TURN INDICATOR CONTROL FOR A VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[OOOI] The present invention relates to a turn indicator control system for
vehicles, more particularly to turn indicator control for vehicles which lean
while turning such as two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Currently, vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles, employ turn signal
control systems to control turn indicators present in the vehicles. Examples
of such vehicles may include two-wheeled vehicle such as motorcycles,
scooters, snowmobiles and the like. Such control systems work based on
inputs such as steering angle, vehicle speed, banking angle, etc. In an
exemplary scenario, a turn signal control system utilizes fixed algorithms
and set of values that predominantly govern the working of the control
system. Such algorithms and values are usually default factory settings that
are set by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and these factory
settings cannot be altered by driver1 rider of the two-wheeled vehicle. As
traffic and road conditions may be different for different locations and
accordingly, factory settings of these algorithms and values that suit for
particular location may not be true when the two-wheeled vehicles are used
at other locations. Sometimes, average of these values is set in the
underlying control systems that may not be suitable for each location. Such
values that are used in a particular control system of a two-wheeled vehicle
may not produce accurate turn control for the two-wheeled vehicle in
varying conditions, and thereby may create confusion in the mind of drivers
of other vehicles causing increased chances of accident.
SUMMARY
[0003] In view of the foregoing disadvantages in the conventional turn
control systems, the present invention provides a turn indicator control
system which is adapted to update time values associated with switching
OFF of turn indicator(s) of the vehicle. Various embodiments provide turn
indicator control system that are based on real time data and manual inputs
in local traffic conditions, in order to control the turn indicators of the vehicle
in accordance with the local traffic conditions.
[0004] The present invention discloses a turn indicator control system for a
vehicle. The turn indicator control system includes at least one turn
indicator, a data storage device to store at least one set of time values
associated with switching OFF the at least one turn indicator and a
controller communicably coupled to the data storage device and the at
least one turn indicator. The controller is configured to receive a user
control signal for switching ON the at least one turn indicator and generate
a control signal for switching ON the at least one turn indicator. The
controller is configured to generate a control signal for switching OFF the at
least one turn indicator based on at least one of a receipt of a user control
signal for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator and the at least one
set of time values. The controller is further configured to update the at least
one set of time values based on a time of receipt of the user control signal
for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator.
[0005] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to record a first time,
where the first time is a time when the user control signal for switching ON
the at least one turn indicator is received, and configured to record a
second time, where the second time is a time when the user control signal
for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator is received. The controller
is further configured to calculate a time elapsed between the first time and
the second time using a timer and to update a time value of the at least one
set of time values by the time elapsed calculated by the timer. Further, a
speed sensor is provided for providing speed information associated with
the vehicle and the controller is further configured to determine a speed
level of at least one speed level of the vehicle based on the speed
information. The at least one set of time values correspond to the at least
one speed level. The controller is further configured to update the time
value of a set of time values corresponding to the determined speed level.
[0006] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to calculate a
threshold time value corresponding to a speed level based on an average
of the set of time values corresponding to the speed level. The data storage
device is further configured to store the threshold time value corresponding
to each speed level of the at least one speed level. Further, the controller is
configured to update the time value of the set of time values by the time
elapsed if the time elapsed is smaller than the threshold time value.
Furthermore, the controller is configured to update the time value by the
time elapsed if a difference of the time elapsed and the threshold time
value is less than a predetermined value. Furthermore, the controller is
configured to generate the control signal for switching OFF the at least one
turn indicator if the threshold time value is elapsed from the first time.
[0007] In an embodiment, the threshold time value is calculated using a
statistical method based on the set of time values. The statistical method
used to calculate the threshold time value is a normal distribution method
based on the set of time values. A banking sensor is provided for
generating a banking information associated with the vehicle. Further, the
controller is configured to switch OFF the at least one turn indicator after
the threshold time value from the first time if the banking information
represents a zero banking for the vehicle. Furthermore, the controller is
configured to update the time value based on the banking information
associated with the vehicle. The controller is further configured to update
the time value by a time difference between the first time and a time of
receiving the zero banking information, if the time difference is more than
the threshold time value. The controller is further configured to update the
threshold time value based on the updated time value in the at least one
set of time values.
