CLIAMS:We claim:

1. A method for starting an engine of a vehicle, said method comprising acts of:
receiving start request (S01) by a control unit (2m) through a touch screen input unit in the vehicle (2d);
detecting at least one of gear lever condition (S02) and clutch pedal condition (S03) by the control unit (2m) to generate a first signal;
detecting closed condition (S04) of a bonnet by the control unit (2m) to generate a second signal; and
activating (S05) a switch (2t) by the control unit (2m) to drive a starter solenoid (2r) for starting the engine after the first signal, and second signal are detected.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear leaver is in neutral condition (S02).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clutch pedal is in pressed condition (S03).

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein detecting an engine rest condition (S05) by the control unit (2m) to generate a third signal.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the engine reset condition is when the engine RPM is less than 50.

6. The method as claimed in claims 1, wherein activating (S06) the switch (2t) by the control unit (2m) to drive the starter solenoid (2r) for starting the engine after the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal is detected.

7. The method as claimed in claims 1, wherein the touch screen input unit (2d) is at least one of touch button in infotainment of the vehicle, touch button provided in speedometer of the vehicle, and a touch button provided in vehicle dashboard.

8. A system (2) for starting an engine of a vehicle comprising:
an touch screen input unit (2d) for generating a start request;
a control unit (2m) interfaced with the touch screen input unit (2d) for receiving the start request;
a gear lever sensor (2h) and a clutch pedal sensor (2c) interfaced with the control unit (2m) for detecting gear lever condition and clutch pedal condition to generate a first signal;
a bonnet position sensor (2j) interfaced with the control unit (2m) for detecting closed condition of the bonnet to generate a second signal; and
a switch (2t) interfaced with the control unit (2m) and a starter solenoid (2r), wherein the switch (2t) activates the starter solenoid (2r) for starting the engine after the first signal, and second signal is detected.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein engine rpm sensor (2i) is interfaced with the control unit (2m) for detecting engine rest condition to generate a third signal.

10. The system as claimed in claims 8, wherein the control unit is an Electronic Control unit (ECU) (2g).

11. The system as claimed in claim 8 and 9, wherein the switch (2t) activates the starter solenoid (2r) for starting the engine after the first signal, the second signal and the third signal is detected.

12. The system as claimed in claim 8 and 9, wherein the control unit wakes up Engine Management System (EMS) and Electronic Control unit (ECU) (2g) after the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal are detected.

13. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the starter solenoid (2r) regulates the flow of current from a battery (B) to a starter motor (2s) for starting the engine.

14. The system as claimed in claims 8, wherein the touch screen input unit (2d) is at least one of infotainment of the vehicle, speedometer of the vehicle, and a vehicle dashboard.

15. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the switch (2t) is at least one of Relay and active device.

16. A method for restarting an engine of a vehicle, said method comprising acts of:
receiving restart request (S11) by a control unit (2m) from a vehicle electronic control unit (2g);
detecting at least one of gear lever condition (S12) and clutch pedal condition (S13) by the control unit (2m) to generate a first signal;
detecting closed condition (S14) of a bonnet by the control unit (2m) to generate a second signal;
detecting an engine rest condition (S15) by the control unit (2m) to generate a third signal; and
activating (S16) a switch (2t) by the control unit (2m) to drive a starter solenoid (2r) for restarting the engine after the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal are detected.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, generating the first signal when the gear leaver is in neutral condition (S02) and clutch pedal is in pressed condition.

18. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the engine reset condition is when the engine RPM is less than 50.

19. A vehicle configured with the method for starting an engine of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1.

20. A vehicle comprising the system as claimed in claim 8.

Dated this 7th Day of March, 2014 GOPINATH A.S.
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT

,TagSPECI:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT 1970 (as amended)
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]

TITLE: “A SYSTEM FOR STARTING AN ENGINE OF A VEHICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF”

Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: INDIAN

The following specification particularly describes the invention the manner in which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle starting system. In particular, embodiments disclose starting the vehicle through a touch screen input unit in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

Vehicles are generally equipped with an internal combustion engines which are powered by liquid or gaseous fuels. The internal combustion engines in the vehicles are generally reciprocating engines to which fuel and air is either drawn or supplied for its operation. For, starting action of such engines an initial cranking has to be provided with an external source. Once, the engine is started then it produces power by combustion of fuel, and continues its operation. Generally, starter motors are used for initial cranking of engines which helps to start the engine whenever required. The starter motors are powered by vehicle batteries for cranking the engine. The starter motors are controlled by an electrical circuit to crank the engine by supplying the power from the battery, and break the power supply once the engine starts operating.

