio signals to warn riders of upcoming hazards, triggers image capture via onboard cameras to document road conditions and checks the relative distances between fellow riders to maintain safe spacing. In one instance, the master node detects a fellow rider coming to a sudden stop, indicating a potential hazard. It promptly sends alerts to all riders, ensuring they are aware of the situation and can respond accordingly. Later in the journey, the master node detects a crash involving one of the riders. It immediately sends notifications to all fellow riders, urging them to stop and provide assistance until physical acknowledgment is received from the affected rider. Throughout the ride, the master node's functions ensure seamless communication, timely warnings of potential dangers, and swift responses to emergencies, ultimately enhancing the safety and enjoyment of the group ride.
[00053] In an embodiment, the wearable device can be a smart watch, a smart helmet, a fit-bit, an earpiece or any other remote device that can enable communication.
[00054] The present invention aims to streamline communication, enhance safety, and improve coordination among riders during group rides, thereby mitigating the disadvantages associated with traditional Bluetooth-based systems. By incorporating wireless technology (in an embodiment, being UWB) and advanced communication protocols, the present subject matter offers a comprehensive solution for group riding scenarios, balancing the limitations of existing systems with enhanced functionality and reliability.
[00055] The present subject matter is described using a communication system and method thereof which is used in a vehicle, whereas the claimed subject matter can be used in any other type of application employing above-mentioned a wearable device communication system and method thereof, with required changes and without deviating from the scope of invention. Further, it is intended that the disclosure and examples given herein be considered as exemplary only.
[00056] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some 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 otherwise.
[00057] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a communication system and method thereof with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. 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 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.
[00058] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a diagram depicting a plurality of connected nodes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Figure 1, 102, 104 and 106 denotes two or more vehicles, 102a, 104a, 106a denotes one or more peripheral devices and 102b, 104b, 106b denotes one or more user devices.
[00059] With reference to Figure 1, the vehicles 102, 104, 106 are in the same direction of travel, with vehicle 102 leading over the vehicles 104, 106. Figure 1 is depicted with motorcycle as the vehicle, however the same is for illustration purposes and the same shall be construed to include other vehicle configurations capable of having group rides or crew rides.
[00060] In an aspect, each vehicle has one or more peripheral devices 102a, 104a, 106a associated with them. The one or more peripheral devices 102a, 104a, 106a may be in-vehicle component comprising a control circuitry. The peripheral device may be a speedometer or an instrument cluster in a preferred embodiment. The control circuitry is configured with a communication module for transmission and reception of information/data from one or more sensors and actuators. The control circuitry may further include a processor or analytics module for processing the received information and transmitting a corresponding output. The communication between the control circuitry and the external devices (sensors, actuators, peripherals and user devices of other vehicles) may be via an input/output port or module supporting wired as well as wireless communication. The control circuitry may further include a memory unit coupled to the processor.
[00061] The peripheral device being communicatively coupled to in-vehicle system has direct access to geographic parameters such as vehicle position, real-time geographic location, relative distance to a destination as well as vehicle dynamics. In an aspect, the transmittal of the relative location may be communicated via the user device or directly via the associated peripheral device. In an aspect a computing circuitry of a peripheral device may be configured to determine the relative distances between the connected nodes in a direction of traversal.
[00062] In an aspect, each of the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) may be: receiving, one or more vehicle parameters from one or more sensors coupled to a corresponding vehicle of the two or more vehicles (102, 104, 106). The peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) may further communicate, one or more notifications to the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) of the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b). The peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) may be further configured to transmit, the received one or more notifications to the one or more user devices (102b, 104b, 106b) communicatively coupled to the peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a).
[00063] In an aspect, one or more user devices 102b, 104b, 106b may be communicatively coupled to the corresponding peripheral device 102a, 104a, 106a of the vehicle 102, 104, 106. The one or more user devices 102b, 104b, 106b may be smart watches, smart helmets, safety gears having a communication module, a personal digital assistant of the user such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, etc.
[00064] In an aspect, a user device associated with the master node may be configured to transmit one or more environmental parameters to the plurality of connected nodes. The environmental parameters may include the road terrain, road slope, preferrable speed limits, road indicators, weather conditions.
