DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a sound generation or acoustic system in a vehicle and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Nowadays, with increasing global warming, depletion of fossil fuels, there is advancement in the technology such as an electric or hybrid electric based systems. For example, an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicles which uses one or more battery assemblies that provides electrical power to run a motor which in turn rotates one or more wheels of the vehicle. In conventional vehicles which uses an IC engine generates a sound during its operation. The sound in an IC (internal combustion) engine generates due to combustion and the sound increases with the increasing speed of the vehicle. Usually, the sound of the IC engine vehicle is attenuated using a muffler of the vehicle, however the sound is never reduced to nil or zero. Although this sound is a concern for noise pollution and therefore, controlled through homologation regulations. As the IC engine vehicles are the major portion of transport around the world, customers and pedestrians are used to this sound. Another purpose of the sound is that it creates an awareness or assists in creating an alerting the surrounding about the vehicle’s presence. For example, when a vehicle is approaching the pedestrians or other vehicles, the sound created by the vehicle assists in alerting the surrounding environment about its presence. Therefore, the sound assists in avoiding accident on road. On the other hand, the electrical vehicles have lower to almost no sound which is generated when the vehicle is being operated. The lower sound in the electric vehicle is an advantage in terms of noise pollution, but a potential problem for pedestrians or a blind person who is walking on a road and is not much aware about the surrounding vehicles. Thus, such a soundless vehicle fails to create an awareness or alert in the surrounding environment about it’s presence or approach, due to which there are chances of accidents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The present invention is described with reference to a sound generation in a vehicle and a method thereof, for an exemplary embodiment along with the accompanying drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to similar features and components.
[0004] Fig 1-4 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram of the sound generation system in a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
[0005] Fig 5 exemplarily illustrates a flow chart of the method of sound generation in a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0006] Interest in electrically powered vehicles, including but not limited to electrically powered motorcycles and scooters, is increasing due to the rising costs, and environmental impacts of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. An eco friendly vehicle barely generates any noise during its operations, which is an advantage for noise pollution perspective, however it is a problem for nearby living beings such as a pedestrian, an animal lying on the road etc. who are not vigilant of the vehicle which are being operated on the road.
[0007] Additionally, in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), since the engine sound that is audible to the rider in the vehicle is not generated at all, the rider can hear only so-called road noise and wind noise during the riding. During riding, the volume of the road noise or the like such as wind noise increases in conjunction with the vehicle traveling speed, but the volume does not directly react to the engine operation in the electric vehicle. Further, in the HEVs, there is a state in which a sound is generated from an engine mounted on the vehicle, but this is not always the case, and the sound is often not linked to the vehicle traveling speed or the engine operation. As a result, in the vehicle, powered by electric the sound of the engine in a state corresponding to an accelerator operation by the rider is not generated, and as a result, the psychological enjoyment of riding is reduced for the riders who prefers the engine sound.
[0008] Therefore, keeping in view the above challenges, the objective of the present invention is to enable emitting a pseudo sound based upon operation of the vehicle which is powered by the electric motor such as EV or HEV.
[0009] As per known state of art, to generate sound from the vehicle when the vehicle is being operated or running a mechanical flap has been employed in the vehicle air inlet area. Thus, when the vehicle is running at certain speed, the wind crossing across enables the mechanical flap to vibrate and generate sound. However, the use of mechanical flaps is limited by the durability of the mechanical system, increased weight and the quality of sound generated by the shape of the flap and the inlet-outlet channel. Moreover, tuning of the mechanical flap for application in wide range of vehicles are also limited.
[00010] As per yet another known art, sound stimulation for EV and HEVs is done by storing or saving sounds to play based on the vehicle speed. Although this work has the possibility of storing different sounds, there could be a possibility of asynchronization of noise with the vehicle speed due to time lag for the processing time required between throttle sensor response and corresponding sound play.
[00011] As per yet another known art, a camera is installed in the front potion of the vehicle which is configured to alert the driver about pedestrians who are not looking at the vehicle. However, this mechanism is complex as it will fail to alert the rider’s who are blind, because they may look at the vehicle but may not realize vehicle’s approach towards them.
[00012] Taking note of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a system and a method thereof for generation of sound based on real time operation state of the engine, such that the nearby pedestrians or any other living beings can notice the approach of the vehicle towards them.