Conventional system to start the engine of the vehicle is illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1 the conventional systems crank supply for Starter motor solenoid is routed through the vehicle ignition Switch (1c). When the user is desired to start the vehicle, need to get in to the vehicle and hold the ignition switch (1c) on at crank position to start the vehicle. The conventional system comprises a starter motor solenoid terminal (1i) also referred as ignition terminal is connected with Battery positive terminal (1b) through a fuse (1h), coil relay (1f), ECU (1e) and Ignition Switch (1c). When the user moves the ignition key (1c) to start position, ECU (1e) gets the start request and activates the coil relay (1f). The coil relay (1f) provides the 12V Direct Current Supply to Solenoid terminal (1i) through the fuse (1h). When the Ignition switch (1c) is released from start position, ECU (1e) switches off the starter motor (1k) by controlling the coil relay (1f). Further, a permanent positive supply is connected to the Solenoid B+ terminal (1g) directly from the Battery Positive (1b).

In the conventional system the user has to turn the ignition key for starting the engine, which is uncomfortable to user many times. Further, in case if the engine is not started in the first crank the user should turn the ignition key to restart the engine. This make user uncomfortable and user end up spending his energy to start the vehicle. In addition, in modern vehicles such as passenger cars the users would like to have more sophisticated options to use the car without spending much physical energy. Thus, for such users operation of the ignition key would make be cumbersome.

In light of foregoing discussion, it is observed a need for a more sophisticated starting system for the vehicle to overcome the limitations stated above.

SUMMARY

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of structure 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 a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a method for starting an engine of a vehicle. The method comprising acts of receiving start request by a control unit through a touch screen input unit in the vehicle. Then, detecting at least one of gear lever condition and clutch pedal condition by the control unit to generate a first signal, detecting closed condition of a bonnet by the control unit to generate a second signal. The method also comprises act of, activating a switch by the control unit to drive a starter solenoid for starting the engine after the first signal, and second signal are detected.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first signal will be generated when gear leaver is in neutral condition, or the clutch pedal is in pressed condition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises act of detecting an engine rest condition by the control unit to generate a third signal. The engine reset condition is when the engine RPM is less than a predefined value, e.g. 50.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch is activated by the control unit to drive the starter solenoid for starting the engine after the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal is detected.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch screen input unit is at least one of touch button in infotainment of the vehicle, touch button provided in speedometer of the vehicle, and a touch button provided in vehicle dashboard.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for starting an engine of the vehicle. The system comprises a touch screen input unit for generating a start request, and control unit interfaced with the touch screen input unit for receiving and executing the start request. A gear lever sensor interfaced with the control unit for detecting gear lever condition and clutch pedal sensor interfaced with control unit to detect the clutch pedal condition to generate a first signal. A bonnet position sensor interfaced with the control unit for detecting closed condition of the bonnet to generate a second signal. The system further comprises a switch interfaced with the control unit and a starter solenoid, wherein the switch activates the starter solenoid for starting the engine after the first signal, and second signal is generated.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, engine rpm sensor is interfaced with the control unit for detecting engine rest condition to generate a third signal.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is an Electronic Control unit (ECU).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch activates the starter solenoid for starting the engine after the first signal, the second signal and the third signal is detected.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit wakes up Engine Management System (EMS) and Electronic Control unit (ECU) after the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal are detected.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the starter solenoid regulates the flow of current from a battery to a starter motor for starting the engine.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch screen input unit is at least one of infotainment of the vehicle, speedometer of the vehicle, and a vehicle dashboard. Further, the switch is at least one of Relay and active device.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for restarting an engine of a vehicle is provided. The method comprising acts of receiving restart request by a control unit from a vehicle electronic control unit. Then, detecting at least one of gear lever condition and clutch pedal condition by the control unit to generate a first signal, detecting closed condition of a bonnet by the control unit to generate a second signal, and detecting an engine rest condition by the control unit to generate a third signal;. The method also comprises act of, activating a switch by the control unit to drive a starter solenoid for restarting the engine after the first signal, second signal, and third signal is detected.

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.

