Claims:We claim:
1. A device (100) to control a cruise control mode in a vehicle, said vehicle comprises an engine, an intake conduit connected to said engine, an Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system provided in said intake conduit, a fuel supply device and ignition control system, said device (100) comprises a controller (110) configured to:
receive input signals, from a driver, for plurality of control functions of said cruise control mode, said control functions are selectable, one at a time, from a group comprising “switch ON”, “switch OFF”, “set speed”, “decrease speed”, “resume” and “increase speed”, and
control operation of said engine in accordance to said input signals to facilitate said cruise control mode, characterized in that
said controller (110) configured to receive said inputs signals for plurality of said control functions on press of an at least one control switch (112).

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one control switch (112) is any one selected from a group comprising a starter switch (104), a kill switch (106) and a cruise control mode switch (108), wherein said starter switch (104) is an existing switch to electrically start said engine of said vehicle, said kill switch (106) is existing switch to inhibit/stop engine operation, and said cruise control mode switch (108) is dedicated switch to operate control functions of said cruise control mode.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein
while said at least one control switch (112) is a single control switch (112) and is any one of said starter switch (104) and said cruise control mode switch (108), said single control switch (112) is conditionally operable to provide dual functionality of said starter switch (104) and at least one control function of said cruise control mode switch (108), wherein to provide said dual functionality, said controller (110) configured to,
enable operation of said single control switch (112) as said starter switch (104), when said engine speed (102) is below a threshold speed value, and
enable operation of said single control switch (112) as said cruise control mode switch (108), when said engine speed (102) is above said threshold speed value, and
while said at least one control switch (112) is said single control switch (112) and is any one of said kill switch (106) and said cruise control mode switch (108), said single control switch (112) is conditionally operable to provide dual functionality of said kill switch (106) and at least one control function of said cruise control mode switch (108), wherein to provide said dual functionality, said controller (110) configured to,
enable operation of said single control switch (112) as said kill switch (106), when said engine speed (102) is below a threshold speed value, and
enable operation of said single control switch (112) as said cruise control mode switch (108), when said engine speed (102) is above said threshold speed value.

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one control switch (112) is selected from a set of at least two switches, wherein each of said at least two switches are configurable to control none to at least one control function of said cruise control mode, said set is selectable from a group comprising a first set containing said starter switch (104) and said kill switch (106), a second set containing said starter switch (104) and said cruise control mode switch (108), a third set containing said kill switch (106) and said cruise control mode switch (108), and a fourth set containing said starter switch (104), said kill switch (106) and said cruise control mode switch (108), wherein said plurality of said control functions of said cruise control mode are distributed and configured among said at least two switches of said selected set, wherein said at least two switches are operable based on comparison of an engine speed (102) with a threshold speed value.

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of control function are toggled and selected based on at least one of frequency and duration of press of said single control switch (112).

6. A method for controlling cruise control mode in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving input signals, from a driver, for plurality of control functions of said cruise control mode, said control functions are selected, one at a time, from a group comprising “switch ON”, “switch OFF”, “set speed”, “decrease speed”, “resume” and “increase speed”, and
controlling operation of said engine in accordance to said received input signals for facilitating said cruise control mode, characterized by
receiving said inputs signals for plurality of said control functions on pressing of an at least one control switch (112).

