Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a method and a system for operation of cruise control. The present subject matter specifically, but not exclusively, relates to a method and system to operate cruise control in a vehicle using a single multi-functional button.

BACKGROUND
[0002] To make driving a vehicle an enjoyable experience for a user, modern vehicles are provided with supplementary features which will make driving comfortable for the users. During long drives, maintaining constant speed, lane discipline, and constant focus on the road can take a mental strain on the driver. Specifically, for two wheeled vehicles, these are extremely pertinent, as there is an absence of protection from the natural elements such as rain, dust, and wind.
[0003] One such supplementary feature is a cruise control system. A cruise control system is a system that automatically controls the speed of a vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the vehicle to maintain a steady speed as set by the user. Conventionally, a constant speed running control device for a motorcycle is known, that automatically releases constant speed running control (cruise control) when a user releases his/her hand from an accelerator grip during a constant speed running control. Cruise control in vehicle enables the user to not apply acceleration and the vehicle is enabled to maintain a set speed without having the user to apply throttle. This feature provides some comfort to the user which reduces the fatigue of the user when applying throttle for longer time.
[0004] To engage the current cruise control systems, the driver must bring the vehicle up to a pre-defined speed manually and use a series of plurality of buttons to set the cruise control to the current speed. It is however more complicated to implement cruise control in a vehicle, when the user is given a series of button to engage and disengage cruise control, especially when the vehicle is at a high speed and the user is driving the vehicle. If the user interface for engaging and disengaging the cruise control is complicated, the chances are that the user will be distracted and will be susceptible to encounter accidents in such situations. Additionally, the user is unable to determine the cruise control status in such scenarios. Especially in two wheelers, it is highly probable that a user may have turned on the cruise control feature, but due to the complex user interface and various buttons being in a close vicinity to each other, the user has accidentally misinterpreted the cruise control status. Such misconceptions regarding the cruise control states can be extremely dangerous to the user.
[0005] In conventional vehicles, a button is provided on a vehicle which is configured to work with a short press of the button for entering cruise control and a long press for exiting cruise control. However, due to the user not being able to determine the status of the cruise control, the user may engage or disengage the cruise control feature unintendedly. Therefore, such configurations decrease user friendliness of the vehicle, as well as increase the complexity of signal transmission from the button to the control units of the vehicle.
[0006] In other conventional vehicles, a ten-key control pad is provided which is used to operate a cruise control system within a vehicle. The ten-key control pad allows the driver of the vehicle to press an on/off button, press the numerical keys equal to a desired speed of travel and then press enter. Such a complex user interface to engage or disengage the cruise control will tend to distract the user of the vehicle when driving at high speeds, endangering their safety. Other cruise control systems that are currently in use also require a continuous holding of a button to engage cruise control in a vehicle. This is detrimental to a user of the vehicle as it can cause fatigue to the user due to continuous holding down of a button.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a reduction in user distraction during the manually engaging and disengaging of cruise control systems. The user should be able to comfortably engage and disengage the cruise control system with ease of access to the button using a user friendly interface. Additionally, the user should also be able to set the cruise control speed conveniently and efficiently.
[0008] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention provides a system and method for operating a cruise control system of a vehicle. A cruise control system for a vehicle comprising of a multi-functional button, and an ABS (Anti Braking System) unit. The ABS (Anti Braking System) unit is configured to enable one or more cruise control states. The one or more cruise control states is operated by changing position of the multi-functional button. A first position of the multi-functional button is configured to enable the cruise control system. A second position of the multi-functional button is configured to set a cruise control speed. A third position of the multi-functional button is configured to disable the cruise control system.
[00010] A method for operating a cruise control system for a vehicle. This method comprising steps of a control unit receiving a signal indicative of a position of a multi-functional button. The ABS unit enabling the cruise control system when the multi-functional button is in a first position. The ABS unit setting a cruise control speed for the vehicle when the multi-functional button is in a second position. The ABS unit disabling the cruise control system when the multi-functional button is in a third position.
[00011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00012] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a battery pack along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[00013] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram indicating the various elements of the cruise control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00014] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram indicating the various elements of the cruise control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00015] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram indicating the various elements of the cruise control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00016] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of method for operation of cruise control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00017] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00018] An objective of the present subject matter is to provide a system and method for operation of cruise control. The system and method for operation of cruise control provides a multi-functional button that can operate one or more cruise control states. The use of the multi-functional button is to introduce a user friendly interface to enable, disable, and set cruise control speed. The present subject matter reduces user distraction during the manually engaging and disengaging of cruise control systems and comfortably enabling and disabling the cruise control system with ease of access to the multi-functional button.
