FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a reverse parking assist system (RPAS) of a vehicle, and, in particular, activating and deactivating 5 arrangement of the RPAS through speedometer assembly of the vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a speedometer knob for activating and deactivating of the RPAS of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Generally, a reverse parking assist system (RPAS) is used to assist driver 10 of the vehicle to reverse park the vehicle. The RPAS identifies obstacle behind the vehicle and raises a plurality of alarms to alert the occupant/driver of the vehicle in reverse parking of the vehicle. The RPAS has a plurality of proximity sensors at rear end of the vehicle which send ultrasound waves to measure the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle. Based on the distance, the RPAS generates a 15 plurality of alarms, such as audio, buzzer and video to the driver.
[003] Fig. 1 illustrates the reverse parking assist system (RPAS) 100. The RPAS 100 has a RPAS controller 101, ignition switch 102, activating and deactivating switch and indicator 103, reverse switch 104, audible buzzer 105, meter 106, and a sensor module 108 having a plurality of proximity sensors. The RPAS controller 20 101 controls the RPAS system 100. The RPAS controller 101 receives input to activate the sensor module 108 when vehicle is in reverse gear. The gear knob activates the reverse switch 104. The reverse switch 104 sends signal to the RPAS controller 101 for activating the sensor module 108. The sensor module 108 senses the distance and sends output signal to the audible buzzer 105 to alert the 25 driver about the obstacle behind the vehicle. The RPAS system 100 is activated and deactivated by the RPAS system switch 103. Upon pressing the switch 103, the complete system can be activated and deactivated. As shown in the figure 2, the switch 103 comprises a button 103b for activating and deactivating the RPAS
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system 100 and an indicator 103a for displaying status of the RPAS system 100. If the RPAS system 100 is activated, the indicator 103a displays a light. If the RPAS system 100 is deactivated, the indicator 103a does not display any light.
[004] US patent publication US 20160068158 A1 discloses a parking system adaptively controlling a vehicle during a parking maneuver using a park assist 5 system, for example a active park assist (APA) or trailer backup assist (TBA). Control of the park assist system based on previous speed profiles at a geographic location where the same park assist system was previously activated. The parking system including an activation system that, based on vehicle speed and geographic location, activates the park assist system when preconditions for park assist 10 system operation are met. The activation system may cooperate with the park assist system based on default or previously stored drive history profiles associated with the current geographic location. The US patent publication is associated with a technical problem that activation and deactivation is done by a separate switch. 15
[005] The existing systems are based on the separate switch 103 provided for reverse park assist system. By pressing the switch, the system can be deactivated or activated and the system status is displayed through indicator provided on the switch. The RPAS system status is displayed through the illumination provided on the switch as shown in the figure 2. However in this case, a separate part, i.e., 20 switches and associated wiring harness is to be provided. The separate switch arrangement increases the cost in term or switch and wiring harness. Further, the separate switch requires a space for mounting which could create space constraint in the instrument panel of the vehicle.
[006] Another technical problem associated with the existing system is visibility 25 of the indicator. Generally, the RPAS switch is provided in lower area of instrument panel of the vehicle. Therefore, the user may have to bend to see the status of the RPAS system which creates problem while driving the vehicle.
[007] Another technical problem associated with the existing system is diagnosis of malfunction in the RPAS system. If there is any fault in the switch due to 30
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which RPAS is not working, it is not possible with the existing system to diagnosis the origin of problem. In order to identify the problem or fault, the complete system has to be diagnosis which would increase the cost of diagnosis.
[008] The present invention has been conceived in view of the aforementioned circumstances. 5
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[009] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide activating and deactivating arrangement of the reverse parking assist system through a speedometer assembly.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a speedometer 10 assembly having speedometer knob and RPAS tell tale to activate and deactivate the RPAS system and display the status of the system.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, effective, and cost efficient speedometer assembly for activation and deactivation of the RPAS system via speedometer knob. 15
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0012] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a speedometer assembly for activation and deactivation of reverse park assist system (RPAS) by speedometer knob. The speedometer assembly has a speedometer knob and a plurality of output devices. The speedometer knob receives at least one instruction from an occupant 20 of the vehicle. The plurality of output devices are communicably coupled to the speedometer knob to receive at least one input corresponding to the at least one instruction. Further, the plurality of output devices are configured to provide at least one output corresponding to the at least one input. The speedometer assembly is communicatively coupled via local interconnect network (LIN) to the 25 RPAS controller. The RPAS controller is coupled to the speedometer knob and the plurality of output devices. The RPAS is configured to be activated or deactivated based on the at least one instruction provided to the speedometer
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knob. The status of the RPAS being activated or deactivated is displayed by one of the plurality of output devices.
