Field of invention
The present invention relates to a voice operated switching system, particularly, the present invention relates to a voice operated switching system for allowing a user to operate using voice commands one or more accessories of a motorcycle which motor cycle comprises handle bar switch modules comprising plurality of user operable switches for operating the accessories of the motor cycle.
Background of the Invention
Motorcycle come with a variety of electrical systems such as head light, passing beam, dipper, blinker, horn, self start etc. in all the above mentioned electrical systems, electrical power derived from the battery is supplied to the appropriate appliances/accessories via a switch. Currently, each of the electrical appliances is connected in series to the battery via a separate switch. Usually one or more switches are placed or mounted on the handle bar of the motorcycle for easy access to operation. Preferably, the switches are grouped to form switch modules i.e. a right hand switch module and a left hand switch module.
Generally the right hand switch module houses switches which perform following
functions:
Lighting control: To switch ON the taillight, parking bulb and head lamps by
connecting these appliances to the power source
Engine start: To switch ON the supply between battery and starter motor
Engine kill or Engine running cut off: To switch OFF the engine while running
The left hand switch module houses switches which perform the following functions:
Passing beam: To switch on and off the supply momentarily between low beam and
Hi beam
Dipper: To toggle the switch mode from Hi beam to Low beam. It is in series with
headlight switch on RH
Blinker or Turn indicator: To switch on and off the battery supply to left blinker and
right blinker.
Horn: To switch on and off battery supply at horn
As mentioned above, each of the switches thus incorporated in the switch modules are
operated through mechanical movements of moving contact to make or break contact
with a fixed contact.
Objects of the present invention:
Main object of the present invention is to provide a voice operated switching system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a voice operated electronic switching system for operating one or more accessories of motorcycle.

Summary of the invention:
The present invention provides a voice operated switching system for motorcycle. The user can operate one or more accessories of the motor cycle using voice or speech commands with the help of voice operated switching system of the present invention.

Brief description of figures:
Figure 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of voice operated switching system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a voice operated switching system with details of its electronic control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrate a switching circuit of a voice operated switching system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flow chart showing operation of voice control activation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows a flow chart describing operation accessory control unit for operating blinker module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows a voice control activation switch on a handlebar switch module with a voice control indicator, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 shows a voice control activation switch on a Handlebar Switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the present invention:
Accordingly, the present invention provides a voice operated switching system which allows a user to operate desired vehicle load or accessory by voice commands.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the voice operated switching system comprises
The voice operated switching system comprises:
a voice recognition unit configured to receive user’s voice signal form a microphone;
an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the voice recognition unit and configured to receive voice signal there from;
a voice control activation switch being coupled to the ECU for activation or deactivation of voice control;
a voice control indicator being coupled to the ECU for indicating activation or deactivation of voice control;
said ECU is coupled with the one or more accessories and one or more handle bar switch assemblies of the motor cycle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the voice control activation switch is provided in switch module of the handlebar assembly. The purpose of voice control activation switch installed in the handlebar assembly is to activate or deactivate the voice control of one or more accessories of vehicle or motorcycle. In an embodiment of the present invention, the voice control indicator comprises with one more LEDs e.g. indicator may be provided with green LED which glows when voice control is activated and No LED or a red LED which glows when the voice control de-activated.
According to an embodiment of the present invention the voice control activation switch can have the following features:
Type: Push & Release Switch
Signal Output: Pulse type Output signal to the ECU
Operation: Press once to activate voice commands and press again to deactivate voice commands
Control: the ECU is configured to activate and deactivate the voice commands.

In an embodiment of the present invention the voice recognition unit comprises a voice recognition processor coupled to a memory unit storing factory pre-trained and user pre-trained voice commands. The voice recognition processor is configured (a) to compare the voice signal received from the microphone with the factory pre-trained and user pre-trained voice commands stored in the memory unit and (b) to provide one or more signals to the ECU according to the result of the said comparison. A detachable keyboard for voice training (to enhance voice accuracy) can be coupled with the voice recognition unit.

The ECU comprises:
a voice control actuation unit coupled with the voice recognition unit, the voice control activation switch and the voice control indicator; said voice control actuation unit is configured to activate or de-activate voice control according to the input received from the voice control activation switch;
an accent priority determination unit configured to receive the one or more signals from the voice recognition unit;
input priority determination unit coupled with the one or more handle bar switch assemblies (i.e. left and right hand side switch assemblies); said input priority determination unit is configured provide the input based on the signals received from the bar switch assemblies in the event the said input priority determination unit receives signals from the both the voice recognition unit and from the handle bar switch assemblies in respect of the same operation;
accessory control unit coupled with the one or more accessories of the motorcycle; said accessory control unit is configured to receive the signal from the input priority determination unit and configured to the provide output signal for the operation of the said one or more accessories; In an embodiment of the present invention, the ECU is coupled with the accessories via a switching circuit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the voice operated switching system is coupled with the power supply or of the motor cycle. Said power supply comprises a DC power source or a battery coupled with the (a) electrical loads or accessories of motorcycle, (b) the ECU, (c) the voice recognition unit, (d) handle bar switch assemblies via a power regulator circuit and a power distribution circuit.