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one control switch (112) is any one selected from a group comprising a starter switch (104), a kill switch (106) and a cruise control mode switch (108), wherein said starter switch (104) is an existing switch to electrically start said engine of said vehicle, said kill switch (106) is existing switch to inhibit/stop engine operation, and said cruise control mode switch (108) is dedicated switch to operate control functions of said cruise control mode.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein
while said at least one control switch (112) is a single control switch (112) and is any one of said starter switch (104) and said cruise control mode switch (108), said single control switch (112) is conditionally operable to provide dual functionality of said starter switch (104) and at least one control function of said cruise control mode switch (108), wherein for providing said dual functionality, said method comprises,
enabling operation of said single control switch (112) as said starter switch (104), when said engine speed (102) is below a threshold speed value, and
enabling operation of said single control switch (112) as cruise control mode switch (108), when said engine speed (102) is above said threshold speed value, and
while said at least one control switch (112) is said single control switch (112) and is any one of said kill switch (106) and said cruise control mode switch (108), said single control switch (112) is conditionally operable to provide dual functionality of said kill switch (106) and at least one control function of said cruise control mode switch (108), wherein for providing said dual functionality, said method comprises,
enabling operation of said control switch (112) as said kill switch (106), when said engine speed (102) is below a threshold speed value, and
enabling operation of said control switch (112) as said cruise control mode switch (108), when said engine speed (102) is above said threshold speed value.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one control switch (112) is selected from a set of at least two switches, wherein each of said at least two switches are configurable to control none to at least one control function of said cruise control mode, said set is selectable from a group comprising a first set containing said starter switch (104) and said kill switch (106), a second set containing said starter switch (104) and said cruise control mode switch (108), a third set containing said kill switch (106) and said cruise control mode switch (108), and a fourth set containing said starter switch (104), said kill switch (106) and said cruise control mode switch (108), wherein said plurality of said control functions of said cruise control mode are distributed and configured among said at least two switches, wherein said at least two switches are operable based on comparison of an engine speed (102) with a threshold speed value.

10. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said plurality of control function are toggled and selectable based on at least one of frequency and duration of press of said single control switch (112).
, Description:Complete Specification:
The following specification describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

Field of the invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to a device to control a cruise control mode in a vehicle and a method thereof.

Background of the invention:
[0002] Some of the premium motorcycles have the convenience feature of Cruise control. The cruise control allows a user/driver to set the desired vehicle speed via switches that are available on the handlebar/dashboard/steering wheel of the vehicle. Once the desired vehicle speed is set, the electronic control unit opens the throttle to set the desired airflow to maintain the speed. There are many switch inputs necessary to activate this cruise control which include: Cruise Control ON/OFF, Set, Cancel, Speed Up, Speed Down etc. These switch inputs will also need to be diagnosed and monitored in two levels of software as this is critical in terms of safety of the rider. More the number of switches, more complex the software and hardware become more expensive. The cruise control enable switch helps in activating the function. Once the cruise control is enabled the rider/driver can set the desired speed using speed up/speed down switch and set the desired speed. Once the desired speed is set, by pressing the set switch the vehicle can be set to move at the desired speed without holding the accelerator. To come out of this cruise control mode, the user has to press the same cruise control ON/OFF switch or press brake/clutch.

[0003] A patent literature US2020062254 discloses a method for switching over from a first driver assistance function to a second driver assistance function in a two-wheeled vehicle; one of the driver assistance functions being an adaptive distance and speed control function, and the other driver assistance function being a cruise control function; the switchover being accomplished by uninterrupted manipulation of an actuating element by the driver over a time interval of predefined length.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings:
[0004] An embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to the following accompanying drawing,
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a device to control the cruise control mode in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention, and
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for controlling the cruise control mode in the vehicle, according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a device to control the cruise control mode in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle comprises an engine, an intake conduit connected to the engine, and an Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system provided in the intake conduit, a fuel supply device, and an ignition control system. The device 100 comprises a controller 110 configured to receive input signals, from a driver, for plurality of control functions of the cruise control mode. The control functions are selected, one at a time, from a group comprising “switch ON”, “switch OFF”, “set speed”, “decrease speed”, “resume” and “increase speed”. The controller 110 controls operation of the engine in accordance to the input signals to facilitate the cruise control mode, characterized in that, the controller 110 is configured to receive inputs signals for the plurality of the control functions, one at a time, on pressing of at least one control switch 112. The controller 110 accordingly generates a control signal 114 to control at least one of the ETC, ignition control system and the fuel supply system to provide the desired cruise control mode. The fuel supply system is controllable in case of Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system and not controllable for a conventional carburetor-based system. However, an electronically operated carburetor system is controllable by the controller 110. The device 100 comprises the controller 110 and the at least one control switch 112.

[0008] The controller 110 comprises memory element 116 such as Random Access Memory (RAM) and/or Read Only Memory (ROM), Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and vice-versa Digital-to-Analog Convertor (DAC), clocks, timers and at least one processor (capable of implementing machine learning) connected with the each other and to other components through communication bus channels. The memory element 116 is pre-stored with logics or instructions or programs or applications which is accessed by the processor as per the defined routines. The internal components of the controller 110 are not explained for being state of the art, and the same must not be understood in a limiting manner. The controller 110 may also comprise communication units to communicate with a server or cloud (not shown) through wireless or wired means such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, serial networks and the like. In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 is the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or a Cluster Control Unit (CCU) or any existing control unit of the vehicle or a separate unit interfaced with the ECU or the CCU or the existing control unit.