[0008] In an embodiment, the data storage device is an electrically erasable
programmable read only memory. The at least one turn indicator comprises
a left turn indicator and a right turn indicator. Further, a left relay system
and a right relay system are provided for controlling the switching ON, the
switching OFF and flashing of the left turn indicator and the right turn
indicator, respectively. Furthermore, a reset button is provided to reset the
set of time values corresponding to the each speed level of the at least one
speed level.
[0009] The present invention also discloses a method of controlling at least
one turn indicator of a vehicle. The method includes generating, by a
controller, a control signal for switching ON the at least one turn indicator
based on a user control signal for switching ON the at least one turn
indicator. Further, the method includes generating, by the controller, a
control signal for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator based on at
least one of a user control signal for switching OFF the at least one turn
indicator and the at least one set of time values. Further the method
includes, updating, by the controller, the at least one set of time values
based on a time of receiving the user control signal for switching OFF the
at least one turn indicator.
[OOIO] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a speed
information associated with the vehicle and determining a speed level of at
least one speed level of the vehicle based on the speed information,
wherein the at least one set of time values correspond to the at least one
speed level of the vehicle. A time value of a set of time values
corresponding to the determined speed level is updated based on the
determined speed level. Further, updating the time value of the set of time
values includes recording a first time when the user control signal for
switching ON the at least one turn indicator is received, recording a second
time when the user control signal for switching OFF the at least one turn
indicator is received, calculating a time elapsed between the first time and
the second time using a timer, and updating a time value of a set of time
values associated with the determined speed level by the time elapsed
between the first time and the second time.
[001 I ] The invention itself, together with further features and attended
advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanied drawings wherein
like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a turn indicator control
system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the turn indicator control
system, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of update of time
values, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method for turn indicator control
in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood
as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are
only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS AND
[0017] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be
understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the
particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the
scope of the invention.
[0018] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof,
are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device
or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include
only those components or steps but may include other components or
steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In
other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by
"comprises.. . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence
of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0019] In accordance with the present invention the drawbacks as stated
hereinabove have been overcome by providing a turn indicator control
system which is adapted to control switching OFF of turn indicators present
in a vehicle. Typically, one or more threshold time values stored in the
vehicle are used for switching OFF the turn indicators in the vehicles.
Various embodiments of the present invention are capable of updating the
threshold time values based on real time data and inputs associated with
actions of a rider of the vehicle while use of the vehicle in local traffic
conditions. Various embodiments of the turn indicator control system and
methods thereof is described herein reference to Figures 1 to 4.
[0020] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now
be made to the embodiment illustrated in greater depth in the
accompanying figures and description here below, further, in the following
figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same
components in various views.
[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a turn indicator control system
(100) for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The control system (100) comprises at least one turn indicator such as a
turn indicator (1 lo), a data storage device (120) and a controller (130). The
turn indicator (1 10) is configured to provide turn or direction indication for
the vehicle at a turn. In an embodiment, the controller (130) is configured to
provide a control signal for switching ONIOFF of the turn indicator (1 10).
For instance, the controller (130) is configured to generate a control signal
for switching ON the turn indicator (1 10) based on a user control signal.
[0022]The controller (130) may control the switching OFF of the turn
indicator (1 10) based on at least one set of time values or a user control
signal for switching OFF of the turn indicator (110). The data storage
device (120) is configured to store the at least one set of time values. In an
example, at least one cut-off time (or cancellation timelthreshold time
value) is calculated from the at least one set of time values, and the turn
indicator (1 10) may be switched OFF after a cut-off time from a time of
switching ON the turn indicator (1 10). In an embodiment, the control signal
may be generated by the controller (130) based on the stored cut-off time
in the data storage device (120) to switch OFF the turn indicator (1 10). The
controller (130) is configured to update the set of time values stored in the
data storage device (120) based on a time of receipt of the user control
signal for switching OFF of the turn indicator (1 10). A detailed embodiment
of a turn indicator control system is explained in reference to Figure 2.
[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram for a turn indicator control
system (200), according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The turn indicator control system (200) comprises the turn indictor (1 10)
comprising a left turn indicator (270) and a right turn indicator (285), a data
storage device (215), at least one sensor such as a banking sensor (210)
and a speed sensor (220), a left indicator switch (230), a right indicator
switch (235) and the controller (240).
