DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively the present subject matter relates to an instrument cluster for said vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Instrument clusters are a series of gauge and indicators that are grouped together in a shell or case in a unified form. Instrument clusters are often used with vehicles or other machinery to convey information to a rider or the operator of that machinery. For example, instrument clusters are often used to display vehicle speed, engine temperature, fuel level, engine oil level, etc.
[0003] Traditional instrument cluster which are of analog type often include multiple pointer needles, which are movable in circular direction to point at different portions of a meter or the gauge in order to convey information to the rider or to the operator of the machine having instrument cluster. The pointer needles are often illuminated or the background light of the instrument cluster gets illuminated when the head lights are activated, in order to enhance the visibility at low luminescence time of the day.
[0004] Instrument clusters are mainly housed in between the steering handle or upstream of the steering wheel of the vehicle so that it is convenient for the vehicle rider to see the data reflected on the instrument cluster from time to time.
[0005] Modern day automobiles have digital instrument cluster display which apart from the basic details as mentioned above, also shows variety of information and are added with more complex feature gauges and tell-tales such as turn indicators, gearshift position, low oil pressure, low tire pressure, light controls, automotive navigations system etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the instrument cluster.
[0008] Figure 3 (a) illustrates a flow chart of operating modes.
[0009] Figure 3 (b) illustrates a flow chart for shortest timer recorder in the sport mode.
[00010] Figure 3 (c) illustrates a round robin flow of sub modes when vehicle is in idle condition.
[00011] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the instrument cluster.
[00012] Figure 5 (a) illustrates a display screen of the instrument cluster view from the top.
[00013] Figure 5 (b) illustrates the flow chart and decision making of the high- speed alert (or notification).
[00014] Figure 6 illustrates priority decision making flow chart.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00015] Automobile manufacturers have experimented with various kinds of displays in the instrument cluster which not only has the functional aspect of displaying the information to the rider but also have features which appeals the customer’s eyes and gives great viewing experience. With inclusion of new technology, it has also become important to integrate one technology with another.
[00016] As the technologies are evolving with time, state of the art vehicles includes various other drive features in order to provide several information in one display and the information to be displayed can be chosen by the user by allowing addition or removal of the type of information to be displayed on the digital screen. The instrument cluster should be able to give information beyond the conventional vehicle parameters that are displayed. Latest technologies have gone beyond providing features which are essential to operate the vehicle properly. Technologies can be added by the customer. Other than getting plethora of options that can be viewed on the instrument cluster, people these days are more connected than ever before. So, integrating the present instrument cluster with the communication system can be more useful to the rider. Riders tend to take phone call during riding a vehicle which can be fatal and cause accidents. Also with too many features & information to be processed & interacted with by the user, often clusters have too many control switches which tend to distract the driver’s attention & focus. So, to avoid such situations and distractions, the vehicle needs to be equipped with optimum features and optimum number of interacting switches which can itself work as a holistic device for both commuting as well as communication.
[00017] Hence, it is the object of the present subject matter to provide an instrument cluster which can display the vehicle parameters as well as communication notifications in a safe, secure and effective manner.
[00018] Another embodiment of the present subject matter is to provide an instrument cluster which comprises of a display and the display is divided into multiple segments and each segment provides a set of indicators and icons which offer better viewing.
[00019] Another embodiment of the present subject matter is to provide an instrument cluster in which an alphanumeric display is provided for displaying several notifications.
[00020] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter is to provide an instrument cluster which is paired to a communication device through wireless medium using an application stored in the communication device.
[00021] Still another embodiment of the present subject matter is to provide an instrument cluster which is capable of receiving notifications and alerts based on vehicle parameters and communication device status.
[00022] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter is to provide an instrument cluster which is capable of prioritizing the alerts or notification on the basis of the priority list so that the higher priority notification or the alert gets displayed on the alphanumeric display in the instrument cluster.
[00023] Another embodiment of the present subject matter is to provide an instrument cluster which is of LCD (liquid crystal display) and provides improved display in all weather conditions and can be manufactured at low cost.