[0009] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is preferably a two-wheeler such as a motorcycle, a scooter, a moped, etc. However, the controller 110 is equally adaptable to be used for three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four wheelers such as cars and the other existing and new vehicles (even snow mobiles) where the cruise control features has been in use and possible to be used.

[0010] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control switch 112 is any one selected from a group comprising a starter switch 104, a kill switch 106 and a cruise control mode switch 108. The starter switch 104 is an existing switch to electrically start the engine of the vehicle. The kill switch 106 is existing switch to inhibit/stop engine operation. The cruise control mode switch 108 is dedicated switch for controlling the plurality of control functions/settings of the cruise control mode. Thus in simple understanding, the vehicle is provided with just the starter switch 104 or the kill switch 106 or the cruise control mode switch 108 or at least two switch combinations are provided based on the starter switch 104, the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108, or the at least one control switch 112 is provided as a separate switch to function as combination of at least one of the starter switch 104 or the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108. The control signal 114 is either the starter signal or the engine kill signal or the cruise control mode signal based on selected control function. The control signal 114 electrically starts the engine or controls the ETC, the fuel supply device or ignition control system to facilitate cruise control.

[0011] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control switch 112 is selected from a group comprising the stater switch 104, the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108.

[0012] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control switch 112 is a single control switch 112 and is any one of the starter switch 104, and the cruise control mode switch 108. The single control switch 112 is conditionally operable, by the controller 110, to provide dual functionality of the starter switch 104 and at least one control function of the cruise control mode switch 108. To provide the dual functionality using the single control switch 112, the controller 110 is configured to monitor the engine speed 102 against a threshold speed value. The engine speed 102 is detected from a signal from an engine speed sensor or through the signal available in the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The controller 110 enables the operation of the single control switch 112 as the starter switch 104 when the engine speed 102 is below the threshold speed value, Further, the controller 110 enables the operation of the control switch 112 as cruise control mode switch 108 when the engine speed 102 is above the threshold speed value. For example, the starter switch 104 functions to start the engine when the engine speed 102 is zero, and when the engine is at specific speed, such as a non-zero value, then the same starter switch 104 functions as the cruise control mode switch 108. Alternatively, the cruise control mode switch 108 functions to start the engine when the engine speed 102 is zero, and when the engine is at specific speed, such as a non-zero value, then the same cruise control mode switch 108 controls the cruise control mode. The threshold speed value is stored in the memory element 116. In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 is adapted to consider not only engine speed 102 but also vehicle speed or combination of both for the control of the cruise control mode through the at least one control switch 112 in the vehicle.

[0013] In accordance to another embodiment, the at least one control switch 112 is the single control switch 112 and is any one of the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108. The single control switch 112 is conditionally operable to provide dual functionality of the kill switch 106 and at least one control function of the cruise control mode switch 108. To provide the dual functionality, the controller 110 configured to, enable the operation of the single control switch 112 as the kill switch 106 when the engine speed 102 is below the threshold speed value, and enable operation of the single control switch 112 as the cruise control mode switch 108, when the engine speed 102 is above the threshold speed value.

[0014] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control switch 112 is selected from a combination/set of at least two switches, each of the at least two switches are configurable to control none to at least one or plurality of control function of the cruise control mode. The set is selectable from a group comprising a first set containing the starter switch 104 and the kill switch 106, a second set containing the starter switch 104 and the cruise control mode switch 108, a third set containing the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108, and a fourth set containing the starter switch 104, the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108. The plurality of the control functions of the cruise control mode are distributed and configured among the at least two switches of the selected set. Further, the at least two switches are operable based on comparison of the engine speed 102 with the threshold speed value. The use of at least one control switch 112 is done in association with a status indicated on instrument cluster or display screen of the vehicle. Every action of the at least one control switch 112 is displayed which helps/assists the driver to use the at least one switch 112 in complete and proper manner.

