DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

Title of invention:

AN ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH SEGMENTED DISPLAY FOR RENDERING NAVIGATIONAL INFORMATION

APPLICANT
Varroc Engineering Limited.
An Indian entity having address as:
L-4, MIDC Waluj,
Aurangabad-431136,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application claims priority from the Provisional Indian Patent Application No. 202021019610 dated 8th May 2020, the entirety of which incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to an electronic instrument cluster in automobiles, and more particularly, to an electronic instrument cluster with segmented display and a method implemented thereon for rendering navigational information.
BACKGROUND
In the present times, almost all kinds of vehicles are equipped with an electronic instrument cluster. The electronic instrument cluster typically includes a display adapted to render multiple information to the driver or passengers, the information including speed, mileage, distance to empty, vehicle health/diagnostic data, music play list, warning notifications, and the like. Further, one of the most important information being displayed on the electronic instrument cluster is navigational information assisting the driver to swiftly navigate the route on which the vehicle is driven.

Typically, the display of the electronic instrument cluster may render the multiple information in form of various signs, symbols, text, icons etc. The navigational information may include information about directions, turns, fuel level, and warning indications etc. Currently, the displays in the electronic instrument cluster of two or three wheelers are limited to provide information only related to specific directions such as left turn or right turn. Although few high-end four wheelers employ display systems that are capable of rendering other directions such as U turn, reverse etc as well, however, these systems utilize pixel based technology for graphical representation of various direction manoeuvres. However, these systems employing pixel based technology is extremely costly and complex to develop. The components used in these systems are costly and may not be easily available. Further, it may not be feasible to employ such systems in two/three wheeler automobiles especially considering the stringent cost constraints.

Thus, there is a long standing need for an improved electronic instrument cluster specifically for two/three wheeler automobiles which is cost effective, less complex to develop, and comprises a graphical display which requires a relatively less space for displaying all the possible manoeuvres of navigations.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce the concepts related to an electronic instrument cluster with segmented display for rendering navigational information and the concepts are further described in the detail description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor it is intended to use in determining or limiting the scope of claimed subject matter.
In one implementation, an electronic instrument cluster for displaying navigational information is disclosed herein. The electronic instrument cluster may comprise a segmented display and a controller electronically coupled with the segmented display. The segmented display may comprise a plurality of segments capable of displaying one or more graphical manoeuvres. In one aspect, each graphical manoeuvre may represent a navigational path to be followed by a vehicle with respect to the current position of the vehicle. In another aspect, each graphical manoeuvre may be displayed on the segmented display based upon activation of one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display. The controller may be configured to execute programmed instructions stored in a memory coupled with the controller. The programmed instructions may comprise instructions for receiving navigational information of the vehicle. The programmed instructions may further comprise instructions for processing the navigational information, in real time, to determine the current position of the vehicle and a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle with respect to the current position of the vehicle. The programmed instructions may further comprise instructions for activating one or more segments of the segmented display corresponding to the navigational path determined, thereby forming a graphical manoeuvre. Further, the programmed instructions may comprise instructions for displaying the graphical manoeuvre formed on the segmented display.
In another implementation, a method for displaying navigational information on an electronic instrument cluster is disclosed herein. The method may comprise configuring a segmented display comprising a plurality of segments to display one or more graphical manoeuvres. In one aspect, each graphical manoeuvre may represent a navigational path to be followed by a vehicle with respect to the current position of the vehicle. In another aspect, each graphical manoeuvre may be displayed based upon activation of one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display. The method may comprise receiving, via a controller electronically coupled with the segmented display, navigational information of the vehicle. The method may further comprise processing, via the controller, the navigational information, in real time, to determine the current position of the vehicle and a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle with respect to the current position of the vehicle. The method may further comprise activating, via the controller, one or more segments of the segmented display corresponding to the navigational path determined thereby forming a graphical manoeuvre. Further, the method may comprise displaying the graphical manoeuvre formed on the segmented display.

In yet another implementation, an integrated handlebar assembly of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The integrated handlebar assembly may comprise an electronic instrument cluster with a segmented display. The segmented display may comprise a plurality of segments capable of displaying one or more graphical manoeuvres. In one aspect, each graphical manoeuvre represents a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle with respect to the current position of the vehicle. In another aspect, each graphical manoeuvre may be displayed based upon activation of one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the Figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the Figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.