[00024] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) illustrated, has a frame member (105). In the present embodiment, the frame member (105) is step-through type includes a head tube (105A), and a main frame (105B) that extend rearwardly downward from an anterior portion of the head tube (105A). The main frame (105B) extends inclinedly rearward to a rear portion of the vehicle (100).
[00025] The vehicle (100) includes one or more prime movers that are connected to the frame member (105). In the present implementation, one of the prime movers is an internal combustion (IC) engine (115) mounted to the frame member (105). In the depicted embodiment, the IC engine (115) is mounted to a structural member (135) that is pivoted to the frame member (105). In one embodiment, the structural member (135) is a rigid member made including metal. The vehicle (100) also includes another prime mover, which is an electric motor (120). In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor (120) is hub mounted to one wheel of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, more than one electric motor is mounted to wheels of the vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes at least two-wheels and the electric motor (120) is hub mounted to the rear wheel (125) of the vehicle. A front wheel (110) is rotatably supported by the frame member (105) and is connected to a handle bar assembly (130) that enables maneuvering of the vehicle (100).
[00026] Further, the vehicle (100) includes a high capacity on-board battery (not shown) that drives the electric motor (120). The high capacity battery may include one or more high capacity battery packs or one or more low capacity cells. The energy source in an alternate embodiment can be fuel cell. The high capacity battery can be disposed at a front portion, a rear portion, or at the center of the vehicle (100). The high capacity battery is supported by the frame member (105) and the vehicle (100) includes plurality of body panels, mounted to the frame member (105) for covering various components of the vehicle (100). The plurality of panels includes a front panel (140A), a leg shield (140B), an under-seat cover (140C), and a left and a right-side panel (140D). A glove box may be mounted to a leg shield (140B).
[00027] A floorboard (145) is provided at the step-through portion defined by the main tube (105B). A seat assembly (150) is disposed rearward to the step-through portion and is mounted to the main frame (105B). The seat assembly (150) that is elongated in a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle (100) enables the user to operate the vehicle in a saddle ride-type posture. One or more suspension(s) connect the wheels (110), (125) to the vehicle (100) and provide a comfortable ride. The vehicle (100) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (155A), a taillight (155B), a starter motor (not shown), a horn etc. Also, the vehicle (100) includes a master control unit (not shown) that takes control of the overall operation of the vehicle (100) including the function of the IC engine (115), the electric motor (120), charging of the batteries from a magneto/integrated starter generator (ISG), driving of loads by the magneto/ISG, charging of the high capacity batteries by the electric motor operating in generator mode, and any other operations associated with the operation of the vehicle (100). The vehicle shown in fig. 1 is an exemplary vehicle and the present subject matter can be used in a two-wheeled vehicle, three-wheeled vehicle or a four- wheeled vehicle.
[00028] In Fig. 2, the connected instrument cluster (200) comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen (201) for displaying plurality of vehicle parameters like the vehicle status, mobile (communication device) status and navigation instructions etc. Tell-tale indicators such as turn-signal indications (202 and 203), high beam indication (204), driving mode indication (205) and low fuel warning indication (206) are provided on either sides of the display screen (201). Mode button (207) and Set button (208) are provided ergonomically at the bottom most edges of the instrument cluster (200) to allow a rider to change the display mode and set parameters such as clock time and reset parameters such as trip distance. The display screen (201) and tell-tale indicators are protected from external environment by means of a transparent lens (not shown). The display screen (201) is of segmented type and has alphanumeric display segments and graphic icon segments for displaying vehicle status, mobile communication device (433) status and navigation instructions. At the centre of the display screen (201) is a vehicle speed indication (209) in large font so that it is clearly visible to the rider even in bad weather conditions and bright daylight conditions. The vehicle speed indication (209) unit can be set as “kmph” (kilo meter per hour) and “mph” (meter per hour) using the mode button (207) and set button (208).
