SMART CONNECTED INSTRUMENT PANEL

Abstract

The subject matter of the present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an instrument panel for such a vehicle. The subject matter of the present invention allows the driver to integrate the communication device with the instrument panel to receive notifications and alerts on the display screen. Another embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention provides an instrument panel that can be connected to the communication device using a wireless mode such as Bluetooth® and that allows the instrument panel to interact with the communication device to receive continuous navigation information while the driver is operating the vehicle.

Description

The subject matter of the present invention relates generally to a vehicle. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an instrument panel for such a vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Instrument panels are a series of gauges and indicators grouped in a frame or housing in a unified form. Instrument panels are often used with vehicles or other machinery to convey information to a driver or the operator of that machinery. For example, instrument panels are often used to display vehicle speed, engine temperature, fuel level, engine oil level, and so on. Traditional analog instrument panels often include multiple pointer needles that can be moved in a circular motion to indicate different parts of a gauge or dial, thus conveying information to the driver or machine operator. The pointer needles are often illuminated, or the instrument panel backlighting illuminates when the headlights are activated, to improve visibility in low-light conditions. Instrument panels are primarily located between the vehicle's steering handle or upstream of the steering wheel so that it is convenient for the vehicle driver to view the data reflected on the instrument panel from time to time. Modern cars have a digital instrument panel display which, in addition to the basic details mentioned above, also shows a variety of information and is augmented with gauges and indicator lights for more complex features, such as turn signals, gear position, low oil pressure, low tire pressure, light controls, automotive navigation system, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the instrument panel. Figure 3 illustrates the instrument panel architecture. Figure 4 illustrates the master-slave process when the master microcontroller is the master. Figure 5 illustrates the master-slave process when the communication device is the master. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Automakers have experimented with various types of instrument panel displays that not only serve the functional purpose of providing information to the driver, but also offer features that attract the customer's attention and deliver a superior viewing experience. With the introduction of new technologies, integrating these technologies has also become crucial. As technologies evolve over time, the latest generation of vehicles includes various additional driving features to provide diverse information on a single screen. Users can choose which information is displayed by adding or removing data from the digital screen. The instrument panel must be able to provide information beyond the conventional vehicle parameters shown. The latest technologies have gone beyond simply providing features essential for operating the vehicle correctly. Various technologies are added to attract customers, and all these added technologies are integrated to deliver a high-quality product. In addition to the multitude of options available on the instrument panel, people today are more connected than ever.Therefore, integrating the existing instrument panel with the communication system can be more beneficial for the driver. Drivers often receive phone calls while driving, which can be dangerous and cause accidents. To avoid such situations and distractions, the vehicle should be equipped with features that can function as a single, integrated device for both navigation and communication. Furthermore, to find a new destination, drivers often use their smartphones to identify their current location or stop at various points to ask for directions, which causes significant inconvenience.Typically, the instrument cluster used in the technical industry is configured with a primary controller / ECU that manages all the vehicle's main functions and parameters, such as powertrain control, traction control, lighting control, battery control, and so on. However, to control the instrument cluster itself, a dedicated microcontroller / ECU system is implemented that communicates independently with the main ECU or with an external device like a phone. This configuration leads to higher costs and a more complex control system. An additional challenge is pairing an external device like a mobile phone with the vehicle, which can be complicated.There is a need to be able to effectively detect and confirm the external device, for example, a mobile phone, with the instrument panel. Once detection is complete, the external device should be allowed to take over the system and execute predefined or user-provided commands on the instrument panel. There is a potential risk of unauthorized access to the vehicle in known-in-the-art solutions that allow the external device to take control of the vehicle's controller and the vehicle itself. Alternatively, one might have to compromise the one-way control permitted by the instrument panel, rendering the external device unable to perform a control function by executing system commands on the vehicle and its controller. Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention provides an instrument panel that allows the driver to integrate a communication device to receive various notifications and alerts on the instrument panel display screen. Another embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention provides an instrument panel that can be connected to the communication device using a wireless mode such as Bluetooth® or similar. Another embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention provides a customized application that stores the vehicle's last parking location or the vehicle's last location just before the vehicle's ignition is turned off, enabling the user to find the vehicle in a parking lot or in a crowded place to facilitate locating the vehicle. Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary motor vehicle (100), according to an embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention. The illustrated vehicle (100) has a frame member (105). In the present embodiment, the frame member (105) is of the step-through type, including a steering tube (105A) and a main frame (105B) extending rearward and downward from a forward portion of the steering tube (105A). The main frame (105B) extends rearward at an angle to a rear portion of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) includes one or more prime movers connected to the frame member (105). In the present implementation, one of the prime movers is an internal combustion engine (C1) (115) mounted on the frame member (105). In the depicted embodiment, the C1 engine (115) is mounted on a structural member (135) pivoting on the frame member (105). In one embodiment, the structural member (135) is a rigid member made of metal. The vehicle (100) also includes another prime mover, which is an electric motor (120). In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor (120) is mounted on the hub of a wheel of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, more than one electric motor is mounted on the wheels of the vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes at least two wheels, and the electric motor (120) is mounted on the hub of the rear wheel (125) of the vehicle.A front wheel (110) is rotatably supported by the frame member (105) and is connected to a handlebar assembly (130) that allows the vehicle (100) to be maneuvered. In addition, the vehicle (100) includes a high-capacity onboard battery (not shown) that powers the electric motor (120). The high-capacity battery may consist of one or more high-capacity battery packs or one or more low-capacity cells. The high-capacity battery may be located at the front, rear, or center of the vehicle (100). The high-capacity battery is supported by the frame member (105), and the vehicle (100) includes a plurality of body panels, mounted on the frame member (105) to cover various components of the vehicle (100). The plurality of panels includes a front panel (140A), a leg shield (140B), an under-seat cover (140C), and left and right side panels (140D). A glove box may be mounted on a leg shield (140B). A floorboard (145) is provided in the step-through portion defined by the main frame (105B). A seat assembly (150) is arranged rearward of the step-through portion and is mounted on the main frame (105B). The seat assembly (150), which extends longitudinally along the vehicle (100), enables the user to operate the vehicle in a saddle-like posture. One or more suspensions connect the wheels (110), (125) to the vehicle (100) and provide a comfortable ride. The vehicle (100) comprises a plurality of electrical and electronic components, including a headlight (155A), a taillight (155B), a starter motor (not shown), a horn, etc.Furthermore, the vehicle (100) includes a master control unit (not shown) that takes control of the overall operation of the vehicle (100), including the function of the C1 motor (115), the electric motor (120), charging the batteries from an integrated magneto / starter generator (ISG), driving loads by the magneto / ISG, charging the high-capacity batteries by the electric motor operating in generator mode, and any other operation associated with the operation of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) shown in Figure 1 is an exemplary vehicle, and the subject matter of the present invention can be used in a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or a four-wheeled vehicle. In Figure 2, the connected instrument panel (200) comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen (201) for displaying a plurality of vehicle parameters such as vehicle status, mobile device status (communication device), and navigation instructions, etc. Indicator lights such as turn signal indicators (202 and 203), high beam indicator (204), driving mode indicator (205), and low fuel warning indicator (206) are provided on either side of the display screen (201). Mode and settings pushbutton switches (207) and (208), respectively, are provided on the lower edges to allow the driver to change the display mode and set parameters such as the clock time and reset parameters such as trip distance.The display screen (201) and indicator lights are protected from the external environment by a transparent lens (not shown). The display screen (201) is segmented and has alphanumeric display segments and graphic icon segments to show the vehicle status, the status of the mobile communication device (433), and navigation instructions. In the center of the display screen (201) is a large-print vehicle speed indicator (209) that is clearly visible to the driver even in adverse weather conditions and bright daylight. The vehicle speed indicator (209) can be set to either “km / h” (kilometers per hour) or “mph” (meters per hour) using the mode button (207) and the settings button (208). In the lower left corner