Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present subject matter relates, in general, to techniques for operating vehicles and, particularly but not exclusively, to a method for operating a vehicle by performing actions based on movement of an accelerator of the vehicle.
5
BACKGROUND
[0002]
Modern vehicles employ various techniques, such as keypad, remote key fob, and touchscreen displays, to facilitate access and onboard navigation, enhancing both security and user convenience.
[0003]
The touchscreen displays have become a central interface for 10 controlling a wide range of vehicle functionality, enhancing both convenience and user experience. These displays replace traditional buttons and knobs, offering a sleek, digital interface that integrates various controls into a single screen.
[0004]
The touchscreen displays are often used for unlocking the 15 vehicles. Additionally, these displays may also play a role in controlling the infotainment system of the vehicle. Through the display, drivers and passengers can seamlessly access media options, such as radio, music, streaming, and Bluetooth connectivity.
[0005]
In terms of driving experience, the touchscreen displays offer 20 intuitive access to vehicle dynamics and driving modes. Depending on road conditions or personal preferences, drivers may switch between different driving modes, such as eco, comfort, sport, or cruise by providing their inputs via the touchscreen displays. Security and access functions are often integrated into the touchscreen displays. These displays may serve 25 as a control hub for unlocking doors, opening the trunk, setting digital keys, and configuring personalized driver profiles.
[0006] The touchscreen displays are also used to monitor the health of the vehicle and provide maintenance alerts. Real-time diagnostics may be 2
accessed through the display which in turn helps users stay informed about the condition of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007]
The detailed description is provided with reference to the 5 accompanying figures. The left-most digit of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears in the figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0008]
Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle, in accordance with 10 an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0009]
Fig. 2a illustrates a vehicle control unit (VCU) to perform various actions in the vehicle, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0010]
Figs. 2b-2e illustrate mapping an angular position of an 15 accelerator of the vehicle corresponding to a predetermined numeric value, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0011]
Fig. 3 illustrates a method for operating the vehicle, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0012]
Fig. 4a illustrates a method for unlocking the vehicle, in 20 accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0013]
Fig. 4b-4e illustrate a rate of display corresponding to a current position of the accelerator of the vehicle, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0014]
Fig. 5 illustrates a method for operating the vehicle in a park-state 25 in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015]
Vehicles use different techniques, such as keypads, key fob, and touchscreen displays, to facilitate access and onboard navigation. 30 3
[0016]
Keypads require users to press the keys to unlock the vehicle or navigate the menu option. However, keypads are difficult to use in adverse weather conditions, such as during heavy rain or snow, or while wearing gloves. The keys in the keypads are prone to wear and tear over time, thereby affecting reliability. Further, the installation of the keypads in the 5 vehicle increases the hardware cost, thereby making the system less economical.
[0017]
In some cases, external devices like key fobs may be used to interact with the vehicle, for instance to unlock the vehicle or operate the boot. The key fobs use wireless communication to communicate with the 10 vehicle within range of the vehicle. However, the key fobs comprise various components, such as an RFID chip and antenna, to unlock the vehicle increasing not only their complexity but also their cost. Another significant challenge associated with usage of external devices like the key fobs to interact with the vehicle is that only a limited set of instructions can be 15 provided to the vehicle by the key fob. Yet another challenge is chances of misplacement or theft of such external devices.
[0018]
In modern vehicles, touchscreen displays serve the role of enabling user interaction with various onboard systems. The touchscreen displays typically present a soft keyboard or keypad on a touchscreen that 20 users interact with by touching corresponding locations on the touchscreen to provide inputs. These displays allow the user to access functions such as navigation, media playback, phone connectivity, and climate control through intuitive digital menus. The touchscreen displays not only reduce clutter by minimizing physical buttons but also provide dynamic menu 25 layouts and customizable options to users.
[0019]
The touchscreen displays are often used for security purposes, where users are required to enter a passcode to unlock certain features or to gain access to vehicle settings.