[00029] In the bottom left of the display screen (201), engine oil temperature indication (210) is provided in bar type display. An engine oil temperature icon (211) is also provided to help the user to identify the type of indication. The engine oil temperature indication (210) is useful for the rider and service technician to understand the engine oil temperature. Cold or hot engine conditions can be easily understood and engine oil temperature sensor malfunction can also be understood. The rider may want to perform kick starting if the engine oil temperature is cold. The service technician can also use the engine oil temperature indication to diagnose engine problems such as knocking, jerk, abnormal noise, etc. The engine oil temperature icon (211) blinks if engine oil temperature sensor malfunction is detected.
[00030] A “wear helmet” indication (212) is provided on the left-top side of the engine oil temperature indication (210). The “wear helmet” indication (212) blinks during the self-check process and when the instrument cluster starts operating to remind the rider to wear a helmet before starting a ride. A ‘Low battery’ indication (213) to indicate that the battery is low, “service reminder” indication (214) and “immobilizer ON” indication (215) are provided above the “wear helmet” indication (212). The “low battery” indication (213) blinks if low battery State of Charge (SOC) is detected. The “service reminder” indication (214) blinks if service due is detected. “Immobilizer ON” indication (215) blinks if engine operation is disabled to enhance vehicle security. A “side stand ON” indication (216) blinks if a vehicle side stand is in a deployed condition. This alerts the rider to retract the side stand before commencing the ride. A “low engine oil level” indication (217) blinks if engine oil level detected is low. A “Bluetooth paired” indication (218) indicates that a Bluetooth communication between the instrument cluster (200) and a user wireless communication device such as a mobile phone or tablet PC is in a paired state.
[00031] A “lap trip distance” indication (219) is provided for the user to measure a specific trip distance in kilometres or miles as selected using the mode button (207) and set button (208). Two different trips’ (“Trip A” and “Trip B”) distances can be measured separately as distinguished using indications (220) and (221). A “trip F” indication (222) automatically measures the distance covered by the vehicle while the fuel level is below a reserve condition. This helps the rider to easily gauge the distance he/she can continue riding before refueling a fuel tank of the vehicle. A “distance to empty” indication can estimate a distance that can be covered with the fuel quantity available in the fuel tank. But the estimate might change due to varying riding conditions, varying road conditions, riding pattern and environmental conditions. The “trip F” indication (222) provides distance covered with fuel level below a reserve condition which the rider can use to estimate the distance he/she can ride before refueling the fuel tank. The rider can thus plan refueling more effectively.
[00032] An odometer or lap timer indication (223) is provided in different instrument cluster operating modes to indicate the cumulative distance covered by the vehicle and/or measure the time elapsed to traverse a lap. The lap timer will automatically start if the vehicle speed increases beyond a predetermined threshold (e.g., 2kmph) and it shall automatically stop if the vehicle speed decreases below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 2kmph). The odometer and lap timer indications (223) are multiplexed such that different operating modes selected using mode button (207) and set button (208) switches will display either the odometer or lap timer in the same position.
[00033] Clock or average speed (224) during the lap (224) are multiplexed in different operating modes to indicate the geographical time or average lap speed in different operating modes based on mode button (207) and set button (208) selection by the rider. Time taken to accelerate from zero to a predetermined vehicle speed (e.g., 60 kmph) is also indicated (225). This acceleration time indication (225) is multiplexed with “distance to empty” indication in a different operating mode. Fuel level indication (226) with fuel level indication icon (227) is a bar type indication which along with the engine oil temperature indication (210) provides an aesthetic staircase type display.
[00034] Mobile communication device (433) status information and navigation instructions are provided in the display space between the engine oil temperature indication (210) and fuel level indication (226). Mobile communication device (433) battery SOC indication (228), signal strength indication (229), SMS notification indication (230) and phone call notification indication (231) are provided to allow the rider to concentrate on vehicle riding without having to use the mobile communication device (433). The phone caller identification is also provided in alphanumeric display (232) so that the rider can decide to park the vehicle and attend the call if he/she thinks that it is from an important or emergency caller.