of the display screen (201), the engine oil temperature reading (210) is displayed as a bar graph. An engine oil temperature icon (211) is also provided to help the user identify the reading. The engine oil temperature reading (210) is useful for both the driver and the service technician to understand the engine oil temperature. Cold or hot engine conditions can be easily identified, as can malfunctions of the engine oil temperature sensor. The driver may wish to perform a manual start if the engine oil temperature is cold. The service technician can also use the engine oil temperature reading to diagnose engine problems such as knocking, jerking, abnormal noise, etc.The engine oil temperature cone (211) flashes if an engine oil temperature sensor malfunction is detected. A helmet warning indicator (212) is provided on the upper left side of the engine oil temperature indicator (210). The helmet warning indicator (212) flashes during the self-test process and when the instrument panel starts operating to remind the driver to wear a helmet before beginning a journey. A low battery warning indicator (213), a service reminder indicator (214), and an immobilizer ON indicator (215) are provided above the helmet warning indicator (212). The low battery warning indicator (213) flashes if a low battery state of charge (SOC) is detected. The service reminder indicator (214) flashes if it is time for service. The immobilizer ON indicator (215) flashes if the engine operation is disabled to enhance vehicle security.A Side Stand ON indicator (216) flashes if the vehicle's side stand is deployed. This alerts the driver to retract the side stand before starting a journey. A Low Engine Oil Level indicator (217) flashes if the engine oil level is detected as low. A Bluetooth Paired indicator (218) indicates that Bluetooth communication between the instrument panel (200) and a user's mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, is in a paired state. A trip distance indicator (219) is provided so the user can measure a specific trip distance in kilometers or miles, as selected using the mode button (207) and the settings button (208). The distances of two different trips (Trip A and Trip B) can be measured separately, distinguished by indicators (220) and (221). A "trip F" indicator (222) automatically measures the distance traveled by the vehicle while the fuel level is below reserve. This helps the driver easily measure the distance they can continue driving before refueling. A distance-to-empty indicator can estimate the distance that can be covered with the amount of fuel available in the fuel tank.However, the estimate may not be accurate due to varying driving conditions, road conditions, driving style, and environmental factors. The "Trip F" indication (222) provides the distance traveled with the fuel level below reserve, which the driver can use to estimate the distance that can be traveled before refueling. This allows the driver to plan refueling more effectively. An odometer or lap counter (223) display is provided in different instrument panel operating modes to indicate the cumulative distance covered by the vehicle and / or measure the time elapsed for one lap. The lap counter will start automatically if the vehicle speed increases beyond a predetermined threshold (e.g., 2 km / h) and will stop automatically if the vehicle speed decreases below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 2 km / h). The odometer and lap counter (223) displays are multiplexed so that the different operating modes selected using the mode button (207) and the settings button (208) will display the odometer or lap counter in the same position. The clock or average speed (224) during the lap (224) is multiplexed in different operating modes to indicate the geographic time or average lap speed in different operating modes depending on the driver's selection of the mode button (207) and the settings button (208). The time required to accelerate from zero to a predetermined vehicle speed (e.g., 60 km / h) is also indicated (225). This acceleration time indication (225) is multiplexed with the distance to empty indication in a different operating mode. The fuel level indication (226) with the fuel level indicator icon (227) is a bar-type indication which, together with the engine oil temperature indication (210), provides an aesthetically pleasing, stepped display. The status information for the mobile communication device (433) and navigation instructions are displayed in the space between the engine oil temperature indicator (210) and the fuel level indicator (226). The mobile communication device (433), battery SOC indicator (228), signal strength indicator (229), SMS notification indicator (230), and telephone call notification indicator (231) are displayed to allow the driver to concentrate on driving the vehicle (100) without having to use the mobile communication device (433). Caller ID is also displayed on the alphanumeric screen (232) so the driver can decide whether to pull over and answer the call if they believe it is from an important person or an emergency. Navigation instructions are multiplexed along with caller ID. When an incoming call is detected while navigation instructions are displayed, the caller ID will be shown for a predetermined period before returning to the navigation instructions screen. A navigation mode icon (234) indicates that navigation instructions are being communicated from the mobile communication device (433) to the instrument panel (200). The alphanumeric display (232) is also used to display alert messages and operating mode details. When the vehicle speed (100) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the “high-speed alert” will flash on the