[00065] In an aspect, the leading node, or the leading vehicle 102 is identified using wireless transceiver and data recorded by the speedometer/peripheral device. The rest of the plurality of vehicles comprising vehicle 104 and 106 following the master node (vehicle 102). Each of the plurality of vehicles comprising one or more peripheral devices which may be a speedometer, (102a, 104a, 106a). Each of the rider of the plurality of vehicles (102, 104, 106) comprising one or more user devices which may be a wearable device (102b, 104b, 106b) according to the current embodiment. For the ease of understanding, the one or more user devices and one or more user devices are limited to 3 in number for the explanation purposes. However, it is to be understood that it is not limited to certain number of devices but the disclosure at an outset is for communication between any number of possible devices in a group ride.
[00066] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a method for communication in a vehicle network with two or more vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment the method 200 is for communication in a vehicle network. The method 200 starts at step 202 and further proceeds to the step 204.
[00067] At step 204, the one or more peripheral device (102a, 102b, 102c), initiates creation of a local network configured to be in communication with one or more user devices (104a, 104b, 104c). This local network helps in pairing the one or more user devices (104a, 104b, 104c) with the one or more peripheral device (102a, 102b, 102c). For example, the one or more peripheral here may be speedometer or any other device that is associated with the vehicle, and the one or more user devices may be a smart watch, smart phone or a smart helmet of the user.
[00068] In an aspect, the local network is created based on a received user input from at least one of the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a). The local network may refer to a secure communication medium established between two or more vehicles or one or more user devices via the peripheral devices.
[00069] In an aspect, since the peripheral devices are integrated with in-vehicle sub-systems, they may generate a local area network. The created local network may be deemed similar to a creation or establishment of a hot-spot or dedicate Wi-Fi network in vicinity of the peripheral device initiating the same. The user devices can communicate with the respective peripheral device in the created local network. To increase the overall range of the local network, each user device may thereon operate as a hotspot to which the user devices and peripherals of other vehicles in their vicinity may be communicatively coupled. Therefore, independent communication modules need not be required to be borne by each component in the system.
[00070] Post creation of the local network and pairing of the one or more peripheral device (102a, 102b, 102c) and one or more user devices (104a, 104b, 104c) the step 204 ends and proceeds to step 206.
[00071] At step 206, the one or more peripheral device (102a, 102b, 102c), prompts a notification to the one or more user devices (104a, 104b, 104c) for connecting to the created local network, wherein the one or more user devices (104a, 104b, 104c) being configured to operate as a plurality of connected nodes in the created local network for communication. Once certain number of peripheral devices connected with the one or more respective user device, any one of the peripheral devices can prompt to join in created local network. The connected devices are given an option to join the created local network. Once the connected nodes join the local network it may be called as the joined/connected/fellow nodes. The step 206 ends here and proceeds to the step 208.
[00072] At step 208, the one or more peripheral device (102a, 102b, 102c) determines a relative location between the plurality of connected nodes. The relative location may be determined based on the range of the respective user device of each vehicle to the peripheral device creating the local network. Alternately, the destination coordinates may be mapped against each vehicle coordinate in assessing the relative location to each other. The step 208 ends here and proceeds to the step 210.
[00073] At step 210, a leading node of the plurality of connecting nodes is designated as the master node; where the master node is given access to certain functionalities like retrieving the logs of the connected nodes, determining the relative distance between the nodes and determine the status of the vehicle etc., The step 210 ends here and further proceeds to the step 212.
[00074] At step 212, the master node is enabled to communicate one or more notifications with the plurality of connecting nodes in one or more operating modes. The communication is made via a broadcast to the fellow connected nodes. For example, the communication can be of any instructions like to stop at a bay or any other communication to the group riders.
[00075] In an aspect, the one or more notifications including at least one of: an operating mode of the one or more operating modes, one or more environmental parameters, location, one or more vehicle parameters, image, text, graphic and audio message. For instance, if a text message be transmitted by a user device, the receiving user device may have a text-to-speech module converting the received text to the corresponding audio which is sent to the user device such as a helmet embedded with speakers. The text-to-speech module may be embedded in the peripheral device which thereon transmits to the respective user device.
[00076] In an aspect, the operating mode may be a crew mode. The master node (102b) may initiate the crew mode by introducing, by the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) associated with the master node (102b), a crew mode configuration to each of the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b). Alternately, the crew mode may be initiated by a peripheral device of a connected node.
[00077] In an embodiment, in the crew mode the master node (102b) may communicate selectively, with the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b) by transmitting and receiving the one or more notifications based on an acceptance of the crew mode configuration by the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b).
