FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for highlighting various warning text
indicators for the operator of a vehicle and more particular in providing the operator
of the vehicle with an advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument
. integral with a thin film transistor.
I
BACKGROUND OF THE IhVENTIOS
The statements in this section merely provide background information related
to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, infotainment systems incorporated in vehicles commonly known in
the art. An infotainment system refers to a category of the information system that
combines both information and the entertainment systems in the vehicles. The
infotainment system includes many features such as radios, cassette and compact disc
players, digital music players, video play back devices, etc. The infotainment systems
may also include other devices that need to be installed on the vehicle such as
speedometer and a radio in conventional vehicles. In many other instances, the
infotainment system provide information from various sensors and gauges, such as
speed, tachometer reading, fuel levels, engine temperature, etc. More recently, the
infotainment system also covers the application of global positioning system to
provide vehicle operators with navigational aid, cameras and videos to display the
required information on a displaying platform. Several automobile manufacturers are
integrating more advanced infotainment systems into the vehicles such that they can
control other features such as warning (telltale) indicators and odometer information.
In' the present vehicles, these all above mentioned information are conveyed on a
liquid crystal display to the operator of the vehicle. '
Howcvcr, the usage of liquid crystal display makes it slightly difficult for the
operator to read the speed, warning indicators especially during daytime. Additionally,
the application of liquid crystal display in displaying the information restricts the
number of features th?-t can be covered under infotainment system for vehicles.
Nonetheless, even if multiple liquid crystal display devices are used to convey
multiple warning indicators, the overall cost exceeds the limit, which has to be finally
borne by the consumers.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an advanced
infotainment vehicle information display instrument which does not suffer from thc
foregoing drawbacks. Further, there is an urgent need for an improved method of
display of warning indicators in the vehicle information display instrument where
data are clearly visible to the operator without any complex optical and light
transmission mechanism, especially during day time. Therefore, we need an advanced
vehicle information display instrument without losing the basic requirements of
reliability, safety, less extra cost, customers' satisfaction and the like.
BRIEF SU-MMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The present subject matter relates to an advanced infotainment vehicle
information display instrument comprising an active matrix thin film transistor screen
for displaying textual warning indicators of the vehicle and an electronic circuit
structure governing the display of the textual warning indicators of the vehicle. The
electronic circuit structure includes a Controller Area Xetwork to comrnunicatc
signalsofthetextual warningindicatorsof the vehicle via a Controllcr Area
Network transmission receiver, and a microcontroller that receive signals from the
Controller Area Network transmitter receiver to program the priority, pattern, fonts,
and nature of the tcxtual warning indicators. The present subject mattcr discloses that
the microcontroller decides the priority, pattern, fonts, and nature of display of the
textual warning indicators on the "active-matrix TFT" scrccn. Consequently, thc said
textual warning indicators arc transmitted to get visible on the active matrix thin film
transistor screen in the vehicle information display instrunlent of the vehicle.
An objective of the present subject matter is to display the textual warning
indicators including distance traveled after each trip, average fuel consumption, trip
time, audio songs being played during the travel, wireless devices (Wifi, bluetooth,
etc), ambient temperature md pressure, time, first and last name of the caller alcgg
with the call duration and the call status of the call; and the like.
Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide a switching mode
option of day and night time on the "active-matrix TFT" screen in the vehicle
information display instrument.
Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide the electronic
circ.~~sittr ucture with an intcrface that relint: and supply a voltage of 5 V (from the
battery supplying a voltage of 13 V) to a microcontroller provided with the vehicle
information display instrument.
Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to display the colored
rpm graduation, gear indicator in motion of the vehicle, fuel level indication, engine
temperature, and the like on the active matrix thin film transistor screen..
Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to illustrate other textual
warning indications on the "active-matrix TFT" screen in the vehicle information
display instrument by multiple notations such as XXXX; YYYY, ZZZZ, and the like.
Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to bliik the displayed
fonts if the revolution-per-minute exceed the pre-defined limit.
Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to provide an audible
alarm during if the revolution-per-minute exceed the pre-defined limit.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an easy, compact,
less costly and advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument for
vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary narrated above and the following detailed description of the
invention can be understood with the drawings appended to this claim. The
illustrations provide the detai!s of the invention. I-Iowever, it should be understood
that the invention is not limited to the arrangements shown. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 show a perspective view of a two wheeler in an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of a vehicle information display instrument (during night)
provided with an active nlalrix thin film transistor in an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 3 shows a front view of a vehicle information display instrument (during
daytime) provided with an active matrix thin film transistor in an embodiment of the
present subject matter.
