FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle's smart tacho indicator and more
particular to providing the operator of the vehicle with informative alerts in terms of
various informative representation on a thin film transistor in the vehicle information
display instrument of the vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The statements in this section merely provide background information related
to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, the automotive vehicles are equipped with various kind of vehicle
information display instruments that are uniquely provided with audio/visual warning
indicators comprising information such as speed, the fuel level, telephone, bluetooth,
rpm of the engine, tell tale symbols, turn signal indicator, hazard warning indicator
and 1 or other indicators. The automotive vehicles employ a liquid crystal display to
communicate any type of information via the above mentioned warning indicators.
The vehicle may be provided with a light guide to distribute light from two light
sources to selectively illuminate portions of the display screen of the liquid crystal
display. The liquid crystal display provides flexibility in thedisplay of information so
that a relatively large quantity of telltale warning indicators can be handled without
specifically dedicating a light source, a light tunnel and space on the vehicle display
for each telltale warning indicator that may be employed in a vehicle. For instance, if
the speed of the running vehicle need to be depicted on that liquid crystal display, the
same can be shown with pointers on a dial plate marked with graduations, as well as
numerically in texts. However if the same speed need to be seen during night, the
driver need to concentrate more because of the nature and restrictions of liquid crystal
display. This may become a dangerous task for the vehicle operators as they should
adhere their attention on the road and also on the speed limits simultaneously. It
would be helpful for a driver to be warned when the current speed of the driving
vehicle is approaching the maximum permissible speed. In addition, it would be
useful for the driver to be further warned (in a manner that can be distinguished from
the first warning) when the current speed of the vehicle has cxceeded the operatur
specified maximum speed. This would give the driver an opportunity to slow the
vehicle down before exceeding his or her preferred dangerous traveling speed.
Further, there are not much patterns available with the cxisting liquid crystal display
for displaying the data including warning indicators, and the like. In other words,
there at: ways Lu represent the speedometer in segments highlighted in various color
- - - combinations of RED, GREEN, and RT ,I iF, hlllhs/T .Ells wherein the bulb~/LEDs
behind the rear plates shine through the colored filters. The filters may be positioned
according to the segments. Consequently, the speed of the vehicle can be highlighted
based on the respective colors programmed for the particular speeds.
All the above mentioned methods of representing the speed in color segments
are based on the fact that bulbs/LEDs are located behind the face of the vehicle
information display instrument and must be transmitted by various optical means via
plurality of LEDs. However, there is a need of a simple system that discourage the
use of multiple bulbs or LEDs and also in a manner that the driver can observe the
color, pattern and method of implicating the speed in the vehicle information display
instrument peripherally and without having to constantly look into the vehicle
information display instrument. Further, there is an urgent need for an improved
method of display of speed where data are clearly visible to the operator without any
complex optical and light transmission mechanism. Therefore, we need an advanced
vehicle information display instrument without losing the basic requirements of
reliability, safety, less extra cost, customers' satisfaction and the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE IWVESTION
The present subject matter relates to a smart tacho indicator in a vehicle
information display instrument that includes an active matrix thin film transistor
screen for displaying the revolution-per-minutes of the rotating wheel on graduations
and an electronic circuit structure governing the display of revolution-per-minutes of
the rotating wheel on graduations. The electronic circuit structure is provided with a.
Controller Area Network to communicate signals of rcvolution-per-minutes of the
rotating wheel of the vehicle via a Controller Area Network transnlitter receiver; a
microcontroller that receive signals from the Controller Area Network transmitter
receiver to program the color and the pattern of the color on the segments of the
graduation of revolution-per-minutes. The prcscnt subjcct matter defines tllat the
graduations are divided into plurality of segments that get highlighted in a preprogrammed
color in respective pre-defined range of revolution-per-minutes, wherein
the graduations starts blinking once the revolution-per-minutes .exceed a pre-defined
limit. These highlighted andlor blinking segments are transmitted to get visible on the
active matrix thin film transistor screen in the vehicle information display instrument
of the vehicle.
An object of the present subject matter is to divide the graduation of
revolution per minutes into discrete and substantial equal bands of color with each
band representing a gap of fixed revolution per minute.
Another objective of the present subject matter is to represent the graduations
of the revolution per minutes in three different colors that depends on the three
primary colors i.e. Red, green and blue and their combinations together.
Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide the vehicle
information display instrument with a dial plate to designate other information
conveyed by the vehicle information display instrument such as warning indicators,
telltales, and the like.
Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide the electronic
circuit structure with an interface that refine and supply a voltage of '5 V (from the
battery supplying a voltage of 13 V) to a microcontroller provided with the vehicle
information display instrument.
Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to display the gear
indicator in motion of the vehicle, fuel level indication, engine temperature, and the
like on the active matrix thin film transistor screen.
Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to blink the gear
indicator also if the revolution-per-minute exceed the pre-defined limit.
Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to provide an audible
alarm during the blinking of the graduations if the revolution-per-minute exceed the
pre-defined limit.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an easy, compact,
less costly and smart tacho-indicator for vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary narrated above and the following detailed description of the
invention can be understood with the drawings appended to this claim. The
illustrations provide the details of the invention. However, it should be understood
that the invention is not limited to the arrangements shown. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 show a perspective view of a two wheeler in an embodiment .of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 2A shows a front view of a portion of a vehicle information display instrument
(non-working) provided with an active matrix thin film transistor in ari embodiment
of the present subject matter.
FIG. 2B to 2D show various view of front of a vehicle information display
instrument (working) provided with an active matrix thin film transistor in an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 3 shows an electronic circuit structure governing the smart tacho-indicator for
vehicles in an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
,The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with
, reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is not I
limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the
' present subject matter to the ordinarily skilled in thc art of the present disclosure. I11
the accompanying drawings, like reference alphabets and nun~erals are used Lo
indicate like components.
The present invention relates to a vehicle's smart tacho indicator and more
particular to providing the operator of the vehicle with informative alerts in terms of
various informative representation on a thin film transistor in the vehicle information
display instrument of the vehicles such as motor cycles, scooters, moped, scooty, and
-
- - - - - - - - -- p- - - - - - - -- - - -
the like. The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended
to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. The present invention will
-.
hereinafter be described in detail below as applied to a motor cycle 100. However, the
principles of the present invention are also applicable to other two wheelers and
vehicles 100 such as three wheelers, four wheelers, and the like. Upward, lower, front
and rear directions (see the directions indicated by the arrows. in FIG. 1) will be
described with respect to directions as seated by the rider on the motorcycle 100.
FIG. 1 illustrates a tho wheeler 100 that may include a fuel tank 102 and an
engine mounted ahead of a rider's seat. 104, a frame 106 and two relatively large sized
wheels 108 on which the frame 106 rides. The structure is necessarily provided with a
pair of left and right front fork members rotatably supported by a head pipe 110 on
the front end of the vehicle frame. The steering of the two wheelers 100 is possible
via a front wheel which is mounted on the front fork member whereas the rear wheel
(drive wheel) is at the rear end. FIG. 1 shows a handlebar 112 secured to an upper
portion of the front fork member, and the front and rear portion of the handle bar 112
is covered with a handle cover which is further divided into forward and backward
portions. The two wheeler 100 are also provided with various lights mounted
externally on thk vehicle to indicate certain information about the vehicle to other
drivers and pedestrians. These lights mainly include brake lights and tail lights
besides indicator light bulbs which are provided to indicate the driving dircction of
the two wheelers. The two wheeler 100 is further provided with the intelligent vehicle
information display instrument 114 (as shown in FIG. 2 later) (also known as a
speedometer) located between the handle bars 112 of the two wheeler 100. The
vehicle information display instrument 114 may be viewable by the rider of the motor
cycle ldO when the rider is seated on the seat 104 and opcrating the vehicle 100. The
. . vehicle information display instrument 114 may be disposed generally in front of the
rider so that the rider can inspect or view a variety of information that form part of
the vehicle information display instrument 114, which information may indicate an
operating condition or conditions of the vehicle. The vehicle information display
instrument 114 may be provided yith audio/visual warning indicators comprising
information such as speed, the fuel level, telephone, bluetuulh, rpm of the engine, tcll
tale symbols, turn signal indicator, hazard warning indicator and / or other indicators.
FIG. 1 further shows a headlight 116 provided, as an attachment to the top middle of
the handlebar of the motor cycle, to light the road ahead.
In an embodiment of the present subject matter, FIG. 2A discloses a front
perspective view of the vehicle information display instrument 114 of the vehicle. In
a unique embodiment of the present subject matter, information such as vehicle speed,
rpm, gear indicator, and the like are represented on an Active Matrix Thin Film
transistor (often and hereinafter also referred as active matrix TFT). Generally, a
display is composed of a grid (or matrix) of picture elements ("pixels"). Thousands or
millions of these pixels together create an image on the display. Thin-film transistors
(TFTs) act as switches to individually turn each pixel "ON" (light) or "OFF" (dark).
These TFTs are the active control elements, arranged in a matrix, on the display.