[0015] The operation of the first set is explained. The first set comprises starter switch 104 and the kill switch 106. The starter switch 104 and the kill switch 106 are of the push-type switch which is always OFF state, or toggle type switch which comprises ON state and OFF state, or combination thereof. Considering that the starter switch 104 is push-type switch and the kill switch 106 is toggle type switch, when the engine speed 102 exceeds the set threshold speed value, then the starter switch 104 functions as “switch ON” and “switch OFF”, “resume”, “increase speed”, “set” and “decrease speed” for the cruise control mode when the engine speed is greater than the threshold speed value, whereas the kill switch 106 functions as it is. In other words, the kill switch 106 is not configured at all, whereas the starter switch 104 is configured with all the control functions. The duration of press and hold decides the function to be controlled, which is saved in the memory element 116. The controller 110 calculates/monitors the duration and compares against the data saved in the memory element 116 and accordingly executes/performs the identified control function. For example, with a single press and release of the starter switch 104 for say five seconds, the cruise control mode is activated/deactivated. Now, when the starter switch 104 is pressed and held for one second and released, then “set speed” is executed. Further, if the starter switch 104 is again held for one second and then released, the “increase speed” function is executed. Similarly, if the same starter switch 104 is pressed and held for three seconds and then released, then the “set speed” is reduced due to “decrease speed” function. Further, on pressing the starter button 104 for one second and then released, the “resume” function is executed, followed by “increase speed”. The increase/decrease of speed is configurable in steps as required, such as one, two, five units, etc. Similarly, the “set speed” or “decrease speed” functions are performed when the same starter switch 104 is pressed and held for five seconds.

[0016] Now considering the scenario that the kill switch 106 performs all the functions of the cruise control mode instead of the starter switch 104. In this case, the kill switch 106 is toggled ON and OFF (or OFF and ON) and the duration between the states decides the desired control function. For example, if the kill switch 106 is toggled ON and then after five seconds toggled OFF, then the cruise control mode is activated/deactivated. Once activated, if the kill switch 106 is turned ON and after one second turned OFF, then the current speed is “set” as the cruise speed. If again the kill switch 106 is toggled ON and then OFF for one second, the set speed is decreased. Similarly, after the vehicle has come out of cruise control mode such as due to braking or throttle action, then the driver/rider operates (turns ON and then OFF after three seconds) the kill switch 106 for three seconds which “resumes” the previously “set” speed (considering the cruise control mode is activated first).

[0017] Further, if the kill switch 106 is toggled ON and then OFF after three seconds, the set speed is increased. The kill switch 106 is turned to ON state for starting the vehicle and stays in ON state throughout the travel/motion of the vehicle. In an embodiment, once the engine speed 102 has exceeded the threshold speed value, the kill switch 106 is first turned to OFF position, or original state by the driver, and then operated to control the at least one control function of the cruise control mode. The controller 110 stops shutting down of the engine when turning OFF while the engine is running (with reference to threshold speed value, such as idle speed). Alternatively, the kill switch 106 is toggled without bringing to original state. i.e. the driver just toggles the switch ON and OFF, and based on the duration of the toggle, the corresponding control function is executed and also indicated on the dashboard for confirmation. As described above for the first set, the control functions are distributed among the switches in the set as per the calibration or requirement. For example, the starter switch 104 performs “switch ON” and “Switch OFF” functions, and the kill switch 106 performs the “set speed”, “decrease speed”, “resume” and “increase speed” functions, or vice versa.

[0018] The operation of the second set of switches is explained, where both the starter switch 104 and the cruise control mode switch 108 are available in the vehicle. The controller 110 is configured to enable the starter switch 104 to control at least one of the control functions of the cruise control mode, and the cruise control mode switch 108 facilitates remainder of the control functions. Similarly, the controller 110 is configurable to enable the cruise control mode switch 108 to control at least one of the control functions, preferably all of the control functions, and the starter switch 104 is used to electrically start the engine or control the remainder of the control functions. For example, the starter switch 104 is used for the control functions “switch ON” and “switch OFF” of the cruise control mode, apart from the existing function of starting the engine, whereas the cruise control mode switch 108 provides remainder of the control functions comprising “set speed”, “resume”, “increase speed” and “decrease speed”. Similarly, in other case, the starter switch 104 is used as it is, whereas the cruise control mode switch 108 is used for at least one or all the control functions comprising “switch ON”, “switch OFF”, “set speed”, “increase speed” “resume”, and decrease speed”.

