Sound generation in a vehicle and method thereof

Abstract

A system (100) configured to activate one or more subsystems (106) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising: a prime mover (104) configured to power the vehicle; a plurality of sensing units, where the plurality of sensing units are configured to measure a real-time state operating parameter of the vehicle; the plurality of sensing units are connected to one or more subsystems of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to receive input from the plurality of sensing units, where the control unit is configured to activate one or more subsystems based on the real-time status operating parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a system and method for warning a nearby environment in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, with the increase of global warming and the consumption of fossil fuels, there are advances in technology such as electric or hybrid electric based systems. For example, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles use one or more battery assemblies, which provide power to run the motor, which in turn rotates one or more wheels of the vehicle. In conventional vehicles using IC engines, sound is generated during their operation. The sound in the IC (internal combustion) engine is generated due to combustion, and the sound increases as the speed of the vehicle increases. Usually, the muffler of the vehicle is used to attenuate the sound of the IC engine vehicle, however, the sound is not reduced to nothing or zero. Although this sound is a problem of noise pollution, it is controlled by certification regulations. Since IC engine vehicles are a major part of transportation around the world, customers and pedestrians are accustomed to this sound. Another purpose of sound is that it produces cognition or helps to produce a warning, alerting the surrounding environment to the presence of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle approaches pedestrians or other vehicles, the sound generated by the vehicle helps to alert the surrounding environment to the presence of the vehicle.

[0003] Therefore, sound helps to avoid accidents on the road. On the other hand, electric vehicles produce lower sound, or almost no sound, when the vehicle is in operation. The lower sound in electric vehicles is advantageous in terms of noise pollution, but is a potential problem for pedestrians or blind people who walk on the road and are not very aware of the surrounding vehicles. Therefore, such silent vehicles cannot generate awareness or warning about their presence or approach in the surrounding environment, thereby posing the possibility of accidents.

[0004] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to those skilled in the art by comparing the described system with certain aspects of the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder of this application and with reference to the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention is described with reference to sound generation in a vehicle and method thereof, with respect to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to similar features and components.

[0006] Figures 1 to 4 A block diagram of a sound generation system in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown;

[0007] Figure 5A flow chart of a sound generation method in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Due to the rising cost and environmental impact of fossil fuel powered vehicles, interest in electric vehicles including but not limited to electric motorcycles and scooters is increasing. Environmentally friendly vehicles produce almost no noise during their operation, which is beneficial from a noise pollution point of view, however this is a problem for nearby creatures (such as pedestrians, animals lying on the road, etc.) who are not alert to the vehicle being operated on the road.

[0009] In addition, in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), since the engine sound audible to the rider in the vehicle is not generated at all, the rider can only hear the so-called road noise and wind noise during riding. During riding, the volume of road noise or similar noises such as wind noise increases in conjunction with the vehicle's running speed, but the volume does not directly respond to the engine operation in the electric vehicle. Further, in an HEV, there is a state in which sound is generated from the engine mounted on the vehicle, but this is not always the case, and the sound is often not associated with the vehicle's running speed or the engine operation. Therefore, in a vehicle powered by electricity, the sound of the engine being in a state corresponding to the rider's accelerator operation is not generated, and therefore, for a rider who prefers the engine sound, the psychological enjoyment of riding is reduced.

[0010] Therefore, in view of the above challenges, it is an object of the present invention to enable the generation of pseudo sounds based on the operation of a vehicle powered by an electric motor, such as an EV or HEV.

[0011] According to the known state of the art, in order to generate sound from a vehicle while the vehicle is being operated or running, mechanical flaps have been used in the area of ​​the vehicle's air inlet. Thus, when the vehicle is traveling at a certain speed, the wind passing by causes the mechanical flap to vibrate and generate sound. However, the use of mechanical flaps is limited by the durability of the mechanical system, the added weight, and the quality of the sound generated by the shape of the flap and the inlet-outlet passage. Furthermore, the tuning of the mechanical flap for application in a wide range of vehicles is also limited.

[0012] According to another known technique, sound stimulation for EV and HEV is accomplished by storing or saving sounds played based on vehicle speed. Although this work has the possibility of storing different sounds, there is a possibility that the noise is not synchronized with the vehicle speed due to the time lag of the processing time required between the throttle sensor response and the corresponding sound playback.

