Claims:We Claim:

1. A system (100) for immobilizing a starter motor of a vehicle, the system (100) in operable communication with an engine control unit (30) (ECU) of the vehicle, the engine control unit (30) in operable communication with a traffic signal controller (50) of a traffic signal, the engine control unit (30) connected with a fuse and relay box (40) of the vehicle, the fuse and relay box (40) connected with the starter motor, the system (100) comprising:
a distance measurement sensor (10) arranged in operable communication with the engine control unit (30) for measuring distance of the vehicle from the traffic signal;
a speed controller sensor (20) arranged in operable communication with the engine control unit (30) for controlling speed of the vehicle;
a first processor arranged in the engine control unit (30) for sending and receiving instructions from the traffic signal controller (50);
a second processor arranged in the traffic signal controller (50) for sending and receiving instructions from the engine control unit (30);
an emergency sensor fitted in the traffic signal controller (50) to deactivate the distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) during emergency; and
a lamp indicator installed inside the vehicle at a dashboard of the vehicle for indicating a driver to start the vehicle;
wherein, if the vehicle entered in distance sensor activation zone (300 meter) at the traffic signal showing Red light, the system (100) stops the vehicle, if the vehicle stands still more than 10 sec, the system (100) automatically switches off the engine by immobilizing the starter motor, if the traffic signal require less than 8 sec time to activate Green light, the system (100) deactivates the distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) and glows up the lamp indicator to inform same notification to the driver and if the traffic signal require more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light and an emergency category vehicle including ambulance, fire brigade vehicle and army vehicles entered in a range 800 meter from the traffic signal, the system (100) deactivates the sensors (10, 20) of that particular direction traffic signal and activates the sensors (10, 20) of the vehicles at the remaining traffic signals for allowing to move the emergency category vehicle without any stoppage.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation zone of the distance measurement sensor (10) is distance of the vehicle from the traffic signal that is 300 meter.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first processer arranged in the traffic signal controller (50) sends the instructions to the second processor arranged in the engine control unit (30) to control the speed of the vehicle by activating the speed controller sensor (20), if the vehicle entered in distance sensor activation zone (300 meter) at the traffic signal showing Red light and the traffic signal require more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the vehicle stops at the traffic signal with the speed controller sensor (20) in activate mode and the vehicle stand still more than 10 sec, a traffic signal count down sensor sends signal to a timer sensor mounted on the engine control unit (30) of the vehicle to avoid starter pinion gear engagement with flywheel with help of the engine control unit (30).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the vehicle stops at the traffic signal with the speed controller sensor (20) in activate mode and the vehicle stand still more than 10 sec and if vehicle air conditioning system is in active mode, then the engine continues run to specify RPM to keep the air conditioning system activate and at the same time the engine control unit (30) keeps the vehicle in natural gear position, thereby not allowing to move vehicle, even though the vehicle is in any gear.

6. A method (200) for immobilizing a starter motor of a vehicle, an engine control unit (30) of the vehicle in operable communication with a traffic signal controller (50) of a traffic signal, the engine control unit (30) connected with a fuse and relay box (40) of the vehicle, the fuse and relay box (40) connected with the starter motor, the method (200) comprising steps of:
measuring distance of the vehicle from the traffic signal by a distance measurement sensor (10) and sending to the traffic signal controller (50) via the engine control unit (30) of the vehicle;
measuring speed of the vehicle by a speed controller sensor (20) and sending to the traffic signal controller (50) via the engine control unit (30) of the vehicle;
sending signal from a traffic signal count down sensor to a timer sensor mounted on the engine control unit (30);
checking the data received by the traffic signal controller (50) for finalizing an operation to make vehicle in non-drivable mode;
activating the speed controller sensor (20) to reduce speed of the vehicle, if the vehicle entered in distance sensor activation zone (300 meter) at the traffic signal showing Red light and the traffic signal require more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light;
automatically switching off the engine by immobilizing the starter motor and avoiding starter pinion gear engagement with flywheel with help of the engine control unit (30), if the vehicle stops at the traffic signal with the speed controller sensor (20) in activate mode and the vehicle stand still more than 10 sec at the traffic signal;
continuing the engine to run at specified RPM to keep the air conditioning system activated and at the same time keeping the vehicle in natural gear position by the engine control unit (30), thereby not allowing to move vehicle, even though the vehicle is in any gear, if the vehicle stops at the traffic signal with the speed controller sensor (20) in activate mode and the vehicle stand still more than 10 sec at the traffic signal and if an air conditioning system of the vehicle is in active mode;
deactivating the distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) and glowing up a lamp indicator installed inside the vehicle at a dashboard of the vehicle for indicating a driver to start the vehicle, if the traffic signal require less than 8 sec time to activate Green light;
activating an emergency sensor fitted in the traffic signal controller (50), if the traffic signal requires more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light and an emergency category vehicle including ambulance, fire brigade vehicle and army vehicles entered in a range 800 meter from the traffic signal to deactivate the distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) of that particular direction traffic signal and to activate the distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) of the vehicles at the remaining traffic signals for allowing to move the emergency category vehicle without any stoppage.

