Claims:
1. A purging noise compensation system (200) for a vehicle comprising:
a dosing control unit (DCU) (201) configured to monitor and control operation of a dosing pump (202);
an instrument panel cluster (IPC) (207) configured to receive signals of vehicle door status and power modes from a body control module (BCM) (205), to detect the transition of vehicle power mode to ignition OFF mode for determining start of a purging operation;
an engine management system (EMS) (204) configured to receive feedback from the DCU (201) and send signals to the IPC (207); and
an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) (208) configured to be communicatively connected to said IPC (207);
wherein, the IPC (207) is configured to play visuals on instrument cluster and to send an activation signal to IVI (208) to play audio-visuals on an infotainment unit for a predetermined time of purging operation.

2. The purging noise compensation system (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein an IPC counter is configured to be activated for the predetermined time, from start to stop of the purging operation.

3. The purging noise compensation system (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IVI (208) is configured to vary the volume of audio depending on speed (RPM) of the dosing pump (202).

4. The purging noise compensation system (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IVI (208) is configured to play the audio-visuals on the infotainment unit in absence of media playing on the infotainment unit.

5. The purging noise compensation system (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IPC (207) is configured to stop audio playing on the infotainment unit during said predetermined time, on detection of open state of vehicle door or removal of manual ignition key or Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key (206) being out of a predetermined range.

6. The purging noise compensation system (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the IPC counter is configured to reset every time on detection of power mode transition to ignition ON after completion of the audio-visuals.

7. The purging noise compensation system (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IPC (207) is configured to detect the purging operation upon receiving signal related to BSVI variant of the engine from the EMS (204).

8. A method for purging noise compensation for a vehicle comprising steps of,
detecting power mode transition to ignition OFF;
starting an IPC counter on detection of said power mode transition, wherein vehicle doors are configured to be in closed state and Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key (206) is configured to be within a predetermined range or a manual ignition key (206) is configured to be in inserted state;
playing visuals on an instrument cluster by an Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) (207) and playing audio-visuals on an infotainment unit by an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) (208), for a predetermined time;
stopping the audio-visuals upon detection of completion of the said predetermined time by the said IPC counter;
sending feedback signal by the IVI (208) to the IPC (207); and
resetting the IPC counter upon detection of power mode transition to ignition ON.

9. A method for purging noise compensation for a vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein playing of the audio-visuals on the infotainment unit is performed in absence of media playing on the infotainment unit.

10. A method for purging noise compensation for a vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the method comprises a step of stopping the audio playing on the infotainment unit during said predetermined time, on detection of open state of vehicle door or removal of manual ignition key or Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key (206) being out of a predetermined range.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A PURGING NOISE COMPENSATION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND ITS METHOD THEREOF

Applicant:
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
Floor 3, 4, Plot-18, Nanavati Mahalaya,
Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai 400001,
Maharashtra, India

