Driver assistance system for vehicle and method thereof

Abstract

A driver assistance system (100) for a vehicle includes a communication module (130) in communication with an external communication device (200); and a display module (120) for displaying information to a driver. The control unit (110) receives information from the external communication device (200); determining whether a predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after a predefined interval; receiving and displaying a set of primary information on a display module (120) regardless of whether the predefined driving event has occurred; and if it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after the predefined interval, receiving and displaying on the display module (120), before the predefined interval, a secondary set of information corresponding to the predefined driving event in addition to the primary set of information. Herein, the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driver assistance system for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for assisting a driver of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the significant shift in vehicle styles from internal combustion vehicles to electric vehicles, and the development of driver assistance technology, user interfaces and connectivity features are undergoing exponential progress. These user interfaces or driver assistance systems are unique to the vehicle and are expected to act as built-in assistance systems. The most prominent use of these built-in assistance systems is to provide route information and navigation to the driver whenever necessary. The conventional driver assistance systems currently available in the market are based on expensive operating system (OS)-based systems to display information. OS-based systems are not only more difficult to configure, but also more expensive and have larger processor capacity. Further, conventional systems are configured to always provide a large amount of information to the driver, which may distract the driver while driving, which may cause the driver to lose concentration. This inattention may lead to traffic accidents in severe cases. In addition, the OS-based system requires a regular supply of current to perform its operations and display it on the screen. These conventional OS-based systems may put additional pressure on the battery, especially in the case of electric and hybrid vehicles, where saving power is a key issue.

[0003] Since conventional systems are OS-based, feature-heavy systems, their user-friendliness remains an issue. Further, these conventional systems require very large data transfers at all times, which can lead to inaccurate systems under unstable network conditions. A large portion of this data also consists of unnecessary information that the driver may not always need.

[0004] Alternatively, if the driver uses an external device connected to the vehicle for navigation, the readability and operability of such external device is a cause of inconvenience to the driver. Further, the readability of the route information data is presented in a manner that is difficult for the driver to read and interpret while driving the vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a driver assistance system for a vehicle and a method thereof that at least solves the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a driver assistance system for a vehicle. The system has a communication module that communicates with an external communication device and a display module that displays information to a driver of the vehicle. The display module communicates with a control unit. The control unit receives information from the external communication device through the communication module; and determines whether a predefined driving event in a predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined interval based on the received information. The control unit receives a primary information set from the external communication device and displays the primary information set on the display module, regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs. Further, if it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after the predefined interval, before the predefined interval, the control unit receives a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set from the external communication device and displays the secondary information set on the display module, wherein the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, the information received by the control unit has navigation data from an external communication device.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined interval includes a predefined distance and / or a predefined time. In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether a predefined driving event in the predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined distance. In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether a predefined driving event in the predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined time.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on the departure and destination selected by the driver, and before a predefined interval, display a secondary information set corresponding to the specific predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on the departure and destination selected by the driver, and before the start of the trip, receive information corresponding to each of the predefined driving events.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a display module has a thin film transistor (TFT) display panel configured to be provided on a vehicle or a wearable device.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the external communication device is a smart phone or tablet device that can be carried by the driver.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the secondary information set has a full map image corresponding to a predefined driving event occurring after a predefined interval.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the primary information set has directional arrows for guiding the driver to navigate the vehicle through one or more predefined driving events along a path of origin and destination.

[0015] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the communication module has a wireless interface module configured to communicate with an external communication device through a wireless network.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle, the display panel is arranged on a dashboard on a handlebar of the vehicle, and the saddle-type vehicle is provided with a shield for providing a frontal cover for the display panel.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the secondary information set further has one or more of audio feedback to the wearable device, visual feedback on a display panel or cover of the wearable device, or tactile feedback on the handlebars of the vehicle.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to monitor whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predefined range corresponding to the departure and destination selected by the driver. In one embodiment, the one or more vehicle parameters include the availability of battery capacity, the health of sensors and actuators, the health of the powertrain, and tire pressure.

