Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for operating one or more turn signal lamps (102) of a vehicle (10), the system (102) comprising:
a switch assembly (104) mounted on the vehicle (10), the switch assembly (104) comprises one or more direction indication switches (104a, 104b) and a hazard indication switch (104c), wherein the direction indication switches (104a, 104b) are adapted to be actuated to a direction indication position and the hazard indication switch (104c) is adapted to be actuated to a hazard indication position; and
a control unit (106) communicably coupled to the direction indication switches (104a, 104b) and the hazard indication switch (104c), the control unit (106) configured to receive an input signal from each of the switches (104a, 104b, 104c) and adapted to activate the turn signal lamps (102) based on the input signal,
wherein, in the direction indication position the control unit (106) receives a direction indication signal from the switches (104a, 104b) and correspondingly activates the turn signal lamps (102) for indicating one of a left turn and a right turn of the vehicle (10); and
in the hazard indication position the control unit (106) receives a hazard indication signal from the hazard indication switch (104c) and activates each of the turn signal lamps (102) for indicating a hazard condition of the vehicle (10).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the direction indication switches (104a, 104b) comprises a right indication switch (104a) adapted to be operable to a right indication position and a left indication switch (104b) adapted to be operable to a left indication position;
wherein in the right indication position, the control unit (106) receives a right indication signal from the right indication switch (104a) and activates the turn signal lamps (102) for indicating the right turn of the vehicle (10); and
in the left indication position, the control unit (106) receives a left indication signal from the left indication switch (104b) and activates the turn signal lamps (102) for indicating the left turn of the vehicle (10).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a menu drive unit (108) of an instrument cluster (44) of the vehicle (10) communicably coupled to the control unit (106) and to a menu drive switch (110), the menu drive switch (110) adapted to enable navigation in a cluster menu drive (126) of the instrument cluster (44) for controlling operation of the turn signal lamps (102) and is operable between an ON condition and an OFF condition,
wherein in the ON condition of the menu drive switch (110), the menu drive unit (108) is adapted to enable a turn signal lamp operation mode for facilitating activation of the turn signal lamps (102) when the direction indication switches (104a, 104b) and the hazard indication switch (104b) are deactivated.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the menu drive switch (110) comprises a cruise control switch (112), the cruise control switch (112) upon actuation activates a cruise control mode of the vehicle (10) for operating the vehicle (10) at a cruising speed.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the menu drive unit (108) is configured to determine activation of the cruise control mode in the vehicle (10),
the menu drive unit (108) in the turn signal lamp operation mode being configured to operate the turn signal lamps (102) at a predetermined light intensity during the cruise control mode for indicating movement of the vehicle (10) at the cruising speed,
wherein the predetermined light intensity of the turn signal lamps (102) during the cruise control mode is 50% to 90% the intensity of the turn signal lamps (102) while indicating one of turning and hazard condition of the vehicle (10).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the menu drive unit (108) in the turn signal lamp operation mode is adapted to operate the turn signal lamps (102) by a pulse width modulation signal.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly (104) comprises a cruise control switch (112), the cruise control switch (112) upon actuation activates a cruise control mode of the vehicle (10) for operating the vehicle at a cruising speed.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (106) is configured to determine activation of the cruise control mode,
the control unit (106) configured to operate the turn signal lamps (102) at a predetermined light intensity during the cruise control mode for indicating movement of the vehicle (10) at the cruising speed, when the direction indication switches (104a, 104b) and the hazard indication switch (104c) are deactivated,
wherein the predetermined light intensity of the turn signal lamps (102) during the cruise control mode is 50% to 90% the intensity of the turn signal lamps (102) while indicating one of turning and hazard condition of the vehicle (10).

