TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to safety systems in vehicles and more particularly to enabling safe operation of a vehicle by monitoring temperature of the tyre of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Vehicle tyres are subjected to considerable stresses during operation. In addition to the environmental influences due to gases, light and liquids, as well as mechanical stresses, for the service life of a tyre of critical significance is the tyre temperature. A high temperature may damage the tyre rubber and connection with the carcass and further tyre inserts, such as a belt.
[003] Current solutions measure the temperature of the tyre, based on the pressure of the tyre, as sensed. However, these solutions consider that the temperature is dependent only on the pressure. Also, a change in temperature typically precedes a change in pressure. Hence determining temperature from the pressure need not result in sufficient warning to a user of an impending issue.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide an apparatus to monitor temperature characteristics of tyres present on a vehicle.
[005] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a method to monitor temperature characteristics of tyres present on a vehicle.
[006] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide an apparatus to convey the monitored temperature of the tyre to at least one external entity.

[007] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[008] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[009] FIGs. la, lb and lc depict a tyre monitor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2a depicts the tyre monitor comprising of a controller, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2b depicts a tyre monitoring system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a process of the controller monitoring a tyre, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting an example process of the controller monitoring a tyre pressure using the monitored temperature, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines an optimal pressure for maintaining the

same temperature on all tyres on a racecar, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines the cold inflation pressure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines impurities present in the air present in the tyre based on temperature, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines issues with alignment/camber of the tyre, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0019] The embodiments herein methods and apparatus for monitoring temperature characteristics of tyres present on a vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 8, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0020] The vehicle as referred to herein can be any vehicle comprising of at least one tyre. Examples of the vehicle as referred to herein can be but not limited to cars, vans, trucks, buses, tractors, scooters, motorcycles, bicycles, and so on.
[0021] FIGs. la, lb and lc depict a tyre monitor. A tyre monitor 101 can be present at each tyre of the vehicle 103, such that each tyre monitor 101 can monitor the temperature of each tyre.
[0022] In an embodiment, the controller 102 can be integrated with the tyre monitor 101 (as depicted in FIG. la). The controller 102 can be an independent module. In an embodiment herein, the controller 102 can be present in the vehicle 103 (as depicted in FIG. lb). The tyre monitor 101 can communicate with the controller 102 using at least one of a wired

means (such as a bus, CAN bus, and so on) or a wireless means (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi, cellular communication networks, radio frequency communication means, and so on). In an embodiment, the controller 102 can be integrated with an ECU (Engine Control Unit) present in the vehicle 103. In an embodiment herein, the controller 102 can be present external to the vehicle 103 (as depicted in FIG. lc). In an example, the controller 102 can be present in a device belonging to a user of the vehicle 103 (such as a mobile phone, smart phone, tablet, computer, wearable computing device, a security system of the vehicle 103, and so on). In an example, the controller 102 can be a dedicated module present external to the vehicle 103.
[0023] The controller 102 can communicate with other entities such as vehicle systems (such as the infotainment systems, dashboard systems, ECU, and so on), user devices, data servers, application servers, the cloud, or any other device as configured by the user or any other authorized person.
[0024] FIG. 2a depicts the tyre monitor comprising of a controller. The tyre monitor 101 comprises of the controller 102 (as depicted in FIG. la). The controller 102, as depicted, comprises of a temperature sensor 201, a memory 202, a temperature monitor 203, and a communication interface 204. The memory 202 can be at least one of a volatile memory or a non¬volatile memory. The memory 202 can be present internally to the controller 102. The memory 202 can be present in another system present in the vehicle 103, such as the ECU, and the controller 102 can store and access data from the memory 202. The memory 202 can comprise of data such as pre-configured thresholds for the temperature variation of the tyres, user configurations, and so on. The memory 202 can comprise of information measured by the tyre monitor 101. The memory 202 can comprise of results of operations performed by the temperature

