Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A device (100) for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system (10), said device (100) comprising:
a. a memory (104) configured to store a pre-determined set of rules, a pre-determined list of parameters, and a priority tag associated with each of said parameters;
b. a fault detecting unit (106) configured to detect a faulty parameter, and further configured to generate at least one fault signal upon detecting said faulty parameter; and
c. a priority identifier module (108) configured to cooperate with said fault detecting unit (106) to receive said fault signals, and further configured to cooperate with said memory (104) to identify priority tags associated with said detected faulty parameters, said priority identifier module (108) configured to generate a trigger signal based on the detected priority tags to trigger said alerting system (10) to generate a sound having intensity proportional to said trigger signal.

2. The device as claimed 1, wherein said trigger signal is characterized by a unique voltage, duty cycle, or frequency and the intensity of said sound generated by said alerting system (10) is proportional to said unique voltage, duty cycle, or frequency of the trigger signal.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device (100) further includes an input module (102) configured to cooperate with said memory (104) to:
a. facilitate an operator to assign a priority tag to each of said parameters;
b. facilitate the operator to change the priority tag assigned to a parameter; and
c. facilitate the operator to remove a parameter from said plurality of parameters.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said priority identifier module (108) comprises:
a. a plurality of switches (206), each of said switches (206) associated with a priority tag;
b. a priority detection unit (202) configured to cooperate with said fault detecting unit (106) to receive said fault signals, and further configured to cooperate with said memory (104) to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters, said priority detection unit (202) configured to operate a switch from said plurality of switches (206) based on said pre-determined set of rules, said identified priority tags, and priority tags associated with said switches (206); and
5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said priority identifier module (108) further includes a voltage regulator (204) configured to generate variable voltage trigger signals, each trigger signal being supplied to a terminal of a switch (206), such that, upon the operation of said switch (206), the trigger signal corresponding to said switch (206) is supplied to said alerting system (10) which generates a sound, the intensity of said generated sound being proportional to the voltage of said generated trigger signal.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said priority identifier module (108) comprises:
a. a first timer circuit (304) configured to generate continuous pulses; and
b. a duty cycle adjusting unit (302) configured to receive said fault signals from said fault detecting unit (106), and further configured to cooperate with said memory (104) to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters, said duty cycle adjusting unit (302) configured to adjust the duty cycle of said pulses based on said identified priority tags and said pre-determined set of rules.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said duty cycle is adjusted using a variable resistor (R2) of said first timer circuit (304), wherein variation in the resistance of said resistor (R2) results in corresponding variation in the duty cycle of said pulses generated by said first timer circuit (304).

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said priority identifier module (108) comprises:
a. a second timer circuit (404) configured to generate continuous pulses; and
b. a frequency adjusting unit (402) configured to receive said fault signals from said fault detecting unit (106), and further configured to cooperate with said memory (104) to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters, said frequency adjusting unit (402) configured to adjust the frequency of said pulses based on said identified priority tags and said pre-determined set of rules.

9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said frequency is adjusted using a variable capacitor (C) of said second timer circuit (404), wherein variation in the capacitance results in corresponding variation in the frequency of said pulses generated by said second timer circuit (404).

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alerting system (10) includes a piezo-electric buzzer having a ceramic disc.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said trigger signal is applied across said ceramic disc.

12. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said buzzer (10) is a self drive piezo buzzer.

13. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device (100) is disposed within a vehicle.

14. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 13, wherein said parameters of the vehicle include engine overheating, engine oil pressure, high transmission oil temperature, low transmission steering pressure, blockage in transmission oil filter, low hydraulic system charge pressure, low brake fluid level, and low air break pressure.

, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of warning and alarming systems for a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system employed in vehicles.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Typically, the audio warning systems employed in vehicles such as tractors produce alarms for attracting vehicle operator’s attention to a faulty operation of the vehicle. However, in some cases, the sound output of these audio warning systems is too low to be heard by an operator, especially when the operator has got down from the vehicle for working in the field. The faulty operation of the vehicle, if not detected, can not only result in breakdown of the vehicle, but also be dangerous to the life of the operator and other workers in the field.

Further, the conventional audio warning systems only allow on-off control of buzzers to the operator. These buzzers are configured to generate a fixed intensity sound output and provide no means of adjusting the intensity of sound as per the requirement.

