Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an information display system (100) for a vehicle. The system includes a pallet module (1) including a plurality of pallets, each affixed with an information. An ECU (6) is configured to regulate operation of an actuator, based on location data received from a input unit (3), for extending and retracting each of the plurality of pallets into an active area (8). The input unit (3) is at least one of a GPS unit (2) and an input module (3a) with a plurality of switches that correspond to the plurality of pallets. The ECU, upon receiving a signal from the input unit, is configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet among the plurality of pallets. The system includes a scanner (4) configured to scan the active area, capture an image/video of an active pallet, and communicate the captured image/video to a display unit (5). Figure 3 is a representative figure.
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]
TITLE: “A SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION OF A VEHICLE AND A METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED; an Indian company having a registered address at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a system display for a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for displaying an information of a vehicle and a method of operation of the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Generally, information pasted on windshields and body of the vehicle is a convenient means used for identification of the vehicles. The information hereafter refers to, but not limited to, labels, logos, emblems, stamps, symbols, badges, tags, and the like, or interchangeably referred to as “stickers”. Such information are generally made of material such as, but not limited to, printed paper, vinyl, plastic, and the like, having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side and identification data on the other. In addition to being used for identification purposes, the stickers are also used for decorative and functional purposes. At least one side of the sticker may be printed with appropriate identification data such that, security personnel or third parties are able to identify and authenticate permit of the vehicle for entering and/or exiting from a controlled area/facility. Further, since vehicles are employed for transportation and movement between multiple controlled areas, the vehicle may be required to be affixed with multiple stickers. Such vehicles may initially be affixed with a monroney information that includes data such as, but not limited to, make, model and year of manufacture of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle may also be affixed with various information such as, but not limited to, a parking information, entry/exit authorization information, permit authorization information and the like. Furthermore, some vehicle users also affix customized information for illustrating association with a cause, profession or for providing information on the nature of travel/journey being undertaken.
[003] Affixing multiple information on the windshield of the vehicle may affect visibility to a driver seated inside the vehicle, whereby increasing potential risk of an accident. Further, sticking of multiple information on the windshield and the body of the vehicle will affect aesthetics and appearance of the vehicle, and some users may be hesitant with sticking multiple information. Furthermore, the information being adhered to the windshield when exposed to rain, sunlight, and dust, may degrade over time, whereby requiring frequent replacement. In addition, replacement of information being adhered to the windshield with new one’s is
cumbersome and leaves out glue marks/adhesive marks on the windshield and the body of the vehicle, which may again affect the aesthetics, appearance and visibility to the driver of the vehicle.
[004] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the aspect of affixing information on the windshield and the body of the vehicle, while providing with a convenient means for display of information and identification information of vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[005] One or more shortcomings of the conventional techniques and means for displaying of an information are overcome by a system for displaying an information (also referred to as the ‘system’ hereinafter) of a vehicle, as described and additional advantages are provided through the device as described in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[006] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for displaying an information (also referred to as the ‘system’ hereinafter) of a vehicle. The system includes a pallet module disposable on the vehicle. The pallet module includes a plurality of pallets, wherein each of the plurality of pallets is configured to display information corresponding to the vehicle. Further, the system includes an input unit being communicatively coupled to the pallet module and an actuator coupled to the each of the plurality of pallets. The input unit being configured to generate a signal for selecting at least one pallet among the plurality of pallets. Furthermore, the system includes an electronic control unit (ECU), communicatively coupled to the input unit, the pallet module, and the actuator. The ECU is configured to receive the selection signal from the input unit and energize the actuator for displacing at least one pallet of the pallet module. Moreover, the system includes a display unit communicatively coupled to the ECU and positioned proximal to the actuator and the plurality of pallets. The display unit being configured to display the information associated with corresponding pallet being displaced (extend and retract) from the pallet module based on displacement by the actuator.
