The present disclosure relates to a control unit of a vehicle and in particular, relates to systems and methods for generating an audio feedback in a control unit of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit.
BACKGROUND
With the advancement of technology in the realm of automobiles, a number of control units, such as mechanical switches and touch-enabled control panels, are employed for controlling various functionalities of a vehicle. The mechanical switches may include, but are not limited to, sliders, knobs, and buttons.
Generally, a driver of the vehicle may use a control unit for operating and controlling systems, such as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). The driver may provide an input to the control unit, for example, a touch to the touch-enabled control panel or a push to a push button. In order to ensure that the input is received by the control unit and a corresponding function is being performed, the driver usually has to look towards the control unit. For example, when the driver is scrolling upwards and downwards a menu or touches a capacitive touch switch displayed on the touch-enabled control unit. Therefore, the driver has to divert his attention from the surrounding of the vehicle to the control unit. Since the driver is not focused towards the surrounding, this distraction may lead to an accident and consequently, an injury to people as well as damage to the vehicle.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an audio feedback system for a control unit of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit of a vehicle is disclosed. The audio feedback system includes a sensing unit adapted to detect a touch input on the control unit of the HVAC unit for actuating a predefined function associated with the HVAC unit. The audio feedback system includes a controller in communication with the sensing unit. The controller is adapted to receive, from the sensing unit, a value indicative of magnitude of the touch input and compare the value with a predefined threshold value for the magnitude of the touch input. The audio feedback system includes a buzzer in communication with the controller. The buzzer is adapted to receive an operating instruction from the controller based on the comparison, and generate an audio feedback based on the operating instruction. The audio feedback is indicative of actuation of the predefined function in response to the receipt of the touch input.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of generating an audio feedback for a control unit of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a sensing unit, a touch input on the control unit of the HVAC unit for actuating a predefined function associated with the HVAC unit. The method includes determining, by the sensing unit, a value indicative of magnitude of the touch input. The method includes comparing, by a controller, the value with a predefined threshold value for the magnitude of the touch input. The method includes generating, by a buzzer, the audio feedback based on the comparison. The audio feedback is indicative of actuation of the predefined function in response to the receipt of the touch input.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a control unit in communication with an audio feedback system in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the audio feedback system for the control unit of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 A illustrates a schematic view of a buzzer of the audio feedback system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3B illustrates another schematic view of the buzzer of the audio feedback system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an example waveform indicating a signal received from a sensing unit of the audio feedback system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates hardware architecture of an Electronic HVAC (EHVAC) unit having the audio feedback system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a circuit diagram of an arrangement of the buzzer and a controller of the audio feedback system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates example waveforms indicating Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) output signals from the controller, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method of generating an audio feedback for the control unit of the HVAC unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 9 illustrates a method for classifying the signal received from the sensing unit, according to an embodiment of the subject matter.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent

to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not 5 intended to be limiting.
It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The 10 present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
15 The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.”
Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one
20 embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents. 25
Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an
embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements
presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of
illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of
30 the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple
6

embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one 5 embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any 10 appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to 15 the accompanying drawings.
For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. 20 Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a control unit 100 in communication with an audio feedback system 102 in a vehicle (not shown), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 100 may be disposed on a dashboard of the vehicle, and may be
25 adapted to control various functionalities of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the functionalities may relate to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit 100 may be implemented for controlling the functionalities of an HVAC unit of the vehicle. Therefore, the control unit 100 may be understood as a user interface of the HVAC unit.
30
In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 100 is shown to be a touch-enabled control panel employed for controlling various functionalities of the vehicle. In order to control such functionalities, the control unit 100 may be operated by a user, for example, the user may
7