[00013] As per an embodiment of the present invention, an acoustic system for a vehicle comprises a first sensor, the first sensor is configured to sense predefined operating parameter of the vehicle, a control unit, which is configured to receive first inputs the from the first sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to receive second input from a motor of the vehicle and an output unit. Based on the first input and the second input, the control unit is configured to activate the output unit to generate an output.
[00014] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the first sensor being a throttle position sensor, and the predefined operating parameter of the vehicle being a throttle position of the vehicle.
[00015] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the first input being a voltage from the first sensor.
[00016] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the second input being current from the motor.
[00017] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the output being an acoustic output.
[00018] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a second sensor, the second sensor being configured to send third input to the control unit.
[00019] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the second sensor being a motion sensor, and the third input being presence of living beings in a pre-defined radar of the vehicle.
[00020] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the predefined radar being in the range of 0-200 meters of the vehicle.
[00021] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a third sensor, the third sensor being configured to send fourth input to the control unit.
[00022] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the third sensor being a location sensor, wherein the fourth input being inputs relating locality of the vehicle.
[00023] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit being configured to deactivate the system based on fourth input when the vehicle being in locality of a no horn zone.
[00024] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a mode which, wherein mode switch being configured to send input to the vehicle relating mode of operation of the vehicle.
[00025] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a first switch, wherein the first switch enables a user to activate and deactivate the system.
[00026] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the output being plurality of acoustics.
[00027] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the output unit being at least one of a piezoelectric output unit and an electro-magnetic output unit.
[00028] The output (voltage and current) of the control unit changes as the speed of the vehicle changes, and therefore, the sound also changes with the vehicle speed. The present invention does not require any processing time and therefore free from asynchronization problems. Further as the present invention is purely on electrical system, it is easier to optimize and execute in all types of vehicles without comprises on the weight of the vehicle. The control unit with the combination of the output unit i.e., the speaker generates different sounds based on vehicle performance at different mode e.g., ECO, RIDE, POWER etc. To overcome the problem of noise pollution, the present invention has a provision to generate sound only when it comes near pedestrians. The detection of pedestrians is done using a motion sensor. With the signal from the location detecting sensor, the control unit can detect the silent zones e.g., hospital, school to auto switch-off the sound.
[00029] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00030] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible considering the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[00031] Fig 1 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram of the acoustic system (100) in a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The sound generation system (100) for the vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises: a motor (104), a first sensor (102), a control unit (108), and an output unit (106). The first sensor (102) configured to sense predefined operating parameter of the vehicle and send a first input to the control unit (108). The first sensor (102) being a throttle position sensor and the predefined parameter being throttle position of the vehicle and the first input being voltage input from the first sensor (102). The motor (104) powers the vehicle and sends a second input i.e., current based on RPM of an engine to the control unit (108). Thus, the control unit (108) receives inputs about RPM of the traction motor, and throttle position sensor in the form of current and voltage respectively. The output unit (106) is a speaker which is being configured to provide output or produce acoustics or sound based upon current input and voltage input received from the control unit (108). To overcome the problem of pedestrian safety or safety for any other living beings, the system (100) generates sound with respect to speed of the vehicle through the output unit (106). Since, the control unit (108) and the output unit (106) are not dependent on storage unit which stores plurality of sounds, the system (100) is not dependent on synchronization of the vehicle speed.
[00032] As per an embodiment, the output unit (106) could be of either a piezo-electric output unit (106) or an electro-magnetic output unit (106) . In case of the piezo-electric output unit (106), the voltage is varied with speed of the vehicle to generate plurality of sounds. The piezoelectric output unit (106) is a speaker that generates an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress or pressure. In the context of the present invention, the piezoelectric output unit (106) is a piezoelectric speaker that can produce sound by applying an alternating voltage through the control unit (108). In case of the electro-magnetic output unit (106), current is varied with speed to generate plurality of sounds. In other words, the control unit (108) varies an electrical current flowing through a coil in the electromagnetic output device (106) to produce plurality of sounds electromagnetic output device (106).
[00033] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (108) is also configured to take inputs from a mode switch (110). The mode switch (110) is capable of sensing mode of operation of the vehicle. The mode switch sensor (110) is particularly implemented in hybrid electric vehicle which has multiple modes of operation such as pure eco mode, hybrid mode. In hybrid mode both the motor and the fuel powers powering the engine, and in pure eco mode only the motor powers the vehicle Each mode of operation of the vehicle is differentiated by the maximum speed, rate of acceleration, regenerative braking and alerts.