9. A method for operating one or more turn signal lamps (102) of a vehicle (10), the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (106), an input signal from a switch assembly (104) upon actuation, the switch assembly (104) comprises one or more direction indication switches (104a, 104b) and a hazard indication switch (104c), wherein the direction indication switches (104a, 104b) are adapted to be actuated to a direction indication position and the hazard indication switch (104c) is adapted to be actuated to a hazard indication position; and
activating, by the control unit (106), the turn signal lamps (102) based on the input signal received from the switch assembly (104),
wherein, in the direction indication position the control unit (106) receives a direction indication signal from the switches (104a, 104b) and correspondingly activates the turn signal lamps (102) for indicating one of a left turn and a right turn of the vehicle (10); and
in the hazard indication position the control unit (106) receives a hazard indication signal from the hazard indication switch (104c) and activates each of the turn signal lamps (102) for indicating a hazard condition of the vehicle (10).

10. The method as claimed in claim 9 comprising determining, by the control unit (106), operation of the vehicle (10) in a cruise control mode, the control unit (106) adapted to activate the turn signal lamps (102) at a predetermined light intensity in the cruise control mode, for indicating movement of the vehicle (10) at a cruising speed, when the direction indication switches (104a, 104b) and the hazard indication switch (104b) are deactivated,
wherein the predetermined light intensity of the turn signal lamps (102) during the cruise control mode is 50 % to 90 % the intensity of the turn signal lamps (102) while indicating one of turning and hazard condition of the vehicle (10).

11. The method as claimed in claim 9 comprising navigating, by a menu drive unit (108), an instrument cluster (44) of the vehicle (10) communicably coupled with the control unit (106), for controlling operation of the turn signal lamps (102) via a menu drive switch (110), the menu drive switch (110) adapted to be operable between an ON condition and an OFF condition,
wherein in the ON condition of the menu drive switch (110), the menu drive unit (108) is adapted to enable a turn signal lamp operation mode for facilitating activation of the turn signal lamps (102), when the direction indication switches (104a, 104b) and the hazard indication switch (104b) are deactivated.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 comprising activating, by the menu drive unit (108), the turn signal lamps (102) by a pulse width modulation signal in the turn signal lamp operation mode.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, comprising determining, by the menu drive unit (108), activation of a cruise control mode of the vehicle (10),
the menu drive unit (108) in the turn signal lamp operation mode being configured to operate the turn signal lamps (102) at a predetermined light intensity during the cruise control mode for indicating movement of the vehicle (10) at a cruising speed,
wherein the predetermined light intensity of the turn signal lamps (102) during the cruise control mode is 50 % to 90 % the intensity of the turn signal lamps (102) while indicating one of turning and hazard condition of the vehicle (10).
Dated this 25th day of June 2021

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system for operating turn signal lamps of a vehicle and a method of operating the turn signal lamps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles transport a boarded user from one place to another. A typical vehicle is generally equipped with head lamps, tail lamps and turn signal lamps. Each lamp provided on the vehicle is characterized with a specific purpose. As an example: the head lamps are operated for securing the user’s vision while driving, the tail lamps are operated for indicating stopping or braking of the vehicle to another vehicle and the turn signal lamps are operated to indicate turning of the vehicle to another vehicle. Thus, the lamps provided on the vehicle act as a means of convenience for indicating driving condition of the vehicle to another vehicle, while driving.
[003] In recent past, due to advancement in technology, the number of features equipped in the vehicles are increasing at a rapid pace, particularly for two-wheeled vehicle, resulting in a complex handlebar switch design. Moreover, the conventional two-wheeled vehicles offer a system which can only operate two of the four turn signal lamps mounted thereon. In other words, the conventional two-wheeled vehicles do not provide a system which can control all the turn signal lamps simultaneously.