Figure 1 illustrates an electronic instrument cluster 100 of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 2 illustrates a representation 200 of a handlebar assembly 111, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figures 3 illustrates an architecture 300 of the LCD display 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 4 illustrates a graphical navigation representation 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 5 illustrates a representation 500 of various graphical direction manoeuvres for Left Hand side drive, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 6 illustrates a representation 600 of various graphical direction manoeuvres for Right Hand side drive, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 7 illustrates a method 700 for displaying navigational information on an electronic instrument cluster 100, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Figure 8 illustrates a navigational path 800, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Referring to figure 1, an electronic instrument cluster 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The electronic instrument cluster 100 may comprise a vehicle module 112 associated with a vehicle 110, wherein the vehicle module 112 is further in communication with a user device 101 associated with a driver driving vehicle 110 or a passenger accompanying the driver. The electronic instrument cluster 100 may be configured to provide information of the navigation path, various directions, vehicle engine related information, and the like to the driver of the vehicle 110.

In an embodiment, the vehicle module 112 may be integrated with a handlebar assembly 111 of the vehicle 110. As shown in figure 1, the vehicle module 112 may comprise a supply battery 102, a supply 103, an LCD display 104 (herein interchangeably to be referred as a segmented display 104), a microcontroller 105 (herein interchangeably be referred as a controller 105), a plurality of control switches 107, an ignition switch 106 and a Bluetooth module 108. In one embodiment, the vehicle module 112 may comprise a telematics device (not shown in figure). The user device 101 and the vehicle module 112 may be communicatively coupled via a short range communication such as Bluetooth connectivity. In one embodiment, the user device 101 and the vehicle module 112 may be communicatively coupled through a wired or wireless (either short range or long range) communication means.

In one embodiment, when the vehicle 110 is driven by the driver, the telematics device of the vehicle module 112 may be configured to connect with an in-built GPS system of the user device 101 in order to fetch the navigation information of the vehicle 110. In an alternative embodiment, the telematics device may directly connect with an external GPS system in order to fetch the navigation information of the vehicle 110. In still another embodiment, the telematics device may include a telemetry system enabling fetching of the to fetch the navigation information of the vehicle 110. In other words, the controller 105 in the vehicle module 112 may be communicatively coupled with a user device 101 associated to a driver or a passenger on the vehicle 110 or a telematics device. The user device 101 or telematics device may be configured to provide the navigational information to the controller 105. In one embodiment, the user device 101 or the telematics device or any other such device is configured to obtain the navigation information from internet or intranet or GPS systems or triangulation systems.

In an embodiment, once the navigation information is fetched, the microcontroller 105 may be configured to process the said navigation information in real time in order to render the navigation information on the LCD display 104 and to control the functioning of the control switches 107 and the ignition switch 106. In one embodiment, the navigation information regarding turns and directions may be illustrated by various manoeuvres 109 on the LCD display 104. The vehicle module 112 is powered by the supply battery 102 which is a 12 V battery and a supply 103 which is 5V/3.3V. In one embodiment, the navigation information rendered may include, but are not limited to, turn-by-turn navigation information, one of the plurality of graphical manoeuvres, caller ID, incoming SMS information, shortest route information, vehicle speed, vehicle fuel and the like. In one embodiment, the navigation information along with other parameters rendered on the display of the electronic instrument cluster may be simultaneously displayed on the user device 101.

Referring to figure 2, a representation 200 of a handlebar assembly 111 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As can be seen in figure 1 and figure 2, the LCD display 104 may be integrated on the handlebar assembly 111 itself to meet the space constraints. Moreover, a large amount of information is to be displayed on the LCD display 104, with high resolution, in a cost effective way and by utilizing ultra-low power. In one embodiment, the LCD display 104 may be a segmented type LCD display. In various embodiments, such electronic instrument navigation cluster 100 with segmented type LCD 104 may be integrated in a two, three, four or eight wheeler vehicles.

Now, referring to figures 3, an internal architecture 300 of the LCD display 104 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. The LCD 104 comprises a mirror 301, one or more glass filters 303, one or more polarizing films 302, a negative electrode 304, a liquid crystal layer 305, a positive electrode 306 and a glass cover 309. As can be seen in figure 3, an image 310 may be displayed on the glass cover 309. Such LCD display 104 is a standard segmented type display and is well known in the art. Hence, the technical details of the LCD display are not described herein for the sake of brevity.

