Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AN ALERT IN VEHICLE

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for generating an alert in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the system and the method for generating at least one of an audio, alert, a visual alert and a haptic alert in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In modern era, safety of a rider riding a vehicle is of paramount importance. It is necessary to alert and assist the rider while riding the vehicle to avoid accidents or collisions. However, alert devices such as audio alert devices, visual alert devices or haptic alert devices have not been provided in vehicles such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four wheelers including bicycles, tricycles, scooters, motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, trucks and the likes.
[003] In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] In one aspect of the present invention, a system for generating an alert in a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises one or more sensors, one or more alert devices and a vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit is in communication with the one or more sensors and the one or more alert devices. The one or more sensors are mounted on the vehicle and configured to detect one or more parameters of at least one of the vehicle, one or more peer vehicles and one or more pedestrians. The one or more alert devices are mounted on the vehicle and configured to generate at least one of an audio alert, a visual alert and a haptic alert. The vehicle control unit is mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle control unit is configured to receive data indicative of the one or more parameters. The data indicative of the one or more parameters is received from the one or more sensors. The vehicle control unit is further configured to compare the data indicative of the one or more parameters with one or more pre-defined parameters. The vehicle control unit is further configured to determine, based on the comparison, satisfaction of one or more pre-defined conditions and trigger, upon satisfaction of the one or more pre-defined conditions, the one or more alert devices to generate at least one of the audio alert, the visual alert and the haptic alert.
[005] In an embodiment, the one or more parameters comprises speed of the vehicle, speed of the one or more peer vehicles, speed of the one or more pedestrians, distance of the vehicle from the one or more pedestrians, distance of the vehicle from the one or more peer vehicles and deviation of the vehicle along a width of a road.
[006] In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined conditions comprises the speed of the vehicle being greater than or equal to a first pre-defined speed, the speed of the vehicle being greater than or equal to the first pre-defined speed and less than a second pre-defined speed, the speed of the vehicle being greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed; the speed of the vehicle being greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed and less than a third pre-defined speed, the speed of the vehicle being greater than or equal to the third pre-defined speed, the speed of the one or more peer vehicles being greater than a pre-defined peer vehicle speed, the speed of the one or more pedestrian being greater than a pre-defined pedestrian speed, the distance of the vehicle from the one or more peer vehicles being greater than a pre-defined peer vehicle distance, the distance of the vehicle from the one or more pedestrians being greater than a pre-defined pedestrian speed, the deviation of the vehicle along the width of the road is greater than a pre-defined deviation.
[007] In an embodiment, at least one of an audio alert, video alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t1 second when the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the first pre-determined speed or when the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the first pre-determined speed and less than the second pre-determined speed.
[008] In an embodiment, at least one of an audio alert, video alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t2 second when the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined speed or when the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined speed and less than the third pre-determined speed.
[009] In an embodiment, at least one of an audio alert, video alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t3 second when the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the third pre-determined speed.
[010] In an embodiment, the time interval of the audio alert decreases as the speed of the vehicle increases.
[011] In an embodiment, the one or more alert devices comprises at least one of: an audio alert device, a visual alert device and a haptic alert device.
[012] In an embodiment, the audio alert device is one of a buzzer, a horn and a speaker with an operable frequency range of 1kHz -4kHz and a sound pressure level of 90-135 dB at 10cm. The buzzer is a magnetic or a piezoelectric buzzer.
[013] In an embodiment, the audio alert device is mounted on the vehicle within a radius of 20cm-200cm from the rider’s ear.
[014] In an embodiment, the audio alert device is mounted on at least one of: a handlebar of the vehicle, an instrument cluster, inside the instrument cluster, near the instrument cluster, an engine of the vehicle, a fuel tank of the vehicle and a suspension of the vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the visual alert device is at least one of: one or more light emitting diodes provided on a left and a right housing of a rear view mirror of the vehicle and one or more alpha numeric displays provided on a speedometer of the vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, the haptic alert device is mounted on at least one of: a fuel tank, a handlebar, a seat occupied by the rider of the vehicle, foot pegs on which the rider places his feet or floorboard on which the rider places his feet.
