DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to an instrument cluster unit of the motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] An instrument cluster unit in a vehicle is located directly above a steering wheel and displays important vehicle operation information, for example, vehicle speed, fuel level, status of various vehicular systems to a user of the vehicle. This information is presented on the instrument cluster unit in form of needle gauges, digital read outs and lighted symbols. A speedometer is a primary object of focus for an user within the instrument cluster unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig.1 is a side view of a saddle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0005] Fig.2 is a block diagram of system, as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0006] Fig. 3 is a flowchart as per one embodiment of present invention
[0007] Fig. 4 is block diagram of system as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 5 is a flowchart as per another embodiment of present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] The arena of technology pertaining to transportation has undergone a tremendous transformation over the years, such that the present concentration is focused upon efficiency of the vehicle while maintaining comfort of a user of the vehicle. In this regard, to provide comfort to the user of the vehicle or to assist the user while riding the vehicle, many technological advancements in the vehicle have taken place. For example, software-controlled electronics is configured in the vehicle which plays a major role in functioning of subsystems of the vehicle. Further, an instrument cluster unit is configured in the vehicle which assists the user through displaying critical information on display of the instrument cluster unit. The instrument cluster unit is configured in each vehicle for example, two, three or four wheelers and includes multiple software applications.
[00010] Generally, the user of the vehicle and/or manufacturer has to keep a periodic check on different factors of the vehicle like fuel level, engine rpm etc., to avoid any kind of unwanted situation on the road while riding the vehicle. Further, to drive the vehicle safely in traffic conditions or park the vehicle in narrow parking lots, it requires user of the vehicle to be highly attentive. In this respect, the instrument cluster unit assists the rider/driver/user of the vehicle while riding the vehicle or while parking the vehicle in the parking lot.
[00011] The instrument cluster unit has evolved from analog version including mechanical dials and gauges to completely digital clusters including graphical renderings of the dials in digital form. In recent times, over more than 80% of vehicles are deployed with digital instrument cluster units. The instrument cluster unit of the vehicle displays critical information like speed of the vehicle and other additional but important information like level of fuel in the vehicle, engine RPM, date, time etc.
[00012] In recent years, driver assistance functions and autonomous driving of the vehicle are progressing exponentially. This in turn increases number of information to be displayed on the instrument cluster unit. Further, in this regard, to display functions like date and time on the instrument cluster unit, the user has to connect his/her phone either through cable or through any other means to the instrument cluster unit in the vehicle. The instrument cluster unit includes a real time clock which synchronizes with a clock of the phone and thus displays the date and time on the instrument cluster unit. However, this configuration and communication means has its own disadvantages, as the real time clock displays the accurate information only when the vehicle is running or ignition status of the vehicle is in ON state. When state of the vehicle changes from OFF to ON state, the real time clock displays the same time at which the state of the vehicle changed from ON to OFF state. In that case, the user has to set the date and time through set and reset button. Further, the real time clock is a separate component and needs to be configured to display date and time of the instrument cluster unit, thereby increasing number of components and cost of the vehicle. Further, solution proposed to overcome this problem is to channelize/feed continuous power through energy storage device to the real time clock to retain it in an active state. However, this also has its own disadvantages as there is a need of constant power from the energy storage device, which decreases life expectancy of the energy storage device in the vehicle. In another scenario, with the conventional configuration, when the date and time is set-in one-time zone and the vehicle is in another time zone, the date and time has to be reset with respect to another time zone by the rider. This increases discomfort for the rider while riding the vehicle. Thus, there is a need of displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit while maintaining life of the energy storage device and overcoming the above-mentioned disadvantages.
[00013] In known art, a speedometer with GPS, as an individual component or aftermarket component, is available which can be configured in any of the vehicle. However, this has its own disadvantages as this configuration is not able to detect diagnostic trouble codes with date and time stamp in the vehicle. Considering in a scenario, the vehicle while being driven, develops a small issue which does not impact mobility of the vehicle at that point of time, the trouble code of the issue gets stored in the vehicle without date and time stamp. However, there is a possibility that the small issue may lead to major vehicle breakdown. In that case, in absence of date and time stamp, it is difficult for servicing team to detect history of the issue through trouble codes in the vehicle, which increases serviceability time, increases discomfort for the users of the vehicle.
[00014] Hence, there exists a challenge of designing an alternate means to display information accurate like date and time on the instrument cluster unit, enable correct date and time stamping of error log and ensuring convenience of the rider having motor vehicles without any major change in design and manufacturing set-up of the vehicle.