controller^s) 201. The memory 202 can comprise of time stamps of the received information.
[0025] The communication interface 203 can enable the controller 102 to communicate with at least one external entity. Examples of the external entity can be but not limited to the vehicle systems (such as the infotainment systems, dashboard systems, ECU, and so on), user device(s), data servers, application servers, the cloud, or any other device as configured by the user or any other authorized person.
[0026] The temperature sensor 201 is configured to sense the temperature of the tyre. The temperature monitor 203 can receive the sensed temperature from the temperature sensor 201. The temperature monitor 203 can check if the sensed temperature varies from a baseline temperature. The baseline temperature can be pre-determined for each operating point and can be based on at least one parameter such as ambient temperature, road temperature, load carried by the vehicle, circumferential load, current speed of the vehicle, the speeds at which the vehicle was previously travelling, the time for which the vehicle has been travelling, type of surface on which the vehicle is travelling, type of surface on which the vehicle has been travelling, tyre pressure, and so on. If the variance of the sensed temperature of the tyre from the baseline temperature is greater than a pre-defined threshold, the temperature monitor 203 can perform at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user (using at least one of a user device, an infotainment system present in the vehicle 103, the dashboard system, warning light(s), an audio alert, and so on), storing the alert and related data (such as the sensed temperature, time stamps, operating point characteristics, and so on) in a pre-configured location (such as at least one of the memory 202, the application server, the data server, the cloud, at least one user device, and so on) and so on.

[0027] In an embodiment herein, the tyre monitor 101 can comprise of additional sensors for monitoring additional factors related to the tyre such as pressure, movement, and so on.
[0028] FIG. 2b depicts a tyre monitoring system. The tyre monitoring system comprises of the tyre monitor 101 and the controller 102 (as depicted in FIGs. lb and lc). The tyre monitor 101 comprises of at least one temperature sensor 201 and the communication interface 205. The temperature sensor 201 can sense the temperature of the tyre. The sensed data can be communicated to the controller 102 using the communication interface 205 in real time. The communication interface 205 can use at least one of a wired means (such as a bus, CAN bus, and so on) or a wireless means (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi, cellular communication networks, radio frequency communication means, and so on) for communicating the data to the controller 102.
[0029] In an embodiment herein, the tyre monitor 101 can comprise of additional sensors for monitoring additional factors related to the tyre such as pressure, movement, and so on.
[0030] Further, the tyre management system comprises the controller 102 that acquires sensed data from the tyre monitor 101 and is configured to process the sensed data for further analysis. The temperature monitor 203 can receive the sensed temperature collected by the tyre monitor 101 using the communication interface 204. The temperature monitor 203 can check if the sensed temperature varies from a baseline temperature. The baseline temperature can be determined based on at least one parameter such as; varied temperature over a time, a load of the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, a road surface ambient temperature and a road temperature and so on. The temperature monitor 203 can check if the sensed temperature varies from the baseline temperature. If the variance of the sensed temperature of the tyre from the baseline temperature is greater

than the pre-defined threshold, the temperature monitor 203 can perform at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user (using at least one of a user device, an infotainment system present in the vehicle 103, the dashboard system, warning light(s), an audio alert, and so on), storing the alert and related data in a pre-configured location (such as at least one of the memory 202, the application server, the data server, the cloud, at least one user device, and so on), and so on.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a process of the controller monitoring a tyre. The tyre monitor 101 senses (301) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 compares (302) the sensed data to the baseline temperature for the same operating point. The controller 102 checks (303) for any variance of the sensed temperature from the baseline. In an embodiment, the variance of the sensed temperature from the baseline can be positive; i.e., the sensed temperature is greater than the baseline. In an embodiment, the variance of the sensed temperature from the baseline can be negative; i.e., the sensed temperature is lesser than the baseline. If the controller 102 determines (303) that there is a variance of the sensed temperature from the baseline data, the controller 102 further checks (304) if the variance is greater than the pre-defined threshold. If the variance is greater than the pre-defined threshold, the controller 102 performs (305) at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user, and storing the alert and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 3 may be omitted.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting an example process of the controller monitoring a tyre pressure using the monitored temperature. The tyre monitor 101 senses (401) the temperature of the tyres using at least one

temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 compares (402) the sensed data to determine the pressure of the tyre. The controller 102 can compare the sensed temperature to data stored in the memory 202. The data stored can be a tabular data, which comprises of a plurality of temperature points and corresponding measured pressure values. The controller 102 performs (403) at least one pre-configured action, such as displaying the pressure value to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 4 may be omitted.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines an optimal pressure for maintaining the same temperature on all tyres on a racecar. Embodiments disclosed herein would allow for an accurate prediction of the tire pressure that is required for each tire based on the track profile and contact friction. In an example, a left handed Nascar track will require a higher pressure on the outside wheels compared to the inside wheels. The tyre monitor 101 senses (501) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 determines (502) an optimal pressure from the sensed data, which will result in the temperature of all the four tyres being the same. The controller 102 can first determine an optimal temperature for the tyres and then use a look up table stored in the memory 202 to determine the pressure to be maintained in the tyres. The temperature can be dependent on factors such as ambient temperature, surface of the race track, the weather, the type of tyre, and so on. The controller 102 performs (503) at least one pre-configured action, such as displaying the pressure value to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in

method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 5 may be omitted.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines the cold inflation pressure. The controller 102 can determine a compensated pressure based on the ambient conditions that do not match the prescribed cold inflation pressure condition. The tyre monitor 101 senses (601) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 determines (602) the cold inflation pressure from the sensed data. The controller 102 can use a look up table stored in the memory 202 to determine the cold inflation pressure. The cold inflation pressure can be dependent on factors such as ambient temperature, the weather, the type of tyre, and so on. The controller 102 performs (603) at least one pre-configured action, such as displaying the determined cold inflation pressure to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 600 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 6 may be omitted.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines impurities present in the air present in the tyre based on temperature. Since air or nitrogen filled in the tyre would contain impurities and moisture, the temperature will/might fluctuate based on the impurities. The tyre monitor 101 senses (701) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 checks (702) for impurities by comparing the sensed temperature to an expected temperature for the current conditions. On detecting a variation (which may be over a pre-defined threshold), the controller 102 performs (703) at least one pre-configured action, such as

providing an alert to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 700 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 7 may be omitted.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines issues with alignment/camber of the tyre. If a tire is not aligned properly, the camber and the contact patch would be affected and this would subsequently cause a variation in temperature over time. The tyre monitor 101 senses (801) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 checks (802) for issues with alignment/camber of the tyre by comparing the sensed temperature to an expected temperature for the ideal alignment/camber. The controller 102 can store the temperatures, on alignment being done as a baseline. On detecting a variation (which may be over a pre-defined threshold), the controller 102 performs (803) at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 800 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 8 may be omitted.
[0037] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in Figs. 1, and 2 include blocks, which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0038] The embodiment disclosed herein methods and systems for monitoring and communicating abnormalities detected in the wheels/tyres

of a vehicle 103. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in a preferred embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that

the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Claims:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A method for monitoring temperature of at least one tyre of a vehicle (103), the method comprising
sensing temperature of at least one tyre present in the vehicle (103) at an operating point by a tyre monitor (101);
checking if there is a variance between the sensed temperature of the at least one tyre and a baseline temperature for the current operating point by a controller (102); and
performing at least one pre-configured action by the controller (102), if there is a variance between the sensed temperature of the at least one tyre and the baseline temperature and the variance is greater than a pre-defined threshold.
2. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-configured action comprises of the controller (102) providing an alert to a user of the vehicle (103).
3. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises of the controller (102) monitoring pressure of at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
4. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises of the controller (102) determining an optimal pressure for maintaining the same temperature on all tyres on a car based on the sensed temperature of all the tyres of that vehicle.
5. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises of the controller (102) determining cold inflation pressure of at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
6. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises of the controller (102) determining impurities present in air present in at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
7. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises of the controller (102) determining at least one issue with at least one of alignment and camber based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
8. A system for monitoring temperature of at least one tyre of a vehicle (103), the system comprising
a tyre monitor (101) configured for
sensing temperature of at least one tyre of the vehicle (103); and
a controller (103) configured for
checking if there is a variance between the sensed temperature of the at least one tyre and a baseline temperature for the current operating point; and
performing at least one pre-configured action, if there is a variance between the sensed temperature of the at least one tyre and the baseline temperature and the variance is greater than a pre-defined threshold.
9. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tyre monitor (101) comprises of at least one temperature sensor (201).
10. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tyre monitor (101) and the controller (102) are integrated together.
11. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tyre monitor (101) and the controller (102) are independent modules.
12. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (102) is further configured for monitoring pressure of at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
13. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (102) is further configured for determining an optimal pressure for maintaining the same temperature on all tyres on a car based on the sensed temperature of all the tyres of that vehicle.
14. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (102) is further configured for determining cold inflation pressure of at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
15. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (102) is further configured for determining impurities present in air present in at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
16. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (102) is further configured for determining at least one issue with at least one of alignment and camber based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
17. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pre-configured action comprises of the controller (102) providing an alert to a user of the vehicle (103).
18. An apparatus (101) configured for
sensing temperature of at least one tyre present in a vehicle (103) at an operating point;
checking if there is a variance between the sensed temperature of the at least one tyre and a baseline temperature for the current operating point; and
performing at least one pre-configured action, if there is a variance between the sensed temperature of the at least one tyre and the baseline temperature and the variance is greater than a pre-defined threshold.
19. The apparatus (101), as claimed in claim 18, wherein the apparatus (101) comprises of at least one temperature sensor (201).
20. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 18, wherein the apparatus (101) is further configured for monitoring pressure of at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
21. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 18, wherein the apparatus (101) is further configured for determining an optimal pressure for maintaining the same temperature on all tyres on a car based on the sensed temperature of all the tyres of that vehicle.
22. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 18, wherein the apparatus (101) is further configured for determining cold inflation pressure of at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
23. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 18, wherein the apparatus (101) is further configured for determining impurities present in air present in at least one tyre based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
24. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 18, wherein the apparatus (101) is further configured for determining at least one issue with at least one of alignment and camber based on the sensed temperature of that tyre.
25. The apparatus (101), as claimed in claim 18, wherein the pre-configured action comprises of the apparatus (101) providing an alert to a user of the vehicle (103).

