Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to a system and a method for zero degree calibration of a steering angle sensor in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, a steering angle sensor is located in a steering column to detect steering wheel rotation angle. Calibration of the steering angle sensor to zero degree angle (zero point/ zero position) is required during any one of fitment of the steering angle sensor in the vehicle for the first time or re-fitment of the steering angle sensor during any service/maintenance activity or replacement of the steering angle sensor in event of failure or damage of the steering angle sensor. The calibration of the steering angle sensor to zero degree angles will provide correct steering angle position for both clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of the steering wheel. Further, the front wheels of the vehicle are maintained in forward/straight direction during zero degree calibration of the steering angle sensor. Usually, user (operator in vehicle production line/ technician in service centre or dealership centre) connects a zero degree calibration device with on-board diagnostics (OBD) interface of the vehicle and follow step by step procedure for calibrating zero position of the steering angle sensor. This is time consuming and requires skilled technicians. Further, the zero degree calibration devices has to be provided at vehicle manufacturing plant as well as all dealerships and service centres, which incurs high cost.
[003] Some vehicles require expensive zero degree calibration device since the neutral position operation of the steering wheel decreases in accuracy with a relationship dependent on the skills of the operator, and all vehicles differ in steering wheel neutral positions, thereby causing errors in steering angle sensors during vehicle development and causing problems in systems for receiving steering angle sensors.
[004] Further, the steering angle measured by the steering angle sensor is used as a signal for controlling electric power steering systems, anti-lock braking system, lane guidance systems, electronic stability program (ESP) system, self-adaptation headlight system, axle lifting mechanism and electronics suspension system. Thus, the zero degree calibration of the steering angle is necessary for safe operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, the steering angle detection method can cause measurement errors due to aging of a sensing device, poor assembly of mechanical parts, looseness, unscheduled calibration and the like. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the steering wheel angle sensor measurement value periodically to improve the accuracy of the steering wheel angle signal.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a system and a method for zero degree calibration of a steering angle sensor in a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for zero degree calibration of a steering angle sensor in a vehicle.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method for zero degree calibration of the steering angle sensor in the vehicle.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to integrate the steering angle calibration system onto vehicular components such as but not limited to an instrument cluster and a dashboard of the vehicle.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the steering angle calibration system which prevents unauthorized/ unintentional calibration of the steering angle sensor in the vehicle.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide an on-board steering angle calibration system in the vehicle which eliminates the need for using external zero calibration devices at vehicle manufacturing plant as well as dealerships and service centres, thereby reducing time and costs.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the integrated steering angle calibration system in the vehicle which reduces an assembly time of the vehicle thereby improving productivity in the production line.
[0012] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating 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
[0013] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] Fig. 1 depicts a block diagram of a system for zero degree calibration of a steering angle sensor in a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 2 depicts a first user interface module integrated on a first vehicular component (instrument cluster) of the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 3 depicts a second user interface module integrated on a second vehicular component (dashboard) of the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 4 illustrates SAS calibration procedure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0018] Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart depicting steps of a method for zero degree calibration of the steering angle sensor in the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] 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. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0020] The embodiments herein achieve a system and a method for zero degree calibration of a steering angle sensor in a vehicle. Further, embodiments herein achieve an on-board steering angle calibration system in the vehicle which eliminates the need for using external zero calibration devices at vehicle manufacturing plant as well as dealerships and service centres, thereby reducing time and costs. Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0021] Fig. 1 depicts a block diagram of a system (100) for zero degree calibration of a steering angle sensor (10) in a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, zero degree calibration system (100) includes a master controller unit (102), a first user interface module (104) and a second user interface module (106). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the system (100) is explained herein with below reference to calibrating the steering angle sensor (10) to zero degree angle (zero point/ zero position) while maintaining front wheels of the vehicle in straight/forward direction.