[007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pallet module includes a housing defining an active area. The active area is aligned with the display unit to position
corresponding information associated with the at least one pallet being displaced from the pallet module.
[008] In an embodiment, the system comprises a scanner positioned relative to the active area. The scanner is configured to scan the active area for the information corresponding to the at least one pallet of the pallet module.
[009] In an embodiment, the input unit is at least one of a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and an input module.
[0010] In an embodiment, the GPS unit is configured to detect location of the vehicle in real¬time and transmit location-based signal to the ECU for selectively displacing the pallet module by the actuator.
[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method for displaying a plurality of information for a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a pallet module, an input unit, an actuator, and ECU. The ECU is communicatively coupled to the input unit, the pallet module, and the actuator. The method includes receiving a selection signal by the ECU from the input unit, for selecting at least one pallet among the plurality of pallets, by an actuator coupled to each of the plurality of pallets. Further, the method includes energizing the actuator by the ECU, based on the selection signal from the input unit, to displace at least one of the pallets of the pallet module. Furthermore, the method includes displaying, by a display unit being communicatively coupled to the ECU, information associated with corresponding pallet from the pallet module based on displacement by the actuator.
[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes aligning an active area defined in a housing of the pallet module with the display unit, to position corresponding information associated with the at least one pallet being displaced from the pallet module. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes scanning the active area, by a scanner positioned relative to the active area, for the information corresponding to the at least one pallet of the pallet module.
[0013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0014] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for displaying an information of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] Figure 2 illustrates schematic of the system for displaying an information of the vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic layout of the system of Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] Figure 4 illustrates another schematic layout of the system of Figure 2, in which a scanner is positioned externally to a housing of the system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic layout of the system of Figure 2, with a QR code provided in the pallet module, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic layout of the system of Figure 2, in which the pallet module is rotatable, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic layout of the system of Figure 2, in which the pallet module includes a roller positioned directly in the view of a display unit, , in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] Figure 8a-8f illustrates various shapes of the pallet module, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a method of operation of the system of Figure 2.
[0024] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the device, the system and the method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION
[0025] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0026] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system/assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.
[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a discloses a system for displaying an information of a vehicle. The system includes a pallet module being disposable on the vehicle. The pallet module includes a plurality of pallets and each of the plurality of pallets is configured to display information corresponding to the vehicle. The system further includes an input unit is communicatively coupled to the pallet module. The pallet module includes an actuator configured to extend and retract each of the plurality of pallets into an active area. Furthermore, the system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) communicatively coupled to the input unit, the pallet module, and the actuator. The ECU, upon receiving a signal from the input unit, is configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet among the plurality of pallets. Further, the ECU is communicatively coupled to a display unit. The display unit is positioned proximal to the actuator and the plurality of pallets. The display unit is configured
to display the information associated with the selected pallet, which is displaced (extend and retract) by the actuator from the pallet module.
[0028] In an embodiment, the input unit is at least one of a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit (2) and an input module (3a) associated with the vehicle. The pallet module is communicatively coupled to the GPS unit and the input module. The GPS unit is configured to detect location of the vehicle in real-time and transmit location-based signal to the ECU for selectively displacing the pallet module by the actuator. The input module includes a plurality of switches that correspond to the plurality of pallets in the pallet module. The input module is configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a switch operated by the user. The plurality of switches, when operated by the user, is configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet among the plurality of pallets.
[0029] In an embodiment, the system includes a scanner interfaced with the pallet module and the display unit. The scanner is configured to scan the active area and capture an image/video of an active pallet present in the active area. The scanner is further configured to communicate the captured image/video to the display unit, for displaying the captured image/video in real¬time.
[0030] The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle including the device of the present disclosure is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the device as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in any vehicle, where such vehicles may include, but not be limited to, light duty vehicles, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and the like.