[0024] The controller (240) can take form of either a microprocessor or any
similar programmable devices. For example, the controller (240) may be
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. The
controller (240) can comprise either single control unit or multiple control
units as each of the control units being electronically connected with each
other using serial bus to transmit the data therebetween. As shown in
Figure 2, the controller (240) may comprise two control units as a first
control unit (250) and a second control unit (260) that are electronically
connected to each other. The controller (240) is configured to generate the
control signal for switching OFF the turn indicators (270) and (285) based
on time values stored in the data storage device (215), the banking
information and the speed information associated with the vehicle or based
on the user control signal for switching OFF of the turn indicators (270) and
(285). The controller (240) is configured to update the time values based on
the banking information, the speed information and the time of receipt of
the user control signal for switching OFF of the turn indicators (270) and
(285).
[0025] The left indicator switch (230) and the right indicator switch (235) are
configured to provide the user control signals. For instance, when a user
presses the left indicator switch (230) to a position for switching ON the left
turn indicator (270), a user control signal (231) for switching ON the left turn
indicator (270) is provided to the controller (240). It should be noted that if
the left turn switch (230) is pressed to a position for switching OFF the left
turn indicator (270), the user control signal (231) for switching OFF the left
turn indicator (270) is provided to the controller (240). Similarly, when a
user presses the right indicator switch (235) to a position for switching ON
the right turn indicator (285), a user control signal (236) for switching ON
the right turn indicator (285) is provided to the controller (240). Further, by
pressing the right indicator switch (235) to a position for switching OFF the
right turn indicator (285), the user control signal (236) for switching OFF the
right turn indicator (285) is provided to the controller (240).
[0026]The banking sensor (210) is configured to generate the banking
information. Examples of the banking information include, but are not
limited to, direction of banking of the vehicle, angle of the banking of the
vehicle, and the like. The direction of banking may include whether the
inclination of the vehicle is towards left, right or in vertically straight
direction. The angle of banking may be an angle sensed either from a
horizontal surface or a vertical line. For example, the banking information
may include information corresponding to a banking angle of vehicle, for
example, 30 degree from the vertical (for example, leaning in left side) or -
30 degree from the vertical (for example, leaning in right side). If there is no
banking of the vehicle in either direction, the banking information may
include information corresponding to a zero banking.
[0027]The banking sensor (210), the left indicator switch (230) and the
right indicator switch (235) are electronically1 electrically connected to the
controller (240) generally through a latch (205). An example of the latch
(205) may be a circuit that can hold the information temporality and
provides/passes the information to the controller (240).
[0028] When the vehicle is inclined towards the left, a signal (shown as
255) corresponding to the left banking information may be generated by the
banking sensor (210), and if the vehicle is inclined towards right, a signal
(shown as 265) may corresponding to the right banking information is
generated by the banking sensor (210). If the vehicle is not inclined either
to the left or to the right, i.e., the vehicle is moving straight, the signal
generated by the banking sensor (210) is a zero banking information (not
shown). In an implementation, in case of zero banking, the signal (255) and
(265) may not be provided to the controller (240). In some embodiment,
there may be only one signal path (providing signals in digital form
comprising multiple bits) that provide information about the direction of
banking and angle of banking.
[0029] The speed sensor (220) is electronically/ electrically connected to
the controller (240) and is capable of generating a signal (shown as 225)
corresponding to speed information of the vehicle. Examples of the speed
information may include information of a speed level (from at least one
speed level) of the vehicle, at a particular time instance (for example, at the
turn). For instance, the at least one speed level may be classified as a low
speed level, a medium speed level and a high speed level. It should be
understood that the speed levels may be categorized in more or less
number of speed levels than what is described herein. In an embodiment,
the controller (240) determines an appropriate speed level of the vehicle, at
the particular time, based on the speed information. The controller (240) is
further configured to provide the control signal based on the speed
information (225) along with the banking information received from the
banking sensor (210) for switching OFF of the indicator switches (230) and
(235). Some examples of the generation of the control signals are further
explained in reference to Figure 3.
[0030]The left turn indicator (270) includes a left indicator lamp (280) and
the right turn indicator (285) includes a right indicator lamp (295). The
control system (200) comprises relay systems (275) and (290) that are
electronically or electrically connected to the controller (240) for receiving
the control signal. The relay systems (275) and (290) are configured to
switch ON/OFF/Flash the indicator lamps (280) and (295), respectively,
based on the control signal received from the controller (240).
[0031] In the embodiment of the present invention, the data storage devices
(215) may comprise any memory or registers capable of storing one or
more bits of information, for example, the at least one set of time values.
