FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2005
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A METHOD AND LIGHTING SYSTEM TO CONTROL A LIGHT BEAM
OF A VEHICLE
APPLICANT(S) TATA MOTORS LIMITED
an Indian Company
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai - 400 001,
Maharashtra, India.
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting system for a vehicle, and more particularly relates to a lighting system to control a light beam of a vehicle by automatically switching form a high light beam mode to a low light beam mode and vice versa.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Modern automotive vehicles variety of Headlamps that are typically controlled to alternately generate low light beams and high light beams. The low light beam is provided in the areas where street light or likewise illuminated place already exists, whereas the high light beam is provided to highways or such roads where provision of street lights does not exists. However, it has been observed that people quite often uses the high light beam even in city areas or area with sufficient lighting condition where there is no need of it. Also, using the high light beam in a city area or sufficient lighting condition also hampers visibility of driver or pedestrian coming from opposite side. This results in accidents on road due to lack of visibility on the road. This sometimes happens due to negligence of the driver to turn high light beam into low light beam.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need of system that overcomes the above mentioned problem.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a lighting system to control a light beam of a vehicle by automatically switching form a high light beam mode to a low light beam mode and vice versa.

[0005] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a sensor near a Body in White structure of a suspension travel detection system in order to sense a plurality of parameters of the vehicle.
[0006] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to automatically switch from a high light beam mode to a low light beam mode and vice versa when the plurality of parameters sensed by the senor meets a beam switch criteria.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect object is satisfied by providing a lighting system to control a light beam of a vehicle. The lighting system comprising a light source, a sensor, an engine control unit, an infotainment system and a suspension travel detection system. The light source connectable to a front of the vehicle and configured to produce a light beam in a first mode and a second mode. The sensor to sense a plurality of parameters of the vehicle. The engine control unit is configured to detect the light beam produced in a first mode by the light source, receive the plurality of parameters sensed by the at least one senor, determine whether the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria, and configure the light source to produce a light beam in the second mode by automatically switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to determining that the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria.
[0008] In an embodiment, the engine control unit is configured to provide a notification on an infotainment system.
[0009] In an embodiment, the notification indicates at least one of the light source is configured in the second mode, and configure the light source in the first mode.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first mode is a high light beam mode and the second mode is a low light beam mode.
[0011] In an embodiment, the first mode is a low light beam mode and the second mode is a high light beam mode.
[0012] In an embodiment, the sensor is placed on a Body in White (BIW) connected to a suspension travel detection system.
[0013] In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters comprises at least one of an ambient condition, a speed of the vehicle, a current gear of the vehicle, a vehicle travel distance and a number of speed breaker, and road condition.
[0014] In an embodiment, the detection of a speed breaker during travel of the vehicle comprises detect a movement of a damper using the sensor, and detect the number of speed breaker and the road condition based on the movement of the damper.
[0015] In an embodiment, the beam switch criteria is preconfigured and stored in the engine control unit.
[0016] In one aspect object is satisfied by providing a method implemented by a lighting system for controlling a light beam of a vehicle. The method comprising sensing a plurality of parameters of the vehicle using at least one sensor, detecting the light beam produced in a first mode by a light source, receiving the plurality of parameters sensed by the at least one senor, determine whether the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria, and configuring the light source to produce a light beam in the second mode by automatically switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to determining that the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria.

[0017] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The proposed lighting system and method thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates various components of a lighting system for a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a suspension travel detection system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for controlling a light beam of a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an example parameters and beam switch criteria for controlling the light beam, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
ETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in

the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0024] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0025] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates various components of a lighting system (100) for a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The proposed lighting system (100) is used to control a light beam of the vehicle. The lighting system (100) comprises a light source (102), a sensor (104), an engine control unit (106), an infotainment system (108) and a suspension travel detection system (110).