[004] In order to control all turn signal lamps mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle, an external controller is provided. The external controller includes a dedicated switch mounted on the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle and a wiring harness that connects with each of the turn signal lamps. The user upon activating the dedicated switch enables operation of all the turn signal lamps. However, inclusion of the dedicated switch on the existing switches further clutters the handlebar, making the switch design complex and bulky. Additionally, inclusion of the wiring also results in a complex wiring harness in the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need for a system for operating the turn signal lamps of the vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, a system for operating one or more turn signal lamps of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a switch assembly mounted on the vehicle and includes one or more direction indication switches and a hazard indication switch. The direction indication switches are adapted to be actuated to a direction indication position and the hazard indication switch is adapted to be actuated to a hazard indication position. A control unit is communicably coupled to the direction indication switches and the hazard indication switch. The control unit is configured to receive an input signal from each of the switches and adapted to activate the turn signal lamps based on the input signal. In the direction indication position, the control unit receives a direction indication signal from the switches and correspondingly activates the turn signal lamps for indicating one of a left turn and a right turn of the vehicle. In the hazard indication position, the control unit receives a hazard indication signal from the hazard indication switch and activates each of the turn signal lamps for indicating a hazard condition of the vehicle.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the direction indication switches include a right indication switch adapted to be operable to a right indication position and a left indication switch adapted to be operable to a left indication position. In the right indication position, the control unit receives a right indication signal from the right indication switch and activates the turn signal lamps for indicating the right turn of the vehicle. In the left indication position, the control unit receives a left indication signal from the left indication switch and activates the turn signal lamps for indicating the left turn of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, a menu drive unit of an instrument cluster of the vehicle is communicably coupled to the control unit and to a menu drive switch. The menu drive switch is adapted to enable navigation in a cluster menu drive of the instrument cluster for controlling operation of the turn signal lamps and is operable between an ON condition and an OFF condition. In the ON condition of the menu drive switch, the menu drive unit is adapted to enable a turn signal lamp operation mode for facilitating activation of the turn signal lamps when the direction indication switches and the hazard indication switch are deactivated. Further, the menu drive switch includes a cruise control switch, which upon actuation activates a cruise control mode of the vehicle for operating the vehicle at a cruising speed. The menu drive unit is further configured to determine activation of the cruise control mode in the vehicle. The menu drive unit in the turn signal lamp operation mode is configured to operate the turn signal lamps at a predetermined light intensity during the cruise control mode for indicating movement of the vehicle at the cruising speed. The predetermined light intensity of the turn signal lamps during the cruise control mode is 50% to 90% the intensity of the turn signal lamps while indicating one of turning and hazard condition of the vehicle. Additionally, the menu drive unit in the turn signal lamp operation mode is adapted to operate the turn signal lamps by a pulse width modulation signal.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the switch assembly includes a cruise control switch which upon actuation activates a cruise control mode of the vehicle for operating the vehicle at a cruising speed. The control unit is configured to determine activation of the cruise control mode. Upon determination, the control unit is configured to operate the turn signal lamps at a predetermined light intensity during the cruise control mode for indicating movement of the vehicle at the cruising speed, when the direction indication switches and the hazard indication switch are deactivated. The predetermined light intensity of the turn signal lamps during the cruise control mode is 50% to 90% the intensity of the turn signal lamps while indicating one of turning and hazard condition of the vehicle.