Examples of the data storage device (215) may include, but are not limited
to, programmable memory, erasable programmable memory, electrically
erasable programmable memory, flash memory, hard disk, magnetic
memory, any new non-volatile technologies and the like. In a preferred
embodiment, the data storage device (21 5) may be an electrically erasable
programmable read only memory (E~PROM)I.n an embodiment, each of at
least one set of time values corresponds to a speed level. For example, a
separate set of time values may be stored for the low speed level, the
medium speed level and the high speed level. In some embodiment, a
same set of time values may correspond to different speed levels of the
vehicle.
[0032] In an example, for the low speed level, the set of time values may
include ten time values such as, TI, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9 and
T10. It should be understood that number of stored time values for the low
speed level may be more or less than ten as well. The controller (240) is
configured to calculate a threshold time value for the low speed level based
on the sets of time values (for example, TI, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9
and T10). In an example, the threshold time value (Tml) for the low speed
level may be calculated based on the average of the set of time values (Tl-
T10) and the threshold time value (Tml) may be stored in the storage
device (215). Similarly, for the medium speed level and the high speed
level, there may be separate ten (or other value) time values, and based on
these time values, threshold time value for the medium speed level (Tmm)
and the threshold time value for the high speed level (Tmh) may be
calculated. The threshold time values represent the cut-off time values that
are used by the controller (240) to generate the control signal for switching
OFF the indicators (270) or (285) from the time instances when these
indicators (270) and/or (285) are switched ON. For example, if Tml is 8
seconds, and the left indicator (270) is turned ON at a time instance of
02:30:12 (hour:minute:second), the controller (240) generates a control
signal to switch OFF the left indicator (270) at the time instance of 2:30:20,
if the speed of the vehicle falls in the low speed level category.
[0033] In an embodiment, the set of time values for each speed level may
be pre-set by the OEMs as factory settings. Each of the threshold time
values corresponding to speed levels (Trnl, Tmm and Tmh) can have
similar or different approaches of calculating the threshold time values. In
an embodiment, the threshold time values (Trnl, Tmm, or Tmh) may be
calculated using a statistical method. One of the examples of the statistical
method may include a normal distribution method. In an embodiment, the
threshold time values may be calculated using integral method.
[0034]An exemplary operation of the control system (200) may be
described as follows. When the rider actuates a turn indicator switch, either
the left indicator switch (230) or the right indicator switch (235), a signal is
generated by respective turn indicator switch and the signal is provided to
the controller (240) through the latch (205). The controller (240), in turn,
provides a control signal to the respective relay systems (275) or (290) to
activate the corresponding indicator lamps (280) or (295), respectively.
[0035] Herein, the description is made for a case where the left indicator
lamp (280) is switched ONIOFF, and the similar logic would be extendable
for operatinglcontrolling the right indicator lamp (295) as well.
[0036] When the controller (240) receives the user control signal for
switching ON the left indicator lamp (280), the controller (240) provides a
control signal for activatinglswitching ON the left indicator lamp (280). The
controller (240) also starts noting the speed values based on the speed
information received from the speed sensor (220) and the controller (240)
also starts recording the time elapsed from the activation of the left
indicator lamp (280). For instance, the controller (240) stores a time (for
example, the first time) when the user control signal for switching ON the
left indicator lamp (280) is received from the left indicator switch (230) and
the controller (240) calculates the time elapsed from the first time. In this
example, if before the threshold time value for the current speed level of
the vehicle (for example, Tml as stored in the storage device (215),
assuming the current speed level of the vehicle falls in the low speed level),
if no banking is detected (i.e., the banking information indicates zero
banking), the controller (240) sends the control signal to the left relay
system (275) to deactivate the left indicator lamp (280).
[0037] In this example, if the user leans the vehicle towards left, the
banking sensor (210) senses the banking angle and direction of the
banking and the banking sensor (210) generates a signal (shown as 255)
corresponding to the left banking information. This signal (255) is provided
to the controller (240) through the latch (205) and the controller (240) waits
for another signal from the banking sensor (210) which is an indication of
the vertical position of the vehicle i.e. when the left turn is complete. Now
based on the speed of the vehicle, the controller (240) decides whether
speed is falling in low speed level or medium speed level or high speed
level. Based on the speed level, the controller (240) selects the threshold
time value for the speed level. In an example, after the threshold time value
(for example, Tml) from the first time, the controller (240) provides the
control signal to the left relay system (275) to deactivate the left indicator
lamp (280).
