Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system and a method to alert a rider of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the system and the method to alert the rider when the speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle is different from the speed of remaining wheel(s) of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Accident rates are high when saddle ride type vehicles such as bicycles, scooters and motorcycles are driven in unsafe manner. For example, stunts may be performed by a rider of the vehicle such as wheelies and/or reverse wheelies (also known as stoppies). In current scenario, there are no systems and methods which can detect and keep a record of the vehicle being driven in the above-mentioned unsafe manner. Also, no alerts are generated when the rider rides the vehicle in the above-mentioned unsafe manner. If alerts are generated and a record is kept of the rider riding the vehicle in the above-mentioned unsafe manner, the rider will be informed of a frequency of putting his or her life in danger. Also, such alerts and records can be used to determine ride pattern of the vehicle, driving score of the vehicle, resale value of the vehicle, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle, rent of the vehicle and insurance premium of the vehicle based on frequency of alerts. Such alerts and records are also useful for professional stunt performers. For example, a stunt performer may monitor health of the vehicle prior to performing stunts on the vehicle.
[003] Also, in current scenarios, tyre pressure sensing devices are provided on wheels of the vehicle to communicate pressure of each tyre to the rider of the vehicle. However, the tire pressure sensing devices are activated as soon as the ignition of the vehicle is switched ON, which is undesirable. The tire pressure sensing devices should be activated only when the speed of the vehicle is greater than a pre-defined speed. Activating the tyre pressure sensing devices as soon as the ignition of the vehicle is switched ON decreases life-span of the tyre pressure sensing devices as well as one or more batteries powering the tyre pressure sensing devices, thereby increasing the overall cost of the vehicle which is undesirable.
[004] In view of the foregoing, there is a need felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the present invention, a system to alert a rider of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices, a plurality of speed sensors and a control unit. The control unit is mounted on the vehicle. Each wheel of the vehicle is provided with a tyre pressure sensing device selected from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices. The tyre pressure sensing device is configured to determine a pressure of a tyre mounted on a rim of the wheel. Each wheel is also provided with a speed sensor selected from the plurality of the speed sensors. The speed sensor is configured to determine a speed of the wheel. The control unit is in communication with the plurality of tyre sensing devices and the plurality of speed sensors. The control unit is configured to perform at least one of the following: (i) activate the plurality of tyre sensing devices on determination of a speed of the vehicle being greater than a pre-defined speed, and (ii) generate one or more alerts on determination of a difference in the speed of at least one wheel from the speed of the remaining wheel(s).
[006] In an embodiment, the tyre pressure sensing device is located on the rim of the wheel and the speed sensor is provided inside the tyre pressure sensing device.
[007] In an embodiment, the tyre pressure sensing device is located on an air valve of the wheel and the speed sensor is provided inside the tyre pressure sensing device.
[008] In an embodiment, one or more alerts can be audio alerts, visual alerts and/or haptic alerts. The audio alerts are generated by one or more audio alert devices mounted on the vehicle. The visual alerts are generated by one or more visual alert devices mounted on the vehicle. The haptic alerts are generated by one or more haptic alert devices mounted on the vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, the control unit is in communication with a display unit and configured to display data indicative of pressure and speed of each tyre/wheel of the vehicle. The display unit can be provided on the vehicle and/or the personal digital assistant of an owner of the vehicle. In one non-limiting example, the owner of the vehicle is the rider of the vehicle. In another non-limiting example, the owner of the vehicle is a person or an entity renting the vehicle to the rider. The control unit is configured to perform one of the following: (i) display real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a first pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle is greater than the pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle is detected within a pre-defined interval of time, (ii) display real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a second pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle is greater than the pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle is detected after the pre-defined interval of time and (iii) display last captured data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a third pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed.
[010] In an embodiment, the control unit is in communication with one or more servers. The data indicative of speed and pressure of each tyre of the vehicle is transmitted to one or more servers to determine ride pattern of the vehicle, health of the vehicle, driving score of the vehicle, resale value of the vehicle, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle, rent of the vehicle and insurance premium of the vehicle based on a frequency of the alerts generated by the control unit.