[00019] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a cruise control system for a vehicle comprising of a multi-functional button, and an ABS (Anti Braking System) unit. The ABS (Anti Braking System) unit is configured to enable one or more cruise control states. The one or more cruise control states is operated by changing position of the multi-functional button. A first position of the multi-functional button is configured to enable the cruise control system. A second position of the multi-functional button is configured to set a cruise control speed. A third position of the multi-functional button is configured to disable the cruise control system. The multi-functional button provides an easy switching between the one or more cruise states, while also being easily accessible to the user. The position of the multi-functional button is straightforward to determine without distracting the user’s focus from the road. As per an embodiment, the multi-functional button is a toggle switch. As per another embodiment, the multi-functional button is operated using simple movement of the button, such that the first position is defined by an upward movement of the multi-functional button, the second position is defined by pressing the multi-functional button, and the third position is defined by a downward movement of the multi-functional button. This embodiment s advantageous to the user due to the simple functioning of the button, with easy movements to operate the one or more cruise states, without distracting the user.
[00020] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a control unit is configured to receive a signal from the multi-functional button which is indicative of the one or more cruise control states. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the control unit is at least one of an ECU, the ABS unit, or a speedometer.
[00021] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the speedometer is communicatively connected to the ABS unit through a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the speedometer is configured to send the received signal from the multi-functional button to the ABS unit. The ABS unit operates the one or more cruise control states accordingly, such that the user has simple and effective control over the cruise control system. The CAN bus is advantageous due to the low-cost, high-speed network, and easy to integrate into conventionally used architecture.
[00022] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the speedometer is communicatively connected to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) through a CAN bus. As per another aspect of the subject matter, the ECU is configured to tune an ignition coil and an injector based on inputs of the signal indicative of the one or more cruise control states. As per an embodiment, the vehicle is fitted with electronic throttle control. The cruise control is integrated into the vehicle's ECU unit. The ECU determines the increase or decrease in throttle input of the vehicle given by the use based on the position of the multi-functional button.
[00023] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the ABS unit is configured to receive a front wheel speed and a rear wheel speed from speed sensors. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the ABS unit is configured to set the cruise control speed based on inputs received from speed sensors when the multi-functional button is in the second position. The user can instantly set the cruise control speed by engaging the multi-functional button such that it is in the second position, and the cruise control speed is set to the current speed of the vehicle. Therefore, this is an efficient, timesaving, and laboursaving method to set the cruise control speed.
[00024] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the multi-functional button is hardwired with the ABS unit to eliminate noise during communication. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the multi-functional button is hardwired with the ECU to eliminate noise during communication. Therefore, through this aspect, fast communication is achieved between the multi-functional button and the control unit.
[00025] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the multi-functional button is communicatively connected to a BCU (Body Control Unit) through a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus communication to eliminate noise during communication and to achieve effective communication between the multi-functional button and the control units.
[00026] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the multi-functional button is disposed on a left-side of a throttle grip on a handlebar of the vehicle.
[00027] The present subject matter is described using a cruise control system for a vehicle, whereas the claimed subject matter can be used in any other type of application employing above-mentioned cruise control system, with required changes and without deviating from the scope of invention. Further, it is intended that the disclosure and examples given herein be considered as exemplary only.
[00028] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00029] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a cruise control along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00030] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram indicating the various elements of the cruise control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram indicating the various elements of the cruise control system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram indicating the various elements of the cruise control system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00031] A speedometer is configured to receive a signal from the multi-functional button (102) indicative of the one or more cruise control states. The speedometer (104) is communicatively connected to the ABS unit (106) through a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus (116). The speedometer (104) is configured to send received signal from the multi-functional button (102) to the ABS unit (106). The ABS unit is communicatively connected to speed sensors (110). The ABS unit (106) being configured to receive a front wheel speed and a rear wheel speed from speed sensors (110). The speed sensors comprise at least one of a front wheel speed sensor (110a) and a rear wheel speed sensor (110b). The ABS unit (106) is then configured to set the cruise control speed based on inputs received from speed sensors (110) when the multi-functional button (102) is in the second position. The speedometer (104) is communicatively connected to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) (108) through a CAN bus (116). The ECU (108) is communicatively connected to an ignition coil (112) and an injector (114). The ECU (108) is configured to tune the ignition coil (112) and the injector (114) based on inputs of the signal indicative of the one or more cruise control states received from the CAN bus (116).