provide the input to the control unit 100 through his/her hands. Therefore, the control unit 100 may be operated based on touch inputs from the user.
Further, the audio feedback system 102 may be adapted to provide an audio feedback to 5 the user, for example, through a buzzer 104, which forms a part of the audio feedback system 102. The audio feedback may be generated based on an input received from the user on the control unit 100. For example, when the user provides a touch input to the control unit 100, the audio feedback system 102 may generate the audio feedback notifying the user of receipt of the input. Therefore, the audio feedback may also be understood as an indication of actuation of the 10 functionality associated with the touch input.
In an embodiment, the control unit 100 may be embodied as a touch pad. In another embodiment, the control unit 100 may be embodied as a mechanical switch, such as sliders, knobs, and buttons, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an 15 embodiment, when the user provides an input to the mechanical switch by sliding, rotating, or pushing, the audio feedback system 102 may generate the audio feedback in response. The constructional and operational features of the audio feedback system 102 are explained in detail in the description of subsequent Figures.
20 Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the audio feedback system 102, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the audio feedback system 102 may include, but is not limited to, a sensing unit 202, a controller 204 in communication with the sensing unit 202, and the buzzer 104 in communication with the controller 204.
25 As explained earlier, the user may provide an input, for example, a touch input on the user
interface of the HVAC unit, i.e., the control unit 100 for actuating a predefined function associated with the HVAC unit. In an embodiment, the sensing unit 202 may be adapted to detect the touch input on the control unit 100. In an embodiment, the sensing unit 202 may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor. In an example, the sensing unit 202 may
30 be embodied as a CapSense® sensor. The sensing unit 202 may also detect a value indicative of magnitude of the touch input. The sensing unit 202 may be in communication with the controller 204.
8

The controller 204 may be adapted to receive details pertaining to the touch input, such as the value of the magnitude from the sensing unit 202. In an embodiment, the controller 204 may include a processor (not shown), memory (not shown), modules (not shown), and data (not shown). The modules and the memory may be coupled to the processor. The processor may be a 5 single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable 10 instructions and data stored in the memory.
The memory may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art
including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and
dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only
15 memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and
magnetic tapes.
The modules, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules may also 20 be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
Further, the modules can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer, a
25 processor, such as the processor, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to perform the required functions. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the modules may be machine-readable instructions which, when executed
30 by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities.
In an embodiment, the modules may include a receiving module 212, a comparing module 214, and a transmitting module 216. The receiving module 212, the comparing module 214, and
9

the transmitting module 216 may be in communication with each other. The data serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules.
5 Upon receiving the value from the sensing unit 202, the controller 204 may compare the
value with a predefined threshold value for the magnitude of the touch input. The controller 204 may be in communication with the buzzer 104. Particularly, the receiving module 212 may receive the value of the magnitude of the touch input from the sensing unit 202. The comparing module 214 may compare the value with the predefined threshold value. Further, the 10 transmitting module 216 may transmit an operating instruction to the buzzer 104.
Once the comparison is performed, the buzzer 104 may be adapted to receive the operating instruction from the controller 204. Figure 3A illustrates a schematic view of the buzzer 104 of the audio feedback system 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The
15 buzzer 104 may include, but is not limited to, a housing assembly 302 for encapsulating various sub-components. Figure 3B illustrates another schematic view of sub-components of the buzzer 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3B, the housing assembly 302 may further include a piezo-material cover 304 and a connecting wire 306.
20
Referring to Figure 2, Figure 3A, and Figure 3B, in an embodiment, the buzzer 104 may receive the operating instruction, based on the outcome of the comparison. In an embodiment, the value of the magnitude of the touch input may be equal to or more than the predefined threshold value. In such an embodiment, the controller 204 may control the buzzer 104 to
25 generate the audio feedback indicating the acceptance of the touch input as the valid touch input. Accordingly, the functionality associated with the touch input may be initiated. In an alternate embodiment, the value of the magnitude of the touch input may be less than the predefined threshold value. In such an embodiment, the controller 204 may not categorise the touch input as the valid touch input and therefore, the audio feedback is not generated by the buzzer 104.
30 Therefore, the buzzer 104 may generate the audio feedback based on the operating instruction.
In an embodiment, the buzzer 104 may include, but is not limited to, a piezo-based buzzer, a coil-based buzzer, and electro-mechanical buzzer. In an embodiment, the controller 204 may
10