[0027] The light source (102) connectable to a front of the vehicle and configured to produce a light beam in several different modes including conventional low-beam and high-beam states. The light source (102) can also be operated as daytime running lights, and additionally as super-bright high light beams in those countries where they are permitted. The headlamp brightness may also be continuously varied between the low, high, and super-high states. Examples of the lighting source include but not limited to light source (102) headlamps, tail lights, foul weather lights such as fog lights, brake lights, center-mounted stop lights (CHMSLs), turn signals, back-up lights, cargo lights, puddle lights, license plate illuminators, etc.
[0028] The sensor (104) is placed in proximity to a Body in White or BIW (5) of the suspension travel detection system (110) as illustrated in FIG. 2. Examples of the sensor includes but not limited to ambiance sensor, a speed senor, a movement sensor, a collision detection sensor, a speedometer, a tachometer or any other suitable sensor. The sensor (104) senses a plurality of parameters of the vehicle. The plurality of parameters comprises but not limited to an ambient condition, a speed of the vehicle, a current gear of the vehicle, a vehicle travel distance a current gear of the vehicle, a vehicle travel distance, a number of speed breaker, and road condition. Likewise, the system uses different parameters to identify whether the vehicle is currently driven in a city area or whether the driver is in need of the high light beam. These different parameters can be used to identify whether the driver needs the high light beam or not, if not then automatically switch it to the low light beam.
[0029] The engine control unit (106) is connected to the light source (102) and the at least one sensor (102). The engine control unit (106) is configured to detect the light beam produced in a first mode by the light source (102). In an embodiment, the first mode is a high light beam mode and the second mode is a

low light beam mode. In another embodiment, the first mode is a low light beam mode and the second mode is a high light beam mode.
[0030] The engine control unit (106) is configured to receive the plurality of parameters sensed by the at least one sensor (102) and determine whether the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria. Further, the engine control unit (106) configure the light source (102) to produce a light beam in the second mode by automatically switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to determining that the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria. The beam switch criteria is preconfigured and stored in the engine control unit (106). For example, table-I below clusters different parameters and its equivalent output to switching of high light beam to low light beam:

Distance Travelled Vehicle Speed No. of Input received for Speed breakers detection through suspension travel sensor Signal output
0 to 500 Meter 0 to 40Km/hr <1 No change in Headlamp beam mode.
0 to 500 Meter 0 to 40Km/hr >1 Change beam to low beam mode
0 to 500 Meter ≥ 40 Km/hr >1 No change in Headlamp beam mode.
[0031] Further, more the engine control unit (106) is further configured to provide a notification on an infotainment system (108). The notification indicates at least one of the light source (102) is configured in the second mode, and configure the light source (102) in the first mode.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a suspension travel detection system (110), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The suspension travel detection system (110) comprises a Body in White (BIW) (111), a damper (112), Knuckle (113), Lower wishbone (114). The BIW (111) is structured near the suspension with the sensor (104), such that whenever the vehicle crosses breaker or uneven path, the damper (112) moves up and down. This resulting in forming alternate contact with the sensor (104), thereby giving signal to the control unit that the vehicle is experiencing number of breaker or road condition, and if the light beam is on high mode, the engine control unit (106) switches it to the low light beam.
[0033] Although the sensor (104) illustrates as being mounted near the BIW area of the vehicle, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the sensor (104) could be mounted at other locations that provide the sensor to measure the various different parameters.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for controlling a light beam of a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 302, the method includes sensing a plurality of parameters of the vehicle using at least one sensor. The plurality of parameters comprises at least one of an ambient condition, a speed of the vehicle, a current gear of the vehicle, a vehicle travel distance and a number of speed breaker, and road condition. In an embodiment, the number of speed breaker during travel of the vehicle is detected by detecting a movement of a damper using the sensor; and detecting the number of speed breaker and the road condition based on the movement of the damper.
[0035] At step 304, the method includes detecting the light beam produced in a first mode by a light source. In an embodiment, the first mode is a high light beam mode and the second mode is a low light beam mode. In another