Thus, these are termed as "active-matrix TFT1'. By principle, a back light (which is
normally comprised of a number of flourescent tubes) is used for emitting any color
out of the pixels present in the matrix as disclosed above. In order to light a single
pixel, all that needs to be done 1s for a small 'door' or 'shutter' to open to let the light
pass through. However, since the liquid crystals can change their molecular structure
and therefore may allow varying levels of light to pass through them (or they can
block the light), therefore two polarizer filters, color filters and two alignment layers
determine exactly how much light is allowed to pass and which colors are created.
The layers are positioned between the two glass panels. A specific voltage is applied
to the alignment layer, creating an electric field - which then aligns the liquid crystals.
Each dot on the screen (pixel) therefore requires three components, one for red, green
and blue - just as for the tubes within cathode ray tube devices. In a similar way,
these dots on the screen can even display a combination of these three primary colors
also, thus providing a desired pattern on the "active-matrix TFT" in the vehicle
information display instrument of the vehicles.
In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the "active-matrix TFT" in
the vehicle information display instrument 114 is arranged to represent rpm-.
graduations 118 (generally provided to convey the range of the speed of the travelling
vehicle in kilometer per hour or miles per hour) in colored segments. In an
embodiment of the present subject matter, the said colored segment of the rpmgraduation
118 may be divided into discrete and substantial -equal bands of color with
each band representing a gap of fixed revolution per minute. For instance, if the rpmgraduation
118 is divided into three equal segments as shown in FIG. 2B to FIG. 2D,
the three segments are represented in three different colors that depends on the three
primary colors i.e. Red, green and blue and their combinations together, as tabulated
below:
In an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, these colored
segments get blinked in case of over speeding a programmed speed limit, as
discussed later. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the blinking
S No
1
2
Speed Range (in rpm)
0-4000
4000-8000
I I 8000- 12000
I
I
Color C FIG. 2D
I i
Possible color
Color A
Refcrcnce in
FIG. 2B
Color B I FIG. 2C
I
I
graduations may be provided with an audible buzzer to further inform the operator of
the vehicle about the exceeding speed of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the present
subject matter, the vehicle information display instrument 114 is provided with a dial
plate (not shown) to designate other information conveyed by the vehicle information
display instrument 114 such as warning indicators, telltales, and the like.
FIG. 3 discloses an electronic circuit structure 200 that governs the gperation
of the representation of colored segments and blinking segments of the rpmgraduation
118 in an embodiment of the present subject matter. 'l'he electronic circuit
structure 200 illustrates a battery powered ignition switch 202 which when turned
therein with an ignition key (not shown) activates an engine (not shown) of the motor
cycle 100. The electronic circuit structure 200 is provided with an interface that refine
and supply a voltage .of 5 V (from the battery supplying a voltage of 13 V) to a
microcontroller 204 provided with the vehicle information display instrument 114.
The electronic circuit structure 200 is also designed with a Controller Area Network
(CAN) that communicates between various signals received via engine management
systems, active suspension, ABS, gear control, lighting control, air conditioning,
airbags, central locking or the like embedded in the vehicle. The Controller Area
Network (CAN) comprises of two signal lines of the bus i.e. CANH (CAW High) and
CANL ( C h i LOW) which are passively biased to approximately 2.5 Volts. The
dominant state of CANH approximately ranges in the range of 1 Volt to 3.5 Volt and
that in CANL ranges in the range of 1 Volt to 1.5 Volt. The electronic circuit
structure 200 further discloses a Controller Area Network transmission receiver 206
that receives all the signals transmitted by the vehicle 100. In an embodiment of the
present subject matter, the Controller Area Network transmissiuri receiver 206
. . receives the signals of the rprn of the moving vehicle 100 which are subsequently fed
to the microcontroller 204. The microcontroller 204, based on the rpm received,
decides the color and the pattern of the color on the segments of the rpm-graduation
118 in an embodiment of the preserit subject matter. In another exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter, the microcontroller 204 is programmed to
hrther blink the rprn graduations 118 in case if the vehicle exceeds a pre-determined
9
I P O DELHH 2 $ - 0 4 - 2 0 B S e 17 150
/
rprn (and.thus speed) limit. For instance, if the rprn of the vehicle increases beyond a
limit of 8500 rpm, the rprn graduations 118 and its border starts blinking in a predefined
color, thus highlighting the over-speed of the vehicle 100 to its operator, in an
embodiment of the present subject matter. The decided function (color changing
andlor blinking) i s subsequently transmitted and represented on the "active-matrix
TFT" screen 208 displaying a variety of required colors in an embodiment of the
present subject mattcr.
Operationally, the controller Area Network (CAN) receives the signals in
terms of rprn of the moving vehicle 100 as the ignition of the vehicle is powered.
Those signals are subsequently fed to the microcontroller 204 to decide the
specification, pattern, and the like of display of said information on the "active-matrix
TFT" screen 208. Suppose, if the rprn graduations 118 are to be segmented into three
different colors provided with the blinking of the rprn graduations 118 if the rprn
exceeds the limit of 8500 rpm, the same parameters would be programmed in the
microcontroller 204 accordingly. Thus, on receiving the apt input via the Controller
Area Network (CAN), the microcontroller 204 directs the corresponding color
segments to get illuminated for displaying the required color and pattern on the
"active-matrix TFT" screen 208. Apart from the features such as segmented color
display of rprn graduations 118 based on the speed of the moving vehicle 100 and the
blinking of rprn graduation 118 and its border in case of over speed, the "activematrix
TFT" screen 208 may also display the gear indicator in motion of the vehicle
100, in an embodiment of the present subject matter. In a unique embodiment of the
present subject matter, the gear indicator displayed on the "active-matrix TFT" screen
208 may also gets blinked along with the blinking segments if the vehicle's speed
exceed its pre-defined limit. Further, the "active-matrix TFT" may also highlight
other important parameters in the vehicle information display instrument such as, but
4 not restricted to, fuel level indication, engine temperature, and the like. However,
other parameters such as warning indicators, telltale indicators may also be evident
on a dial plate provided with the "active-matrix TFT" of the vehicle information
display instrument 114 in the vehicles 100.
The smart tacho-indicator for vehicles according to the present subject matter
advantageously facilitates a colorful display of the various ranges of revolution-perminutes
in different colors (on the active matrix thin film transistor) so that the
operator of the vehicle can easily catch the speed of the moving vehicles without
concentrating much on a pointer in the vehicle information display instrument.
Further, the present subject matter discloses a range of high revolution-per-minutes
that consequently blink the graduations of the revolution-per-minutes which further
clearly warn the operator of the vehicle to slow dqwn the vehicle to avoid any risk or
danger. Additionally, the application of active matrix thin film transistor discourages
the costly requirement of LEDs for signaling and indicating the parameters such as
high revolution-per-minutes, warning indicators, tell-tale indicators, and the like.
Moreover, the smart tacho-indicator according to the present subject matter enhances
the visibility of the data to the operator without any complex optical and light
transmission mechanism. Furthermore, the present subject matter discloses an
improved, advanced, reliable, customers' friendly and smart tacho-indicator vehicles. '
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to
the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all variations,
substitutions and changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency
of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

WE CLAIM:
1. A smart tacho indicator in a vehicle information display instrument 114
comprising:
an active matrix thin film transistor screen 208 for displaying the revolutionper-
minutes of the rotating wheel on graduations 118:
an electronic circuit structure 200 governing the display of revolution-perminutes
of the rotating wheel on graduations 118 comprising;
a Controller Area Network to communicate signals of revolution-per-minutes
of the rotating wheel of the vehicle 100 via a Controller Area Network
transmission receiver 206;
a microcontroller 204 that receive signals from the Controller Area Network
transmitter receiver 206 to program the color and the pattern of the color on
the segments of the graduations 118 of revolution-per-minutes,
the graduations 118 are divided into plurality of segments that get highlighted
in a pre-programmed color in respective pre-defined range of revolution-perminutes,
wherein the graduations 118 starts blinking once the revolution-perminutes
exceed a pre-defined limit;
the highlighted and/or blinking graduations 118 are transmitted to get visible
on the active matrix thin film transistor screen 208 in the vehicle information
display instrument 114 of the vehicle 100.
2. The smart tacho indicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graduation 118 of
revolution-per-minutes may be divided into discrete and substantial equal bands
of color with each band representing a gap of fixed revolution per minute.
3. The smart tacho indicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graduation 118 of
revolution-per-minutes are represented in three different colors that depends on
the three primary colors i.e. Red, green and blue and their combinations together.
4. The smart tacho indicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle information
display instrument 114 is provided with a dial plate to designate other
information conveyed by the vehicle information display instrument 114 such as
warning indicators, telltales, and the like.
5. The smart tacho indicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit
structure 200 is provided with an interface that refine and supply a voltage of 5 V
(from the battery supplying a voltage of 13 V) to a microcontroller 204 provided
with the vehicle information display instrument 114.
6. The smart tacho indicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Controller Area
Network (CAN) comprises of two signal lines of the bus i.e. CANH (CAN High)
and CANL (CAN Low).
7. The smart tacho indicator .as claimed in claim 1, wherein the active matrix thin
film transistor screen 208 also displays the gear indicator in motion of the vehicle,
fuel level indication, engine temperature, and the like.
8. The smart tacho indicator as claimed in claim 7, wherein the gear indicator also
blinks if the revolution-per-minute exceed the pre-defined limit.
9. The smart tacho indicator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the blinking
graduations 118 is with an audible buzzer.