Claims:We Claim:

1. A system (100) for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle (300) on a body (301) of the vehicle (300), the system (100) comprising:
a display unit (101) operable between an operating position and a non-operating position, relative to the body (301) of the vehicle (300);
a control unit (102) communicatively coupled to the display unit (101), wherein the control unit (102) is configured to:
receive, a first signal from a remote key fob (108) associated the vehicle (300), corresponding to a first distance of the remote key fob (108) from the vehicle (300);
activate, information module and engine management system (107) of the vehicle (300), to determine operating parameters of the vehicle (300), upon receiving the first signal; and
actuate, the display unit (101) from the non-operating position to the operating position, to display the operating parameters of the vehicle (300).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit (101) is positioned parallel to a window glass (302) of at least one window of the vehicle (300).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit (101) is a lamination package of a plurality of Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) layers.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating parameters of the vehicle (300) include fuel level indication, fuel economy, tire pressure indication, vehicle (300) interior temperature, GPS navigation, Engine and battery conditions, service reminder and task reminder.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to receive a second signal from the remote key fob (108), corresponding to a second distance of the remote key fob (108) from the vehicle (300).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to actuate the display unit (101) from the non-operating position to the operating position, to display the operating parameters of the vehicle, upon receiving the second signal.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to receive a third signal from the remote key fob (108), corresponding to the remote key fob (108) positioned inside the vehicle (300).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to actuate the display unit (101) from the operating position to the non-operating position, upon receiving the third signal.

9. A vehicle (300) comprising a system (100) as claimed in claim 1.

10. A method for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle (300) on a body (301) of the vehicle (300), the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (102) a first signal from a remote key fob (108) of the vehicle (300), corresponding to a first distance of the remote key fob (108) from the vehicle (300);
activating, by the control unit (102), information module and engine management system (107) of the vehicle (300), to determine operating parameters of the vehicle (300); and
actuating, by the control unit (102), a display unit (101) from a non-operating position to an operating position to display the determined operating parameters of the vehicle (300).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprises receiving by a control unit (102) a second signal from a remote key fob (108) of the vehicle (300), corresponding to a second distance of the remote key fob (108) from the vehicle (300) and actuating the display unit (101) from the non-operating position to the operating position, to display the operating parameters of the vehicle (300), upon receiving the second signal.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprises receiving by the control unit (102) a third signal from the remote key fob (108), corresponding to the remote key fob (108) positioned inside the vehicle (300) and actuating the display unit (101) from the operating position to the non-operating position, upon receiving the third signal.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein operating parameters of the vehicles include fuel level indicator, fuel economy, tire pressure indication, vehicle interior temperature, GPS navigation, Engine and battery condition, service reminder and task reminder.

Dated this 12th day of March 2021 Gopinath Arenur Shankararaj
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT

To:
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office, at Chennai

, Description:
[001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a system for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose the system for displaying the operating parameters of the vehicle on a body of the vehicle.

[003] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[004] Modern vehicles are typically equipped with various sensors, information modules and the like, to determine various operating parameters of the vehicle such as engine and battery conditions, fuel level, tire pressure, service alert, fuel quality, cabin temperature and the like. Usually, such parameters are displayed in an instrument cluster inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle. For an operator or driver to obtain such operating parameters, the operator is required to enter the vehicle and access the instrument cluster and other associated devices to obtain the desired operating parameters. Based on the obtained operating parameters, the operator shall carry out suitable maintenance activities to rectify any deviation in the operating parameters.

[005] In some instances, as a habit, the operator may not observe the instrument cluster to know the operating parameters or may forget to observe the instrument cluster. Further, the operator may not observe the operating parameters during driving, as it would cause distraction during driving, thus fails to pay attention to the alert signal indicated in the instrument cluster. Such an action of not observing and paying attention to the alert signal indicated in the instrument cluster may be risky, as it may lead to operating the vehicle with faulty components or faulty functionalities, which is undesired as it leads to breakdown of the vehicle.

[006] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the prior art.

[007] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[008] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the system as claimed 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 as a part of the claimed disclosure.

