Description: A STANDALONE REVERSE PARKING ASSIST SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE WITH DIAGNOSTIC MECHANISM

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a reverse parking assist system of a vehicle. The present disclosure, in particular, relates to a standalone reverse parking assist system of a vehicle with diagnostic mechanism.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A reverse parking assist system is provided in vehicle to help the driver sense objects which are in the vehicles’ blind spot. The reverse parking assist system prevents accidents and/or damage to the vehicle during reverse parking operation of the vehicle.
[0003] Generally, the reverse parking assist system used in the vehicles comprises a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and a buzzer. The plurality of ultrasonic sensors are deployed on the rear bumper to detect presence of objects behind the vehicle. The plurality of ultrasonic sensors are communicatively connected to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is communicatively connected to the buzzer. The plurality of ultrasonic sensors detects the presence of objects behind the vehicle and transmit an output signal to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit receives the output signals from the plurality of ultrasonic sensors and actuate the buzzer. The buzzer than starts beeping in a set pattern to indicate presence of an object behind the vehicle.
[0004] As the ultrasonic sensors are deployed on the rear bumper of a vehicle, often times the ultrasonic sensors malfunction. This malfunction could be a temporary malfunction resulting from accumulation of dirt and dust on the ultrasonic sensors. Also, the malfunction could be a permanent malfunction resulting from damage to the sensor or any connection break. In this type of reverse parking assist system, when any of the plurality of ultrasonic sensor malfunctions, the electronic control unit transmits an output signal to the buzzer. The buzzer than starts beeping with different pattern to indicate malfunction of ultrasonic sensors. The buzzer is adapted to emit different beeping patterns to indicate temporary malfunction or permanent malfunction. Thus, the electronic control unit checks status of all the ultrasonic sensors communicatively connected to it and intimate about the malfunction of sensor to the driver when malfunction occur. The electronic control unit is placed inside the vehicle, whereas the plurality of sensors are deployed on the rear bumper of the vehicle. Thus, a connection has to be made between the plurality of sensors and the electronic control unit through LIN/ CAN. The reverse parking assist system is prone to malfunction due to complicated layout. Further, the layout increase line cost and long data line causes interferences easily.
[0005] To overcome these drawbacks, standalone reverse parking assist systems are invented which completely bypass the use of electronic control unit. The standalone reverse parking assist system comprises a plurality of ultrasonic sensors and a buzzer. The plurality of ultrasonic sensors are in communication with each other. Further, one of the ultrasonic sensors is communicatively connected to the buzzer. When the plurality of ultrasonic sensors detects presence of an object behind the vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor in connection with the buzzer transmit an output signal to the buzzer. The buzzer than starts beeping in a set pattern to indicate presence of an object behind the vehicle. In standalone reverse parking assist system, when the ultrasonic sensor which is in connection with the buzzer malfunctions, the whole standalone system fails without any warning indication to the driver. This may lead to accident or damage to the vehicle. Further, the standalone reverse parking assist system is not capable of determining whether the malfunction is a temporary malfunction or a permanent malfunction.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a standalone reverse parking assist system with diagnosis mechanism which is capable of running diagnosis and indicating malfunction in the sensors of the system.
SUMMARY
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a standalone reverse parking assist system with diagnosis mechanism. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] The present subject matter relates to a standalone reverse parking assist system of a vehicle with diagnostic mechanism. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, a secondary diagnostic member and a buzzer. The plurality of sensors together creates a sequential internal communication network with one of the plurality of sensor being a master sensor and remaining other being slave sensors. The slave sensors have a first slave sensor in connection with the master sensor, a plurality of intermediate slave sensors and a terminal sensor (deployed as a primary diagnostic member) in connection with adjacent intermediate slave sensor. The secondary diagnosis member is in connection with the master sensor. The buzzer is in connection with the terminal sensor and the secondary diagnostic member. The terminal sensor is configured to actuate the buzzer when presence of object behind the vehicle is detected, or any of the master sensor and/or the first slave sensor and/or the intermediate slave sensor malfunctions and the secondary diagnosis member is configured to actuate the buzzer when the terminal sensor malfunctions.
[0009] In an aspect, the plurality of sensors are ultrasonic sensors deployed on rear bumper of the vehicle to detect presence of object behind the vehicle.
[0010] In an aspect, the buzzer is configured to generate different beeping patterns for indicating presence of object behind the vehicle or for indicating temporary malfunction in plurality of sensors or for indicating permanent malfunction in the plurality of sensors.
[0011] In an aspect, the sequential internal communication network created by the plurality of sensors is devised so that the output signal from each of the plurality of sensors is transmitted to next sensor with the terminal sensor being the last sensor to receive output from the adjacent intermediate slave sensor.