[011] In another aspect of the present invention, another system to alert a rider of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices, a plurality of speed sensors and a control unit. The control unit is mounted on the vehicle. Each wheel of the vehicle is provided with a tyre pressure sensing device selected from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices. The tyre pressure sensing device is configured to determine a pressure of a tyre mounted on a rim of the wheel. Each wheel is also provided with a speed sensor selected from the plurality of the speed sensors. The speed sensor is configured to determine a speed of the wheel. The control unit is in communication with the plurality of tyre sensing devices and the plurality of speed sensors. The control unit is configured to perform at least one of the following: (i) activate, on determination of a speed of the vehicle being greater than a pre-defined speed, the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices; and (ii) generate, on determination of a difference between the speed of at least one wheel and the speed of the remaining wheel(s) exceeding a pre-defined threshold value, one or more alerts to alert the rider of the vehicle.
[012] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method to alert a rider of the vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises a step of detecting a speed of each wheel of the vehicle. Each wheel of the vehicle is provided with a speed sensor. The method further comprises a step of performing at least one of the following: (i) activating a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices on determination that a speed of the vehicle is greater than a pre-defined speed, and (ii) generating one or more alerts on determination of a difference in the speed of at least one wheel from the speed of the remaining wheel(s). It is to be understood that each wheel of the vehicle is provided with a tyre pressure sensing device selected from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices. The above-mentioned steps of activating the plurality of tyre sensing devices and generating the one or more alerts is performed by a control unit.
[013] In an embodiment, the method further comprises performing one of the following steps: (i) displaying real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre of the vehicle with a first pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle is greater than the pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle is detected within a pre-defined interval of time, (ii) displaying real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a second pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle is greater than the pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle is detected after the pre-defined interval of time, and (iii) displaying last captured data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a third pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed. It is to be understood that the data can be displayed on one or more display units provided on the vehicle and/or a personal digital assistant of an owner of the vehicle. In one non-limiting example, the owner of the vehicle is the rider of the vehicle. In another non-limiting example, the owner of the vehicle is a person or an entity renting the vehicle to the rider.The control unit is in communication with the one or more display units. The control unit is configured to display the data on the one or more display units.
[014] In an embodiment, the method comprises transmitting data indicative of speed and pressure of each tyre of the vehicle to one or more servers to determine at least one of a ride pattern of the vehicle, driving score of the vehicle, resale value of the vehicle, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle, rent of the vehicle and insurance premium of the vehicle based on a frequency of alerts.
[015] In yet another aspect of the invention, another method to alert a rider of the vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises a step of detecting a speed of each wheel of the vehicle. Each wheel of the vehicle is provided with a speed sensor. The method comprises a step of performing at least one of the following: (i) activating a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices on determination that a speed of the vehicle is greater than a pre-defined speed, and (ii) generating one or more alerts on determination of a difference between the speed of at least one wheel and the speed of the remaining wheel(s) exceeding a pre-defined threshold value. As already stated, each wheel of the vehicle is provided with a tire pressure sensing device selected from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices. The above-mentioned steps of activating the plurality of tyre sensing devices and generating the one or more alerts is performed by a control unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] 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 to alert a rider of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system for assisting a rider of the vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method to alert a rider of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method to alert a rider of a vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5a and 5b is a flow chart illustrating a method to alert a rider of the vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6a and 6b is a flow chart illustrating a method to alert a rider of the vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[018] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system 102 to alert a rider of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The term “vehicle” includes saddle type vehicles. The saddle type vehicle comprises a two-wheeler, three wheeler and four wheelers such as bicycles, scooters, motorcycles and the likes. The term “vehicle” also includes conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
[019] As shown, the vehicle 100 comprises a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, a plurality of speed sensors 106 and a control unit 108. The control unit 108 is mounted on the vehicle 100. Each wheel of the vehicle 100 is provided with a tyre pressure sensing device 104 from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104. The tyre pressure sensing device 104 is configured to measure pressure of a tyre mounted on a rim of the wheel. Each wheel of the vehicle 100 is also provided with a speed sensor 106 from the plurality of speed sensors 106. The speed sensor 106 is configured to determine a speed of the vehicle 100. It is to be understood that, in the present invention, the pressure and speed of each tyre/wheel is transmitted to the control unit 108. Based on speed received for each wheel of the vehicle 100, the control unit 108 is configured to determine a speed of the vehicle 100. The control unit 108 is also configured to activate the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104 when the speed determined by the control unit 108 is greater than a pre-defined speed. It is to be understood that tyre pressure sensing devices 104 in the present invention are not activated as soon as the ignition switch of the vehicle 100 is switched ON or the vehicle 100 is started. The tyre pressure sensing devices 104 are activated only when the speed of the vehicle 100 is greater than the pre-defined speed, thereby increasing the life span of the tyre pressure sensing devices 104 and also one or more batteries powering the tyre pressure sensing devices 104. In one non-limiting example, the pre-defined speed of the vehicle is set as 20 km/hour. However, this value should not be construed as limiting and other values can be set by the manufacturer of the vehicle 100.