[00032] In Figure 2, the multi-functional button (102) is hardwired with the ABS unit (106) and the ECU (108) to eliminate noise during communication. Therefore, eliminating the need to use CAN bus for communication between the multi-functional button (102) and the ABS unit (106) and the ECU (108), therefore, improving the signal communication between the elements by reducing noise.
[00033] In Figure 3, the multi-functional button (102) is communicatively connected to a BCU (Body Control Unit) (302) through a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus (304) communication to eliminate noise during communication.
[00034] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of method for operation of cruise control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00035] The method initiates the process at step 201. At step 202, a control unit (ECU (108), the ABS unit (106) or a speedometer (104)), is configured to receive an input indicative of a position of a multi-functional button (102). At step 203, the received input indicative of a position of a multi-functional button (102) is sent to the ABS unit (106).
[00036] At step 204, the ABS unit (106) checks whether the input received is indicative of the multi-functional button (102) being in a first position. If the input received is not indicative of the multi-functional button (102) being in a first position, then the flowchart moves to step 206, where the cruise control is not enabled.
[00037] If the input received is indicative of the multi-functional button (102) being in a first position, then the flowchart moves to step 205, where the ABS unit (106) enables the cruise control system (100) and receives a front wheel speed and a rear wheel speed from the speed sensors (110). The speed sensors (110) comprise of a front wheel speed sensor (110a) and a rear wheel speed sensor (110b).
[00038] The method then proceeds to step 207, when the ABS unit (106) receives an input indicative of the multi-functional button (102) being in the second position, the ABS unit (106) sets the cruising speed at the vehicle speed received from the speed sensors (110) by the user by operating the multi-functional button (102) at a second position.
[00039] At step 208, when the ABS unit (106) receives an input indicative of the multi-functional button (102) being in the third position, the cruise control system (100) is disabled. The method is terminated at step 209.
[00040] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00041] The present claimed invention solves the technical problem of providing a user-friendly multi-functional button and use of the multi-functional button to introduce a user friendly interface to enable, disable, and set cruise control speed. Thus, the user has to operate only a single multi-functional button for controlling the cruise control system as against using two or three buttons for controlling the cruise control system on conventional systems. The present subject matter reduces user distraction during the manually engaging and disengaging of cruise control systems and comfortably enabling and disabling the cruise control system with ease of access to the multi-functional button. The multi-functional button provides an easy switching between the one or more cruise states, while also being easily accessible to the user. The position of the multi-functional button is straightforward to determine without distracting the user’s focus from the road.
[00042] The present subject matter is advantageous to the user due to the simple functioning of the button, with easy movements to operate the one or more cruise states, without distracting the user.
[00043] As per an embodiment, a CAN bus is used for communication, which is advantageous due to the low-cost, high-speed network, and easy to integrate into conventionally used architecture.
[00044] The present subject matter is also advantageous to the user by being equipped to instantly set the cruise control speed by engaging the multi-functional button such that it is in the second position, and the cruise control speed is set to the current speed of the vehicle. Therefore, this is an efficient, timesaving, and laboursaving method to set the cruise control speed.
[00045] As per an embodiment, the multi-functional button is hardwired with the control units to eliminate noise during communication. Therefore, through this aspect, fast communication is achieved between the multi-functional button and the control unit.
[00046] As per another embodiment, the multi-functional button is communicatively connected to a BCU (Body Control Unit) through a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus communication to eliminate noise during communication and to achieve effective communication between the multi-functional button and the control units.
[00047] The present subject matter achieves the advantage of an easy to access multifunctional button, by disposing the multi-functional button on a left-side of a throttle grip on a handlebar of the vehicle.
[00048] In view of the above, the claimed limitations as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed limitations enable the above solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies.
[00049] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention,
[00050] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00051] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00052] The present disclosure may be realized in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may be realized in a centralized fashion, in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion, where different elements may be spread across several interconnected computer systems, a computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein may be suited. A combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, may control the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The present disclosure may be realized in hardware that comprises a portion of an integrated circuit that also performs other functions.
[00053] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application. In addition, the systems of the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented using a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and are not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[00055] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
 
