Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and system for controlling vehicle function in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] To make driving a vehicle an enjoyable experience for a user, modern vehicles are provided with supplementary features which will make driving comfortable for the users. During long drives, maintaining constant speed, lane discipline, and constant focus on the road can take a mental strain on the driver. Specifically, for two wheeled vehicles, these are extremely pertinent, as there is an absence of protection from the natural elements such as rain, dust, and wind.
[0003] One such supplementary feature is an idle start stop feature, which automatically turns-off an engine in a state of vehicle idling. Specifically, in IC engines, combustion of fuel does not take place steadily and varies at intervals of time based on the automobile throttle state. An idling state occurs when such an engine is kept running when the vehicle is not in use or in a standstill position while parking. Vehicle idling results in unnecessary consumption of fuel by the engine and emission of harmful gases into the environment. To overcome this, a system to effectively control the engine during idling is placed in such automobiles. Reducing the amount of energy wasted in idling conditions especially at heavy traffic zones significantly helps in gaining better fuel economy for vehicles.
[0004] Another such supplementary feature is a torque assist feature, which generates additional torque based on inputs from plurality of sensors, that indicate that the vehicle will need additional torque to travel a particularly difficult terrain. Such supplementary features help the user of the vehicle achieve a smooth driving experience.
[0005] Conventionally, hybrid vehicles are provided with an integrated starter generator (ISG) to automatically stop and start an engine to improve fuel economy. To start and stop the drive motor usually a switch is used. The ISG stops the engine while the vehicle is stopped, and starts the engine to generate a driving force after the vehicle is started by the motor.
[0006] Generally, vehicle fuel economy is a very important aspect to be considered, while buying a vehicle by a user. Most importantly, fuel economy becomes more crucial parameter for those users whose livelihood depends on the vehicle wherein the vehicle is used for commercial transportation. Further, the increasing cost of fossil fuels has created an urgent need to look for ways to economize the fuel used in the vehicles. There are many mechanisms available to switch off the vehicle, when not in use or when the vehicle is in idling condition to save fuels.
[0007] Further, in hybrid vehicles, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) uses the electricity that is generated with the help of regenerative braking to keep the dual battery setup charged. The kinetic energy which is produced when the vehicle slows down or while decelerating is converted into electrical energy. This is then stored in the dual battery set up which helps in Torque Assist. By using Torque Assist functionality, the energy that is stored in the dual battery set up is utilized by the ISG to assist the engine during acceleration which helps in reducing the load on the engine, thus increasing the fuel efficiency. Consequently, this lightens the load on the engine by shutting off the engine when at standstill. Hence, this not only helps save fuel but also supports the engine in providing optimal acceleration and performance. helps in enhancing the fuel efficiency is brake energy regeneration.
[0008] To engage such features, such as the idle start stop and the torque assist feature, a plurality of switches are disposed on the vehicle which enable and disable the features as per the user’s commands. Therefore, in existing vehicles, several manually operating switches are utilized. This design mainly comprises of two or more switches, one of which is used to start the vehicle namely the engine starter switch and the other is used as a torque assist switch or an idle start stop switch. This is confusing to the user because the user must operate multiple switches to turn on and turn off the engine or to enable torque assist or idle start stop switch while driving the vehicle, and it becomes even more difficult task when the user is stuck in traffic which requires quick and careful movements of the vehicle. In another type of starter motor system, the vehicle is provided with a manual or an automatic start stop system configured to switch off the vehicle entirely. In such systems, when the vehicle engine is turned off during idle condition or in traffic, other vehicle loads such as a head lamp, one or more tail lights, one or more indicators, and the like are also switched off. This causes the problem of complete vehicle shut down and it becomes extremely difficult for the user at night without any form of illumination and thus increases the chances of an accident.
[0009] Moreover, having multiple switches for multiple functionalities results in increasing the part count, weight and cost of the vehicle as two different switches are required for starting of the engine and another switch for enabling torque assist functionality. Further, post starting of the vehicle, the engine start switch becomes idle and is of no use unless again cranking of the vehicle is required.
[00010] Additionally, there are multiple modes in which a vehicle functions. Conventionally, these modes include the street mode and the sport mode. The street mode is a more fuel efficient mode, and the sport mode is used for driving longer distances with higher speeds. The user is expected to engage and disengage the one or more features based on the current vehicle mode the vehicle is operating in. This can cause a hindrance to the user, and it is hazardous to the safety of the user as such multiple features being engaged and disengaged can cause distractions to the user and jeopardize their safety.
[00011] Therefore, there arises a need for an improved system and method for controlling vehicle functions of vehicle efficiently while enabling one or more functionalities based on the vehicle modes of the vehicle.
 