[0019] Similarly, the plurality of control functions of the cruise control mode is distributed and configured among the at least two switches in the third set and the fourth set as well, apart from the first set and the second set. In fourth set, each of the three switches are assigned at least one control function (preferably two to evenly distribute the control functions). Specifically, the starter switch 104 is configured to control “switch ON” and “switch OFF” functions, the kill switch 106 is configured to control “set speed” and “decrease speed” functions, and the cruise control mode switch 108 is configured to control “resume” and “increase speed” functions. Further, at least two switches of the selected set are operable based on comparison of an engine speed 102 (or other parameter such as vehicle speed) with the respective threshold speed value. Please note that the examples provide in the description is for clear understanding and must not be taken in limiting manner. The other configurations are also possible and applicable as per the present invention.

[0020] According to the present invention, the plurality of control function is toggled through and selected based on at least one of frequency and duration of press and hold of the at least one control switch 112.

[0021] According to the present invention, a working of the device 100 having the controller 110 is provided and the same is only for explanation which must not be understood in limiting manner. The at least one control switch 112 is considered to be the starter switch 104. When the starter switch 104 is operated and if the engine is in ON state, then the pressing of the starter switch 104 acts as the switch ON/OFF for the cruise control mode. If the engine is in OFF state, the starter switch 104 acts to electrically start the engine. The controller 110 is configurable to control all control functions of the cruise control mode with the press of the starter switch 104 based on the duration. In another example, the single control switch 112 is used to do all the control functions of cruise control mode along with the function of the starter switch 104. When the engine is in OFF state, and if the control switch 112 is pressed then the control switch 112 functions as the starter switch 104. Once the engine is running or in ON state, and the cruise control mode is OFF, then pressing of the control switch 112 acts as “switch ON” function for the cruise control mode or a “switch OFF” or cancel function. The speed up/ “increase speed” and speed down/ “decrease speed” functions are achieved based on at least one of the frequency and duration of the press and hold of the same control switch 112. Further, various combinations of frequency and hold is possible. In yet another example, the starter switch 104 is separate from the cruise control mode switch 108, and all the control functions are processed by the single cruise control mode switch 108.

[0022] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the single control switch 112 configuration for engine start and cruise control mode for the vehicle is provided. The single control switch 112 configuration comprises use of the controller 110 to conditionally operate the single control switch 112 as the starter switch 104 and as the cruise control mode switch 108. The condition is based on engine speed 102 or engine state or other parameter as mentioned above.

[0023] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 is provided as a retrofit solution to existing vehicle or as a new fitment for new vehicles. In case of existing solution and for the vehicles without any cruise control mode switch 108, the controller 110 is connected with the starter switch 104 and the kill switch 106 and then configured to provide cruise control mode through any one of the starter switch 104 and the kill switch 106. Further for low cost vehicles, the device 100 provides an economical solution of offering cruise control mode functions without exclusively using the cruise control mode switch 108.

[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for controlling the cruise control mode in the vehicle, according to the present invention. The method comprises plurality of steps, of which a step 202 comprises receiving input signals, from the driver, for plurality of control functions of the cruise control mode. The control functions are selected, one at a time, from a group comprising “switch ON”, “switch OFF”, “set speed”, “decrease speed”, “resume” and “increase speed”. A step 204 comprises controlling operation of the engine in accordance to the received input signals for facilitating the cruise control mode. The method is characterized by, a step 206 which comprises receiving the inputs signals for plurality of the control functions, one at a time, on pressing of at least one control switch 112.

[0025] The at least one control switch 112 is any one selected from a group comprising the starter switch 104, the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108. The starter switch 104 is the existing switch for electrically starting the engine of the vehicle. The kill switch 106 is existing switch to inhibit/stop the engine operation. The cruise control mode switch 108 is dedicated switch for controlling the control functions of the cruise control mode. Thus in simple understanding, the vehicle is provided with just the starter switch 104 or the kill switch 106 or the cruise control mode switch 108 or combination of at least two of the starter switch 104, the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108, or the single control switch 112 to function as at least one of the starter switch 104 and the cruise control mode switch 108, or kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108.

