Claims:We claim:
1. A system to indicate a vehicle state to the user, said system comprising :
one or more mode indicator unit configured to a speedometer (101) to display a driving mode;
one or more input devices configured to send one or more sensed vehicle parameters to an ECU (301);
said ECU (301) configured to electrically control said one or more mode indicators based on said sensed input and one or more vehicle conditions.
2. The system to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more mode indicator units being a green LED and a RED LED.
3. The system to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 1, wherein said driving modes being a power mode and an economy mode.
4. The system to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more input devices being ignition switch (302), pulsar coil (304), battery (303), engine temperature sensor (ETS) (306).
5. The system to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more sensed vehicle parameters being a battery voltage (Vb), a engine speed, a time period, a engine temperature and a engine load.
6. The system to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
one or more conditions being a halt condition;
wherein, a vehicle speed and engine speed being zero in said halt condition.
7. The system to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more conditions being a running condition;
wherein, a vehicle speed and engine speed being non zero in said running condition.
8. The system to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more conditions being an idle condition;
wherein, a vehicle speed being zero and engine speed being non zero in said idle condition.
9. A method to indicate a vehicle state comprising the steps of:
switching an ignition key ON;
checking a battery voltage (Vb) after a time T in a halt condition;
checking of said ignition key remains ON for a time T1 greater than a calibrated time period;
checking said battery voltage (Vb) for a time T2 during cranking of an engine;
checking a battery voltage (Vb) for a time T3 during vehicle running condition;
10. The method to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 9, wherein said checking a battery voltage (Vb) after a time T in a halt condition comprising the steps of:
switching ON power mode indicator when Vb is lower than a calibrated value of said battery voltage (Vb);
11. The method to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 9, wherein said Checking of said ignition key remains ON for a time T1 greater than a calibrated time period comprising the steps of:
switching ON an economy mode indicator when said time T1 is smaller than said calibrated time period; and
switching ON a power mode indicator when said time T1 is greater than said calibrated time period;
12. The method to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 9, wherein said checking said battery voltage (Vb) for a time T2 during cranking of an engine comprising the steps of:
switching ON a power mode indicator when said time T2 is greater than said calibrated time period;
wherein a vehicle condition being in a idle condition;
13. The method to indicate a vehicle state as claimed in claim 9, wherein said checking a battery voltage (Vb) for a time T3 during vehicle running condition comprising the steps of:
checking a temperature of an engine;
checking a run time of said engine; and
switching ON power mode indicator when said runtime and said engine temperature being greater than a calibrated value.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to system and method to indicate a vehicle state based on different parameters. More particularly, vehicle health tracking system and method based on different parameters battery voltage (Vb).
BACKGROUND
[0002] The Most modern vehicles are controlled by an Engine Control Unit (ECU) which is a sophisticated system to control the vehicle’s main components. Vehicle manufacturers have started providing different driving modes based on dynamics and efficiency of the vehicle. In the existing vehicles, the indication of different driving modes on an instrument cluster for displaying whether the vehicle drive condition is in economy mode or power mode is based on engine rpm, time period, and 2D map inbuild in the ECU. The economy and power modes are indicated on the instrument cluster of the vehicle to the driver and also when the modes are toggled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a two wheeler vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1illustratesan exemplarily vehicle provided with a speedometer that is positioned in the front portion of the vehicle.
[0005] Fig. 2aillustrates an exemplarily economy and power mode indication in a speedometer.
[0006] Fig. 2billustrates exemplarily economy mode indication during ignition ON condition.
[0007] Fig. 2c illustrates exemplarily power mode indication during ignition ON condition.
[0008] Fig. 2dillustrates exemplarily conversion of economy mode indication to power mode indication.
[0009] Fig. 2e illustrates an exemplarily conversion of economy mode indication to power mode indication after unsuccessful cranking of the vehicle.
[00010] Fig. 2f illustrates exemplarily economy mode indication after successful cranking and if battery voltage (Vb) is greater than the specified value.
[00011] Fig. 3 illustrates exemplarily block diagram.
[00012] Fig. 4 exemplarily flow chart to determine an ECU logic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] The modes of operation of the vehicle corresponds to vehicle’s state (or health) based on multiple parameters. For e.g. when the vehicle is in idling condition and if the power mode is ON then it leads to drainage of the vehicle battery and impacts vehicle performance but at the same time the information related to the battery drainage or vehicle state is not indicated to the driver through any indicator and the driver remains unaware of the unnecessary drainage of battery or fuel or both. There are incidents of toggling of operation mode (power and economy) indicators at idling stage which confuses the driver in respect to the vehicle’s state.