also be adapted to control at least one of a frequency and an intensity of the audio feedback generated by the buzzer 104, based on the comparison. For example, the intensity of the audio feedback may be more in case of a higher magnitude of the touch input, in comparison to the intensity of the audio feedback generated in case of a lower magnitude of the touch input. 5
In an embodiment, the sensing unit 202 may also detect a time duration of the touch input on the control unit 100. The controller 204 may then compare the detected time duration with a predefined threshold of time duration for the touch input. Based on the comparison, the controller 204 may then operate the buzzer 104 to generate the audio feedback. For example, the
10 predefined threshold of time duration for the touch input may be 150 millisecond. In an embodiment when the time duration of the touch input is more than 150 millisecond, the controller 204 may operate the buzzer 104 to generate the audio feedback indicating the receipt of the touch input. In an alternate embodiment when the time duration of the touch input is less than 150 millisecond, the controller 204 may consider the touch input as an invalid input, for
15 example, a false input. Accordingly, the controller 204 may not operate the buzzer 104 to generate the audio feedback. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the time duration of 150 millisecond is mentioned merely as an example. This time duration may vary to achieve the required performance, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
20 Therefore, the buzzer 104 may be adapted to generate the audio feedback, based on at least
one of the magnitude and the time duration of the touch input received from the user. In an example, if the user touches the control unit 100 to perform operations, such as A/C ON, A/C OFF, AUTO mode, temperature control, rear defrost, control panel OFF, blower speed control, air distribution modes, or FRESH/RECIRC mode, of the air conditioning system (not shown) of
25 the vehicle, the buzzer 104 may provide the audio feedback to the user. In such a case, if the user ceases to provide the touch input, the buzzer 104 may stop generating the audio feedback. Therefore, the audio feedback is provided only for the duration of the touch input. In an embodiment, the buzzer 104 may be adapted to generate and transmit the audio feedback through at least one speaker. In an embodiment, a magnitude of the audio feedback, for example,
30 a tone may increase or decrease based on duty cycles, which create variation in an oscillation frequency and therefore, produce the audio feedback with different intensities.
11

Referring back to Figure 2, in an embodiment, the audio feedback system 102 may also include an ignition detecting unit 208 in communication with the controller 204. The ignition detecting unit 208 may be adapted to detect whether the vehicle is in an ignition mode. Based on the detection, the controller 204 may then control the operation of the buzzer 104. For example, 5 when the vehicle is not running and is not in the ignition mode, the controller 204 may consider any touch input as invalid input.
In an embodiment, the audio feedback system 102 may further include an illuminating unit 210 in communication with the controller 204. Upon detection of the touch input by the sensing
10 unit 202 and the comparison of the value with the predefined threshold value by the controller 204, the illuminating unit 210 may be adapted to operate. For example, the controller 204 may transmit instructions to operate the illuminating unit 210, based on the comparison, in response to the receipt of the touch input. Therefore, the illuminating unit 210 may be adapted to illuminate along with the generation of the audio feedback by the buzzer 104.
15
In an embodiment, the illuminating unit 210 may be adapted to operate based on a location of the receipt of the touch input on the user interface, i.e., the control unit 100. For example, if the touch input is received on a particular tab on the control unit 100, the illuminating unit 210 may operate to illuminate the particular tab and not the other portions of the control unit 100. In
20 an embodiment, the controller 204 may be adapted to control an intensity and time duration of the illumination as well.
Figure 4 illustrates an example waveform 400 indicating a signal, such as a touch input signal 402, received from the sensing unit 202 of the audio feedback system 102, according to an
25 embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned earlier, the sensing unit 202 may be adapted to generate the signal for the controller 204 based on the touch input received via the control unit 100. The signal, such as the touch input signal 402, may be generated by the capacitive touch signal based on the touch input provided by the user on the control unit 100. The signal may be considered as the touch input signal 402, if a value of the signal received
30 from the sensing unit 202 exceeds a threshold value of the signal. On the other hand, when the value of the signal received from the sensing unit 202 is less than the threshold value of the signal, the signal may not be considered as the touch input signal 402. Further, when the user ceases to touch the control unit 100, the signal is not generated by the sensing unit 202.
12