[009] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a system for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle on a body of the vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a display unit, which is operable between an operating position and a non-operating position relative to the body of the vehicle. Further, the system includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the display unit. The control unit is configured to receive a first signal from a remote key fob of the vehicle, corresponding to a first distance of the remote key fob from the vehicle. Further, the control unit is configured to activate an information module and an engine management system of the vehicle, to determine operating parameters of the vehicle, upon receiving the first signal. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to actuate the display unit from the non-operating position to the operating position, to display the operating parameters of the vehicle.

[010] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the display unit is positioned parallel to a window glass of the vehicle.

[011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the display unit is a lamination package of a plurality of Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) layers.

[012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the operating parameters of the vehicle include fuel level indication, fuel economy, tire pressure indication, vehicle interior temperature, GPS navigation, Engine and battery conditions, service reminder and task reminder.

[013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit is configured to receive a second signal from the remote key fob, corresponding to a second distance of the remote key fob from the vehicle and actuate the display unit from non-operating position to the operating position, to display the operating parameters of the vehicle, upon receiving the second signal.

[014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit is configured to receive a third signal from the remote key fob, corresponding to the remote key fob positioned inside the vehicle and actuate the display unit from the operating position to the non-operating position, upon receiving the third signal.

[015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle on a body of the vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first signal by a control unit from a remote key fob, corresponding to a first distance of the remote key fob from the vehicle. Further, the method includes activating an information module and an engine management system associated with the vehicle by the control unit, to determine operating parameters. Furthermore, the method includes actuating a display unit from a non-operating position to an operating position by the control unit, to display the determined operating parameter of the vehicle.

[016] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes receiving a second signal from the remote key fob of the vehicle by the control unit, corresponding to a second distance of the remote key fob from the vehicle and actuating the display unit from the non-operating position to the operating position, to display the operating parameters of the vehicle, upon receiving the second signal.

[017] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes receiving a third signal from the remote key fob of the vehicle by the control unit, corresponding to a third distance of the remote key fob from the vehicle and actuating the display unit from the operating position to the non-operating position.

[018] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[019] 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.

[020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[021] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[022] Figure. 1 illustrates block diagram of a system for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle on a body of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[023] Figure. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the vehicle depicting a display unit in non-operating position;

[024] Figure. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a portion of a door of the vehicle, depicting the display unit positioned parallel to a window glass, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[025] Figure. 4 illustrates a schematic view of the vehicle depicting the display unit in operating position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[026] Figure. 5 is flow chart of a method of operation of the system for displaying operating parameters of the vehicle on the body of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[027] 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 structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[029] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by 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 alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[030] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the system and method, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the system and method of the present disclosure may be employed in variety of vehicles such as commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and the like.

[031] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system 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, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system.

[032] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle on a body of the vehicle. In some instances, as a habit, the operator or driver may not observe the instrument cluster to know the operating parameters or may forget to observe the instrument cluster. Further, the operator may not observe the operating parameters during driving, as it would cause distraction during driving, thus fails to pay attention to the alert signal indicated in the instrument cluster. Such an action of not observing and not paying attention to the alert signal indicated in the instrument cluster may be risky, as it leads to operating the vehicle with faulty components or faulty functionalities, which is undesired as it leads to breakdown of the vehicle.

[033] Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a system for displaying operating parameters of the vehicle on the body of the vehicle. The system facilitates the operator to obtain or view operating parameters of the vehicle, before getting into the vehicle. This aids in paying attention to the alerts indicated and carry out maintenance activities, accordingly.

[034] The system includes a display unit, which is operable between an operating position and a non-operating position, relative to the body of the vehicle. Further, the system includes a control unit which is communicatively coupled to the display unit. The control unit is configured to receive various signals from a remote key fob of the vehicle, corresponding to distance of the remote key fob from the vehicle. Based on the signals received from the remote key fob, the control unit may be configured to activate an information module and an engine management system of the vehicle, to determine operating parameters of the vehicle. Further, based on another signal received from the remote key fob, the control unit may be configured to actuate the display unit from the non-operating position to the operating position, to display the operating parameters of the vehicle on the body of the vehicle. Furthermore, based on additional signal received from the remote key fob, the control unit may be configured to actuate the display unit from the operating position to the non-operating position.