[00014] In the existing vehicles, the customer can choose the driving/operation modes to customize the vehicle’s performance as the driver desires by using a mode switch. Based on the selected mode, corresponding 2D map is referred and on the 2D map parameters control the fuel injection and ignition accordingly.
[00015] In order to indicate the vehicle operation/drive modes the parameters like engine rpm, time period and 2D map inbuilt in ECU are used. These parameters indicating the operating mode of the vehicle may not always be true, which leads to a situation when the vehicle is in idling condition during cold-starting of vehicle and if this condition prevails for a duration greater than the pre-defined duration, operation mode is wrongly indicated as it does not take other vital parameters such as engine temperature into account. This method of indication does not take inputs with respect to the engine operating condition i.e., hot or cold conditions where engine is started from an idling condition for a prolonged duration.
[00016] Therefore, it becomes necessary that the driver of the vehicle gets correct information about the mode of operation of the vehicle and also the correct vehicle state indicating the health of the vehicle and its components such as a battery or the engine.
[00017] Hence, in order to overcome the above-mentioned problem in the existing known arts, a system and method is disclosed in the present invention to display the vehicle’s state on the instrument cluster/speedometer of the vehicle. The existing indicator for the power mode and the economy mode indicates the present battery status, engine condition.
[00018] Another aspect of the present invention provides battery status through Economy / Power mode indication based on the open circuit voltage value. The battery status gets updated and indicated after every ignition key switch ON condition and when the vehicle speed as well as the engine speeds are zero. If vehicle is kept in ON condition for a longer duration, battery draining will occur and this is indicated in the instrument cluster in the present invention by turning ON the power mode indicator.
[00019] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle state indication, which is not based on the input from the throttle Position Sensor connected between the throttle grip and the carburettor of the vehicle, but inputs such as an engine load, an engine speed and engine temperature. This helps in eliminating the cost involved in additional throttle position sensor.
[00020] Still another aspect of the present invention provides three conditions of the vehicle, which are halt condition, idle condition and running condition. In halt condition ignition key is turned ON but the engine is not cranked and the speed of engine is less than first predetermined rpm (~900 rpm). In Idle condition, the ignition key is turned ON and the engine is cranked and engine speed is second predetermined rpm (900-2000 rpm) but the vehicle is not in motion i.e., vehicle speed is 0 kmph. In running condition, engine speed is greater than third predetermined rpm (~2000 rpm) and the vehicle is in motion. The identification of the vehicle condition (halt, idle, running) is based on certain parameters i.e., battery voltage (Vb), engine speed, time period, engine temperature and engine load. The engine rpm (rotations per minute) is used for running condition (power mode/ fuel economy mode) identification, halt condition identification, and idle condition (long idling) identification.
[00021] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle state identification where the toggle of power mode and economy mode occurs and eliminates confusion caused due to such toggling between the power mode and the economy mode. Whenever the user switches ON the ignition key, there is always a sudden voltage drop in the battery voltage (Vb) because the battery is utilized in vehicle for self-check analysis and priming of fuel pump in the engine. This will happen for few milliseconds. In that duration, the ECU will not take battery voltage (Vb) into account. However, after ‘T’ seconds ECU will check battery voltage (Vb). If the current battery voltage (Vb) is less than a predetermined value, then power mode is switched ON indicating that battery’s state of charge is low. If the battery voltage (Vb) is more than predetermined value, the ECU then further checks if the ignition key remains ‘ON’ for time greater than calibrated time period ‘T1’ then again it switch ON the power mode indicator on an analog speedometer or the battery symbol will blink on the digital speedometer indicating that the vehicle’s battery is draining. If the ignition key remains ‘ON’ for time less than calibrated time period and battery voltage (Vb) is also more than calibrated value then economy mode indicator will switch ON. This logic runs when the vehicle is in halt condition i.e., before the engine starts or engine rpm is less than 900. During cranking of engine generally the battery voltage (Vb) drops for ‘T2’ seconds. During this time, the indication of power mode indicator is inaccurate since it is a usual phenomenon occurring during cranking of the engine. Hence, to prevent the toggling of the indicators between power mode indicator and economy mode indicator and to avoid the confusion for the user of the vehicle, economy mode indicator remains ON if the battery voltage (Vb) drop is below calibrated value for a pre-determined time period. If the battery voltage (Vb) is below calibrated voltage for more than a pre-determined time period then power mode indicator gets ON, indicating that vehicle is running out of battery power.