[017] In another aspect of the invention, a method for generating an alert in a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises a step of detecting one or more parameters of at least one of the vehicle, one or more peer vehicles and one or more pedestrians. The step of detecting is performed by one or more sensors mounted on the vehicle. The method further comprises a step of receiving data indicative of the one or more parameters. The step of receiving is performed by a vehicle control unit in communication with the one or more sensors. The method further comprises a step of comparing the data indicative of the one or more parameters with one or more predefined parameters. The step of comparing is performed by the vehicle control unit. The method further comprises a step of determining, based on the comparison, satisfaction of one or more pre-defined conditions. The step of determining is performed by the vehicle control unit. The method further comprises the step of triggering one or more alert devices to generate at least one of an audio alert, a visual alert and a haptic alert upon satisfaction of the one or more pre-defined conditions. The step of triggering is performed by the vehicle control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for generating an alert in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2a is a flow chart illustrating generation of the alert based on one or more pre-defined conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2b is a flow chart illustrating generation of the alert based on one or more pre-defined conditions, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2c is a flow chart illustrating generation of the alert based on one or more pre-defined conditions, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for generating an alert in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4a and Figure 4b are perspective views of a handlebar assembly illustrating mounting location of the one or more audio alert devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle illustrating mounting locations for the one or more visual alert devices and the haptic alert devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[020] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system 102 for generating an alert in a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 for the purposes of the present invention comprises two wheelers, three wheelers and four wheelers including bicycles, tricycles, scooters, motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, trucks and the likes. The vehicle 100 can be conventional internal combustion engine vehicle, electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. As shown, the system 102 comprises a vehicle control unit 106, one or more sensors 104 and one or more alert devices 108. The vehicle control unit 106 is mounted on the vehicle 100. The one or more sensors 104 are mounted on the vehicle 100 and the one or more alert devices 108 are mounted on the vehicle 100. The vehicle control unit 106 is in communication with the one or more sensors 104 and the one or more alert devices 108.
[021] The one or more sensors 104 are configured to detect one or more parameters of at least one of the vehicle 100, one or more peer vehicles and one or more pedestrians. In an embodiment, the one or more parameters comprise speed of the vehicle 100, speed of the one or more peer vehicles, speed of the one or more pedestrians, distance of the vehicle 100 from the one or more pedestrians, distance of the vehicle 100 from the one or more peer vehicles and deviation of the vehicle 100 along a width of road on which the vehicle 100 is travelling. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 104 configured to detect the one or more parameters of at least one of the vehicle 100, one or more peer vehicles and one or more pedestrians are speed sensors, displacement sensors, proximity sensors, lane change detection sensors and radar sensors.
[022] The one or more alert devices 108 are configured to generate at least one of an audio alert, a visual alert and a haptic alert. The one or more alert devices 108 comprises at least one of an audio alert device , a visual alert device and a haptic alert device.
[023] The vehicle control unit 106 is configured to receive data indicative of the one or more parameters from the one or more sensors 104. On receiving the data, the vehicle control unit 106 is configured to compare the data with one or more pre-defined parameters. In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined parameters are pre-configured in the vehicle control unit 106. In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined parameters are pre-configured in the vehicle control unit 106 as a factory setting.
[024] Based on said comparison, the vehicle control unit 106 is configured to determine satisfaction of the one or more pre-defined conditions and trigger, upon satisfaction of the one or more pre-defined conditions, the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, the visual alert and the haptic alert. In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined deviations are pre-configured in the vehicle control unit 106. In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined deviations are pre-configured in the vehicle control unit 106 as a factory setting.