alphanumeric display (232), reminding the driver to reduce speed.Warning messages such as low fuel level and low battery level will also be displayed on the alphanumeric display (232). Operating mode details, such as "Street Mode," "Sport Mode," etc., will also be displayed on the alphanumeric display (232). Courtesy messages such as Good Morning (driver's name) and Welcome (driver's name) will also be displayed on the alphanumeric display (232). Figure 3 illustrates the architecture of the subject matter of the present invention and the interface between the instrument panel (200), the communication device (312), and the online map database. The instrument panel architecture (300) interacts with the communication device (312), and the communication device (312) interacts with the map delivery server (314). The map delivery server (314) is a database that provides updated navigation routes on a map. The instrument panel architecture (300) comprises a master microcontroller (303) that governs the function of the instrument panel (200). The master microcontroller (303) also determines the alerts and notifications to be displayed on the alphanumeric display segment (232) of the instrument panel's display screen (201). The master microcontroller (303) is connected to a primary wireless module (304) via a bidirectional data bus to transfer and receive data through the primary wireless module (304) to / from the memory of an external device (communication device (312)). The master microcontroller (303) controls the function of the instrument panel (200), and the primary wireless module (304) eliminates the need for a dedicated controller (hardware) for the primary wireless module (304).According to one embodiment, the primary wireless module (304) is a Bluetooth® module in the instrument panel (200) and the secondary wireless module is a Bluetooth® module integrated into the communication device (312). Furthermore, the master microcontroller (303) receives filtered signals from a signal conditioning circuit (305). The signal conditioning circuit (305) consists of several secondary signal conditioners that receive signals (mostly analog) from the control switches and sensors installed in various locations on the vehicle (100), which, after processing, are displayed in digital format on the instrument panel's display screen (201). The signal conditioning circuit (305) comprises two main stages: filtering and amplification. In the first stage, filtering occurs; filters remove unwanted noise from the signal received from one or more sensors installed in the vehicle (100) or from the control switches that receive input from the vehicle user (100). Different types of filters are used to remove this unwanted noise, depending on factors such as frequency. After filtering out unwanted signals from the incoming signals from one or more inputs, the filtered signals are amplified to increase resolution as well as to increase the signal-to-noise ratio as the signal received from the sensor is of very low voltage which is not strong enough for further processing, i.e. converting the analog signal received from several inputs into a digital signal to display the vehicle parameters (100) on the instrument panel (200) for the user. The signal conditioning circuit (305) receives signals from different input sources (311) such as control switches, speed sensor, engine oil sensor, TCI power signal, etc. The signals received from one or more input sources (311) are directed to the signal conditioning circuit (305) in which each of the signals from the input sources (311), after conditioning, is transferred to the master microcontroller (303). A power supply (301), such as a battery, provides current to the instrument panel (200). The power supply (301) is connected to a power regulator module (302) to reduce the high incoming voltage from the power supply (301) and output a low voltage (~5V) to the master microcontroller (303). Similarly, the power supply (301) provides power to other low-load circuits such as control switches, sensors, etc. An interface is created between the instrument panel architecture (300) and the communication device (312) by pairing the primary wireless module (304) i / ui 1 provided in the instrument panel (200) with the secondary wireless module (318) provided in the communication device (312). The communication device (312) is equipped with an interactive display (320) to show the output and to allow user interaction with the communication device (312). The interactive display (320) of the communication device (312) functions as both an input and an output source. The output can be an alert, a notification, or any other type of data. The communication device (312) is provided with other input sources such as a camera (316) and at least one output source such as a speaker (315). The communication device (316) is also provided with internal memory (313) that stores all types of data, including text, video, images, sound, etc. The communication device (312) is configured with a dedicated custom application (or APP) (322). The custom application (322) interacts with the instrument panel (200) via Bluetooth® wireless communication. The custom application (322) sends and receives information from the instrument panel (200), which can be stored in the internal memory (313) of the communication device (312) and can also be shared with others. The instrument panel (200) and the communication device (312) are configured in a master-slave relationship, where the master sends the instruction or request signal, and the slave receives the instruction and request signals from the master. The master is responsible for the decision-making process, while the slave is responsible for receiving instructions from the