[020] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is configured to monitor the speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100 and generate an alert on determination of difference in the speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle 100 from the speed of the remaining wheel(s) of the vehicle 100. The difference in speed of wheels of the vehicle 100 generally occurs when the rider of the vehicle 100 performs a wheelie or stoppie. A wheelie is a trick or manoeuvre wherein the vehicle 100 is ridden for a short distance with the front wheel raised off the ground. A stoppie (also known as reverse wheelie) is a trick or manoeuvre wherein the vehicle 100 is ridden for a short distance with the rear wheel raised off the ground. When a wheelie or a stoppie is performed by the rider, the speed of front wheel(s) of the vehicle 100 is different from the rear wheel(s) of the vehicle 100. The control unit 108, on determination of difference in the speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle 100 from the remaining wheel(s) of the vehicle 100, generates one or more alerts to alert the rider that the vehicle 100 is being driven in an unsafe manner.
[021] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is configured to monitor the speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100 and generate an alert on determination of difference between the speed of at least one wheel and the speed of the remaining wheel(s) exceeding a pre-defined threshold value. As already stated, the difference in speed of wheels of the vehicle 100 generally occurs when the rider of the vehicle 100 performs a wheelie or stoppie. The control unit 108, on determination of a difference between the speed of at least one wheel and the speed of the remaining wheel(s) exceeding a pre-defined threshold value, generates one or more alerts to alert the rider that the vehicle 100 is being driven in an unsafe manner. The pre-defined threshold value can be pre-set by the manufacturer of the vehicle. In one non-limiting example, the pre-defined threshold value is 3km/hr.
[022] In an embodiment, the tyre pressure sensing device 104 is located on the rim of the wheel and the speed sensor 106 is provided inside the tyre pressure sensing device 104. In an embodiment, the tyre pressure sensing device 104 is located on an air valve of the wheel and the speed sensor 106 is provided inside the tyre pressure sensing device 104. In both the above-mentioned embodiments wherein the speed sensor 106 device is provided inside the tyre pressure sensing device 104, the speed sensor 106 is embedded in the tyre pressure sensing device 104. One of the advantages associated with such a construction is that the speed sensor 106 is protected from external environment and is not required to be arranged separately on the wheel of the vehicle 100, thereby decreasing the assembly time associated with arrangement of the speed sensor 106 on the rim of the wheel as well as reduces the maintenance cost of the vehicle 100 associated with frequent replacement of the speed sensors 106 when exposed to external environment.
[023] In an embodiment, the tyre pressure sensing device 104 comprises a processor for processing the pressure and speed related data of wheel/tyre.
[024] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system 202 to alert a rider of a vehicle 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[025] As shown, the system 202 comprises a plurality of speed sensors 206, tyre pressure sensing devices 204 and a control unit 208. The construction, working and interrelation of the plurality of speed sensors 206, tyre pressure sensing devices 204 and the control unit 208 is same as the plurality of speed sensors 106, tyre pressure sensing devices 104 and the control unit 108 explained in Figure 1.
[026] In the present system 202, the control unit 208 is in communication with one or more audio alert devices 210, one or more visual alert devices 212, one or more haptic alert devices 214, one or more display units 216 and/or one or more servers 218.