OBJECTIVES

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a starting system for a vehicle which can receive start request from an input device in the vehicle for starting the vehicle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a starting system for a vehicle which is simple in construction and easy to operate.

Another object of the present disclosure is to enhance user convenience by providing a touch screen starting system for engine starting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. 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:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of conventional vehicle starting system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of system to start an engine of a vehicle according to present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates block diagram of the system to start an engine of a vehicle according to present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart showing sequence of steps to start an engine of a vehicle according to present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart showing sequence of steps to restart an engine of a vehicle according to present disclosure.

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 system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

To overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the background, the present disclosure provides a system for starting an engine of the vehicle. The system is configured to receive a start request from a touch screen input unit which is in the vehicle. Such system will be advantageous to the end user in terms of human energy. The system basically includes the input device for generating a start request. A control unit interfaced with the touch screen input device to receive the start request. The control unit is configured to execute the start request and provide signal to a starter solenoid after generating first signal, second signal and third signal. The control unit will be interfaced with a gear lever sensor for detecting gear lever condition, clutch pedal sensor for detecting clutch pedal condition, and a bonnet position sensor for detecting closed condition. The controller also checks for the engine rest condition, by detecting the RPM of the engine. If the gear lever is neutral condition or if the clutch pedal is in fully pressed condition, bonnet is closed, and it may also check if the engine RPM is less than a predefined value, e.g. 50 RPM, then the control unit sends wake up message to Engine management system and electronic control unit. Then the control unit triggers a switch which will be interfaced with the control unit and a starter solenoid. The switch activates the starter solenoid for starting the engine after the control unit receives the signal form the gear position sensor and clutch pedal sensor, and the bonnet condition sensor. The starter solenoid is configured to operate the starter motor and regulates the flow of current from a battery to the starter motor for starting the engine.

In an embodiment of the disclosure a method for starting an engine of a vehicle is disclosed to overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the background. The method comprises acts of firstly receiving start request by a control unit from a touch screen input unit. Then, detecting following conditions such as neutral condition of a gear leaver or clutch pedal pressed condition, condition of a bonnet, and the engine RPM by the control unit. If the gear lever is neutral condition or if the clutch pedal is fully pressed, bonnet is closed, and if the engine RPM is less than a predefined value, e.g. 50 RPM, then the control unit sends wake up message to Engine management system and electronic control unit. Then, the control unit activates a switch to drive a starter solenoid for starting the engine. The starter solenoid is configured to operate the starter motor and regulates the flow of current from a battery to the starter motor for starting the engine.

Reference will now be made to figures which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a schematic representation of system (2) to start an engine of a vehicle. The system comprises a touch screen input unit (2d) in the vehicle for generating the start request. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch screen input unit (2d) is selected from at least one of but not limiting to touch screen button in infotainment of the vehicle, touch screen button provided in speedometer of the vehicle, and any touch screen button provided in vehicle dashboard. The touch screen input unit (2d) will be interfaced with a controller unit (2m), and the control unit (2m) is configured to receive start request from the touch screen input unit (2d). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (2m) may be situated in any desired location in the vehicle cabin. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic control unit of the vehicle can be configured as control unit (2m).