Dated this 30th of January 2017
Signature:
Name of the Signatory: Somashekar Ramakrishna
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to safety systems in vehicles and more particularly to enabling safe operation of a vehicle by monitoring temperature of the tyre of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] Vehicle tyres are subjected to considerable stresses during operation. In addition to the environmental influences due to gases, light and liquids, as well as mechanical stresses, for the service life of a tyre of critical significance is the tyre temperature. A high temperature may damage the tyre rubber and connection with the carcass and further tyre inserts, such as a belt.
[003] Current solutions measure the temperature of the tyre, based on the pressure of the tyre, as sensed. However, these solutions consider that the temperature is dependent only on the pressure. Also, a change in temperature typically precedes a change in pressure. Hence determining temperature from the pressure need not result in sufficient warning to a user of an impending issue.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide an apparatus to monitor temperature characteristics of tyres present on a vehicle.
[005] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a method to monitor temperature characteristics of tyres present on a vehicle.
[006] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide an apparatus to convey the monitored temperature of the tyre to at least one external entity.
[007] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[008] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[009] FIGs. 1a, 1b and 1c depict a tyre monitor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2a depicts the tyre monitor comprising of a controller, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2b depicts a tyre monitoring system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a process of the controller monitoring a tyre, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting an example process of the controller monitoring a tyre pressure using the monitored temperature, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines an optimal pressure for maintaining the same temperature on all tyres on a racecar, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines the cold inflation pressure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines impurities present in the air present in the tyre based on temperature, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines issues with alignment/camber of the tyre, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0019] The embodiments herein methods and apparatus for monitoring temperature characteristics of tyres present on a vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 8, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0020] The vehicle as referred to herein can be any vehicle comprising of at least one tyre. Examples of the vehicle as referred to herein can be but not limited to cars, vans, trucks, buses, tractors, scooters, motorcycles, bicycles, and so on.
[0021] FIGs. 1a, 1b and 1c depict a tyre monitor. A tyre monitor 101 can be present at each tyre of the vehicle 103, such that each tyre monitor 101 can monitor the temperature of each tyre.
[0022] In an embodiment, the controller 102 can be integrated with the tyre monitor 101 (as depicted in FIG. 1a). The controller 102 can be an independent module. In an embodiment herein, the controller 102 can be present in the vehicle 103 (as depicted in FIG. 1b). The tyre monitor 101 can communicate with the controller 102 using at least one of a wired means (such as a bus, CAN bus, and so on) or a wireless means (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi, cellular communication networks, radio frequency communication means, and so on). In an embodiment, the controller 102 can be integrated with an ECU (Engine Control Unit) present in the vehicle 103. In an embodiment herein, the controller 102 can be present external to the vehicle 103 (as depicted in FIG. 1c). In an example, the controller 102 can be present in a device belonging to a user of the vehicle 103 (such as a mobile phone, smart phone, tablet, computer, wearable computing device, a security system of the vehicle 103, and so on). In an example, the controller 102 can be a dedicated module present external to the vehicle 103.
[0023] The controller 102 can communicate with other entities such as vehicle systems (such as the infotainment systems, dashboard systems, ECU, and so on), user devices, data servers, application servers, the cloud, or any other device as configured by the user or any other authorized person.
[0024] FIG. 2a depicts the tyre monitor comprising of a controller. The tyre monitor 101 comprises of the controller 102 (as depicted in FIG. 1a). The controller 102, as depicted, comprises of a temperature sensor 201, a memory 202, a temperature monitor 203, and a communication interface 204. The memory 202 can be at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memory 202 can be present internally to the controller 102. The memory 202 can be present in another system present in the vehicle 103, such as the ECU, and the controller 102 can store and access data from the memory 202. The memory 202 can comprise of data such as pre-configured thresholds for the temperature variation of the tyres, user configurations, and so on. The memory 202 can comprise of information measured by the tyre monitor 101. The memory 202 can comprise of results of operations performed by the temperature controller(s) 201. The memory 202 can comprise of time stamps of the received information.