[0013] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative 5 only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally 10 effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with 15 embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0015] Fig. 1 illustrates reverse parking assist system as known in the art;
[0016] Fig. 2 illustrates reverse parking switch for activation and deactivation as known in the art; 20
[0017] Fig. 3 illustrates reverse parking assist system (RPAS) with speedometer assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0018] Fig. 4 illustrates communication between speedometer assembly and RPAS controller as shown in the figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and 25
[0019] Fig. 5 illustrates speedometer with speedometer knob and RPAS tell tale position on panel of the speedometer assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
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[0020] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein. 5
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0021] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a speedometer assembly for activation and deactivation of reverse park assist system (RPAS) by speedometer knob. The speedometer assembly has a speedometer knob and a plurality of output devices. The speedometer knob receives at least one instruction from an occupant 10 of the vehicle. The plurality of output devices communicably coupled to the speedometer knob to receive at least one input corresponding to the at least one instruction. Further, the plurality of output devices being configured to provide at least one output corresponding to the at least one input. The speedometer assembly is communicatively coupled via LIN to the RPAS controller. The RPAS 15 controller is coupled to the speedometer knob and the plurality of output devices. The RPAS is configured to be activated or deactivated based on the at least one instruction provided to the speedometer knob. The status of the RPAS being activated or deactivated is displayed by one of the plurality of output devices.
[0022] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, a reverse park assist 20 system (RPAS) is integrated with a speedometer assembly (305) of a vehicle for activation and deactivation. The RPAS has a sensor module including a plurality of proximity sensors disposed on an external surface of the vehicle at rear end. The sensor module is configured to generate and transmit proximity signals based on a proximal distance between the vehicle and a neighboring obstacle. Further, 25 the RPAS has a reverse parking assist controller configured to receive the proximity signals and provide parking assistance to the vehicle. The reverse parking assist controller is coupled to a speedometer knob and a RPAS tell- tale of the speedometer assembly. The reverse parking assist controller is configured to be activated or deactivated by an occupant of the vehicle based on at least one 30
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instruction provided to the speedometer knob. Further, a status of the reverse parking assist controller being activated or deactivated is displayed by the RPAS telltale.
[0023] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled 5 in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various assembly that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter 10 and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The 15 novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0024] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be 20 described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. 25
[0025] Fig. 3 illustrates a system of reverse parking assist system (RPAS) with speedometer assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The RPAS 300 has a RPAS controller 301, ignition switch 302, reverse switch 303, audible buzzer 304, speedometer assembly 305, and a sensor module 307 having a plurality of proximity sensors. Further, the RPAS controller 301 30
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controls the RPAS system 300. The RPAS controller 301 receives input to activate the sensor module 307 when vehicle is in reverse gear. The gear knob activates the reverse switch 303. The reverse switch 303 sends signal to the RPAS controller 301 for activating the sensor module 307. The sensor module 307 senses the distance and sends output signal to the audible buzzer 304 to alert the 5 driver about the obstacle behind the vehicle.
[0026] The RPAS system 300 is activated and deactivated by speedometer knob 305a of the speedometer assembly. The speedometer assembly has a speedometer knob 305a and a RPAS tell-tale 305b which is an indicator positioned in the speedometer assembly for displaying status of the RPAS system 300. The RPAS 10 300 has a reverse parking assist controller 301 configured to receive the proximity signals from the plurality of proximity sensors and provide parking assistance to the vehicle. The proximity sensors are ultrasonic sensors. The reverse parking assist controller 301 is coupled to the speedometer knob 305a and the RPAS tell-tale (305b) of the speedometer assembly 305 over local interconnect network 15 (LIN) or controller area network (CAN). The reverse parking assist controller 301 is configured to be activated or deactivated by an occupant of the vehicle based on at least one instruction provided to the speedometer knob 305a. The occupant, such as driver of the vehicle, presses the speedometer knob 305a several times in a predefined sequence or manner to activate and de-activate the RPAS system 300. 20 Upon activating the RPAS system 300, status is displayed on the RPAS tell-tale 305b of the speedometer assembly. Further, in the speedometer assembly 305, a plurality of output devices are present which displays information about other systems of the vehicle, such as speed, parking, turning, headlight, tail-light, fuel, etc. The RPAS tell-tale 305b illuminates to display status of the RPAS 300. 25
[0027] Referring to figure 4, the speedometer assembly 305 is illustrated in detail. The speedometer assembly 305 has a speedometer knob 305a to receive at least one instruction from an occupant of the vehicle. Further, the speedometer assembly 305 has a plurality of output devices communicably coupled to the 30
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speedometer knob 305a to receive at least one input corresponding to the at least one instruction. The plurality of output devices includes RPAS tell-tale 305b along with other indicators on the speedometer assembly. The other indicators are meter, dial, graphical user interface, fuel, turning, headlight, fog lamp, etc. The RPAS tell-tale 305b is configured to provide at least one output corresponding to 5 the at least one input. The RPAS has a RPAS controller 301 which is coupled to the speedometer knob 305a and the RPAS tell-tale 305b. The RPAS controller 301 is configured to be activated or deactivated based on the at least one instruction provided to the speedometer knob 305a. Further, a status of the RPAS controller 301 being activated or deactivated is displayed on speedometer as the 10 RPAS tell-tale 305b of the speedometer assembly 305. Further, the status of the RPAS controller 301 being activated or deactivated is presented by one of the plurality of output devices is one of an audible, visual, tactile or a combination thereof.