[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, if one or more vehicle parameters are not within a predefined range, the control unit is configured to suggest one or more solutions en route to a destination selected by the driver.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is capable of optimizing a route selected by the driver from a departure point to a destination based at least on the distance, the endurance time and one or more vehicle parameters.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assisting a driver of a vehicle. The method has the following steps: receiving information from an external communication device through a communication module by a control unit. In a next step, the control unit determines whether a predefined driving event in a predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined interval based on the received information. Further, in a next step, the control unit receives and displays a primary information set on a display module from the external communication device, regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs; and if it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after a predefined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event other than the primary information set is received from the external communication device and displayed on the display module before the predefined interval. Wherein, the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the information received by the control unit has navigation data from an external communication device.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the method has the following steps: monitoring whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predefined range corresponding to the departure and destination selected by the driver. In one embodiment, the one or more vehicle parameters are the availability of battery capacity, the health of sensors and actuators, the health of the powertrain, and tire pressure.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, if one or more vehicle parameters are not within a predefined range, the method has the step of suggesting one or more solutions en route to a destination selected by the driver.

[0025] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method has the step of optimizing a route selected by the driver from a departure point to a destination based at least on preset favorite destinations, nearby attractions, and one or more vehicle parameters.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a display module for a driver assistance system. The display module has a thin film transistor (TFT) display panel configured to display data to a driver. The display module communicates with a control unit. The control unit receives information from an external communication device through a communication module; and determines whether a predefined driving event in a predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined interval based on the received information. The control unit receives a primary information set from the external communication device and displays the primary information set on the display module, regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs. Further, if it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after a predefined interval, then before the predefined interval, the control unit receives a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set from the external communication device and displays the secondary information set on the display module, wherein the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on the departure and destination selected by the driver, and before a predefined interval, display a secondary information set corresponding to the specific predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set.

[0028] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on the departure and destination selected by the driver, and before the start of the trip, receive information corresponding to each of the predefined driving events.

[0029] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a wearable device for a driver assistance system. The wearable device has a display module having a thin film transistor (TFT) display panel configured to display data to a driver. The display module communicates with a control unit. The control unit receives information from an external communication device through the communication module; and determines whether a predefined driving event in a predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined interval based on the received information. The control unit receives a primary information set from the external communication device and displays the primary information set on the display module, regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs. Further, if it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after the predefined interval, before the predefined interval, the control unit receives a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event other than the primary information set from the external communication device and displays the secondary information set on the display module, wherein the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device is worn on the head by the driver, and the display panel is provided on a shield of the wearable device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Reference will be made to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. Although the present invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these specific embodiments.

[0032] Figure 1 A driver assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 2 A driver assistance system in operation according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 3 The method steps involved in a method for assisting a driver according to one embodiment of the present invention are illustrated.

[0035] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4B The method steps involved in the method for assisting a driver in operation according to one embodiment of the present invention are further illustrated.

[0036] Figure 5 A display panel on a saddle-type vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention generally relates to a driver assistance system for a vehicle and a method thereof, a display module, and a wearable device.

[0038] Figure 1 A driver assistance system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated, the driver assistance system 100 includes a communication module 130. The communication module 130 is configured to communicate with an external communication device 200. In one embodiment, the external communication device 200 includes a smart phone or a tablet device that can be carried by the driver. It is to be understood that the external communication device 200 is equipped with a network function to connect to a map database 640 via a VoLTE, LTE, 3G type network, etc. The external communication device 200 is therefore able to download data from the map database 640 as needed. The external communication device 200 is further equipped with a message application 610, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) proprietary application 620 designed and provided for the vehicle being driven by the driver, and other applications 630 as needed.

[0039] In one embodiment, the communication module 130 communicating with the external communication device 200 includes a wireless interface module 140. The wireless interface module 140 facilitates the communication module 130 to communicate with the external communication device 200 via a wireless network such as Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.

[0040] The driver assistance system 100 further includes a display module 120 configured to display information to the driver of the vehicle. The display module 120 communicates with the communication module 130. The display module 120 further communicates with the control unit 110. Thus, information downloaded from the map database 640 by the external communication device 200 is transmitted to the control unit 110 via the communication module 130 of the driver assistance system 100. The control unit 110 is thus able to process data received from the external communication device 200.