[0020]
However, touchscreen displays often lack tactile feedback. 30 Unlike physical buttons, touchscreen displays require visual attention and 4
precise finger movements for inputting complex passcodes or navigating menus. Further, the touchscreen displays are difficult to use while wearing the gloves because the gloves block the electrical signal, thereby preventing the touchscreen from recognizing the touch. Furthermore, touchscreen displays may be unresponsive in certain situations, such as 5 during extreme temperature shifts, the presence of moisture either on the display or on the user’s fingertips, and accumulation of dirt on the display, which in turn requires the user to tap the screen multiple times to access desired functions, creating frustration and increasing the time spent interacting with the display. 10
[0021]
Thus, there exists a need for a system and a method that counters the above-mentioned shortcomings associated with operation of the vehicle.
[0022]
To this end, the present subject matter provides techniques for operating a vehicle by performing actions based on movement of an 15 accelerator of the vehicle by a user. In accordance with example embodiments of the present subject matter, such a user input serves to facilitate access and onboard navigation of various systems of the vehicle.
[0023]
In accordance with example embodiments, the present subject matter comprises a vehicle. having a vehicle control unit (VCU), a display 20 device, and an accelerator. The VCU includes a display module, a movement detection module, and an operation module. The display module is coupled to the VCU to display an indication for a user to enter an input on a display device of the vehicle. The movement detection module is coupled to the VCU to detect a movement of the accelerator of the vehicle 25 in response to the presenting the indication based on a sensor input. Based on the movement of the accelerator, the display module displays options selectable as user input on the display device. The operation module is couple to the VCU to determine user selection of one of the options as the input and perform an action corresponding to the input from the user. 30 5
[0024]
In accordance with example embodiments, the present subject matter comprises a method for operating the vehicle. The method comprises presenting an identification for the user to enter an input on the display device. The display device is operably coupled to the VCU of the vehicle. Further, the method comprises detecting a movement of the 5 accelerator of the vehicle in response to the presenting. Based on the movement of the accelerator, options selectable as user input are displayed on the display device. Further, user selection of one of the options as the input is determined. Furthermore, an action corresponding to the input from the user is performed by the VCU. 10
[0025]
The presently disclosed subject matter provides a simple and natural input mechanism integrated with the accelerator, thereby providing a reliable solution for entering inputs in adverse conditions, such as during rain or while wearing gloves. Further, it eliminates the need for separate input devices, such as keypads or touchscreens, to enter the input, thereby 15 reducing overall manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the accelerator based input mechanism makes it very hard for someone to guess the password by watching the action of the user, thereby ensuring enhanced security. Unlike keypads, where the buttons pressed are visible, the positions of the accelerator during rotation are subtle and do not directly indicate the input 20 values.
[0026]
The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better explained with regard to the following description and accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject 25 matter along with examples described herein and should not be construed as a limitation to the present subject matter. It is thus understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples 30 thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Further, for the 6
sake of simplicity, and without limitation, the same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0027]
Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. Examples of the vehicle 100 may include, but may not be limited to, a two-wheeler, a three-5 wheeler, a four-wheeler vehicle, an electric vehicle, and an internal combustion engine vehicle.
[0028]
In an example implementation, the vehicle 100 includes a vehicle control unit (VCU) 102. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the VCU 102 is a processor (not illustrated). In an example, the processor may 10 be implemented as microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
[0029]
The VCU 102 manages and coordinates various functions of the 15 vehicle 100. For instance, the VCU 102 may communicate with multiple sensors and subsystems, such as Motor Controller Unit (MCU), Battery Management System (BMS), On-Board Charger (OBC), Instrument Cluster, and Telemetry Control Unit (TCU), to aggregate data from these components and make informed decisions to maintain smooth operation of 20 the vehicle 100. In one example, amongst other things, the VCU 102 controls acceleration of the vehicle 100 based on actuation of an accelerator 106 by the user.