[0026] The step 206 further comprises conditional operation of the at least one control switch 112. While the at least one control switch 112 is the single control switch 112 and any one of the starter switch 104 and the cruise control mode switch 108, the single control switch 112 is conditionally operable to provide dual functionality of the starter switch 104 and at least one control function of the cruise control mode switch 108. The method comprises a step 210, which comprises enabling the operation of the single control switch 112 as the starter switch 104 when a decision step 208 is true or Yes. The decision step 208 comprises checking the engine speed 102 is below the threshold speed value. If the decision step 208 is false or NO, then a decision step 212 is checked. If true or Yes, then a step 214 is performed which comprises enabling the operation of the control switch 112 as the cruise control mode switch 108. The decision step 212 comprises checking whether the engine speed 102 is above the threshold speed value or not. Similarly, while the at least one control switch 112 is the single control switch 112 and any one of the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108, the single control switch 112 is conditionally operable to provide dual functionality of the kill switch 106 and the at least one control function of the cruise control mode switch 108. For providing the dual functionality, the method comprises the step 210, which comprises enabling the operation of the single control switch 112 as the kill switch 106 when the decision step 208 is true or Yes. The decision step 208 comprises checking the engine speed 102 is below the threshold speed value. If the decision step 208 is false or NO, then the decision step 212 is checked. If output of the decision step 212 is true or Yes, then the step 214 is performed which comprises enabling the operation of the single control switch 112 as the cruise control mode switch 108. The decision step 212 comprises checking whether the engine speed 102 is above the threshold speed value or not. The steps 208 through 216 are explained for both the stater switch 104 and the kill switch 106.

[0027] The decision steps 208 and 212 are now explained with a specific example. If the starter switch 104 is pressed, then at step 208, the controller 110 checks if the engine is ON. If No, i.e. OFF, then as per step 210, the starter switch 104 is used to trigger the electric start of the engine. If the engine is ON, i.e. a Yes, then as per decision step 212, the state of the cruise control mode switch 108 is checked. If No, i.e. not activated, then the step 214 is performed, i.e. the cruise control mode is activated, i.e. switched ON. If the output of decision step 212 is a Yes, then a step 216 is performed, i.e. the cruise control mode is deactivated, i.e. switched OFF.

[0028] According to the present invention, the at least one control switch 112 is selected from a combination/set of at least two switches, where each of the at least two switches are configurable to control none to at least one control function of the cruise control mode. The set is selectable from a group comprising the first set containing the starter switch 104 and the kill switch 106, the second set containing the starter switch 104 and the cruise control mode switch 108, the third set containing the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108, and the fourth set containing the starter switch 104, the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108. The plurality or at least one of the control functions of the cruise control mode are distributed and configured (preconfigured) among the at least two switches of the selected set. The at least two switches are operable based on comparison of the engine speed 102 with the threshold speed value. Alternatively, the method considers vehicle speed or combination of the engine speed and the vehicle speed.

[0029] A method of operating the at least one control switch 112 as per second set is provided. In the second set, the at least one control switch 112 is the starter switch 104 and the cruise control mode switch 108. The method comprises enabling the starter switch 104 to control at least one of the control functions of the cruise control mode, and the cruise control mode switch 108 facilitates remainder of the control functions. Similarly, a method of operating the control switch 112 as per the third set is provided. The third set comprises the kill switch 106 and the cruise control mode switch 108. The method comprises enabling the kill switch 106 to control at least one of the control functions and the cruise control mode switch 108 facilitates remainder of the control functions.

[0030] The plurality of control function is toggled and selectable based on at least one of frequency and duration of press of the single control switch 112.

[0031] According to the present invention, a new cruise control interface is provided. The present invention relates to an Engine Management System (EMS) controller 110 comprising the ETC system equipped with cruise control feature. The controller 110 helps in reducing the number of switches required for cruise control feature by combining the operation of two or more switches into at least one control switch 112. The present invention also provides selected control functions to be operable through the single or few control switches 112.

[0032] It should be understood that embodiments explained in the description above are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes in the embodiment explained in the description are envisaged. The scope of the invention is only limited by the scope of the claims.