[027] The one or more audio alert devices 210, one or more visual alert devices 212 and one or more haptic alert devices 214 are mounted on the vehicle 100. On determination of difference in the speed of the at least one wheel from the remaining wheel(s) of the vehicle 200 or on determination of difference between the speed of at least one wheel and the speed of the remaining wheel(s) exceeding a pre-defined threshold value, the control unit 208 instructs at least one of the one or more audio alert devices 210, one or more visual alert devices 212 and one or more haptic alert 214 devices to generate the one or more alerts. The one or more audio alert devices 210 may be one of a buzzer, a horn and a speaker. The buzzer may be a magnetic or a piezoelectric buzzer. The audio alert devices 210 may be mounted on at least one of a handlebar (or handlebar assembly) of the vehicle 200, an instrument cluster of the vehicle 200, an engine of the vehicle 200, a fuel tank of the vehicle 200 and a suspension of the vehicle 200. The visual alert device 212 may be one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a left and a right rear view mirror housing of the vehicle 200 and/or one or more alpha numeric displays provided on a speedometer of the vehicle 200. The haptic alert device may be mounted on a fuel tank, a handlebar (or handlebar assembly), a seat occupied by the rider of the vehicle 200, foot pegs on which the rider places his feet and/or floorboard on which the rider places his feet.
[028] The control unit 208 is configured to display data indicative of pressure and speed of each wheel of the vehicle 200 on the one or more display units 216. The control unit 208 is also configured to display speed of the vehicle 200. The speed of the vehicle 200 is determined based on speed of each wheel of the vehicle 200. The control unit 208 displays real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a first pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle 200 is greater than the pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle 200 is detected within a pre-defined interval of time. The control unit 208 displays real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a second pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle 200 is greater than the pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle 200 is detected after the pre-defined interval of time. The control unit 208 displays last captured data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a third pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle 200 is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed. In one non-limiting example, the predefined speed is 20 km/hour, the first pre-defined interval of time is 2 minutes, the first predefined frequency is 5 seconds and the second pre-defined frequency is 2 minutes.
[029] The display unit 216 can be provided on the vehicle 200 and/or a personal digital assistant of an owner of the vehicle 200. In one non-limiting example, the owner of the vehicle 200 is the rider of the vehicle 200. In another non-limiting example, the owner of the vehicle 200 is a person or entity renting out the vehicle 200 to the rider. The data indicative of the pressure and speed of each wheel of the vehicle 200 is transmitted from the control unit 208 to the one or more display units 216 over a 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.
[030] The control unit 208 transmits data indicative of speed and pressure of each wheel of the vehicle 200 to the one or more servers 218 which determines least one of a ride pattern of the vehicle 200, driving score of the vehicle 200, resale value of the vehicle 200, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle 200, rent of the vehicle 200 and insurance premium of the vehicle 200 based on a frequency of the alerts generated by the control unit 208. The present invention, therefore, keeps a record of health of the vehicle 200 which can be used by owner of the vehicle 200, rider of the vehicle 200, insurance companies, servicing companies, manufacturing companies and the likes to provide or avail one or more services. In one non-limiting example, the insurance premium of the vehicle can be modified based on the frequency of alerts generated by the control unit. In another non-limiting example, the servicing companies may recommend a greater number of servicing in case the vehicle is driven in unsafe manner. In another non-limiting example, the owner of the vehicle may impose penalty on rider of the vehicle when such vehicle is driven in unsafe manner. In another non-limiting example, the servicing companies may recommend servicing in case the vehicle is driven on rough surfaces resulting in frequent pressure variations between the wheels of the vehicle. Owing to riding the vehicle on rough or undulant surfaces, suspension of the vehicle may need tuning/calibration.
[031] The data indicative of the speed and pressure of each wheel of the vehicle 200 may be transmitted from the control unit 208 to the one or more servers 218 over a 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.
[032] In an embodiment, the data indicative of the pressure and speed of each wheel of the vehicle can also be stored in a storage unit of the control unit 108, 208.
[033] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 to alert a rider of the vehicle 100, 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[034] At step 301, the method comprises a step determining a speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200. Each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is provided with the speed sensor 106, 206 to determine the speed of each wheel.
[035] At step 302, the method comprises a step of determining a speed of the vehicle 100, 200. The speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is determined by a control unit 108, 208 wherein the control unit 108, 208 is configured to receive data indicative of speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 from speed sensors mounted on each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 for determining the speed of the vehicle 100, 200.
[036] At step 303, the method comprises a step of determining if the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is greater than a pre-defined speed. In case the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is greater than the pre-defined speed, the method perform step 304. In case the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed, the method performs step 303. At step 304, the method comprises a step of activating the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204 wherein each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is provided with a tyre pressure sensing device 104, 204 from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204.