[0030]
The accelerator 106 may control the speed of the vehicle 100. The mechanism of operation of the accelerator 106 varies between 25 different types of the vehicle 100. For instance, in the two-wheeler vehicle, such as motorcycles and scooters, the accelerator 106 is typically hand operated. The user may twist the accelerator 106 in a forward direction or a reverse direction to control the speed of the vehicle. On the other hand, in the three-wheeler or the four-wheeler vehicles, the accelerator 106 is 30 7
typically foot operated. The user may press the accelerator 106 to control the speed of the vehicle.
[0031]
During the operation, the amount of actuation of the accelerator 106 is sensed by the sensor, which sends a signal to VCU 102. The VCU 102 interprets the signal and determines how much power needs to be 5 delivered to the vehicle 100, thereby controlling the speed of the vehicle 100.
[0032]
In an example implementation, the vehicle 100 includes a display device 104 communicatively coupled to the VCU 102. In one example, the display device 104 may be a digital instrument panel generally located on 10 a dashboard, in front of a driving seat of the vehicle 100. For example, the display device 104 may be a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) device.
[0033] In an embodiment, in a non-drive mode, the accelerator 106 may serve as an input mechanism for the vehicle 100. On the other hand, in a drive mode, the accelerator 106 may control the speed of the vehicle 100. 15
[0034]
In accordance with example implementations of the present subject matter, the VCU 102 may execute instructions stored in an associated memory component to accomplish various functionalities based on movement of the accelerator 106 of the vehicle 100.
[0035] In an embodiment, in the non-drive mode of the vehicle 100, the 20 VCU 102 may present an indication for the user to enter an input on a display device 104 of the vehicle 100. In response to presentation of the indication, the VCU 102 may detect a movement of the accelerator 106 of the vehicle 100 based on a sensor input. Based on the movement of the accelerator 106, the display device 104 may display options selectable as 25 user input. The VCU 102 may determine user selection of one of the options as the input and perform an action corresponding to the input from the user. The action may include, but may not be limited to, unlocking of the vehicle 100.
[0036] Thus, operating the vehicle 100 by performing actions based on 30 the movement of the accelerator 106, the present subject matter eliminates
8
the need for separate input devices, such as keypads or touchscreens, to enter the input, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost of the vehicle 100, while also providing a reliable solution for entering inputs in adverse conditions, such as during rain or while wearing gloves.
[0037]
Fig. 2a illustrates the vehicle control unit (VCU) 102 to perform 5 various actions in the vehicle 100, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0038] As depicted in Fig. 2a, in an example implementation of the present subject matter, the VCU 102 may include a memory 202. In an example, the memory 202 may include any computer-readable medium 10 known in the art including, for example, volatile memory (e.g., RAM), and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., EPROM, flash memory, etc.). The memory 202 may also be an external memory unit, such as a flash drive, a compact disk drive, an external hard disk drive, or the like.
[0039] Also, as depicted in Fig. 2a, in an example implementation, the 15 VCU 102 may also include an interface(s) 200. The interface(s) 200 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces that allow interaction of the VCU 102 with other communication and computing devices, such as network entities, external repositories, and peripheral devices. The interface(s) 200 may also enable the coupling of components of the VCU 20 102 with each other.
[0040] The VCU 102 may also comprise module(s) 204 and data 212. In one example, the module(s) 204 and data 212 may reside in the memory 202.
[0041] In an example, the data 212 may comprise accelerator position 25 data 214. The module(s) 204 may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The module(s) 204 may further include modules that supplement applications on the vehicle 100, for example, modules of an operating system. The module(s) 204 further 30 includes modules that implement certain functionalities of the vehicle 100,
9
such as processing the information received by the VCU 102 from the users, such as the driver. The data 214 serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data that may be fetched, processed, received, or generated by one or more of the module(s) 204. The module(s) 204 may include a display module 206, a movement detection module 208, an 5 operation module 210, and other module(s) 212. The other module(s) 212 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions, for example, programs in the operating system of the vehicle 100.