[010] In another aspect, a method of operating one or more turn signal lamps of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving by the control unit, the input signal from the switch assembly upon actuation. The switch assembly includes the one or more direction indication switches and the hazard indication switch. The direction indication switches are adapted to be actuated to a direction indication position and the hazard indication switch is adapted to be actuated to a hazard indication position. The turn signal lamps are then activated based on the input signal received from the switch assembly. In the direction indication position, the control unit receives the direction indication signal from the switches and correspondingly activates the turn signal lamps for indicating one of the left turn and the right turn of the vehicle. In the hazard indication position, the control unit receives the hazard indication signal from the hazard indication switch and activates each of the turn signal lamps for indicating a hazard condition of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[011] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram representation of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a block diagram representation of a control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of an instrument cluster of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic view of a Human-Machine Interface flow in the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a flow diagram depicting a method of operating the turn signal lamps, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[012] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[013] Figure 1 illustrates a motor vehicle 10 including a system 100 [shown in Figure 2] for operating one or more turn signal lamps 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the motor vehicle 10 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The motor vehicle 10 has an internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the Internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder engine. The motor vehicle 10 has a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member [not shown], a seat 18 and a fuel tank 20. The frame member includes a head pipe 22, a main tube 24, a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 30 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle. A headlight 32, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster 44 is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The frame member has a down tube (not shown) that may be positioned in front of the Internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 22. The main tube 24 of the frame member is located above the Internal combustion engine 12 and extends rearward from head pipe 22. The Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main tube 24. In an embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[014] The fuel tank 20 is mounted on the main tube 24. Seat rails are joined to main tube 24 and extend rearward to support the seat 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 [as illustrated in the present embodiment] or through two suspensions on either side of the motor vehicle 10. A taillight unit 33 is disposed at the end of the motor vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. A grab rail 35 is also provided to the seat rails. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat 18 rotates by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the Internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[015] Further, an exhaust pipe 40 of the vehicle extends vertically downward from the Internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the Internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler 42. The muffler 42 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[016] Additionally, one or more turn signal lamps 102 are provided in the vehicle 10, for enabling a boarded user to indicate one of a left turn, a right turn, a hazard indication or a cruise control mode of the vehicle 10 to another vehicle 10. In an embodiment, four turn signal lamps 102 are provided in the vehicle 10, wherein two of the lamps 102 are provided at a front end on either side of the vehicle 10 and positioned below the headlight 32. While the remaining two lamps 102 of the vehicle 10 are provided at a rear end on either side of the vehicle 10 and positioned below the rear lamp 33.
[017] The turn signal lamps 102 are associated with a switch assembly 104 [schematically depicted in Figure 2] mounted on the vehicle 10, optionally onto the handlebar 30. The switch assembly 104 upon actuation by the user is adapted to control activation of the turn signal lamps 102 via a control unit 106 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 2] of the system 100 suitably, which will be described with reference to description pertaining to Figure 2.
[018] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the system 100 provided in the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes the switch assembly 104 mounted onto the vehicle 10, optionally on the handlebar 30. The switch assembly 104 includes one or more direction indication switches 104a, 104b, which are adapted to be actuated to a direction indication position. The direction indication switches 104a, 104b include a right indication switch 104a operable to a right indication position and a left indication switch 104b operable to a left indication position.
[019] In an embodiment, a toggle switch is employed to perform as the direction indication switches 104a, 104b. The toggle switch is operable to a right position which corresponds to the right indication position of the indication switch 104a and to a left position which corresponds to the left indication position of the indication switch 104b. As such, the toggle switch acts as both the right and left indication switches 104a, 104b based on the direction of its actuation. Alternatively, a slide switch, a rotary switch or a mechanical switch can be employed as the direction indication switches 104a, 104b as per design feasibility and requirement. Additionally, the right and left indication switches 104a, 104b may be provided with direction indicators or engravings for ease of identification and actuation to the user. That is, the right indication switch 104a is provided with a right direction indicator, typically a right arrow indication, while the left indication switch 104b is provided with a left direction indicator for ease of actuation to the user.
[020] The switch assembly 104 further includes a hazard indication switch 104c adapted to be operated to a hazard indication position. The hazard indication switch 104c is provided along with the direction indication switches 104a, 104b to collectively form a cluster [not shown in Figures]. Such a construction of the switches 104a, 104b, 104c makes the design of the switch assembly 104 simple, while also preventing cluttering on the handlebar 30. In an embodiment, a mechanical switch is employed to perform as the hazard indication switch 104c upon actuation by the user. The mechanical switch in its actuated position corresponds to the hazard indication position for the switch 104c. Alternatively, the toggle switch or the rotary switch can be adapted to perform as the hazard indication switch 104c as per design feasibility and requirement. The hazard indication switch 104c is also provided with engravings for ease of identification and actuation to the user.
[021] In an embodiment, the toggle switch employed for the direction indication switches 104a, 104b is configured to be operable to a third position, for example an upward position [not shown in Figures] which corresponds to the hazard indication position. As such, a single switch may be configured to perform as the direction indication switches 104a, 104b and the hazard indication switch 104c. Such a configuration of the switch assembly 104 further simplifies its construction and operation.