[00035] Navigation instructions are multiplexed along with the caller identification and upon sensing an incoming call while navigation instructions are displayed, the caller identification will be displayed for a predetermined duration before switching back to the navigation instructions display. A navigation mode icon (234) is provided to indicate that navigation instructions are being communicated from the mobile communication device (433) to the instrument cluster (200). The alphanumeric display (232) is also used to indicate alert messages and operating mode details. When the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, “high speed alert” will be blinking in the alphanumeric display (232) which reminds the rider to slow down. Alert messages such as “low fuel level” and “low battery level” will also be displayed in the alphanumeric display (232). Operating mode details such as “Street Mode”, “Sport Mode”, etc., will also be displayed in the alphanumeric display (232). Courtesy messages such as “Good Morning (name of the rider)”, “Welcome (name of the rider)” will also be displayed in the alphanumeric display (232).
[00036] Fig. 3 (a) represents a flow diagram of different driving modes of operation during driving the vehicle (100). In step 301 the ignition of the vehicle (100) is switched on. If the vehicle is switched on for the first time, then the mode of operation is street mode. The vehicle now enters into street mode in step 302. If the rider (or user) presses mode button (207) for short duration (< 1second) then the mode remains same but the trip meter changes. In step 302 the street mode displays street mode Trip A and in step 303 the street mode displays Trip B for another trip. Both Trip A and Trip B records a separate time and distance information which can be viewed later and can be reset by using the reset button (208).
[00037] After the street mode, if the mode button (207) is pressed for short interval (<1second), the vehicle enters into sports mode in step 304. Further, to view the last lap information, mode button (207) is pressed again in step 305 and to view best lap among multiple lap information stored in instrument cluster (200), again the mode button (207) is pressed in step 306. The entire process of changing modes follows round robin cycle.
[00038] Since there are multiple modes, which may be selected by the rider by operating the mode button (207) for a short duration (< 1 second). The modes are classified on the basis of the type of parameters which are displayed on the instrument cluster (200). There are mainly two types of modes available to the user, street mode and sports mode. The street mode is a default mode in the instrument cluster (200). The street mode displays several parameters like Trip meter A (220) and Trip meter B (221), an odometer (223), a clock etc. Also, there are parameters which gets displayed in both modes, which includes the speed of the vehicle through speed indication (209), fuel level indication (226), Engine temperature bar through engine oil temperature indication (210) and engine oil indication icon (211), mobile phone battery strength through battery SOC (state of charge) indication (228), phone’s signal strength indication (229) and connectivity message.
[00039] Another mode which is available in the instrument cluster (200) is called the sport mode. Once the rider selects the sports mode then the vehicle enters into race mode and displays parameters which can be used to record information like lap time, distance covered etc.
[00040] In Fig. 3(b) illustrates the sport mode with shortest time recorder. After selecting sports mode, the instrument cluster (200) shows lap timer to give information regarding the time required to cover a certain lap. A lap timer is triggered when the ignition of the vehicle is switched ON and a predetermined vehicle speed (2kmph) is crossed and the lap timer is stopped when vehicle speed reduces below a threshold (2kmph). Next feature is the lap distance recorder which records the distance covered in a certain lap.
[00041] Next feature in the sports mode is called shortest time recorder which calculates the time required to reach a speed of 60kmph. For each lap, there may be multiple times recorded and for each lap instantaneous time is displayed for reaching 60 kmph. The last recorded time is displayed when the vehicle is restarted. The timer starts once the speed of the vehicle crosses 2kmph, in step 310, in order to record the shortest time for reaching 60mph. The shortest time recorder records the time for reaching 60kmph in step 311. If the vehicle slows down at the signal again the speed crosses limit of 2kmph a new value for reaching 60kmph is recorded. There can be multiple values recorded for reaching 60kmph in a particular lap and before the ignition is turned off. The last instantaneous value recorded will be displayed when a new lap is started. In step 312, if the time taken by the vehicle to reach 60kmph is less than 15 seconds then the corresponding value is displayed on the instrument cluster (200) other wise 15 seconds is displayed. The limit value of 15 seconds for the shortest time recorder can be changed by the manufacturer.
[00042] Mode of the vehicle remains same (mode in the previous lap just before ignition of the vehicle was shut down) if the ignition of the vehicle is restarted. Only when the vehicle is started for the first time, the mode remains in street mode. In order to switch from one mode to another mode the mode button (207) is pressed for less than a second whereas to connect the instrument cluster with a Bluetooth® module of a device like phone, tablet, etc. the mode button (207) is pressed for more than 5 seconds.