FIG. 4 shows a line view of a dial plate provided with a vehicle information display
instrument in an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 5 shows an electronic circuit structure governing the advanced infotainment
vehicle information display instrument in an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
DETAI1,ED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings. I-Iowever, the present subject matter is not
limited to these embodiments which q e only provided to explain more clearly the
present subject matter to the ordinarily skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In
the accompanying drawings, like reference alphabets and numerals Eire uscd to
indicate like components.
The present invention relates to a system for highlighting various warning text
indicators for the operator of a vehicle and more particular in providing the operator
of the vehicle with an advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument
integral with a thin film transistor. The following description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. The
cycle 100. However, the principlcs of the present invention are also applicable to
other two wheelers and vehicles 100 such as three wheelers, four wheelers, and the
like. Upward, lower, front and rear directions (see the directions indicated by the
arrows in FIG. 1) will be described with respect Lo directions as seated by the rider
on the motorcycle 1.00.
FIG. 1 illustrates a two wheeler 100 that may include a fuel ta& 102 and an
- - -
- engine mounted ahead of a rider's seat 104, a frame 106 and two relatively large sized
wheels 108 on which the frame 106 rides. The structure is necessarily provided with a
pair of left and right front fork members rotatably supported by a head pipe 110 on
the front end of the vehicle frame. The steering of the two wheelers 100 is possible
via a front wheel which is mounted on the front fork member whereas the rear wheel
(drive wheel) is at ihe rear end. FIG. 1 shows a handlebar 112 secured to an upper
portion of the front fork member, and the front and rear portion of the handle bar 112
is covered with a handle cover which is further divided into forward and backward
portions. The two wheeler 100 are also provided with various lights mounted
externally on the vehicle to indicate certain information about the vehicle to other
drivers and pedestrians. These lights mainly include brake lights and tail lights
besides indicator light bulbs which are provided to indicate the driving direction of
the two wheelers. The two wheeler 100 is further provided with the intelligent vehicle
information display instrument 114 (as shown in FIG. 2 later) (also known as a
speedometer) located between the handle bars 112 of the two wheeler 100. The
vehicle information display instrument 114 may be viewable by the rider of the motor
cycle 100 when the rider is seated on the seat 104 and operating the vehicle 100. The
vehicle information display instrument 114 may be disposed generally in front of thc
rider so that the rider can inspect or view a variety of information that form part of
the vehicle information display instrument 114, which information may indicate an
operating condition or conditions of the vehicle. The vehicle information display
instrument 114 may be provided with audio/visual warning indicators comprising
information such as speed, the fuel level, telephone, bluetooth, rpm of the engine, tell
tale symbols, turn signal indicator, hazard warning indicator and / or other indicators.
FIG. 1 further shows a headlight 11.6 provided, as an attachment to thc top middle of
the handlebar of the motor cycle, to light the road ahead.
In an embodiment of the' present subject matter, FIG. 2 discloses a front
perspective view of the vehicle information display instrument 114 of the vehicle
operating during the night time. In a unique embodiment of the present subject matter, .
information such as vehicle speed, rpm, gear indicator; and the like are represented on
an Active Matrix Thin Film transistor (often and hereinafter also referred as active
matrix TFT). Generally, a display is composed of a grid (or matrix) of picture
elements ("pixels"). Thousands or millions of these pixels together create an image
on the display. Thin-film transistors (TFTs) act as switches to individually turn each .
pixel "ON" (light) or "OFF" (dark). These TFTs are the active control elements,
arranged in a matrix, on the display. Thus, these are termed as "active-matrix TFT".
By principle, a back light (which is normally comprised of a number of flourescent
tubes) is used for emitting any color out of the pixels present in the matrix as
disclosed above. In order to light a single pixel, all that needs to be done is for a small
'door' or 'shutter' to open to let the light pass through. However, since the liquid
crystals can change their molecular structure and therefore may allow varying levels
of light to pass through them (or they can block the light), therefore two polarizer
filters; color filters and two alignment layers determine exactly how much light is
allowed to pass and which colors are created. The layers are positioned between the
two glass panels. A specific voltage is applied to the alignment layer, creating an
electric field - which then aligns the liquid crystals. Each dot on the screen (pixel)
therefore requires three components, one for red, green and blue -just as for the tubes
within cathode ray tube devices. In a similar way, these dots on the screen can even
display a combination of these three primary colors also, thus providing a desired
pattern on the "active-matrix TFT" in the vehicle information display instrument of
the vehicles.