[035] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[036] Figure. 1 shows a block diagram of a system (100) for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle (300) on a body (301) of the vehicle (300) [as seen in Figure. 3]. In an exemplary embodiment, the description is illustrated with the operating parameters of the vehicle (300) being displayed on a window. However, the same cannot be construed as a limitation, as the operating parameters may be displayed on any portion on the body (301) of the vehicle (300). As seen in Figure. 1, the system (100) may include a display unit (101), which may be disposed in a door (303) of the vehicle (300) such that, the display unit (101) may be positioned parallel to window glass (302) [best seen in Figure. 3] of one of the windows of the vehicle (300). In an embodiment, the display unit (101) may be a lamination package of a plurality of organic light emitting diodes (OLED) layers. Further, the display unit (101) may be coupled to an actuator (109) such as but not limiting to a rotary actuator like brush DC motor, and may be configured to be operable between an operating position and a non-operating position, relative to the body (301) of the vehicle (300). In an embodiment, operating position may correspond to the display unit (101) popped out of the door (303) to display the operating parameters on the vehicle (300) body (301) (i.e., the window portion of the vehicle (300) body (301)) and non-operating position may correspond to the display unit (101) popped into the door (303) of the vehicle (300).

Referring further to Figure. 1, the system (100) may include a control unit (102), which may be communicatively coupled to the display unit (101). In an embodiment, the control unit (102) may include a receiving module (103), processing module (104), an activation module (105) and an actuation module (106). In an embodiment, the control unit (102) may be configured to operate the display unit (101), between the operating position and the non-operating position, correspond to position of a remote key fob (108) of the vehicle (300). Now, working of the control unit (102) to operate the display unit (101) between the operating position and the non-operating position to display the operating parameters on the body (301) of the vehicle (300) is described hereinafter.

In an embodiment, the receiving module (103) of the control unit (102) may be configured to receive a first signal from a transmission unit [not shown] of the remote key fob (108) associated with the vehicle (300), when the remote key fob (108) is at a first distance from the vehicle (300). That is, when the key fob is at the first distance from the vehicle (300), the receiving module (103) of the control unit (102) may receive the first signal from the remote key fob (108). In an embodiment, the first distance may range from but not limiting to 12 to 15 meters. Upon receiving the first signal, the processing module (104) of the control unit (102) may process the first signal and provided an input signal to the activation module (105). Based on the input signal received from the processing module (104), the activation module (105) may activate various information modules and engine management system (107) associated with the vehicle (300), to determine operating parameters of the engine and other components of the vehicle (300). In an embodiment, the activation module (105) may be configured to start an engine of the vehicle (300), to determine operating parameters at running condition of the engine. In some embodiments, the information modules may include telematics unit, brake management unit, clutch management unit, coolant management unit, and the like. Further, the receiving module (103) may be a wireless receiver which receives a wireless signal from a transmission module associated or integrated with the remote key fob (108). In an embodiment, the wireless transmission module and the receiving module (103) may be Radio frequency transmitter and receiver. Further, the determined operating parameters may be communicated to the display unit (101). In an embodiment, the display unit (101) may be at the non-operating position [as seen in Figure. 2], when the determined operating parameters are communicated to the display unit (101).

The receiving module (103) of the control unit (102) may be configured to receive a second signal, corresponding to the remote key fob (108) is at a second distance from the vehicle (300). In an embodiment, the second distance is less than the first distance, and the second distance may range from but not limiting to 2 to 3 meters. On receiving the second signal, the processing module (104) may process the second signal and generate an input signal to the actuation module (106). Upon receiving the input signal from the processing module (104), the actuation module (106) may operate the actuator (109) coupled to the display unit (101), to actuate the display unit (101) from the non-operating position to the operating position [as seen in Figure. 4]. That is, the display unit (101) pops out from the door (303), parallel to the window glass (302) for displaying the determined operating parameters on the body (301) (thus, the window) of the vehicle (300) [as seen in Figure. 4]. This facilitates the operator to obtain operating parameters of the vehicle (300), before the operators enter into the vehicle (300) and may carry out maintenance of the faulty components, based on alert indicated by the display unit (101). Thus, the system (100) aids in mitigating operating the vehicles with faulty components and with faulty operations.