[0042] Accordingly, in an example embodiment, the display module 206 10 may display an indication for the user to enter the input on the display device 104. In one embodiment, the indication for the user to enter the input on the display device 104 may be a predefined number of blank spaces corresponding to a length of a passcode. In another embodiment, the indication for the user to enter the input on the display device 104 may be 15 a menu with user-selectable options.
[0043]
In an embodiment, the movement detection module 208 may detect the movement of the accelerator 106 based on a sensor input. In one example, the sensor may be a position sensor. The information regarding the movement of the accelerator 106 received by the movement 20 detection module 208 is stored as an accelerator position data 216 in the memory 202.
[0044] In an embodiment, based on the movement of the accelerator 106, the display module 206 may display on the display device 104 options selectable as user input. In another embodiment, the display module 206 25 may display the options for selection by the user at a rate corresponding to a current position of the accelerator 106. In one example, the options selectable as user input may include letters, numbers, and symbols. The options may be displayed sequentially in each of the blank spaces for selection by the user. 30 10
[0045] In an example embodiment, the movement detection module 208 may increment a sequence of the user selectable options when the accelerator 106 is rotated forward. In an another example embodiment, the movement detection module 208 may reverse the sequence of the user selectable options when the accelerator 106 is rotated backward. 5
[0046] In an embodiment, the operation module 210 may determine user selection of one of the options as the input. In an example embodiment, the user may select one of the options by activation of at least one of a brake and a switch of the vehicle 100. In an another example embodiment, the user may select one of the options based on an angular 10 position of the accelerator 106. For example, the angular position of the accelerator 106 may be mapped to predetermined numeric values (elaborated with reference to Figs. 2b-2e later).
[0047] In an embodiment, the operation module 210 may perform the action corresponding to the input from the user. In an example 15 embodiment, the action corresponding to the input from the user may be unlocking of the vehicle 100 upon verification of the passcode. In another example embodiment, upon unlocking the vehicle 100, the VCU 102 may activate a park state of the vehicle 100. The park state may be a safety feature of the vehicle 100 to prevent unintended movement of the vehicle 20 100 immediately after unlocking.
[0048]
In an embodiment, in the park state, the action corresponding to the input from the user may be selection of a menu option. In one example, the menu options may include but are not limited a volume control, a playlists navigation, a vehicle diagnostic, and a drive mode, such as eco, 25 sports, comfort, etc.
[0049]
Figs. 2b-2e illustrate mapping of angular positions 108 of the accelerator 106 of the vehicle 100 corresponding to predetermined numeric values usable by the VCU 102, to enable the user to select one of the options based on an angular position 108 of the accelerator 106, in 30 accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
11
[0050]
As shown in Fig. 2b, at an initial position (i.e., at 0%), the angular position 108 of the accelerator 106 may be mapped to 0 as the predetermined numeric value. The forward rotation of the accelerator 106 at 10% of the distance from the initial position of the accelerator 106 may correspond to 1 as the predetermined numeric value, as shown in Fig 2c. 5 The predetermined numeric value may be increased by 1 at every 10% of the distance of previous angular position 108 of the accelerator 106. For example, the angular position 108 of the accelerator 106 at 80% of the distance from the initial position of the accelerator 106 may correspond to 8 as the predetermined numeric value and 90% of the distance from the 10 initial position of the accelerator 106 may correspond to 9, as depicted in Figs. 2d and 2e, respectively.
[0051]
Fig. 3 illustrates a method 300 for operating the vehicle 100, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed 15 as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method 300, or an alternative method. Furthermore, the method 300 may be implemented by processor(s) or computing device(s) through any suitable hardware, non-transitory machine-readable instructions, or a combination thereof. 20
[0052]
It may be understood that steps of the method 300 may be performed by programmed computing devices and may be executed based on instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include, for example, digital memories, magnetic storage media, such as magnetic disks and magnetic 25 tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. In an example, the method 300 may be performed by the VCU 102 for the vehicle 100.
