Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system for integration of a speedometer unit in a vehicle and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] With the advancement in vehicle technologies, there is greater focus on enhancement of display unit, and on improving the overall display experience. In a time when newer vehicles are coming up with multiple display features to ease the use of the vehicle and the user experience, there is an increased requirement of providing advanced speedometers in vehicles of all segments. In the current scenario, ‘n’ number of different vehicles have ‘n’ number of different speedometer units. In other words, the speedometer units in use are designed only specifically for a specific vehicle type. The two-wheeler segment being a highly price sensitive segment, bringing in different types of speedometers for different models increases the pricing of the vehicle, because procurement and maintenance of a high number of speedometer types is expensive and difficult.
[003] In existing two wheelers, riders rely mainly on the speedometer or instrument cluster for important alerts. Further, there are n- numbers of vehicles and those vehicles have different models and for every vehicle model there have to be a speedometer procured, which have the limitation as that of the correct speedometer has to be assembled with the model for which it has been prepared.
[004] In the conventional set up of vehicles, for every model of the vehicle there is one speedometer available which is specifically configured to one particular model of the vehicle and it cannot be interchangeably used with other models. Configuring speedometer to the respective model requires all together an assembly particular for that one model and the assembly for another model cannot configure the other, which eventually results in increase in the cost of the vehicle.
[005] In existing systems for integrating a single type of speedometer unit to different type of vehicles, an additional line for flashing of the speedometer is introduced in the vehicle assembly line. But such systems not only increases the activities required to be carried out in the assembly line, but also increases the required manpower to man the assembly line. The process of flashing in the assembly line also remains susceptible to human error.
[006] Furthermore, the conventional systems do not provide a solution for seamlessly connecting one single speedometer to all the existing and the new models of the vehicle. In existing systems, for configuration of speedometer for display of the information, the speedometer configuration is either complicated by a way of large number of components and software updating processes used for every speedometer or the errors occurring in the assembly unit committed by the manual labour. Such a speedometer unit is not seamless or user friendly or economic.
[007] In other attempts for integration of speedometer in a vehicle, a system is provided in which a telematics server transmits the vehicle identification number (VIN) and a button user interface is provided for the choosing the vehicle type by the user. In other systems, a cloud service platform uploads and upgrades the ECU software, hardware and model configuration in advance. These systems apart from being expensive, also require intervention from an additional unit such as the telematics unit or cloud server.
[008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system and a method for integration of a speedometer unit in a vehicle and which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[009] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for integration of a speedometer unit in a vehicle. The system has a plurality of control units which are provided in the vehicle. Those plurality of control units are configured for storing a vehicle identification number, which is also called VIN and is corresponding to the vehicle. The speedometer unit is configured to store a set of prestored vehicle identification numbers (VIN) which would be corresponding to a plurality of vehicle types, and for storing a plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to each of the vehicle type. The speedometer is further configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of control units, on assembly of the vehicle. The speedometer requests the VIN from the control units and receives the VIN via CAN network. The speedometer also, maps the received vehicle identification numbers with the set of prestored VIN and identifies a vehicle type based on the mapped VIN. The speedometer already has set of preloaded features corresponding to identified vehicle type, to be displayed to the ride of the vehicle. Furthermore, the speedometer has a display module which is configured to display the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type.
[010] In an embodiment of the invention, the speedometer unit is configured to request and receive the vehicle identification number from one of the pluralities of control units, when an ignition of the vehicle is in an ON state.
[011] In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a communication module, wherein the speedometer unit communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units through the communication module.
[012] In an embodiment of the invention, the speedometer is configured to request the vehicle identification number from one of the plurality of control units over a Controller Area Network (CAN). Further, on request the speedometer unit, receives a CAN message from one of the plurality of the control units over the Controller Area Network. Furthermore, on receiving the CAN message by the speedometer unit, the CAN message is converted into the vehicle identification number.