embodiment, the first mode is a low light beam mode and the second mode is a high light beam mode.
[0036] At step 306, the method includes receiving the plurality of parameters sensed by the at least one senor and at step 308 the method includes determining whether the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria. In an embodiment, the beam switch criteria is preconfigured and stored in the engine control unit (106). In response to determining that the plurality of parameters does not meets the beam switch criteria, the method loops back to the step 302. In response to determining that the plurality of parameters does not meets the beam switch criteria, at step 310, the method includes configuring the light source (102) to produce a light beam in the second mode by automatically switching from the first mode to the second mode.
[0037] Further, at step 312, the method includes providing a notification on an infotainment system (108) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the notification indicates at least one of the light source (102) is configured in the second mode, and configure the light source (102) in the first mode.
[0038] Unlike to conventional lighting system, the proposed lighting system works on live ambient condition detection and hence can be implemented in vehicles without GPS requirement. Due to switching from the high light beam to the low light beam at city area, pedestrian & upcoming vehicles will have clear visibility which reduces accidents due to blindness.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates an example parameters and beam switch criteria for controlling the light beam, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Following example describes the detailed steps performed by the proposed lighting system (100):

[0040] At step 402, a High Beam Alert System Option is selected on the Infotainment system (108) of the vehicle.
[0041] At step 404, the engine control unit (106) determines whether a high beam alert is on or off.
[0042] At step 406, no alert is provided to the driver for the high beam in response to demining that the high beam alert is off.
[0043] At step 408, the sensor (102) detects that the vehicle ignition is on in response to determining that the high beam alert is on.
[0044] At step 410, the engine control unit (106) whether a drive mode of the vehicle is in 1st or 2nd 3rd Gear.
[0045] At step 412, the engine control unit (106) provides a message on screen of the infotainment system (108) for the high beam alert & guidance for turning off the high beam mode in response to determining that the drive mode of the vehicle is in 1st or 2nd 3rd Gear. Further, no alert is provided to the driver for high beam in response to determining that the drive mode of the vehicle is not in 1st or 2nd 3rd Gear.
[0046] At step 414, a speed of the vehicle is detected in response to determining that the high beam alert is on using the sensor (104).
[0047] At step 416, the engine control unit (106) determines whether the speed of the vehicle is less than 30 Kilometers.
[0048] At step 412, the engine control unit (106) provides a message on screen of the infotainment system (108) for the high beam alert & guidance for

turning off the high beam mode in response to determining that the speed of the vehicle is less than 30 Kilometers. Further, no alert is provided to the driver for high beam in response to determining that the speed of the vehicle is greater than 30 Kilometers.
[0049] At step 418, the sensor (104) detects whether a head switch is on or off.
[0050] At step 420, the engine control unit (106) determines whether high beam mode is on or off in response to determining that the head switch is on. In response to determining that high beam mode is on, the engine control unit (106) provides a message on screen of the infotainment system (108) for the high beam alert & guidance for turning off the high beam mode as indicated at step 412. Further, no alert is provided to the driver for high beam in response to determining that the head switch is on or the head switch is off.
[0051] At step 422, detect a speed breaker using the sensor (104).
[0052] At step 424, the engine control unit (106) determines whether a travel of the suspension due to the speed breaker is greater than 40 MM.
[0053] At step 426, the engine control unit (106) determines a count of travel of the suspension in response to determining that the travel of the suspension due to the speed breaker is greater than 40 MM. Further, no alert is provided to the driver for high beam in response to determining that the travel of the suspension due to the speed breaker is not greater than 40 MM.
[0054] At step 428, the engine control unit (106) determines whether the count of travel of the suspension is less than one. In response to determining that the count of travel of the suspension is less than one, the engine control unit