[0041] As previously mentioned, the control unit 110 is configured to receive information from the external communication device 200 via the communication module 130. In one embodiment, the information received by the control unit 110 includes navigation data from the external communication device 200. The control unit 110 is further configured to determine whether a predefined driving event in the predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined interval. In operation, once the driver selects a departure point and a destination, the predefined driving event set includes intersections, crossroads, overpasses, underpasses, exits, etc. between the departure point and the destination selected by the driver.

[0042] In one embodiment, the predefined interval includes a predefined distance and / or a predefined time. Therefore, in one embodiment, the control unit 110 is configured to determine whether a predefined driving event in the predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined distance. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 110 is configured to determine whether a predefined driving event in the predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined time.

[0043] The control unit 110 is further configured to receive a primary information set from the external communication device 200 and display the primary information set on the display module 120, regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs. Therefore, in operation, the primary information set will be received or downloaded from the external communication device 200 and displayed on the display module 120 throughout the driver's route and under all driving conditions. If it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after a predefined interval, the control unit 110 is further configured to receive a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set from the external communication device 200 before the predefined interval and display the secondary information set on the display module 120. In this article, the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set. In one embodiment, the display module 120 has a thin film transistor (TFT) display panel configured to be set on a vehicle or wearable device 300. Among them, the display module 120 is a TFT-based module and has no processing power, so the driver assistance system 100 is provided to the vehicle without an operating system to facilitate the operation of the driver assistance system.

[0044] In one embodiment, the primary information set includes directional arrows for guiding the driver to navigate the vehicle through one or more predefined driving events along the path of the departure and destination. The secondary set of information includes a full map image corresponding to the predefined driving event that occurs after a predefined interval. In operation, once the driver selects the departure and destination, along the route, the graphic arrows are always displayed to navigate during the passage from the departure to the destination. When the predefined driving event (such as an overpass, intersection, exit, etc.) is about to occur after a predefined distance and / or a predefined time, the full map image together with the graphic arrows is displayed on the display panel to allow better and more accurate navigation. As a result, the full map image is only displayed to the driver before the predefined driving event is about to occur, so only necessary information is displayed to the driver. This limitation on the information to be displayed also allows data to be processed without the need for an operating system.

[0045] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 is configured to determine, based on the departure and destination selected by the driver, for each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route and before a predefined interval, display a secondary information set corresponding to the specific predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set. This means that receiving information from the external communication device 200 occurs in real time along the driver's route, i.e., the primary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and is always displayed, while the secondary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and is only displayed when the predefined driving event is about to occur after a predefined interval. This is ideal when network conditions along the driver's route are stable.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, when the network conditions along the driver's route are not stable, the control unit 110 is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on the departure and destination selected by the driver, and receive / download information corresponding to each of the predefined driving events before the start of the trip. This means that receiving / downloading information from the external communication device 200 occurs before the start of the trip, that is, before the start of the trip, the primary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and stored in the storage unit 170 and is always displayed, and before the start of the trip, the secondary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and stored in the storage unit 170, and is only displayed when the predefined driving event is about to occur after a predefined interval. This allows smooth and accurate navigation even when the network conditions along the driver's route are unstable or not stable.

[0047] As explained above, the display panel of the display module 120 is disposed on the vehicle or the wearable device 300. In one embodiment, the wearable device 300 is worn on the head by the driver, and the display panel is disposed on the shield of the wearable device 300. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle 10, and the display panel is provided on a dashboard 600 on the handlebars of the vehicle 10. Further, the saddle-type vehicle 10 is provided with a shield 400 for providing a frontal cover for the display panel. The shield 400 allows to avoid glare during driving and to expose the display panel to wind damage. Further, in order to accommodate the shield 400 and prevent the shield 400 from interfering with the rearview mirror assembly, the mirror stems on both the left and right sides are lengthened, which eliminates the risk of the mirror colliding with the shield 400 during assembly and disassembly.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the secondary information set also includes one or more of audio feedback to the wearable device (such as an audio indication), or visual feedback on a display panel or cover of the wearable device, or tactile feedback on the handlebars of the vehicle that augments the primary information set and the secondary information set being displayed on the display panel.