[013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for integration of a speedometer unit in a vehicle. The method has the steps of communicating, by a speedometer unit, a vehicle identification number from at least one of plurality of control units; requesting, by the speedometer unit, a vehicle identification number from at least one of plurality of control units; receiving, by the speedometer unit, the vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of the control units; mapping, by the speedometer unit, the received vehicle identification number with a set of prestored vehicle identification numbers corresponding to a plurality of vehicle types; identifying, by the speedometer unit, the vehicle type based on the mapping of the received identification number; and selecting, by the speedometer unit, a set of preloaded features corresponding to identified vehicle type, to be displayed to a rider of the vehicle, from a plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to each of the vehicle type.
[014] In an embodiment of the invention, the method has steps of displaying, by a display module of the speedometer unit which has a set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type.
[015] In an embodiment of the invention, the method has the steps of determining, by the speedometer unit, whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an ON state; requesting, by the speedometer unit, a VIN from at least one of plurality of control units; and receiving, by the speedometer unit, the VIN from at least one of the plurality of control units.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method has the steps of requesting a vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of control units over a controller area network (CAN). Further, the speedometer unit, receives a CAN message from at least one of the plurality of control units over the controller area network, and the received CAN message is converted to the vehicle identification number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] 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 integration of a speedometer unit in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the method steps involved in a method for integration of a speedometer unit in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention relates to a system and method for integration of a speedometer in a vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for integration of a speedometer unit 110 in a vehicle 10. As illustrated, the system 100 comprises a plurality of control units 130 provided in the vehicle 10. The plurality of control units 130 are configured at least for storing a vehicle identification number corresponding to the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of control units 130 are configured to perform a dedicated vehicle function or operation, in addition to storing the vehicle identification number corresponding to the vehicle 10. Since a vehicle identification number is unique, the plurality of control units 130 thus store the unique vehicle identification number to integrate with the specific vehicle 10.
[020] As further illustrated, the system 100 further has a speedometer unit 110. The speedometer unit 110 for the present invention is the speedometer unit 110 that is to be integrated with the vehicle 10, in a manner that a particular type of speedometer unit 110 can be integrated across multiple vehicle types. Herein, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to store a set of prestored vehicle identification numbers which are corresponding to the plurality of the vehicle types. Thus, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to store a plurality of different vehicle identification numbers corresponding to the plurality of vehicle types, in which each vehicle identification number corresponds to a specific vehicle.
[021] The speedometer unit 110 is further configured to store a plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to each of the vehicle type. Herein, in the plurality of sets of preloaded features, each set of preloaded features correspond to a specific vehicle type. For instance, for a first vehicle type, which for example, is a consumer segment economy vehicle, the set of preloaded features will comprise speed of the vehicle, odometer and level of the fuel. On the contrary, for a second vehicle type, which for example, is a high end cruise vehicle, the set of preloaded features will comprise speed of the vehicle, odometer, fuel level, navigation, tyre pressure, fuel consumption, range, clock, overspeed alerts etc.
[022] The speedometer unit 110 is further configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of control units 130, on assembly to the vehicle 10. That is, when the speedometer unit 110 is assembled to the vehicle 10, the speedometer unit 110 establishes communication with at least one of the plurality of control units 130. In an embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130 over a wireless network. In another embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130 over a wired network. In another embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with the at least one of plurality of control units 130 over a Controller Area Network or CAN, wherein the Controller Area Network is the network where Controllers and devices/ hardware communicate with each other without a host computer.
[023] Thereafter, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to request a vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of control units 130. On request, the speedometer unit 110 then receives the vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of control units 130. On receipt of the vehicle identification number, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to map the received vehicle identification number with the set of prestored vehicle identification numbers and identifies a vehicle type of the vehicle 10 based on the mapped vehicle identification number.