[00043] In street mode, the user can choose to record the time for multiple trips. Street mode provides an option which allows the rider to select a new trip i.e. a Trip meter A (220) and a Trip meter B (221). Both Trip meter A (220) and Trip meter B (221) records the distance covered and the time required to cover the distance so that the rider can use the information for travelling purposes like to reach destination from a fixed point but by means of several routes. The rider can take multiple routes and can record the distance and the time covered so that the data can be used to find out the best or the most suitable route for travelling.
[00044] The rider or the user of the vehicle also has the flexibility to reset the values recorded for Trip meter A (220) and Trip meter B (221) by using the mode reset button (208). Other than Trip meter A (220) and Trip meter B (221) there is a feature called Trip F (222) displayed adjacent to the Trip A and Trip B on the instrument cluster (200). Trip F (222) starts recording distance travelled after the fuel level reaches reserve level. This allows the user rider to understand the distance covered in reserve fuel condition and helps in deciding when to refuel.
[00045] After the Sport mode, the rider has the option to see the last lap details and the best lap details in the rider stat option. From street mode with Trip meter A (220) and Trip meter B (221) then sports mode and then the rider stat with last lap and best lap, the mode button (207) is pressed to choose from the several options available. The options are available in round robin fashion. In order to choose one option, mode button is pressed for required number of times.
[00046] The rider while riding can also connect with a communication device (433) like mobile phone, electronic tablet without the need of seeing the communication device (433). The instrument cluster is provided with a Bluetooth® module which communicates with a customized application stored inside the rider’s communication device (433).
[00047] The Bluetooth ® module of the instrument cluster (200) is connected by pressing the mode button (207) for a long duration (approximately 5 seconds or longer) in any mode or when the vehicle is in stationary condition (but ignition on). The Bluetooth® module of the instrument cluster searches for a communication device (433) in the communicable range. The rider has to select the Bluetooth ® module ID of the instrument cluster using the application stored in the communication device (433) and then a keyword which is unique to each vehicle is entered by the user in order to pair communication device (433) with the Bluetooth® module of the instrument cluster (200). Once authorization is complete, the communication device (433) with authentication to get connected with the instrument cluster (200) gets auto connected thereafter.
[00048] Fig. 3(c) displays the sub modes or the modes which can be used when the vehicle is in idle condition. The sub modes in the idle state of the vehicle are ride stat mode (307), Bluetooth ® pair mode (308) and set clock mode (309). When the instrument cluster (200) is in ride stats mode or sport mode or street mode in step 307 and if the mode button (207) is pressed for longer duration (greater or equal to than five seconds) then the instrument cluster enters into Bluetooth pairing mode. If the mode button (207) is pressed further for a longer duration (greater than or equal to five seconds) then set clock mode gets displayed in step 309. In the set clock mode, the clock of the communication device (433), after getting paired with the instrument cluster (200), sets the clock of the instrument cluster (200). The clock of the instrument cluster (200) can be synced with the clock in the user communication device (433) to give more accuracy.
[00049] Fig. 4 provides the function block diagram (420) of the instrument cluster (200) showing the connection of the instrument cluster (200) with electrical loads (427), a power supply circuit (429) provides power to the instrument cluster (200) and the components present inside the instrument cluster (200). The power supply circuit (429) powers the signal conditioning circuit (423), the microcontroller (421) and the driver circuit (425). Information of different parameters of the vehicle gets displayed on the display screen (201). The microcontroller (421) also communicates with the communication circuit (431) present inside of a communication device (433). The information of the device gets displayed on the display screen (201). The communication device (433) connects to the instrument cluster (200) though a wireless module like Bluetooth®. The communication device (433) is provided with an application which can be customized by the rider (or user of the vehicle).
