FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
POLLUTION CONTROL CHECK SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOBILES
MAHINDRA TWO WHEELERS LIMITED,
an Indian Company,
of D1 Block, Plot No. 18/2 (Part),
MIDC, Chinchwad, Pune - 411 019
Maharashtra, India.
Inventors: Kakaye Sunil Gangaram Sundaram Sudharsan Manel Vijay Kumar
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to pollution control in automobiles.
DEFINITIONS
The term "automobile/s" used in the context of this disclosure refers to but is not limited to motorcycles, cars, jeeps, trucks, two wheeler vehicles, three wheeler vehicles, four wheeler vehicles, multi-wheeled vehicles and the like.
BACKGROUND
Automobile population is growing at an exponential rate. The growth in number of automobiles plying on roads has resulted in an increase in pollution. Automobiles cause pollution due to burning of fuel resulting in emission of smoke in the atmosphere from an exhaust of the automobile. Unsatisfactory condition and roadworthiness of automobiles can lead to higher exhaust emissions and also reduce the average life of the automobile. Furthermore, the fuel consumption of the automobile can also increase. Even though emission regulations for new automobiles are being progressively tightened along with fuel quality improvements, the air quality in urban areas is improving only marginally due to a large number of poorly maintained automobiles. Exhaust emissions not only create unsavory conditions for people on the road, but are also detrimental to the atmosphere. Hence automobiles should be well maintained and users of the automobiles should be careful to ensure that their automobiles do not emit smoke, visible vapors, sparks, ashes, oily substances, and the like.

In order to control pollution it is mandatory in India for each automobile to undergo an emission test, generally referred to as Pollution Under Control (PUC) check test, and get a certificate typically referred to as a PUC certificate. PUC certification in India is mandatory for all categories of automobiles including two-wheelers. Users of automobiles need to periodically have the PUC check test conducted on their automobiles. However, users tend to neglect having the PUC check test conducted on their automobiles, resulting in users getting reprimanded by law enforcement officials. The negligence of users in having the PUC check test conducted can increase pollution if the automobile does not meet emission norms set by the government. Furthermore, a lapse in getting the PUC certification results in the government and the like agencies falling short of achieving the goal of emission reduction from automobiles.
Hence there is a need to reduce exhaust emissions from automobiles and to ensure that automobiles conform to the applicable standards of emissions and safety when in use. There is also a need to ensure better compliance with PUC checking and to induce discipline on periodic maintenance and PUC certification of automobiles by users, thereby keeping emissions from automobiles under control and also reducing fuel consumption.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure aimed to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative are listed herein below.
An object of a system of the present disclosure is to periodically remind a user of an automobile to have a PUC check test conducted on the automobile.

Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to ensure better compliance with PUC checking.
Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to induce discipline in users of automobiles on periodic maintenance and PUC certification of automobiles.
Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to enhance automobile users' consciousness for pollution control.
Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to keep exhaust emissions from automobiles under control.
Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to reduce exhaust emissions from automobiles.
Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to ensure that automobiles conform to the applicable standards of emissions.
Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to ensure automobile safety.
Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to reduce fuel consumption.
Another object of a system of the present disclosure is to enhance automobile
life.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY
In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a pollution control check system for an automobile having at least an instrument cluster including a display unit for providing information associated with the automobile to a user of the automobile, the system comprising:
• a sensing switch operatively coupled to an exhaust pipe of the automobile
the sensing switch adapted to generate an electrical signal in response to the
operation of the sensing switch; and
t an electronic unit included in the instrument cluster and connected to the sensing switch, wherein the electronic unit is adapted to record the electrical signal from the sensing switch corresponding to the operation of the sensing switch and set a future date for conducting an emission test, the electronic unit further adapted to generate a reminder for conducting the emission test, the electronic unit co-operating with the display unit to display the reminder.
The sensing switch as mentioned herein above is adapted to be displaceable between an inoperative state and an operative state in the event that the emission test is conducted on the automobile, the sensing switch is further adapted to generate the electrical signal in response to a change in state from the inoperative state to the operative state.
Typically, the electronic unit operates in real time, and the electronic unit comprises:
• a signal detector adapted to detect the electrical signal; and
• a processor co-operating with the signal detector, the processor adapted to record the date of change of the state of the sensing switch corresponding to the detection of the electrical signal and set a future date for conducting the emission test.