[0013] According to yet another known technique, a camera is mounted on the front portion of the vehicle, the camera being configured to warn the driver of pedestrians who are not looking at the vehicle. However, this mechanism is complicated because it will not be able to warn the blind rider, as they may be looking at the vehicle but not realizing that the vehicle is approaching them.

[0014] With the foregoing in mind, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for generating sound based on the real-time operating status of an engine so that nearby pedestrians or any other living beings can notice that a vehicle is approaching toward them.

[0015] According to an embodiment, a system is configured to activate one or more subsystems of a vehicle, the system comprising: a prime mover configured to provide power to the vehicle; a plurality of sensing units, wherein the plurality of sensing units are configured to measure real-time status operating parameters of the vehicle; the plurality of sensing units are connected to one or more subsystems of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to receive input from the plurality of sensing units, wherein the control unit is configured to activate one or more subsystems based on the real-time status operating parameters.

[0016] According to an embodiment, activation of one or more subsystems is based at least on a comparison of real-time status operating parameters and predetermined operating conditions.

[0017] According to an embodiment, when an object is detected within a predetermined range of the vehicle, one or more subsystems are activated.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the predetermined operating conditions include a predetermined throttle opening, a predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) of the prime mover, and a predetermined operating mode, wherein the predetermined throttle opening is 0% to 100% of the maximum throttle range, the predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) is in the range of 0RPM to 700RPM, and the vehicle's operating mode is based on the speed of the vehicle.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the plurality of sensing units include: a throttle sensing unit (102) configured to detect a throttle opening angle of a vehicle, a mode sensing unit (110), a position sensing unit (302), a motion sensing unit (202), a lidar, a radar, and an image capture device.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured with a predefined lookup table to activate one or more subsystems (106) of the vehicle based on a comparison of one of the real-time state operating parameter values ​​with a predetermined state operating parameter value.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured with an artificial intelligence model, wherein the artificial intelligence model is configured to enable the control unit (108) to activate one or more subsystems (106) based on input from a plurality of sensing units.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the real-time status operating parameter values ​​include a real-time throttle opening, a real-time revolutions per minute of the prime mover, and a real-time operating mode.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the predefined lookup table is a predefined three-dimensional matrix of predetermined state operating parameter values ​​and corresponding output values ​​for activating one or more subsystems (106) by the control unit (108).

[0024] According to an embodiment, the subsystem (106) includes a dedicated speaker, a horn, a lighting system.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the motion sensor (202) is configured to send real-time input to the control unit (108) related to the presence of a living being within a predefined radius of the vehicle, wherein the predefined radius of the vehicle is in the range of 0 meters to 50 meters from the frontmost portion of the vehicle.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the position sensor (302) is configured to send real-time position input to the control unit (108), the real-time position input being related to a predefined radius geographic location of the vehicle, wherein the predefined radius of the vehicle is within a range of 0 meters to 50 meters from a frontmost portion of the vehicle.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured to deactivate the subsystem (106) when the vehicle is in a predefined area, the predefined area being a silent area.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the system (100) comprises a user switch, wherein the user switch enables a user to activate and deactivate the system (100).

[0029] According to an embodiment, the subsystem (106) is at least one of a piezoelectric subsystem (106) and an electromagnetic subsystem (106).

[0030] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the specification and the accompanying drawings illustrate only the principles of the present subject matter. Although not explicitly described or illustrated herein, various arrangements that encompass the principles of the present subject matter may be designed. In addition, all statements describing the principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter and specific examples thereof herein are intended to encompass their equivalents.

[0031] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise form or field of use disclosed. Therefore, in view of the present disclosure, various alternative embodiments and / or modifications that are feasible for the present disclosure can be expected, whether explicitly described or implied herein. Having thus described the embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0032] Figures 1 to 4 A block diagram of a system (100) in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown. Figures 1 to 4 The system (100) for a vehicle includes: a prime mover (104) configured to provide power to the vehicle; a plurality of sensing units, wherein the plurality of sensing units are configured to measure real-time state operating parameters of the vehicle. The plurality of sensing units are connected to one or more subsystems of the vehicle. The system also includes: a control unit (108) configured to receive input from the plurality of sensing units. The control unit (108) is configured to activate one or more subsystems (106) based on the real-time state operating parameters of the vehicle.