[025] In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined condition comprises (i) the speed (S) of the vehicle being greater than or equal to a first pre-defined speed, (ii) the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to the first pre-defined speed (S1) and less than a second pre-defined speed (S2), (iii) the speed of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed, (iv) the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed (S2) and less than a third pre-defined speed (S3), (v) the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to the third pre-defined speed (S3), (vi) the speed of the one or more peer vehicles being greater than a pre-defined peer vehicle speed, (vii) the speed of the one or more pedestrian being greater than a pre-defined pedestrian speed, (viii) the distance of the vehicle (100) from the one or more peer vehicles being greater than a pre-defined peer vehicle distance, (ix) the distance of the vehicle (100) from the one or more pedestrians being greater than a pre-defined pedestrian speed and (x) the deviation of the vehicle (100) along the width of the road is greater than a pre-defined deviation.
[026] The above-mentioned pre-defined conditions (i) to (v) alerts the rider in over-speeding situations when the vehicle 100 crosses one or more pre-defined speeds.
[027] The above-mentioned pre-defined conditions (vi) and (viii) alerts the rider when the one or more peer vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 are operating at a high speed and may create an accident or collision with the vehicle 100. The one or more peer vehicles may be in a blind spot not visible to the rider of the vehicle 100 while changing lanes or approaching in a direction which is different from a direction in which the vehicle 100 is moving.
[028] The above-mentioned pre-defined conditions (vii) and (ix) alerts the rider when the one or more pedestrians in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 are moving at a speed which may create an accident or collision with the vehicle. For example, the pedestrian may be crossing the road in haste or after the traffic signal for the pedestrian crossing has changed. The one or more pedestrians may be in a blind spot not visible to the rider of the vehicle 100 or in a lane adjacent to a lane in which the rider is moving or approaching in a direction which is different from a direction in which the vehicle 100 is moving.
[029] The above-mentioned pre-defined condition (x) alerts the rider when there is a sudden deviation of the vehicle 100 along a width of a road on which it is travelling or there is a sudden change in the lane on which the vehicle 100 is travelling unless a turn signal is ON in the direction in which the vehicle turns.
[030] In an embodiment, at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t1 second when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the first pre-determined speed (S1) or when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the first pre-determined speed (S1) and less than the second pre-determined speed (S2).
[031] In an embodiment, at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t2 second when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined speed (S2) or when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined speed (S2) and less than the third pre-determined speed (S3).
[032] In an embodiment, at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t3 second when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the third pre-determined speed (S3).
[033] In an embodiment, the time interval of at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert decreases as the speed of the vehicle increases.
[034] In an embodiment, the audio alert device is one of a buzzer, a horn and a speaker with an operable frequency range of 1kHz-4kHz and a sound pressure level of 90-135 dB at 10cm. In an embodiment, the audio alert device is mounted on the vehicle within a radius of 20cm-200cm from the rider’s ear. In an embodiment, the buzzer can be a magnetic or a piezoelectric buzzer.
[035] In an embodiment, the audio alert device 108 is mounted on at least one of a handlebar (or handlebar assembly) 110 of the vehicle 100, an instrument cluster, inside the instrument cluster, near the instrument cluster, an engine of the vehicle 100, a fuel tank 112 of the vehicle 100 and a suspension of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the visual alert device 108 is at least one of one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a left and a right housing 118 of a rear view mirror of the vehicle 100 and one or more alpha numeric displays provided on a speedometer 120 of the vehicle 100.
[036] In an embodiment, the haptic alert device 108 is mounted on at least one of: a fuel tank 112, a handlebar (or handlebar assembly) 110, a seat 116 occupied by the rider of the vehicle 100, foot pegs 117 on which the rider places his feet or floorboard (not shown) on which the rider places his feet. Haptic alert devices 108 are devices that create an experience of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the rider. The locations of haptic alert device 108 can be locations on the vehicle 100 which are in direct contact of the rider i.e. left hand side and right hand side of the fuel tank 112, left hand side and right side of handlebars 110 such as handle grips, seat on which the rider sits preferably below or under the seat , left and right foot peg (footrest) 117 or floorboard of the vehicle 100.
[037] In an embodiment, the speed sensor 108 comprises ferromagnetic toothed ring (toner wheel) and a sensor.
[038] In an embodiment, the vehicle control unit 106 can be an engine control unit, a cluster control unit, a hybrid control unit or a dedicated control unit.