[00015] Therefore, there is a need to have an improved system for displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit ensuring convenience to the rider while maintaining high life of the energy storage device and the conventional layout of the vehicle. There is a need to have a solution for displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit, ensuring linking of diagnostic trouble codes with date and time stamp while overcoming all of the above problems and other problems of known art.
[00016] The present invention provides a solution to the above problems while meeting the requirements of minimum modifications in vehicle, at low cost with ease of accessibility etc.
[00017] With the above objectives in view, the present invention relates to the motor vehicle and more particularly to the improved instrument cluster unit displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit while maintaining life of the energy storage device in the vehicle.
[00018] As per one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprising a frame assembly, an instrument cluster unit, an energy storage device etc is disclosed. The frame assembly acts as the skeleton for bearing the loads. The instrument cluster unit is mounted on handle bar assembly. The instrument cluster unit displays fuel level, engine RPM etc. The energy storage device transfers power to electrical components of the vehicle.
[00019] As per one aspect of the present invention, an information display system for displaying date and time is configured in the vehicle. The information display system includes a tracking device and the instrument cluster unit. The tracking device and the instrument cluster unit are communicatively coupled with each other through the various communication means like CAN communication channel.
[00020] As per one aspect of the present invention, the tracking unit comprises of a GPS antenna, a GPS receiver, a controller, a power conditioning circuitry, a CAN transceiver electrically connected in a predetermined manner. The instrument cluster unit comprises a CAN transceiver, a controller unit, a display driver, display unit, power regulator, protection circuit electrically connected in a predetermined manner. As per one aspect of the present invention, the GPS antenna is configured in the tracking unit to receive one or more input signals from the satellite and channelize the one or more input signals to the controller unit. The controller unit is configured in the tracking unit to channelizes the one or more input signals received from the GPS antenna and communicate it to the CAN transceiver of the tracking unit. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the CAN transceiver of the tracking unit is configured to channelizes received input to the CAN transceiver of the instrument cluster unit through various means like CAN communication. Further, the CAN transceiver of the instrument cluster unit is configured to channelize the received one or more input signals to the controller unit. The controller unit of the instrument cluster unit is configured to further transmit the one or more input signals to the display unit. This configuration enables displaying of realtime time and date on the instrument cluster unit while eliminating requirement of additional component like real time clock and also enables maintaining longer life of the energy storage device.
[00021] As per one aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit of the vehicle is disclosed where the method is implemented by the information display system for displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit. The tracking unit comprises of a GPS antenna, a controller unit, a CAN transceiver, a GPS receiver electrically connected in a predetermined manner. The GPS receiver determines and fixes GPS based on number of visible satellites. The GPS receiver receives input signals, through the number of satellites. The controller unit analyses received input signals on multiple parameters and determines ignition status of the vehicle. If the controller unit finds out that the ignition state of the vehicle is in ON state, then the CAN transceiver of the tracking unit communicates the received one or more input signals to a CAN transceiver of the instrument cluster unit through various communication means. Further, the CAN transceiver of the instrument cluster communicates the received input to a controller unit of the instrument cluster unit. The controller unit after analyzing the received input signals, transmits the input signals to a display unit of the instrument cluster unit. The method as disclosed assists the rider by providing real time and date on the display of the instrument cluster unit, ensuring safe and comfortable ride to the rider.
[00022] As per one aspect of the present invention, the multiple parameters comprises geolocation parameters like coordinates of the satellite, dilution of precision, geographical location to determine precise location of the GPS satellite.
[00023] As per one aspect of the present invention, the method comprises step of communicating the received input from CAN transceiver of the tracking unit to the CAN transceiver of the instrument cluster unit through various means like CAN communication.
[00024] As per another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle comprises of an instrument cluster unit and a tracking unit where the tracking unit constitutes the instrument cluster unit. The instrument cluster unit comprises a GPS antenna, GPS receiver, CAN transceiver, a controller unit electrically connected in a predetermined manner. The GPS antenna is configured to receives one or more input from the GPS satellite and communicates to the GPS receiver. The controller unit is configured to analyze the input received from GPS receiver and then communicate itsto a display device of the instrument cluster unit.
[00025] In the ensuing exemplary aspects, the vehicle is a two wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the invention.
[00026] Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the vehicle and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle.
[00027] The present invention is now described briefly in connection with the rendered drawings. It should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the description.