master. When the master microcontroller (303) sends instructions to the communication device (312), the master microcontroller (303) in the instrument panel (200) is configured to operate as the master system, and the communication device (312) operates as the slave system.But when the communication device (312), after pairing with the instrument panel (200), sends instructions to the master microcontroller (303) of the instrument panel (200) from the secondary wireless module (318) to the primary wireless module (304), then the communication device (312) is set to operate as a master system and the master microcontroller (303) of the instrument panel (200) operates as a slave system. When the vehicle (100) is switched on, a self-test process of the instrument panel (200) is initiated, and the master microcontroller (303) of the instrument panel (200) enables the primary wireless module (304) when the mode button (207) is used to activate Bluetooth® mode. The user selects the instrument panel (200) device name in the custom application (322) stored on the communication device (312) for the purpose of pairing the secondary wireless module (318) with the primary wireless module (304) of the instrument panel (200).After selecting the instrument cluster device name (200) in the custom application (322), the system is configured to require a unique key, stored on the communication device (312), to be entered into the custom application (322) via an interactive display (320) to detect / identify, authenticate, and then connect to the instrument cluster (200). The unique key is provided by the manufacturer, and each vehicle (100) can have one or more unique keys, with each unique key connecting only one communication device (312) to the instrument cluster (200). To connect the instrument cluster (200) to the communication device (312), the mode button (207) is used to configure the instrument cluster (200) in Bluetooth® mode, preventing any unauthorized user from accessing the instrument cluster (200) using the unique key. When the pairing process is initiated by the master microcontroller (303) integrated within the instrument panel (200), the master microcontroller (303) enables the primary wireless module (304). The user then enables the secondary wireless module (318). The secondary wireless module (318) is configured to scan for any available Bluetooth®-enabled devices in the vicinity. After the scan, the user selects the primary wireless module (304) from the list displayed by the instrument panel (200) showing the names of Bluetooth®-enabled devices in the vicinity of the secondary Bluetooth® module (318) integrated into the communication device (312). The user provides a unique key to connect the primary wireless module (304) to the secondary wireless module (318). When the master microcontroller (303) sends outputs such as data, parameters, alerts, or notifications to be displayed on one or more output sources, it functions as a master system. The master microcontroller (303) also performs the decision-making process to select and prioritize the notifications and alerts to be displayed on the instrument panel (200). The primary wireless module (318) and the communication device (312) function as slave systems by accepting requests from the master microcontroller (303) and storing the data in the internal memory (313) of the communication device (312). The master-slave role is configured to reverse roles when the communication device (312) instructs the master microcontroller (303) and the instrument panel (200) to display the content from the communication device (312). The custom application (322) allows the communication device (312) to function as the master and the instrument panel (200) as the slave. Alerts such as incoming calls, incoming SMS (Short Message Service) messages, missed call count, navigation assistance instructions, speeding alerts, etc., are sent from the communication device (312) to the instrument panel (200). The master microcontroller (303) functions as the slave since it receives the instructions from the communication device (312). Furthermore, the communication device (312) connects to a map server (314) where the communication device (312) requests a destination or location, and the map server (314) generates the result based on the vehicle's current location (100). Map details, along with directions, time, and distance, are displayed on the communication device (312). The communication device (312) sends the direction and distance details to the instrument panel (200) via the secondary wireless module (318) to the primary wireless module (304), and the master microcontroller (303) accepts the data and stores the navigation details in the instrument panel's (200) internal memory (not shown). The communication device (312) continues to transmit navigation data to the master microcontroller (303) in the instrument panel (200).The master microcontroller (303) is configured to operate as a slave and accepts data transferred from the communication device (312) acting as the master. The driver can search for a location by entering the place name in the search box provided in the custom application (322). The custom application (322) displays the user's current location and the destination location. Once the user (or driver) initiates navigation and begins driving the vehicle (100), the instrument panel (200) displays turn-by-turn navigation instructions. These instructions are shown alphanumericly on the alphanumeric display (232). There are several alphanumeric displays (232), one of which shows the remaining distance numerically, while another displays the address alphabetically. To display navigation-related notifications, the instrument panel (200) requires only a limited