[0022] The master controller unit (102) is in communication with the steering angle sensor (10), the first user interface module (104) and the second user interface module (106). The first user interface module (104) is configured to select the steering angle sensor (SAS) calibration and, provide authentication inputs to a slave controller unit (20C) of a first vehicular component (20) for authenticating the SAS calibration. The slave controller unit (20C) of the first vehicular component (20) compares the received authentication input with predefined authentication data, and sends a SAS calibration request signal to the master controller unit (102) when the received authentication input matches with the predefined authentication data. The master controller unit (102) is configured to send a message to initiate SAS calibration within a predefined time period, to the slave controller unit (20C) when the master controller unit (102) receives the SAS calibration request signal from the slave controller unit (20C). The slave controller unit (20C) instructs a display unit ((104D), (as shown in fig. 2 & 4)) of the first user interface module (104) to indicate initiate SAS calibration within the predefined time period when the slave controller unit (20C) receives initiate SAS calibration message from the master controller unit (102). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the predefined time period to initiate SAS calibration is considered to be ten seconds. It is also within the scope of the invention to change the time period for initiating SAS calibration. Further, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide audio devices such as speakers to convey initiate SAS calibration message instead of displaying the SAS calibration message on the display unit (104D). The second user interface module (106) is configured to send a zero degree calibration confirmation signal to the master controller unit (102) upon operating the second user interface module within the predefined time period for initiating SAS calibration as displayed on the display unit (104D). The master controller unit (102) is configured to send a zero degree calibration execution signal to the steering angle sensor (10) upon receiving the zero degree calibration confirmation signal from the second user interface module (106). The steering angle sensor (10) resets the steering angle to zero degree angle upon receiving the zero degree calibration execution signal from the master controller unit (102).
[0023] The master controller unit (102) is configured to await for the predefined time period to receive the zero calibration confirmation signal from the second user interface module (106) when the display unit (104D) indicates initiate SAS calibration within the predefined time period.
[0024] The first user interface module (104) is integrated on the first vehicular component ((20), as shown in fig. 2)). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the first vehicular component (20) is considered to be an instrument cluster of the vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to consider the first vehicular component (20) as an overhead console, center console, floor console or any other vehicular component on which the first user interface module (104) can be assembled thereon. In an embodiment, the first user interface module (104) includes the display unit (104D) and a plurality of buttons (104B). The display unit (104D) is adapted to display the SAS calibration procedure. The buttons (104B) are configured to be operated by user (operator/ technician) to select the SAS calibration option (as shown in fig. 4) which is displayed on the display unit (104D). The plurality of buttons (104B) includes up button, down button, select button and back button. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide touchscreen instead of using buttons (104B). Further, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide knobs, joystick or any other hand operated means in place of buttons (104B) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the buttons (104B) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Further, the buttons (104B) are configured to be operated by the user to enter password or personal identification number (PIN) as authentication input to the master controller unit (102) for authenticating the SAS calibration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any one of a graphic input, data/signal from smartphone, fingerprint, face recognition, voice recognition or any other biometric data or any other types of data as authentication input to the master controller unit (102) for authenticating the SAS calibration.
[0025] In an embodiment, the second user interface module (106) includes a control switch (106S) located on a second vehicular component ((30), (as shown in fig. 3)). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the second vehicular component (30) is considered to be a dashboard of the vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to consider the first vehicular component (20) as an overhead console, center console, floor console or any other vehicular component on which the second user interface module (106) can be assembled thereon The control switch (106S) is configured to be operated by the user to send the zero degree calibration confirmation signal to the master controller unit (102) upon pressing or switching ON the control switch (106S) at least two times in subsequent manner within the predefined time period awaited by the master controller unit (102) to initiate SAS calibration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide knobs, buttons or signal from smartphone or any other hand operated means instead of using the switch (106S) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the control switch (106S) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0026] The steering angle sensor (10) is configured to send a zero degree calibration successful signal to the master controller unit (102) upon resetting the steering angle to the zero degree angle. The master controller unit (102) is configured to send a SAS calibration successful signal to the display unit (104D) via the slave controller unit (20C) of the first vehicular component (20) when the master controller unit (102) receives the zero degree calibration successful signal from the steering angle sensor (10). The display unit (104D) displays SAS calibration successful message upon receiving the SAS calibration successful signal from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C).
[0027] The slave controller unit (20C) is configured to send a SAS calibration authentication failed signal to the display unit (104D) when the received authentication input is not matching with the predefined authentication data. The display unit (104D) indicates the SAS calibration authentication failed message upon receiving the SAS calibration authentication failed signal from the slave controller unit (20C).
[0028] The steering angle sensor (10) is configured to send a zero degree calibration unsuccessful signal to the master controller unit (102) when the steering angle sensor (10) is not resetting the steering angle to the zero degree angle. Further, the master controller unit (102) is configured to send a SAS calibration unsuccessful signal to the display unit (104D) via the slave controller unit (20C) when master controller unit (10) receives the zero degree calibration unsuccessful signal from the steering angle sensor (10). The display unit (104D) indicates the SAS calibration unsuccessful message upon receiving the SAS calibration unsuccessful signal from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C).
[0029] Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart (200) indicating steps of a method (200) for zero degree calibration of the steering angle sensor (10) in the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step (202), the method (200) includes, selecting by, a first user interface module (104), a steering angle sensor (SAS) calibration. At step (204), the method (200) includes, inputting, by the first user interface module (104), at least one authentication input to a slave controller unit (20C) of a first vehicular component (20) for authenticating the SAS calibration. At step (206), the method (200) includes, comparing, by the slave controller unit (20C), the received authentication input with predefined authentication data. At step (208), the method (200) includes, sending, by the slave controller unit (20C), a SAS calibration request signal to a master controller unit (102) when the received authentication input matches with the predefined authentication data. At step (209A), the method (200) includes, sending, by the master controller unit (102), a message to initiate SAS calibration within a predefined time period, to the slave controller unit (20C) when the master controller unit (102) receives the SAS calibration request signal from the slave controller unit (20C). At step (209B), the method (200) includes, indicating, by the first user interface module (104), initiate SAS calibration within the predefined time period message when the first user interface module (104) receives initiate SAS calibration message from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C). At step (210), the method (200) includes, sending, by the second user interface module (106), a zero degree calibration confirmation signal to the master controller unit (102) within the predefined time period to initiate the SAS calibration. At step (212), the method (200) includes, sending, by the master controller unit (102), a zero degree calibration execution signal to the steering angle sensor (10) when the master controller unit (102) receives the zero degree calibration confirmation signal from the second user interface module (106). At step (214), the method (200) includes, resetting, by the steering angle sensor (10), the steering angle to zero degree angle when the steering angle sensor (10) receives the zero degree calibration execution signal from the master controller unit (102). At step (216), the method (200) includes, sending, by the steering angle sensor (10), a zero degree calibration successful signal to the master controller unit (102) when the steering angle sensor (10) resets the steering angle to the zero degree angle. At step (218), the method (200) includes, sending, by the master controller unit (102), a SAS calibration successful signal to the first user interface module (104) via the slave controller unit (20C). At step (220), the method (200) includes, indicating, by the first user interface module (104), a SAS calibration successful message when the first user interface module (104) receives the SAS calibration successful signal from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C).
[0030] The method step (202) includes, selecting, by buttons (104B) of the first user interface module (104), the SAS calibration. The method step (204) includes, inputting, by the buttons (104B) of the first user interface module (104), a password to the slave controller unit (20C).
[0031] The method step (209B) includes, indicating, by a display unit (104D) of the first user interface module (104), initiate SAS calibration within the predefined time period message when the display unit (104D) receives initiate SAS calibration message from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C).
[0032] The method step (220) includes indicating, by the display unit (104D) of the first user interface module (104), the SAS calibration successful message when the display unit (104D) receives the SAS calibration successful signal from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C).
[0033] Further, the method (200) includes, sending, by the slave controller unit (20C), a SAS calibration authentication failed signal to the display unit (104D) when the received authentication input is not matching with the predefined authentication data. Further, the method (200) includes, indicating, by the display unit (104D) of the first user interface module (104), the SAS calibration authentication failed message when the display unit (104D) receives the SAS calibration authentication failed signal from the slave controller unit (20C).
[0034] Further, the method (200) includes, sending, by the steering angle sensor (10), a zero degree calibration unsuccessful signal to the master controller unit (102) when the steering angle sensor (10) is not resetting the steering angle to the zero degree angle. Further, the method (200) includes, sending, by the master controller unit (102), a SAS calibration unsuccessful signal to the display unit (104D) of the first user interface module (104) via the slave controller unit (20C) when master controller unit (10) receives the zero degree calibration unsuccessful signal from the steering angle sensor (10). Furthermore, the method (200) includes, indicating, by the display unit (104D) of the first user interface module (104), the SAS calibration unsuccessful message when the display unit (104D) receives the SAS calibration unsuccessful signal from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C).
[0035] The technical advantages of the steering angle calibration system (100) are as follows. The on-board steering angle calibration system in the vehicle eliminates the need for using external zero calibration devices at vehicle manufacturing plant as well as dealerships and service centres, thereby reducing time and costs. The steering angle calibration system prevents unauthorized/ unintentional calibration of the steering angle sensor in the vehicle. The integrated steering angle calibration system reduces an assembly time of the vehicle thereby improving productivity in the vehicle production line and to repair the vehicle quickly in case of a breakdown in the system.
[0036] 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 embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system (100) for zero degree calibration of a steering angle sensor (10) in a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
a master controller unit (102) in communication with said steering angle sensor (10);
a first user interface module (104) configured to select a steering angle sensor (SAS) calibration and provide at least one authentication input to a slave controller unit (20C) of a first vehicular component (20) for authenticating the SAS calibration; and
a second user interface module (106) in communication with said master controller unit (102),
wherein
said slave controller unit (20C) is configured to compare the authentication input with a predefined authentication data, and send a SAS calibration request signal to said master controller unit (102) when said authentication input matches with said predefined authentication data;
said master controller unit (102) is configured to send a message to initiate SAS calibration within a predefined time period, to said slave controller unit (20C) when said master controller unit (102) receives said SAS calibration request signal from said slave controller unit (20C);
said first user interface module (104) is configured to indicate initiate SAS calibration within the predefined time period upon receiving instructions from said slave controller unit (20C) when said slave controller unit (20C) receives said initiate SAS calibration message from said master controller unit (102); and
said second user interface module (106) is configured to send a zero degree calibration confirmation signal to said master controller unit (102) upon operating said second user interface module (106) within said predefined time period for initiating SAS calibration as indicated by said first user interface module (104).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said master controller unit (102) is configured to send a zero degree calibration execution signal to said steering angle sensor (10) upon receiving said zero degree calibration confirmation signal from said second user interface module (106);
said steering angle sensor (10) is configured to reset the steering angle to zero degree angle upon receiving said zero degree calibration execution signal from said master controller unit (102);
said steering angle sensor (10) is configured to send a zero degree calibration successful signal to said master controller unit (102) upon resetting the steering angle to the zero degree angle;
said master controller unit (102) is configured to send a SAS calibration successful signal to said first user interface module (104) via said slave controller unit (20C) when said master controller unit (102) receives said zero degree calibration successful signal from the steering angle sensor (10); and
said first user interface module (104) is configured to indicate a SAS calibration successful message upon receiving said SAS calibration successful signal from said master controller unit (102) via said slave controller unit (20C).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steering angle sensor (10) is configured to send a zero degree calibration unsuccessful signal to the master controller unit (102) when the steering angle sensor (10) is not resetting the steering angle to the zero degree angle;
said master controller unit (102) is configured to send a SAS calibration unsuccessful signal to said first user interface module (104) via said slave controller unit (20C) when said master controller unit (10) receives said zero degree calibration unsuccessful signal from the steering angle sensor (10); and
said first user interface module (104) is configured to indicate a SAS calibration unsuccessful message upon receiving said SAS calibration unsuccessful signal from said master controller unit (102) via said slave controller unit (20C).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said slave controller unit (20C) is configured to send a SAS calibration authentication failed signal to said first user interface module (104) when said authentication input is not matching with said predefined authentication data; and
said first user interface module (104) is configured to indicate the SAS calibration authentication failed message upon receiving said SAS calibration authentication failed signal from said slave controller unit (20C).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first user interface module (104) is integrated on said first vehicular component (20), wherein the first vehicular component (20) is an instrument cluster of the vehicle, wherein said first user interface module (104) includes,
a display unit (104D) which displays SAS calibration procedure and information sent by said slave controller unit (20C) and said master controller unit (102); and
a plurality of buttons (104B) configured to select the SAS calibration and enter a password or personal identification number (PIN) as authentication input to said slave controller unit (20C) for authenticating the SAS calibration.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second user interface module (106) includes a control switch (106S) located on a second vehicular component (30), wherein the second vehicular component (30) is a dashboard of the vehicle,
wherein
said control switch (106S) is configured to send the zero degree calibration confirmation signal to said master controller unit (102) upon pressing or switching ON said control switch (106S) at least two times in subsequent manner within said predefined time period awaited by said master controller unit (102) to initiate SAS calibration.
7. A method (200) for zero degree calibration of a steering angle sensor (10) in a vehicle, said method (200) comprising:
selecting (202), by a first user interface module (104), a steering angle sensor (SAS) calibration;
inputting (204), by the first user interface module (104), at least one authentication input to a slave controller unit (20C) of a first vehicular component (20) for authenticating the SAS calibration;
comparing (206), by the slave controller unit (20C), the received authentication input with a predefined authentication data;
sending (208), by the slave controller unit (20C), a SAS calibration request signal to a master controller unit (102) when the received authentication input matches with the predefined authentication data;
sending (209A), by the master controller unit (102), a message to initiate SAS calibration within a predefined time period, to the slave controller unit (20C) when the master controller unit (102) receives the SAS calibration request signal from the slave controller unit (20C);
indicating (209B), by the first user interface module (104), initiate SAS calibration within the predefined time period message when the first user interface module (104) receives initiate SAS calibration message from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C);
sending (210), by the second user interface module (106), a zero degree calibration confirmation signal to the master controller unit (102) within the predefined time period to initiate the SAS calibration as indicated by the first user interface module (104);
sending (212), by the master controller unit (102), a zero degree calibration execution signal to the steering angle sensor (10) on receiving the zero degree calibration confirmation signal from the second user interface module (106); and
resetting (214), by the steering angle sensor (10), the steering angle to zero degree angle on receiving the zero degree calibration execution signal from the master controller unit (102).
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said method (200) includes,
sending (216), by the steering angle sensor (10), a zero degree calibration successful signal to the master controller unit (102) upon resetting the steering angle to the zero degree angle;
sending (218), by the master controller unit (102), a SAS calibration successful signal to the first user interface module (104) via the slave controller unit (20C); and
indicating (220), by the first user interface module (104), a SAS calibration successful message upon receiving the SAS calibration successful signal from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C),
wherein
the first user interface module (104) is integrated on the first vehicular component (20), wherein the first vehicular component (20) is an instrument cluster of the vehicle; and
the second user interface module (106) is integrated on a second vehicular component (30), wherein the second vehicular component (20) is a dashboard of the vehicle.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said method (200) includes,
sending, by the slave controller unit (20C), a SAS calibration authentication failed signal to the first user interface module (104) when the received authentication input is not matching with the predefined authentication data; and
indicating, by the first user interface module (104), the SAS calibration authentication failed message when the first user interface module (104) receives the SAS calibration authentication failed signal from the slave controller unit (20C).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said method (200) includes,
sending, by the steering angle sensor (10), a zero degree calibration unsuccessful signal to the master controller unit (102) when the steering angle sensor (10) is not resetting the steering angle to the zero degree angle;
sending, by the master controller unit (102), a SAS calibration unsuccessful signal to the first user interface module (104) via the slave controller unit (20C) when master controller unit (10) receives the zero degree calibration unsuccessful signal from the steering angle sensor (10); and
indicating, by the first user interface module (104), the SAS calibration unsuccessful message when the first user interface module (104) receives the SAS calibration unsuccessful signal from the master controller unit (102) via the slave controller unit (20C).