[0012] In an aspect, the master sensor is configured to receive input power signal and transmit an output signal based on detection of object behind the vehicle to the first slave sensor.
[0013] In an aspect, the first slave sensor which is in series connection with the master sensor is configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the master sensor, and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the master sensor and presence of object behind the vehicle, to the adjacent intermediate slave sensor.
[0014] In an aspect, the plurality of intermediate slave sensors are configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the preceding sensor, and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the preceding sensor and presence of object behind the vehicle.
[0015] In an aspect, the terminal slave sensor which is in series connection with the last intermediate slave sensor is configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the last intermediate slave sensor, and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the last intermediate slave sensor and presence of object behind the vehicle, to the buzzer.
[0016] In an aspect, when any of the sensors among the master sensor, the first slave sensor and the intermediate slave sensor malfunctions, the sequence of the sequential internal communication network disrupts resulting in the terminal sensor actuating the buzzer to indicate malfunction.
[0017] In an aspect, the secondary diagnostic member is a XOR gate configured to receive input power signal and output signal from the master sensor when the terminal sensor malfunction and transmit output signal to the buzzer indicating malfunction in terminal sensor.
[0018] In an aspect, wherein a diode is provided between the terminal slave sensor and the buzzer.
[0019] In an aspect, a diode is provided between the secondary diagnosis member and the buzzer.
[0020] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0022] The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit diagram of a standalone reverse parking assist system that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] A few aspects of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Example implementations are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.
Definitions
[0026] In the disclosure hereinafter, one or more terms are used to describe various aspects of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, a few definitions are provided herein for better understating of the present disclosure.
[0027] “Sequential Internal Communication Network” may be defined as a network formed by connecting the plurality of sensors in series.

EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS
[0028] While the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, however, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the claims as set forth herein.
[0029] In the vehicle manufacturing industry, standalone reverse parking assist systems are preferred over reverse parking assist systems which uses controller (ECU), for being lucrative as well as involving technical advantages. However, the available standalone reverse parking assist systems lack diagnosis mechanism for indicating malfunction in sensors.
[0030] In order to achieve the goal of dianosing a standalone reverse parking assist system of a vehicle for sensor malfunction, the proposed standalone reverse parking assist system may be utilized. The standalone reverse parking assist system is described in more detail below.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit diagram of a standalone reverse parking assist system that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The standalone reverse parking assist system 100 comprises a plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, a secondary diagnosis member 105 and a buzzer 106. The plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 used in the standalone reverse parking assist system 100 are ultrasonic sensors. All the plurality of sensors 101, 12, 103, 104 are identical. However, for the purpose of clear understanding, the plurality of sensors 101, 12, 103, 104 are categorized as a master sensor 101 and slave sensor 102, 103, 104. In the plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, one is a master sensor 11 and remaining other are slave sensors 102, 103, 104. Also, the slave sensors 102, 103, 104 are further categorized as a first slave sensor 102, a plurality of intermediate sensor 103 and a terminal sensor 104.
[0032] The plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 are connected together creating a sequential internal communication network. In as aspect, the sequential internal communication network is a network of plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 connected with each other in series. The sequential internal communication network is created by joining the master sensor 101, in series, with a first slave sensor 102. Subsequently, the first slave sensor 102 is connected, in series, to the plurality of intermediate slave sensors 103. The intermediate slave sensors 103 maintain sequential internal communication network by forming series connection with the adjacent intermediate slave sensor. Ultimately, the last intermediate slave sensor 103 is connected, in series, to the terminal slave sensor 104. For better understanding, only one intermediate slave sensor 103 is illustrated in the FIG. 1. However, as disclosed above in the disclosure multiple intermediate slave sensors can be used for better detection of presence of object behind the vehicle. The terminal sensor 104 is the last sensor in the sequential internal communication network. The output from the sequential internal communication network is transmitted from the terminal sensor 104. Further, the terminal sensor 104 is a primary diagnostic member which is capable of diagnosing the entire sequential internal communication network.
[0033] The plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 are configured to receive an input power signal when reverse gear is actuated. In an aspect, the input power signal is simultaneously fed to the master sensor 101, the first slave sensor 102, the plurality of intermediate slave sensors 103 and the terminal slave sensor 104. As soon as the plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 receive input power signal, the master sensor 101 and the slave sensors 102, 103, 104 start functioning for the detection of presence of object behind the vehicle. As the plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 are forming the sequential internal communication network, the master sensor 101 is configured to receive input power signal and transmit an output signal based on detection of object behind the vehicle. The first slave sensor 102 which is in series connection with the master sensor 101 is configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the master sensor 101 and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the master sensor 101 and presence of object behind the vehicle. The plurality of intermediate slave sensors 103 are configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the preceding sensor and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the preceding sensor and presence of object behind the vehicle. Similarly, the terminal slave sensor 104 which is in series connection with the last intermediate slave sensor is configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the adjacent intermediate slave sensor and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the intermediate slave sensor and presence of object behind the vehicle.