SUMMARY

[00012] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention provides a system and method for controlling vehicle function in the vehicle. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle comprises of a switch which is configured enable one or more functionalities. The switch is configured to be pressed by a user of the vehicle. The system also comprises of a control unit which is configured to receive an input indicating vehicle mode of the vehicle and generate signal to selectively enable one or more functionalities based on received input.
[00013] According to embodiments illustrates herein, the present invention also provides a method for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle, which comprises the steps of pressing a switch, by a user of the vehicle, to enable one or more functionalities. A control unit receiving an input indicating vehicle mode of the vehicle. The control unit generating signal to selectively enable one or more functionalities based on received input.
[00014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00015] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which is related to a hybrid vehicle being one embodiment of the present subject matter. However, the present subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s) and is applicable to all kinds of vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled or four-wheeled hybrid vehicles, mild hybrid vehicles and the like. In the figures, the same or similar numbers are used throughout to reference features and components.
[00016] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram of a system for controlling vehicle functions in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00017] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a flow diagram of the method for vehicle functions in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00018] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00019] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for controlling vehicle function based on the current mode in which a vehicle is operating, which provides an easy and convenient method for a user of the vehicle to activate supplementary features in the vehicle by removing distractions of plurality of switches. In an embodiment, the controlling of vehicle function is done with a single switch for better accessibility and comfort. In another embodiment, the switch can also be used to start an engine of the vehicle.
[00020] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for an already existing engine starter switch to also enable a torque assist function and idle start stop function as well, thereby eliminating the need for a plurality of different switches. Adding an additional switch to enable the torque assist or the idle start stop feature adds cost, requires space on the handlebar, and requires an additional input to the controller. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to switch ON/OFF the engine and enable torque assist feature and idle start stop feature without an additional switch. As per another object of the present invention, the present subject matter discloses an improved method and system for controlling vehicle function to economize fuel consumption.
[00021] The present invention provides a system and method for controlling vehicle function in the vehicle. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle comprises of a switch which is configured enable one or more functionalities. The switch is configured to be pressed by a user of the vehicle. The system also comprises of a control unit which is configured to receive an input indicating vehicle mode of the vehicle and generate signal to selectively enable one or more functionalities based on received input.
[00022] As per an aspect of the present invention, the one or more functionalities which can be enabled by the switch is at least a torque assist functionality and an idle start stop functionality. Therefore, a single switch is being used to enable multiple functionalities, thereby easing the means of such enabling and removing distractions for the user during such activation of vehicle functions.
[00023] As per an aspect of the present invention, the vehicle mode can be selected from at least a sport mode and a street mode.
[00024] As per an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is configured to control an integrated starter generator. As per another embodiment, the control unit is configured to communicate with the integrated starter generator through CAN communication.
[00025] As per an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is configured to generate signal to enable the idle start stop functionality when the vehicle mode being that of the street mode. As per another embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate signal to enable the torque assist functionality when vehicle mode being that of the sport mode.
[00026] As per an aspect of the present invention, the integrated starter generator is configured to enable the one or more functionalities based on the generated signal received from the control unit.
[00027] As per an aspect of the present invention, an instrument cluster may display at least the vehicle mode and the one or more functionalities which have been enabled by the user. As per another aspect of the present invention, the instrument cluster being a speedometer.
[00028] As per an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is configured to receive one or more parameters from a plurality of sensors and the control unit is configured to control a plurality of ignition parameters of vehicle based on the received one or more parameters.
[00029] As per an aspect of the present invention, the control unit being an engine control unit. As per an aspect of the present invention, the switch being one of an engine starter switch.
[00030] According to embodiments illustrates herein, the present invention also provides a method for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle, which comprises the steps of pressing a switch, by a user of the vehicle, to enable one or more functionalities. A control unit receiving an input indicating vehicle mode of the vehicle. The control unit generating signal to selectively enable one or more functionalities based on received input.
[00031] As per an aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises sending of a signal by the control unit to enable idle start stop functionality when the vehicle mode is street mode. The integrated starter generator receives the signal and enabling idle start stop functionality.
[00032] As per an aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises steps of sending of a signal by the control unit to enable torque assist functionality when the vehicle mode is sport mode. The integrated starter generator receives the signal and enabling torque assist functionality.
[00033] As per an aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises steps of displaying the vehicle mode and the one or more functionalities by an instrument cluster.
[00034] In another embodiment, the switch performing enabling of at least an engine starter switch, a vehicle torque assist switch and idle start stop feature.
[00035] In another embodiment, the vehicle is switched on through an ignition key.
[00036] The present subject matter is described using a vehicle function control system for a vehicle, whereas the claimed subject matter can be used in any other type of application employing above-mentioned vehicle function control system, with required changes and without deviating from the scope of invention. Further, it is intended that the disclosure and examples given herein be considered as exemplary only.
