Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for controlling a utility lamp (110) disposed in a utility box (120) of a vehicle comprising:
a utility switch (130) for providing a start signal for switching ON the utility lamp (110);
a start switch (140) for controlling power supply in the vehicle;
a controller (150) coupled with the utility switch (130), the start switch (140), and the utility lamp (110), the controller (150) configured to:
receive the start signal from the utility switch (130);
determine a state of the start switch (140);
activate the utility lamp (110) for a predetermined time if at least the start switch (140) is in an OFF state; and
deactivate the utility lamp (110) after the predetermined time.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a delay module (160) configured to:
receive a first signal from the controller (150) indicating receipt of the start signal; and
generate a second signal after a lapse of the predetermined time from reception of the first signal, the second signal requests the controller (150) to deactivate the utility lamp (110).

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the delay module (160) is configured to receive a timing input signal from a user device (170) to set the predetermined time.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the controller (150) comprises the delay module (160).

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a driving unit (180) connected with the utility lamp (110), the driving unit (180) generates a third signal in response to the start signal received by the controller (150), the third signal activates the utility lamp (110).

6. The system as claimed in claims 2 and 5, wherein the driving unit (180) generates a fourth signal based on the second signal generated by the delay module (160), the fourth signal deactivates the utility lamp (110).

7. The system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller (150) comprises the driving unit (180).

8. The system as claimed in claims 5 and 6, wherein the utility lamp (110) comprises: a lamp (110a); and a lamp driver (110b), the lamp driver (110b) configured to:
activate the lamp (110a) based on the third signal received from the driving unit (180); and
deactivate the lamp (110a) based on the fourth signal received from the driving unit (180).

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (150) is configured to activate the utility lamp (110) for the predetermined time if the start switch (140) is in a SEAT LOCK state, the SEAT LOCK state indicates locking and unlocking of a seat of the vehicle to access the utility box (120).

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility switch (130) comprises a mode switch configured to provide the start signal in a first mode.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mode switch is configured to toggle between various drive modes of the vehicle in a second mode when the start switch (140) is in an ON state.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (150) is configured to remain in a sleep mode after the utility lamp (110) is deactivated until the start signal is received.

13. A method for controlling a utility lamp (110) disposed in a utility box (120) of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving (302), by a controller (150), a start signal from a utility switch (130);
determining (303), by the controller (150), a state of a start switch (140);
activating (306), by the controller (150), the utility lamp (110) for a predetermined time if at least the start switch (140) is in an OFF state; and
deactivating (310), by the controller (150), the utility lamp (110) after the predetermined time.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising the steps of:
receiving (307), by a delay module (160), a first signal from the controller (150) indicating receipt of the start signal; and
generating (308), by the delay module (160), a second signal after a lapse of the predetermined time from reception of the first signal, the second signal requests the controller (150) to deactivate the utility lamp (110).

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising the step of receiving (307), by the delay module (160), a timing input signal from a user device (170) to set the predetermined time.

16. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising the step of generating (305), by a driving unit (180) connected with the utility lamp (110), a third signal in response to the start signal received by the controller (150), the third signal activates the utility lamp (110).

17. The method as claimed in 16, comprising the step of generating (309), by the driving unit (180), a fourth signal based on the second signal generated by the delay module (160), the fourth signal deactivates the utility lamp (110).

18. The method as claimed in claim 16 and 17, comprising the steps of:
activating (306), by a lamp driver (110b), a lamp (110a) based on the third signal received from the driving unit (180); and
deactivating (310) the lamp (110a) based on the fourth signal received from the driving unit (180).

19. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising the step of activating (306), by the controller (150), the utility lamp (110) for the predetermined time if the start switch (140) is in a SEAT LOCK state, the SEAT LOCK state indicates locking and unlocking of a seat of the vehicle to access the utility box (120).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system for controlling a utility lamp of a vehicle and method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Motor vehicles are normally parked for the night in darkened areas. If they are parked outside or in closed parking areas with dim or no sufficient lighting, it is generally inconvenient to find a user’s belongings kept inside a utility box installed in the vehicle. In this regard, it is known to provide a utility lamp inside the utility box. The utility lamp illuminates in response to a utility switch being pressed and therefore, makes it easy for the user to find his/her belongings inside the utility box.
[003] Various means for controlling the utility lamps have been known in the art. One such well known means is a reed switch disposed in a utility box placed below a seat of the vehicle. A reed switch is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. A permanent magnet is placed in the seat such that when the seat is in closed condition, the reed switch is under influence of magnetic field of the permanent magnet. Whenever the reed switch comes under the influence of the magnetic field, it deactivates the utility lamp. However, controlling utility lamps using a reed switch requires additional components to be installed in the vehicle, thereby increasing cost. Moreover, the reed switch and the magnet have a certain life and are prone to failure thereafter. Also, installation of the reed switch coupler in the utility box space consumes some space of the utility box. Further, in case the seat does not close properly, the utility lamp is left operational resulting in drain of the battery of the vehicle.
[004] Other means for controlling the utility lamp require additional circuit and its components to be installed in the vehicle. While additional switch and its corresponding circuit for controlling the utility lamp can be installed in the vehicle, it is highly likely that the aesthetics of such vehicles will no longer be pleasant. Moreover, the associated maintenance cost and assembly time will increase. Further, it might also not be possible to install the additional switch due to the limited space available in vehicles. This would lead to an important feature missing in the vehicles. Alternately, if the additional switch is disposed at an inconvenient location in the vehicle such that the user finds it difficult to operate the switch, the user may not prefer such vehicles.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system for controlling a utility lamp of a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for controlling a utility lamp disposed in a utility box of a vehicle. The system has a utility switch for providing a start signal for switching ON the utility lamp, a start switch for controlling power supply in the vehicle, and a controller. The controller is coupled with the utility switch, the start switch, and the utility lamp. The controller is configured to: receive the start signal from the utility switch, determine a state of the start switch, activate the utility lamp for a predetermined time if at least the start switch is in an OFF state, and deactivate the utility lamp after the predetermined time.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the system has a delay module. The delay module is configured to: receive a first signal from the controller indicating receipt of the start signal and generate a second signal after a lapse of the predetermined time from reception of the first signal. The second signal requests the controller to deactivate the utility lamp. The delay module is also configured to receive a timing input signal from a user device to set the predetermined time. In an embodiment of the invention, the controller comprises the delay module.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the system has a driving unit connected with the utility lamp, the driving unit generates a third signal in response to the start signal received by the controller, the third signal activates the utility lamp. The driving unit generates a fourth signal based on the second signal generated by the delay module, the fourth signal deactivates the utility lamp. In an embodiment of the invention, the control comprises the driving unit.
[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the utility lamp has: a lamp; and a lamp driver. The lamp driver is configured to: activate the lamp based on the third signal received from the driving unit and deactivate the lamp based on the fourth signal received from the driving unit.
[010] In still another embodiment of the invention, the controller is configured to activate the utility lamp for the predetermined time if the start switch is in a SEAT LOCK state, the SEAT LOCK state indicates locking and unlocking of a seat of the vehicle to access the utility box.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the utility switch comprises a mode switch configured to provide the start signal in a first mode. The mode switch is configured to toggle between various drive modes of the vehicle in a second mode when the start switch is in an ON state.
[012] In a still further embodiment of the invention, the controller is configured to remain in a sleep mode after the utility lamp is deactivated until the start signal is received.
[013] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for controlling a utility lamp disposed in a utility box of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: receiving, by a controller, a start signal from a utility switch, determining, by the controller, a state of a start switch, activating, by the controller, the utility lamp for a predetermined time if at least the start switch is in an OFF state, and deactivating, by the controller, the utility lamp after the predetermined time.
[014] In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: receiving, by a delay module, a first signal from the controller indicating receipt of the start signal, and generating, by the delay module, a second signal after a lapse of the predetermined time from reception of the first signal, the second signal requests the controller to deactivate the utility lamp. The method also comprises the step of receiving, by the delay module, a timing input signal from a user device to set the predetermined time.
[015] In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating, by a driving unit connected with the utility lamp, a third signal in response to the start signal received by the controller, the third signal activates the utility lamp. The method also comprises the step of generating, by the driving unit, a fourth signal based on the second signal generated by the delay module, the fourth signal deactivates the utility lamp.
[016] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: activating, by a lamp driver, a lamp based on the third signal received from the driving unit, and deactivating the lamp based on the fourth signal received from the driving unit.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of activating, by the controller, the utility lamp for the predetermined time if the start switch is in a SEAT LOCK state, the SEAT LOCK state indicates locking and unlocking of a seat of the vehicle to access the utility box.