[00078] In an aspect, the operating mode may be a reconnaissance mode when the master node (102b) receives the one or more notification being indicative of a connection status of each of the plurality of connecting nodes (104b, 106b) with the master node (102b). The master node (102b) triggers an alert to the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b) when the connecting status associated with any one of the plurality of connecting nodes (104b, 106b) being at least one of: weak, unstable, unsecure and disrupted. The alert or notification may just be a warning or comment regarding the potential loss of signal associated with the respective lagging node. A weak communication strength, or intermittent communication or even absolutely disrupted communication poses a potentiality of a missing or lost node evolving.
[00079] In an aspect, in a search mode, the master node (102b) designates a missing node. The missing node is any one of the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b) not transmitting the location of the corresponding node, Or the communication between the master node (102b) and the missing node is completely disrupted. The master node (102b) thereon retrieves the location of the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b) in a specific range of a last transmitted notification by the missing node. Thereon, the master node (102b) transmits the notification associated with a search of the missing node to the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b). The notification may also include the last retrieved location coordinates of the missing node.
[00080] In an aspect, a crash detection mode is initiated when the one or more notifications received from any one of the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b) is indicative of a crash of a corresponding node.
[00081] The crash detection mode comprises: receiving, by the master node (102b), of one or more notifications from the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b). The crash detection mode further comprises comparing, by the master node (102b), the received one or more notifications with a pre-set range of crash parameters. The crash detection mode further comprises designating, by the master node (102b), a crash status to a corresponding node having the one or more notifications in the pre-set range of crash parameters. The pre-set range of crash parameters may include a vehicle lean, yaw, pitch, roll, tilt, wheel speed, braking and acceleration characteristics indicative of crash. For instance, a vehicle lean or tilt greater than 85 degrees to a normal to the road is indicative of vehicle crash or a dipping stunt performed on a motorcycle. Alternately, a free wheel rotation may be indicative of a wheelie or a crash. In both instances, the potential loss of life and property exists, and the same is construed as an undesirable condition of the corresponding vehicle. The crash detection mode further comprises transmitting, by the master node (102b), location coordinates of the corresponding node to the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b 106b) to ensure the connected nodes assemble at the crash site.
[00082] In an aspect, an obstruction detection mode is initiated when the one or more notifications received from any one of the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b) is indicative of an obstruction.
[00083] The obstruction detection mode comprises: receiving, by the master node (102b), of one or more notifications from the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b). The obstruction detection mode further comprises comparing, by the master node (102b), the received one or more notifications indicative of an object on a road with a pre-set range of road obstructions. The pre-set range of road obstructions may include a speed bump/breaker, stray animals, pedestrians, rash vehicle riders, pot holes, invalid vehicles, crash sites, etc. The user device may be configured with object detection module which detects obstructions on the road of traversal and classifies the object accordingly. The obstruction detection mode further comprises designating, by the master node (102b), the object as a road obstruction when the one or more notifications are in the pre-set range of road obstructions. The pre-set range of road obstructions may include whether the detected object completely interferes with the traversal of the connected nodes, or the same may be easily circumvented by the connected nodes. The obstruction detection mode further comprises transmitting, by the master node (102b), location coordinates and designation of the road obstruction to the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b 106b).
[00084] The method flow of communication ends at the step 214.
[00085] Figure 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E exemplarily illustrates a flowchart for communication between the plurality of connected nodes in a created local network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure 3 is divided into figure 3A to 3E for the ease of representation. However, it is to be understood that figure 3A to 3E is part one single embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure 3a to 3E will be explained together for brevity.
[00086] The flowchart starts at at step 301 and proceeds to step 302. At step 302, a local network creation is initiated by a peripheral device in communication with the user device. The peripheral device may be associated with any one of the two or more vehicles (102, 104, 106). The user device prompts a notification of joining the network to the other vehicles in its vicinity at step 303. The step further proceeds to either step 304 or 305.
[00087] The user of other vehicles to which the request is transmitted has the option to accept or reject the notification. If the user rejects the request, the flowchart ends at the step 304. Upon acceptance of the notification, the flowchart proceeds to step 305. At step 305, the unique identification numbers of all joining nodes are shared and saved for future joining purposes. The flowchart further proceeds to step 306.
[00088] At step 306, a controller associated with a user device or a peripheral device determines the relative distance between the nodes/connected vehicles in the created local network. The respective controller may additionally reveals its own position. The flowchart further proceeds to step 307.
[00089] At step 307, an option to initiate a crew mode configuration or operating mode is presented, aimed at determining the crew riding in groups among the connected nodes. The step further proceeds to step 308. For the ease of representation, the step 307 is connected to the step A, which represents the next step post initiation of the crew mode.