portion of the screen so that other parameters, directions, or notifications can be shown. Similarly, the alphanumeric display (232) shows various types of instructions depending on the situation and to guide the driver (100). Notifications such as turn left, turn right, sharp turns, destination reached, highway, intersection, fork, etc., are provided to assist the driver with navigation. Figure 4 shows the flowchart of the communication method when the master microcontroller (303) operates as the master system and the other devices, including the communication device, operate as the slave system. In step 401, the vehicle (100) is started by turning the ignition key or by powering it from another power source such as a battery. Then, after the instrument panel (200) completes its self-test process, in step 402, the primary wireless module (304) pairs with the secondary wireless module (318), configuring the instrument panel (200) in a wireless mode, for example, Bluetooth® mode.After the connection is established between the instrument panel (200) and the communication device (312), in stage 403, the signal conditioning circuit (305) of the instrument panel (200) receives input from one or more input sources (311) such as control switch signals, speed sensor input, TCI power signal, engine fuel level, engine temperature, and also input from the interactive display (320), used as both an input and output source, from the communication device (312). Alerts and notifications of missed calls, SMS alerts (230), navigation data, and battery status (228) from the communication device (312), as well as the signal strength of the SIM embedded within the communication device (312), are transmitted to the master microcontroller via the secondary and primary wireless modules.In stage 404, one or more input signals are sent to the signal conditioning circuit (305). In the next stage, stage 405, the signals received from the signal conditioning circuit (305) are filtered to remove noise and unwanted signals. The required signal is then amplified, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio, and the filtered signals are sent to the master microcontroller (303). In stage 406, the microcontroller selects the output and sends it to one or more output sources. Furthermore, in stage 407, the output signals are displayed on the corresponding output sources, such as a plurality of indicators (308), a segment display (309), an alphanumeric display (232), the backlight (306) of the instrument panel (200), the interactive display (320) of the communication device (312), or a loudspeaker (315).In stage 408, some of the outputs are also sent to the communication device (312) by the master microcontroller (303) to be displayed on the interactive screen (320) and also to store that data in the communication device (312) and to share the output data on the Internet or on the local network. Figure 5 shows the flowchart method when the master microcontroller (303) is configured to operate as a slave system while the communication device (312) operates as the master system. In step 501, the vehicle (100) is started by turning on the ignition or powering it via a power source such as a battery. The instrument panel (200) performs a self-test, and then, in step 502, the primary wireless module (304) is paired with the secondary wireless module (318) by first establishing the wireless communication mode, for example, Bluetooth® mode. In step 503, the communication device connects to a map server (314) to provide navigation instructions to the communication device (312) based on the current location identified by GPS (Global Positioning System) in the communication device (312).The destination address or destination location is entered using the interactive display (320) of the communication device (312). Navigation information is received from the map supply server (314). The navigation information is then sent to the master microcontroller (303), which accepts the information in stage 504. In stage 505, the navigation information is displayed on one of the output sources as an alphanumeric display (232), indicator (308), and instrument panel display (201). The custom application (322) is able to provide detailed navigation information such as the different types of turns after a specified distance, the direction in which the vehicle (100) needs to take exit routes, etc. In certain cases, the vehicle (100) may be parked in a new or busy location. Therefore, just before turning off the vehicle's ignition (100), the customized application (322) stored on the communication device (312) paired with the instrument panel (200) via Bluetooth® modules saves and stores the parking location or the vehicle's location (100). This vehicle location (100) helps the user find their vehicle in a busy or new parking area, or if the user forgets the location. In such a scenario, the customized application (322) shows the direction to get to the place where the last location of the vehicle (100) was saved on the communication device (312). The arrows provided in the upper right corner of each Figure represent the direction with respect to the two-wheeled vehicle (100), where arrow F indicates the forward direction, arrow R indicates the rearward direction, T indicates the top, and D indicates the downward direction, as and where applicable. Improvements and modifications may be incorporated into the present invention without departing from its scope. Many modifications and variations of the subject matter of the present invention are possible in light of the foregoing description. Therefore, within the scope of the claims relating to the subject matter, this disclosure may be implemented in a manner other than that specifically described.