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 generally relates to a system and method of noise compensation for purging in a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a noise compensation system and its method thereof, for a purging sound generated in a diesel engine of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In order to comply with BSVI regulations, the Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EAS) of diesel engines are developed with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce NOx emissions. SCR system includes a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) dosing unit to inject a liquid-reductant agent through a special catalyst into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine. The DEF triggers a chemical reaction that converts nitrogen oxides into nitrogen, water and tiny amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is then expelled to the atmosphere. The DEF is usually automotive-grade urea. The exhaust from the engine, after passing through Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Turbocharger (T), is supplied to the DPF unit (Ref. Figure 1). The DEF is injected into the exhaust gas exiting the DPF at predefined time intervals. The system for injection of DEF in the exhaust gas is referred to as DEF dosing system and includes a tank for storing the DEF, injectors for injecting the DEF in to the exhaust stream and a pump for supplying the DEF to injectors though pipes. The pump is controlled by a Dosing Control Unit (DCU) to vary the amount of DEF injection based on the amount of NOX entering the SCR unit detected by a NOX sensor.
[0003] When the vehicle is turned OFF, the DEF in the pipes and injectors needs to be returned back to the tank in order to avoid solidification of the DEF. So, upon turning OFF the vehicle, all DEF in the pipes and injectors is pulled back in to the tank by reversing the rotation of the dosing pump by the DCU. This process of returning the DEF to the tank is referred to as a purging process. While purging, the dosing pump makes noise due to its operation for a predetermined time. As the vehicle is turned OFF, this purging noise is audible inside the vehicle cabin. Therefore, the occupants of the vehicle get irritated by the noise. Moreover, the occupants get mislead to think that there is some issue with the vehicle. Further, the frequency of noise depends upon the RPM of the dosing pump, i.e., more noise is generated at high speeds of the dosing pump and vice-versa. So, the purging noise can be reduced by reducing the pump RPM. However, lower RPM increases time required to completely pull back the DEF into the tank. As the pump is operated by vehicle battery in engine OFF state, its operation for longer duration increases battery consumption, which is not desirable. Hence, there is a need to find a solution to deal with the purging noise for the comfort and assurance to the occupants.
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above and any other limitations associated with the prior arts.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for compensating the purging noise in a vehicle.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for compensating the purging noise by playing audio-visuals on a vehicle infotainment unit during purging.
[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for compensating the purging noise in a vehicle for the comfort of occupants.
[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for compensating the purging noise in a vehicle to avoid the possibility of misleading the occupants to think that there is some issue with the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Before the present system are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine or an apparatus, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiment that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular version or embodiment only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a purging noise compensation system for a vehicle and its method thereof and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the proposed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the proposed subject matter.
[0010] The present subject matter discloses a purging noise compensation system for a vehicle and its method thereof. The system comprises of an Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) configured to receive data related to vehicle door status and power modes of the vehicle from a Body Control Module (BCM). IPC further receives the status of a dosing pump like pump RPM etc. from an Engine Management System (EMS), wherein EMS is in communication with a Dosing Control Unit (DCU). IPC further receives the status of a Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key or a manual ignition key. The IPC detects the purging operation upon detection of power mode transition of a vehicle from either engine ON mode or ignition ON mode to ignition OFF mode and triggers an activation signal to an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI), if vehicle door is in closed state and the PEPS key is within a predefined range or manual ignition key is in inserted state. At the same time, IPC starts a counter and plays visuals on instrument cluster after a predetermined delay to compensate the noise of the dosing pump during purging process. Upon receiving activation signal from IPC, IVI plays audio-visuals on an infotainment unit if media is in OFF state. The visuals on instrument cluster and audio-visuals on the infotainment unit plays for a predetermined time and then stopped when the IPC counter reaches said predetermined time. During said predetermined time, if any of vehicle door gets opened or the PEPS key goes out of predetermined range or manual ignition key is removed, then audio stops playing on the infotainment unit and visuals on the instrument cluster and infotainment unit continues to play for said predetermined time. The IPC counter is reset upon starting the vehicle. The loudness or volume of audio played on the infotainment unit depends on the speed (RPM) of the dosing pump.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0011] The present subject matter discloses a purging noise compensation system for a vehicle comprising a dosing control unit (DCU), a dosing pump, an instrument panel cluster (IPC), a body control module (BCM), an engine management system (EMS) and an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI). The DCU monitors and controls operation of the dosing pump. The IPC receives signals of vehicle door status and power modes from the BCM. The IPC detects the transition of vehicle power mode to ignition OFF mode for determining start of a purging operation. The EMS receives feedback from the DCU and sends signals to the IPC. The IVI is communicatively connected to the IPC. The IPC plays visuals on instrument cluster and sends an activation signal to IVI to play audio-visuals on an infotainment unit for a predetermined time of purging operation. An IPC counter is activated for the predetermined time, from start to stop of the purging operation. The IVI varies the volume of audio depending on speed (RPM) of the dosing pump. The IVI plays the audio-visuals on the infotainment unit in absence of media playing on the infotainment unit. The IPC stops the audio playing on the infotainment unit during said predetermined time, on detection of open state of vehicle door or removal of manual ignition key or Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key being out of a predetermined range. The IPC counter is reset every time on detection of power mode transition to ignition ON after completion of the audio-visuals. The IPC detects the purging operation upon receiving signal related to BSVI variant of the engine from the EMS.
[0012] The present invention further discloses a method for purging noise compensation for a vehicle comprising steps of detecting power mode transition to ignition OFF, starting an IPC counter on detection of said power mode transition when vehicle doors are in closed state and Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key is within a predetermined range or a manual ignition key is in inserted state, playing visuals on an instrument cluster by an Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and playing audio-visuals on an infotainment unit by an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) for a predetermined time, stopping the audio-visuals upon detection of completion of the said predetermined time by the said IPC counter, sending feedback signal by the IVI to the IPC and resetting the IPC counter upon detection of power mode transition to ignition ON. The method further comprises a step of playing the audio-visuals on the infotainment unit in absence of media playing on the infotainment unit. The method further comprises stopping the audio playing on the infotainment unit during said predetermined time, on detection of open state of vehicle door or removal of manual ignition key or Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key being out of a predetermined range.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawing. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the present document, however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawing.
[0014] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a layout of exhaust system for BSVI diesel engine (Prior Art).
[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a purging noise compensation system for BSVI diesel engine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of auto-leaning function of IPC in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of compensating purging noise compensation method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising", “having”, and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Although any system and method similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, systems and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0020] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described but is to be accorded the widest scope consist in this regard, in a generic sense.