[0053] Referring to Fig. 3, at block 302, an indication for the user to enter an input is presented, that is displayed on a display device, such as the 30 12
display device 104 coupled to the VCU 102 of the vehicle 100. In an example, the display module 206 may cause the indication to be displayed.
[0054] At block 304, a movement of the accelerator 106 of the vehicle 100 is detected in response to presented indication, for example, by the movement detection module 208. As explained previously, the movement 5 of the accelerator 106 is detected based on the sensor input. In an example, the sensor may be a position sensor.
[0055] At block 306, options selectable as user input are displayed on the display device 104 based on the movement of the accelerator 106, for example, by the display module 206. As explained previously, the rate at 10 which the options are displayed may correspond to the current position of the accelerator 106.
[0056] At block 308, one of the options selected by the user is received, for example, by the operation module 214. As explained previously, one of the options is selected by the user by activation of at least one of the brake 15 and the switch of the vehicle 100.
[0057] At block 310, an action corresponding to the input from the user is performed by the VCU 102. Therefore, the actions performed based on the input from the accelerator 106 provide a reliable solution for entering inputs in adverse conditions, such as during rain or while wearing gloves. 20
[0058]
Fig. 4a illustrates a method 400 for unlocking the vehicle 100. The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method 400, or an alternative method. Furthermore, the method 400 may be implemented by 25 processor(s) or computing device(s) through any suitable hardware, non-transitory machine-readable instructions, or a combination thereof. Figs. 4b-4e illustrate a rate of display corresponding to a current position 110 of the accelerator 106 of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. Since Figs. 4a-4e illustrates 30 13
the unlocking of the vehicle 100, for the sake of ease of explanation, Figs. 4a-4e are explained together.
[0059]
It may be understood that steps of the method 400 may be performed by programmed computing devices and may be executed based on instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The 5 non-transitory computer-readable medium may include, for example, digital memories, magnetic storage media, such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. In an example, the method 400 may be performed in the vehicle 100 by the VCU 102. 10
[0060]
Referring to Figure 4a, at block 402, a request for a passcode from the user is presented on the display device 104 that is operably coupled to the VCU 102. As explained previously, the passcode may include a predefined number of blank spaces corresponding to the length of passcode. In an embodiment, the passcode may be used to authenticate 15 the user.
[0061] At block 404, a current position of the accelerator 106 of the vehicle 100 is detected in response to presented request for the passcode. As explained previously, the position of the accelerator 106 is detected based on the sensor input. In one example, the sensor may be the position 20 sensor.
[0062] At block 406, options for selection by the user in the blank space is displayed sequentially at a rate of display corresponding to the current position of the accelerator 106. As explained previously, the options for selection by the user in the blank space may include letters, numbers, and 25 symbols. In some embodiment, the options for selection by the user in the blank space may increment when the accelerator is rotated forward. Conversely, the options for selection by the user in the blank space may reverse when the accelerator is rotated backward. In one example, the forward rotation of the accelerator 106 between the initial position (i.e., rest 30 position) and final position (i.e., full-throttle position) of the accelerator
14
wherein the position is closer to the initial position may increment the options for selection by the user at normal rate. The forward rotation of the accelerator 106 between the initial position (i.e., at 0%), as shown in Fig. 4b, and final position (i.e., at 100%) of the accelerator 106 wherein the position is closer to the final position, as shown in Fig. 4e, may increment 5 the options for selection by the user at a fast rate. The forward rotation of the accelerator 106 above 50% of the distance between the initial position and final position of the accelerator, as shown in Fig. 4d, may increment the options for selection by the user at faster rate, enabling quicker scrolling of the options. Conversely, the backward rotation of the accelerator 106 10 between 0% to -10% of the distance between the initial position and final position of the accelerator, as shown in Fig. 4c, may reverse the value at normal rate.