Therefore, there is felt a need to provide a device that eliminates the above-mentioned problems.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system that facilitates an operator to assign a sound intensity level to a faulty operation based on the criticality of the faulty operation.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system that warns the operator working in the field about the detected faulty operation.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system that facilitates the operator to identify the criticality of the detected faulty operation.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system. In an embodiment, the device is disposed within a vehicle. The device comprises a memory, a fault detecting unit, and a priority identifier module. The memory is configured to store a pre-determined set of rules, a pre-determined list of parameters, and a priority tag associated with each of the parameters. In an embodiment, the parameters include vehicle related parameters such as engine overheating, engine oil pressure, high transmission oil temperature, low transmission steering pressure, blockage in transmission oil filter, low hydraulic system charge pressure, low brake fluid level, and low air break pressure.
The fault detecting unit is configured to monitor the various parameters, and is further configured to detect a faulty parameter. The fault detecting unit is configured to generate at least one fault signal upon detecting the faulty parameter. The priority identifier module is configured to cooperate with the fault detecting unit to receive the fault signals, and is further configured to cooperate with the memory to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters. The priority identifier module is configured to generate a trigger signal based on the detected priority tags to trigger the alerting system to generate a sound having intensity proportional to the trigger signal. The trigger signal is characterized by a unique voltage, duty cycle, or frequency and the intensity of the generated sound is proportional to the voltage, duty cycle, and frequency of the trigger signal.

In an embodiment, the device further includes an input module. The input module is configured to cooperate with the memory to facilitate an operator to assign a priority tag to each of the parameters, change the priority tag assigned to a parameter, and remove a parameter from the plurality of parameters.

In an embodiment, the priority identifier module comprises a plurality of switches, a priority detection unit, and a voltage regulator, wherein each of the switches is associated with a priority tag. The priority detection unit is configured to cooperate with the fault detecting unit to receive the fault signals, and is further configured to cooperate with the memory to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters. The priority detection unit is configured to operate a switch from the plurality of switches based on the pre-determined set of rules, the identified priority tags and priority tags associated with the switches. The voltage regulator is configured to generate variable voltage trigger signals, each trigger signal being supplied to a terminal of a switch, such that, upon the operation of the switch, the trigger signal corresponding to the switch is supplied to the alerting system which generates a sound. The intensity of the generated sound is proportional to the voltage of the generated trigger signal.

In another embodiment, the priority identifier module comprises a first timer circuit and a duty cycle adjusting unit. The first timer circuit is configured to generate continuous pulses. The duty cycle adjusting unit is configured to receive the fault signals from the fault detecting unit, and is further configured to cooperate with the memory to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters. The duty cycle adjusting unit is configured to adjust the duty cycle of the pulses based on the identified priority tags and the pre-determined set of rules. In an embodiment, the duty cycle is adjusted using a variable resistor of the first timer circuit, wherein variation in the resistance of the resistor results in corresponding variation in the duty cycle of the pulses generated by the first timer circuit.

In still another embodiment, the priority identifier module comprises a second timer circuit and a frequency adjusting unit. The second timer circuit is configured to generate continuous pulses. The frequency adjusting unit is configured to receive the fault signals from the fault detecting unit, and is further configured to cooperate with the memory to identify the priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters. The frequency adjusting unit is configured to adjust the frequency of the pulses based on the identified priority tags and the pre-determined set of rules. In an embodiment, the frequency is adjusted using a variable capacitor of the second timer circuit, wherein variation in the capacitance results in corresponding variation in the frequency of the pulses generated by the second timer circuit.

In an embodiment, the alerting system includes a piezo-electric buzzer having a ceramic disc and the trigger signal is applied across the ceramic disc. In an embodiment, the buzzer is a self drive piezo buzzer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a priority identifier module of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of the priority identifier module of the device of Figure 1; and
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of still another embodiment of the priority identifier module of the device of Figure 1.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Device
10 – Alerting system
102 – Input module
104 – Memory
106 – Fault detecting unit
108 – Priority identifier module
202 – Priority detection unit
204 – Voltage regulator
206 – Switches
302 – Duty cycle adjusting unit
304 – First timer circuit
R1, R3, R4 – Fixed resistors
R2 – Variable resistor
402 – Frequency adjusting unit
404 – Second timer circuit
C – Variable capacitor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