To ensure safety in starting, signals to indicate gear lever position signal, clutch pedal condition signal, engine speed , and bonnet condition information are provided to control unit (2m). For providing such signals, the system (2) comprises a gear lever sensor (2h) interfaced with the control unit (2m) for detecting gear lever position condition and a clutch pedal sensor (2c) interfaced with the control unit (2m) for detecting the clutch pedal condition. The control unit (2m) receives a signal, a first signal, when the gear lever is in neutral condition, or when the clutch pedal is in pressed condition when a gear lever is in engaged condition. A bonnet position sensor (2j) is interfaced with the control unit (2m) for detecting closed condition of the bonnet. When the bonnet is in closed condition a signal, a second signal, is generated. The system (2) further includes an engine rpm sensor (2i) for detecting engine rest condition and to generate a signal, a third signal, to indicate the same. In an embodiment, the engine is said to be in rest condition when the engine RPM is less than a predefined value, e.g. 50. During a request from a user to start the vehicle is received the control unit (2m) check for the first signal, second signal, and third signal. When all of signals, i.e. the first signal, second signal, and third signal are detected by the control unit (2m), then a switch (2t) is triggered to drive a starter solenoid (2r). In one embodiment the switch (2t) is triggered by the control unit (2m). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch (2t) is selected from at least one of but not limiting to Relay and active device such as but not limiting to MOSFET. In an embodiment, an output of the control unit (2m) is connected with the MOSFET (2t) to drive the starter solenoid (2r). Starter controller (2m) output is configured to drive MOSFET gate terminal (2l), power input is connected MOSFET source terminal (2n) from Battery Positive (2b), and MOSFET output terminal drain (2o) is connected to starter solenoid (2r). In an alternative embodiment, the output of the control unit (2m) may be connected to relay switch, which will take small amount of current from the battery and pass it to starter solenoid (2r). Once the control unit (2m) executes the cranking request to starter solenoid (2r) via switch (2t), the control unit (2m) will send intimation to Engine Management System (EMS) and Electronic Control Unit (2g) in order to wake-up the same to ensure the fuelling system is operative. In one embodiment the control unit triggers the switch (2t) to drive a starter solenoid (2r) for starting the vehicle engine when the first signal, second signal and third signal are detected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2 Battery Positive (2b) is connected to starter motor B+ terminal (2q) to power-up the starter motor (2s) when starter solenoid (2r) is energized by the switch (2t). Further, negative supply (2a) of the Battery (B) is connected with Starter Motor (2s) ground point. When the starter solenoid (2r) receives supply from the switch (2t), the starter solenoid closes the contact (2u) by energizing the pull-in and hold-on winding to drive the Starter Motor (2s) for starting the engine. The starter solenoid (2r) and the starter motor (2s) cranks the engine to start the vehicle as required by the user. The touch screen start request from end user is transformed in various stages and converted as cranking to start the vehicle. The cranking time depends on the availability of the voltage on solenoid terminal.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (2) may be configured to cut-off the cranking based on engine speed. To facilitate such function the engine speed will be measured and the cranking will be terminated when the engine speed surpasses the minimum firing speed. In alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, cranking duration may be adjusted based on the temperature. For example, 2 second of cranking at +25°C and 5 seconds of cranking at -10°C.

In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, a counter may be provided in the system (2) to count the number if starter cranks. This helps to measure and indicate the starter life based on number of cranks performed, and service indication may be provided to the user based on the number of operations.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (2) may be configured to provide warning indication to user if the starter internal parts temperature is exceeding the maximum specified limit. To achieve, this function a temperature sensor (not shown) is provided in the system (2) and is interfaced to the control unit (2m) to indicate a warning message if the temperature in the system (2) exceeds maximum specified limit stored in the control unit (2m).

FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates block diagram of the system (2) to start an engine. The system (2) includes following main components start request receiver (2d), control unit (2m) and starter motor (2s).

Start request generator/touch screen input unit:
Start request will be generated by end user through a touch screen input unit (2d). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input unit (2d) is at least one of touch button in infotainment of the vehicle, touch button provided in speedometer of the vehicle, and any touch screen button provided in vehicle dashboard. The touch screen signal converted in line with the requirement of Control unit (2m), and will be transferred to control unit (2m) through at least one of Local Interconnect Network (LIN) or Controller Area Network (CAN) signal network.

Control unit (2m):
The control unit executes the start request signal by deciding the strategy to crank the Engine under safe zone. The Control unit will take appropriate call based on signals from the gear lever positions sensor, clutch pedal position sensor, engine RPM, and bonnet condition sensor. If the signals are safe and Start request can be executed, Controller will activate the switch to energize the Starter Solenoid. The control unit is a processing unit which may be a microcontroller, discrete devices, FPGA or microprocessor. In one embodiment control unit (2m) is ECU of the vehicle.