In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the "active-matrix TFT" in
the vehicle information display instrument 114 is qualified to indicate various kind of
textual information on an "active-matrix TFT" screen. In a unique embodiment of the
present subject matter, the "active-matrix TFT" provided with the vehicle information
display instrument that displays all the textual warning indicators and information
such as, but not restricted to, distance traveled after each trip, average fuel
consumption, trip time, audio songs being played rli~ring the travel, wireless devices
(Wifi, bluetooth, etc), ambient temperature and pressure, time, and the like as shown
in FIG. 2. In another embodirncnt of the present subject matrer, the "active-matrix
TFT" screen also shows the first and last name of the caller nlnng, with the call
duration and the call status of the call. In another embodiment of the present subject
matter, the "active-matrix TFT" screen provides a switching option of the mode with
respect to the night and day time as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 respectively. In an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, various other textual warning
indications are illustrated by multiple notations such as XXXX, YYYY, ZZZZ, and
the like in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
Additionally, the "active-matrix TFT" is also characterized to illustrate the
speed in terms of the rpm on the colored segments so that the operator of the vehicle
can easily identify the speed of the moving vehicle without deeply looking the
instantaneous speed of the vehicle. The colored segments in graduations may be
provided with an audible buzzer to further inform the operator of the vehicle about
the exceeding speed of the vehicle. Furthermore, the fonts displaying the speed of the
moving vehicle 100 are also programmed to vary in size on the basis of the
instantaneous speed of the vehicle 100. This enlarged font sizes of the instantaneous
speed at high speed of the moving vehicle draws an instant attention of the operator
of the vehicle 100 and would alert the operator to slow down the speed of the over
speeding vehicle. In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the fonts are
in various colors by virtue of the "active-matrix TFT". The colors of the fonts may be
selected on the basis of the speed of the moving vehicles. The colors of the fonts
displaying the instantaneous speed of the vehicle 100 may be selected from the three
primary colors i.e. Red, green and blue and their combinations together. In an
embodiment of the present subject matter, the vehicle information display instrument
114 is provided with a dial plate 300 ( ~ ssh own in FIG. 4) to designate other
information conveyed by the vehicle informati011 display instrument 114 such as
warning symbols, telltales, and the like. The position of the speed indicator on the
"active-matrix TFT" in the vehicle information display instrument 114 is not relevant
and thus not discussed with respect to the prcsent subject matter.
FIG. 5 discloses an electronic circuit striicture 200 that governs thc operation
of the advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument of the vehicle in
an embodiment of the present subject matter. The electronic circuit structure 200
illustrates a battery powered ignition switch 202 which when turned therein with an
ignition key (not shown) activates an engine (not shown) of the motor cycle 100. The
electronic circuit structure 200 is provided with an interface that refine and supply a
\ voltage of 5 V (from the battery supplying a voltage of 13 V) to a microcontroller 204
provided with the vehicle information display instrument 114. The electronic circuit
structure 200 is also designed with a Controller Area Network (CAW) that
communicates between various signals received via engine management systems, I
active suspension, ABS, gear control, lighting control, air conditioning, airbags,
central locking or the like embedded in the vehicle. The Controller Area Xctwork
(CAW) comprises of two signal lines of the bus i.e. CAWH (CAN High) and CANL
(CAX Low) which are passively biased to approximately 2.5 Volts. The dominant
state of CANH approximately ranges in the range of 1 Volt to 3.5 Volt and that in
CANL ranges in the range of 1 Volt to 1.5 Volt. The electronic circuit structure 200
further discloses a Controller Area Network transmission receiver 206 that receives
all the signals transmitted by the vehicle 100. In an embodiment of the present subject
matter, the Controller Area Network transmission receiver 206 receives the signals of
various indicators (infotainment vehicle information) of the moving vehicle 100 I
which are subsequently fed to the microcontroller 204. In an embodiment of the I
,present subject matter, these indicators (infotainment vehicle information) includes, 1
but not restricted to, distance traveled after each trip, average he1 consumption, trip I
I
time, audio songs being played during the travel, wireless devices (Wifi, bluetooth,
etc), ambient temperature and pressure, time, the first and last name of the caller
along with the call duration and the call st.tus of the call, and the like. The
rnic.rocontroller 204, based on the input of the warning indicators received, decides
the display of the corresponding warning indicator display on the "active-matrix
TFT" screen. In another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, the
m.icroc.ontroller 204 is programmed tu further highlight the "active-matrix TFT"
according to the day and night time. Thus, ihespective of the day and, night time, the
"active-matrix TFT" screen is programmed to display the textual warning indications,
in an embodiment of the present subject mattcr.