[0049] In another embodiment, if Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4CAs shown, the control unit 110 is configured to monitor whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predefined range corresponding to the departure and destination selected by the driver. The one or more vehicle parameters include the availability of battery capacity, the health of sensors and actuators, the health of the powertrain, and tire pressure. If one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, the control unit 110 is configured to suggest one or more solutions on the way to the destination selected by the driver. The control unit 110 can optimize the route from the departure to the destination selected by the driver based at least on the distance, the endurance time, and the one or more vehicle parameters.

[0050] In operation, Figure 2 and Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, the driver opens the OEM application 640 on his external communication device 200 to select his destination. The driver can select a destination based on input that he can type, or based on a saved favorite destination, or by voice command, or based on nearby suggestions (such as stations, shopping malls, etc.). Once the destination is selected, multiple route options are listed for the driver to choose. The driver can select an option from the listed routes based on distance or endurance, or based on traffic or toll stations, etc., or based on the vehicle health status composed of one or more vehicle parameters. Among them, the control unit 110 is configured to monitor one or more vehicle parameters based on the destination before the start of the journey. The control unit 110 monitors vehicle parameters such as the availability of battery capacity, the health of actuators and sensors, the health of the powertrain, and tire pressure. If all vehicle parameters are within a predefined range, the optimized route is selected by the driver or by the driver assistance system 100. If the vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, the control unit 110 is configured to suggest solutions, such as, if the battery is low, a nearby charging station is suggested; if the tire pressure is too low, or if there is a problem with the powertrain or battery, a nearby service station is suggested, etc.

[0051] Thereafter, the optimized route is selected by the driver or by the driver assistance system 100. Once the optimized route is selected, the primary information set and the secondary information set are transmitted to the control unit 110 and displayed on the display module 120 as previously described.

[0052] On the other hand, Figure 3As illustrated, the present invention relates to a method 500 for assisting a driver when driving a vehicle. The method steps involved in the method 500 are explained as follows. In step 3a, information from an external communication device 200 is received by the control unit 110 through a communication module 130. The external communication device 200 includes a smart phone or a tablet device that can be carried by the driver. It is to be understood that the external communication device 200 is equipped with a network function to connect to a map database 640 via VoLTE, LTE, 3G, etc. The external communication device 200 is therefore able to download data from the map database as needed. The external communication device 200 is further equipped with a message application 610, an OEM-specific application 620 designed and provided for the vehicle being driven by the driver, and other applications 630 as needed. The communication module 130 that communicates with the external communication device 200 includes a wireless interface module 140. The wireless interface module 140 facilitates the communication module 130 to communicate with the external communication device 200 via a wireless network such as Bluetooth, WiFi, etc. In one embodiment, the information received by the control unit 110 includes navigation data from the external communication device 200.

[0053] In step 3b, it is determined whether a predefined driving event in the predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined interval based on the information received from the external communication module 200. In operation, once the driver has selected a departure place and a destination, the predefined driving event set includes a road intersection, a crossroad, an overpass, an underground passage, an exit, etc. located between the departure place and the destination selected by the driver. In one embodiment, the predefined interval includes a predefined distance and / or a predefined time. Therefore, in one embodiment, method 500 includes a step of determining whether a predefined driving event in the predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined distance. In an alternative embodiment, method 500 includes a step of determining whether a predefined driving event in the predefined driving event set will occur after a predefined time.

[0054] In step 3c, the primary information set is received from the external communication device 200 and displayed on the display module 120, regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs. Therefore, in operation, the primary information set will be received or downloaded from the external communication device 200 and displayed on the display module 120 throughout the driver's route and under all driving conditions. If it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after the predefined interval, then in step 3d, before the predefined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event other than the primary information set is received from the external communication device 200 and displayed on the display module 120. In this article, the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set. In one embodiment, the display module 120 has a thin film transistor (TFT) display panel configured to be set on a vehicle or wearable device 300. Wherein, the display module 120 is a TFT-based module and has no processing power, so the driver assistance system 100 is provided to the vehicle without an operating system to facilitate the operation of the driver assistance system.