[00028] Fig. 1 a left side view of an exemplary saddle type, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The vehicle (100) comprises a frame assembly (139), which acts as the skeleton for bearing the loads. An instrument cluster unit (119) is mounted on handle bar assembly (126). The handle bar assembly (126) is disposed over the head tube (not shown) and it includes brake levers (not shown). The handle bar assembly (126) is connected to a front wheel (129) by one or more front suspension(s) (130). A front fender (131) is disposed above the front wheel (129) for covering at least a portion of the front wheel (129). A leg shield (not shown) is provided on said vehicle (100). A storage unit e.g. a fuel tank assembly (103) is mounted to a main frame of the frame assembly (139) and it is disposed in the front portion F of a space of the frame assembly (139). The vehicle (100) having lighting means which includes Head lamp (127), Tail lamp (not shown), Turning indicators includes front side indicators (111) and rear side indicator (not shown) respectively. The rear fender (138) is projected outwardly of the vehicle systems and protects the pillion from mud splash as well as protects the rear wheel (133) from external components. The engine (125) is mounted to the lower portion of frame assembly (135). In an embodiment, the engine (125) is an IC engine. The fuel tank assembly (103) is functionally connected to the engine (125). A seat (132) is located at the back region of the fuel tank assembly (103) and is extended in a longitudinal direction along the seat frames.
[00029] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an information display system (200) configured for displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit as per one embodiment of the present invention. The information display system (200) comprises a tracking unit (201) and the instrument cluster unit (119) communicatively coupled with each other. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the tracking unit (201) comprises of a GPS antenna (203), a GPS receiver (204), a tracking controller unit (205), a power conditioning circuitry (207), and a CAN transceiver (206). The instrument cluster unit (119) comprises a CAN transceiver (213), a controller unit (209), a display driver (211), a display unit (212), a power regulator (210), a protection circuit (216). As per one embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle starts, an energy storage device (208) channelizes or supplies continuous power to activate the tracking unit (201) and the instrument cluster unit (119). More precisely, the energy storage device (208) channelizes power to the power conditioning circuit (207) and further, the power is channelized to the tracking controller unit (205) of the tracking unit, activating the tracking unit. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage device (208) channelizes power to the protection circuit (216) and power regulator (210), and further channelizes power supply to the controller unit (209) of the instrument cluster unit (119), thus activating the instrument cluster unit (119). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the GPS antenna (203) continuously receives one or more input from a satellite (202) and channelizes the received input signals to the tracking controller unit (205). The controller unit (205), after activation of the tracking unit (119), analyzes the received input signals and communicates to the CAN transceiver (206) of the tracking unit (201). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the CAN transceiver (206) of the tracking unit (201) channelizes analyzed input signals to the CAN transceiver (213) of the instrument cluster unit (119) through various means like CAN communication. Further, the CAN transceiver (213) of the instrument cluster unit (119) channelizes the input signals to the controller unit (209). The instrument cluster controller unit (209) of the instrument cluster unit (119) further transmits the input signals through various means like display unit (212). This configuration ensures displaying of real time and date on the instrument cluster unit (119) while eliminating requirement of additional component like real time clock, eliminating excess drainage of energy of storage device, thereby, maintaining life of the energy storage device. Further, plurality of vehicle controller units (ECU) (214, 215) are disposed in the vehicle and are electrically connected to the communication means, for example, CAN communication to communicate and regulate different components of the vehicle. The present configuration also ensures linking of diagnostic trouble codes in the vehicle as the date and time stamp is available in the communication channel, for example, CAN communication. So, in a scenario, when breakdown of the vehicle happens, it is easy for the servicing team to trace back history of issue with date and time stamp in the vehicle.
[00030] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more input depends upon multiple parameters, for example, coordinates of satellites, dilution of precision and geographical location. The dilution of precision is in predetermined range of YY’, where YY’ is in range of 1-2 units. More than 2 affect precisions of the one or more input signals received from the satellites. The configuration ensures displaying of date and time depending upon location of the vehicle, thereby eliminating the requirement of set and reset button in the vehicle for setting the date and time by the user.
[00031] Fig. 3 is a flowchart describing methodology used by the information display system for displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit of the vehicle. Step S301 depicts a tracking unit is configured in the vehicle. The tracking unit comprises a GPS receiver, a GPS antenna etc. At step S302, the GPS receiver receives one or more input signals from a satellite based on geographical location. At stepS303, a controller receives the one or more input signals channelized by the GPS receiver of the tracking unit. Thereafter, at step S304, the controller analyzes ignition status of the vehicle. At step S305, the controller determines whether the ignition status of the vehicle is ON or OFF. At step S306, if the controller finds out that the ignition status of the vehicle is ON, the controller further analyzes one or more input signals, for example, latitude, longitude and altitude of the received input signals. At stepS307, the controller further analyzes dilution of precision, where the dilution of precision is defined as error caused by relative position of the satellites. At step S308, the controller determines whether the dilution of precision is in predetermined range as stored in a lookup table of the controller. At step S309, if the controller finds out that the dilution of precision is in the predetermined range, then the controller communicates one or more input signals to a CAN transceiver. At step S310, the CAN transceiver communicates one or more input signals to an instrument cluster unit, where the instrument cluster unit includes a display unit which displays the required input as received from the CAN transceiver of the tracking unit. Further, the CAN transceiver communicates one or more input signals to the other controller in the vehicle through various communication means like CAN communication. This method ensures error free display of the required input signals on the display unit while eliminating drainage of the energy storage device, thus making it cost effective. This method also facilitates detecting diagnostic trouble codes in the vehicle, which is not possible through known instrument cluster which work as a standalone component.