(106) provides a message on screen of the infotainment system (108) for the high beam alert & guidance for turning off the high beam mode as indicated at step 412. Further, no alert is provided to the driver for high beam in response to determining that the count of travel of the suspension is not less than one.
[0055] At step 430, a distance traveled by the vehicle is measured using the sensor (104).
[0056] At step 432, the engine control unit (106) determines whether the distance traveled by the vehicle is in a range of 0 to 300 meters.
[0057] In response to determining that the distance traveled by the vehicle is in a range of 0 to 300 meters, the engine control unit (106) determines a count of travel of the suspension as shown at step 426.
[0058] Further, at step 428, the engine control unit (106) determines whether the count of travel of the suspension is less than one. In response to determining that the count of travel of the suspension is less than one, the engine control unit (106) provides a message on screen of the infotainment system (108) for the high beam alert & guidance for turning off the high beam mode as indicated at step 412. Further, no alert is provided to the driver for high beam in response to determining that the count of travel of the suspension is not less than one.
[0059] Although the present invention primarily addresses the control of the vehicle headlamps, but those skilled in the art will recognize that proposed lighting system and method thereof can be used for controlling the tail lights and foul weather lights. Indeed, the present invention is generally applicable to for controlling any exterior lighting on the vehicle.
[0060] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will 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.
[0061] List to reference numerals:

Sr. No. Description
100 Lighting System
102 Light Source
104 Sensor
106 Engine Control Unit
108 infotainment System
110 Suspension Travel Detection System
111 BIW
112 Damper
113 Knuckle
114 Lower wishbone

We Claim:
1. A lighting system (100) to control a light beam of a vehicle, comprising:
a light source (102) connectable to a front of the vehicle and configured to produce a light beam in a first mode and a second mode;
at least one sensor (104) to sense a plurality of parameters of the vehicle; and
an engine control unit (106), connected to the light source (102) and the at least one sensor (102), configured to:
detect the light beam produced in a first mode by the light source (102),
receive the plurality of parameters sensed by the at least one sensor (102),
determine whether the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria, and
configure the light source (102) to produce a light beam in the second mode by automatically switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to determining that the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria.
2. The lighting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engine control unit (106) is configured to provide a notification on an infotainment system (108).
3. The lighting system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the notification indicates at least one of the light source (102) is configured in the second mode, and configure the light source (102) in the first mode.
4. The lighting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first mode is a high light beam mode and the second mode is a low light beam mode.

5. The lighting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first mode is a low light beam mode and the second mode is a high light beam mode.
6. The lighting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (104) is placed on a Body in White (BIW) connected to a suspension travel detection system (110).
7. The lighting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of parameters comprises at least one of an ambient condition, a speed of the vehicle, a current gear of the vehicle, a vehicle travel distance, a number of speed breaker, and road condition.
8. The lighting system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the number of speed breaker during travel of the vehicle is detected by:
detect a movement of a damper using the sensor; and
detect the number of speed breaker and the road condition based on the movement of the damper.
9. The lighting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the beam switch criteria
is preconfigured and stored in the engine control unit (106).
10. A method implemented by a lighting system (100) for controlling a light beam
of a vehicle, comprising:
sensing a plurality of parameters of the vehicle using at least one sensor;
detecting the light beam produced in a first mode by a light source;
receiving the plurality of parameters sensed by the at least one senor;
determining whether the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria; and
configuring the light source (102) to produce a light beam in the second mode by automatically switching from the first mode to the second mode in

response to determining that the plurality of parameters meets a beam switch criteria.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprising providing a notification on an infotainment system (108) of the vehicle.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the notification indicates at least one of the light source (102) is configured in the second mode, and configure the light source (102) in the first mode.
13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first mode is a high light beam mode and the second mode is a low light beam mode.
14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first mode is a low light beam
mode and the second mode is a high light beam mode.
15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sensor (104) is placed on a Body in White (BIW) connected to a suspension travel detection system (110).
16. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of parameters comprises at least one of an ambient condition, a speed of the vehicle, a current gear of the vehicle, a vehicle travel distance and a number of speed breaker, and road condition.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the number of speed breaker during travel of the vehicle is detected by:
detecting a movement of a damper using the sensor; and
detecting the number of speed breaker and the road condition based on the movement of the damper.

18. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the beam switch criteria is preconfigured and stored in the engine control unit (106).