[00034] Fig 2-Fig 5 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram of the acoustic system in a vehicle in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Referring Fig. 2 the system (100) includes a second sensor (202), i,e, a motion sensor. The motion sensor (202) is configured to send third input to the control unit (108) by sensing presence of living beings in a pre-defined radar of the vehicle. As per an aspect of the present invention the predefined radar being within a range of 0-200 meters from the vehicle. As per yet another embodiment of the present invention the system (100) also includes a third sensor (302) capable of sensing location of the vehicle and send fourth input to the control unit (108). Thus, the control unit (108) is configured such that in case the vehicle is near a no sound zone such as school, or a hospital then then the control unit is configured to automatically deactivate the system. This will enhance the accuracy of the system (100) based upon the operating condition and riding condition of the vehicle. As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic system (100) can be enabled or disabled based on the user’s requirement using a dedicated switch or a first switch (not shown) or a combination of switches (not shown). The control unit (108) and the output unit (106) are at a proximal distance to each other to reduce signal losses. The motion sensor (not shown) is positioned in front of the vehicle to have faster response. The location sensor (302) is kept away from metal parts to avoid signal interference. The control unit (108) is electrically connected to output unit (106), one or more sensor (102) and the motor (104). The system (100) can be used for emergency sound generation after accident for grasping attention of nearby help.
[00035] Fig 5 exemplarily illustrates a flow chart of the method of sound generation in a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method of generating sound from the vehicle, comprises the steps of starting the vehicle at step (500). Once the vehicle is started and the motor (104) generates power for the vehicle. Subsequently the motor (104) transmits an input current to the control unit (108) at step (504). Further, the control unit (108) receives input voltage from the first sensor (102) on position of throttle of the vehicle control unit (108) unit at step (506). Based on the input current and the input voltage, the control unit (108) is configured to activate the output unit (106)control unit at step (508). The output unit (106) once activated generates sound to alert the nearby environment of the vehicle.
The present invention provides the system (100) which eliminates the prior art problems and existing challenges by generating sound from an EV with the increase in vehicle speed helping the pedestrians aware of the approaching vehicles. The proposed system (100) generates sound to alert the pedestrians and living beings to avoid accident. The sound of the system (100) increases with speed of the vehicle to give a feel of the standard engine of a vehicle to the rider. Further, the sound of vehicle can be customized, and the sound of vehicle is turned-off automatically the vehicle is at silent zones e.g., hospital, school.
[0001] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible considering the above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of Reference numerals
100 : Acoustic system
102: First sensor
104: Motor
106: Output unit
108: Control unit
110: Mode switch sensor
202: Second sensor
502-508: Flow chart
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. An acoustic system (100) for a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a first sensor (102), the first sensor (102) being configured to sense predefined operating parameter of the vehicle,
a control unit (108), the control unit (108) being configured to receive first inputs the from the first sensor (102),
the control unit (108) being configured to receive second input from a motor of the vehicle;
an output unit (106),
wherein based on the first input and the second input, the control unit(108) being configured to activate the output unit (106) to generate an output.
2. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensor (102) being a throttle position sensor, and the predefined operating parameter of the vehicle being a throttle position of the vehicle.
3. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first input being a voltage from the first sensor (102).
4. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second input being current from the motor.
5. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output being an acoustic output.
6. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) includes a second sensor (202), the second sensor (202) being configured to send third input to the control unit(108).
7. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein second sensor (202) being a motion sensor, and the third input being presence of living beings in a pre-defined radar of the vehicle.
8. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 7, the predefined radar being in the range of 0-200 meters of the vehicle.
9. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) includes a third sensor (302), the third sensor (302) being configured to send fourth input to the control unit (108).
10. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third sensor (302) being a location sensor, wherein the fourth input being inputs relating locality of the vehicle.
11. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) being configured to deactivate the system (100) based on fourth input when the vehicle being in locality of a no horn zone.
12. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) includes a mode switch (110) which, wherein the mode switch (110) being configured to send input to the vehicle relating mode of operation of the vehicle.
13. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) includes a first switch, wherein the first switch enables a user to activate and deactivate the system (100).
14. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output being plurality of acoustics.
15. The acoustic system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output unit (106) being at least one of a piezoelectric output unit (106) and an electro-magnetic output unit (106).
16. A method of generating acoustic from a vehicle, the method comprises the steps of
receiving (506) by a control unit (108) a first inputs from a first sensor (102);
receiving (504), a second input from a motor of the vehicle;
activating (508), an output unit (106) herein based on the first input and the second input to generate a plurality of acoustic from the vehicle.