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 illustrates a system for controlling a utility lamp of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the system of Figure 1 with a controller comprising a delay module and a driving unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a method for controlling the utility lamp of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows details of the steps illustrated in Figure 3 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. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the spirit of the present invention.
[020] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for controlling a utility lamp disposed in a utility box of a vehicle.
[021] In the present context, the vehicle includes a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, an electric vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle. Said otherwise, the present invention is applicable for an Internal Combustion (IC) Engine driven vehicle, an electric motor driven vehicle, and a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle includes both series and parallel drivetrain vehicles.
[022] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 has a utility switch 130 for providing a start signal for switching ON the utility lamp 110, and a start switch 140 for controlling power supply in the vehicle.
[023] In one embodiment, the start switch 140 is an ignition switch for IC engine driven vehicles. In another embodiment, the start switch 140 is a starter switch for electric and/or hybrid vehicles.
[024] Further, the system 100 has a controller 150 coupled with the utility switch 130, the start switch 140, and the utility lamp 110. The controller 150 is also coupled with a delay module 160, and a driving unit 180. The driving unit 180 is further coupled with the utility lamp 110. The delay module 160 is optionally coupled with a user device 170 and is configured to receive a timing input signal to set a predetermined time. In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 2, the controller 150 can comprise the delay module 160 and/or the driving unit 180.
[025] In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 1, the utility lamp 110 has a lamp 110a and a lamp driver 110b. While the lamp 110a is responsible for providing illumination in the vehicle, the lamp driver 110b controls the illumination of the lamp 110a. Accordingly, the controller 150 is coupled with the lamp driver 110b through the driving unit 180.
[026] In another embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to receive the start signal from the utility switch 130, determine a state of the start switch 140, activate the utility lamp 110 for a predetermined time if at least the start switch 140 is in an OFF state, and deactivate the utility lamp 110 after the predetermined time.
[027] In the present context, the state of the start switch 140 refers to the start switch 140 being in ON state or OFF state and/or SEAT LOCK state. The SEAT LOCK state indicates locking and unlocking of a seat of the vehicle to access the utility box 120.
[028] In an embodiment, the controller 150 is an Engine Control Unit (ECU) or a speedometer controller. The speedometer controller is coupled with a speedometer of the vehicle.
[029] In one embodiment, the utility switch 130 is a mode switch configured to provide the start signal in a first mode, when the start switch 140 is in OFF state and/or SEAT LOCK state. In another embodiment, the mode switch is configured to toggle between various drive modes of the vehicle in a second mode, when the start switch 140 is in ON state. The mode switch may be a soft touch or hard push button.
[030] As described hereinbefore, the controller 150 is configured to receive the start signal from the utility switch 130 based on which the utility lamp 110 is controlled, i.e. activated and deactivated. In this regard, reference is now made to Figures 3 and 4 which illustrate configuration of the system 100 and a method for controlling the utility lamp 110. As shown in Figure 3, at step 302, the controller 150 receives the start signal from the utility switch 130. The start signal is generated by the utility switch 130 upon actuation by the user.
[031] Thereafter, at step 303, the controller 150 determines the state of the start switch 140. The start switch 140 in OFF state and/or SEAT LOCK state corresponds to the first mode. Said otherwise, the controller 150 activating the utility lamp 110, as shown in step 306, is possible only if the start switch is in OFF state and/or SEAT LOCK state.
[032] Alternately, in step 304, if the controller 150 determines that the state of the start switch 140 is in ON state, the second mode enables toggling between various drive modes of the vehicle. In the present context, drive modes refer to various IC engine conditions during which the performance of the vehicle is altered. For instance, when the drive mode is a fuel economy mode, the controller 150 is configured to operate the IC engine in a manner that results in higher fuel economy. Similarly, the controller 150 is configured to operate the IC engine in accordance with other driving modes in the vehicle. In one embodiment, the various driving modes during the second mode are displayed on a speedometer display which is coupled with the speedometer and the speedometer controller. It is also possible that each driving mode has a corresponding graphical user interface (GUI) for display on the speedometer display.
