Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A turn signal indicator system (100) for a vehicle (10), the system (100) comprising:
an indicator switch (32) configured to switch-on a turn signal indicator light (34) of the vehicle (10);
a sensor (102) configured for sensing a turning direction of the vehicle (10);
a control unit (104) in communication with the indicator switch (32) and the sensor (102), the control unit (104) configured to:
receive an input from the indicator switch (32) indicative of activation of the turn signal indicator and store a first position (?1) of the vehicle (10);
receive an input from the sensor (102) indicative of the turning direction of the vehicle (10) and store a second position (?2) of the vehicle (10);
determine a difference (?’) between the first position (?1) and the second position (?2) for a predetermined time (T1); and
generate a signal to cancel the turn signal indicator of the vehicle (10) when the difference (?’) between the first position (?1) and the second position (?2) of vehicle (10) is greater than a preset threshold value (?) after the predetermined time (T1).

2. The turn signal indicator system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (102) is a magnetometer sensor and is disposed on a helmet of a rider.

3. The turn signal indicator system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is disposed on the helmet of the rider.

4. The turn signal indicator system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to communicate the generated signal to an instrument cluster controller (36) or an Engine Control Unit (ECU) (38) for cancelling the turn signal indicator of the vehicle (10).

5. The turn signal indicator system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined time (T1) is ranging from 20 seconds to 30 seconds.

6. The turn signal indicator system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preset threshold value (?) is ranging from 10 to 30 degrees.

7. The turn signal indicator system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to check if there is any unintentional turn taken by the rider of the vehicle (10) for a predetermined time (T2), the predetermined time (T2) ranging from 1 second to 5 seconds.

8. The turn signal indicator system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to determine a position (?3) of the vehicle (10) after the predetermined time (T2) and to activate a corresponding turn indicator light (34).

9. The turn signal indicator system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to control turn signal indicator lights present on one or more smart devices of gloves and a jacket of the rider.

10. A method (200) for operating a turn signal indicator system (100) for a vehicle (10), the method comprising:
receiving (202), by a control unit (104), an input from an indicator switch (32) indicative of activation of the turn signal indicator and store a first position (?1) of the vehicle (10);
receiving (204), by the control unit (104), an input from the sensor (102) indicative of the turning direction of the vehicle (10) and store a second position (?2) of the vehicle (10);
determining (206), by the control unit (104), a difference (?’) between the first position (?1) and the second position (?2) for a predetermined time (T1); and
generating (208), by the control unit (104), a signal to cancel the turn signal indicator of the vehicle (10) when the difference (?’) between the first position (?1) and the second position (?2) of vehicle (10) is greater than a preset threshold value (?) after the predetermined time (T1).

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sensor (102) is a magnetometer sensor and is disposed on a helmet of a rider.

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to communicate the signal to an instrument cluster controller (36) or an Engine Control Unit (ECU) (38) for cancelling the turn signal indicator of the vehicle (10).

13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the predetermined time (T1) is ranging from 20 seconds to 30 seconds.

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the preset threshold value (?) is ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the indicator switch (32) in communication with an instrument cluster (40) is switched-on manually by the rider or by gesture or audio based input through the instrument cluster (40).

16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to check if there is any unintentional turn taken by the rider of the vehicle (10) for a predetermined time (T2).

17. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to determine a position (?3) of the vehicle (10) after the predetermined time (T2) and to activate a corresponding turn indicator light (34).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a turn signal indicator system and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional automobiles, a pair of turn signal indicators at front and rear portions are provided and each side at the front and rear potions has an indicator to indicate turning movement of the vehicle. The indicators are also known as blinkers, bulbs, lamps. Typically, the indicators receive an input activated by a rider or driver of the vehicle using switches present on a handlebar or a steering wheel or through an instrument cluster. The indication for the turning movement of the vehicle helps neighbouring vehicles to adjust their movement.
[003] However, it is often a tendency during the vehicle movement that once the turn is taken, the drivers tend to forget switching OFF the indicators. This may cause an event of accident as the indicators give wrong indication to the neighbouring vehicles which leads to unsafe driving conditions for other drivers and pedestrians. Further, this may lead to drainage of battery of the vehicle when the turn signal indicators remain ON after completion of the required turning movement.
[004] One kind of existing turn signal indicators include a left and right front and rear turn signal and a rear alert signal that has multi-mode operation. The system is battery powered and is adapted to an electric bicycle having a variety of power voltages. The system includes a controller and a multi-axis accelerometer to actuate the alert signal in the event of sudden deceleration.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a turn signal indicator system and a method for a vehicle which could address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a turn signal indicator system for a vehicle. The system includes an indicator switch configured to switch-on a turn signal indicator light of the vehicle. The system further includes a sensor configured for sensing a turning direction of the vehicle. The system further includes a control unit in communication with the indicator switch and the sensor. The control unit is configured to receive an input from the indicator switch indicative of activation of the turn signal indicator and store a first position of the vehicle. The control unit is further configured to receive an input from the sensor indicative of the turning direction of the vehicle and store a second position of the vehicle. The control unit is further configured to determine a difference between the first position and the second position for a predetermined time. The control unit is further configured to generate a signal to cancel the turn signal indicator of the vehicle when the difference between the first position and the second position of vehicle is greater than a preset threshold value after the predetermined time.
[007] In an embodiment, the sensor is a magnetometer sensor and is disposed on a helmet of a rider.
[008] In a further embodiment, the control unit is disposed on the helmet of the rider.
[009] In a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to communicate the generated signal to an instrument cluster controller or an Engine Control Unit (ECU) for cancelling the turn signal indicator of the vehicle.
[010] In a further embodiment, the predetermined time is ranging from 20 seconds to 30 seconds.
[011] In a further embodiment, the preset threshold value is ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.
[012] In a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to check if there is any unintentional turn taken by the rider of the vehicle for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is ranging from 1 second to 5 seconds.
[013] In a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a position of the vehicle after the predetermined time and to activate a corresponding turn indicator light.
[014] In a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to control turn signal indicator lights present on one or more smart devices of gloves and a jacket of the rider.
[015] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for operating a turn signal indicator system for a vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a control unit, an input from an indicator switch indicative of activation of the turn signal indicator and store a first position of the vehicle. The method further includes receiving, by the control unit, an input from the sensor indicative of the turning direction of the vehicle and store a second position of the vehicle. The method further includes determining, by the control unit, a difference between the first position and the second position for a predetermined time. The method further includes generating, by the control unit, a signal to cancel the turn signal indicator of the vehicle when the difference between the first position and the second position of vehicle is greater than a preset threshold value after the predetermined time.
[016] In an embodiment, the indicator switch in communication with an instrument cluster is switched-on manually by the rider or by gesture or audio based input through the instrument cluster.