[0063] At block 408, the user selection of one of the options are determined, for example, by the operation module 210. As explained 15 previously, the user may select one of the options by activation of at least one of the brake and the switch of the vehicle 100. In some embodiment, a feedback mechanism, such as buzzer, may be provided to confirm the selection of the option by the user.
[0064] At block 410, the user selection to fill the blank space is accepted 20 upon verification of the user selection. For example, when entering a passcode, the user may rotate the accelerator 106. The display module 206 may display each option sequentially on the display device 104 as the accelerator 106 is rotated. When the desired options appears, the user may activate the brake lever or a dedicated switch to confirm the selection. The 25 VCU 102 may then reset for the next input, allowing the user to continue entering the passcode.
[0065] At 412, assessment is made, whether the predefined number of blank spaces have been filled or not. In case the assessment is in the affirmative, the method 400 proceeds to block 414. However, if the 30 15
assessment is non-affirmative, the method proceeds to block 406 and repeat the steps at block 406 to 412.
[0066]
At block 414, the vehicle 100 is unlocked upon successful authentication of the password. Thus, the present invention eliminates the need for separate input devices, such as keypads or touchscreens, to enter 5 the input, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the accelerator based input mechanism makes it very hard for someone to guess the password by watching the action of the user, thereby ensuring enhanced security. Unlike keypads, where the buttons pressed are visible, the positions of the accelerator during rotation are subtle and do not directly 10 indicate the input values.
[0067]
Fig. 5 illustrates a method 500 for operating the vehicle 100 in a park-state, interchangeable referred to as park mode. The order in which the method 500 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any 15 order to implement the method 500, or an alternative method. Furthermore, the method 500 may be implemented by processor(s) or computing device(s) through any suitable hardware, non-transitory machine-readable instructions, or a combination thereof.
[0068]
It may be understood that steps of the method 500 may be 20 performed by programmed computing devices and may be executed based on instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include, for example, digital memories, magnetic storage media, such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. In an 25 example, the method 500 may be performed by the VCU 102.
[0069]
Referring to Fig. 5, at block 502, the park state of the vehicle 100 is activated by the VCU 102. As explained previously, the park state of the vehicle 100 is activated after unlocking of the vehicle 100. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the parked state of the vehicle may be 30 activated once the vehicle 100 is unlocked by any methodology. In one 16
example the vehicle 100 may be unlocked by user entering the passcode based on the method 400 as explained in reference to Figure 4. However, this is not a limitation and the vehicle 100 may also be unlocked by the user using a keypad or soft keyboard of the vehicle. The vehicle 100 may also be unlocked by operation of a key by the user. Thus, method 500 is 5 operable irrespective of the methodology of unlocking of the vehicle 100. In the park state, the VCU 102 may enable additional functionality that were unavailable in the locked state.
[0070]
At block 504, a menu with user-selectable options are presented on the display device 504. As explained previously, the menu may include 10 options, such as a volume control, a playlists navigation, a vehicle diagnostic, and a drive mode, such as eco, sports, comfort, etc.