[037] At step 305, the method comprises the step of determining if there is a difference between speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle from the speed of remaining wheel(s) of the vehicle 100, 200. In case there is no difference in the speed of the wheels of the vehicle 100, 200, the method returns to step 305. In case a difference is determined between speed of at least one wheel from the speed of remaining wheel(s), the method performs step 306. At step 306, the method perform a step of generating one or more alerts.
[038] It is to be understood that method steps 302-304 and method steps 305-306 can performed independently, simultaneously or sequentially.
[039] In an embodiment, the one or more alerts are generated by at least one of one or more audio alert devices 210, visual alert devices 212 and haptic alert devices 214 mounted on the vehicle 200.
[040] In an embodiment, the method comprises displaying data indicative of pressure and speed of each wheel of the vehicle 200 on one or more display units 216.
[041] In an embodiment, the method comprises transmitting data indicative of speed and pressure of each wheel of the vehicle 200 to one or more servers 218 to determine at least one of a ride pattern of the vehicle, driving score of the vehicle, resale value of the vehicle, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle, rent of the vehicle and insurance premium of the vehicle based on a frequency of alerts generated by the control unit 208.
[042] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 to alert a rider of the vehicle 100, 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[043] At step 401, the method comprises a step determining a speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200. Each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is provided with a speed sensor 106, 206 to determine the speed of each wheel.
[044] At step 402, the method comprises a step of determining a speed of the vehicle 100, 200. The speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is determined by a control unit 108, 208 wherein the control unit 108, 208 is configured to receive data indicative of speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 from speed sensors mounted on each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 for determining the speed of the vehicle 100, 200.
[045] At step 403, the method comprises a step of determining if the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is greater than a pre-defined speed. In case the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is greater than the pre-defined speed, the method perform step 404. In case the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed, the method performs step 403. At step 404, the method comprises a step of activating the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204 wherein each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is provided with the tyre pressure sensing device 104, 204 from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204.
[046] At step 405, the method comprises the step of determining if a difference between speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 and the speed of remaining wheel(s) of the vehicle 100, 200 exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. In case the difference between the speed of the at least one wheel and the speed of the remaining wheel (s) is less than or equal to the pre-defined threshold value, the method step performs step 405. In case the difference between the speed of the at least one wheel from the remaining wheel(s) exceeds the pre-defined threshold value, the method performs the step 406. At step 406, the method perform a step of generating one or more alerts to alert the rider of the vehicle 100, 200.
[047] It is to be understood that method steps 402-404 and method steps 405-406 can performed independently, simultaneously or sequentially.
[048] In an embodiment, the one or more alerts are generated by at least one of one or more audio alert devices 210, visual alert devices 212 and haptic alert devices 214 mounted on the vehicle 200.
[049] In an embodiment, the method comprises displaying data indicative of pressure and speed of each wheel of the vehicle 200 on one or more display units 216.
[050] In an embodiment, the method comprises transmitting data indicative of speed and pressure of each wheel of the vehicle 200 to one or more servers 218 to determine at least one of a ride pattern of the vehicle, driving score of the vehicle, resale value of the vehicle, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle, rent of the vehicle and insurance premium of the vehicle based on a frequency of alerts generated by the control unit 208.
[051] Figure 5a and 5b is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 to alert a rider of the vehicle 100, 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[052] At step 501, the method comprises a step determining a speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200. Each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is provided with a speed sensor 106, 206 to determine the speed of each wheel.
[053] At step 502, the method comprises a step of determining a speed of the vehicle 100, 200. The speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is determined by a control unit 108, 208 wherein the control unit 108, 208 is configured to receive data indicative of speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 from speed sensors mounted on each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 for determining the speed of the vehicle 100, 200.
[054] At step 503, the method comprises a step of determining if the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is greater than a pre-defined speed. In case the speed of the vehicle 100 200 is greater than the pre-defined speed, the method perform step 504. In case the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed, the method perform step 503a and return to step 503. At step 503a, the method comprises displaying last captured data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a third pre-defined frequency. In one non-limiting example, the third pre-defined frequency is 30 minutes. At step 504, the method comprises a step of activating a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204 wherein each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is provided with a tyre pressure sensing device 104, 204 from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204.