[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system (100) for displaying an information of a vehicle (not explicitly shown in Figures), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a pallet module (1) being disposed in and/or on the vehicle. The pallet module (1) includes at least one information related to the vehicle. The system (100) further includes an input unit (3) communicatively coupled to the pallet module (1), where the input unit (3) is configured to transmit an input signal to the pallet module (1). Moreover, the system includes a display unit (5) and an electronic control unit (ECU) (6). The display unit (5) is communicatively coupled to the pallet
module (1) and configured to display the information contained in the pallet module (1). The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) (6) is communicatively coupled to the pallet module (1), the input unit (3), and the display unit (5). The ECU, upon receiving a signal from the input unit (3), is configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet of the pallet module (1).
[0032] Further, Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the system (100), in which the input unit (3) is at least one of a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit (2) and an input module (3a) associated with the vehicle. The input unit (3) is communicatively coupled to the pallet module (1) and the input unit (3) is configured to transmit an input signal to the pallet module (1). The GPS unit (2) is configured to detect position/location of the vehicle (in real¬time) and transmit such location-based data to at least one of the pallet module (1) and the ECU (6). The input module (3a) is communicatively coupled to the ECU (6). The input module (3a) may be, but not limited to, a switch panel, a touchscreen switch board, and the like. The input module may include a plurality of switches (a, b, c, d, e, and f) that correspond to the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F). The plurality of switches (a, b, c, d, e, and f), when operated by the user, is configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet among the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F).
[0033] The system further includes a scanner (4) communicatively coupled to the pallet module (1), where the scanner (4) is configured to scan the information stored in the pallet module (1). Moreover, the system includes a display unit (5) communicatively coupled to the scanner (4). The display unit (5) is configured to display the information scanned by the scanner (4). In addition, the system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (6) communicatively coupled to the GPS unit (2), the input module (3a), the pallet module (1), the scanner (4) and the display unit (5). The ECU, upon receiving a signal from the input unit (3), is configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet among the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F).
[0034] Further, Figure 3 illustrates a schematic layout of the system (100) of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3, the pallet module (1) includes a plurality of pallets. The term ‘pallet’ as used herein refers to a movable/portable platform including a substantially flat surface configured to contain and/or affix at least one information pertaining to the vehicle. In the illustrative embodiment, the pallet module (1) is shown to include six number of pallets that are designated as A, B, C, D, E, and F. However, the pallet module (1) may include more
or less than six number of pallets, and such depiction of pallets shall not be considered as a limitation of the present disclosure. The pallet may also be referred to as a tray, a plate or a receptacle that is configured to be portable and configured to be affixed with at least one information. The term ‘affix’ as used in phrase ‘affixing the information’ refers to the aspect of gluing or sticking or attaching or positioning the information on a substantially flat surface of the pallet. Alternatively, the information pertaining to the vehicle may be etched, embossed, printed or stamped on the pallets. In an embodiment, some of the pallets in the pallet module may include the information being affixed, while some of the pallets in the pallet module may include the information being contained, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0035] The pallet module (1) may include a housing (7) as shown in Figure 3. The housing (7) may be configured to removably accommodate the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F). The plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) may be stacked one upon the other, as depicted in Figure 3. Alternatively, the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) may also be arranged in any other manner that is suitable for operation requirements of the system (100) and based on space available for accommodation in the housing (7). The plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) may be selectively removed for the housing (7) for performing at least one of affixing, removing, and replacing at least one information on the substantially flat surface of the pallet. The substantially flat surface of each of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) may be configured to be affixed with at least one information. However, the substantially flat surface may also be affixed with more than one information based on dimensions of the substantially flat surface. In case more than one information is affixed on the substantially flat surface of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F), then it shall be ensured that there is no overlap of the information.
[0036] Referring again to Figure 3, the system (100) further includes an active area (8) (outlined in the Figure 3) defined within the housing (7). The term ‘active area’ (also referred to as ‘controlled space’) as used herein refers to an area or space that is configured to be scanned by the scanner (4) during operation. The active area (8) may be defined in the vicinity of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) such that the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) may be extended and retracted from the active area (8), as depicted by pointer (9), in Figure 3.