[0025] The communication interface 203 can enable the controller 102 to communicate with at least one external entity. Examples of the external entity can be but not limited to the vehicle systems (such as the infotainment systems, dashboard systems, ECU, and so on), user device(s), data servers, application servers, the cloud, or any other device as configured by the user or any other authorized person.
[0026] The temperature sensor 201 is configured to sense the temperature of the tyre. The temperature monitor 203 can receive the sensed temperature from the temperature sensor 201. The temperature monitor 203 can check if the sensed temperature varies from a baseline temperature. The baseline temperature can be pre-determined for each operating point and can be based on at least one parameter such as ambient temperature, road temperature, load carried by the vehicle, circumferential load, current speed of the vehicle, the speeds at which the vehicle was previously travelling, the time for which the vehicle has been travelling, type of surface on which the vehicle is travelling, type of surface on which the vehicle has been travelling, tyre pressure, and so on. If the variance of the sensed temperature of the tyre from the baseline temperature is greater than a pre-defined threshold, the temperature monitor 203 can perform at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user (using at least one of a user device, an infotainment system present in the vehicle 103, the dashboard system, warning light(s), an audio alert, and so on), storing the alert and related data (such as the sensed temperature, time stamps, operating point characteristics, and so on) in a pre-configured location (such as at least one of the memory 202, the application server, the data server, the cloud, at least one user device, and so on) and so on.
[0027] In an embodiment herein, the tyre monitor 101 can comprise of additional sensors for monitoring additional factors related to the tyre such as pressure, movement, and so on.
[0028] FIG. 2b depicts a tyre monitoring system. The tyre monitoring system comprises of the tyre monitor 101 and the controller 102 (as depicted in FIGs. 1b and 1c). The tyre monitor 101 comprises of at least one temperature sensor 201 and the communication interface 205. The temperature sensor 201 can sense the temperature of the tyre. The sensed data can be communicated to the controller 102 using the communication interface 205 in real time. The communication interface 205 can use at least one of a wired means (such as a bus, CAN bus, and so on) or a wireless means (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi, cellular communication networks, radio frequency communication means, and so on) for communicating the data to the controller 102.
[0029] In an embodiment herein, the tyre monitor 101 can comprise of additional sensors for monitoring additional factors related to the tyre such as pressure, movement, and so on.
[0030] Further, the tyre management system comprises the controller 102 that acquires sensed data from the tyre monitor 101 and is configured to process the sensed data for further analysis. The temperature monitor 203 can receive the sensed temperature collected by the tyre monitor 101 using the communication interface 204. The temperature monitor 203 can check if the sensed temperature varies from a baseline temperature. The baseline temperature can be determined based on at least one parameter such as; varied temperature over a time, a load of the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, a road surface ambient temperature and a road temperature and so on. The temperature monitor 203 can check if the sensed temperature varies from the baseline temperature. If the variance of the sensed temperature of the tyre from the baseline temperature is greater than the pre-defined threshold, the temperature monitor 203 can perform at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user (using at least one of a user device, an infotainment system present in the vehicle 103, the dashboard system, warning light(s), an audio alert, and so on), storing the alert and related data in a pre-configured location (such as at least one of the memory 202, the application server, the data server, the cloud, at least one user device, and so on), and so on.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a process of the controller monitoring a tyre. The tyre monitor 101 senses (301) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 compares (302) the sensed data to the baseline temperature for the same operating point. The controller 102 checks (303) for any variance of the sensed temperature from the baseline. In an embodiment, the variance of the sensed temperature from the baseline can be positive; i.e., the sensed temperature is greater than the baseline. In an embodiment, the variance of the sensed temperature from the baseline can be negative; i.e., the sensed temperature is lesser than the baseline. If the controller 102 determines (303) that there is a variance of the sensed temperature from the baseline data, the controller 102 further checks (304) if the variance is greater than the pre-defined threshold. If the variance is greater than the pre-defined threshold, the controller 102 performs (305) at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user, and storing the alert and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 3 may be omitted.