[0028] The RPAS controller 301 is coupled to the speedometer knob 305a and the 15 RPAS tell-tale 305b over a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) or a Controller Area Network (CAN) for communication and displaying status of the RPAS controller 301. The speedometer knob 305a is pressed in a predefined sequence to send at least one instruction from the occupant. The predefined sequence of the speedometer knob is for trip meter, fuel indicator, clock, lights, the RPAS 300 20 activation and deactivation. The predefined sequence is successive pressing, rotating, switching or a combination thereof.
[0029] Figure 5 displays location of the speedometer knob 305a and the RPAS tell-tale 305b in the speedometer assembly 305 along with speed needle and other indicators. 25
[0030] The present speedometer assembly provides activation and deactivation of the RPAS via speedometer knob. Further, status of the RPAS is visible on the speedometer assembly which is convenient for the driver to check whether RPAS is activated or not. The present system is easy to diagnosis via diagnosis rules set for the speedometer knob. 30
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[0031] The term “vehicle” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs. 5
[0032] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures 10 depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the 15 above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited 20 feature.
[0033] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present 25 subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:
1. A speedometer assembly (305) for activation and de-activation of Reverse Park Assist System (RPAS) (300) of a vehicle, the speedometer assembly (305) comprising:
a speedometer knob (305a) to receive at least one instruction from 5 an occupant of the vehicle; and
a plurality of output devices (305b) communicably coupled to the speedometer knob to receive at least one input corresponding to the at least one instruction, wherein the plurality of output devices (305b) being configured to provide at least one output corresponding to the at least one 10 input,
wherein the speedometer knob (305a) and the plurality of output devices (305b) are coupled with a RPAS controller (301) of the RPAS (300), and wherein the RPAS controller (301) is configured to be activated or deactivated based on the at least one instruction provided to the 15 speedometer knob (305a), and wherein a status of the RPAS controller (301) being activated or deactivated is displayed by one of the plurality of output devices (305b).
2. The speedometer assembly (305) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the status 20 of the RPAS controller (301) being activated or deactivated is displayed on speedometer as RPAS tell-tale (305b).
3. The speedometer assembly (305) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of output devices is at least one of a meter, dial, graphical user 25 interface, display screen, touch screen, RPAS tell-tale (305b), visual interface, video device, and audio device.
4. The speedometer assembly (305) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the status of the RPAS controller (301) being activated or deactivated as presented by 30
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one of the plurality of output devices is one of an audio, visual, tactile, specifically, in visual.
5. The speedometer assembly (305) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the RPAS controller (301) is coupled to the speedometer knob (305a) and the RPAS 5 tell-tale (305b) over a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) or a Controller Area Network (CAN) for communication and displaying status of the RPAS controller (301).
6. The speedometer assembly (305) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least 10 one instruction from the occupant includes pressing the speedometer knob (305a) in a predefined sequence.
7. The speedometer assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the predefined sequence is for trip meter, fuel indicator, clock, lights, the RPAS controller 15 (301) activation and deactivation, wherein predefined sequence is successive pressing, rotating, switching or a combination thereof.
8. A reverse parking assist system (RPAS) (300) integrated with a speedometer assembly (305) of a vehicle for activation and deactivation, the 20 RPAS (301) comprising:
a sensor module (307) including a plurality of proximity sensors disposed on an external surface of the vehicle at rear end, the sensor module (307) configured to generate and transmit proximity signals based on a proximal distance between the vehicle and a neighboring obstacle; 25 and
a reverse parking assist system (RPAS) controller (301) configured to receive the proximity signals and provide parking assistance to the vehicle, the RPAS controller (301) being coupled to a speedometer knob (305a) and a RPAS tell-tale (305b) of the speedometer assembly (305), 30 wherein the RPAS controller (301) is configured to be activated or
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deactivated by an occupant of the vehicle based on at least one instruction provided to the speedometer knob (305a).
9. The reverse parking assist system (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a status of the RPAS controller (301) being activated or deactivated is 5 displayed by the RPAS tell-tale (305b).
10. The reverse parking assist system (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one instruction from the occupant includes actuating/pressing the speedometer knob (305a) in a predefined sequence.