[0038] Referring to the same example, during the activation period (while
the left indicator lamp (280) is switched ON) of the left indicator lamp (280),
if the user operates the left indicator switch (230) intending to deactivate
the left indicator lamp (280), the left indicator switch (230) provides the
corresponding user control signal through the latch (205) to the controller
(240). The controller (240) sends the control signal to the left relay system
(275) that deactivates the left indicator lamp (280) (i.e. even before the
deactivation after the threshold time value, Tml). When the user control
signal for switching OFF the left indicator lamp (280) is received from the
left indicator switch (230) indicating the manual cut off, the controller (240)
records a time (for example a second time). The second time is stored in
the data storage device (215). At the same time (when the manual cut-off is
received), the controller (240) determines the speed level of the vehicle
based on the speed information received from the speed sensor (220).
[0039] In an example, the controller (240) is configured to calculate a time
elapsed between the first time and the second time using a timer (not
shown). For example, a time is activated upon the receipt of the user
control signal for switching ON an indicator lamp, and the time counting is
performed till the user control signal for switching OFF the indicator lamp is
received, and a time value of the timer represents the time elapsed. The
time elapsed (hereinafter also referred to as a third time) is used to replace
a time value (of a set of time values) for the current speed level of the
vehicle. The update of the set of time values for the current speed level of
the vehicle is further described with reference to Figure 3. In this example,
based on the updated set of time values, the threshold time value (Tml) for
the current speed level is calculated and is stored.
[0040] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of update of time
values according to an embodiment of the present invention. An exemplary
table (300) comprising a set of time values for a particular speed level is
shown. The table (300) is stored in the data storage device (215). In the
exemplary representation of Figure 3, the table 300 is shown as including
10 time values starting from TI to T10, for a particular speed level such as
the low speed level. When the time elapsed between the first time and the
second time (for example, the third time (T)) is calculated, the third time is
updated in the set of time values (for example, in the table 300). In one
implementation, the table (300) may be configured as a shift registers
capable of storing a predetermined number (for example, 10) of time
values. In an example, the third time (T) is fed into the shift registers in a
left shift configuration. For instance, T is loaded at the location where TI0
is stored, and each of the TI0 to TI moves to their immediate left location.
Accordingly, the table (300) may be updated as (T2, T3, T4, T5 ... T10, and
T), as TI is shifted-out and T is shifted-in. In another implantation (rightshift
configuration), TI0 will be shifted-out and T is shifted-in at the location
of TI. Further, the controller (240) is configured to calculate the threshold
time value based on the updated set of time values (T2, T3 ... . T10, T) and
the calculated threshold time value for the low speed level is updated in the
data storage device (215). Similarly, if the speed of the vehicle falls under
the medium speed level or high speed values, corresponding sets of time
values will be updated by the controller (240), and their corresponding
threshold time values may be calculated and stored.
[0041] In an embodiment, the third time value is used to update a time
value in a set of time values only if the third time value is close to a
currently stored threshold time value for the set of time values. For
example, if the difference of the third time value and the threshold time
value is less than a predetermined value, the third time value may be used
to update the time value in the set of time values (for example, in the table
(300)). For instance, in an example, it may be assumed that the
predetermined value is 3 seconds and the currently stored threshold time
value is 8 seconds. In this example, if the third time value is calculated as
10 seconds, the third time value (10 seconds) will be used to update a time
value in the table (300). Further, in this example, if the third time value is
calculated as 15 seconds, this third time value (15 seconds) will not be
used to update the time value in the table (300).
[0042] In another embodiment, the controller (240) is configured to record a
time difference from start of the turn (for example, the first time) and a
completion of the turn (for example, a time when the banking sensor (210)
provides zero banking information). If the time difference is more than the
current threshold time value, the controller (240) is configured to update the
table (300), and accordingly an updated threshold time value is calculated
based on the update table (300).
[0043] In an embodiment, the control system (200) may include the reset
button (245) on the front consol of the vehicle or at a suitable location to
reset the set of time values corresponding to the each speed level of the at
least one speed level stored in the data storage device (215) such as
E*PROM. A particular set of time values or all set of time values for various
speed levels may be reset back to the factory settings using the reset
button (245).