[00037] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[00038] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00039] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00040] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. The method and system may be implemented in any type of vehicle.
[00041] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for controlling vehicle functions in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. An engine (102) is integrally connected to an integrated starter generator unit (104). The integrated starter generator unit (104) is electronically connected to a control unit (108). The control unit (108) may be a microcontroller which generates signals to communicate electronically. The control unit (108) is mounted onto a cabin (not shown) for support and connectivity. The control unit (108) is further connected to a battery unit (114) which is mounted at a portion on a chassis (not shown) of the vehicle. The battery unit controls one or more DC loads (116). The one or more DC loads (116) includes one or more battery-controlled headlamps, one or more taillights, one or more indicators and the like. The control unit (108) is further electronically configured to control and crank the engine (102) of the vehicle by communicating electronically with a switch (106), an ignition key (110) and a fuel pump unit (112). The switch (106) is configured to be turned ON by pressing or pushing to start the engine (102) of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the switch (106) could also be a torque assist switch and an idle start stop switch. The ignition key (110) is configured to turn ON to start the ignition of the engine (102) of the vehicle. The fuel pump unit (112) is configured to be electronically controlled by the control unit (108) to send signal to either supply fuel to start the engine (102) or otherwise. In this system, once the control unit (108) does not send any signal to the ignition control unit (110), the vehicle goes into an Off condition and the engine (102) of the vehicle along with the DC loads (116) are turned off.
[00042] The switch (106) is configured to enable either a torque assist functionality switch or an idle start stop functionality, which is determined by the control unit (108) which is configured to enable the one or more functionalities based on the current vehicle mode on which the vehicle is operating in. The control unit (108) is configured to enable the torque assist functionality, if the current vehicle mode is sport mode. Similarly, if the vehicle is in street mode, then the control unit (108) is configured to enable idle start stop functionality.
[00043] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a flow diagram of the method for controlling the vehicle functions in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. It discloses a method for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle. The method initiates and at step 201the ignition key (110) is used to start the vehicle. At step 202, the user may then press a switch (106) which is configured to act as an engine starter switch as well as enable torque assist functionality and idle start stop functionality based on the vehicle mode of the vehicle. Therefore, a single switch (106) is configured to act both as an engine start switch and as a switch to enable one or more functionalities. Thus, it is an advantage of the present invention that provides a method and system for controlling vehicle functions with a single switch for better accessibility and comfort. At step 203, the control unit (108) receives input indicating the vehicle mode of the vehicle. At step 204 the control unit (108) checks whether the vehicle mode is sports mode. If the vehicle mode is in sport mode, the control unit (108) generates a signal which instructs the ISG (104) to enable torque assist functionality at step 205. At step 206 the control unit (108) checks whether the vehicle mode is street mode. If the vehicle mode is in street mode, the control unit (108) generates a signal which instructs the ISG (104) to enable idle start stop functionality at step 207. The method terminates at step 208.
[00044] As compared to existing systems and method which uses multiple different switches for starting the engine and for enabling one or more functionalities, the present invention on the contrary provides a system and method for an already existing engine starter to act as a torque assist switch and an idle start stop switch as well, thereby eliminating the need for plurality of switches. The disclosed method and system provides an improved method and system for controlling vehicle function to economize fuel consumption as well and reduce distractions for the user. The control unit efficiently discerns which functionality must be enabled, and selectively enables the functionality based on the current vehicle mode operation.
[00045] Thus, the need of adding an additional switch to enable the torque assist feature and idle start stop feature involves additional cost, requires space on the handlebar, and requires an additional input to the controller is eliminated completely. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to switch ON/OFF the engine and enable supplementary features without an additional switch.
[00046] In the present invention, the user can easily engage and disengage the one or more features based on the current vehicle mode the vehicle is operating in. Therefore, reducing hindrance to the user, and safety of the user is increased as such multiple features being engaged and disengaged can be done using a single switch. Advantageously, the present subject matter makes use of switches that are not engaged once the vehicle starts thereby reducing part count, weight, and cost of the vehicle. The present subject matter advantageously helps the user operate multiple functionalities while driving the vehicle, without paying heed to the vehicle mode that is currently operating and efficiently switching ON the functions that are advantageous while driving for the user.
[00047] While certain features of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the claimed subject matter.
[00048] In view of the above, the claimed limitations as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed limitations enable the above solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies.
[00049] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention,
[00050] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00051] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00052] The present disclosure may be realized in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may be realized in a centralized fashion, in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion, where different elements may be spread across several interconnected computer systems, a computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein may be suited. A combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, may control the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The present disclosure may be realized in hardware that comprises a portion of an integrated circuit that also performs other functions.
[00053] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application. In addition, the systems of the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented using a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and are not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[00055] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