[022] The system 100 includes the control unit 106 communicably coupled to the switches 104a, 104b, 104c and to the turn signal lamps 102. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 is coupled to the switches 104a, 104b, 104c via a wired connection or a wireless connection as per design feasibility and requirement. Such a construction of the switches 104a, 104b, 104c with the control unit 106, ensures minimal wiring harness in the vehicle 10. The control unit 106 is configured to receive an input signal from each of the switches 104a, 104b, 104c upon actuation. Based on the input signal received, the control unit 106 correspondingly activates the turn signal lamps 102.
[023] In an embodiment, the switch assembly 104 includes a cruise control switch 112 communicably coupled to the control unit 106. The cruise control switch 112 upon activation by the user enables a cruise control mode of the vehicle 10, which will be further described in description pertaining to Figure 3. In an embodiment, the toggle switch considered for the switches 104a, 104b and 104c is operable to a fourth position, for example to a downward position, which corresponds to the cruise control switch 112. As such, a single switch is operable as switches 104a, 104b, 104c and 112 as per design feasibility and requirement.
[024] Further, the system 100 includes a menu drive unit 108 of the instrument cluster 44 of the vehicle 10. The menu drive unit 108 is communicably coupled to the control unit 106 via a menu drive switch 110. The menu drive switch 110 is adapted to enable the user to navigate a cluster menu drive 126 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 4] for controlling operation of the turn signal lamps 102, which will be further described in description pertaining to Figure 4. In an embodiment, the menu drive unit 108 is a processing unit, capable of executing instructions selected in the cluster menu drive 126.
[025] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figure 2, the control unit 106 includes a processor 114, an input/output module 116, a memory 118 and a database 120. The processor 114 is capable of executing instructions stored within the database 120 to perform the operations described herein. In an embodiment, the processor 114 is a signal processor, microprocessor or other control and processing logic circuitry which enables execution of operations described herein.
[026] The processor 114 includes an input signal determination module 128, a cruise control determination module 122 and a turn signal lamp operating module 124. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 includes plurality of processors 114 as per design feasibility and requirement of the system 100. In an embodiment, the input signal is provided to a pre-processing module for reducing noise therein via conventionally known techniques, prior to providing the input signal to the module 128.
[027] The control unit 106 is in communication with the switch assembly 104 via the input/output module 116 for receiving the input signal therefrom. The input/output module 116 includes wired or wireless means adapted to receive input signal from the switch assembly 104 upon actuation by the user. The input signal received by the module 116 corresponds to the switch that has been actuated by the user. As such, upon actuation of the direction indication switches 104a, 104b, a corresponding direction indication signal is received by the module 116. That is, actuation of the right indication switch 104a provides a right indication signal to the module 116, while actuation of the left indication switch 104b provides a left indication signal to the module 116. Also, actuation of the hazard indication switch 104c provides a hazard indication signal to the module 116. Further, actuation of the cruise control switch 112 provides a cruise control activation signal to the module 116.
[028] The input signal received from the switch assembly 104 is provided to the input signal determination module 128. The module 128 analyses the received input signal and identifies the switch from which the input signal has originated. In one embodiment, a parameter is assigned to each of the switches 104a, 104b, 104c, 112 and thus the input signal originating from the switch will be associated with the corresponding parameter. The module 128 identifies the parameter associated with the input signal and hence determines the switch that has been activated by the user. In an embodiment, the parameter is a numerical value assigned to each of the switches 104a, 104b, 104c. Alternatively, other conventional signal identification means are employed for identifying actuation of the switches 104a, 104b, 104c, 112. Upon determining the input signal from the switches 104a, 104b, 104c, 112, a corresponding operating signal is provided to the turn signal lamp operating module 124.