[055] At step 505, the method determines if change in pressure between at least one tyre of the vehicle 100, 200 and the remaining tyre(s) of the vehicle 100, 200 is detected within a pre-defined time interval. In case, change in pressure between at least one tyre of the vehicle and the remaining tyre(s) of the vehicle 100, 200 is detected within the pre-defined time interval, the method performs step 506. In case, change in pressure between at least one tyre of the vehicle 100, 200 and the remaining tyre(s) of the vehicle 100, 200 is not detected within the pre-defined time interval, the method performs step 507. At step 506, the method comprises displaying real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a first pre-defined frequency. At step 507, the method comprises displaying real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a second pre-defined frequency. In one non-limiting example, the predefined speed is 20 km/hour, the first pre-defined interval of time is 2 minutes, the first predefined frequency is 5 seconds and the second pre-defined frequency is 2 minutes.
[056] At step 508, the method comprises the step of determining if there is a difference between speed of at least one wheel from the speed of remaining wheel(s). In case there is no difference in the speed of the wheels of the vehicle 100, 200, the method step returns to perform step 508. In case a difference is determined between speed of at least one wheel from the speed of remaining wheel(s), the method performs step 509. At step 509, the method perform a step of generating one or more alerts.
[057] It is to be understood that method steps 502-507 and method steps 508-509 can performed independently, simultaneously or sequentially.
[058] In an embodiment, the one or more alerts are generated by at least one of one or more audio alert devices 210, visual alert devices 212 and haptic alert devices 214 mounted on the vehicle 200.
[059] In an embodiment, the method comprises displaying data indicative of pressure and speed of each wheel/tyre of the vehicle 200 on one or more display units 216.
[060] In an embodiment, the method comprises transmitting data indicative of speed and pressure of each wheel/tyre of the vehicle 200 to one or more servers 218 to determine at least one of a ride pattern of the vehicle, driving score of the vehicle, resale value of the vehicle, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle, rent of the vehicle and insurance premium of the vehicle based on a frequency of alerts generated by the control unit 208.
[061] Figure 6a and 6b is a flow chart illustrating a method to alert a rider of the vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[062] At step 601, the method comprises a step determining a speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200. Each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is provided with a speed sensor 106, 206 to determine the speed of each wheel.
[063] At step 602, the method comprises a step of determining a speed of the vehicle 100, 200. The speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is determined by a control unit 108, 208 wherein the control unit 108, 208 is configured to receive data indicative of speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 from speed sensors mounted on each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 for determining the speed of the vehicle 100, 200.
[064] At step 603, the method comprises a step of determining if the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is greater than a pre-defined speed. In case the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is greater than the pre-defined speed, the method performs step 604. In case the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed, the method performs step 603a and returns to step 603. At step 603a, the method comprises displaying last captured data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a third pre-defined frequency. In one non-limiting example, the third pre-defined frequency is 30 minutes. At step 604, the method comprises a step of activating a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204 wherein each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is provided with a tyre pressure sensing device 104, 204 from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204.
[065] At step 605, the method determines if change in pressure between at least one tyre of the vehicle 100, 200 and the remaining tyre(s) is detected within a pre-defined time interval. In case, change in pressure between at least one tyre of the vehicle 100, 200 and the remaining tyre(s) is detected within a pre-defined time interval, the method performs step 606. In case, change in pressure between at least one tyre of the vehicle 100, 200 and the remaining tyre(s) is not detected within a pre-defined time interval, the method performs step 607. At step 606, the method comprises displaying real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a first pre-defined frequency. At step 607, the method comprises displaying real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a second pre-defined frequency. In one non-limiting example, the predefined speed is 20 km/hour, the first pre-defined interval of time is 2 minutes, the first predefined frequency is 5 seconds and the second pre-defined frequency is 2 minutes.
[066] At step 608, the method comprises the step of determining if a difference between speed of at least one wheel and the speed of remaining wheel(s) of the vehicle 100, 200 exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. In case the difference between the speed of the at least one wheel and the remaining wheel(s) is less than or equal to the pre-defined threshold value, the method step performs step 608. In case the difference between the speed of the at least one wheel and the remaining wheel(s) exceeds the pre-defined threshold value, the method performs the step 609. At step 609, the method perform a step of generating one or more alerts.
[067] It is to be understood that method steps 602-607 and method steps 608-609 can performed independently, simultaneously or sequentially.
[068] In an embodiment, the one or more alerts are generated by at least one of one or more audio alert devices 210, visual alert devices 212 and haptic alert devices 214 mounted on the vehicle 200.