Claims

1. An instrument panel (200) for a vehicle, said instrument panel (200) comprising: a master microcontroller (303) powered by a power supply (301), wherein said power supply (301) is regulated by a power regulator module (302); one or more input sources (311, 320) electrically configured to provide one or more inputs to said master microcontroller (303) through a signal conditioning circuit (305); and one or more output sources (315, 320, 308, 309, 232, 306) configured to receive one or more outputs from said master microcontroller (303); wherein said master microcontroller (303) is configured for at least two wireless modules;said master microcontroller (303) is configured to provide instructions to a secondary module of a communication device (312) to display an output on said one or more output sources (315, 320, 308, 309, 232, 306) and said communication device (312); and said master microcontroller (303) is configured to receive instructions from said secondary wireless module (318) of said communication device (312) to display said output on said one or more output sources (315, 320, 308, 309, 232, 306).

2. The instrument panel (200) according to claim 1, wherein said at least two wireless modules are a primary wireless module (304) and a secondary wireless module (318).

3. The instrument panel (200) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein said master microcontroller (303) configures the primary wireless module (304) with said secondary wireless module (318).

4. The instrument panel (200) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein said primary wireless module (304) is connected to said master microcontroller (303) via a bidirectional data bus.

5. The instrument panel (200) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein said primary wireless module (304) establishes a connection with said communication device (312) through said secondary wireless module (318).

6. The instrument panel (200) according to claims 1 to 5, wherein said secondary wireless module (318) is provided in said communication device (312).

7. The instrument panel (200) according to claim 1, wherein said one or more input sources are control switches, a speed sensor, a TCI sensor, a fuel sensor, a mode button (207), an odometer or an interactive display (320).

8. The instrument panel (200) according to claim 1, wherein said one or more output sources are a plurality of indicator lights (308), an LCD segment (309), an alphanumeric display (232), or an interactive display (320).

9. A method of interfacing an instrument panel (200) with a communication device (312), said method comprising: turning on an ignition switch; pairing a primary wireless module (304) with a secondary wireless module (318); receiving an input from one or more input sources; sending an input from said one or more input sources to a signal conditioning circuit (305); sending one or more signals from said signal conditioning circuit (305) to a master microcontroller (303); selecting one or more outputs by means of said master microcontroller (303); displaying said one or more outputs on one or more output sources; and sending the output to said communication device (312).

10. A method of interaction of an instrument panel (200) with a map supply server (314), said method comprising: turning on an ignition key; pairing a primary wireless module (304) with a secondary wireless module (318); receiving navigation information from said map supply server (314) to a customized application (322); sending navigation information to a master microcontroller (303); sending one or more outputs from a communication device (312) to said master microcontroller (303); and displaying said one or more outputs on said one or more output sources (315, 320, 308, 309, 232, 306).

11. The method of interaction of an instrument panel (200) with a map supply server (314) according to claim 10, wherein said customized application (322) is stored in said communication device (312).

12. A method for authenticating an instrument panel (200) of a vehicle (100), said method comprising: initiating pairing by means of a master microcontroller (303) embedded within the instrument panel (200) with at least one communication device (312); enabling a primary wireless module (304) by means of said master microcontroller (303); enabling a secondary wireless module (318) by at least one user of said vehicle (100); scanning by means of said secondary wireless module (318) for available Bluetooth®-enabled devices in the vicinity of said secondary wireless module (318); and assigning at least one unique key to connect the primary wireless module (304) with the secondary wireless module (318);said master microcontroller (303) is configured to operate interchangeably as a master system, when it sends an output to one or more output sources, including said communication device (312), and said master microcontroller (303) is configured to operate interchangeably as a slave system, when said communication device (312) instructs said master microcontroller (303) and said instrument panel (200) to display the contents of said communication device (312).

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