Typically, the processor is further adapted to generate a reminder for conducting the emission test, from a pre-determined set of days before the future date till the conduction of the emission test, in the event that the ignition of the automobile is activated.
Typically, the processor further co-operates with the display unit to display the reminder.
Additionally, the electronic unit further comprises a memory co-operating with the processor, the memory adapted to store the date of change of the state of the sensing switch and the future date.
Typically, the automobile is selected from the group consisting of two wheeler vehicle, three wheeler vehicle, four wheeler vehicle and multi-wheeled vehicle.
Typically, the sensing switch has a ceramic housing.
Typically, the inoperative state is a 'NO' (Normally Open) position of the sensing switch.
Typically, operative state is 'NC (Normally Closed) position of the sensing switch.
Generally, the emission test is PUC (Pollution Under Control) check test.
Typically, the electrical signal is a voltage signal of 12 volts.
Typically, the reminder is displayed as a blinking tell-tale on the display unit.
Typically, the display unit is selected from the group consisting of Seven Segment display, Light Emitting Diode (LED), and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYNG DRAWING
The system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a pollution control check system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
In order to control pollution it is mandatory in India for each automobile to undergo an emission test, generally referred to as Pollution Under Control (PUC) check test, and get a certificate typically referred to as a PUC certificate. PUC certification in India is mandatory for all categories of automobiles including two-wheelers. Users of automobiles need to periodically have a PUC check test conducted on their automobiles. However, users tend to neglect getting the PUC check test conducted on their automobiles. Furthermore, there are no means by which users can be reminded of having the PUC check test conducted on their automobiles.
Thus to overcome these aforementioned limitations, the present disclosure envisages a pollution control check system that periodically reminds automobile users to have PUC check test conducted on their automobiles.
The pollution control check system of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing. The embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description relates purely to the examples and preferred embodiment of the disclosed method and its suggested applications.

The embodiment herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments 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.
The pollution control check system of the present disclosure stores the PUC check schedule as per real time date, updates the next due date of having the PUC check conducted on the automobile once the current PUC check is completed and reminds users about the PUC check due date well in advance.
Referring to figure 1, a schematic representation of a pollution control check system (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The system (100) comprises a sensing switch (101) generally referred to as 'PUC Check Done' switch operatively fitted in an exhaust tail pipe (102) of an automobile. In accordance with one embodiment, the switch may be made from ceramic material. The switch (101) is electrically connected to an electronic unit (104) which is a part of an instrument cluster (103) of the automobile. The instrument cluster (103) typically comprises the electronic unit (104) and a display unit (not shown). The instrument cluster (103) provides automobile information, such as speed of the automobile, amount of fuel in a fuel tank of the automobile, number of kilometers travelled by the automobile and the like, to a user of the automobile. In accordance with one embodiment, the electronic unit (104) is a programmable unit operating in real time and includes a processor (not shown), a signal detector (not shown) and a memory

device (not shown). The display unit typically includes but is not limited to Seven Segment display, Light Emitting Diode (LED), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and the like.
PUC check test is typically conducted by inserting a test instrument into an exhaust tail pipe of an automobile. The switch (101) is typically configured in an inoperative state wherein the switch is in 'NO' (Normally Open) position. During PUC checking test, when the test instrument used to conduct the PUC check test is inserted into the exhaust tail pipe (102), the switch will change its state from the inoperative state 'NO' position to an operative state wherein the switch is in 'NC' (Normally Closed) position. An electrical signal will be generated by the switch in response to a change in the state and sent to the instrument cluster (103). In accordance with one embodiment the electrical signal is a nominal voltage signal of 12 volts. The signal detector in the electronic unit (104) of the instrument cluster (103) will detect the electrical signal whereupon the processor co-operating with the signal detector will record the date of change of the state of the switch (101) corresponding to the detection of the electrical signal and set a future PUC check test due date as per real time date. The switch will revert back to 'NO' position once the PUC check test is completed when the instrument used to conduct the PUC check is removed from the exhaust tail pipe (102). Thereafter the system will remind a user of the automobile to.have the PUC check test conducted on the automobile well in advance of the next due date. In accordance with one embodiment, the system will remind the user of the automobile at least ten days prior to the scheduled PUC check test due date. The processor generates a reminder for conducting PUC check test. The processor co-operates with the display unit whereby the system will remind the user by a blinking tell-tale (105) on the display unit of the instrument cluster (103) each time the user activates / turns-ON the ignition and will keep on reminding the user till the PUC check is conducted on the