7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein a processer arranged in the traffic signal controller (50) sends the instructions to a processor arranged in the engine control unit (30) to control the speed of the vehicle by activating the speed controller sensor (20), if the vehicle entered in distance sensor activation zone (300 meter) at the traffic signal showing Red light and the traffic signal require more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light.

Dated this 31st day of January 2017

Madhavi Vajirakar
(Agent for Applicant)
IN-PA/2337 , Description:SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMMOBILIZING STARTER MOTOR OF VEHICLE

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to automobiles and more particularly, to a system and method for immobilizing a starter motor of a vehicle.

Background of the invention:

Most of the times, it has been observed that many vehicles keep their engines in operating condition at traffic signals even though there is a long time to move the vehicles ahead of traffic. This leads to increase in air pollution that directly affecting to increase global warming.

Also, especially in some countries, it becomes habit to not follow traffic rules and signals. This leads to accidents and many people lost their life.

In prior art designs / technology of the vehicles, a starter immobilize facility is available only in hybrid vehicles. Also, there are limitations observed in the prior art technologies as listed below:

a. In current design vehicle, when an engine stops due to the starter immobilize facility, there is no scope available for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) operation. If the air conditioning (AC) system of the vehicle is in running condition, it requires the engine in operating condition.
b. There is no technology available to immobilize transmission, if the engine is in operating condition.
c. The prior art inventions do not include a distance measure sensor for measuring distance of the vehicle from the traffic signal and not allowing the vehicle to move beyond certain speed.
d. Also, there is no scope for a system of deactivation in case of emergency to allow move vehicles like ambulance, fire brigade, army vehicles etc.
e. The prior art inventions follow only single phase logic, so there is limitation / fix logic in any case.
f. There is no prior visual information available inside the vehicle to intimate a driver to crank the vehicle and avoid delays.
g. The prior art inventions are mainly depend on one sensor / one parameter and if the one sensor / the one parameter fails, the complete system collapse.
h. The prior art inventions need separate controller to operate the system that increases overall weight and cost of the vehicle.

Accordingly, there exists need to provide an improved system and method for immobilizing a starter motor of the vehicle that overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks mentioned in the prior art.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to make a vehicle immobilized or in non-drivable mode at traffic signals.

Another object of the present invention is to save human lives by avoiding accidental situations at the traffic signals.

Yet, another object of the present invention is to stop an engine at the traffic signals if there is a long time to move the vehicle, thereby reducing rate of air pollution.

Another object of the present invention is to allow moving of an emergency category vehicle such as ambulance, fire brigade vehicle, army vehicles and like without any stoppage.

Summary of the invention:

In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for immobilizing a starter motor of a vehicle. Specifically, the system immobilizes the starter motor of the vehicle at a traffic signal. The system is in operable communication with an engine control unit (hereinafter referred as, “the ECU”) of the vehicle. The ECU is in operable communication with a traffic signal controller of the traffic signal. The ECU is connected with a fuse and relay box of the vehicle. The fuse and relay box is connected with the starter motor. The traffic signal controller includes a traffic signal count down sensor installed thereon. The ECU includes a timer sensor mounted thereon.

The system comprises of a distance measurement sensor, a speed controller sensor, a first processor arranged in the ECU, a second processor arranged in the traffic signal controller, an emergency sensor and a lamp indicator. The distance measurement sensor is arranged in operable communication with the ECU for measuring distance of the vehicle from the traffic signal. The speed controller sensor is arranged in operable communication with the ECU for controlling speed of the vehicle. The first processor is arranged in the ECU for sending and receiving instructions from the traffic signal controller. The second processor is arranged in the traffic signal controller for sending and receiving instructions from the ECU. The emergency sensor is fitted in the traffic signal controller to deactivate the distance measurement sensor and the speed controller sensor during emergency. The lamp indicator is installed inside the vehicle at a dashboard of the vehicle for indicating to a driver to start the vehicle.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for immobilizing the starter motor of the vehicle. The method is described in conjunction with the system. At first step, the method involves measuring distance of the vehicle from the traffic signal by the distance measurement sensor and sending to the traffic signal controller via the ECU of the vehicle. At second step, the method involves measuring speed of the vehicle by a speed controller sensor and sending to the traffic signal controller via the ECU of the vehicle. At next step, the method involves sending signal from the traffic signal count down sensor to the timer sensor mounted on the ECU. Thereinafter, the method involves checking the data received by the traffic signal controller for finalizing an operation to make vehicle immobilized or in non-drivable mode. After that, the speed controller sensor is activated to reduce speed of the vehicle, if the vehicle entered in distance sensor activation zone (300 meter) at the traffic signal showing Red light and the traffic signal require more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light.