[039] Figure 2a is a flow chart illustrating generation of the alert based on one or more pre-defined conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[040] As shown, the vehicle control unit 106 compares speed of the vehicle S with a pre-defined speed S1 and determines if a pre-defined condition of the speed S of the vehicle 100 being greater than or equal to the pre-defined speed S1 is satisfied. In case the pre-defined condition is not satisfied i.e., the speed of the vehicle 100 is not greater than or equal to the pre-defined speed, the vehicle control unit 106 does not trigger the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert. In case the pre-defined condition is satisfied i.e., the speed of the vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to the pre-defined speed, the vehicle control unit 106 triggers the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert. The alert is generated with a time interval of t1 seconds.
[041] Figure 2b is a flow chart illustrating generation of the alert based on one or more pre-defined conditions, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[042] As shown, the vehicle control unit 106 compares speed of the vehicle S with a first pre-defined speed S1 and determines if a first pre-defined condition of the speed S of the vehicle 100 being greater than or equal to the pre-defined speed S1 is satisfied. In case the pre-defined condition is not satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is not greater than or equal to the pre-defined speed S1, the vehicle control unit 106 does not trigger the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert.
[043] In case the pre-defined condition is satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined speed, the vehicle control unit 106 compares speed S of the vehicle 100 with a second pre-defined speed S2 and determines if a second pre-defined condition of the speed S of the vehicle 100 being greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed S2 is satisfied. In case the second pre-defined condition is not satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is not greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed S2, the vehicle control unit 106 triggers the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert with a time interval of t1 seconds.
[044] In case the second pre-defined condition is satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed S2, the vehicle control unit 106 triggers the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert with a time interval of t2 seconds.
[045] Figure 2c is a flow chart illustrating generation of the alert based on one or more pre-defined conditions, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[046] As shown, the vehicle control unit 106 compares speed S of the vehicle 100 with a first pre-defined speed S1 and determines if a first pre-defined condition of the speed S of the vehicle 100 being greater than or equal to the pre-defined speed S1 is satisfied. In case the pre-defined condition is not satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is not greater than or equal to the pre-defined speed S1, the vehicle control unit 106 does not trigger the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert.
[047] In case the first pre-defined condition is satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined speed S1, the vehicle control unit compares speed S of the vehicle 100 with a second pre-defined speed S2 and determines if a second pre-defined condition of the speed S of the vehicle 100 being greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed S2 is satisfied. In case the second pre-defined condition is not satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is not greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed S2, the vehicle control unit 106 triggers the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert with a time interval of t1 seconds.
[048] In case the second pre-defined condition is satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed S2, the vehicle control unit 106 compares speed S of the vehicle 100 with a third pre-defined speed S3 and determines if third pre-defined condition of the speed S of the vehicle being greater than or equal to the third pre-defined speed S3 is satisfied. In case the third pre-defined condition is not satisfied i.e., the speed of the vehicle S is not greater than or equal to the third pre-defined speed S3, the vehicle control unit 106 triggers the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert with a time interval of t2 seconds.
[049] In case the third pre-defined condition is satisfied i.e., the speed S of the vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to the third pre-defined speed S3, the vehicle control unit 106 triggers the one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and the haptic alert with a time interval of t3 seconds.
[050] In one embodiment, the time interval of at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and haptic alert decreases as the speed of the vehicle (100) increases. This is to alert the rider of increasing level of danger associated with speeding the vehicle over one or more pre-defined speed limits.
[051] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for generating an alert in a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[052] At step 201, the method comprises detecting one or more parameters of the vehicle 100, one or more peer vehicles and/or one or more pedestrians. The vehicle 100 is the vehicle on which one or more sensors are mounted for detecting its own parameters such as speed, position etc. as well as parameters such as speed, position etc. of the peer vehicles and/or pedestrians. The peer vehicles are the vehicles in vicinity of the vehicle 100 and may pose a threat of accident/collision to the vehicle 100. The pedestrians are people walking on a road in vicinity of the vehicle and may pose a threat of accident/collision to the vehicle 100.