[069] In an embodiment, the method comprises displaying data indicative of pressure and speed of each wheel of the vehicle 200 on one or more display units 216.
[070] In an embodiment, the method comprises transmitting data indicative of speed and pressure of each wheel of the vehicle 200 to one or more servers 218 to determine at least one of a ride pattern of the vehicle, driving score of the vehicle, resale value of the vehicle, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle, rent of the vehicle and insurance premium of the vehicle based on a frequency of alerts generated by the control unit 208.
[071] It is to be understood that typical hardware configuration of the control unit 108, 208 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the control unit 108, 208 to perform the above-disclosed methods.
[072] The control unit 108, 208 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 analyzing and processing data. The processor may implement a software program, such as code generated manually i.e. programmed.
[073] The control unit 108, 208 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.
[074] The control unit 108, 208 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.
[075] Additionally, the control unit 108, 208 may include an input device configured to allow a user to interact with any of the components of the control unit 108, 208. 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 control unit 108, 208.
[076] The control unit 108, 208 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 control unit 108, 208. 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.
[077] 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 the vehicle 100, 200 being driven in an unsafe manner and activation of tyre pressure sensing device when the vehicle is started, thereby decreasing life of the tyre pressure sensing devices and one or more batteries powering the tyre pressure sensing devices, is solved by the present invention.
[078] The present invention alerts the rider/owner of the vehicle 100, 200 when the vehicle 100, 200 is being driven in an unsafe manner. The present invention generates an alert when speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle 10, 200 is different from the speed of the remaining wheel(s) of the vehicle 100, 200 or difference between the speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 and the remaining wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 is greater than a pre-defined threshold value.
[079] The present invention increases life span of the tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204 as the tyre pressure sensing device 104, 204 are activated only when the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 exceeds the pre-defined speed. The battery requirements for powering the tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204 is also reduced as the tyre pressure sensing devices 104, 204 are not activated as soon as the vehicle 100, 200 starts, but after the speed of the vehicle 100, 200 exceeds the pre-defined speed.
[080] In the present invention, the speed sensor 106, 206 device is provided inside the tyre pressure sensing device 104, 204. One of the advantages associated with such a construction is that the speed sensor 106, 206 is protected from external environment and is not required to be arranged separately on the wheel of the vehicle 100, 200, thereby decreasing the assembly time associated with arrangement of the speed sensor 106, 206 on the rim of the wheel as well as reduces the maintenance cost of the vehicle 100, 200 associated with frequent replacement of the speed sensors 106, 206 when exposed to external environment.
[081] The data indicative of pressure and speed of each wheel of the vehicle 100, 200 may be stored in the control unit 108, 208 and/or transmitted to one or more servers 218 to determine ride pattern of the vehicle 100, 200, driving score of the vehicle 100, 200, resale value of the vehicle 100, 200, upcoming servicing date of the vehicle 100, 200, rent of the vehicle 100, 200 and insurance premium of the vehicle 100, 200 based on frequency of alerts. Such alerts and records are also useful for professional stunt performers. For example, a stunt performer may monitor health of the vehicle 100, 200 prior to performing stunts on the vehicle 100, 200.
[082] 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, 202) to alert a rider of a vehicle (100, 200), the system (102, 202) comprising:
- a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204), each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200) being provided with a tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204), the tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) configured to determine a pressure of a tyre mounted on a rim of the wheel;
- a plurality of speed sensors (106, 206), each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200) being provided with a speed sensor (106, 206) from the plurality of the speed sensors (106, 206), the speed sensor (106, 206) configured to determine a speed of the wheel;
- a control unit (108, 208) in communication with the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204) and the plurality of speed sensors (106, 206), the control unit (108, 208) configured to perform at least one of:
• activate, on determination of a speed of the vehicle (100, 200) being greater than a pre-defined speed, the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204); and
• generate, on determination of a difference in the speed of at least one wheel from the speed of the remaining wheel(s), one or more alerts to alert the rider of the vehicle (100, 200).

2. The system (102, 202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) is located on the rim of the wheel and the speed sensor (106, 206) is provided inside the tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204).

3. The system (102, 202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) is located on an air valve of the wheel and the speed sensor (106, 206) is provided inside the tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204).

4. The system (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alerts are generated by at least one of an audio alert device (210), a visual alert device (212) and a haptic alert device (214) mounted on the vehicle (200).