[0021] Figures 1-4 are now described using the reference numbers stated in the below table.
Reference Numeral Description
100 Exhaust system for BSVI diesel engine
200 Purging noise compensation system
201 Dosing Control Unit
202 Dosing Pump
203 DEF injectors
204 Engine Management System
205 Body Control Module
206 A Passive Entry Passive Start or manual ignition key unit
207 Instrument Panel Cluster
208 In-Vehicle Infotainment

[0022] Figure 2 illustrating a purging noise compensation system (200), is now described. The purging noise compensation system comprises of a Dosing Control Unit (DCU) (201) configured to monitor and control Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) dosing and DEF purging operation. DCU (201) is further configured to control speed (RPM) of a dosing pump (202). When engine is turned OFF, an Engine Management System (EMS) (204) sends a signal to DCU (201) to operate the dosing pump (202) in reverse direction to pull back the DEF from pipes and injectors (203) into a DEF tank within a predetermined time to avoid solidification of the DEF due to high temperature. The dosing pump (202) is configured to supply the DEF to the injectors (203) during DEF dosing operation, when engine is running. Dosing pump (202) is further configured to rotate in reverse direction during DEF purging operation, at a predetermined speed (RPM). Further, DCU (201) sends feedback data of dosing pump (202) speed (RPM) to the EMS (204).
[0023] The system (200) further comprises a Body Control Module (BCM) (205) to detect power modes of vehicle like vehicle awake mode, accessory mode, accessory delay state, ignition ON state, run power mode, crank power mode etc. The BCM (205) further determines the status of vehicle doors i.e., open or closed state of the doors. The BCM (205) is configured to provide information related to power mode and vehicle door status to an Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) (207). A Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key or a manual ignition key unit (206) provides the status of key in real time i.e., whether manual ignition key is removed or Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key is out of the range etc., to the IPC (207) and to an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) (208). Based on real time input signals related to power modes, dosing pump status, vehicle door status and PEPS/manual ignition key status, the IPC (207) activates/deactivates a visual message on instrument cluster. The IPC (207) further triggers the IVI (208) to play audio-visuals on an infotainment unit. The IVI (208) is configured to provide feedback signals related to the execution of the audio-visuals on the infotainment unit to IPC (207). The IVI (208) is further configured to vary the volume/loudness of the audio tone based on speed of (RPM) the dosing pump (202) detected by the DCU (201), i.e., the volume/loudness of the audio tone is more in case of higher speed (RPM) of the dosing pump (202) and vice-versa.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, audio-visuals on infotainment unit and visuals on instrument cluster are played upon detection of trigger conditions: - Power mode transition from Engine ON/Ignition ON state to the Ignition OFF/Accessory delay mode.
[0025] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, audio-visuals on infotainment unit and visuals on instrument cluster are not played upon detection of conditions: - Power mode transition from Engine ON/Ignition ON state to the Accessory/ vehicle awake mode.
[0026] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the Control Area Network (CAN) is used to facilitate the transfer of information between the aggregates of the purging noise compensation system (200). However, any other means of data transfer like wireless technologies can be used to achieve the desired results.
[0027] As the issue of purging noise persist with BSVI diesel engines, the IPC (207) is enabled with an auto-leaning function. As shown in flowchart of Figure 3, EMS (204) has a prerecorded data of the engine variant i.e., BSIV or BSVI etc. At the time of End of Line (EOL) manufacturing, engine variant data is uploaded in an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle, which is then transferred to IPC (207). Only when BSVI variant of diesel engine is detected, IPC (207) activates the purging noise compensation system and sends corresponding signal to IVI (208).
[0028] Figure 4 illustrating a flowchart of executing the purging noise compensation system, is now described. The IPC continuously monitors the status of engine and ignition i.e., engine ON, engine OFF, ignition ON, ignition OFF etc. The IPC detects purging operation when transition from engine ON or Ignition ON to Ignition OFF takes place, and checks the status of vehicle door and status of PEPS/manual ignition key. If vehicle door is closed and PEPS key is within predetermined range or if a manual key is inserted, IPC starts a counter and sends an activation signal to IVI. IPC starts playing visuals on instrument cluster after a predetermined delay after starting the counter in order to synchronize the visuals on instrument cluster with that of IVI. Upon receiving activation signal from IPC, IVI checks the status of media on infotainment unit. If the media is in turned OFF