[053] At step 202, the method comprises receiving, by the vehicle control unit 106, data indicative of the one or more parameters. The vehicle control unit 106 is in communication with the one or more sensors 104. The data indicative of the one or more parameters is transmitted to the vehicle control unit 106 by the one or more sensors 104.
[054] At step 203, the method comprises the step of comparing the data indicative of the one or more parameters with one or more predefined parameters. The step 203 of comparing is performed by the vehicle control unit 106.
[055] At step 204, the method comprises the step of determining satisfaction of one or more pre-defined conditions based on the comparison in step 203.
[056] At step 205, the method comprises triggering one or more alert devices 108 to generate at least one of an audio alert, a visual alert and a haptic alert. The step of triggering is performed by the vehicle control unit 106 upon satisfaction of the one or more pre-defined conditions.
[057] Figure 4a and Figure 4b are perspective views of a handlebar assembly 110 illustrating mounting location of the one or more audio alert devices 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown, the handlebar assembly 110 comprises a display console 110a and side panels 110b. The one or more audio alert devices 108 are mounted on the style panel 110b of the handlebar assembly 110. The audio alert device 108 can also be mounted on an engine of the vehicle 100, a fuel tank 112 of the vehicle 100 and a suspension of the vehicle 100. The one or more audio alert device 108 are removably mounted on the vehicle 100 with the help of one or more mounting structures 111. The mounting structure 111 may be fastened on the vehicle 100 with one or more fastening members such as screws, nuts, bolts and the likes. The mounting structure 111 protects the one or more alert device 108 from dust, water, mud ingression and should be arranged in such a way that wire routing can be done in an efficient manner to improve the reliability, cost and weight of the system. Also, it is desirable to decrease the distance between the vehicle control unit 106 and one or more alert devices 108 for efficient communication. The mounting structures also facilitate efficient packaging of the one or more alert devices on the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the audio alert device 108 is one of a buzzer, horn and a speaker. The buzzer can be a magnetic buzzer or a piezo-electric buzzer.
[058] It is to be understood that implementation of audio alert devices 108 on a vehicle 100 is difficult than implementation of audio alert devices in vehicle such as cars wherein the rider sits inside a cabin and is exposed to minimum external disturbance such as wind, engine noise, traffic noise etc. In vehicles including bicycles, scooters and motorcycles, the rider is exposed to surroundings, wind and engine noises at high speeds which affect the audibility of audio alert device mounted on the vehicle. In view thereof, selection of audio alert devices 108 and arrangement or location of the audio alert devices 108 on the vehicle 100 is vital for effective working of the audio alert devices 108 and depends on various factors as discussed below:
a. Human Factors- Human Hearing range is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz but is more sensitive for frequencies between 1 kHz to 4 kHz. Also, the upper range of Human Hearing reduces with age. Men generally have 5 to 10 dB greater loss in the upper frequencies by age 40. As the average age of a rider lies in the range of 18-60 years, the most effective operable frequency of range is the range which will work in an effective manner across the average age of the rider.
b. Noise levels – The noise level to which rider of the vehicle is exposed plays an important role in determining the mounting location of the one or more audio alert devices on the vehicle. The noise source in the vehicle includes aerodynamic noise and an engine noise. The aerodynamic noise is a noise that the rider is exposed to owing to windscreen, position of the rider, helmet and windscreen interaction.
c. Sound pressure levels - The sound pressure level intensity at the rider’s ear while riding the vehicle also plays an important part in determining the mounting location of the one or more audio alert devices on the vehicle The sound pressure level at a point decrease as the distance from the source increases. The relation between the sound pressure levels with distance is given by
a. Lp2=Lp1+ 20log10(r1/r2) dB
where sound pressure level Lp1 is measured at a distance r1 and the sound pressure level Lp2 is measured at the distance r2. The sensor, therefore, needs to be placed at a distance such that the sound pressure level intensity at the rider’s ear should be of sufficient intensity at all conditions.
From research and experimentation conducted for the purposes of the present invention, it was found that the audio alert device with the following specification ensures audibility at high speeds while riding the vehicle.
- Operable frequency of the buzzer - 1 kHz to 4 kHz
- Sound Pressure level - 90-135 dB at 10cm
- Placement of the audio alert device - On a location on the two-wheeler within a sphere of 20cm-200cm radius from the rider’s ear.