[00022] After the engine starts, the ECU takes inputs from engine rpm and if it is more than the calibrated value then power mode indicator gets ON. The ECU takes inputs based on engine load, engine RPM and engine throttling. Further, if the value is less than calibrated value then economy mode indicator lamp gets ON. This represents that the vehicle’s speed is impacting its health negatively, if the power indicator is ON for a prolonged time duration. This logic runs in vehicle’s running condition. Based on this method, the vehicle user is able to understand that the fuel is wasted and if the particular condition persists, fuel economy gets reduced. When the engine RMP crosses beyond the threshold rpm, the economy mode or power mode is decided by the 2D map calibrated inside the ECU. The 2D map is based on the throttle input and engine speed input.
[00023] At idling conditions, in order to predict the economy and power mode indication in speedometer, ECU has inbuilt logic which involves the use of Engine temperature sensor input, Engine speed and timer. During idling condition, engine temperature is used as a determining factor for economy/power mode indication in order to decide hot and cold start conditions. Hence, when vehicle is in idling mode, the engine rpm is less than the calibrated value. The ECU takes engine temperature (e.g., 60 degress) into the account. If the engine temperature is less than the calibrated temperature then economy mode indicatorgets ON otherwise the ECU takes engine run time into account and if engine run time is less than calibrated rpm for more than ‘T3’ seconds then power mode indicator starts blinking at certain frequency to indicate some issue with the engine that the vehicle is not coming into motion. However, if the engine run time is less than calibrated rpm for less than or equal to ‘T3’ seconds then economy mode indicatorgets switched ON. From here, if engine run time becomes more than calibrated rpm then vehicle enters into running condition and running condition logic is applicable.
[00024] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a system and method to determine battery health indication and the driving mode indication, ECU actuates the indicator accordingly in the speedometer, such that a separate indicator for indication of battery health is eliminated by integrating the battery operating status with economy /power mode logic algorithm.
[00025] Still another aspect of the invention is a system and method to indicate the vehicle state by ECU logic on the speedometer and driver can manage the performance, mileage, emission and handling of the vehicle.
[00026] Another aspect of the invention is that the amount of fuel consumption is less when driven in economy mode as compared to the power mode. Therefore, indicating to the customer that the engine is in economy mode or power mode during engine idling at a reduced duration, helps in improving fuel economy. Further, indication of low battery after cranking of the vehicle helps the user of vehicle to take action like switching off the vehicle thereby preventing undesirable draining of battery, and extending battery life for a prolonged period of time. The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00027] Fig.1 illustrates an exemplarily vehicle (100) provided with a speedometer (101) that is positioned in the front portion of the vehicle (100). Here, the vehicle shown is two wheeled vehicles, however the present invention is not limited to the two wheeled vehicles. It can be applied to any vehicle.
[00028] Fig. 2a illustrates an exemplarily economy mode indicator (102) and power mode indicator (103) in dial art of speedometer (101). The green-coloured indicator represents economy mode indication (102). The amber-coloured (or red coloured) indicator represents power mode indication (103). As per an alternate embodiment, a single indicator may change colour to provide the two indications to the user.
[00029] Fig. 2b exemplarily illustrates economy mode indicator (102) indication during ignition ON condition. Economy mode indicator (102) is activated when the battery voltage (Vb) is greater than the threshold value.
[00030] Fig. 2c exemplarily illustrates power mode indicator (103) during ignition ON condition. Power mode indicator (103) is activated when the battery voltage (Vb) is less than the threshold value.
[00031] Fig. 2d exemplarily illustrates switching of economy mode indicator (102) to power mode indicator (103). This occurs when the ignition key is in ON condition for more than pre-defined time as per the ECU logic.
[00032] Fig. 2e exemplarily illustrates the conversion of economy mode indicator (102) to power mode indicator (103) after unsuccessful cranking of the vehicle.