[0037] In an embodiment, the pallet module (1) may include an actuator (not shown in the Figures) configured to displace each of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F). The actuator may be configured to extend and retract each of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) into and away from the active area (8). In an embodiment, the ECU (6) may be configured to regulate operation of the actuator, whereby controlling displacement of each of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F). In an embodiment, the pallet module (1) may include a rack and gear drive (also referred to as rack and pinion) configured to extend and retract each of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) into and away from the active area (8).
[0038] Further, the scanner (4) may be positioned within the housing (7) and may be positioned in the vicinity of the active area (8). The scanner (4) may be configured to scan the active area (8). The scanner (4) may be configured to capture an image of an object present in the active area (8). The scanner (4) may be further configured to communicate the captured image to the display unit (5) for displaying the captured image. The scanner (4) may also be configured to capture video of the object present in the active area (8) in real-time and communicate the video to the display unit (5) for real-time display. Accordingly, when a pallet among any of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) is extended into the active area (8) (referred to as the ‘active pallet’ hereinafter), the scanner (4) captures an image or video of the active pallet and communicates the same to the display unit (5) for real-time display. For instance, when pallet ‘A’ is extended into the active area (8), the scanner (4) captures image or video of the information that is affixed on the substantially flat surface of the pallet ‘A and communicates the captures image/video to the display unit (5) for display in real-time. Such configuration of the system (100) (that is the aspect of real-time image capturing and display by the scanner (4) and the display unit (5)), enables verifying physical presence of the information in the active pallet.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the scanner (4) may be positioned external to the housing (7) as represented in Figure 4. Upon receiving the input signal from the input unit (3), the ECU (6), by the actuator, extends the active pallet to the active area (8). Such active pallet is scanned by the scanner (4) positioned external to the housing (7) through the display unit (5). The display unit (5) may be, but not limited to, transparent sheet, a flat glass, convex lens, and the like.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) may include, but not limited to, QR code(s) as represented in Figure 5, barcode(s), and the like.
[0041] In an embodiment, the pallet module (1) may be in the form of a roller (10) including the information. In the illustrative embodiment as represented in Figure 6, the roller (10) is shown to include three different information that are designated as A, B, and C. Upon receiving the input signal from the input unit (3), the ECU (6), by the actuator, rotates the roller (10), depicted by a pointer (9a), to corresponding information that required to be displayed and extends the corresponding information to the active area (8). Such information in the active area is scanned by the scanner (4) positioned either within the housing or external to the housing (7).
[0042] In an embodiment, the pallet module (1) may be at least one of, but not limited to, the plurality of pallets, the roller (10), and the like. In the illustrative embodiment as represented in Figure 7, upon receiving the input signal from the input unit (3), the ECU (6), by the actuator, rotates the roller (10), depicted by the pointer (9a), to corresponding information that required to be displayed. Such information is scanned by the scanner (4) positioned either within the housing or external to the housing (7).
[0043] In an yet another embodiment, as represented in Figures 8a-8f, the pallets or the roller (10) in the pallet module (1) may be cylindrical, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, and the like. Such rotation of the pallets or the roller (10) may be achieved by, but not limited to, a stepper motor.
[0044] In an embodiment, the scanner (4) may be a camera configured to capture at least one of an image and a video of the active pallet or corresponding information that required to be displayed (together referred as the ‘active information’ hereafter). In an embodiment, the scanner (4) may be a system configured to scan the active information and convert the captured image/video into digital data, for further processing and display through the display unit (5). In an embodiment, the scanner (4) may be any image or video capturing equipment configured to scan the active information and convert the captured image/video into digital data, for further processing and display through the display unit (5). The scanner (4) may be configured to process the captured image/video for appropriately displaying the captured image/video based
on parameters such as, but not limited to, type and make of display unit (5), external lighting conditions, angle of display, resolution, and the like.