[029] The module 124 on receiving the operating signal from the module 128 generates an activating signal corresponding to the operating signal. The activating signal is provided to the turn signal lamps 102 for controlling their activation or illumination. In an embodiment, the module 124 provides the activating signal to illuminate the lamps 102 by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique. Activation of the lamps 102 via the PWM technique reduces use of the operating current, thereby increasing battery life of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the module 124 provides the activating signal to operate the lamps 102 via other conventionally known techniques as per feasibility and requirement.
[030] In one embodiment, upon receiving the operating signal for the right indication signal from the module 128, the module 124 provides the activating signal to the lamps 102 to activate a front-right lamp and a rear-right lamp of the vehicle 10. As such, the lamps 102 are activated to indicate the right turn of the vehicle 10 corresponding to actuation of the right indication switch 104a.
[031] In another embodiment, upon receiving the operating signal for the left indication signal from the module 128, the module 124 provides the activating signal to the lamps 102 to activate a front-left lamp and a rear-left lamp of the vehicle 10. As such, the lamps 102 are activated to indicate the left turn of the vehicle 10 corresponding to actuation of the left indication switch 104b.
[032] In yet another embodiment, upon receiving the operating signal to the hazard indication signal from the module 128, the module 124 provides the activating signal to the lamps 102 to activate each of the lamps 102 of the vehicle 10. As such, the lamps 102 are activated to indicate hazard condition of the vehicle 10 corresponding to actuation of the hazard indication switch 104c. Activation of each of the lamps 102 can be continuous or flickered as per feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the hazard condition of the vehicle 10 may be a breakdown condition or a stalling condition of the vehicle 10.
[033] In another embodiment, upon activation of the cruise control mode via the cruise control switch 112, the module 128 provides the operating signal to the cruise control determination module 122. In this scenario, the module 122 being communicably coupled to a speed sensor [not shown in Figures] monitors speed of movement of the vehicle 10. When the module 122 determines that speed of the vehicle 10 has reached a cruising speed, the module 122 provides a subsequent operating signal to the module 124. The module 124, thereafter provides the activating signal to each of the lamps 102 for continuously illuminate at a predetermined light intensity. Alternatively, the activating signal to each of the lamps 102 for flickered illumination at the predetermined light intensity. As such, the lamps 102 are illuminated continuously or in a flickering manner at the predetermined light intensity for indicating movement of the vehicle 10 at the cruising speed. The predetermined light intensity of the lamps 102 ranges from 50% to 90% of the intensity of illumination of the lamps 102 while indicating either turning or the hazard condition of the vehicle 10. Thus, the control unit 106 operates the lamps 102 at a reduced intensity for indicating operation of the vehicle 10 at the cruise control mode.
[034] In another embodiment, the module 128 directly provides the operating signal to the module 124 upon activation of the cruise control switch 112, bypassing the module 122. At this scenario, the module 124 provides the activating signal to the lamps 102 to illuminate continuously or in a flickered manner to each of the lamps 102 of the vehicle 10 at the predetermined intensity. Thus, the control unit 106 operates the lamps 102 at a reduced intensity for indicating movement of the vehicle 10 at the cruising speed.
[035] In an embodiment, the module 128 receives the input signal from a turn detection sensor [not shown in Figures] disposed in the vehicle 10 corresponding to the direction of turn, automatically. That is, the sensor detects turn of the vehicle 10 and an indication thereof is provided to the module 128 for activating the corresponding turn signal lamp 102. Accordingly, based on the input signal received, the module 124 generates the activating signal for activating the corresponding turn signal lamp 102. As an example, when the vehicle 10 is taking the right turn, the sensor embedded automatically determines the turn and provides the input signal to the module 128. Thereafter, the module 128 provides the operating signal to the module 124, which provides the activating signal to activate the lamps 102 provided on the right side of the vehicle.
[036] In an embodiment, the memory 118 is capable of storing information processed by the modules 116, 128, 122 and 124. As such, the data received and processed within the control unit 106 is available during a requirement. The memory 118 is embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices and/or combination thereof, such as magnetic storage devices, optical-magnetic storage devices and the like as per design feasibility and requirement. Further, a non-removable memory device acts as the database 120 and stores the required instructions for executing the operations described in the present invention. The database 120 and the memory 118 communicate with the processor 114 via suitable interfaces such as Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) adapter, a Serial ATA [SATA] adapter, a Small Computer System Interface [SCSI] adapter, a network adapter or any other component enabling communication between the processor 114, and the memory 118 and the database 120.