[0071]
At block 506, user selection of one of the menu options is received, for example, by the movement detection module 208. As explained previously, the VCU 102 may interpret movement of the 15 accelerator 106 to scroll through the presented menu options. For example, the forward rotation of the accelerator 106 may scroll the menu options in upward direction on the display device 104, while backward rotation of the accelerator 106 may scroll the menu options in downward direction on the display device 104, and vice-versa. In one embodiment, the rate of scrolling 20 of menu options depends on the rotation of the accelerator 106. In one example, if the accelerator 106 is rotated in the forward direction between 1% to 100%, the menu options are scrolled in upward direction at normal rate, such that when the accelerator 106 is rotated in the forward direction between 1% to 50%, the menu options are scrolled in upward direction at 25 faster rate while, when the accelerator 106 is rotated in the forward direction above 50%, the menu options are scrolled in upward direction at faster rate. In another example, if the accelerator 106 is rotated in the backward direction between -1% to -10%, the menu options are scrolled in a downward direction at normal rate. 30 17
[0072]
At block 506, user selection of one of the menu options is received, for example, by the VCU 102. As explained previously, the user may select one of the menu options by activating an auxiliary device. In one example, the auxiliary device may include but are not limited to a brake leaver, a pedal brake, a switch, and a button. For example, once the desired 5 menu option is displayed on the display device 104 based on the movement of the accelerator 106, the user may actuate the auxiliary device to select the desired options in the menu.
[0073]
At block 508, an action corresponding to the menu option selected by the user is performed, for example, by the operation module 10 210. In one example, the user may increase or decrease the volume of an audio system of the vehicle 100 based on the position of the accelerator 106. In another example, the user may scroll through multiple pages of diagnostic information based on the position of the accelerator 106.
[0074]
Therefore, by leveraging the accelerator 106 as the input device, 15 the present invention eliminates the need for additional hardware, thereby decreasing the overall manufacturing cost.
[0075]
Although implementations of a tire are described, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features of the systems described herein. Rather, the specific 20 features are disclosed as implementations for the tire. 18
I/We Claim: 1. A method (300) for operating a vehicle (100) comprising:
presenting (302), on a display device (104) operably coupled to a vehicle control unit (VCU) (102) of the vehicle (100), an indication for a user to enter an input; 5
detecting (304), in response to the presenting (302), a movement of an accelerator (106) of the vehicle (100);
displaying (306), based on the movement, options selectable as user input, on the display device (104);
determining, user selection of one of the options as the input; and 10 performing (310), by the VCU, an action corresponding to the input from the user.
2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (300) further comprises receiving user selection of one of the options, wherein 15 the user selection comprises activation of at least one of a brake and a switch of the vehicle (100).
3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indication for the user to enter the input is a request for a passcode to authenticate the 20 user, the indication displaying a predefined number of blank spaces corresponding to a length of the passcode, and
wherein the action corresponding to the input from the user is to unlock the vehicle (100) upon verification of the passcode.
25
4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the options selectable as user input comprise letters, numbers and symbols, and
wherein the options are displayed sequentially in each of the blank spaces for selection by the user, a rate of display being based on a current position of the accelerator (106). 30 19
5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the method (300) further comprises:
upon unlocking the vehicle (100), activating a park state of the vehicle (100); and
presenting a menu with user-selectable options on the display 5 device (104), wherein, in the park state, the action corresponding to the input from the user is to select a menu option.
6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining the user selection of one of the options as the input further comprises 10 determining an angular position of the accelerator (106), the input being a number and angular positions of the accelerator (106) being to mapped to predetermined numeric values.
7. A vehicle (100), comprising: 15
a vehicle control unit (VCU) (102);
a display module (206), coupled to the VCU (102), to display on a display device (104) of the vehicle (100), an indication for a user to enter an input;
a movement detection module (208), coupled to the VCU (102), to 20 detect, based on a sensor input, a movement of an accelerator (106) of the vehicle (100) in response to the presenting the indication,
wherein the display module (206) is to present, based on the movement, options selectable as user input, on the display device (104); 25
an operation module (210), coupled to the VCU (102), to:
determine, user selection of one of the options as the input; and
perform an action corresponding to the input from the user.
30 20
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the indication for the user to enter the input is one of:
display of a predefined number of blank spaces corresponding to a length of a passcode, and wherein the action corresponding to the input from the user is to unlock the vehicle upon verification of the passcode; and 5
a menu with user-selectable options, wherein the action corresponding to the input from the user is to select a menu option.
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the display module (206) is to display the options for selection by the user at a rate 10 corresponding to a current position of the accelerator (106).