[0055] In one embodiment, the primary information set includes directional arrows for guiding the driver to navigate the vehicle through one or more predefined driving events along the path of the departure and destination. The secondary set of information includes a full map image corresponding to the predefined driving event that occurs after a predefined interval. In operation, once the driver selects the departure and destination, along the route, the graphic arrows are always displayed to navigate during the passage from the departure to the destination. When the predefined driving event (such as an overpass, intersection, exit, etc.) is about to occur after a predefined distance and / or a predefined time, the full map image together with the graphic arrows is displayed on the display panel to allow better and more accurate navigation. As a result, the full map image is only displayed to the driver before the predefined driving event is about to occur, so only necessary information is displayed to the driver. This limitation on the information to be displayed also allows data to be processed without the need for an operating system.

[0056] In one embodiment, each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route is determined based on the departure and destination selected by the driver, and before a predefined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to the specific predefined driving event is displayed in addition to the primary information set. This means that receiving information from the external communication device 200 occurs in real time along the driver's route, that is, the primary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and is always displayed, while the secondary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and is only displayed when the predefined driving event is about to occur after the predefined interval. This is ideal when network conditions along the driver's route are stable.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, when network conditions along the driver's route are not stable, each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route is determined based on the departure and destination selected by the driver, and information corresponding to each of the predefined driving events is received before the start of the trip. This means that receiving information from the external communication device 200 occurs before the start of the trip itself, that is, before the start of the trip, the primary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and is always displayed, while before the start of the trip, the secondary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and is only displayed when the predefined driving event is about to occur after a predefined interval. This allows smooth and accurate navigation even when network conditions along the driver's route are unstable or not stable.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the secondary information set further has one or more of audio feedback to the wearable device (such as an audio indication), or visual feedback on a display panel or cover of the wearable device, or tactile feedback on the handlebars of the vehicle that augments the primary information set and the secondary information set being displayed on the display panel.

[0059] In another embodiment, one or more vehicle parameters are monitored for whether they are within a predefined range corresponding to a departure and a destination selected by the driver. The one or more vehicle parameters include the availability of battery capacity, the health of sensors and actuators, the health of the powertrain, and tire pressure. Wherein, if one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, one or more solutions are suggested on the way to the destination selected by the driver. In another embodiment, the method 500 includes the step of optimizing a route from a departure to a destination selected by the driver based at least on distance, endurance, and one or more vehicle parameters.

[0060] In operation, Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4CAs shown in the method steps illustrated in , in step 4a, the driver opens the OEM application 640 on his external communication device 200 to select his destination. In step 4b, the driver can select a destination based on input that he can type (as in step 4b1), or based on a saved favorite destination (as in step 4b2), or through a voice command (as in step 4b3), or based on nearby suggestions (such as stations, shopping malls, etc., as in step 4b4). Once the destination is selected in step 4c, multiple route options are listed in step 4d for the driver to choose. In step 4e, the driver can select an option from the listed routes based on distance (as in step 4e1) or endurance (as in step 4e2), or based on traffic or toll booths, etc. (as in step 4e3), or based on the vehicle health status composed of one or more vehicle parameters (as in step 4e4). Wherein, in steps 4e' and 4e", one or more vehicle parameters are monitored based on the destination before the start of the journey. Vehicle parameters such as the availability of battery capacity in step 4e"1, the health of actuators and sensors in step 4e"2, the health of the powertrain in step 4e"3, and the tire pressure in step 4e"4 are monitored. If all vehicle parameters are within the predefined range, then in step 4f, the route is optimized or selected by the driver or by the driver assistance system 100. If the vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, then continue after steps 4e' and 4e", and in step 4e"', recommend solutions, such as, if the battery is low, recommend a nearby charging station; if the tire pressure is too low, or if there is a problem with the powertrain or battery, recommend a nearby service station, etc.

[0061] Thereafter, at step 4f, the optimized route is selected by the driver or by the driver assistance system 100. Once the optimized route is selected, at step 4g, the primary information set and the secondary information set are transmitted to the control unit 110 and displayed on the display module 120 at step 4h, as previously described.