[00090] The step A proceeds to step 308, where the nodes that accept the crew mode option proceed to the next step 309. At step 309, a peripheral self-check is conducted as a mandatory failsafe and to log vehicle conditions of those that have joined the crew mode. The step further proceeds to step 311. Meanwhile, the vehicles not acceding to the crew mode moves to the step 310, i.e., the connected nodes which haven’t accepted the crew mode, remain without alerts.
[00091] At step 311, the lead node determination takes place, The determination is done based on the direction of travel and distance between the connected nodes. The step 311 ends here and flowchart further proceeds to step 312.
[00092] At step 312, based on the determination of the lead node among the joined connected nodes as in step 311, a master node is assigned. The master node is enabled with the functions like broadcasting the audio messages, sending the location and service logs of the joined nodes in the crew mode. The master node may further broadcast a request to the joined connected nodes in the crew mode. In other scenario, the, master node may calculate the relative distance between the connected nodes with the threshold. In one other such scenario, the master node may detect the crash in the connected nodes. The master node may additionally shares the unique identification numbers of all nodes in the network for communication purposes. The master node can initiate various functions, including sending audio signals, triggering image capture via onboard cameras, and checking relative distances between fellow nodes. Based on the scenarios listed the step 312 further moves to the respective steps.
[00093] At step 313, the master node may broadcast the request. The broadcast may be anything regarding communication, which the master node would like to convey to the fellow connected nodes. For example, if the master node wants to communicate with the fellow connected nodes to stop at a particular location for halt purpose, the master node may do so by the broadcast option. Once the broadcast request is placed by the master node, the same is displayed to the fellow connected nodes as a notification. if the fellow connected nodes accept the request, then it further proceeds to step 316 (Represented as B in Figure 3B). For the ease of representation, the step 313 is connected to the step B, which represents the next step post accepting the broadcast request by the fellow connected nodes from the master node. If the broadcast request is not accepted by the connected nodes, then the step 313 proceeds to the step 314, where the relative distance between the connected nodes is calculated with the threshold. If the relative distance between the connected nodes is greater than the threshold then the step 314 proceeds to the step D. For the ease of representation, the step 314 is connected to the step D. If the relative distance between the connected nodes is less than the threshold then it further proceeds to the step 315. The step 314 ends here.
[00094] At step 315, a crash test is performed by the master nodes on the fellow connected nodes, if the crash is detected then the communication regarding the crash is made by the master nodes to the fellow nodes. If the crash is not detected by the master node, then the step 315 is further routed back to the step 309. The crash in the connected nodes is detected by the vehicle parameters of the crash nodes, which may be accessed for the log file. The log file can be accessed by the master node as part of one of its functionalities.
[00095] At step B, which is the further step post accepting the broadcast request by the connected nodes form the master node. The step proceeds to the step 316, where the connected nodes which accepted the broadcast request is designated as the joined node. Post nomenclating the connected nodes as joined nodes, the step 316 ends and flowchart proceeds to the step 317.
[00096] At step 317, the information intended to communicate by the master node is communicated to the joined nodes via broadcast. The broadcast may be done by using one of the user devices be it a phone, tablet, smart watch, smart devices or any other communication device which is associated with the vehicle. The step 317 ends here and flowchart then proceed to the step 318.
[00097] At step 318, in case if the broadcast is not acknowledged by the any of the joined nodes, then the node is considered to be a missing node. The vehicle details of the missing nodes are tried to be determined by the master node. The vehicle details may include a last detected location, the fellow nodes in vicinity of the missing node. Based on the determination, the step 318 ends and either proceeds to the step C or revert to step 317.
[00098] At step C, which is the further step post the missing node is determined, proceeds to the step 319. At step 319 the master node tries to determine the last location of the missing node from the log files. Based on the determination, the step 319 ends and either proceeds to the step 320 or revert to step 321.
[00099] At step 320, if the location details of the missing node are available, then the master node share the location details via. broadcasted to the joined nodes. This helps the joined nodes or any nearby joined node to check the missing node in the said location. The step further proceeds to the step 321. If the location details of the missing node are not available with the master node, them the last location details of the missing node and the last location details of the nearby fellow node to the missing node is retrieved by the master node. The details may be the GPS location or the distance between the fellow node to the missing node, which may help in determining an estimated location of the missing node. In an embodiment, the fellow nodes in vicinity of the missing node may be detected via image processing data captured by any of the user devices. The image may be processed to identify the vehicle number of the missing node, and the corresponding fellow nodes detected in its last captured location. The step 321 ends here and further move to step 322.