[00033] Fig. 2f exemplarily illustrates the economy mode indicator (102) after successful cranking and if battery voltage (Vb) is greater than the specified value.
[00034] Fig. 3 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram. The mode indicator unit is a LED (green and red) light in a speedometer (101). The mode indicator unit indicates power mode or an economy mode. The economy mode indicator (102) and power mode indicator (103) are controlled by the ECU (301). The ECU (301) has various inputs from a battery (303) and ignition key (302), Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) 304, pulser coil input (305), Engine Temperature Sensor (ETS) (306). Based on the inputs, ECU (301) actuates the indicators on the speedometer.
[00035] Fig. 4 exemplarily illustrates a flow chart determining ECU logic. In the present invention, whenever the user switches ON the ignition key (step 401), there will be a sudden voltage drop in battery voltage (Vb) because the battery is utilized in vehicle self-check analysis and priming of fuel pump in the engine. This will happen for few seconds or milliseconds. In that duration, the ECU will not take battery voltage (Vb) in account. However, after ‘T’ seconds ECU will check battery voltage (Vb) (step 402). If it is less than calibrated value, then power mode indicator will be ON (step 403) indicating that vehicle is left with less or no battery in it. If the battery voltage (Vb) is more than calibrated value, the ECU will further check if the ignition key remains ‘ON’ for time greater than calibrated time period ‘T1’ (step 404) then again it will switch ON the power mode indicator (step 403) on an analog speedometer or the battery symbol will blink on the digital speedometer indicating that the vehicle’s battery is draining. If the ignition key remains ‘ON’ for time less than calibrated time period and battery voltage (Vb) is also more than calibrated value then ECO lamp will switch ON (step 405). This logic runs when the vehicle is in halt state i.e., before the engine starts or engine rpm is less than first predetermined rpm. During cranking of engine generally the battery suffers a voltage drop for ‘T2’ seconds. During this time, the indication of power mode indicatoris inaccurate since it is a usual phenomenon occurring during cranking of the engine. Hence, to prevent the toggling of the indicators between power and eco lamp and to avoid the confusion for the user of the vehicle, economy mode indicatoris switched ON (step 407) if the battery voltage (Vb) drop is below calibrated value for a pre-determined time period (step 406). If the battery voltage (Vb) is below calibrated voltage for more than a pre-determined time period then power mode indicatoris switched ON (step 403) indicating that vehicle is running out of battery.
[00036] After engine starts, the ECU takes inputs from engine rpm and if it is more than the calibrated value (step 408) then power mode indicator is switched ON (step 409). The ECU takes inputs based on engine load, engine RPM and engine throttling. Further, if the value is less than calibrated value then economy mode indicator (ECO lamp) is switched ON. This implies that the vehicle’s speed is impacting its health negatively, if the power mode indicator is on for a prolonged time duration. This logic runs in vehicle’s running mode. Based on this method, the vehicle user will be able to understand that the fuel is wasted and if the particular condition persists, fuel economy will be reduced. When the engine RPM crosses beyond the threshold rpm, the economy mode or power mode is decided by the 2D map calibrated inside the ECU. The 2D map is based on the throttle input and engine speed input.
[00037] At idling conditions, in order to predict the economy and power mode indication in speedometer in a stable and reliable manner, ECU has inbuilt logic which involves the use of engine temperature sensor input, engine speed and timer. During idling condition, engine temperature is used as a determining factor for economy/power mode indication in order to decide hot and cold start conditions. Hence, when vehicle is in idling mode, the engine rpm is less than the calibrated value and the ECU will take engine temperature into the account. If the engine temperature is less than calibrated temperature (step 410) then economy mode will be ON (step 407) otherwise the ECU will take engine run time into account (step 411) and if it is less than calibrated rpm for more than ‘T3’ seconds then power mode indicator will blink at certain frequency (step 413) to indicate some issue with the engine that the vehicle is not coming into motion. However, if the engine run time is less than calibrated rpm for less than or equal to ‘T3’ seconds then ECO lamp will be on (step 412). From here, if engine run time becomes more then calibrated rpm then vehicle will be in running mode and running mode logic will be applicable.
[00038] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

100 – Vehicle
101 – Speedometer
102 – Economy mode
103 – Power mode
301 – ECU
302 – Ignition switch
303 – Battery
304 – Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
305 – Pulser Coil Input
306 – Engine Temperature Sensor (ETS)