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting an example process of the controller monitoring a tyre pressure using the monitored temperature. The tyre monitor 101 senses (401) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 compares (402) the sensed data to determine the pressure of the tyre. The controller 102 can compare the sensed temperature to data stored in the memory 202. The data stored can be a tabular data, which comprises of a plurality of temperature points and corresponding measured pressure values. The controller 102 performs (403) at least one pre-configured action, such as displaying the pressure value to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 4 may be omitted.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines an optimal pressure for maintaining the same temperature on all tyres on a racecar. Embodiments disclosed herein would allow for an accurate prediction of the tire pressure that is required for each tire based on the track profile and contact friction. In an example, a left handed Nascar track will require a higher pressure on the outside wheels compared to the inside wheels. The tyre monitor 101 senses (501) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 determines (502) an optimal pressure from the sensed data, which will result in the temperature of all the four tyres being the same. The controller 102 can first determine an optimal temperature for the tyres and then use a look up table stored in the memory 202 to determine the pressure to be maintained in the tyres. The temperature can be dependent on factors such as ambient temperature, surface of the race track, the weather, the type of tyre, and so on. The controller 102 performs (503) at least one pre-configured action, such as displaying the pressure value to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 5 may be omitted.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines the cold inflation pressure. The controller 102 can determine a compensated pressure based on the ambient conditions that do not match the prescribed cold inflation pressure condition. The tyre monitor 101 senses (601) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 determines (602) the cold inflation pressure from the sensed data. The controller 102 can use a look up table stored in the memory 202 to determine the cold inflation pressure. The cold inflation pressure can be dependent on factors such as ambient temperature, the weather, the type of tyre, and so on. The controller 102 performs (603) at least one pre-configured action, such as displaying the determined cold inflation pressure to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 600 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 6 may be omitted.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines impurities present in the air present in the tyre based on temperature. Since air or nitrogen filled in the tyre would contain impurities and moisture, the temperature will/might fluctuate based on the impurities. The tyre monitor 101 senses (701) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 checks (702) for impurities by comparing the sensed temperature to an expected temperature for the current conditions. On detecting a variation (which may be over a pre-defined threshold), the controller 102 performs (703) at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 700 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 7 may be omitted.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment wherein the controller determines issues with alignment/camber of the tyre. If a tire is not aligned properly, the camber and the contact patch would be affected and this would subsequently cause a variation in temperature over time. The tyre monitor 101 senses (801) the temperature of the tyres using at least one temperature sensor 201 at the current operating point. The controller 102 checks (802) for issues with alignment/camber of the tyre by comparing the sensed temperature to an expected temperature for the ideal alignment/camber. The controller 102 can store the temperatures, on alignment being done as a baseline. On detecting a variation (which may be over a pre-defined threshold), the controller 102 performs (803) at least one pre-configured action, such as providing an alert to the user, storing the pressure values and related data in a pre-configured location, and so on. The various actions in method 800 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 8 may be omitted.
[0037] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in Figs. 1, and 2 include blocks, which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0038] The embodiment disclosed herein methods and systems for monitoring and communicating abnormalities detected in the wheels/tyres of a vehicle 103. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in a preferred embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.