If the vehicle stops at the traffic signal with the speed controller sensor in activated mode and the vehicle stand still more than 10 sec at the traffic signal; then the engine automatically switches off by immobilizing the starter motor and avoids starter pinion gear engagement with flywheel with help of the ECU. If an air conditioning (AC) system of the vehicle is in active mode when the vehicle stops at the traffic signal with the speed controller sensor in activated mode and the vehicle stand still more than 10 sec at the traffic signal and, then the engine continues to run at specified RPM to keep the AC system activated and at the same time keeps the vehicle in natural gear position by the ECU, thereby not allowing to move vehicle; even though the vehicle is in any gear.

At next step, if the traffic signal require less than 8 sec time to activate Green light, the distance measurement sensor and the speed controller sensor get deactivated. The lamp indicator glows up for indicating the driver to start the vehicle. If the traffic signal requires more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light and an emergency category vehicle including ambulance, fire brigade vehicle and army vehicles entered in a range 800 meter from the traffic signal, then the emergency sensor fitted in the traffic signal controller gets activated. In turn, the distance measurement sensor and the speed controller sensor become deactivated of that particular direction traffic signal. The distance measurement sensor and the speed controller sensor of the vehicles at the remaining traffic signals activate and allow moving the emergency category vehicle without any stoppage.

Brief description of the drawings:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for immobilizing a starter motor of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the system for immobilizing the starter motor of the vehicle, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the system for immobilizing the starter motor of the vehicle, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the system for immobilizing the starter motor of the vehicle, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the system for immobilizing the starter motor of the vehicle, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of a method for immobilizing the starter motor of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

The present invention provides invention a system and method for immobilizing a starter motor of a vehicle. The system comprises of a distance measurement sensor, a speed controller sensor, a first processor arranged in the engine control unit, a second processor arranged in the traffic signal controller, an emergency sensor and a lamp indicator. The method involves activating and deactivating the distance measurement sensor and the speed controller sensor which help to work based on the situations and also avoiding the system to collapse if there is frequent change in the traffic situations.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

Referring to figures 1 to 6, a system (100) for immobilizing a starter motor (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown), in accordance with the present invention is shown. Specifically, the system (100) immobilizes the starter motor of the vehicle at a traffic signal. The system (100) is in operable communication with an engine control unit (30) (hereinafter referred as “the ECU (30)”) of the vehicle. The ECU (30) is in operable communication with a traffic signal controller (50) of the traffic signal. The ECU (30) is connected with a fuse and relay box (40) of the vehicle. The fuse and relay box (40) is connected with the starter motor. The traffic signal controller (40) includes a traffic signal count down sensor (not shown) installed thereon. The ECU (30) includes a timer sensor (not shown) mounted thereon.

The system (100) comprises of a distance measurement sensor (10), a speed controller sensor (20), a first processor (not numbered) arranged in the ECU (30), a second processor (not numbered) arranged in the traffic signal controller (40), an emergency sensor and a lamp indicator. The distance measurement sensor (10) is arranged in operable communication with the ECU (30) for measuring distance of the vehicle from the traffic signal. The speed controller sensor (20) is arranged in operable communication with the ECU (30) for controlling speed of the vehicle. The first processor is arranged in the ECU (30) for sending and receiving instructions from the traffic signal controller (50). The second processor is arranged in the traffic signal controller (50) for sending and receiving instructions from the ECU (30). The emergency sensor is fitted in the traffic signal controller (50) to deactivate the distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) during emergency. The lamp indicator is installed inside the vehicle at a dashboard of the vehicle for indicating to a driver to start the vehicle.

Again, referring to figures 1-6, a method for immobilizing the starter motor of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention is described. The method (200) is described in conjunction with the system (100). The method (200) starts at step (110).

At step (120), the method (200) involves measuring distance of the vehicle from the traffic signal by a distance measurement sensor (10) and sending to the traffic signal controller (50) via the ECU (30) of the vehicle.

At step (130), the method (200) involves measuring speed of the vehicle by a speed controller sensor (20) and sending to the traffic signal controller (50) via the ECU (30) of the vehicle.

At step (140), the method (200) involves sending signal from a traffic signal count down sensor to a timer sensor mounted on the ECU (30)

At step (150), the method (200) involves checking the data received by the traffic signal controller (50) for finalizing an operation to make vehicle immobilized or in non-drivable mode. In an embodiment, the operation is selected from any one of following cases namely:
Case 1: When the vehicle is entered in activation zone (300 meter) of a distance measurement sensor (10)
Case 2: When the vehicle is immobilized or in non-drivable mode at the traffic signal
Case 3: When the vehicle cranks or moves forward from the traffic signal
Case 4: Activate an emergency senor in case of emergency

Hereinafter, the method (200) is described by using the four abovementioned cases.