Starter Motor (2s):
Starter Motor will be energized through the starter solenoid, and cranks the flywheel at the appropriate the speed generated with given input supply. Starter motor will continue to crank the flywheel till the Solenoid input supply is active for starting the engine.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a flow chart showing sequence of steps to start an engine of a vehicle through a touch screen signal. When the start request which is encoded and the signal is placed through touch screen input unit (S08), the control unit (2m) interfaced with the touch screen input unit receives the signal (S01). Once the start request is received, the control unit (2m) makes stage I crank decision and stage II crank decisions for starting the engine. In the stage I crank decision, the control unit (2m) checks the status of gear lever position (S01) if the gear lever is in neutral condition then the control unit (2m) checks for the clutch pedal condition (S02). If the gear lever is in neutral condition or if the clutch pedal is fully pressed, then the control unit (2m) executes the cranking request to subsequent module, else the control unit declines the start request. In the subsequent stage i.e. stage II crank decision, the control unit (2m) checks for bonnet closed condition (S04) and the Engine rest condition (S05). If the bonnet is in closed condition and if the engine RPM is less than a predefined value, e.g. 50 RPM, then the control unit (2m) executes the cranking request (S06) to crank drive module. Once the crank request is successful, control unit (2m) will send intimation (S07) to Engine Management System and Electronic Control Unit (2g) in order to wake-up the same. In all the other cases, the control unit (2m) declines the start request. Then, the control unit (2m) activates a switch (2t) to drive a starter solenoid (2r) for starting the engine. The starter solenoid (2r) is configured to operate the starter motor (2s) and regulates the flow of current from a battery (B) to the starter motor (B) for starting the engine.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a flow chart showing sequence of steps to restart an engine of a vehicle. It is commonly observed that most of the times engine will not started in the first crank, and need to be cranked again to start. In such cases the present disclosure is configured to crank the engine automatically without waiting for the start request form the user. In order to achieve the automatic restart, the Electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle is configured to send restart request to the control unit (2m). When the restart is request is made by Electronic control unit (ECU) the control unit (2m) interfaced with the ECU receives the signal (S11). Once the restart request is received, the control unit (2m) makes stage I crank decision and stage II crank decisions for starting the engine. In the stage I crank decision, the control unit (2m) checks the status of gear lever position (S12) if the gear lever is in neutral condition. Then the control unit (2m) checks for the clutch pedal condition (S13). If the gear lever is in neutral condition or if the clutch pedal is fully pressed, then the control unit (2m) executes the cranking request to subsequent module, else the control unit (2m) declines the restart request. In the subsequent stage i.e. stage II crank decision, the control unit (2m) checks for bonnet closed condition (S14) and the Engine rest condition (S15).if the bonnet is in closed condition and if the engine RPM is less than a predefined value, e.g. 50 RPM, then the control unit (2m) executes the cranking request (S06) to crank drive module. Once the crank request is successful, control unit (2m) will send intimation (S07) to Engine Management System and Electronic Control Unit (2g) in order to wake-up the same. In all the other cases, the control unit (2m) declines the start request. Then, the control unit (2m) activates a switch (2t) to drive a starter solenoid (2r) for starting the engine. The starter solenoid (2r) is configured to operate the starter motor (2s) and regulates the flow of current from a battery (B) to the starter motor (B) for restarting the engine.

It is to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 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.

Advantages:
The present disclosure is to provide a starting system for a vehicle which can receive start request from a touch screen input unit for starting the vehicle, thereby reducing the efforts of the end user to start the vehicle.

The present disclosure is to provide a starting system for a vehicle which enhance user convenience by providing a touch screen input unit starting for engine starting, thereby providing an option to start the vehicle without turning the ignition key.

The present disclosure is to provide a starting system for a vehicle which is simple in construction, easy to operate, and is sophisticated to end user of the vehicle. It also consumes less energy from the vehicle battery.
The present disclosure is to provide a starting system for a vehicle which can restart the engine automatically if the engine is not started in the first request. This, enhances user convenience.

Equivalents

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.

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.

Referral Numerals:
Reference Number Description
1 Conventional Starting system
1a Ground
1b Battery
1c Ignition switch
1d Power fuse
1e ECU
1f Coil Relay
1h Fuse
1g Battery terminal
1i Ignition terminal
1j Contact
1l Starter solenoid
1k Motor
2 System for starting an engine
2a Battery negative
2b Battery positive
2d Touch screen input unit
2g EMS ECU
2h Gear position sensor
2i Engine RPM sensor
2j Bonnet condition sensor
2c Clutch pedal sensor
2m Control unit
2n Source terminal
2l Gate terminal
2o Output drain terminal
2t Switch
2q Battery terminal
2u Contacts
2r Starter solenoid
2s Starter motor
B Battery
S01 Start request
S02 and S12 Gear position signal
S03 and S13 Clutch pedal signal
S04 and S14 Bonnet Condition signal
S05 and S15 Engine Speed signal
S06 and S16 Crank signal
S07 and S17 Wake-up signal to EMS ECU
S08 Start request from touch screen input unit
S11 Restart request from ECU