A device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system (hereinafter referred as “device 100”) of the present disclosure is now being described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 4. In an embodiment, the device 100 is disposed within a vehicle. Referring to Figure 1, the device 100 comprises a memory 104, a fault detecting unit 106, and a priority identifier module 108. The memory 104 is configured to store a pre-determined set of rules, a pre-determined list of parameters, and a priority tag associated with each of the parameters. The priority tags are indicative of the operative criticality of corresponding parameters. The fault detecting unit 106 is configured to monitor various parameters, and is further configured to detect a faulty parameter. The fault detecting unit 106 is configured to generate at least one fault signal upon detecting the faulty parameter. In an embodiment, the parameters include vehicle related parameters such as engine overheating, engine oil pressure, high transmission oil temperature, low transmission steering pressure, blockage in transmission oil filter, low hydraulic system charge pressure, low brake fluid level, and low air break pressure. The priority identifier module 108 is configured to cooperate with the fault detecting unit 106 to receive the fault signals, and is further configured to cooperate with the memory 104 to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters. The priority identifier module 108 is configured to generate a trigger signal based on the pre-determined set of rules and the detected priority tags to trigger the alerting system 10 to generate a sound having intensity proportional to the trigger signal. The pre-determined set of rules includes rules for selecting the voltage, duty cycle, or frequency of the generated trigger signal based on the priority tags associated with detected faulty parameters. The trigger signal is, thus, characterized by a unique voltage, duty cycle, or frequency and the intensity of the generated sound is proportional to the voltage, duty cycle, and frequency of the trigger signal.

In an embodiment, the device 100 further includes an input module 102 configured to cooperate with the memory 104 to:
• facilitate an operator to assign a priority tag to each of the parameters;
• facilitate the operator to change the priority tag assigned to a parameter; and
• facilitate the operator to remove a parameter from the plurality of parameters.

Referring to Figure 2, an embodiment of the priority identifier module 108 includes a plurality of switches 206, a priority detection unit 202, and a voltage regulator 204. Each of the switches 206 is associated with a priority tag. The priority detection unit 202 is configured to cooperate with the fault detecting unit 106 to receive the fault signals, and is further configured to cooperate with the memory 104 to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters. The priority detection unit 202 is also configured to operate a switch from the plurality of switches 206 based on the pre-determined set of rules, the identified priority tags, and priority tags associated with the switches 206. The voltage regulator 204 is configured to generate variable voltage trigger signals, each trigger signal being supplied to a terminal of a switch 206, such that, upon operation of the switch 206, the trigger signal corresponding to the operated switch 206 is supplied to the alerting system 10 which generates a sound, the intensity of the generated sound being proportional to the voltage of the generated trigger signal.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the priority identifier module 108 which includes a first timer circuit 304 and a duty cycle adjusting unit 302. The first timer circuit 304 is configured to generate continuous pulses. The duty cycle adjusting unit 302 is configured to receive the fault signals from the fault detecting unit 106, and is further configured to cooperate with the memory 104 to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters. The duty cycle adjusting unit 302 is configured to adjust the duty cycle of the pulses based on the identified priority tags and the pre-determined set of rules. The duty cycle is adjusted using a variable resistor R2 of the first timer circuit 304, wherein variation in the resistance of the resistor R2 results in corresponding variation in the duty cycle of the pulses generated by the first timer circuit 304.

Figure 4 shows still another embodiment of the priority identifier module 108, wherein the priority identifier module 108 comprises a second timer circuit 404 and a frequency adjusting unit 402. The second timer circuit 404 is configured to generate continuous pulses. The frequency adjusting unit 402 is configured to receive the fault signals from the fault detecting unit 106, and is further configured to cooperate with the memory 104 to identify priority tags associated with the detected faulty parameters. The frequency adjusting unit 402 is configured to adjust the frequency of the pulses based on the identified priority tags and the pre-determined set of rules. The frequency is adjusted using a variable capacitor C of the second timer circuit 404, wherein variation in the capacitance results in corresponding variation in the frequency of the pulses generated by the second timer circuit 404.

In an embodiment, the alerting system 10 includes a piezo-electric buzzer having a ceramic disc and the trigger signal is applied across the ceramic disc. In an embodiment, the buzzer 10 is a self drive piezo buzzer. When the ceramic disc is subjected to an alternating electric field, it stretches or compresses in accordance with the frequency of the applied alternating signal, thereby producing a sound. The sound produced can range from a tolerable intensity to an ear-splitting noise. The intensity of the produced sound is proportional to the voltage, frequency, and duty cycle of the applied signal.

In an embodiment, the device 100 includes a battery unit (Not shown in the figure) configured to supply power to the memory 104, the fault detecting unit 106, and the priority identifier module 108.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a device for controlling the sound intensity of an alerting system that:
• facilitates an operator to assign a sound intensity level to a faulty operation based on the criticality of the faulty operation;
• warns an operator working in the field about the detected faulty operation; and
• facilitates the operator to identify the criticality of the detected faulty operation.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.