[0045] In an embodiment, the display unit (5) may be any electronic equipment configured to display the image or video captured by the scanner (4). The display unit (5) may be configured to process and display the digital data communicated by the scanner (4). The display unit (5) may be a display device such as, but not limited to, Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT), Color CRT Monitor, Liquid crystal display (LCD), Light Emitting Diode (LED), Direct View Storage Tubes (DVST), Plasma Display and 3D Display device. The scanner (4) and the display unit (5) may be communicatively coupled by a communication means including at least one communication technique such as, but not limited to, wired communication (cable) and wireless communication (Bluetooth, infrared, radio frequency (RF) and the like).
[0046] In an embodiment, the display unit (5) may be affixed to an internal surface of the windshield of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the display unit (5) may be affixed to an internal surface of at least one of the front window, the side window, and the back window of the vehicle.
[0047] In an embodiment, the display unit (5) may be configured to receive images/video from the ECU (6) and display the received image/video. In another embodiment, the display unit (5) may be configured to receive images/video from an electronic storage module, such as, but not limited to a USB flash drive, Memory Stick (MS), Multimedia Card (MMC), Secure Digital card (SD, SDHC, SDXC), SmartMedia card (SM), xD-Picture Card (xD) and the like. In an embodiment, the display unit (5) may be communicatively coupled to at least one of the electronic storage module and the ECU (6), by a communication means including at least one communication technique such as, but not limited to, wired communication (cable) and wireless communication (Bluetooth, infrared, radio frequency (RF) and the like).
[0048] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the pallet module (1) is communicatively coupled to the GPS unit (2) and the input module (3). The GPS unit (2) is configured to detect position/location of the vehicle (in real-time) and transmit such location-based data to at least one of the pallet module (1) and the ECU (6). The ECU (6) upon receiving such location-based data from the GPS unit (2), may be configured to transmit signal for operation of the pallet module (1). The ECU (6) may be configured to actuate the actuator, for controlled displacement of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F). The ECU (6) may be configured to actuate a
pallet that corresponds to the instant location of the vehicle. For instance, the ECU (6) upon receiving location data from GPS unit (2) that the vehicle is in the vicinity of a residence of the user, the ECU (6) may be configured to actuate the actuator for displacing a pallet into the active area (8) (for instance, may be pallet ‘A’), where such pallet includes an access permit information of said residential area. Similarly, the ECU (6) upon receiving location data from GPS unit (6) that the vehicle is in the vicinity of a controlled area, the ECU (1) may be configured to actuate the actuator for displacing another pallet into the active area (8) (for instance, may be pallet ‘B’), where such pallet includes an access permit information of said controlled area. Rest of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F) may be operated by the ECU (6) in a similar manner described above, with inputs from the GPS unit (6). With the above-described configuration, the system (100) of the present disclosure is configured to automatically display an information that corresponds to a particular location, with minimum or no user intervention.
[0049] In an embodiment, the GPS unit (2) may be a GPS tracker associated with the vehicle. In an embodiment, the GPS unit (2) may be any regional satellite navigation system configured to provide accurate real-time positioning and timing services. In an embodiment, the GPS unit (2) may be a local positioning system (LPS) configured to provide accurate real-time positioning within a controlled area. In an embodiment, the GPS unit (2) may be a cellphone of the user, equipped with a GPS module, where such cellphone is configured to provide real¬time position of the vehicle to the ECU (6). In an embodiment, the GPS unit (2) may be communicatively coupled to at least one of the pallet module (1) and the ECU (6), by a communication means including at least one communication technique such as, but not limited to, wired communication (cable) and wireless communication (Bluetooth, infrared, radio frequency (RF) and the like). In another embodiment, the GPS unit (2) may be a GPS tracker unit including a subscriber identity module (SIM) card mapped to a particular user. In another embodiment, the ECU (6) may be configured to receive location-based data from a SIM card included in the cellphone of the user.