[00032] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an information display system as per another embodiment of the present invention which is configured for displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit. As per another embodiment of the present invention, the information display system comprises the instrument cluster unit (119) and the tracking unit (201), where the tracking unit (201) is part of the instrument cluster unit (119). As per another embodiment of the present invention, the tracking unit (201) comprises the GPS antenna (203), a GPS receiver (204). As per another embodiment of the present invention, an instrument cluster unit (119) comprises an instrument cluster controller unit (209), a display driver (211), a display unit (212), a power regulator (210), a protection circuit (216) and a CAN transceiver (213). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the GPS antenna (203) continuously receives one or more input signals from the GPS satellite (202). The GPS antenna (203) sends the received input signals to the GPS receiver (204). Further, when the vehicle starts, the energy storage device (208) channelizes power to the instrument cluster unit (119) and thus activates the instrument cluster unit (119). Therefore, after activation of the instrument cluster unit (119), the instrument cluster controller unit (209) receives the input signals from the GPS receiver (204). The instrument cluster controller unit (209) analyzes the received input and communicates it to the rider through various communication means like the display unit (212). As per another embodiment of the present invention, the controller communicates the analyzed one or more input signals to the CAN transceiver, where the CAN transceiver communicates the desired input signals to one or more controller unit disposed in the vehicle. This ensures ease of traceability of diagnostic trouble codes with date and time in the vehicle.
[00033] Fig. 5 is a flowchart describing methodology used by the information display system as per another embodiment of the present invention which is configured for displaying date and time on the instrument cluster unit of the vehicle. At step S501, a tracking unit is configured in the instrument cluster unit and is an integrated part of the instrument cluster unit. The tracking unit comprises a GPS receiver, a GPS antenna etc. At step S502, the GPS receiver receives one or more input signals from a satellite based on geographical location. At step S503, a controller receives the one or more input signals channelized by the GPS receiver of the tracking unit. Thereafter, at step S504, the controller analyzes ignition status of the vehicle. At step S505, the controller determines whether the ignition status of the vehicle is ON or OFF. At step S506, if the controller finds out that the ignition status of the vehicle is ON, the controller analyzes one or more input signals, for example, latitude, longitude and altitude of the received input signals. At step S507, the controller further analyzes dilution of precision, where the dilution of precision is defined as error caused by relative position of the satellites. At step S508, the controller determines whether the dilution of precision is in predetermined range as stored in a lookup table of the controller. At step S509, if the controller finds out that the dilution of precision is in the predetermined range, then the controller communicates one or more input signals, to a display unit which displays the required output that is date and time on the vehicle. This method ensures error free display of the required input signals on the display unit while eliminating drainage of the energy storage device, thus making it cost effective. Further, the controller also communicates the received input signals to the CAN transceiver. The CAN transceiver further communicates the received input to the one or more controllers in the vehicle, ensuring ease of traceability of diagnostic trouble codes in the vehicle.
[00034] The invention helps in overcoming the problem of error in displaying date and time on display unit of the vehicle while maintaining life of the energy storage device, ensuring detection of diagnostic trouble codes with date and time stamping and eliminating requirement of real time clock, ultimately making it cost effective.
[00035] Advantageously, the embodiments of the present invention, describes the potential modifications in the communication of the tracking unit with the instrument cluster unit for displaying error free real time and date on the display unit of the instrument cluster unit.