[033] Thus, when the utility switch 130 is the mode switch, the utility switch 130 can perform dual function, i.e. controlling the utility lamp in first mode and toggling between various drive modes in the second mode. Embodiments of the first mode are described hereinbelow.
[034] In the first mode, at step 306, the controller 150 activates the utility lamp 110 for the predetermined time. In an embodiment, the predetermined time is in the range of 20 seconds to 30 seconds.
[035] Thereafter, in step 310, the controller 150 deactivates the utility lamp after the predetermined time has lapsed.
[036] Referring to Figure 4 which shows details of the method steps for controlling the utility lamp 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown at step 305, the driving unit 180 generates a third signal in response to the start signal received by the controller 150. Said otherwise, the third signal is generated by the controller 150 when the start signal is received by the controller 150 during the first mode, i.e. state of the start switch is ON and/or SEAT LOCK. The third signal activates the utility lamp 110 for the predetermined time. This is shown in step 306.
[037] In the meantime, at step 307, the delay module 160 receives a first signal from the controller 150. The first signal is generated by the controller 150 upon receipt of the start signal.
[038] The dotted lines in Figures 3 and 4 correspond to the method steps and flow being active after the predetermined time has lapsed. This is described in detail in the following passages.
[039] At step 308, the delay module 160 generates a second signal after the predetermined time has lapsed. Said otherwise, the delay module 160 generates the second signal in response to the first signal but after the illumination or activation of the utility lamp 110 has occurred, i.e. after the predetermined time has lapsed.
[040] In an embodiment, the predetermined time can be customized as per the user requirements. For this, the user device 170 is coupled with the delay module 160 and generates the timing input signal to set the predetermined time. The user device includes, but is not limited to, a mobile device. In such a case, the delay module 160 is configured to communicate with the user device 170 using a short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth. The user device 170 has an application, for instance a mobile application, which enables the user to connect with the delay module 160 and set the predetermined time as per the requirements.
[041] The second signal generated by the delay module 160 after the predetermined time has lapsed is received by the controller 150, which results in the utility lamp 110 being deactivated. The deactivation of the utility lamp 110 is shown at step 310.
[042] In an embodiment, the deactivation of the utility lamp 110 is in response to a fourth signal generated by the driving unit 180. As shown at step 309, the driving unit 180 generates the fourth signal based on the second signal generated by the delay module 160. The fourth signal then deactivates the utility lamp 110, as shown in step 310.
[043] In an embodiment, the activating and deactivating of the utility lamp 110, as shown in steps 306 and 310 respectively, is carried out by the lamp driver 110b. Accordingly, the step 306 activates the lamp 110a, while the step 310 deactivates the lamp 110a, as described herein. Said otherwise, in step 306, the lamp 110a is activated based on the third signal receiving from the driving unit 180. Similarly, in step 310, the lamp is deactivated based on the fourth signal received from the driving unit 180.
[044] In one embodiment, the controller 150 is also configured to remain in a sleep mode after the utility lamp 110 is deactivated until the start signal is received. Said otherwise, once the utility lamp 110 is deactivated, the controller 150 remains in the sleep mode or is temporarily inactive until the start signal is received. To wake the controller 150, the user needs to actuate the utility switch 130.
[045] In one embodiment, both utility switch 130 and the start switch 140 can be disposed on the vehicle at suitable locations, particularly keeping in mind the approachability and comfort of the user. For instance, utility switch 130 and/or the start switch 140 can be disposed on a handlebar of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the utility switch 130 being a soft button may be provided in the user application on the user device and may communicate with the vehicle using short range communication.
[046] Advantageously, the present invention overcomes the requirement of a dedicated switch and a corresponding circuit for controlling the utility lamp 110 of the vehicle. As described hereinabove, the present invention is capable of controlling the utility lamp 110 by utilizing the existing utility switch 130, for instance the mode switch, and operating the same in first mode and second mode based on the state of the start switch 140. This results in saving the cost of installing and maintaining the dedicated switch as well as retains the aesthetics of the vehicle.
[047] Further, since the components of the system 100, such as the controller 150, the utility switch 130 and the start switch 140 are already available in all the vehicles and can be effectively used to control the utility lamp 110, the reliability is increased, and cost is reduced. This also results in reduced assembly time.
[048] Moreover, the fact that the controller 150 remains in sleep mode until the start signal is generated or the utility switch is pressed, results in reduced battery consumption.
[049] 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.