The present invention is described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense.
Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of voice operated switching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 1, the voice operated switching system comprises:
• a voice recognition unit including a voice recognition processor coupled with a memory unit and with a detachable keyboard for voice training (to enhance voice accuracy);
• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for operation of loads or accessories of motorcycle;
• power distribution circuit for voice recognition unit, electronic control unit, load or accessories and handle bar switch assemblies;
• handlebar switch assemblies (left and right hand side switch assemblies with additional voice control activation switch);
• Switching circuit disposed and connecting the ECU with the accessories of motorcycle.

As shown in figure 1, voice recognition unit includes a voice filter circuit coupled with a microphone and the voice recognition processor. The voice recognition processor is coupled to a latch unit to give input to the ECU based on the recognised words. The memory unit can be used to store voice pre-trained and user trained voice commands, Based on the input from latch logic and input from handlebar switches assemblies, the ECU is configured to control the vehicle output load. The power distribution circuit takes input from vehicle battery or magneto or any other DC power source, regulates it and further distributes to the ECU, the voice recognition unit, handlebar switch assemblies and accessories of motorcycle depending up there power requirement.

Figure 2 shows a voice operated switching system with details of its electronic control unit (ECU) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2, the ECU comprises a voice control actuation unit, an accent priority determination unit, input priority determination unit and accessory control unit. As shown in figure 1, the voice control actuation unit is coupled with the voice recognition unit, the voice control activation switch and the voice control indicator; said voice control actuation unit is configured to activate or de-activate voice control according to the input received from the voice control activation switch. The voice control activation switch can be mounted on the handle bar of the vehicle. The accent priority determination unit is configured to receive the one or more signals from the voice recognition unit and perform priority check for various Pre-trained (Factory Trained) and user-trained voice commands. The pre-trained (Factory Trained) and user-trained voice commands are being stored in the memory unit. Figure 4 shows priority check performed by the accent priority determination unit. As shown in figure 2, the input priority determination unit coupled with the one or more handle bar switch assemblies (i.e. left and right hand side switch assemblies) and the voice signals from the accent priority determination unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, the input priority determination unit provides an override to signals from handle bar switch assemblies over the voice signals. In other words, if at a given point of time, the input priority determination unit receives voice signal as well as signals form handle bar switch assemblies then it will disregard the voice signal. The signals from the said input priority determination unit are provided to the accessory control unit. The accessory control unit coupled with the one or more accessories of the motorcycle; said accessory control unit is configured to receive the signal from the input priority determination unit and configured to the provide output signal for the operation of the said one or more accessories;
As shown in figure 2, the ECU is coupled with the accessories via a switching circuit according to embodiment of the present invention. Based on the input received from the input priority determination unit, the switching circuit turns ‘ON’ the power supply of the respective load or accessory. Figure 3 shows a switching circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in figure 2, the ECU comprises an input-current sensing unit coupled with the accessory control unit for sensing the current drawn by the loads or accessories of the motorcycle.
Figure 5 shows a flow chart for voice control switch according to one embodiment of the invention.
Option 1: Ignition on (key on)
• Push “Voice Control Switch”
o Check voice control is activate or inactive
? If “Voice Control Switch” is Active
• Deactivate voice control, stop Green LED & start Red LED.
? If “Voice Control Switch” is inactive
• Activate voice control, stop Red LED & start Green LED.
Option 2: Ignition on (key on) (flow diagram not shown)
• Push “Voice Control Switch”
o Activate voice control (stop Red LED & start Green LED) for pre determine time (x Seconds).
Figure 5 shows a flow chart for blinker module according to one embodiment of the invention.
Ignition on (key on)
• Push “Left/Right Blinker Switch” or Say “Turn Left/Right”
o Check Left or Right blinker unit is ON or OFF
? If Left or Right blinker unit is ON then stop both blinker bulb (Rear & Front)
? If not then check both blinker bulb (Rear & Front) is working or not
• If both bulb - OK then Left blinking unit start blinking with predetermine blinking On/Off frequency
• If any of the bulb - NOT OK then left blinker (either Front or Rear) starts blinking with double of predetermine blinking On/Off frequency
• Push “Cancel Switch” or Say “Stop Blinker”
o Both Left or Right Blinker unit Stop Blinking