[000100] At step 322, either the last location of the missing node as determined in the step 320 or the estimated location of the missing node based on the fellow node details as determined in the step 321, is broadcasted to the joined node. Based on the either of these locations, the joined nodes may reach the area that is communicated via. broadcast. The step 322 ends here and further proceeds to step 323.
[000101] At step 323, in case if any new node has acknowledged the broadcast as stated in the step 317, then the location of the new joined node which may be called as current joined node in this case is captured. The captured location of the current joined node is compared with the location of the missing node determined in the step 320 or 321. In case if the location matches, the step 323 concludes, which represents that the current joined node is the missing node. Alternately, the location coordinates of the fellow nodes is mapped with the last location of the missing node to initiate a search for the missing node. If the captured location doesn’t match with the location of the missing node determined either in step 320 or 321, then the step 323 revert backs to the step 319.
[000102] Further, the step 314, which is one of the functions of the master node proceeds to the step D, if the relative distance between the connected nodes is greater than the threshold. The threshold distance between the connected nodes may be within the range of the 3 to 6 kilometres. As the connected nodes represent the group riders, there need to be a minimal maintenance of the distance between each node. The maintained distance is for the clearance of the traffic at the same time to avoid any accidents that may occur due to the closer proximity of the connected nodes. The step D, which is connected to the step 324, proceeds with determining the whether the connected node which is lagging is at rest. Based on the state of the connected node, the step 324 may proceed either to step 325 or step 326. Upon the determination of the lagging state the step 324 ends.
[000103] The step 324 proceeds to step 325 when the determined state of the lagging connected node at rest. At step 325, the master node broadcast the status of the lagging node as a vehicle stopped. This helps the other joined nodes to identify that the stopped vehicle is at rest but not missing or a crash happened to the stopped vehicle. If the connected lagging node is not at rest, then the step 324 proceeds to the step 326. At step 326, the master node detects the location of the lagging node to the rest of the joined connected nodes. Based on the broadcast of the location the rest of the joined connected nodes can reach the lagging node to check on the status of the respective vehicle. The step 325 and 326 ends here and further proceeds to the step A post determination of status of the lagging vehicle.
[000104] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication systemin a vehicle network comprises wireless transceiver based smart helmet operable as a user device, a vehicle Speedometer operable as a peripheral device and is communicatively coupled with the helmet. The vehicle may additionally be equipped with user devices such as onboard camera, while the helmet is equipped with microphone and speaker. The smart helmet consists of ultrawide band (UWB) / Bluetooth (BT) / Wireless transceiver and the vehicle speedometer consists of UWB / BT or any other radio frequency based communication in between the helmet. The mobile phone has a link between the speedometer which will support to user to add into the local network. The mobile app request the speedometer to trigger the group ride protocol on the helmet and it starts discovering the nearby devices and users can join via secure link in the mobile and acknowledgement will be audibly given in the helmet about accepting the group ride communication link. Once it is done UWB / BT / Wireless transceiver of the requestor node collects the all the mac ids of prepare the list and share with all nodes for future purposes also it will help to work on automatic master node selection and further node optimization. The hardware peripherals like onboard camera or camera accessory, helmet speaker or headset, microphone, GPS status, TPS status, ABS status, etc will be logged in the speedometer or vehicle for future purposes.
[000105] The vehicle ECU with wireless communication transceiver is connected to the user mobile phone with same or different technology of wired / wireless communication. The vehicle ECU can have a GPS location detection components inbuilt to itself or capable of receiving the information from any of the other vehicle ECU and / or from the connected mobile phone and / or through the wireless communication established over group ride system. The leading node / master node upon detection of unsafe road conditions such as road blocks, pot holes etc. based on the interfaces attached such as inbuilt camera or external camera interfaced to the vehicle captures the image and the latitude, longitude of the location either directly incase of signal presence and / or by computation of latitude, location based on last known location. The meta data (image captured, location of detection) both are transferred using the group ride protocol information such as UWB / RF / BT transceiver to the slave nodes in the ride. The slave vehicle upon approaching point of unsafe road condition fetches the images and alert the rider through either audio or visual or both audio & visual alert to the customer.