[0050] Referring again to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the pallet module (1) is communicatively coupled to the input module (3a). The input module (3a) is communicatively coupled to the ECU (6), as shown in Figure 2. The input module (3a) may be, but not limited to, a switch panel, a touchscreen switch board, and the like. The input module may include a plurality of switches (a, b, c, d, e, and f) that correspond to the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F). The plurality
of switches (a, b, c, d, e, and f), when operated by the user, is configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet among the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F). For instance, operating the switch ‘a’ by the user, may trigger the actuator to displace the corresponding pallet ‘A’ into the active area (8). Similarly, operating the switch ‘b’ may trigger the actuator to displace the corresponding pallet ‘B’ and so on. In an embodiment, the input module (3a) is configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a switch operated by the user. The ECU (6) upon receiving said signal may be configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet among the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F).
[0051] In an embodiment, the input module (3a) may be a cellphone of the user. The cellphone may be installed with a software application configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a switch that needs to be operated by the user. The ECU (6) upon receiving such signal may be configured to actuate the actuator, for displacing the corresponding pallet among the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, and F). In an embodiment, the input module (3a) may be communicatively coupled to at least one of the pallet module (1) and the ECU (6), by a communication means including at least one communication technique such as, but not limited to, wired communication (cable) and wireless communication (Bluetooth, infrared, radio frequency (RF) and the like).
[0052] In an embodiment, the system (100) may be accommodated in the dashboard of the vehicle, while the display unit (5) may be affixed to an internal surface of the windshield of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to display the information of the active pallet through the display unit (5) as well as on a display screen accommodated in a dashboard of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to include parental controls and user security controls for providing sufficient protection against misuse of data comprised in the pallet module (1), the GPS unit (2) and the ECU (6). The system (100) may be configured to provide customized selection of pallets in the pallet module (1), based on identity of the user driving the vehicle.
[0053] Figure 9 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of a method (200) of operation of the system (100) of the present disclosure.
[0054] The order in which the method (200) is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to
implement the method (200). Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method (200) without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0055] As depicted at block 201, activation of the system (100) is carried out by the user. The method (200) further includes receiving location data from the GPS unit (2) as depicted at block 202. However, in the absence of location data from the GPS unit (2) (which may be due to network connectivity issue or unavailability of GPS unit (2)), the method (200) includes receiving input from the input module (3a), as depicted in block 203. In an embodiment, the system (100), in a default mode of operation, may be configured to look for (check for) input from GPS unit (2) at first, followed by checking for input from the input module (3a). In another embodiment, the system (100), in the default mode of operation, may be configured to look for (check for) input from input module (3a) at first, followed by checking for input from the GPS unit (2). In another embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to operate based on location data received from GPS unit (2) only. In yet another embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to operate based on input received from input module (3a) only.
[0056] As depicted at block 204, the method (200) includes actuating the actuator by the ECU (6), for displacing a corresponding pallet of the pallet module (1) into the active area (8). The method (200) may further include activating the scanner (4) by the ECU (6) subsequent to displacement of the pallet into the active area (8).
[0057] As depicted at block 205, the method (200) further includes scanning the pallet in the active area (8) for capturing an image/video of the information affixed onto the active pallet, followed by displaying the captured image/video in real-time through the display unit (5). In an embodiment, the information in the active area (8) may be displayed by the display unit (5), followed by scanning the information by the external scanner (4).
[0058] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ECU (6) may be a centralized control unit, or a dedicated control unit associated with the system (100). The ECU (6) may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The ECU (6) may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor,
such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron, or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and the like.
[0059] Further, in some embodiments, the processing unit may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, and the like.