Figure 4 illustrates a graphical navigation representation 400 rendered by the segmented display 104 (e.g. segmented LCD display) of the electronic instrument cluster 100, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. In one embodiment, the LCD display 104 may be a negative mode LCD or positive mode LCD display. The segmented display 104 may comprise a plurality of segments, capable of displaying one or more graphical manoeuvres 109. Each graphical manoeuvre may represent a navigational path to be followed by a vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110, and wherein each graphical manoeuvre may be displayed based upon activation of one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display 104. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, approximately 50 segments may be implemented on the segmented type LCD which may represent a plurality of navigational paths for the vehicle.

Now referring to figures 1, 4 and 8, the controller 105 which is electronically coupled with the segmented display 104 may be configured to execute programmed instructions stored in a memory 113. The controller 105 may execute programmed instruction for receiving navigational information of the vehicle 110, wherein the navigational information may comprise the next predicted turn or path followed by the vehicle 110. The controller 105 may process the navigational information, in real time, to determine the current position of the vehicle 110 and a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110. In one embodiment, the navigational path to be followed by the vehicle 110 may be a left U turn as shown in figure 8. The controller 105 may activate one or more segments of the segmented display 104 corresponding to the navigational path determined, thereby forming a graphical manoeuvre. The graphical manoeuvre may be displayed on the segmented display 104. In other words, the left U turn indicating segments of the graphical manoeuvre 109 may be displayed.
Referring to figure 4, the left U turn may be displayed by turning on the following segments :
Segment no ON
6 1
22 1
40 1
50 1
45 1
44 1
43 1
28 1
27 1
25 1
42 1
41 1
24 1
7 1

In one embodiment, the graphical manoeuvres may be developed by slicing the segments of the segmented display 104. The slicing may be performed wherever intersections between the segments may be present. In one embodiment, each segment, from the plurality of segments, of the graphical manœuvres 109 may be spaced apart from the other segment by at least 0.1mm in order to have better connection to the controller 105 and sufficient clearance between the segments. This can be referred from figure 8 wherein plurality of gap between the segments can be clearly seen. The aspect ratio of the segments may be made in such a way that these segments are smooth and the intensity or luminocity may be maintained by providing a plurality of LEDs.
Now, referring to figure 5, a representation 500 of various graphical manoeuvres for Left Hand side drive (tabulated below) is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.
Navigation commands Display messages on the LCD display 104
501 Light Left
502 Light Right
503 Left Turn
504 Right turn
505 Left U turn
506 Right U turn
507 Roundabout exist at 45°
508 Roundabout exist at 90°
509 Roundabout exist at 135°
510 Roundabout exist at 180°
511 Roundabout exist at 225°
512 Roundabout exist at 270°
513 Roundabout exist at 315°
514 Sharp Turn Left
515 Sharp Turn Right
516 Straight

Now, referring to figure 6, a representation 600 of various graphical manoeuvres for Right Hand side drive (tabulated below) is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Navigation commands Display messages on the LCD display 104
601 Light Left
602 Light Right
603 Left Turn
604 Right turn
605 Left U turn
606 Right U turn
607 Roundabout exist at 45°
608 Roundabout exist at 90°
609 Roundabout exist at 135°
610 Roundabout exist at 180°
611 Roundabout exist at 225°
612 Roundabout exist at 270°
613 Roundabout exist at 315°
614 Sharp Turn Left
615 Sharp Turn Right
616 Straight

In one embodiment, each graphical manoeuvre is assigned with an identifier and wherein each identifier is pre-mapped with corresponding navigational commands in order to trigger the display of corresponding graphical manoeuvre on the segmented display 104.

Referring to figure 7, a method 700 for displaying navigational information on an electronic instrument cluster 100 is depicted, in accordance with the present subject matter.

At step 701, the segmented display 104 may be configured to display one or more graphical manoeuvres 109. In one embodiment, each graphical manoeuvre may represent a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110. In another embodiment, each graphical manoeuvres may be displayed based upon activation of one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display 104.

At step 702, navigational information of the vehicle 110 may be received by the controller 105.

At step 703, the navigational information may be processed via the controller 105, in real time, to determine the current position of the vehicle 110 and a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110.
At step 704, one or more segments of the segmented display 104 corresponding to the navigational path determined may be activated via the controller 105, thereby forming a graphical manoeuvre.
At step 705, the graphical manoeuvre 109 may be displayed on the segmented display 104.
It must be noted herein, the electronic instrument cluster 100 utilizes segmented type LCDs which are simple, cost effective and requires less engineering for implementation. Thus, the electronic instrument cluster 100 is developed to represent various graphical manoeuvres using lower technology LCD and cheapest ICs, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the display.