Case 1: When the vehicle is entered in activation zone (300 meter) of a distance measurement sensor (10):
If the vehicle front end distance from the traffic signal is 300 meter as measured by the distance measurement sensor (10), the first processer arranged in the traffic signal controller (50) sends the instructions to the second processor arranged in the ECU (30) to control the speed of the vehicle by activating the speed controller sensor (20). The Case 1 is selected, when the vehicle comes in a range of the distance measurement sensor (10) i.e. if the vehicle entered in distance sensor activation zone (300 meter) from the traffic signal and at the same time the traffic signal shows Red light and the traffic signal requires more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light.

Once the speed controller sensor (20) activates, the speed of all the vehicles that come under 300 meter is reduced upto range of 20-30 kmph. So, the vehicle cannot run beyond 30 kmph speed and the driver forces to stop at the traffic signal, thereby avoiding the accident situations occurs due to not following the traffic rules. The Case 1 is applicable if the traffic signal requires more than 10 sec. time to activate the Green light to allow the vehicles to move through the traffic signal.

Case 2: When the vehicle is immobilized or in non-drivable mode at the traffic signal:
The Case 2 is selected if the vehicle stops at the traffic signal with the speed controller sensor in activate mode and the vehicle stands still more than 10 sec. at the traffic signal. After selecting the Case 2, the vehicle automatically switches off the engine and makes the vehicle immobilize by means of starter motor, so that the starter motor cannot crank engine during this time. It is due to the traffic signal count down sensor sends signal to the timer sensor of the ECU (30), thereby avoiding the starter pinion gear engagement with flywheel with help of the ECU (30).

During the Case 2, if an air conditioning system of the vehicle is in active mode, then the engine continues to run at specified RPM to keep the air conditioning system activated. At the same time, the ECU (30) keeps the vehicle in natural gear; thereby not allowing to move the vehicle, even though the vehicle is in any gear. The Case 2 is applicable if traffic signal require more than 10 sec. time to activate the Green light to allow vehicles to move through the traffic signal. During the Case 2, the vehicle engine either runs in low RPM or the engine is deactivated, thereby reducing air pollution.

Case 3: When the vehicle cranks or moves forward from the traffic signal
The Case 3 is selected if the traffic signal requires less than 8 sec. time to activate the Green light to allow vehicles to move through the traffic signal. During the Case, both the distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) get deactivated. The lamp indicator glows up to inform same notification to the driver. Once the lamp indicator ignites, the driver can crank the vehicle and moves forward from the traffic signal.

Case 4: Activate an emergency senor in case of emergency
The Case 4 is selected, if the traffic signal requires more than 10 sec. time to activate Green light and an emergency category vehicle including ambulance, fire brigade vehicle and army vehicles entered in a range 800 meter from the traffic signal. During the Case 4, the emergency sensor fitted in the traffic signal controller (50) is activated. The distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) of that particular direction traffic signal get deactivated. The distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) of the vehicles at the remaining traffic signals gets activated for allowing to move the emergency category vehicle without any stoppage. In another embodiment, an additional sensor can be fitted on front end of the emergency category vehicles to select the Case 4.

In this way, the method (200) is performed by using the four abovementioned cases for immobilizing the starter motor of the vehicle.

Advantages of the invention:

1. The system (100) and the method (200) work on four different logic / cases that work dependently by taking inputs and apply as required.
2. The system (100) and the method (200) run engine in low rpm to operate Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system when the vehicle is stand still at the traffic signal.
3. The system (100) includes a transmission immobilizer facility that helps to deny the vehicle movement even though the engine in running condition.
4. The system (100) includes a distance measurement sensor (10) that helps to monitor upcoming vehicles and send the vehicle in limp home mode due to which the vehicle cannot go beyond specified limit when the traffic signal is in Red color (STOP signal).
5. The system (100) does not required separate controller, as the system (100) is controlled by the ECU (30) only that is fitted in every vehicle.
6. The method (200) facilitates the vehicle to act in the emergency situation when the vehicles such as ambulance, fire brigade vehicle and army vehicles etc. need to go and after passing these vehicles the system (100) automatically turns on its regular sequence.
7. The method (200) gives prior information to the driver by blinking the light to crank the vehicle when the timing of the traffic signal to become green is less than 8 sec.
8. The method (200) involves activating and deactivating the distance measurement sensor (10) and the speed controller sensor (20) which help to work based on the situations and also avoiding the system (100) to collapse if there is frequent change in the traffic situations.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.