[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart for a method (400) for a turn indicator
control in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In
an embodiment, the method (400) may be performed by the control
systems (100) or (200). At 405, the method 400 includes generating a
control signal for switching ON the at least one turn indicator based on a
user control signal for switching ON the at least one turn indicator. In an
embodiment, the control signal for switching ON the at least one turn
indicator such as the indicators (1 10) and (270) and 285) may be provided
by the controllers (130) and (240), respectively as described in reference
with Figures 1, 2 and 3. In an embodiment, the user control signal for
switching ON the at least one indicator may be provided by switches such
as the indicator switches 230 andlor 235.
[0045]At 410, the method 400 includes generating a control signal for
switching OFF the at least one turn indicator based on at least one of a
user control signal for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator, at least
one set of time values, and a banking information. For example, in some
cases, the control signal for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator
may also be generated on the basis of the user control signal (that is
generated manually, as explained in reference to Figure 2). In some cases,
the control signal may also be generated based on the at least one set of
time values corresponding to at least one speed level of the vehicle. In
some cases, the control signal may also be generated based on the
banking information alongwith the at least one set of time values. In an
embodiment, the control signal for switching OFF the at least one turn
indicator such as the indicators (1 lo), (270 and 285) may be provided by
the controllers (130) or (240). As the control signal for switching OFF is
provided to relay systems (275) or (290), the corresponding turn indicators
(270) or (285) are deactivated by switching OFF the indicator lamps (280)
and (295).
[0046]At 415, the method 400 includes updating the at least one set of
time values based on a time of receiving the user control signal for
switching OFF the at least one turn indicator. In an embodiment, the
method 400 also includes updating at least one set of time values based on
a banking information associated with the vehicle, the user control signal
associated with switching OFF the turn indicator and a speed information
associated with the vehicle. In an embodiment, operation at the step 415
may be performed using steps 420,425 and 430.
[0047]At 420, the method 400 includes recording a first time when the user
control signal for switching ON the at least one turn indicator (for example,
the left indicator (270)) is received. At 425, the method 400 includes
recording a second time when the user control signal for switching OFF the
at least one turn indicator (for example, the left indicator (270)) is received.
At 430, the method 400 includes calculating a time elapsed between the
first time and the second time by a timer. At 435, the method 400 includes
updating a time value of a set of time values corresponding to a speed level
of the vehicle by the time elapsed. The updated set of time values for the
speed level is stored in a data storage device such as the data storage
device (2 1 5).
[0048] In an embodiment, the time elapsed (also referred to as a third time)
will be updated only if the third time is smaller than the threshold time value
corresponding to the speed level. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the
threshold time value can be updated, as a new threshold value which is
calculated based on the updated set of time values. In an embodiment, the
third time is updated in the set of time values only if the third time is close
to a currently stored threshold time value. For example, if the difference of
the third time and the threshold time value is less than a predetermined
value, the third time may be used to update a time value in the set of time
values (for example, in the table (300)). Various examples of updating the
set of time values are explained with reference to figures 2 and 3.
[0049] In an embodiment, the method 400 may also include recording a
time difference from start of the turn (for example, the first time) and a
completion of the turn (for example, a time when the banking sensor (210)
provides zero banking information). If the time difference is more than the
current threshold time value, the controller (240) is configured to update the
set of time values (for example, the table (300) described in reference to
Figure 3), and accordingly an updated threshold time value is calculated
based on the update set of time values.
[0050]Various embodiments of the present invention offer various
advantages as follows. For instance, inputs based on the user interventions
for switching OFF the indicator lamps owing to the local traffic conditions
are utilized to update the set of time values (that in turn updates the
threshold time values) in the control systems (100) and (200). Further,
these values may be updated independently for different speed levels,
thereby providing accurate turn control for two-wheeled vehicles for
different speed levels. Further, the turn control system is adaptive to
change the set of time values and the threshold time values (cut-off times)
without bothering the user of the two-wheeled vehicle, and as per the need
these updated values may be changed back to the factory settings.
Furthermore, the elements of the control system are energized by power
source such as a vehicle battery (not shown) or any other available power
source.
[0051] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the
particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various
modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the
preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the
invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or
the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the
foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the
invention and not as a limitation.
CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A turn indicator control system for a vehicle, comprising:
at least one turn indicator;
a data storage device to store at least one set of time values
associated with switching OFF the at least one turn indicator; and
a controller communicably coupled to the data storage device and
the at least one turn indicator, the controller configured to:
generate a control signal for switching ON the at least one
turn indicator based on receiving a user control signal for switching ON
the at least one turn indicator; and
generate a control signal for switching OFF the at least one
turn indicator based on at least one of a receipt of a user control signal
for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator and the at least one
set of time values, and
update the at least one set of time values based on a time of
receipt of the user control signal for switching OFF the at least one turn
indicator.
2. The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to:
record a first time, the first time being a time when the user control
signal for switching ON the at least one turn indicator is received;
record a second time, the second time being a time when the user
control signal for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator is
received;
calculate a time elapsed between the first time and the second time
using a timer; and
update a time value of the at least one set of time values by the time
elapsed calculated by the timer.
3. The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 2, further
comprising a speed sensor for providing speed information associated
with the vehicle and the controller is further configured to determine a
speed level of at least one speed level of the vehicle based on the
speed information.
4. The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
at least one set of time values correspond to the at least one speed
level, and the controller is further configured to update the time value of
a set of time values corresponding to the determined speed level.
5. The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
controller is configured to calculate a threshold time value
corresponding to a speed level based on an average of the set of time
values corresponding to the speed level.
6. The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
data storage device is further configured to store the threshold time
value corresponding to each speed level of the at least one speed
level.
7. The turn indicator control signal as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
controller is configured to update the time value of the set of time
values by the time elapsed if the time elapsed is smaller than the
threshold time value.
8. The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
controller is configured to update the time value by the time elapsed if
a difference of the time elapsed and the threshold time value is less
than a predetermined value.
9. The turn indicator control system as claimed in 6, wherein the
controller is configured to generate the control signal for switching OFF
the at least one turn indicator if the threshold time value is elapsed
from the first time.
10.The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the
threshold time value is calculated using a statistical method based on
the set of time values.
11 .The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the
statistical method used to calculate the threshold time value is a
normal distribution method based on the set of time values.
12.The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 6, further
comprising a banking sensor for generating a banking information
associated with the vehicle.
13.The turn indicator control system as claimed in 6, wherein the
controller is configured to switch OFF the at least one turn indicator
after the threshold time value from the first time and if the banking
information represents a zero banking for the vehicle.
14. The turn indicator control system as claimed in 13, wherein the
controller is configured to update the time value based on the banking
information associated with the vehicle.
15.The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
controller is further configured to:
update the time the value by a time difference between a time of
receiving banking information and a time of receiving the zero banking
information, if the time difference is more than the threshold time value;
and
update the threshold time value based on the updated time value in
the at least one set of time values.
16. The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
data storage device is an electrically erasable programmable read only
memory.
l7.The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
at least one turn indicator comprises a left turn indicator or a right turn
indicator.
18.The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 17, further
comprising a left relay system and a right relay system for controlling
the switching ON, the switching OFF and flashing of the left turn
indicator and the right turn indicator, respectively.
19.The turn indicator control system as claimed in claim 6, further
comprising a reset button to reset the set of time values corresponding
to the each speed level of the at least one speed level.
20.A method of controlling at least one turn indicator of a vehicle, the
method comprising:
generating, by a controller, a control signal for switching ON the at
least one turn indicator based on a user control signal for switching ON
the at least one turn indicator;
generating, by the controller, a control signal for switching OFF the
at least one turn indicator based on at least one of a user control signal
for switching OFF the at least one turn indicator and at least one set of
time values; and
updating, by the controller, the at least one set of time values based
on a time of receiving the user control signal for switching OFF the at
least one turn indicator.
21. The method as claimed in claim 20, further comprising:
receiving a speed information associated with the vehicle, and
determining a speed level of at least one speed level of the vehicle
based on the speed information, wherein the at least one set of time
values correspond to the at least one speed level of the vehicle.
22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein a time value of a set of
time values corresponding to the determined speed level is updated
based on the determined speed level.
23.The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein updating the time value
of the set of time values comprises:
recording a first time when the user control signal for switching ON
the at least one turn indicator is received;
recording a second time when the user control signal for switching
OFF the at least one turn indicator is received;
calculating a time elapsed between the first time and the second
time using a timer; and
updating a time value of a set of time values associated with the
determined speed level by the time elapsed between the first time ~ n d
the second time.