[024] Thereafter, based on the identified vehicle type, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to select a set of preloaded features that is corresponding to identified vehicle type, to be displayed to a rider of the vehicle 10. Thereafter, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to display the selected set of preloaded features. In operation, for instance, if the speedometer unit 110, based on the mapped vehicle identification number, identifies the vehicle 10 to be of the first vehicle type, i.e. consumer segment economy vehicle, the speedometer unit 110 selects and displays only the speed of the vehicle, odometer and fuel lever of the vehicle 10. Similarly, if the speedometer unit 110, based on the mapped vehicle identification number, identifies the vehicle 10 to be of the second vehicle type, i.e. high end cruise vehicle, the speedometer unit 110 selects and displays speed of the vehicle, odometer, fuel level, navigation, tyre pressure, fuel consumption, range, clock, overspeed alerts etc.
[025] In an embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 comprises a display module 112 configured to display the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type. Further, the display module 112 includes a screen which is made up of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) or Thin Film Transistor (TFT). Furthermore, in an embodiment, the display module 112 has different segments for information like odometer, tachometer, speedometer, engine coolant temperature, gauge turn indicator, gear shift position indicator, stand warning indicator, parking- brake warning light, engine malfunction light, low fuel indicator, Anti- lock Braking System (ABS) warning light and fuel average indicator.
[026] In an embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to request and receive the vehicle identification number from one of the plurality of control units 130, when an ignition of the vehicle is in an ON state. This means that the speedometer unit 110, on assembly on the vehicle 10, is configured to determine whether the ignition of the vehicle 10 is in an ON state. Once, the speedometer unit 110 determines that the ignition is in an ON state, the speedometer unit 110 requests and receives the vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of control units 130.
[027] In a further embodiment, the vehicle 10 comprises a communication module 120. Herein, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130 through the communication module 120. In an embodiment, wherein the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130 through the Controller Area Network, the speedometer unit 110 is configured to request the vehicle identification number from one of the plurality of control units 130 over the Controller Area Network (CAN). Thereafter, the speedometer unit 110 receives a CAN message from one of the plurality of the control units 130 over the Controller Area Network. Thereafter, the speedometer unit 110 converts the CAN message into the vehicle identification number, and thereafter maps the vehicle identification number with the set of prestored vehicle identification numbers as explain hereinbefore.
[028] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method 200 of integration of the speedometer unit 110 in the vehicle 10. As referenced in Figure 2, at step 202, the speedometer unit 110 is assembled on vehicle 10. In an embodiment, at 204, it is determined that whether the ignition of the vehicle 10 is turned on post assembling the speedometer unit 110 on the vehicle 10. If yes, the method 200 moves to step 206 and if not, the method 200 moves to step 202 in accordance with the present invention.
[029] At step 206, the speedometer unit 110 communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units 130. At step 208, the speedometer unit 110 requests the vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of the control units 130. Thereafter, at step 210, the speedometer unit 110 receives the vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of the control units 130.
[030] At step 212, the speedometer unit 110 maps the received vehicle identification number with the set of prestored vehicle identification numbers. At step 214, the speedometer unit 110 identifies the vehicle type based on the mapping of the vehicle identification number with the set of prestored vehicle identification numbers. At step 216, the speedometer unit 110 selects the set of preloaded features out of the plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type Thereafter, at step 218, the speedometer unit 110 displays the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type.
[031] In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises the step of displaying the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type, by the display module 112 of the speedometer unit 110. In a further embodiment, for communication between the speedometer unit 110 and at least one of the plurality of control units 130, in the method 200, a vehicle identification number is requested from at least one of the plurality of control units 130, by the speedometer unit 110 over a Controller Area Network (CAN). Thereafter, a CAN message is received by the speedometer unit 110 from at least one of the plurality of control units 130 over the Controller Area Network. Thereafter, the CAN message is converted to the vehicle identification number by the speedometer unit 110. The vehicle identification number is mapped against the set of prestored vehicle identification numbers as explained hereinbefore.