[037] Figure 4 illustrates the instrument cluster 44 of the vehicle 10, depicting a dashboard of a cluster menu drive 126. In an embodiment, the cluster menu drive 126 is a software application preinstalled in a menu drive unit 108 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 2] communicably coupled to the control unit 106. Alternatively, the cluster menu drive 126 is preinstalled in the database 120 of the control unit 106 that is disposed in the instrument cluster 44.
[038] The cluster menu drive 126 includes an interactive analytic application 130 for enabling the user to interact or navigate through the contents of the cluster menu drive 126 as per requirement. A display unit 132 is provided to the instrument cluster 44 for illustrating the contents selected in the cluster menu drive 126. The menu drive switch 110 is also provided in the instrument cluster 44 to allow the user to navigate through the cluster menu drive 126 for selecting various vehicle features and/or access data pertaining to the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the switch assembly 104 is communicably coupled to the menu drive unit 108 for navigating the cluster menu drive 126.
[039] In an embodiment, the interactive analytic application 130 enables the user to navigate through the cluster menu drive 126 for controlling illumination of the lamps 102 during the cruise control mode and also illumination of lamps for turn indication.
[040] In an embodiment, the vehicle feature is one of operation of the turn signal lamps 102, a speedometer, a tachometer, an odometer, and the like which provides information pertaining to the vehicle 10. In another embodiment, data pertaining to the vehicle 10 is one of a cruise control speed setting, a trip meter and the like which enables the user to set or obtain drive details of the vehicle 10, the control unit 106 for controlling operation of the lamps 102.
[041] In an embodiment, the cruise control switch 112 is provided along with the menu drive switch 110 instead of the switch assembly 104, as per design feasibility and requirement. As such, the requirement for providing a separate switch or wiring harness for activating the cruise control mode of the vehicle 10 is mitigated.
[042] As depicted in Figure 4, navigating through the cluster menu drive 126 enables the user to control operation of the turn signal lamps 102 via the menu drive switch 110 or the switch assembly 104. The menu drive switch 110 is operable between an ON condition and an OFF condition [not shown in Figures]. In the ON condition, the menu drive unit 108 is adapted to enable a turn signal lamp operation mode (TSL operation mode) [depicted as reference 130a in Figure 4]. Enabling the turn signal lamp operation mode facilitates activation of the lamps 102, optionally to indicate cruise control mode of the vehicle 10, when the switches 104a, 104b and 104c are deactivated.
[043] In an embodiment, the menu drive switch 110 may be one of a toggle switch, a mechanical switch, an optical switch or a touch sensitive switch embedded in the display unit 132.
[044] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with the Figure 4, a method 500 is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 500 provides the steps involved in navigating through the cluster menu drive 126 for controlling and operating the turn signal lamps 102.
[045] At step 502, the user is directed to a dashboard depicting menu of the cluster menu drive 126. The menu broadly outlines the options available for access in the vehicle 10. On invoking the menu option, the user is directed to ‘my vehicle’ option at step 504. The ‘my vehicle’ option provides a summary of details pertaining to the vehicle 10. On selecting my vehicle option, the user is directed to the dashboard depicting option for enabling or disabling the turn signal lamp mode [for e.g as shown in Figure 4] at step 506.
[046] At step 506, the dashboard provides an option to the user for enabling or disabling the TSL mode. As such, the user selects one of the options 130a or 130b suitably at step 508 via the menu drive switch 110 or the switch assembly 104 to enable or disable the TSL operation.