[059] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle 100 illustrating mounting locations for the one or more visual alert devices 108 and the haptic alert devices 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[060] As shown, the visual alert device 108 comprises one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a left and right housing 118 of a rear view mirror of the vehicle 100. The rider will have better visual access to this location while riding the vehicle. The visual alert device 108 can also be one or more alphanumeric displays provided on a speedometer 120 of the vehicle 100. The haptic alert device 108 is mounted on at least one of: a fuel tank 112, a handlebar 110, a seat 116 occupied by the rider of the vehicle 100, foot pegs 117 on which the rider places his feet or floorboard (not shown) on which the rider places his feet. The locations of haptic alert device 108 can be locations which are in direct contact of the rider i.e. left hand side and right hand side of the fuel tank 112, left hand side and right side of handlebars 110 such as handle grips, seat 116 on which the rider sits, preferably below or under the rider seat, left and right foot peg (footrest) 117 or floorboard of the vehicle 100.
[061] It is to be understood that typical hardware configuration of the vehicle control unit 106 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the vehicle control unit 106 to perform the above-disclosed method.
[062] The vehicle control unit 106 may include a processor which may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analysing and processing data. The processor may implement a software program, such as code generated manually i.e. programmed.
[063] The vehicle control unit 106 may include a memory. The memory may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory may include, but is not limited to computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. The memory is operable to store instructions executable by the processor. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described may be performed by the programmed processor executing the instructions stored in the memory.
[064] The vehicle control unit 106 may further include a display unit such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information. The display may act as an interface for the user to see the functioning of the processor, or specifically as an interface with the software stored in the memory.
[065] Additionally, the vehicle control unit 106 may include an input device configured to allow a user to interact with any of the components of the vehicle control unit. The input device may be a number pad, a keyboard, or a cursor control device, such as a mouse, or a joystick, touch screen display, remote control or any other device operative to interact with the vehicle control unit 106.
[066] The vehicle control unit 106 may also include a disk or optical drive unit. The disk drive unit may include a computer-readable medium in which one or more sets of instructions, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described. In a particular example, the instructions may reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory or within the processor during execution by the vehicle control unit. The memory and the processor also may include computer-readable media as discussed above. The present invention contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions or receives and executes instructions responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network can communicate data over the network. Further, the instructions may be transmitted or received over the network. The network may include wired networks, wireless networks, Ethernet AVB networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed.
[067] The claimed features/method steps of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of over-speeding by the rider of the vehicle 100 and lack of awareness of status of the one or more peer riders and/or pedestrians is solved by present invention.
[068] The present invention prompts the rider of the vehicle 100 to maintain a safe speed limit and keep the vehicle within the city or highway speed limits.
[069] The present invention also benefits the rider in scenarios where he is not aware of the change in speed, thereby keeping him alert at all times with respect to speed of the vehicle 100.
[070] The present invention helps in maintaining a safe driving traffic conditions on roads as the rider himself is aware of the speed of the vehicle 100 and is also alert about the status of the over-speeding peer riders and/or the pedestrians
[071] The present invention also assists the rider of the vehicle 100 in case there is sudden deviation along a width of the road or sudden change in lane of the vehicle 100 on which the vehicle is travelling unless a turn signal is ON in the direction in which the vehicle turns.
[072] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (102) for generating an alert in a vehicle (100), the system (102) comprising:
one or more sensors (104) mounted on the vehicle (100), the one or more sensors (104) configured to detect one or more parameters of at least one of the vehicle (100), one or more peer vehicles and one or more pedestrians;
one or more alert devices (108) mounted on the vehicle (100) and configured to generate at least one of an audio alert, a visual alert and a haptic alert; and
a vehicle control unit (106) mounted on the vehicle (100) and configured to: receive, from the one or more sensors (104), data indicative of the one or more parameters;
compare the data indicative of the one or more parameters with one or more pre-defined parameters;
determine, based on the comparison, satisfaction of one or more pre-defined conditions; and
trigger, upon satisfaction of the one or more pre-defined conditions, the one or more alert devices (108) to generate at least one of the audio alert, the visual alert and the haptic alert.

2. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters comprises:
speed (S) of the vehicle (100);
speed of the one or more peer vehicles;
speed of the one or more pedestrians;
distance of the vehicle (100) from the one or more pedestrians;
distance of the vehicle (100) from the one or more peer vehicles; and
deviation of the vehicle (100) along a width of a road.

3. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the one or more pre-defined conditions comprises:
the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to a first pre-defined speed (S1);
the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to the first pre-defined speed (S1) and less than a second pre-defined speed (S2);
the speed of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed (S2);
the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to the second pre-defined speed (S2) and less than a third pre-defined speed (S3);
the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) being greater than or equal to the third pre-defined speed (S3);
the speed of the one or more peer vehicles being greater than a pre-defined peer vehicle speed;
the speed of the one or more pedestrian being greater than a pre-defined pedestrian speed;
the distance of the vehicle (100) from the one or more peer vehicles being greater than a pre-defined peer vehicle distance;
the distance of the vehicle (100) from the one or more pedestrians being greater than a pre-defined pedestrian speed; and
the deviation of the vehicle (100) along the width of the road is greater than a pre-defined deviation.

4. The system (102) as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t1 second when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the first pre-determined speed (S1) or when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the first pre-determined speed (S1) and less than the second pre-determined speed (S2).

5. The system (102) as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t2 second when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined speed (S2) or when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined speed (S2) and less than the third pre-determined speed (S3).

6. The system (102) as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and haptic alert is generated with a time interval of t3 second when the speed (S) of the vehicle (100) is greater than or equal to the third pre-determined speed (S3).

7. The system (102) as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein the time interval of at least one of the audio alert, visual alert and haptic alert decreases as the speed of the vehicle (100) increases.

8. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more alert devices (108) comprises at least one of : an audio alert device, a visual alert device and a haptic alert device.

9. The system (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the audio alert device (108) is one of a buzzer, a horn and a speaker with an operable frequency range of 1kHz -4kHz and a sound pressure level of 90-135 dB at 10cm.

10. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 9, wherein the audio alert device (108) is mounted on the vehicle (100) within a radius of 20cm-200cm from a rider’s ear.

11. The system (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the buzzer is a magnetic or a piezoelectric buzzer.

12. The system (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the audio alert device (108) is mounted on at least one of: a handlebar (110) of the vehicle (100), an instrument cluster, inside the instrument cluster, near the instrument cluster, an engine of the vehicle (100), a fuel tank (112) of the vehicle (100) and a suspension of the vehicle (100).

13. The system (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the visual alert device (108) is at least one of: one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a left and right housing (118) of a rear view mirror of the vehicle (100) and one or more alphanumeric displays provided on a speedometer (120) of the vehicle (100).

14. The system (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the haptic alert device (108) is mounted on at least one of: a fuel tank (112), a handlebar (110), a seat (116) occupied by the rider of the vehicle (100), foot pegs (117) on which the rider places his feet or floorboard on which the rider places his feet.

15. A method (200) for generating an alert in a vehicle (100), the method comprising:
detecting (201), by one or more sensors (104) mounted on the vehicle (100), one or more parameters of at least one of the vehicle (100), one or more peer vehicles and one or more pedestrians;
receiving (202), by a vehicle control unit (106) in communication with the one or more sensors (104), data indicative of the one or more parameters;
comparing (203), by the vehicle control unit (106), the data indicative of the one or more parameters with one or more pre-defined parameters;
determining (204), by the vehicle control unit (106), based on the comparison, satisfaction of one or more pre-defined conditions; and
triggering (205), by the vehicle control unit (106), upon satisfaction of the one or more pre-defined conditions, one or more alert devices (108) to generate at least one of an audio alert, a visual alert and a haptic alert.

Dated this 02nd day of June 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471