state, IVI plays audio-visuals on the infotainment unit. When IPC counter reaches a predetermined duration of time e.g., 8 seconds, 10 seconds etc. depending on the duration for which the dosing pump is operational during purging, the visuals on instrument cluster and audio-visuals on infotainment unit are stopped. During said predetermined duration of the counter, if vehicle door gets open or PEPS key gets out of range or manual key is removed, the audio playing on the infotainment unit is stopped and the visuals playing on instrument cluster and infotainment unit continues to play till the IPC counter reaches said predetermined time. Upon stopping audio-visuals, IVI sends feedback signal to IPC related to whether the audio-visuals were interrupted, completed or not completed. Upon completion of the audio-visuals, a flag is set. The flag will get reset upon detection of power mode transition from ignition OFF/Engine OFF to ignition ON to reset the counter. Further, this loop repeats upon detection of power mode transition to ignition OFF. Therefore, each time when the vehicle is turned OFF, visual is played on instrument cluster and audio-visuals are played on infotainment unit to compensate the purging noise of the dosing pump.
[0029] Accordingly, present invention discloses a purging noise compensation system (200) for a vehicle comprising a dosing control unit (DCU) (201), a dosing pump (202), an instrument panel cluster (IPC) (207), a body control module (BCM) (205), an engine management system (EMS) (204) and an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) (208). The DCU (201) monitors and controls operation of the dosing pump (202). The IPC (207) receives signals of vehicle door status and power modes from the BCM (205). The IPC (207) detects the transition of vehicle power mode to ignition OFF mode for determining start of a purging operation. The EMS (204) receives feedback from the DCU (201) and sends signals to the IPC (207). The IVI (208) is communicatively connected to the IPC (207). The IPC (207) plays visuals on instrument cluster and sends an activation signal to IVI (208) to play audio-visuals on an infotainment unit for a predetermined time of purging operation. An IPC counter is activated for the predetermined time, from start to stop of the purging operation. The IVI (208) varies the volume of audio depending on speed (RPM) of the dosing pump (202). The IVI (208) plays the audio-visuals on the infotainment unit in absence of media playing on the infotainment unit. The IPC (207) stops the audio playing on the infotainment unit during said predetermined time, on detection of open state of vehicle door or removal of manual ignition key or Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key (206) being out of a predetermined range. The IPC counter is reset every time on detection of power mode transition to ignition ON after completion of the audio-visuals. The IPC (207) detects the purging operation upon receiving signal related to BSVI variant of the engine from the EMS (204).
[0030] The present invention further discloses a method for purging noise compensation for a vehicle comprising steps of detecting power mode transition to ignition OFF, starting an IPC counter on detection of said power mode transition when vehicle doors are in closed state and Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key (206) is within a predetermined range or a manual ignition key (206) is in inserted state, playing visuals on an instrument cluster by an Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) (207) and playing audio-visuals on an infotainment unit by an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) (208) for a predetermined time, stopping the audio-visuals upon detection of completion of the said predetermined time by the said IPC counter, sending feedback signal by the IVI (208) to the IPC (207) and resetting the IPC counter upon detection of power mode transition to ignition ON. The method further comprises a step of playing the audio-visuals on the infotainment unit in absence of media playing on the infotainment unit. The method further comprises stopping the audio playing on the infotainment unit during said predetermined time, on detection of open state of vehicle door or removal of manual ignition key or Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) key (206) being out of a predetermined range.
[0031] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following:
[0032] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a compensation system for purging noise in BSVI diesel engine vehicle.
[0033] Some embodiments of the present subject matter compensate a purging noise in a vehicle by playing audio-visuals on a vehicle infotainment unit during purging.
[0034] Some embodiments of the present subject matter improve passenger comfort by compensating the purging noise by an audio tone.
[0035] Some embodiments of the present subject matter avoid the possibility of misleading the occupants to think that there is some issue with the vehicle due to a purging noise of a dosing pump.
[0036] Although implementations for a noise compensation system for DEF purging in a vehicle and its method thereof have been described in language specific to structural features and/or system, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations.