Claims:1. A method for modulating operation of a horn module (106) in a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (100), a first signal corresponding to operation of the horn module (106) from one or more sensors (101) positioned on a steering wheel (107);
receiving, by the control unit (100), a second signal corresponding to surrounding conditions of the vehicle from a navigation unit (102) associated with the vehicle;
generating, by the control unit (100), an output signal corresponding to intensity and duration of operation of the horn module (106) based on the first signal and the second signal; and
operating, by the control unit (100), the horn module (106) based on generated output signal.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprises calibrating by a calibrating module associated with the control unit (100), the one or more sensors (101) with respect to pressure applied by an operator on the steering wheel (107), to determine threshold pressure beyond which the one or more sensors (101) are configured to generate the first signal.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first signal generated by the one or more sensors (101) is a voltage signal, corresponding to pressure exerted by the operator on the steering wheel (107).
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle surrounding conditions is at least one of a heavy traffic, moderate traffic, light traffic conditions and location of the vehicle.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (100) transmits the output signal to the horn module (106), through a horn operation control module (104).
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the horn operation control module (104) regulates voltage supply to the horn module (106), based on the output signal generated by the control unit (100), for modulating operation of the horn module (106) .
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein intensity of the horn increases with increase in pressure applied by the operator on the steering wheel (107).
8. A system (200) for modulating operation of a horn in a vehicle, comprising:
one or more sensors (101) positioned at a plurality of locations on a steering wheel (107) and associated with a horn module (106), wherein each of the one or more sensors (101) are configured to generate a first signal, corresponding to pressure exerted by an operator on the steering wheel (107);
a control unit (100), communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors (101), the control unit (100) is configured to:
receive the first signal from one or more sensors (101), associated with the steering wheel (107);
receive a second signal corresponding to surrounding conditions of the vehicle from a navigation unit (102), associated with the vehicle;
generate an output signal corresponding to intensity and duration of operation of the horn module (106) based on the first signal and the second signal; and
transmit the generated output signal to the horn module (106) for modulating operation of a horn module (106).

9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (100) transmits the output signal to the horn module (106), through a horn operation control module (104).
10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the horn operation control module (104) is configured to regulate voltage supply to the horn module (106), based on output signal generated by the control unit (100), for modulating operation of the horn module (106).
11. The system (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more sensors (101) is a pressure sensor.
12. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pressure sensor is a haptic sensor.

13. A vehicle comprising a system (200) for modulating a horn module (106) as claimed in claim 8.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure in general relates to automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a horn module for the automobile. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and a system for modulating operation of the horn module in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicles are generally equipped with sound generating means such as horn and other type of warning systems for alerting pedestrians, animals and the like during driving of the vehicle. A horn control assembly/pad for activating the horn is usually mounted on a steering wheel, typically at a central location of the steering wheel for ease of accessibility. The horn control assembly/pad may be activated by applying sufficient pressure by the operator/driver on a portion of the steering wheel. Therefore, the driver can easily activate the horn by applying pressure to the horn control assembly, while maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel and, thus maintaining steering control of the vehicle.

In conventional horn systems, intensity and duration of honking/operating the horn depends on requirement of the operator/driver. The operator/driver may apply pressure to operate the horn for a desired time duration and intensity. In some instances, the operators/driver tend to operate the horn for longer durations and with more intensity, without any particular requirement leading to sound pollution and nuisance to the surroundings. Also, the operator/driver may fail to meet the regulatory requirements in terms of intensity of horn in zones such as school, hospitals, wildlife sanctuaries and the like. Further, in urgent situations where the operator needs to operate the horn immediately, there is often very little reaction time to move operators/driver's hand to press the horn pad of the steering wheel for activating the horn assembly. Additionally, accessing the horn pad becomes difficult for driver at times especially while turning the vehicle, where the driver will not be able to stretch the fingers to the central portion of steering wheel for pressing the horn pad. This may result in honking the horn for long durations. All these factors contribute for noise pollutions on roads, which is undesired.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method and system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the method and the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a method for modulating operation of a horn in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first signal by a control unit, corresponding to pressure applied by an operator on to the steering wheel, from one or more sensors positioned on a steering wheel. Further, the method includes receiving a second signal by the control unit, which corresponds to surrounding conditions of the vehicle from a navigation unit associated with the vehicle. Based on the first signal and the second signal the control unit generates an output signal corresponding to intensity and duration of the horn and operates the horn module based on generated output signal.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes calibrating by a calibrating module, the one or more sensors with respect to pressure applied by an operator on the steering wheel, to determine threshold pressure beyond which the one or more sensors is configured to generate a signal.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first signal from the one or more sensors is a voltage signal, corresponding to pressure exerted by an operator on the steering wheel.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle surrounding conditions is at least one of a heavy traffic, moderate traffic, light traffic conditions and location of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit transmits the output signal to the horn module, through a horn operation control module.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the horn operation control module regulates voltage supply from a source, based on the output signal generated by the control unit, for modulating operation of the horn.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, intensity of the horn increases with increase in pressure applied by the operator on the steering wheel.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for modulating operation of a horn in a vehicle. The system includes one or more sensors positioned at a plurality of locations on a steering wheel and associated with a horn module, wherein each of the one or more sensors are configured to sense pressure exerted in the steering wheel. Further, the system includes a control unit, communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors. The control unit is configured to receive a first signal from one or more sensors associated with the steering wheel, a second signal corresponding surrounding conditions of the vehicle from a navigation unit associated with the vehicle. Based on the first signal and the second signal, the control unit is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to intensity and duration of the horn. The output signal may be transmitted to the horn module for modulating operation of the horn module.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit transmits the output signal to the horn module, through a horn operation control module.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the horn operation control module is configured to regulate voltage supply from a source based on output signal generated by the control unit, for modulating operation of the horn.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more sensors are a pressure sensor.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensor is a haptic sensor.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for modulating operation of a horn in the vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for modulating operation of a horn in the vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system and a method for modulating operation of a horn module in a vehicle. The system includes one or more sensors, which may be positioned at a plurality of locations on a steering wheel. The sensors are configured to generate a first signal, corresponding to pressure applied by an operator onto the steering wheel, for operating (thus, honking) the horn. Further, the system may include a control unit, which may be communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors. The control unit may be configured to receive the first signal from one or more sensors. Further, the control unit of the system receives a second signal, corresponding to surrounding conditions of the vehicle and location of the vehicle from a navigation unit associated with the vehicle. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to receive a third signal from a power supply and communication I/O, associated with the vehicle. Based on the first, the second and the third signal, the control unit may generate an output signal, which corresponds to the intensity and duration of the horn. The output signal may be transferred to the horn module, through a horn operation control module, which regulates voltage supply to modulate operation of the horn, based on the output signal.

The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures. 1 and 2. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the method and the system as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in any vehicle including, but not liming to, passenger car, heavy vehicles, light duty vehicles, motorcycles, or any other vehicle.

Figure. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a system (200) for modulating operation of a horn module (106) of a vehicle. The system (200) may be associated with the horn module (106), for modulating intensity and duration of the horn [i.e. duration of operation of the horn module (106)] based on signals received by a plurality of components associated with the vehicle. As seen in Figure. 1, the system (200) may include one or more sensors (101) positioned on a steering wheel (107) at a plurality of locations. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors (101) may be positioned either symmetrically or asymmetrically on the steering wheel (107) and may be associated with a horn module (106). As an example, the one or more of sensors (101) may be a pressure sensors, such as but not limiting to haptic sensors. In an embodiment, one or more sensors (101) may be calibrated by a calibration module [not shown in Figures], to determine a threshold pressure of each of the one or more of sensors (101). For calibrating each of the one or more sensors (101), the operator may rotate the steering wheel (107), either in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, till a dead point. Based on the pressure applied by the operator to rotate the steering wheel (107), the calibrating module determines the threshold pressure of the one or more sensors (101). In an embodiment, each of the one or more sensors (101) may be configured to generate a first signal, when the pressure applied by the operator exceeds the threshold pressure determined by the calibrating module and stored in a memory unit [not shown] associated with the control unit (100). As an example, the first signal generated may be a voltage signal, which corresponds to the pressure applied by the operator, beyond the threshold pressure.

Further referring to Figure. 1, the system (200) may include a navigation unit (102) associated with a vehicle. The navigation unit (102) may also include a global positioning system and may be configured to provide a second signal, which may correspond to surrounding conditions and location of the vehicle. As an example the surrounding conditions of the vehicle may correspond to traffic conditions such as not limiting to light traffic, moderate traffic and heavy traffic conditions, and location of vehicle may correspond to sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals and the like, where regulatory norms may be applicable. Additionally, the system (200) may include a control unit (100), which may be communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors (101) and the navigation unit (102). The control unit (100) may be configured to receive the first signal generated by the one or more sensors (101) and the second signal from the navigation unit (102), associated with the vehicle.

In an embodiment, as seen in Figure. 1 the control unit (100) may include a navigation and traffic control module (103) and a horn operation control module (104), which may communicatively coupled to each other. The navigation and traffic control module (103), may be configured to receive the first signal and the second signal from one or more sensors (101) and the navigation unit (102), respectively. Further, the navigation and traffic control module (103) of the control unit (100) may be communicatively coupled to a power supply and a communication I/O (105), which may generate a third signal, corresponding to but not limiting to a vehicle theft signal and the like. In an embodiment, the navigation and traffic control module (103) may be triggered upon receiving the first signal. Further, based on the signals [i.e. first, second and third signals], the navigation and traffic control module (103) may generate an output signal. As an example, the navigation and traffic control module (103) of the control unit (100) may generate the output signal upon evaluating the first signal, the second signal and the third signal based on pre-fed data stored in a memory unit [not shown in Figures] associated with the control unit (100). The output signal generated from the navigation and traffic control module (103) may correspond to the intensity and duration of the horn [i.e. operation or honking of the horn module (106)]. Further, based on the output signal, the navigation and traffic control module (103) may operate the horn module (106) through a horn operation control module (104). The horn operation control module (104) based on the output signal, regulates power (thus, voltage) supply to the horn module (106), to modulate the intensity and time duration of the horn.

In an embodiment, the control unit (100) may be an adaptive to the vehicle audible device control unit, or may be a centralized control unit of the vehicle or may be a dedicated control unit to the system (200) associated with the centralized control unit of the vehicle. Further, the navigation and traffic control module (103) and the horn operation control module (104) may be integral part of the control unit (100) or may be communicatively coupled to control unit (100). The control unit (100) may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, other line of processors, and the like.

Referring now to Figure. 2 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart for modulating operation of the horn in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the method may be implemented in any vehicle including, but not limited to passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, mobility vehicles, and the like.

The method may describe in the general context of processor executable instructions in the control unit (100). Generally, the executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 201, the one or more sensors (101) positioned on the steering wheel (107) may generate the first signal, corresponding to the pressure applied by the operator on to the steering wheel (107), to operate the horn module (106). In an embodiment, the one or more sensors (101) may generate the first signal when the pressure exerted by the operator is greater than the threshold pressure of the one or more sensors (101), determined by the calibration module. In an embodiment, strength of the first signal (thus, the voltage signal) depend on the pressure applied by the operator on the steering wheel to operate the horn. For example, if the operator applies more pressure, then the intensity of the first signal will be more, and vice-a-versa. Further, the first signal, may trigger the navigation and traffic control module (103). That is, the navigation and traffic control module (103) of the control unit (100) may be triggered from the first signal.

Upon receiving the first signal from the one or more sensors (101), at block 111, the navigation and traffic control module (103) may receive the second signal form the navigation unit (102). The second signal may correspond to surrounding conditions of the vehicle and vehicle operating location. As an example, the vehicle surrounding conditions may be but not limiting to light traffic, heavy traffic and moderate traffic and the like, and vehicle operating location may correspond to regulatory restricted areas such as schools, hospitals and the like. In an embodiment, the navigation and traffic control module (103) may receive the third signal from the power supply and communication I/O (105), which corresponds to but not limiting to the theft signal.

The navigation and traffic control module (103) upon receipt of the first, second and the third signal, may be configured to generate an output signal. In an embodiment, the navigation and traffic control module (103) of the control unit (100) may generate the output signal {as seen in block 112] upon evaluating the first signal, second signal and the third signal based on pre-fed date stored in a memory unit [not shown in Figures] associated with the control unit (100). The output signal generated may correspond to the intensity and duration of the horn. As an example, considering the threshold frequency of the one or more sensors (101) based on calibration to be 10 Pa, and the operator applies a pressure of 14 Pa, the one or more sensors (101) may generate a first signal (thus, the voltage signal), which triggers the navigation and traffic control module (103). Further, considering the second signal from the navigation unit (102) to be light traffic and vehicle location to be in a school zone, and the third signal from the communication I/O (105) is negative, corresponding to no theft indication, the navigation and traffic control module (103) generates an output signal. In the present example, the output signal may correspond to less intensity of the horn and lesser duration of the horn. Further, the output signal may be fed into the horn operation control module (104), which regulates power supply to the horn module (106) for modulating the operation of the horn module (106), based on the generated output signal. In another example if the pressure applied by the driver is around 18 Pa, the one or more sensors (101) may generate the first signal. Further considering the second signal from the navigation unit (102) to be a dense/heavy traffic conditions and vehicle location in no restriction zone and the third signal from the communication I/O (105) corresponding to theft indication is negative, the navigation and traffic control module (103) generates and output signal. In the present example, the output signal may correspond to high intensity of the horn and more time duration of the horn. Based on the output signal, the horn operation control module (104) regulates power supply to the horn module (106) for modulating operation of the horn.

In an embodiment the intensity and duration of the horn module (106) depends on the pressure applied by the operator on to the steering wheel (107). As an example, greater the pressure applied by the operator beyond the threshold pressure, on the steering wheel (107) more the intensity of the horn and time duration of the horn.

In an embodiment, the system (200) may be adaptable in conventional vehicles, without substantial modification and with minimal cost.

In an embodiment, the system modulates intensity and time duration of the horn depends on operator desire to honk the horn, vehicle surrounding conditions and locations and other auxiliary signals such as theft signals and the like. Thus, the horn may be modulated based on the all the parameters and thus controls undesired noise pollutions on roads.
In an embodiment, the method may be implemented in the vehicle without any modifications or the requirement of new hardware components.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (200) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (200) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other 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.

Referral Numeral
Control unit (100)
One or more sensors (101)
Navigation unit (102)
Navigation and traffic control module (103)
Horn operation control module (104)
Power source and communication I/O (105)
Horn module (106)
Steering wheel (107)
Method steps 201-204