[0062] Advantageously, the present invention provides a driver assistance system and method thereof, wherein the driver assistance system does not require the use of any operating system to provide assistance or route navigation data. This allows for a simple and cost-effective system and method to be employed in a vehicle, which is not only cheaper, but also lower in terms of number of parts and difficulty of configuration. Further, the present invention ensures that the data required for navigation or route assistance is only downloaded or received and displayed as required prior to a predefined driving event, which allows for the use of less data and prevents unnecessary information from being presented to the driver, and avoids cluttering of information on the vehicle's dashboard. Since the present invention does not use an OS, the system requires less current than an OS-based system, which is critical for electric and hybrid vehicles.

[0063] Further, the present invention allows route assistance to be provided under stable network conditions as well as under unstable or unstable network conditions.

[0064] Furthermore, providing a display module with a display panel on a vehicle or wearable device ensures better driver comfort and ergonomics since the need for an external device to be held by the driver or mounted on the vehicle is eliminated.

[0065] The claimed steps discussed above are not conventional, traditional or well-known in the art because the claimed steps are able to provide the following solutions to known problems in the conventional technology.

[0066] 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 modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A driver assistance system (100) for a vehicle, comprising: A communication module (130) configured to communicate with an external communication device (200); as well as A display module (120) is configured to display information to a driver of the vehicle, the display module (120) is in communication with a control unit (110), and the control unit (110) is configured to: receiving information from the external communication device (200) via the communication module (130); determining, based on the received information, whether a predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after a predefined interval; receiving a primary information set from the external communication device (200) and displaying it on the display module (120) regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs; and If it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after the predefined interval, then before the predefined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event other than the primary information set is received from the external communication device (200) and displayed on the display module (120), wherein the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

2. The driver assistance system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The information received by the control unit (110) includes navigation data from the external communication device (200).

3. The driver assistance system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The predefined interval includes a predefined distance and / or a predefined time.

4. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to determine whether the predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after a predefined distance.

5. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to determine whether the predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after a predefined time.

6. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on a departure point and a destination selected by the driver, and before the predefined interval, display the secondary information set corresponding to the specific predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set.

7. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on a departure point and a destination selected by the driver, and to receive information corresponding to each of the predefined driving events before the start of a trip.

8. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The display module (120) includes a thin film transistor (TFT) display panel configured to be disposed on the vehicle or the wearable device.

9. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The external communication device (200) comprises a smart phone or a tablet device that can be carried by the driver.

10. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The secondary information set includes a full map image corresponding to the predefined driving event occurring after the predefined interval.

11. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The primary information set includes directional arrows for guiding the driver to navigate the vehicle through the one or more predefined driving events along a path between the origin and the destination.

12. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The communication module (130) includes a wireless interface module (140) configured to communicate with the external communication device (200) via a wireless network.

13. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle (10), the display panel is arranged on a dashboard (600) on the handlebars of the vehicle, and the saddle-type vehicle (10) is provided with a protective cover (400) for providing a front cover for the display panel.

14. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The secondary information set also includes one or more of audio feedback to a wearable device, visual feedback on the display panel or cover of the wearable device, or tactile feedback on a handlebar of the vehicle.

15. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to monitor whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predefined range corresponding to a departure point and a destination selected by the driver, wherein if the one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, the control unit (110) is configured to suggest one or more solutions en route to the destination selected by the driver.

16. The driver assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein: The one or more vehicle parameters include availability of battery capacity, health of sensors and actuators, health of the powertrain, and tire pressure.

17. The driver assistance system (100) according to claim 15, wherein: The control unit (110) is capable of optimizing a route selected by the driver from a departure point to a destination based at least on the distance, the endurance time and the one or more vehicle parameters.

18. A method (500) for assisting a driver of a vehicle, the method (500) comprising the following steps: The control unit (110) receives information from an external communication device (200) via a communication module (130); determining, based on the received information, whether a predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after a predefined interval; receiving a primary information set from the external communication device (200) and displaying it on a display module (120) regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs; and If it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after the predefined interval, then before the predefined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event other than the primary information set is received from the external communication device (200) and displayed on the display module (120), wherein the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

19. The method (500) of claim 18, wherein: The information received by the control unit (110) includes navigation data from the external communication device (200), and the predefined interval includes a predefined distance and / or a predefined time.