10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the movement detection module (208) is to:
increment a sequence of the user selectable options when the 15 accelerator (106) is rotated forward, and
reverse the sequence of the user selectable options when the accelerator (106) is rotated backward.
21
ABSTRACT
OPERATING VEHICLES BY PERFORMING ACTIONS BASED ON MOVEMENT OF ACCELERATOR
The present invention relates to a method (300) of operation a vehicle (100) by performing actions based on movement of an accelerator (106) of the 5 vehicle. The method (300) comprises presenting an indication for the user to enter an input on a display device (104) coupled to a vehicle control unit (VCU) (102) of the vehicle (100). Further, the method comprises detecting a movement of an accelerator (106) of the vehicle (100) in response to the presenting. Based on the movement of the accelerator (106), options 10 selectable as user input are displayed on the display device (104). Further, user selection of one of the options as the input is determined and an action corresponding to the input from the user is performed by the VCU (102).
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15 22 , Claims:I/We Claim: 1. A method (300) for operating a vehicle (100) comprising:
presenting (302), on a display device (104) operably coupled to a vehicle control unit (VCU) (102) of the vehicle (100), an indication for a user to enter an input; 5
detecting (304), in response to the presenting (302), a movement of an accelerator (106) of the vehicle (100);
displaying (306), based on the movement, options selectable as user input, on the display device (104);
determining, user selection of one of the options as the input; and 10 performing (310), by the VCU, an action corresponding to the input from the user.
2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (300) further comprises receiving user selection of one of the options, wherein 15 the user selection comprises activation of at least one of a brake and a switch of the vehicle (100).
3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indication for the user to enter the input is a request for a passcode to authenticate the 20 user, the indication displaying a predefined number of blank spaces corresponding to a length of the passcode, and
wherein the action corresponding to the input from the user is to unlock the vehicle (100) upon verification of the passcode.
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4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the options selectable as user input comprise letters, numbers and symbols, and
wherein the options are displayed sequentially in each of the blank spaces for selection by the user, a rate of display being based on a current position of the accelerator (106). 30 19
5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the method (300) further comprises:
upon unlocking the vehicle (100), activating a park state of the vehicle (100); and
presenting a menu with user-selectable options on the display 5 device (104), wherein, in the park state, the action corresponding to the input from the user is to select a menu option.
6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining the user selection of one of the options as the input further comprises 10 determining an angular position of the accelerator (106), the input being a number and angular positions of the accelerator (106) being to mapped to predetermined numeric values.
7. A vehicle (100), comprising: 15
a vehicle control unit (VCU) (102);
a display module (206), coupled to the VCU (102), to display on a display device (104) of the vehicle (100), an indication for a user to enter an input;
a movement detection module (208), coupled to the VCU (102), to 20 detect, based on a sensor input, a movement of an accelerator (106) of the vehicle (100) in response to the presenting the indication,
wherein the display module (206) is to present, based on the movement, options selectable as user input, on the display device (104); 25
an operation module (210), coupled to the VCU (102), to:
determine, user selection of one of the options as the input; and
perform an action corresponding to the input from the user.
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8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the indication for the user to enter the input is one of:
display of a predefined number of blank spaces corresponding to a length of a passcode, and wherein the action corresponding to the input from the user is to unlock the vehicle upon verification of the passcode; and 5
a menu with user-selectable options, wherein the action corresponding to the input from the user is to select a menu option.
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the display module (206) is to display the options for selection by the user at a rate 10 corresponding to a current position of the accelerator (106).
10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the movement detection module (208) is to:
increment a sequence of the user selectable options when the 15 accelerator (106) is rotated forward, and
reverse the sequence of the user selectable options when the accelerator (106) is rotated backward.
Date 21 May 2025
PRASHANT PHILLIPS
IN/PA-1229
Agent for the Applicant
To,
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office at Chennai
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