[000106] The proposed system and method overcome the issues of data latency amongst communication channels. Furthermore, the present configuration permits sharing the not only the audio, but also support to share the multimedia data (photo, video) for better and comfortable group ride. The present system and method address the failure modes of communication delay amongst fellow riders, non-availability of multimedia sharing, low bandwidth data transfer and dependency on intermittent internet facilities.
[000107] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated 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.
[000108] 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 bring an improvement in the functioning of the configuration itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[000109] 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 illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.
[000110] 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, 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.
[000111] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[000112] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a 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 present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A method (200) for communication in a vehicle network with two or more vehicles (102, 104, 106), comprising:
initiating (204), by one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) associated with each of the two or more vehicles (102, 104, 106) creation of a local network,
the local network being configured to be in communication with one or more user devices (102b, 104b, 106b) coupled to the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a), and
the local network being created based on a received user input from at least one of the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a);
prompting (206), by the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a), a notification to the one or more user devices (102b, 104b, 106b) for communicatively coupling to the created local network,
wherein the one or more user devices (102b, 104b, 106b) being configured to operate as a plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b) in the created local network;
determining (208), by the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a), a relative location between the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b);
designating (210), a leading node (102b) of the plurality of connecting nodes (102b, 104b, 106b) as a master node (102b) based on the relative location; and
enabling (212), the master node (102b) to communicate one or more notifications with the plurality of connecting nodes (104b, 106b) in one or more operating modes.

2. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising the one or more operating modes being a crew mode,
wherein the master node (102b) initiates the crew mode by:
introducing, by the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) associated with the master node (102b), a crew mode configuration to each of the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b); and
communicating selectively, with the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b) by transmitting and receiving the one or more notifications based on an acceptance of the crew mode configuration by the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b).

3. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more notifications including at least one of: an operating mode of the one or more operating modes, one or more environmental parameters, location, one or more vehicle parameters, image, text, graphic and audio message.

4. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) being:
receiving, one or more vehicle parameters from one or more sensors coupled to a corresponding vehicle of the two or more vehicles (102, 104, 106);
communicating, the one or more notifications to the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) of the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b); and
transmitting, the received one or more notifications to the one or more user devices (102b, 104b, 106b) communicatively coupled to the peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a).

5. The method (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the master node (102b) receives the one or more notification being indicative of a connection status of each of the plurality of connecting nodes (104b, 106b) with the master node (102b).

6. The method (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the master node (102b) triggers an alert to the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b) when the connecting status associated with any one of the plurality of connecting nodes (104b, 106b) being at least one of: weak, unstable, unsecure and disrupted.

7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the one or more operating modes being a search mode comprising:
designating, by the master node (102b), a missing node,
the missing node being any one of the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b) not transmitting the location of the corresponding node;
retrieving, by the master node (102b), the location of the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b) in a specific range of a last transmitted notification by the missing node; and
transmitting, by the master node (102b), the notification associated with a search of the missing node to the plurality of connected nodes (104b, 106b).

8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 3, comprising the one or more operating modes being a crash detection mode, when the one or more notifications received from any one of the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b) being indicative of a crash of a corresponding node, the crash detection mode comprising:
receiving, by the master node (102b), of one or more notifications from the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b);
comparing, by the master node (102b), the received one or more notifications with a pre-set range of crash parameters;
designating, by the master node (102b), a crash status to a corresponding node having the one or more notifications in the pre-set range of crash parameters; and
transmitting, by the master node (102b), location coordinates of the corresponding node to the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b 106b).

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 3, comprising the one or more operating modes being an obstruction detection mode, when the one or more notifications received from any one of the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b) being indicative of an obstruction, the obstruction detection mode comprising:
receiving, by the master node (102b), of one or more notifications from the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b);
comparing, by the master node (102b), the received one or more notifications indicative of an object on a road with a pre-set range of road obstructions;
designating, by the master node (102b), the object as a road obstruction when the one or more notifications are in the pre-set range of road obstructions; and
transmitting, by the master node (102b), location coordinates and designation of the road obstruction to the plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b 106b).

10. A system for communication in a vehicle network with two or more vehicles (102, 104, 106), comprising:
one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a) associated with each of the two or more vehicles (102, 104, 106); and
one or more user devices (102b, 104b, 106b) being configured to operate as a plurality of connected nodes (102b, 104b, 106b) in a local network created by the any one of the one or more peripheral device (102a, 104a, 106a), wherein
a leading node of the plurality of connecting nodes is designated as a master node, and
the master node (102b) communicate one or more notifications with the plurality of connecting nodes (104b, 106b) in one or more operating modes in the created local network.