[00050] Fig. 5 (a) shows the display screen (201) of the instrument cluster (200). The entire display screen (201) is divided into three segments by line L and L’. The segments formed by line L and L’ are top segment (501), middle segment (502) and a bottom segment (503). The top segment (501) displays lap time indicator (223), clock or average speed (224), side stand indication (216), “low engine oil level” indication (217), “Bluetooth paired” indication (218) etc. Similarly, the middle segment (502) displays “wear helmet” indication (212), ‘Low battery’ indication (213), acceleration time indication (225), speed indication (209), “wear helmet” indication (212), ‘Low battery’ indication (213), “service reminder” indication (214), “Immobilizer ON” indication (215). The bottom segment (503) displays one or more alphanumeric display (232) in the middle of other several indicators and icons present on the left and right of the bottom segment (503).
[00051] The alphanumeric display (232) is located in the middle of the bottom segment (503) of the display screen (201) of the instrument cluster (200). The alphanumeric display (232) indicates the alert in form of message and the mode in which the vehicle is operating. Along with the alerts and the operating modes which get displayed on the alphanumeric display (232), several notifications get displayed. There can be several notifications like self-check message, over-speed alert, low battery of phone, engine warning when the engine temperature goes up. Notifications like incoming call, incoming message, missed call, navigation related notification etc. The position of the alphanumeric display (232) is in such a way that the rider while riding can easily see the notification without straining the eye. The alphanumeric display (232) lies on the line of sight of the rider which in result gives a better view without causing unnecessary strain. Apart from alphanumeric display (232) in the bottom segment (503) other icons and indicator are displayed on the left and right hand side of the bottom segment (503). Phone call notification indication (231) gets displayed when an incoming phone call is received from a phone which is paired to instrument cluster (200) through wireless network like Bluetooth ®. The name of the person calling, gets displayed on the alphanumeric display (232). Similarly, SMS notification indication (230) gets displayed when an SMS is received by the paired communication device (433). The application stored in the paired communication device (433) sends the message which is displayed on the alphanumeric display (232). The content of the messages to be sent out can be customized by the user. User can also choose auto reply messages in case the user is busy riding the vehicle. Information like which caller name to be displayed on the alphanumeric display (232), number of missed call, filtering out unnecessary messages as per the rider’s desire, the application stored in the paired communication device (433) can be customized as per the rider’s need. Along with the call or SMS (small message service) details, the alphanumeric display (232) helps the rider in navigation and displays the route and displays the direction in word format e.g. “TURN LEFT AFTER 65 meter”.
[00052] Signal strength indication (229) indicates the strength of the SIM (Subscriber identity module) signal embedded in the paired communication device (433). Battery SOC indication (228) indicates the battery state of charge of the paired communication device (433). When the battery level of the paired communication device (433) falls below predetermined level, the battery icon’s outer line starts toggling and a message indicating the same gets displayed on the alphanumeric display (232).
[00053] Similarly, there are some important alerts which help the rider to prevent accident like accidents due to over speeding. A high-speed alert is generated in such case. If the speed of the vehicle crosses a predetermined value of speed, then an alert message gets displayed on the alphanumeric display (232).
[00054] A user preferred value of the limit is entered in the application stored in the communication device (433) which is paired with the instrument cluster (200). The application is connected to the instrument cluster (200) though the communication device (433) and the data regarding the speed limit is sent to the instrument cluster though Bluetooth®. When the vehicle is in driving condition, the speed sensor installed in the vehicle generates a signal indicative of vehicle speed and data is sent to the instrument cluster (200) wherein the instantaneous value of the speed is compared with the entered threshold value and if the speed of the vehicle crosses the threshold limit, a message gets displayed on the alphanumeric display (232) to indicate it to the rider.
[00055] Fig. 5(b) illustrates the flow chart and decision making for displaying high speed alert notification. In step 504 the rider selects option from the application stored in the communication device (433) to enable the high- speed alert and the value is then entered by the rider. After entering the value for the high-speed alert in step 504, the vehicle (100) is started either by ignition or any other power source like battery in step 505. In step 506 the communication device (433) is paired with the instrument cluster (200) of the vehicle (100) and the application establishes connection and starts communicating with the instrument cluster (200).