[0034] The terminal sensor 104, which is also a primary diagnostic member, is connected to the buzzer 106. In an aspect, a diode 107 is provided in between the terminal sensor 104 and the buzzer 106. The diode 107 is provided to transfer current in one direction only. When the plurality of sensors are working, then input from master sensor through XOR gate should not interfere with the terminal sensor and vice versa. This is ensured through diode 107.
[0035] The buzzer 106 is configured to receive the output signal from the terminal slave sensor 104 and indicate the presence of object behind the vehicle through beeping sound in a particular pattern. The sequential internal communication network formed by the plurality of sensor 101, 102, 103, 104 aid in diagnosis of malfunction in the plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104. Malfunction in any of the plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, except the terminal slave sensor 104, is directly communicated to the terminal slave sensor 104, as the sequence of the sequential internal communication network is disrupted. The terminal slave sensor 104 being the last sensor and the primary diagnostic member transmit an output malfunction signal to the buzzer 106. The buzzer 106 is configured to receive the output malfunction signal from the terminal slave sensor 104 and indicate the malfunction in sensors 101, 102, 103 through beeping sound in a different pattern. The buzzer 106 is adapted to generate different beeping patterns for indicating presence of object behind the vehicle or for indicating temporary malfunction in plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103 or for indicating permanent malfunction in the plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103.
[0036] Problem arises when the terminal slave sensor 104 malfunction. There is no provision provided in the existing art to indicate malfunction of the terminal slave sensor 104. The proposed standalone reverse parking assist system 100 has a secondary diagnostic member 105 in connection with the master sensor 101. A diode 108 is provided between the secondary diagnostic member and the buzzer 106. The diode 108 is provided to transfer current in one direction only. When the plurality of sensors is working, then input from master sensor through XOR gate should not interfere with the terminal sensor and vice versa. This is ensured through diode 108.The secondary diagnostic member 105 is a XOR gate. The secondary diagnostic member 105 is configured to receive input power signal and output malfunction signal from the master sensor 101 and transmit an output malfunction signal to the buzzer 106. The buzzer 106 is configured to receive the output malfunction signal from the secondary diagnostic member 105 and indicate the malfunction in terminal slave sensors 104 through beeping sound in a different pattern. The buzzer 106 is adapted to generate different beeping patterns for indicating presence of object behind the vehicle or for indicating temporary malfunction in terminal slave sensor 104 or for indicating permanent malfunction in the terminal slave sensor 104.
[0037] In an aspect, the plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 and the buzzer 106 has a ground connection for avoiding any unwanted distortion in the signals.
WORKING OF THE INVENTION
Case I: When the standalone reverse parking system is operational without malfunction
[0038] The plurality of sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 receives an input power signal depicting actuation of reverse gear. On receiving the input power signal, the master sensor 101 and the slave sensors 102, 103, 104 start functioning for the detection of presence of object behind the vehicle. The sequential internal communication network starts with the master sensor 101 and terminate with the terminal slave sensor 104. The master sensor 101 transmit an output signal based on the detection of object behind the vehicle to the adjacent first slave sensor 102 which transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the master sensor 101 and the detection of object behind the vehicle to the adjacent intermediate slave sensor. The last intermediate slave sensor transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the preceding intermediate slave sensor and the detection of object behind the vehicle to the terminal slave sensor 104. The terminal slave sensor 104 transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the last intermediate slave sensor 103 and the detection of object behind the vehicle, to the buzzer 106. The buzzer 106 indicates the presence of object on receiving the output signal from the terminal slave sensor 104 by generating a specific beeping pattern.
Case II: When the master sensor and/or the first slave sensor, and/or the intermediate slave sensors malfunction
[0039] The sequence of the sequential internal communication network disrupts as the sequential internal communication network is in series connection. This disruption is detected by the terminal slave sensor 104 and a malfunction signal is transmitted by the terminal slave sensor 104 to the buzzer 106. The malfunction could be either of a temporary malfunction or a permanent malfunction. In case of temporary malfunction, the terminal slave sensor 104 receives a weak signal as output signal from the last intermediate sensor 103 and accordingly transmit an output malfunction signal to the buzzer 106. In case of permanent malfunction, the terminal slave sensor 104 receives no signal from the last intermediate sensor 103 and accordingly transmit an output malfunction signal to the buzzer 106. The buzzer is adapted to indicate temporary malfunction and permanent malfunction through different beeping pattern.