Figure 7 shows a voice control activation switch on a Handlebar Switch or instrument panel with a visual Control indicator, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Voice control indicator can be LED indicator on handlebar switch assembly or speedometer panel.
Option 1: When Voice Control Switch is pressed once it will activate the Voice Control on vehicle or motorbike & if pressed again it will deactivate the Voice Control on vehicle or motorbike.
• When Voice commands are active : Green LED Glow or Display on LCD “Voice Active”
• When Voice commands are inactive : Red LED or No LED Glow
Option 2: When Voice Control Switch is pressed once it will activate the Voice Control on vehicle or motorbike for x seconds.
• When Voice commands are active : Green LED Glow or Display on LCD “Voice Active”
• When Voice commands are inactive : Red LED or No LED Glow

Some of the advantages of the present invention are as follows:
• Easy to use
• System reliability increased
• User Friendly Interface
• Inbuilt Factory Trained Voice Commands
• User training option available
• Can be used to control music player on bike
• Can be used as anti theft system or Bike locking system
• Inbuilt Microphone provided in Helmet

We Claim:
1. A voice operated switching system for allowing a user to operate using voice
commands one or more accessory of a motor cycle which motor cycle includes handle
bar switch modules comprising plurality of user operable switches for operating the
accessories of the motor cycle, the voice operated switching system comprising:
a microphone;
a voice recognition unit coupled with the microphone and configured to receive signals indicative of voice commands from the user through the microphone;
an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled with the voice recognition unit and plurality of switches of the switch modules;
a power supply unit electrically coupled with the voice recognition unit, the ECU and accessories of the motor cycle for supplying power to the same; the ECU being configured to receive input signals from the voice recognition unit and from the plurality of switches of handle bar switch module; and based on the input received from the voice recognition unit and from the plurality of switches, the ECU is configured to provide output signal for operating one or more accessories of the motorcycle.
2. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU is connected to the accessories via a switching circuit which is configured to switch 'ON' or switch 'OFF' the electrical connection between the power supply and the one or more accessory thereby operating the same.
3. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voice recognition unit comprising:
a voice recognition processor configured to receive signals indicative of the voice commands from the user through microphone;
a memory unit coupled with the voice recognition processor for storing factory pre-trained and user-trained voice commands; the voice recognition processor is coupled with the ECU and configured to:
compare the voice commands from the user through microphone with the factory pre-trained and user-trained voice commands; and
provide output to the ECU according to the result of the said comparison.

4. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ECU is configured to ignore one of input from the voice recognition unit and from the plurality of switches of handle bar switch module in the event when the ECU receives signals from handle bar switches as well as from voice recognition unit.
5. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ECU comprises an input priority determination module configured to receive input signal from the voice recognition unit and from the plurality of switches of the handle bar switch module; the input priority determination module configured to ignore the signals from the voice recognition unit in the event of when the ECU receives signals from the voice recognition unit as well as plurality of switches of the handle bar switch module.
6. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ECU comprises an accent priority determination module configured to:
receive signals from the voice recognition unit for checking the priority of the voice commands based on the factory pre-trained and user-trained voice commands; and
provide output signals to input priority determination module based on the result of said checking.
7. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU comprises a voice control activation module configured to receive input from a voice control activation switch which is operable by the user for activating or deactivating voice control.
8. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the voice control activation switch is mounted on the handle bar switch module of the motor cycle.
9. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 8, wherein voice control activation module is coupled with voice control indicator for indicating activation or deactivation of the voice control.

10. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ECU
comprises a accessory control module coupled with one or more accessories of the
motor cycle and configured to:
receive input signal from the input priority determination module; and provide output signal to the switching circuit to switch 'ON' or switch 'OFF'
the electrical connection between the power supply and the one or more accessories
thereby operating the said accessories of the motorcycle.
11. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the ECU comprises a current sensing module coupled with the accessory control module and the one or more accessories to determine the current drawn by the accessories of the motor cycle.
12. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power supply unit comprises a power source and power distribution circuit for distributing power to the voice recognition unit, the ECU and accessories of the motor cycle.
13. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the power source is a DC power source or a battery.
14. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voice recognition unit is attachable to a detachable keyboard for voice training.
15. A voice operated switching system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the input priority determination module configured to provide override to signals from the handle bar switch module over the signals indicative of the voice commands thereby ignoring the signals indicative of the voice commands in the event of when the ECU receives signals from the voice recognition unit as well as plurality of switches of the handle bar switch module.
16. A voice operated switching system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.