EQUIVALENTS
[0060] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0061] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[0062] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
REFERRAL NUMERICALS
Particulars Numerical
Pallet module 1
GPS unit 2
Input unit 3
Input module 3a
Scanner 4
Display unit 5
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 6
Housing 7
Active area 8
Pointer (translational) 9
Pointer (rotational) 9a
Roller 10
System for displaying an information 100
Method 200
Method blocks 201-205
Plurality of information A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H
We claim:
1. A system (100) for displaying an information of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a pallet module (1) disposable on the vehicle, includes a plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, F), wherein each of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, F) is configured to display information corresponding to the vehicle;
an input unit (3), communicatively coupled to the pallet module (1) and an actuator coupled to the each of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, F), the input unit (3) configured to generate a signal for selecting at least one pallet among the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, F);
an electronic control unit (ECU) (6), communicatively coupled to the input unit (3), the pallet module (1), and the actuator, wherein the ECU is configured to:
receive the selection signal from the input unit (3);
energize the actuator for displacing at least one pallet of the pallet module (1); and
a display unit (5) communicatively coupled to the ECU (6) and positioned proximal to the actuator and the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, F), the display unit (5) configured to display the information associated with corresponding pallet being displaced from the pallet module (1) based on displacement by the actuator.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pallet module (1) comprises a housing (7) defining an active area (8), and wherein the active area (8) being aligned with the display unit (5) to position corresponding information associated with the at least one pallet being displaced from the pallet module (1).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a scanner (4) positioned relative to the active area (8), wherein, the scanner (4) is configured to scan the active area for the information corresponding to the at least one pallet of the pallet module (1).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input unit (3) is at least one of a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit (2) and an input module (3a).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the GPS unit (2) is configured to detect location of the vehicle in real-time and transmit location-based signal to the ECU (6) for selectively displacing the pallet module (1) by the actuator.
6. A method (200) for displaying a plurality of information for a vehicle, wherein the
vehicle comprising a pallet module (1), an input unit (3), an actuator, and ECU (6), and
wherein the ECU (6) is communicatively coupled to the input unit (3), the pallet module
(1), and the actuator, the method comprising:
receiving (202, 203), by the ECU (6), a selection signal from the input unit (3), for selecting at least one pallet among the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, F), by an actuator coupled to each of the plurality of pallets (A, B, C, D, E, F);
energize (204) the actuator, by the ECU (6), based on the selection signal from the input unit (3), to displace at least one of the pallets of the pallet module (1);
displaying, by a display unit (5) being communicatively coupled to the ECU (6), information associated with corresponding pallet from the pallet module (1) based on displacement by the actuator.
7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein aligning an active area (8) defined within a housing (7) of the pallet module (1) with the display unit (5), to position corresponding information associated with the at least one pallet being displaced from the pallet module (1).
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein scanning the active area (8), by a scanner (4) positioned relative to the active area (8), for the information corresponding to the at least one pallet of the pallet module (1).
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202221019575-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [31-03-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-03-31 |
| 2 | 202221019575-PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION [31-03-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-03-31 |
| 3 | 202221019575-POWER OF AUTHORITY [31-03-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-03-31 |
| 4 | 202221019575-FORM 1 [31-03-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-03-31 |
| 5 | 202221019575-DRAWINGS [31-03-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-03-31 |
| 6 | 202221019575-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [31-03-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-03-31 |
| 7 | 202221019575-Proof of Right [28-09-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-09-28 |
| 8 | 202221019575-FORM 18 [06-02-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-02-06 |
| 9 | 202221019575-DRAWING [06-02-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-02-06 |
| 10 | 202221019575-CORRESPONDENCE-OTHERS [06-02-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-02-06 |
| 11 | 202221019575-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [06-02-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-02-06 |
| 12 | Abstract1.jpg | 2023-02-23 |
| 13 | 202221019575-FER.pdf | 2024-09-13 |
| 14 | 202221019575-OTHERS [12-03-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-03-12 |
| 15 | 202221019575-FER_SER_REPLY [12-03-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-03-12 |
| 16 | 202221019575-CLAIMS [12-03-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-03-12 |
| 1 | 202221019575SearchE_12-09-2024.pdf |