In an embodiment, the operating parameters may include but not limiting to fuel level indication, fuel economy, tire pressure indication, vehicle interior temperature, GPS navigation, Engine and battery conditions, service reminder and task reminder.

In an embodiment, the display unit (101) may be configured adjust brightness based on lighting condition of surrounding in which the vehicle (300) may be parked. Further, the display unit (101) may adjust brightness with the aid of vehicle (300) light level sensor.

Referring again to Figure. 1, the receiving module (103) of the control unit (102) may be configured to receive a third signal, corresponding to the remote key fob (108) positioned inside the vehicle (300). On receiving the third signal, the processing module (104) may process the third signal and generate an input signal to the actuation module (106). Upon receiving the input signal from the processing module (104), the actuation module (106) may operate the actuator (109) coupled to the display unit (101), to actuate the display unit (101) from the operating position to the non-operating position. That is, the display unit (101) pop-down into door (303) [as seen in Figure. 2].

Turning now to Figure. 5 which illustrates a flowchart depicting operational sequence of the system (100) for displaying operating parameters of the vehicle (300) on the body (301) of the vehicle (300).

As illustrated in flowchart of Figure. 5, the one or more blocks illustrates a sequence of operation of the system (100). The operation may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform functions or implement abstract data types.

The order in which the operation is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

As shown in block 201, the receiving module (103) of the control unit (102) may receive a first signal, corresponding to a first distance of a remote key fob (108) from the vehicle (300). The first signal may be processed by the processing module (104) of the control unit (102) to generate an input signal to an activation module (105), which may activate various information modules and engine management system to determine operating parameters of the vehicle (300) [as shown in block 202].

At block 202, the receiving module (103) may receive a second signal, corresponding to a second distance of the remote key fob (108) from the vehicle (300). The second signal may be processed by the processing module (104) of the control unit (102) to generate an input signal to an actuation module (106). The actuation module (106) may operate an actuator (109) of a display unit (101) to actuate the display unit (101) from a non-operating position to an operating position, to display the determined operating parameters on the body (301) of the vehicle (300) [as shown in block 204].

Further, as seen in block 205, the receiving module (103) may receive a third signal, corresponding to the remote key fob (108) being positioned in the vehicle (300). The third signal may be processed by the processing module (104) of the control unit (102) to generate an input signal to an actuation module (106). The actuation module (106) may operate an actuator (109) of a display unit (101) to actuate the display unit (101) from the operating position to the non-operating position [as shown in block 206].

In an embodiment, the method as illustrated in the foregoing paragraphs may repeat again, after a predetermined time lapse, which may be calculated from the instance the operator [thus, the operator carrying the remote key fob (108)] departs from the vehicle (300). Upon completing of the predetermined time lapse, and when the remote key fob (108) is at the first distance from the vehicle (300), the method as illustrated in the foregoing paragraphs initiates to display the operating parameters of the vehicle (300).

[037] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit (102) may be a centralized control unit, or a dedicated control unit. The control unit (102) may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The processing module of the control unit (102) may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system generated requests. The processing module may be a specialized processing module such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing modules, digital signal processing modules, etc. The processing module 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 module (104) 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), etc.

[038] In some embodiments, the control unit (102) 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, etc.

[039] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system (100) of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[040] Equivalents:

[041] 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.

[042] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 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.

[043] Referral Numerals:

Particulars Referral numeral
System 100
Display unit 101
Control unit 102
Receiving module 103
Processing module 104
Activation module 105
Actuation module 106
Information module and EMS 107
Remote key fob 108
Actuator 109
Method steps 201-206
Vehicle 300
Body 301
Window glass 302
Door 303