5. The system (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (208) is in communication with a display unit (216) and configured to display data indicative of pressure and speed of each tyre of the vehicle (200), the display unit (116) being provided on at least one of the vehicle (200) and a personal digital assistant of an owner of the vehicle (200).

6. The system (202) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (208) is configured to perform one of:
• display real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a first pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle (200) is greater than a pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle (200) is detected within a pre-defined interval of time;
• display real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a second pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle (200) is greater than the pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle (200) is detected after the pre-defined interval of time; and
• display last captured data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a third pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle (200) is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed.

7. The system (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (208) is in communication with one or more servers (218) and configured to transmit data indicative of pressure and speed of each tyre of the vehicle (200) to the one or more servers (218) to determine at least one of a ride pattern of the vehicle (200), driving score of the vehicle (200), resale value of the vehicle (200), upcoming servicing date of the vehicle (200), rent of the vehicle (200) and insurance premium of the vehicle (200) based on a frequency of the alerts.

8. A system (102, 202) to alert a rider of a vehicle (100, 200), the system (102, 202) comprising:
- a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204), each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200) being provided with a tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) from the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204), the tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) configured to determine a pressure of a tyre mounted on a rim of the wheel;
- a plurality of speed sensors (106, 206), each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200) being provided with a speed sensor (106, 206) from the plurality of the speed sensors (106, 206), the speed sensor (106, 206) configured to determine a speed of the wheel;
- a control unit (108, 208) in communication with the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204) and the plurality of speed sensors (106, 206), the control unit (108, 208) configured to perform at least one of:
• activate, on determination of a speed of the vehicle (100, 200) being greater than a pre-defined speed, the plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204); and
• generate, on determination of a difference between the speed of at least one wheel and the speed of the remaining wheel(s) exceeding a pre-defined threshold value, one or more alerts to alert the rider of the vehicle (100, 200).

9. A method (300, 500) to alert a rider of a vehicle (100, 200), the method comprising:
- detecting (301, 501) a speed of each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200), each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200) being provided with a speed sensor (106, 206);
- performing, by a control unit (108, 208), at least one of:
• activating (304, 504), on determination of a speed of the vehicle (100, 200) being greater than a pre-defined speed, a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204) , each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200) being provided with a tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) from the plurality the tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204), the tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) being configured to determine a pressure of a tyre surrounding a rim of the wheel; and
• generating (306, 509), on determination of a difference in the speed of at least one wheel from the speed of the remaining wheel(s), one or more alerts to alert the rider of the vehicle (100, 200).

10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, comprising one of:
- displaying (506), by the control unit (108, 208), real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a first pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle (100, 200) is greater than a pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle (100, 200) is detected within a pre-defined interval of time;
- displaying (507), by the control unit (108, 208), real time data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a second pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle (100, 200) is greater than the pre-defined speed and difference in pressure between the tyres of the vehicle (100, 200) is detected after the pre-defined interval of time; and
- displaying, by the control unit (108), last captured data indicative of pressure of each tyre with a third pre-defined frequency when the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to the pre-defined speed.
11. The method (300, 500) as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
- transmitting, by the control unit (208), data indicative of pressure and speed of each tyre of the vehicle (200) to one or more servers (218) to determine at least one of a ride pattern of the vehicle (200), driving score of the vehicle (200), resale value of the vehicle (200), upcoming servicing date of the vehicle (200), rent of the vehicle (200) and insurance premium of the vehicle (200) based on a frequency of alerts.

12. A method (400, 600) to alert a rider of a vehicle (100, 200), the method comprising:
- detecting (401, 601) a speed of each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200), each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200) being provided with a speed sensor (106, 206);
- performing, by a control unit (108), at least one of:
• activating (404, 604), on determination of a speed of the vehicle (100, 200) being greater than a pre-defined speed, a plurality of tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204) , each wheel of the vehicle (100, 200) being provided with a tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) from the plurality the tyre pressure sensing devices (104, 204), the tyre pressure sensing device (104, 204) being configured to determine a pressure of a tyre surrounding a rim of the wheel; and
• generating (406, 609), on determination of a difference between the speed of at least one wheel and the speed of the remaining wheel(s) exceeding a pre-defined threshold value, one or more alerts to alert the rider of the vehicle (100, 200).