Although implementations for an electronic instrument cluster with segmented display and a method implemented thereon for rendering navigational information have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for the electronic instrument cluster with segmented display for rendering navigational information.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. An electronic instrument cluster 100 for displaying navigational information, comprising:
a segmented display 104 comprising a plurality of segments, capable of displaying one or more graphical manoeuvres 109, wherein each graphical manoeuvre represents a navigational path to be followed by a vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110, and wherein each graphical manoeuvre is displayed based upon activation of one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display 104;
a controller 105 electronically coupled with the segmented display 104, wherein the controller 105 is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in a memory 113 coupled with the controller 105, wherein the programmed instruction comprises instructions for:
receiving navigational information of the vehicle 110;
processing the navigational information, in real time, to determine the current position of the vehicle 110 and a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110;
activating one or more segments of the segmented display 104 corresponding to the navigational path determined, thereby forming a graphical manoeuvre; and
displaying the graphical manoeuvre 109 formed on the segmented display 104.

2. The electronic instrument cluster 100, wherein the controller 105 is communicatively coupled with a user device 101, associated to a driver or a passenger on the vehicle 110, or a telematics device, wherein the user device 101 or the telematics device is configured to provide the navigational information to the controller 105.

3. The electronic instrument cluster 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the user device 101 or the telematics device is configured to obtain the navigation information from one or more of internet or intranet or GPS systems or triangulation systems.

4. The electronic instrument cluster 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more segments representing a graphical manoeuvre is sliced at the intersection of individual segments such that two individual segment are separated by a predefined minimal distance.

5. The electronic instrument cluster 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the segmented display 104 displays one of the graphical manoeuvres 109 along with at least one of parameter selected from caller ID, incoming SMS information, shortest route information, vehicle speed, and vehicle fuel.

6. The electronic instrument cluster 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein each graphical manoeuvre is assigned with an identifier and wherein each identifier is pre-mapped with corresponding navigational commands in order to trigger the display of corresponding graphical manoeuvre on the segmented display 104.

7. A method 700 for displaying navigational information on an electronic instrument cluster 100, the method 700 comprising:
configuring a segmented display 104 comprising a plurality of segments to display one or more graphical manoeuvres 109, wherein each graphical manoeuvre represents a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110, and wherein each graphical manoeuvre is displayed based upon activation of one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display 104;
receiving, via a controller 105, navigational information of the vehicle 110;
processing, via the controller 105, the navigational information, in real time, to determine the current position of the vehicle 110 and a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110;
activating, via the controller 105, one or more segments of the segmented display 104 corresponding to the navigational path determined, thereby forming a graphical manoeuvre; and
displaying the graphical manoeuvre 109 formed on the segmented display 104.

8. The method 700 as claimed in claim 7, further comprising slicing the one or more segments representing a graphical manoeuvre at the intersection of individual segments such that two individual segment are separated by a predefined minimal distance.

9. The method 700 as claimed in claim 8, further comprising displaying, on the segmented display 104, one of the graphical manoeuvres 109 along with at least one of parameter selected from caller ID, incoming SMS information, shortest route information, vehicle speed, and vehicle fuel.

10. The method 700 as claimed in claim 9, wherein each graphical manoeuvre is assigned with an identifier and wherein each identifier is pre-mapped with corresponding navigational command 109 in order to trigger the display of corresponding manoeuvre on the segmented display 104.

11. An integrated handlebar assembly 111 of a vehicle 110, comprising:
an electronic instrument cluster 100 with a segmented display 104, wherein the segmented display comprises a plurality of segments capable of displaying one or more graphical manoeuvres 109, wherein each graphical manoeuvre represents a navigational path to be followed by the vehicle 110 with respect to the current position of the vehicle 110, and wherein each graphical manoeuvre is displayed based upon activation of one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display 104.

12. The integrated handlebar assembly 111 as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electronic instrument cluster 100 further comprises a controller 105, a plurality of control switches 107, an ignition switch 106 and a Bluetooth module 108.

13. The integrated handlebar assembly 111 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the controller 105 is configured to activate the one or more segments, of the plurality of segments, of the segmented display 104 and thereby display a corresponding graphical manoeuvre on the segmented display 104.

14. The integrated handlebar assembly 111 as claimed in claim 13, wherein the controller 105 activates the one or more segments based upon navigational information received from a user device 101 via the Bluetooth module 108 or from a telematics device deployed within the electronic instrument cluster 100.

Dated this 28th day of October, 2020

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA- 1454