Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[01] The present invention relates to a speedometer unit for a vehicle and a method for operation thereof, more particularly, to a speedometer unit compatible to be integrated with any type of vehicle.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[02] With the advancement in vehicle technologies, there is greater focus on enhancement of the display unit, and on improving the overall display experience. In a time when newer vehicles are coming up with multiple display features to ease
10 the use of the vehicle and the user experience, there is an increased requirement of providing advanced speedometers in vehicles of all segments. In the current scenario, ‘n’ number of different vehicles have ‘n’ number of different speedometer units. In other words, the speedometer units in use are designed specifically for specific vehicle types. The two-wheeler segment being a highly price sensitive
15 segment, bringing in different types of speedometers for different models increases the pricing of the vehicle, because procurement and maintenance of a high number of speedometer types is expensive and difficult.
[03] In existing two wheelers, riders rely mainly on the speedometer or instrument cluster for important alerts. Further, there are n- numbers of vehicles and
20 those vehicles have different models and for every vehicle model there must be a speedometer procured, which have the limitation that the compatible speedometer has to be assembled with the model for which it has been procured.
[04] In the conventional set up of vehicles, for every model of the vehicle there is one speedometer available which is specifically configured to one particular
25 model of the vehicle and it cannot be interchangeably used with other models. Configuring speedometer to the respective model requires all together an assembly particular for that one model and the assembly for another model cannot be configured with a different vehicle type, which eventually results in increase in the cost of the vehicle.
30 [005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a speedometer that is compatible with various vehicle types and is functional on detection/non-detection of essential

components such as an Integrated Starter Generator and which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.
[06] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of
5 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
[07] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any
10 way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. The present invention discloses a cost-effective solution in the form of a compatible speedometer unit which addresses the exact drawback of the above-mentioned prior
15 arts.
[08] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a speedometer unit for a vehicle and a method for operation thereof, more particularly, to a speedometer unit compatible to be integrated with any type of vehicle.
[09] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a speedometer unit in a
20 vehicle. The system has a plurality of control units which are provided in the vehicle. Those plurality of control units are configured for storing a signal, which is corresponding to the vehicle. The speedometer unit is configured to store a set of preloaded features corresponding to a vehicle type which would be corresponding to a plurality of vehicle types, and for storing a plurality of sets of preloaded
25 features, with each set corresponding to each of the vehicle type. The vehicle type may be identified based on presence/absence of an Integrated Starter Generator within the vehicle. In an embodiment, the speedometer unit is configured to store a plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to said signal received from said plurality of control units. The speedometer unit communicates with at least one
30 of the plurality of control units, on assembly on to the vehicle. A communication unit within the speedometer unit then request and receive said signal from said at

least one of plurality of control units. The received signal with the set of preloaded features, and displays a selected set of preloaded features corresponding to the mapping of the received signal with the mapped set of preloaded features.
[10] In an embodiment, the signal received from the plurality of control units
5 may include detection information of an Integrated Starter Generator Controller.
[11] In an embodiment, the speedometer unit may comprise a display module configured to display a first set of preloaded features on detection of an Integrated Starter Generator Controller. In yet another embodiment, the speedometer unit may comprise a display module configured to display a second set of preloaded features
10 on non-detection of an Integrated Starter Generator Controller.
[12] In yet another embodiment, the speedometer unit is configured to request and receive said signal corresponding to the vehicle from one of the control units on an ignition of said vehicle being in an ON state of operation.
[13] In an embodiment, a method for operation of a speedometer unit in a vehicle
15 is disclosed. The method includes communicating, by a speedometer unit with at least one of a plurality of control units. The speedometer unit, on establishment of the communication, is configured to request from at least one of said plurality of control units a signal corresponding to said vehicle. The method includes receiving, the signal corresponding to said vehicle from at least one of said plurality of control
20 units and mapping the received signal with a plurality of set of preloaded features. The method further includes displaying at least one set of preloaded features corresponding to the mapping of the received signal with the set of preloaded features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
25 [014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention. These figures are intended to be
30 illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context

