FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
AND
The Patent Rules, 2005
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
“A TURNING INDICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF FOR PROVIDING A TURNING INDICATION OF A VEHICLE”
APPLICANT(S)
TATA MOTORS LIMITED
an Indian Company Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatama Chowk, Mumbai – 400 001,
Maharashtra, India.
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a turning indication system for a vehicle, and more particularly relates to the turning indication system to indicate a side turn, U-turn-on a tail lamp of the vehicle and Self-cancellation of “U” indicator based on feedback from EPAS steering wheel sensor / angle encoder and manual override for the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When a driver is driving a car, other drivers there behind may need to know what he intends to do. A right hand indicator is provided to indicate right turn and a left hand indicator is provided to indicate left turn. However, if the driver intends to take a U-turn then the driver has to use either the right hand indicator or the left hand indicator to indicate the direction of the U-turn. Usually, the U-turn will take more time due to longer turn distance and can cause traffic congestion and road safety hazard. Therefore, there is a need of a turning indication system to provide the U-turn indication and provision of Self-cancellation of “U” indicator based on feedback from EPAS steering wheel sensor / angle encoder and manual override for the same.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a turning indication system along with cancellation mechanism to indicate a side

turn and U-turn-on a tail lamp of the vehicle. Also to provide manual over – ride for the above self-cancellation system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect object is satisfied by providing a turning indication system for providing turning indication of a vehicle. The turning indication system comprising a combi-switch connected to a body control unit. The combi-switch is connected to a steering wheel of the vehicle to provide a turning signal towards an intended direction. The body control unit is configured to receive the turning signal from the combi-switch, detect whether the turning signal correspond to one of a first time period and a second time period in which the first time period is shorter than the second time period. Further the body control unit turn-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a side turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the first time period, and turn-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a U-turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the second time period.
[0005] In an embodiment, the turning indication system comprising a sensor connected to the body control unit to sense a movement of the steering wheel in a reverse direction of the intended direction and turn-off the LED matrix on the tail lamp.
[0006] In an embodiment, the combi-switch comprises micro switches connected to the combi-switch, and springs to automatically bring the combi-switch to a home position.

[0007] In an embodiment, a plurality of LED’s in the LED matrix of the tail lamp are tuned on to form the side turn in the intended direction on the tail lamp.
[0008] In an embodiment, a plurality of LED’s in the LED matrix of the tail lamp are tuned on to form the U-turn in the intended direction on the tail lamp.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention is provide a method for providing a turning indication of a vehicle. The method comprising receiving a turning signal towards an intended direction to turn the vehicle, detecting whether the turning signal correspond to one of a first time period and a second time period in which the first time period is shorter than the second time period, and turning-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a side turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the first time period, and turning-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a U-turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the second time period. Further, the method includes sensing a movement of the steering wheel (101) in a reverse direction of the intended direction, and turning-off the LED matrix on the tail lamp.
[0010] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of

the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] This connector is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a turning indication system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a representation of a side-turn-on a tail lamp of the vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a representation of a U-turn-on a tail lamp of the vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for indicating side-turn and U-turn, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one

or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0017] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a turning indication system (100) for a vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The turning indication system (100) comprises a steering wheel (101), an angle sensor (102), a body control unit (103), a left hand indicator (104), a right hand indicator (105), a combi-switch lever (106) and a combi-switch (111).

[0020] The angle sensor (102) is for sensing movements of the steering wheel (101) of the vehicle and providing the movement information of the steering wheel (101) to the body control unit (103). In an embodiment, the angle sensor (102) is an electric power steering (EPAS) angle sensor or angle encoder.
[0021] The body control unit (103) is connected to the combi-switch (111), the left hand indicator (104) and the right hand indicator (105) of a tail lamp. The body control unit (103) provides control signals to the left hand indicator (104) and the right hand indicator (105) of the tail lamp to providing the turning indications.
[0022] The combi-switch (111) comprises micro switches (107 and 108) connected to the combi-switch lever (106), and springs (109 and 110) to automatically bring the combi-switch lever (106) to the home position. The combi-switch (111) connected to the steering wheel (101) of the vehicle to provide a turning signal towards an intended direction to turn the vehicle.
[0023] The body control unit (103) is configured to receive the turning signal from the combi-switch (111) and detect whether the turning signal correspond to one of a first time period and a second time period in which the first time period is shorter than the second time period. The first time period corresponds to momentary operation of the combi-switch lever (106) performed by the driver of the vehicle to turn the vehicle in right or left direction. The second time period corresponds to a constant or hold operation of the combi-switch lever (106) performed by the driver of the vehicle for a period of time to take U-turn either in right or left direction.

[0024] Further, the body control unit (103) turn-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a side turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the first time period, and turn-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a U-turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the second time period. Furthermore, the sensor (102) connected to the body control unit (103) senses a movement of the steering wheel (101) in a reverse direction of the intended direction and turn-off the LED matrix on the tail lamp.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a representation of a side-turn-on a tail lamp of the vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a plurality of LED’s in the LED matrix of the tail lamp are tuned on to form the side turn in the intended direction on the tail lamp. For example, when the driver intends to take a left hand side turn or a right hand side turn, the driver operates the combi-switch lever (106) towards an intended direction momentarily. The respective micro switch (107 or 108) is pressed with the combi-switch lever (106) which triggers the body control unit (103) to turn “ON” side arrow matrix (→ or ←) on the tail lamp as shown in the FIG. 2. Further, the spring mechanism (109 and 110) of the combi-switch lever (106) brings the level back to the home position. After completion of the turn, the driver does reversal of the sterring wheel (101) which is sensed by the EPAS angle sensor or angle encoder (102). Once the steering wheel (101) reaches the home position, a signal is provided to the body control unit (103) to turn “OFF” the LED matrix of the tail lamp.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a representation of a U-turn-on a tail lamp of the vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a plurality of LED’s in the LED matrix of the tail lamp are tuned on to form the U-turn in the intended direction on the tail lamp.