Figure 5 illustrates hardware architecture of an Electronic HVAC (EHVAC) unit having the audio feedback system 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The audio feedback system 102 may be in communication with the control unit 100 to provide the audio 5 feedback through the speaker. Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the audio feedback system 102 may include, but is not limited to, the sensing unit 202 (not shown), a battery (not shown), a power supply section 502, the ignition detecting unit 208, also referred to as an ignition sense section 208 in Figure 5, and the controller 204. The battery may be adapted provide power to the components of the audio feedback system 102 through the
10 power supply section 502. The sensing unit 202 may be configured to transmit signals to the controller 204, based on the touch input received from the user. Each of the power supply section 502 and the ignition sense section 208 may be provided with a protection and filtering circuit 504, individually referred to as 504-1 and 504-2, to protect from the incoming surge and transients.
15
The controller 204 may be embodied as a microcontroller, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The controller 204 may be configured to receive power supply from the battery. More specifically, when the power supply section 502 is energised, an output is transmitted to the controller 204. In an embodiment, the controller 204 may be configured to
20 receive power supply from the battery. The controller 204 may be configured to receive signals from the battery and the ignition sense section 208. Further, the controller 204 may be configured to control, but is not limited to, the sensing unit 202, the buzzer 104, and the illuminating unit 210. More specifically, the controller 204 may be configured to receive a battery signal and an ignition signal, and subsequently to control the sensing unit 202, the buzzer
25 104, and the illuminating unit 210. The controller 204 may be configured to control the illumination of a portion of the control unit 100 based on a location and a value of the touch input received from the user.
The controller 204 may be configured to receive the signals from the sensing unit 202
30 based on the touch input received from the user. More specifically, the controller 204 may be
configured to receive the signals from the sensing unit 202 based on the changes in parasitic
capacitance. Further, the controller 204 may be configured to activate the buzzer 104. More
specifically, the controller 204 may be configured to activate the buzzer 104 based on the signals
13

received from the sensing unit 202. Particularly, based on the signals received from the sensing unit 202, the controller 204 operates the buzzer 104 and simultaneously processes the signal, for example, upon receiving the touch input on the touch-enabled panel or when a mechanical switch is operated to move from a first position to a desired position to control an air blower 5 speed.
Figure 6 illustrates a circuit diagram 600 of an arrangement of the buzzer 104 and the controller 204, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The buzzer 104 may be in communication with a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOFSET) 602 and
10 the controller 204. Further, the MOFSET 602 may be in communication with the controller 204. As discussed earlier, the controller 204 may be configured to control the buzzer 104 based on the signals received from the sensing unit 202. More specifically, the controller 204 may be configured to send an output signal to the buzzer 104 through the MOFSET 602 based on the signals received from the sensing unit 202. Subsequently, based on the signal received from the
15 controller 204, the buzzer 104 may be energized to generate the audio feedback. The buzzer 104 can be configured to generate a sound of high dB value or a low dB value corresponding to the signal received from the controller 204. More specifically, the buzzer 104 may be configured to oscillate frequency corresponding to the signal received from the controller 204. The controller 204 may be configured to generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals through a
20 microcontroller timer interrupt pin to control actuation of the buzzer 104.
Figure 7 illustrates exemplary waveforms 702, 704, 706, 708, 710 indicating PWM output signals from the controller 204, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the waveforms 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710 indicates a PWM output signal, interchangeably 25 referred to as an output signal, and received from the controller 204. The output signal received from the controller 204 may vary between the ranges of 0 volts - 5 volts based on the duty cycle. More specifically, a value of the output signal received from the controller 204 may vary between the ranges of 0 volts - 5 volts based on the duty cycle.
30 Referring to the waveforms 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, the value, such as the average value
of the output signal, may be calculated by multiplying a digital voltage with the duty cycle. In one embodiment, the duty cycle of 0% yields the value of the output signal equals to 0 Volts, as shown in the waveform 702. In another embodiment, the duty cycle of 25% yields the value of
14