of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[015] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the vehicle including a speedometer unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
5 [016] Figure 2 illustrates the method steps involved in a method for operation of the speedometer unit in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
10 [017] The present invention relates to a speedometer unit and a method for integration of a speedometer in a vehicle.
[18] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily
15 appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach
20 may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[19] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure,
25 characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not
30 limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[20] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
5 thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[21] In existing systems for integrating a single type of speedometer unit to different type of vehicles, an additional line for flashing of the speedometer is introduced in the vehicle assembly line. But such systems not only increase the
10 activities required to be carried out on the assembly line, but also increases the required manpower to man the assembly line. The process of flashing in the assembly line also remains susceptible to human error. It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the requirement of manual flashing at the time of assembling the speedometer unit onto the vehicle.
15 [022] Furthermore, the conventional systems do not provide a solution for seamlessly connecting a single make of speedometer to all the existing and the new models of the vehicle. In existing systems, for configuration of speedometer for display of the information, the speedometer configuration is either complicated by a way of large number of components and software updating processes used for
20 every speedometer or the errors occurring in the assembly unit committed by the manual labour. Such a speedometer unit is not seamless or user friendly or economic. Therefore, it is another object of the present disclosure to provide a easy to service, user friendly make of a speedometer that can be disassembled and serviced with ease.
25 [023] In other attempts for integration of speedometer in a vehicle, a system is provided in which a telematics server transmits the signal and a button user interface is provided for the choosing the vehicle type by the user. In other systems, a cloud service platform uploads and upgrades the ECU software, hardware and model configuration in advance. These systems apart from being expensive, also require
30 intervention from an additional unit such as the telematics unit or cloud server. It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide a speedometer unit that can detect

the type of vehicle and operate based on the type of vehicle detected and that is compact and enables display of all essential parameters on a single display unit.
[024] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 within a vehicle with a speedometer unit 110 integrated in a vehicle 10. As illustrated, the vehicle 100 comprises a plurality
5 of control units 130 provided in the vehicle 10. The plurality of control units 130 are configured at least for storing a vehicle type information. The vehicle type information is corresponding to the vehicle 10. The plurality of control units (130) include any or a combination of an Integrated Starter Generator Controller and an Energy Management System controller.
10 [025] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of control units 130 are configured to perform a dedicated vehicle function or operation. The control unit may be an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) in one particular embodiment of the present invention. In one particular embodiment the control unit 130 may be an Energy Management System controller corresponding to the vehicle 10. Based on the type
15 of control unit 130, a signal is generated and communicated to the speedometer by the communication module 120. Based on the signal transmitted by the control unit 130, the speedometer unit 110 identifies the type of vehicle to which the speedometer unit is mounted and on identifying the type of vehicle, the speedometer unit 110 automatically implements a mode of display of the speedometer unit 110.
20 In an embodiment, the modes of operation of the speedometer unit 110 may include display of the predefined features for detection of an Integrated Starter Generator and on on detection of the Integrated Started Generator. In an embodiment, specific pre-defined tuning of the speedometer unit 110 to function without an Integrated Starter Generator Controller. In an embodiment, the mode of operation may include
25 specific pre-defined tuning of the speedometer unit 110 to function with an Integrated Starter Generator Controller.
[026] As further illustrated, the speedometer unit 110 for the present invention is the speedometer unit 110 that is to be integrated with the vehicle 10. The speedometer unit is so configured that a particular type of speedometer unit 110 can
30 be integrated across multiple vehicle types. Herein, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to store a set of preloaded features corresponding to a vehicle type which

are corresponding to the plurality of the vehicle types. Thus, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to store a plurality of different signals corresponding to the plurality of vehicle types, in which each signal corresponds to a specific vehicle type.
5 [027] The speedometer unit 110 is further configured to store a plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to each of the vehicle type. Herein, in the plurality of sets of preloaded features, each set of preloaded features correspond to a specific vehicle type. For instance, for a first vehicle type, which for example, is a consumer segment economy vehicle, the set of preloaded features will comprise speed of the
10 vehicle, odometer and level of the fuel. On the contrary, for a second vehicle type, which for example, is a high end cruise vehicle, the set of preloaded features will comprise speed of the vehicle, odometer, fuel level, navigation, tyre pressure, fuel consumption, range, clock, overspeed alerts etc.
[28] The speedometer unit 110 is further configured to communicate with at least
15 one of the plurality of control units 130, on assembly to the vehicle 10. That is, when the speedometer unit 110 is assembled to the vehicle 10, the speedometer unit 110 establishes communication with at least one of the plurality of control units
130. In an embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130 over a wireless network. In another
20 embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130 over a wired network. In another embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with the at least one of plurality of control units 130 over a Controller Area Network or CAN, wherein the Controller Area Network is the network where Controllers and devices/ hardware communicate
25 with each other without a host computer.
[29] Thereafter, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to request a signal from at least one of the plurality of control units 130. On request, the speedometer unit 110 then receives the signal from at least one of the plurality of control units 130. On receipt of the signal, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to map the received
30 signal with the set of preloaded features corresponding to a vehicle type and identifies a vehicle type of the vehicle 10 based on the mapped signal.