Operationally, the Controller Area Network ( C h i ) receives the signals in
terms of the indicators (as discussed above) of the moving vehicle 100 as the ignition
of the vehicle is powered. Those signals are subsequently fed to the microcontroller
204 to decide the priority, pattern, fonts, nature, and the like of display of the said
indicators on the "active-matrix TFT" screen 208. Thus, on receiving the apt input via
the Controller Area Network (CAN), the microcontroller 204 directs the
corresponding portions to get illuminated for displaying the said indicators on the
"active-matrix TFT" screen 208. Apart from the features mentioned above, the
"active-matrix TFT" screen 208 may also display the segmented color display of rpm
graduations 118 based on the speed of the moving vehicle 100 and the blinking of
rpm graduation 118 and its border in case of over speed, gear indicator in.motion of
the vehicle 100, and the like in an embodiment of the present subject matter. Further,
the "active-matrix TFT" may also highlight other important indicators in the vehicle
information display instrument such as, but not restricted to, fuel level indication,
engine temperature, and the like. However, other indicators such as warning indicator
symbols, telltale indicators may also be evident on a dial plate 300 provided with the
"active-matrix TFT" of the vehicle information display instrument 114 in the vehicles
100. In an embodiment.of the present subject matter, the displayed fonts may also
blink if the revolution-per-minute exceed the pre-defined limit.
The advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument according
to the present subject matter advantageously facilitates an attentive display of the
warning indicating indicators of the moving vehicle on the "active-matrix TFT"
screen in the vehicle information display instrumrnt. Further, the font size may be
highlighted in various colors (based on. the combination of the primary colors) to
further draw the attention of the operator of the vehicle for alarming him to slow
down the vehicle before any possible danger. The advanced infotainment vehicle
information display .instrument provided will1 [he "active-matrix '1'FV1"' screen is
furnished with the possibility of display of multiple warning information in the
vehicle information display instrument at a single time. Additionally, the application
of active matrix thin film tsansist.ur discourages the costly requirement of LEUs for
signaling and indicating the indicators such as high revolution-per-minutes, warning
indicators, tell-tale indicators, and the like. ~Voreover, the advanced infotainment
vehicle information display instrument with the integral "active-matrix TFT"
according to the present subject matter enhances the visibility of the data to the
operator without any complex optical and light transmission mechanism. Furthermore,
the present subject matter discloses an improved, advanced, reliable, customers'
friendly and automatic speed alert indicator in the vehicle information display
instrument for vehicles.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to
the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all variations,
substitutions and changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency
of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

WE CLAIM:
1. An advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument 114
comprising:
an active matrix thin film trmsistor scree11 208 Tor displaying textual warning
indicators of the vehicle:
an electronic circuit structure 200 governing the display of the textual warning
indicators of the vehicle 100 comprising;
a Controller Area Network to communicate signals' of the textual warning
indicators of the vehicle via a Controller Area Network transmission
receiver 206;
a microcontroller 204 that receive signals from the Controller Area Network
transmitter receiver 206 to program the priority, pattern, fonts, and nature of
the textual warning indicators;
the textual warning indicators are transmitted to get visible on the active
matrix thin film transistor screen 208 in the vehicle information display
instrument 114 of the vehicle 100.
2. The advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument as claimed in
claim 1; wherein the textual warning indicators include distance traveled after
each trip, average fuel consumption, trip time, audio songs being played during
the travel, wireless devices (Wifi, bluetooth, etc), ambient temperature and
pressure, time, first and last name of the caller along with the call duration and
the call status of the call, and the like.
3. The advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument. 114 as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the "active-matrix TFT" screen provides a switching
option of the mode with respect to the night and day time.
4. The advanced infotainment vehicle information d'splay instrument 114 as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the mic.rocontroller 204 decides the priority, pattern,
fonts, and nature of display of the textual warning indicators on the "activematrix
TFT" screen 208.
5. The advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument 11 4 as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle information display instrument 11 4 is
provided with a dial plate 300 to designate other information conveyed by the
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vehicle information display instrumcnt 114 such as warning indicators, telltales,
and the like.
6. The advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument 114 as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit structure 200 is provided with
'an interface that refine and supply a voltage of 5 V (from the battery supplying a
voltage of 13 V) to a microcontroller 204 provided with the vehicle information
display instrument 114.
7. The advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument 114 as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the Controller Area Network (CAN) comprises of
two signal lines of the bus i.e. CAWH (CAN High) and CAXL (CAN Low).
8. The advanced infotainment vehicle information' display instrument 114 as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the active matrix thin film transistor screen 208 also
displays the colored segments of rpm graduations, gear indicator in motion of the
vehicle, fuel level indication, engine temperature, and the like.
9. The advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument 1.14 as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the displayed fonts also blink if the revolution-perminute
exceed the pre-defined limit.
10. The advanced infotainment vehicle information display instrument 114 as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the over speeding vehicle is with an audible buzzer.