the output signal equals to 1.25 Volts, as shown in the waveform 704. In yet another embodiment, the duty cycle of 50% yields the value of the output signal equals to 2.5 Volts, as shown in the waveform 706. In another embodiment, the duty cycle of 75% yields the value of the output signal equals to 3.75 Volts, as shown in the waveform 708. In yet another 5 embodiment, the duty cycle of 100% yields the value of the output signal equals to 5 Volts, as shown in the waveform 710. In another embodiment, the duty cycle of 60% yields the value of the output signal equals to 3 Volts. In yet another embodiment, the duty cycle of 80% yields the value of the output signal equals to 4 Volts.
10 Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method 800 of generating the audio feedback,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the method 800 may be a computer-implemented method 800. Further, for the sake of brevity, details of the present disclosure that are explained in details in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 8.
15
At a block 802, the method 800 includes detecting a touch input on the user interface, i.e., the control unit 100 of the HVAC unit. The touch input is for actuating a predefined function associated with the HVAC unit. In an embodiment, the sensing unit 202 of the audio feedback system 102 may detect the touch input.
20
At a block 804, the method 800 includes determining a value indicative of magnitude of the touch input. In an embodiment, the sensing unit 202 may determine the value.
At a block 806, the method 800 includes comparing the value with a predefined threshold 25 value for the magnitude of the touch input. In an embodiment, the controller 204 may compare the value with the predefined threshold value.
At a block 808, the method 800 includes generating the audio feedback based on the comparison. The audio feedback is indicative of actuation of the predefined function in response 30 to the receipt of the touch input. In an embodiment, the buzzer 104 may generate the audio feedback.
15

In an embodiment, the method 800 may include controlling at least one of the frequency and the intensity of the audio feedback based on the comparison. In an embodiment, the controller 204 may control the frequency and the intensity of the audio feedback.
5 In an embodiment, the method 800 may include detecting whether the vehicle is in an
ignition mode. Based on the detection, the method 800 may include controlling the operation of the buzzer 104.
Figure 9 illustrates a method 900 for recognizing the signal, such as an input signal ‘A’,
10 received from the sensing unit 202 of the audio feedback system 102, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details of the present disclosure
that are explained in details in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5,
Figure 6, Figure 7, and Figure 8 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 9.
15 At a block 902, the method 900 includes receiving the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’,
from the sensing unit 202. At a block 904, the method 900 includes initializing independent counter with value=0, the flag for continuous polling with value=0 by the controller 204, and COUNT=COUNT++. At a block 906, the method 900 includes identifying a value of the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, received from the sensing unit 202. If the value of the signal, such
20 as the input signal ‘A’, received from the sensing unit 202 is less than a threshold value of the signal, then the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, is not considered as a touch input signal.
At a block 908, the method 900 includes generating variation in voltage based on the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, received from the sensing unit 202. More specifically, the 25 method 900 includes generating variation in voltage due to changes in the parasitic capacitance of the control unit 100, when the user provides a touch input to the control unit 100.
At a block 910, the method 900 includes incrementing a counter based on the variation in the voltage. More specifically, the method 900 includes incrementing the counter when an 30 amount of the voltage increases.
At a block 912, the method 900 includes identifying whether a debounce time is achieved. More specifically, at the block 912, the method 900 includes determining whether the sensing
16