20. The method (500) of claim 19, comprising the steps of: A determination is made as to whether the predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after at least one of a predefined distance or a predefined time.

21. The method (500) of claim 18, wherein: Each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route is determined based on a departure and a destination selected by the driver, and before the predefined interval, the secondary information set corresponding to the specific predefined driving event is displayed in addition to the primary information set.

22. The method (500) of claim 18, wherein: Each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route is determined based on a departure and a destination selected by the driver, and information corresponding to each of the predefined driving events is received prior to initiation of a trip.

23. The method (500) of claim 18, wherein: The secondary information set includes a full map image corresponding to the predefined driving event occurring after the predefined interval.

24. The method (500) of claim 18, wherein: The primary information set includes directional arrows for guiding the driver to navigate the vehicle through the one or more predefined driving events along a path between the origin and the destination.

25. The method (500) of claim 18, comprising the steps of: Monitoring whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predefined range corresponding to the departure and destination selected by the driver, wherein if the one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, suggesting one or more solutions en route to the destination selected by the driver.

26. The method (500) of claim 25, wherein: The one or more vehicle parameters include availability of battery capacity, health of sensors and actuators, health of the powertrain, and tire pressure.

27. The method (500) of claim 25, comprising the steps of: A route selected by the driver from a departure location to a destination is optimized based at least on the distance, the endurance time, and the one or more vehicle parameters.

28. A display module (120) for a driver assistance system (100), the display module comprising: a thin film transistor display panel configured to display data to a driver; and The display module communicates with a control unit (110), and the control unit (110) is configured to: receiving information from an external communication device (200) via a communication module (130); determining, based on the received information, whether a predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after a predefined interval; receiving a primary information set from the external communication device (200) and displaying it on the display panel, regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs; and If it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after the predefined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set is received from the external communication device (200) before the predefined interval, wherein the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

29. The display module (120) of claim 28, wherein: The information received by the control unit (110) includes navigation data from the external communication device (200), and the predefined interval includes a predefined distance and / or a predefined time.

30. The display module (120) of claim 29, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to determine whether the predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after a predefined distance and / or a predefined time.

31. The display module (120) of claim 28, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on a departure point and a destination selected by the driver, and before the predefined interval, display the secondary information set corresponding to the specific predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set.

32. The display module (120) of claim 28, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to determine each of the predefined driving events on the driver's route based on a departure point and a destination selected by the driver, and to receive information corresponding to each of the predefined driving events before the start of a trip.

33. The display module (120) of claim 28, wherein: The secondary information set includes a full map image corresponding to the predefined driving event occurring after the predefined interval.

34. The display module (120) of claim 28, wherein: The primary information set includes directional arrows for guiding the driver to navigate the vehicle through the one or more predefined driving events along a path between the origin and the destination.

35. The display module (120) of claim 28, wherein: The control unit (110) is configured to monitor whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predefined range corresponding to the departure and destination selected by the driver, wherein if the one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, the control unit (110) is configured to suggest one or more solutions en route to the destination selected by the driver.

36. The display module (120) of claim 35, wherein: The one or more vehicle parameters include availability of battery capacity, health of sensors and actuators, health of the powertrain, and tire pressure.

37. The display module (120) of claim 36, wherein: The control unit (110) is capable of optimizing a route selected by the driver from a departure point to a destination based at least on the distance, the endurance time and the one or more vehicle parameters.

38. A wearable device (300) for a driver assistance system (100), the wearable device (300) comprising: A thin film transistor display panel is configured to communicate with a display module (120), wherein the display module (120) communicates with a control unit (110), and the control unit (110) is configured to: receiving information from an external communication device (200) via a communication module (130); determining, based on the received information, whether a predefined driving event in the set of predefined driving events will occur after a predefined interval; receiving a primary information set from the external communication device (200) and displaying it on the display panel, regardless of whether the predefined driving event occurs; and If it is determined that the predefined driving event will occur after the predefined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined driving event in addition to the primary information set is received from the external communication device (200) and displayed on the display panel before the predefined interval, wherein the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

39. The wearable device (300) of claim 38, wherein: The wearable device (300) is worn on the head of the driver, and the display panel is arranged on a shield of the wearable device (300).

Images