[047] Upon invoking option 130a at the step 508, the TSL operation mode is enabled. In this scenario, the menu drive unit 108 or the control unit 106 is adapted to activate each of the lamps 102 to indicate movement of the vehicle 10 at the cruising speed, when the switches 104a, 104b and 104c are deactivated [as already described with reference to description in Figure 3]. As such, the present configuration of the system 100 mitigates the requirement of additional switches or wiring harness for activating lamps 102 for indicating operation of the vehicle 10 in the cruise control mode.
[048] Figure 6 in one embodiment of the present invention provides a method 600 for operating the turn signal lamps 102 of the vehicle 10.
[049] At step 602, the control unit 106 receives the input signal from one of the switches 104a, 104b, 104c, 112. The input signal is thereafter processed by the control unit 106 for identification as already described in description pertaining to Figures 2 and 3. Upon identifying the input signal, the control unit is configured to activate the lamps 102 suitably as depicted in step 604.
[050] At step 604, the control unit 106 suitably operates the lamps 102 according to the input signal received. That is, the control unit 106 operates the front-right lamp and rear-right lamp on receiving the right indication signal, the front-left and rear-left lamp on receiving the left indication signal and each of the lamps 102 on receiving the hazard indication signal.
[051] In an embodiment, when the TSL mode is enabled in the cluster menu drive 126, the control unit 106 monitors the speed of vehicle movement and the condition of the switches 104a, 104b and 104c. In the event, the control unit 106 determines that the vehicle 10 is operating at the cruising speed and the switches 104a, 104b and 104c are deactivated, each of the lamps 102 are operated at a reduced intensity for indicating operation of the vehicle 10 in the cruise control mode. Further, during the cruise control mode of the vehicle 10, if any of the switches 104a, 104b and 104c are actuated, the control unit 106 overrides indication of the cruise control mode and activate the lamps 102 corresponding to actuation of the switches 104a, 104b, 104c. As such, the control unit 106 takes precedence of actuation of switches 104a, 104b and 104c, than indication of the cruise control mode.
[052] The operation of the lamps 102 as controlled by the control unit 106 is depicted in the below table 1. In the table 1, ON refers to an actuated condition of the switches, while OFF pertains to a deactivated condition of the switches.
Hazard indication Switch 104c Direction indication switch 104a, 104b Menu Drive switch 110 Activation status of lamps 102
OFF OFF OFF OFF
ON OFF OFF Activate all the lamps 102
OFF ON OFF Activate the left or the right lamps 102
ON OFF ON Activate all the lamps 102
OFF ON ON Activate the left or the right lamps 102
OFF OFF ON Activate all the lamps 102 at the predetermined intensity
ON ON ON Activate all the lamps 102

Table 1
[053] Advantageously, the present invention provides the system 100 which is able to control operation of the lamps 102 without the need for complex switch assembly 104 or wiring harness in the vehicle 10. As such, cluttering or complicating the construction of the handlebar 30 is mitigated. Additionally, the system 100 is capable of integrating the cruise control mode of the vehicle 10 while retaining the simplicity in configuration of the system 100. Moreover, in the cruise control mode, the system 100 is configured to operate the lamps at 102 at a reduced operating current, thereby enhancing battery life.
[054] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of reference numerals
10 - Motor Vehicle
12 - Internal combustion engine
14 - Front wheel
16 - Rear wheel
18 - Seat
20 - Fuel tank
22 - Head pipe
24 - Main tube
26 - Telescopic front suspensions
28 - Front fender
30 - Handlebar
32 - Headlight
33 - Taillight
34 - Rear swing arm
35 - Grab rail
36 - Rear suspension
38 - Rear fender
40 - Exhaust pipe
42 - Muffler
44 - Instrument cluster
100 - System
102 - Turn Signal Lamps
104 - Switch assembly
104a - Right indication switch
104b - Left indication switch
104c - Hazard indication switch
106 - Control unit
108 - Menu drive unit
110 - Menu drive switch
112 - Cruise control switch
114 - Processor
116 - Input/Output module
118 - Memory
120 - Database
122 - Cruise control determination module
124 - Turn signal lamp module
126 - Cluster drive menu
128 - Input signal determination module
130 - Interactive analytic application
132 - Display unit