 
REFERENCE NUMERALS:

102: Engine
104: Integrated starter generator
106: Switch
108: Control unit
110: Ignition key
112: TCI Unit / ECU Unit/ Fuel Pump
114: Battery Unit
116: DC Loads
118: Instrument Cluster
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle, said system comprising:
a switch (106),
wherein said switch (106) being configured enable one or more functionalities,
wherein said switch (106) being configured to be pressed by a user of said vehicle;
a control unit (108),
wherein said control unit (108) being configured to receive an input indicating vehicle mode of said vehicle,
wherein said control unit (108) being configured to generate signal to selectively enable one or more functionalities based on received input.

2. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more functionalities being at least a torque assist functionality and an idle start stop functionality.

3. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle mode being selected from at least a sport mode and a street mode.

4. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (108) being configured to control an integrated starter generator (104).

5. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said control unit (108) being configured to communicate with said integrated starter generator (104) through CAN communication.

6. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (108) being configured to generate signal to enable said idle start stop functionality when said vehicle mode being that of said street mode.

7. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (108) being configured to generate signal to enable said torque assist functionality when said vehicle mode being that of said sport mode.

8. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said integrated starter generator (104) being configured to enable said one or more functionalities based on said generated signal received from said control unit (108).

9. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein an instrument cluster (118) being configured to display at least said vehicle mode and said one or more functionalities.

10. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein an instrument cluster (118) being a speedometer.

11. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (108) being configured to receive one or more parameters from a plurality of sensors, wherein said control unit (108) being configured to control a plurality of ignition parameters of vehicle based on said received one or more parameters.

12. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (108) being an engine control unit (108).

13. The system for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switch (106) being one of an engine starter switch (106).

14. A method for controlling vehicle function of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps:
pressing, by a user of said vehicle, a switch (106) to enable one or more functionalities;
receiving, by a control unit (108), an input indicating vehicle mode of said vehicle;
generating signal, by said control unit (108), to selectively enable one or more functionalities based on received input.

15. The method of controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein said one or more functionalities being at least a torque assist functionality and an idle start stop functionality.

16. The method of controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 14, the method comprising:
sending, by said control unit (108), a signal to enable idle start stop functionality when said vehicle mode being street mode;
receiving, by an integrated starter generator (104), said signal;
enabling, by said integrated starter generator (104), idle start stop functionality.

17. The method of controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 14, the method comprising:
sending, by said control unit (108), a signal to enable torque assist functionality when said vehicle mode being sport mode;
receiving, by said integrated starter generator (104), said signal;
enabling, by said integrated starter generator (104), torque assist functionality.

18. The method of controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 14, the method comprising:
displaying, by an instrument cluster (118), at least said vehicle mode and said one or more functionalities.

19. The method of controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein said control unit (108) being an engine control unit (108).

20. The method of controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein said switch (106) being one of an engine starter switch (106).

21. The method of controlling vehicle function of a vehicle as claimed in claim 14, the method comprises steps of switching ON of said vehicle by an ignition key.