automobile. Furthermore the memory included in the electronic unit (104) co-. operates with the processor to store said date of change of the state of the sensing switch and the future due date.
In accordance with another embodiment, the system (100) includes a manual button/switch located on the instrument cluster (103). This enables a user of an automobile to manually set the reminder for PUC checking in case of a malfunction in the sensing switch (101). The button is electrically connected to the electronic unit (104) of the instrument cluster (103). When the button is pressed, the processor in the electronic unit (104) will record the date on which the button is pressed and then set the future PUC check due date as per real time date. Thereafter the system will remind a user of the automobile to have the PUC check test conducted on the automobile in accordance with the aforementioned embodiment.
Thus the pollution control check system of the present disclosure eliminates lapses in PUC checking, induces discipline in users on periodic maintenance of automobiles thereby enhancing the automobile life. The pollution control system of the present disclosure helps to enhance users' consciousness for pollution control and to accomplish the objective of emission reduction.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The technical advancements offered by the method of the present disclosure include the realization of:
• periodically reminding a user of an automobile to have a PUC check conducted on the automobile;
• ensuring better compliance with PUC checking;

• inducing discipline in users of automobiles on periodic maintenance and PUC certification of automobiles;
• enhancing automobile users' consciousness for pollution control;
• keeping exhaust emissions from automobiles under control;
• reducing exhaust emissions from automobiles;
• ensuring that automobiles conform to the applicable standards of emissions;
• ensuring automobile safety;
• reducing fuel consumption; and
• enhancing automobile life.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of materials, devices or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
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.

We Claim:
1) A pollution control check system for an automobile having at least an
instrument cluster including a display unit for providing information
associated with the automobile to a user of the automobile, said system
comprising:
• a sensing switch operatively coupled to an exhaust pipe of the automobile said sensing switch adapted to generate an electrical signal in response to the operation of said sensing switch; and
• an electronic unit included in said instrument cluster and connected to said sensing switch, wherein said electronic unit is adapted to record said electrical signal from said sensing switch corresponding to the operation of said sensing switch and set a future date for conducting an emission test,
said electronic unit further adapted to generate a reminder for conducting
the emission test,
said electronic unit co-operating with said display unit to display said
reminder.
2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing switch is adapted to be displaceable between an inoperative state and an operative state in the event that the emission test is conducted on the automobile, said sensing switch is further adapted to generate said electrical signal in response to a change in state from said inoperative state to said operative state.
3) The system as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein said electronic unit operates in real time, said electronic unit comprises:
• a signal detector adapted to detect said electrical signal; and

• a processor co-operating with said signal detector, said processor adapted to record the date of change of the state of said sensing switch corresponding to the detection of said electrical signal and set a future date for conducting the emission test.
4) The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said processor is further adapted to generate a reminder for conducting the emission test, from a pre¬determined set of days before said future date till the conduction of the emission test, in the event that the ignition of said automobile is activated.
5) The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said processor further co-operates with said display unit to display said reminder.
6) The system as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein said electronic unit further comprises a memory co-operating with said processor, said memory adapted to store said date of change of the state of said sensing switch and said future date.
7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said automobile is selected from the group consisting of two wheeler vehicle, three wheeler vehicle, four wheeler vehicle and multi-wheeled vehicle.
8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing switch has a ceramic
housing.
9) The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said inoperative state is a 'NO'
(Normally Open) position of said sensing switch.

10) The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said operative state is 'NC' (Normally Closed) position of said sensing switch.
11) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said emission test is PUC (Pollution Under Control) check test.
12) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrical signal is a voltage signal of 12 volts.
13) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reminder is displayed as a blinking tell-tale on said display unit.
14) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display unit is selected from the group consisting of Seven Segment display, Light Emitting Diode (LED), and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).