[0027] For example, when the driver intends to take a U-turn, the driver operates the combi-switch lever (106) towards an intended direction and hold for a period of time. The respective micro switch (107 or 108) is pressed with the combi-switch lever (106) which triggers the body control unit (103) to turn “ON” U turn arrow matrix on the tail lamp as shown in the FIG. 3.
Further, the spring mechanism (109 and 110) of the combi-switch lever (106) brings the lever back to the home position. After completion of the turn, the driver does reversal of the steering wheel (101) which is sensed by the EPAS angle sensor or angle encoder (102). Once the steering wheel (101) reaches the home position, a signal is provided to the body control unit (103) to turn “OFF” the LED matrix of the tail lamp.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for indicating side-turn and U-turn, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. At step 402, the method comprises receiving the turning signal from the combi-switch lever (106). The driver of the vehicle operates the combi-switch (111) connected to the steering wheel (101) to provide the turning signal towards an intended direction to indicate that the driver would like to turn the vehicle.
[0029] At step 404, the method includes detecting whether the turning signal correspond to one of a first time period and a second time period. The first time period corresponds to momentary operation of the combi-switch lever (106) performed by the driver of the vehicle to turn the vehicle in right or left direction. The second time period corresponds to a constant or hold operation of the combi-switch lever (106) performed by the driver of the vehicle for a period of time to

take U-turn either in right or left direction. Hence, the first time period is shorter than the second time period.
[0030] At step 406, the method includes turning-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a side turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the first time period, and at step 408 the method includes turning-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a U-turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the second time period.
[0031] At step 410, the method includes sensing whether desired turn is taken or diver moves ahead without turning.
[0032] At step 412, the method includes sensing movement of the steering wheel (101) in a reverse direction of the intended direction of driver and at step 412 the method includes turning-off the LED matrix on the tail lamp and at step 414 the method includes manual over ride in case driver puts ON turn indicator, but decides not to turn. Driver operates combi-switch lever (106) in opposite direction of initial movement. Body control unit (103) understands, turn indication is ON, however, driver is operating combi-swtch lever (106) till it touches opposite micro switch, body control unit (103) turns off LED matrix on tail lamp.
[0033] For example, the steering wheel reversal angle may be insufficient in the following cases to trigger self-cancellation and needs to turn-off the indicator signal manually:
i. Driver puts the turn indicator but decides not to take the turn, and

ii. Vehicle parked roadside and driver puts the turn indicator as the driver want to take the U-turn but there is insufficient steering wheel reversal angle to trigger self-cancellation of the turn indicator.
[0034] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. Unlike the conventional turn indicating system and method, the proposed turning indication system and method is used to indicate the U-turn indicators to the driver. Improved road safety by providing clear indication to the trailing vehicles about the intended U-turn. Improved combi-switch reliability as moving mechanical parts are replaced with micro switch and angle encoders. Further flexible in design to decide turn signal indicator and cancellation angle.

We Claim:
1. A turning indication system (100) for providing a turning indication of a vehicle,
comprising:
a combi-switch (111) connected to a steering wheel (101) of the vehicle to provide a turning signal towards an intended direction to turn the vehicle;
a body control unit (103), connected to the combi-switch (111), configured to:
receive the turning signal from the combi-switch (111), detect whether the turning signal correspond to one of a first time period and a second time period, wherein the first time period is shorter than the second time period, and
perform one of turn-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a side turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the first time period, and turn-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a U-turn in the intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal correspond to the second time period.
2. The turning indication system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sensor (102) connected to the body control unit (103) to sense a movement of the steering wheel (101) in a reverse direction of the intended direction and turn-off the LED matrix on the tail lamp.
3. The turning indication system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of LED’s in the LED matrix of the tail lamp are tuned on to form the side turn in the intended direction on the tail lamp.

4. The turning indication system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of LED’s in the LED matrix of the tail lamp are tuned on to form the U-turn in the intended direction on the tail lamp.
5. The turning indication system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combi-switch (111) comprises micro switches (107 and 108) connected to the combi-switch (106), and springs (109 and 110) to automatically bring the combi-switch (111) to a home position.
6. A method for providing a turning indication of a vehicle, comprising:
receiving, by the turning indication system (100) of the vehicle, a turning signal towards an intended direction to turn the vehicle,
detecting, by the turning indication system (100), whether the turning signal correspond to one of a first time period and a second time period, wherein the first time period is shorter than the second time period, and
performing, by the turning indication system (100), one of:
turning-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a side turn in the
intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal
correspond to the first time period, and
turning-on a LED matrix on a tail lamp to indicate a U-turn in the
intendent direction in response to detecting that the turning signal
correspond to the second time period.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, comprising:
sensing, by the turning indication system (100), a movement of the steering wheel (101) in a reverse direction of the intended direction; and

turning-off, by the turning indication system (100), the LED matrix on the tail lamp.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein a plurality of LED’s in the LED matrix of the tail lamp are tuned on to form the side turn in the intended direction on the tail lamp.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein a plurality of LED’s in the LED matrix of the tail lamp are tuned on to form the U-turn in the intended direction on the tail lamp.
10. The method as claimed in claim 6, comprising:
driver deciding not to take turn and turn / u turn indication is ON, by the turning indication system (100), a movement of the combi-switch lever (106) in opposite direction of the intended direction; and
turning-off, by the turning indication system (100), the LED matrix on the tail lamp.