[30] Thereafter, based on the identified vehicle type, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to select a set of preloaded features that is corresponding to identified vehicle type, to be displayed to a rider of the vehicle 10. Thereafter, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to display the selected set of preloaded features. In operation,
5 for instance, if the speedometer unit 110, based on the mapped signal, identifies the vehicle 10 to be of the first vehicle type, i.e. consumer segment economy vehicle, the speedometer unit 110 selects and displays only the speed of the vehicle, odometer and fuel lever of the vehicle 10. Similarly, if the speedometer unit 110, based on the mapped signal, identifies the vehicle 10 to be of the second vehicle
10 type, i.e. high end cruise vehicle, the speedometer unit 110 selects and displays speed of the vehicle, odometer, fuel level, navigation, tyre pressure, fuel consumption, range, clock, overspeed alerts etc.
[31] In an embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 comprises a display module
112 configured to display the set of preloaded features corresponding to the
15 identified vehicle type. Further, the display module 112 includes a screen which is made up of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) or Thin Film Transistor (TFT). Furthermore, in an embodiment, the display module 112 has different segments for information like odometer, tachometer, speedometer, engine coolant temperature, gauge turn indicator, gear shift position indicator, stand
20 warning indicator, parking- brake warning light, engine malfunction light, low fuel indicator, Anti- lock Braking System (ABS) warning light and fuel average indicator.
[32] In an embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to request and receive the signal from one of the plurality of control units 130, when an ignition
25 of the vehicle is in an ON state. This means that the speedometer unit 110, on assembly on the vehicle 10, is configured to determine whether the ignition of the vehicle 10 is in an ON state. Once, the speedometer unit 110 determines that the ignition is in an ON state, the speedometer unit 110 requests and receives the signal from at least one of the plurality of control units 130.
30 [033] In a further embodiment, the vehicle 10 comprises a communication module
120. Herein, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the

plurality of control units 130 through the communication module 120. In an embodiment, wherein the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130 through the Controller Area Network, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to request the signal from one of the plurality
5 of control units 130 over the Controller Area Network (CAN). Thereafter, the speedometer unit 110 receives a CAN message from one of the plurality of the control units 130 over the Controller Area Network. Thereafter, the speedometer unit 110 converts the CAN message into the signal, and thereafter maps the signal with the set of preloaded features corresponding to a vehicle type as explain
10 hereinbefore.
[34] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method 200 for operation of the speedometer unit 110 in the vehicle 10. As referenced in Figure 2, at step 202, the speedometer unit 110 is assembled on vehicle 10. In an embodiment, at 204, it is determined that whether the ignition of the vehicle 10 is turned on post
15 assembling the speedometer unit 110 on the vehicle 10. If yes, the method 200 moves to step 206 and if not, the method 200 moves to step 202 in accordance with the present invention.
[35] At step 206, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130. At step 208, the speedometer unit 110 requests the
20 signal from at least one of the plurality of the control units 130. Thereafter, at step 210, the speedometer unit 110 receives the signal from at least one of the plurality of the control units 130.
[36] At step 212, the speedometer unit 110 maps the received signal with the set of preloaded features corresponding to a vehicle type. At step 214, the speedometer
25 unit 110 identifies the vehicle type based on the mapping of the signal with the set of preloaded features corresponding to the vehicle type. The vehicle type may be based on presence of the integrated starter generator. At step 216, the speedometer unit 110 selects the display mode based on the and customized preloaded features to the identified vehicle type. Thereafter, at step 218, the speedometer unit 110
30 displays the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type (corresponding to detection/non-detection of Integrated Started Generator).

[37] In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises the step of displaying the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified detection/non-detection of the ISG, by the display module 112 of the speedometer unit 110. In a further embodiment, for communication between the speedometer unit 110 and at least one
5 of the plurality of control units 130, in the method 200, a signal is requested from at least one of the plurality of control units 130, by the speedometer unit 110 over a Controller Area Network (CAN). Thereafter, a CAN message is received by the speedometer unit 110 from at least one of the plurality of control units 130 over the Controller Area Network. Thereafter, the CAN message is converted to the signal
10 by the speedometer unit 110. The signal is mapped against the set of preloaded features corresponding to a vehicle type as explained hereinbefore. Based on the mapping, a mode of operation of the speedometer unit is selected and specific to the selected mode, the display of the parameters of the detected detection/non- detection of the ISG is obtained on the display unit by the rider.
15 [038] In an embodiment, the speedometer may be configured to detect for hard- wiring of the speed sensor on non-detection of the Integrated Starter Generator in the vehicle. On detection of hard-wiring, the speedometer may be configured to function as if the ISG is absent within the vehicle.
[039] Advantageously, the present invention provides a speedometer unit that can
20 be integrated to a plurality of vehicle types and the method of operation of the speedometer. Further, the present invention would eliminate the chances of mis- assembly of the different parts of the speedometer which would be different for different vehicle type. This ensures that the number of different parts to be procured and maintained is lowered, hence reducing cost of the overall vehicle.
25 [040] Furthermore, the present invention reduces the time and resources spent on imparting skills to the workforce for different models and detection/non-detection of the ISG speedometer. The present invention by allowing the integration of a single type of speedometer unit across different vehicle types provides for ease of manufacturability. Further, the requirement of the additional assembly lines to
30 accommodate different speedometer type is reduced. Furthermore, provision of a single type of a speedometer unit also enhances the ease of serviceability.