[00036] Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
List of reference symbol:
Figure 1:
100: Motor Vehicle
126: Handle Bar Assembly
129: Front Wheel
130: One or more suspension
131: Front Fender
103: Fuel Tank Assembly
127: Head Lamp
111: Front Side Indicators
138: Rear Fender
133: Rear Wheel
125: Engine
132: A seat
139: Frame assembly
Figure 2:
200: Information display system
201: Tracking Unit
202: GPS Satellite
203:GPS Antenna
204: GPS Receiver
205: Tracking Controller unit
206: CAN Transceiver
207: Power Conditioning Circuit
208: Energy Storage Device
209: Instrument cluster Controller unit
210: Power Regulator
211: Display Driver
212: Display Unit
213: CAN transceiver
214, 215: Vehicle Controller Unit ECU
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An information display system (200) of a vehicle (100), said system (200) comprising:
an instrument cluster (119);
a tracking unit (201);
said tracking unit (201) being communicatively coupled with said instrument cluster (119), where said instrument cluster (119) being configured to receive a one or more input signals from said tracking unit (201) based on multiple geolocation parameters, and display an output based on said one or more input signals, said output includes one or more of a date and a time, thereby achieving convenience of user of said vehicle (100).
2. The information display system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tracking unit (201) comprises;
a GPS antenna (203);
a GPS receiver (204);
a tracking controller unit (205);
a CAN transceiver (206);
said GPS receiver (204) being electrically connected to said tracking controller unit (205) for communicating said one or more input signals from satellites to said tracking controller unit (205);
said tracking controller unit (205) being electrically connected to said CAN transceiver (206) for communicating said one or more input signals to said CAN transceiver (206).
3. The information display system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said instrument cluster (119) comprises:
a CAN transceiver (213);
an instrument cluster controller unit (209);
a display unit (212);
said CAN transceiver (213) being electrically connected to a CAN transceiver (206) of said tracking unit (201), where said CAN transceiver (206) of said tracking unit (201) being configured to communicate said one or more input signals through known communication means to said CAN transceiver (213) of said instrument cluster (119);
said CAN transceiver (213) being configured to communicate said one or more input signals to said instrument cluster controller unit (209), where said instrument cluster controller unit (209) being capable of communicating said one or more input signals to said display unit (212) for displaying an output, thereby achieving user convenience.
4. The information display system (200) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said CAN transceiver (206) being configured to communicate said one or more input signals to a plurality of vehicle controller units (214, 215) through known communication means.
5. The information display system (200) as claimed in claim 1, where said vehicle (100) includes an energy storage device (208), said energy storage device (208) being configured to channelize power to said instrument cluster (119) and said tracking unit (201).
6. The information display system (200) as claimed in claim 1, where said multiple geolocation parameters include coordinates of satellite, geographical location, dilution of precision.
7. The information display system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said instrument cluster (119) comprises:
a tracking unit (201);
said tracking unit (201) comprises a GPS receiver (204);
a controller unit (209);
a display unit (212);
a CAN transceiver (213);
said GPS receiver (204) being communicatively connected to said instrument cluster controller unit (209), where said GPS receiver (204) being configured to communicate said one or more input signals to said instrument cluster controller unit (209);
said instrument cluster controller unit (209) being configured to communicate said one or more input signals to said display unit (212) for displaying required output;
said instrument cluster controller unit (209) being capable of communicating said one or more input signals to said CAN transceiver (213), where said CAN transceiver (213) being configured to communicate said one or more input signals to a plurality of vehicle controller units (214, 215) of said vehicle (100).
8. A method of displaying output date and time, for user of a vehicle (100), said method implemented in an information display system (200), said information display system (200) comprising a tracking unit (201) and an instrument cluster unit (119), said method comprising steps of:
receiving one or more input signals using a GPS receiver (204) of said tracking unit (201) and communicating said one or more input signals to a controller unit (205);
communicating through said controller unit (205), said one or more input signals, to a CAN transceiver (206);
communicating said one or more input signals, from said CAN transceiver (206), to a CAN transceiver (213) of an instrument cluster (119)
communicating said one or more input signals from said CAN transceiver (206) to one or more vehicle controller unit (214, 215) of said vehicle (100);
transmitting said one or more input signals via controller unit (209) to a display device (212).
9. The method of displaying output as claimed in claim 10, wherein said one or more input signals being communicated from said CAN transceiver (206) to said CAN transceiver
(213) through CAN communication.
10. A method of displaying output, date and time, for user of a vehicle (100), said method implemented by an information display system (200), said information display system (200) comprising an instrument cluster unit (119), said instrument cluster unit (119) having a tracking unit (201), said method comprises steps of:
receiving one or more input signals using a GPS receiver (204) of said tracking unit (201) and communicating said one or more input signals to a controller unit (209);
communicating through said controller unit (205), said one or more input signals, to a CAN transceiver (213);
communicating said one or more input signals, from at least CAN transceiver (213), to one or more vehicle controller unit (214, 215) of said vehicle (100);
transmitting said one or more input signals via controller unit (209) to a display device a.