Reference Numerals:

100 – Cruise Control System
102 – multi-functional button
104 – Speedometer
106 – ABS Unit
108 – ECU
110 – Speed Sensors
110a – Front wheel speed sensor
110b – rear wheel speed sensor
112 – Ignition Coil
114 – Injector
116 – CAN bus
302 – BCU
304 – LIN Bus
, C , Claims:We/I Claim:
1. A cruise control system (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a multi-functional button (102);
an ABS (Anti Braking System) unit (106) being configured to enable one or more cruise control states;
wherein the one or more cruise control states being operated by changing position of the multi-functional button (102);
wherein a first position of the multi-functional button (102) being configured to enable the cruise control system (100);
wherein a second position of the multi-functional button (102) being configured to set a cruise control speed;
wherein a third position of the multi-functional button (102) being configured to disable the cruise control system (100).

2. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control unit being configured to receive a signal from the multi-functional button (102) indicative of the one or more cruise control states.

3. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit being at least one of an ECU (108), the ABS unit (106) or a speedometer (104).

4. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the speedometer (104) being communicatively connected to the ABS unit (106) through a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus (116).

5. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the speedometer (104) being configured to send received signal from the multi-functional button (102) to the ABS unit (106).

6. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the speedometer (104) being communicatively connected to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) (108) through a CAN bus (116).

7. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ECU (108) being configured to tune an ignition coil (112) and an injector (114) based on inputs of the signal indicative of the one or more cruise control states.

8. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ABS unit (106) being configured to receive a front wheel speed and a rear wheel speed from speed sensors (110).

9. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ABS unit (106) being configured to set the cruise control speed based on inputs received from speed sensors (110) when the multi-functional button (102) being in the second position.

10. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being disposed on a left-side of a throttle grip on a handlebar of the vehicle.

11. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being hardwired with the ABS unit (106) to eliminate noise during communication.

12. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being hardwired with the ECU (108) to eliminate noise during communication.

13. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being communicatively connected to a BCU (Body Control Unit) (302) through a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus (304) communication to eliminate noise during communication.

14. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being a toggle switch.

15. The cruise control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position is defined by an upward movement of the multi-functional button (102), wherein the second position is defined by pressing the multi-functional button (102), wherein the third position is defined by a downward movement of the multi-functional button (102).

16. A method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle, the method comprising steps of:
receiving, by a control unit, a signal indicative of a position of a multi-functional button (102);
enabling, by the ABS unit (106), the cruise control system (100) in a first position of the multi-functional button (102);
setting a cruise control speed for the vehicle, by the ABS unit (106), in a second position of the multi-functional button (102);
disabling, by the ABS unit (106), the cruise control system (100) in a third position of the multi-functional button (102).

17. The method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control unit being at least one of an ECU (108), the ABS unit (106) or a speedometer (104).

18. The method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 17, the method comprising steps of:
sending, by the speedometer (104), the signal indicative of the position of the multi-functional button (102) to the ABS unit (106) through a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus;
sending, by the speedometer (104), the signal indicative of the position multi-functional button (102) to the ECU (108) (Engine Control Unit) through a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus;
tuning, by the ECU (108), an ignition coil (112) and an injector (114) based on inputs from the speedometer (104).

19. The method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 16, the method comprising steps of:
receiving, by the ABS unit (106), a front wheel speed and a rear wheel speed from speed sensors (110);
setting a cruise control speed for the vehicle, by the ABS unit (106), based on inputs received from speed sensors (110) when the multi-functional button (102) being in the second position.

20. The method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being hardwired with the ABS unit (106) to eliminate noise during communication.

21. The method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being hardwired with the ECU (108) to eliminate noise during communication.

22. The method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being communicatively connected to a BCU (Body Control Unit) (302) through a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus (304) communication to eliminate noise during communication.

23. The method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being a toggle switch, wherein the first position is defined by an upward movement of the multi-functional button (102), wherein the second position is defined by pressing the multi-functional button (102), wherein the third position is defined by a downward movement of the multi-functional button (102).

24. The method for operating a cruise control system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the multi-functional button (102) being disposed on a left-side of a throttle grip on a handlebar of the vehicle.