unit 202 is in a working state or in-active state, based on the debounce time. The controller 204 may determine that the sensing unit 202 is in working state, if a time of the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, is equal to or greater than the debounce time. Further, the controller 204 may determine that the sensing unit 202 is in the in-active state, if the time of the signal, such as the 5 input signal ‘A’, is less than the debounce time. Also, the controller 204 may determine the signal as a noise signal or an error, if the time of the input signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, received from the sensing unit 202 is less than the debounce time. In an embodiment, the block 908 is repeated, if the time of the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’ received from the sensing unit 202 is less than the debounce time. Otherwise, if the time of the signal, such as the input 10 signal ‘A’ is equal or greater than the debounce time, the controller 204 generates a signal based on the signal, such as the input signal ‘A’, received from the sensing unit 202.
As would be gathered, the present disclosure relates to the audio feedback system 102, the method 800, and the method 900 that offer a comprehensive approach for ensuring a suitable
15 feedback to user inputs on the control unit 100. Since the user gets a feedback in terms of an audio signal when operating the control unit 100, it allows the user to maintain the focus at the driving of the vehicle. Also, the audio feedback system 102 facilitates illumination of a relevant portion of the control unit 100 for notifying the user of the receipt of the touch input. Therefore, the possibility of diverting user’s attention while driving is eliminated as the user doesn’t have to
20 look at the control unit 100 anymore to ensure that the input is accurately received. Moreover, the audio feedback system 102 eliminates measurement noises and accordingly generates the specified sound feedback, which is loud and clear. In addition, the audio feedback system 102 can be implemented in a wide range of control panels, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the audio feedback system 102 has the capability to detect and reject
25 false touch inputs on the control unit 100, for example, due to the provision of predefined threshold values for the magnitude and the time duration of the touch inputs. Therefore, the present disclosure offers the audio feedback system 102, the method 800, and the method 900 that are efficient, economical, flexible, and effective for generating the audio feedback based on the touch input.
30
While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept
17

as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

WE CLAIM:

An audio feedback system (102) for a control unit (100) of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit of a vehicle, the audio feedback system (100) comprising:
a sensing unit (202) adapted to detect a touch input on the control unit (100) of the HVAC unit for actuating a predefined function associated with the HVAC unit;
a controller (204) in communication with the sensing unit (202) and adapted to:
receive, from the sensing unit (202), a value indicative of magnitude of the touch input; and
compare the value with a predefined threshold value for the magnitude of the touch input; and a buzzer (104) in communication with the controller (204) and adapted to:
receive an operating instruction from the controller (204), based on the comparison; and
generate an audio feedback based on the operating instruction, wherein the audio feedback is indicative of actuation of the predefined function in response to the receipt of the touch input.
The audio feedback system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (204) is adapted to control at least one of a frequency and an intensity of the audio feedback based on the comparison.
The audio feedback system (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an illuminating unit (210) in communication with the controller (204) and adapted to operate based on the comparison.
The audio feedback system (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the illuminating unit (210) is adapted to operate based on a location of the receipt of the touch input on the control unit (100) of the HVAC unit.
The audio feedback system (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

an ignition detecting unit (208) adapted to detect whether the vehicle is in an ignition mode; and
the controller (204) in communication with the ignition detecting unit (208) and adapted to control the operation of the buzzer (104), based on the detection.
The audio feedback system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (202) comprising a capacitive touch sensor.
The audio feedback system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buzzer (104) is at least one of a piezo-based buzzer and a coil-based buzzer.
A method (800) of generating an audio feedback for a control unit (100) of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit of a vehicle, the method (800) comprising:
detecting, by a sensing unit (202), a touch input on the control unit (100) of the HVAC unit for actuating a predefined function associated with the HVAC unit;
determining, by the sensing unit (202), a value indicative of magnitude of the touch input;
comparing, by a controller (204), the value with a predefined threshold value for the magnitude of the touch input; and
generating, by a buzzer (104), the audio feedback based on the comparison, wherein the audio feedback is indicative of actuation of the predefined function in response to the receipt of the touch input.
The method (800) as claimed in claim 8 comprising controlling, by the controller (204), at least one of a frequency and an intensity of the audio feedback based on the comparison.
The method (800) as claimed in claim 8 comprising:
detecting, by an ignition detecting unit (208), whether the vehicle is in an ignition mode; and
controlling, by the controller (204), the operation of the buzzer (104) based on the detection.