[41] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional
5 technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[42] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary,
10 a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.
[43] 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
15 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.
[44] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other
20 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.
[45] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems,
25 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.
30 [046] 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,
5 middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[047] 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
10 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 is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A speedometer unit (110) for a vehicle (10), said vehicle() comprising:
a plurality of control units (130) being provided within said vehicle (10);
said plurality of control units (130) being configured at least to transmit a signal corresponding to said vehicle (10) to said speedometer unit (110);
wherein, said speedometer unit (110) being configured to:
store a set of prestored operation modes corresponding to a plurality of vehicle types;
store a plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to each of said plurality of vehicle types;
communicate with at least one of the plurality of control units (130), on assembly on to the vehicle (10);
request and receive said signal from one of said plurality of control units (130);
map said signal with said set of preloaded features, and identify a vehicle type based on said signal;
select a set of operation mode from said plurality of sets of prestored operation modes corresponding to the identified vehicle type, to be displayed to a rider of said vehicle (10); and
display said selected set of operation mode corresponding to said identified vehicle type.

2. The speedometer unit (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of control units (130) include any or a combination of an Integrated Starter Generator Controller and an Energy Management System controller.

3. The speedometer unit (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said speedometer unit (110) comprises a display module (112) being configured to display the set of preloaded features corresponding to said identified vehicle type.

4. The speedometer unit (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said speedometer unit being configured to request and receive said signal corresponding to said vehicle from one of said plurality of control units (130) on an ignition of said vehicle being in an ON state of operation.

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, said vehicle (10) comprising a communication module (120), wherein said speedometer unit (110) communicates with at least one of said plurality of control units (130) through said communication module (120).

6. The speedometer unit (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said speedometer unit (110) being configured to:

request said signal corresponding to said vehicle from one of said plurality of control units (130) over a Controller Area Network (CAN);
receive a CAN message from one of the plurality of said control units (130) over said CAN; and
convert said CAN message into vehicle type information to identify said vehicle type.

7. A method (200) of operation of a speedometer unit (110) in a vehicle (10), said method (200) comprising the steps of:
communicating, by a speedometer unit (110), with at least one of a plurality of control units (130);
requesting, by said speedometer unit (110), from at least one of said plurality of control units (130) a signal corresponding to said vehicle (10);
receiving, by said speedometer unit (110), said signal corresponding to said vehicle from at least one of said plurality of control units (130);
mapping, by said speedometer unit (110), said received signal with a set of preloaded features corresponding to a plurality of vehicle types;
identifying, by said speedometer unit (110), a vehicle type based on the mapping of said received signal with said preloaded features;
selecting, by said speedometer unit (110), an operation mode corresponding to the identified vehicle type, to be displayed to a rider of said vehicle (10), from a plurality of said prestored operation modes corresponding to each of said plurality of vehicle types; and
displaying, by said speedometer unit (110), said selected operation mode corresponding to said identified vehicle type.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising the step of:
displaying, by a display module (112) of said speedometer unit (110) to a rider, said selected operation mode corresponding to said identified vehicle type.

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising the steps of:
determining, by the speedometer unit (110), whether an ignition of said vehicle is in an ON state of operation;
requesting, by the speedometer unit (110), said signal from at least one of said plurality of control units (130); and
receiving, by the speedometer unit (110), said signal from at least one of the plurality of control units (130).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising the steps of:
requesting, by said speedometer unit (110), said signal from at least one of said plurality of control units (130) over a Controller Area Network (CAN);
receiving, by said speedometer unit (110), a CAN message from at least one of said plurality of control units (130) over said CAN; and
converting, by said speedometer unit (110), said CAN message to vehicle type information to identify said vehicle type.