[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and method by way of which a common speedometer unit can be integrated to a plurality of vehicle types. Further, the present invention would eliminate the chances of mis-assembly of the different parts of the speedometer which would be different for different vehicle type. This ensures that the number of different parts to be procured and maintained is lowered, hence reducing cost of the overall vehicle.
[033] Furthermore, the present invention reduces the time and resources spent on imparting skills to the workforce for different models and vehicle type speedometer. The present invention by allowing the integration of a single type of speedometer unit across different vehicle types provides for ease of manufacturability. Further, the requirement of the additional assembly lines to accommodate different speedometer type is reduced. Furthermore, provision of a single type of a speedometer unit also enhances the ease of serviceability.
[034] 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.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Vehicle
100: System for integration of a speedometer unit in a vehicle
110: Speedometer unit
112: Display Module
120: Communication module
130: Control Unit
200: Method for integration of a speedometer unit in a vehicle. , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for integration of a speedometer unit (110) in a vehicle (10), the system comprising:
a plurality of control units (130) provided in the vehicle (10), the plurality of control units (130) configured at least for storing a vehicle identification number corresponding to the vehicle (10); and
the speedometer unit (110) being configured to:
store a set of prestored vehicle identification numbers corresponding to a plurality of vehicle types, and for storing a plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to each of the vehicle type;
communicate with at least one of the plurality of control units (130), on assembly on to the vehicle (10);
request and receive the vehicle identification number from one of the plurality of control units (130);
map the received vehicle identification number with the set of prestored vehicle identification numbers, and identify a vehicle type based on the mapped vehicle identification number;
select a set of preloaded features corresponding to identified vehicle type, to be displayed to a rider of the vehicle (10); and
display the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speedometer unit (110) comprises a display module (112) configured to display the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speedometer unit (110) is configured to request and receive the vehicle identification number from one of the plurality of control units (130), when an ignition of the vehicle is in an ON state.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (10) comprising a communication module (120), wherein the speedometer unit (110) communicates with at least one of the plurality of control units (130) through the communication module (120).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the speedometer unit (110) is configured to:
request the vehicle identification number from one of the plurality of control units (130) over a Controller Area Network (CAN);
receive a CAN message from one of the plurality of the control units (130) over the Controller Area Network; and
convert the CAN message into the vehicle identification number.

6. A method (200) for integration of a speedometer unit (110) in a vehicle (10), comprising the steps of:
communicating, by a speedometer unit (110), with at least one of a plurality of control units (130);
requesting, by the speedometer unit (110), a vehicle identification number from at least one of plurality of control units (130);
receiving, by the speedometer unit (110), the vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of control units (130);
mapping, by the speedometer unit (110), the received vehicle identification number with a set of prestored vehicle identification numbers corresponding to a plurality of vehicle types;
identifying, by the speedometer unit (110), the vehicle type based on the mapping of the received vehicle identification number;
selecting, by the speedometer unit (110), a set of preloaded features corresponding to identified vehicle type, to be displayed to a rider of the vehicle (10), from a plurality of sets of preloaded features corresponding to each of the vehicle type; and
displaying, by the speedometer unit (110), the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type.

7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, comprising the step of:
displaying, by a display module (112) of the speedometer unit (110), the set of preloaded features corresponding to the identified vehicle type.

8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, comprising the step of:
determining, by the speedometer unit (110), whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an ON state;
requesting, by the speedometer unit (110), a vehicle identification number from at least one of plurality of control units (130); and
receiving, by the speedometer unit (110), the vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of control units (130).

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, comprising the steps of:
requesting, by the speedometer unit (110), a vehicle identification number from at least one of the plurality of control units (130) over a Controller Area Network (CAN);
receiving, by the speedometer unit (110), a CAN message from at least one of the plurality of control units (130) over the Controller Area Network; and
converting, by the speedometer unit (110), the CAN message to the vehicle identification number.

Dated this 05th day of January 2023
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471