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 schematic block diagram of a turn signal indicator system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a method flowchart for the turn signal indicator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile like a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[019] The present invention relates to a turn signal indicator system and a method thereof for a vehicle, for example a two-wheeled vehicle.
[020] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a turn signal indicator system 100 for a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The term “vehicle” as used in the present disclosure may include, but not limited to, a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle or a four or multi wheeled vehicle. Thus, the exemplary embodiment of two-wheeled vehicle as disclosed in the disclosure should not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. The terms “vehicle” and “two-wheeled vehicle” as used herein are interchangeably used and they are one and the same. However, the term “vehicle” is used in place of the term “two-wheeled vehicle” for brevity.
[021] The two wheeled vehicle 10 includes front and rear wheels (not shown) and a handlebar (not shown) which is typically fixed to an upper bracket (not shown). In some embodiment, the vehicle 10 may be driven by a power source including, but not limited to, an internal combustion engine (not shown) or a battery. The handlebar can be rotated to both sides of the vehicle 10 during a turning movement of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the handlebar may include one or more operating components of the vehicle including, but not limited to, a throttle control for controlling throttling operation of the vehicle and indicator switches for indicating the turning movement of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes a headlamp (not shown) having turn indicator lights. The turn indicator lights can be activated by the turn indicator switches provided on the handlebar of the vehicle.
[022] The vehicle 10 further includes an instrument cluster 40 disposed on an upper portion of the head pipe. The instrument cluster 40 may include one or more vehicular components like a speedometer display, a fuel level display, turn light indicator display. The instrument cluster 40 may further include an instrument cluster controller 36 and a memory unit (not shown). In an embodiment, the instrument cluster controller 36 may be configured to be in communication with an Engine Control Unit (ECU) 38 and an indicator switch 32 of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the instrument cluster 40 may be enabled to receive an audio based or gesture based input from a rider for operating the turn signal indicator lights of the vehicle 10, and a gyro sensor and accelerometer sensor may be provided in the turn signal indicator system 100.
[023] Referring again to Figure 1, it illustrates a turn signal indicator system 100 for the vehicle 10. The turn signal indicator system 100 includes the indicator switch 32 configured to switch-on a turn signal indicator light 34 of the vehicle 10. The indicator switch 32 can be activated by the rider of the vehicle 10 manually. In an embodiment, the indicator switch 32 is electrically connected to the turn signal indicator light 34 having left and right lights. The indicator switch 32 is electrically connected to the instrument cluster 40 and receives power supply from the battery of the vehicle 10.
[024] In the illustrated embodiment, the turn signal indicator system 100 includes a sensor 102. The sensor 102 is configured for sensing a turning direction of the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 102 is, but not limited to, a magnetometer sensor. The magnetometer sensor is disposed on a helmet of the rider. The helmet is a protective gear used to cover a head of the rider during vehicle riding. In an embodiment, the sensor 102 is configured to be in communication with a control unit 104 of the turn indicator system 100.
[025] In an embodiment, the control unit 104 is further configured to be in communication with the indicator switch 32, the instrument cluster controller 36 and the ECU 38 of the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication may be established through wired or wireless means known in the art.
[026] In an alternate embodiment, the control unit 104 of the turn signal indicator system 100 can be configured within the ECU 38 of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 may include one or more additional components such as, but not limited to, an input/output module and a pre-processing module. In another exemplary embodiment, the system 100 may include more than one of same or similar control unit(s) 104.
[027] In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 104 may include only a processor which may be required to process the received instructions / signals from one or more input devices like a memory unit (not shown), the sensor 102 and / or the instrument cluster controller 36 and / or the indicator switch 32 and / or the ECU 38 of the vehicle 10 and process the same. In yet another embodiment, the system 100 can be in communication with an analytic module (not shown) which may be configured to perform additional analysis of the communication information received from the sensor 102.
[028] In some embodiments, the control unit 104 is capable of executing the machine executable instructions to perform the functions described herein. The control unit 104 is in communication with the components such as the pre-processing module and the analytic module. In another embodiment, the control unit 104 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the control unit 104 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 104 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In still another embodiment, the control unit 104 may be embodied as an executor of instructions, where the instructions are specifically configured on the control unit 104 to perform the steps or operations described herein for operating the turn signal indicator system 100 in the vehicle 10.
[029] In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 104 is configured to receive an input from the indicator switch 32 indicative of activation of the turn signal indicator. The indicator switch 32 can be actuated or turned ON by the rider when the vehicle 10 is required to be turned during the vehicle movement. The control unit 104 is configured to store a first position ?1 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the first position ?1 can be an initial position of the vehicle 10 before start of the travel or a standby position during the travel for example at a traffic signal. The indicator switch 32 is operated by the rider of the vehicle 10 which is based on the turning movement during the travel.
[030] The control unit 104 is further configured to receive an input from the sensor 102 indicative of the turning direction of the vehicle 10. The sensor 102 disposed in the helmet of the vehicle 10 is adapted to obtain the turning direction of the vehicle 10 during the travel and store a second position ?2 of the vehicle 10. The second position ?2 can be defined as a position of the vehicle during the turning movement of the vehicle 10.