[00056] Further in step 507, the threshold value, for high speed alert display purpose, is stored in the memory of the instrument cluster (200) through transmission of data packet via wireless medium like Bluetooth®. When the vehicle (100) is in running condition the value of the instantaneous speed is transferred from the speed sensor connected to the vehicle, in step 510. Then, in step 508, the instantaneous vehicle speed fed from the speed sensor is compared with the threshold value. If the instantaneous vehicle speed value is greater than the threshold value then in step 509, high speed alert notification is compared with other notification from the priority list. If the priority of the high-speed alert notification is greater than any other current notification then, in step 511, a high speed notification (or alert) gets displayed in the alphanumeric display (232) of the instrument cluster (200) of the vehicle (100). Otherwise the notification having higher priority than the high-speed alert notification gets displayed on the alphanumeric display (232). The priority of the notification is set by the manufacturers.
[00057] Just like high speed alert, there can be several notifications which can be displayed on the alphanumeric display (232) for rider’s convenience but in certain case there might be clashes between two or more notifications which need to be displayed on the alphanumeric display (232). In such cases, there is a priority list of notification set by the manufacturer.
[00058] Fig. 6 shows the decision-making flow chart to resolve the issue between two or more notifications competing in order to get displayed on the alphanumeric display (232). Every notification is given a priority number on the basis of which the notification gets displayed on alphanumeric display (232). In step 601 the vehicle is started by ignition key and a motor powered though a battery. Then in step 602, after the vehicle (100) gets started, a self-check process of the instrument cluster (200) is initiated. Further in step 603, a connection of communication device (433) with the wireless module (Bluetooth ®) of said instrument cluster (200) is initiated. In step 604, communication device (433) is authenticated by entering a key in an application stored in the communication device (433). The name of the connected communication device (433) gets displayed with a “welcome” message in alphanumeric display (232) in step 605. Further two or more notifications are selected by the instrument cluster (200) in step 606. Then the priority of said one or more selected notifications are compared in step 607 and the highest priority notification among selected one or more notifications is displayed on the alphanumeric display (232) provided on instrument cluster (200) in step 608. The notifications received by the instrument cluster (200) are either received from a paired communication device (433) or from the vehicle (100).
[00059] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the two-wheeled vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated Rear direction, T denotes top and D denotes down direction as and where applicable. Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention
[00060] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprising:
an instrument cluster (200), said instrument cluster (200) securely placed between a pair of handle assembly (130); and
said instrument cluster (200) comprises a display screen (201)
wherein
said display screen (202) comprising one or more segments; and
said one or more segments comprising one or more alphanumeric display (232).
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display screen (201) comprises a top segment (501), a middle segment (502) and a bottom segment (503).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more alphanumeric display (232) lies along a line of sight of a rider of said vehicle (100).
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 2, wherein said one or more alphanumeric display (232) is located in said bottom segment (503).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 2, wherein said top segment (501), said middle segment (502) and said bottom segment of said display screen (201) displays a plurality of said vehicle (100) parameters.
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said instrument cluster (200) is provided with a mode button (207) to switch between a street mode and a sport mode.
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle (100) is a two-wheeled vehicle, three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle.
8. A method for displaying a notification on an instrument cluster (200) of a vehicle (100), comprising the steps:
starting said vehicle (100) through an ignition or a motor;
connecting a communication device (433) with a wireless module of said instrument cluster (200);
authenticating said communication device (433);
selecting two or more notifications by the instrument cluster (200);
comparing the priority of said one or more notifications;
displaying highest priority notification from said one or more notifications on an alphanumeric display (232) provided on said instrument cluster (200);
9. The method for displaying a notification on an instrument cluster (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said notification is received from a communication device (433) paired with said instrument cluster.
10. The method for displaying a notification on an instrument cluster (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said notification is received from said vehicle (100).
11. The method for displaying a notification on an instrument cluster (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said instrument cluster (200) does a self-check process after said vehicle (100) is switched ON;
12. The method for displaying a notification on an instrument cluster (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a welcome message is displayed after said communication device (433) gets paired with said instrument cluster (200);
13. The method for displaying a notification on an instrument cluster (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said authentication is done by entering a key.
14. The method for displaying a notification on an instrument cluster (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said authentication is done automatically.