Case III: When the terminal slave sensor malfunction
[0040] The sequence of the sequential internal communication network disrupts as the sequential internal communication network is in series connection. This disruption is detected by the master sensor 101 and a malfunction signal is transmitted by the master sensor 101 to the secondary diagnostic member 105. The malfunction could be either of a temporary malfunction or a permanent malfunction. In case of temporary malfunction, the secondary diagnostic member 105 receives a weak signal as output signal from the master sensor 101 and accordingly transmit an output malfunction signal to the buzzer 106. In case of permanent malfunction, the secondary diagnostic sensor 105 receives no signal from the terminal slave sensor 104 and accordingly transmit an output malfunction signal to the buzzer 106. The buzzer 106 is adapted to indicate temporary malfunction and permanent malfunction through different beeping pattern.
[0041] Case IV: When all the plurality of sensors malfunction
[0042] In this case, the secondary diagnostic member 105 will get direct power input and no input from the master sensor 101. Accordingly, the secondary diagnostic member 105 actuate the buzzer 106 by directly transmitting the input power signal to the buzzer 106.
ADVANTAGES
[0043] The proposed standalone reverse parking assist system with diagnosis mechanism is capable of running diagnosis and indicating malfunction in the sensors of the system. Further, the proposed standalone reverse parking assist system with diagnosis mechanism is capable of categorizing the malfunction as temporary malfunctio and permanent malfunction.
[0044] The above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0045] Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0046] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0047] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

, Claims: We Claim:
1. A standalone reverse parking assist system (100) of a vehicle with diagnostic mechanism, the system (100) comprises:
a plurality of sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) together creating a sequential internal communication network with one of the plurality of sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) being a master sensor (101) and remaining other being slave sensors (102, 103, 104), wherein the slave sensors (102, 103, 104) has a first slave sensor (102) in connection with the master sensor (101), a plurality of intermediate slave sensors (103) and a terminal sensor (104), deployed as a primary diagnostic member, in connection with adjacent intermediate slave sensor (103);
a secondary diagnostic member (105) in connection with the master sensor (101); and
a buzzer (106) in connection with the terminal slave sensor (104) and the secondary diagnostic member (105), wherein the terminal slave sensor (104) is configured to actuate the buzzer (106) when presence of object behind the vehicle is detected, or any of the master sensor (101) and/or the first slave sensor (102) and/or the intermediate slave sensor (103) malfunctions and the secondary diagnostic member (105) is configured to actuate the buzzer (106) when the terminal slave sensor (104) malfunctions.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) are ultrasonic sensors deployed on rear bumper of the vehicle to detect presence of object behind the vehicle.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buzzer (106) is configured to generate different beeping patterns for indicating presence of object behind the vehicle or for indicating temporary malfunction in plurality of sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) or for indicating permanent malfunction in the plurality of sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sequential internal communication network created by the plurality of sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) is devised so that the output signal from each of the plurality of sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) is transmitted to next sensor with the terminal slave sensor (104) being the last sensor to receive output from the adjacent intermediate slave sensor (103).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master sensor (101) is configured to receive input power signal and transmit an output signal based on detection of object behind the vehicle to the first slave sensor (102).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slave sensor (102) which is in series connection with the master sensor (101) is configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the master sensor (101), and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the master sensor (101) and presence of object behind the vehicle, to the adjacent intermediate slave sensor.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of intermediate slave sensors (103) are configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the preceding sensor, and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the preceding sensor and presence of object behind the vehicle.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the terminal slave sensor (104) which is in series connection with the last intermediate slave sensor (103) is configured to receive the input power signal and the output signal from the last intermediate slave sensor, and transmit an output signal based on the received output signal from the last intermediate slave sensor and presence of object behind the vehicle, to the buzzer (106).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when any of the sensors ((101, 102, 103) among the master sensor (101), the first slave sensor (102) and the intermediate slave sensor (103) malfunctions, the sequence of the sequential internal communication network disrupts resulting in the terminal slave sensor (104) actuating the buzzer (106) to indicate malfunction.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary diagnostic member (105) is a XOR gate configured to receive input power signal and output signal from the master sensor (101) when the terminal slave sensor (104) malfunction and transmit output signal to the buzzer (106) indicating malfunction in terminal slave sensor (104).
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a diode (107) is provided between the terminal slave sensor (104) and the buzzer (106).
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a diode 108 is provided between the secondary diagnosis member (105) and the buzzer (106).