[031] The control unit 104 is further configured to determine a difference ?’ between the first position ?1 and the second position ?2 for a predetermined time T1. The term “predetermined time” can be defined as a time which is typically required for taking a turn during any turning movement of the vehicle travel. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined time T1 is ranging from 20 seconds to 30 seconds.
[032] The control unit 104 is configured to generate a signal to cancel the turn signal indicator of the vehicle 10 when the difference ?’ between the first position ?1 and the second position ?2 of the vehicle 10 is greater than a preset threshold value ? after the predetermined time T1. In an exemplary embodiment, the preset threshold value ? is ranging from 10 to 30 degrees. The control unit 104 is configured to communicate the generated signal to an instrument cluster controller 36 or the ECU 38 for cancelling the turn signal indicator of the vehicle 10. Thus, the control unit 104 provides an automatic cancellation of the turn signal indicator lights, thereby avoiding any accidents due to miscommunication of turning movement through the turn signal indicator lights and also preventing drainage of the battery energy of the vehicle 10.
[033] In an embodiment, it may so happen that the rider of the vehicle 10 could turn the vehicle 10 in an unintentional direction or wrong turning direction (for example left turning direction) but have activated the turn signal indicator light in another direction (for example right turning direction). During such time, the control unit 104 is configured to check if there is any unintentional turn taken by the rider of the vehicle 10 for a predetermined time T2, by obtaining an input of the unintentional turning direction from the sensor 102 disposed in the helmet of the rider. The predetermined time T2 is ranging from 1 second to 5 seconds. In an embodiment, the predetermined time T2 is less than the predetermined time T1. During this time, the control unit 104 is configured to determine a position ?3 of the vehicle 10 after the predetermined time T2. The position ?3 is a position of the vehicle 10 during a deviated turning movement of the vehicle 10 and to activate a corresponding turn indicator light 34. Thereby, avoiding any accidents due to wrong indication on the turn signal indicator light 34.
[034] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 104 is configured to control turn signal indicator lights present on one or more smart devices of gloves and a jacket of the rider. The control unit 104 disposed at the rider’s helmet may be configured to communicate wirelessly by known means to the turn signal indicators present in the gloves and the jacket of the rider. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 104 is configured to send a signal to the instrument cluster controller 36 for communicating to the smart devices like gloves and the jacket of the rider to automatically switch OFF the turn signal indicator lights present on the gloves and the jacket of the rider.
[035] Figure 2 illustrates a method flowchart for the turn signal indicator system 100 of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When the vehicle 10 is in ON condition, at a step 202, the method 200 includes receiving, by the control unit 104, an input from an indicator switch 32 indicative of activation of the turn signal indicator and store a first position ?1 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the indicator switch 32 in communication with the instrument cluster 40 is switched-on manually by the rider. In another embodiment, the rider can provide an input by gesture or audio through the instrument cluster 40 for activating the turn signal indicator lights.
[036] At a step 204, the method 200 includes receiving, by the control unit 104, an input from the sensor 102 indicative of the turning direction of the vehicle 10 and store a second position ?2 of the vehicle 10.
[037] At a step 206, the method 200 includes determining, by the control unit 104, a difference ?’ between the first position ?1 and the second position ?2 for a predetermined time T1 ranging from 20 seconds to 30 seconds. At a step 208, the method 200 includes generating, by the control unit 104, a signal to cancel the turn signal indicator of the vehicle 10 when the difference ?’ between the first position ?1 and the second position ?2 of vehicle 10 is greater than a preset threshold value ? after the predetermined time T1.
[038] In an embodiment, the method 200 further includes activating a correct turn indicator signal lights 34 when the rider of the vehicle 10 take a turn in an unintentional direction or wrong turning direction (for example left turning direction) but have activated the turn signal indicator light in another direction (for example right turning direction). The method 200 includes, to check, by the control unit 104 if there is any unintentional turn taken by the rider of the vehicle 10 for the predetermined time T2 of 1 second to 5 seconds. The sensor 102 in the helmet communicates an input of the unintentional turning direction to the control unit 104. The method 200 further includes determining, by the control unit 104, the position ?3 of the vehicle 10 after the predetermined time T2. The position ?3 is a position of the vehicle 10 during a deviated turning movement of the vehicle 10. The method 200 further includes, activating a corresponding turn indicator light 34 of the vehicle if the position of the vehicle is deviated from the desired turning movement of the vehicle. Thereby, avoiding any accidents due to wrong indication on the turn signal indicator lights.
[039] In an exemplary embodiment, method 200 includes activating, by the control unit 104, to turn ON the signal indicator lights present on one or more smart devices of gloves and a jacket of the rider. The control unit 104 disposed at the rider’s helmet is configured to communicate wirelessly by known means to turn ON the turn signal indicator lights present in the gloves and the jacket of the rider.
[040] Advantageously, the present invention of turn signal indicator system eliminates battery drainage as the turn signal indicator system is turned OFF automatically when the rider forgets to turn OFF the turn indicator switch after taking the required turning during the vehicle movement. That is to say, the present invention also helps in decreasing the rate of battery consumption.
[041] The turn signal indicator system and the method as disclosed in the present invention reduces the chances of accident which is generally caused when any vehicle is coming from behind. This is achieved since the operation of the turning off of the turn signal lights of the vehicle is automatically carried out by the control unit of the turn signal indicator system, which clearly notifies vehicles in rear direction of the vehicle about movement of the vehicle. In other words, the present invention disables the turn signal indicator light when not required and enables the turn signal indicator light by the indicator switch provided on the handlebar. The turn signal indicator light gets actuated when there is a turn angle detected by a magnetometer sensor installed in the helmet and disables the turn signal indicator light once the turn angle is zero.
[042] The present invention helps in switching OFF of the turn signal indicator lights of the vehicle automatically. Thus improves the safety of the rider and other nearby drivers and pedestrians.
[043] The turn signal indicator system includes a magnetometer sensor, which is a low cost and effective solution.
[044] 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.