[0033] According to an embodiment, one or more subsystems are activated based on a comparison of at least one predetermined operating condition with a real-time state operating parameter. The predetermined operating condition includes a predetermined throttle opening, a predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) of the prime mover, and a predetermined operating mode. For example, the range of the predetermined throttle opening is between 0% and 100% of the maximum throttle range, the predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) is in the range of 0RPM to 700RPM, and the operating mode of the vehicle is based on the speed of the vehicle. The mode of the vehicle can be an ECO mode (wherein the speed of the vehicle is less than 45kmph) and a power mode (wherein the speed of the vehicle is greater than 45kmph).

[0034] The plurality of sensing units include: a throttle sensing unit (102) configured to detect a throttle opening angle of the vehicle; a mode sensing unit (110) configured to detect an operating mode of the vehicle; a position sensing unit (302) configured to sense a position of the vehicle; a motion sensing unit (202); a laser radar; a radar; and an image capture device. According to an embodiment, when the plurality of sensors detect an object within a predetermined range of the vehicle, one or more subsystems are activated. The predetermined range is between 0 meters and 50 meters of the vehicle. The motion sensor (202) is configured to send a real-time input to the control unit (108) that is related to the presence of a creature within a predefined radius of the vehicle. The predefined radius of the vehicle is within a range of 0 meters to 50 meters from the frontmost portion of the vehicle. The position sensor (302) is configured to send a real-time position input to the control unit (108) that is related to the predefined radius geographic location of the vehicle. Here, the predefined radius of the vehicle is also within a range of 0 meters to 50 meters from the frontmost portion of the vehicle. The control unit (108) is configured to deactivate the subsystem (106) when the vehicle is in a predefined area, which is a quiet area such as a school, hospital, etc.

[0035] The control unit (108) is configured with a predefined lookup table based on predetermined state operating parameter values. The control unit (108) activates one or more subsystems (106) of the vehicle based on a comparison of one of the real-time state operating parameter values ​​with the predetermined state operating parameter values. The real-time state operating parameter values ​​include real-time throttle opening, real-time revolutions per minute of the prime mover, and real-time operating mode.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured with an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model is configured to enable the control unit (108) to activate one or more subsystems (106) based on input from the plurality of sensing units. According to another embodiment, the system (100) further comprises a user switch, wherein the user switch enables a user to activate and deactivate the system (100).

[0037] According to an embodiment, the subsystem (106) is a dedicated speaker, wherein the dedicated speaker can be one of a piezoelectric subsystem (106) and an electromagnetic subsystem (106).

[0038] According to an embodiment, the subsystem (106) is a dedicated speaker configured to provide an output or generate an acoustic effect or sound based on an output signal generated by the control unit (108). Thus, the subsystem can generate multiple sounds based on vehicle riding conditions. Since the control unit (108) and the output unit (106) do not rely on a storage unit to store the multiple sounds, the system (100) does not rely on synchronization with the vehicle speed.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the subsystem (106) can be a piezoelectric speaker or an electromagnetic speaker. In the case of a piezoelectric speaker, the voltage varies with the speed of the vehicle to produce multiple sounds. A piezoelectric speaker is a speaker that generates an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress or pressure. In the context of the present invention, a piezoelectric speaker can generate sounds by applying an alternating voltage through a control unit (108). In the case of an electromagnetic speaker, the current varies with speed to produce multiple sounds. In other words, the control unit changes the current flowing through the coil in the electromagnetic speaker to produce multiple sounds.

[0040] The mode unit (110) is particularly implemented in a hybrid electric vehicle, which has multiple operating modes, such as a pure eco mode and a hybrid mode. In the hybrid mode, both the motor and the fuel provide power to the engine, while in the pure eco mode, only the motor provides power to the vehicle. Each operating mode of the vehicle is distinguished by maximum speed, acceleration, regenerative braking and warning.

[0041] The motion sensor (202) is positioned in front of the vehicle to have a faster response. The position sensor (302) is away from metal parts to avoid signal interference. The control unit (108) is electrically connected to the output unit (106), one or more sensors (102), and the prime mover (104). The system (100) can be used for emergency sound generation after an accident to attract attention and request nearby help.

[0042] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method for actuating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle is exemplarily shown. When the vehicle is started at step 600, at step 604, a control unit (108) receives one or more real-time state operating parameter values ​​from a plurality of sensing units. The control unit compares the one or more real-time state operating parameter values ​​with a predetermined real-time state operating parameter value. Based on the comparison, the control unit (108) activates one or more subsystems (106) of the vehicle. Thus, based on different values ​​of the real-time state operating parameters, the control unit (108) can generate outputs of current, voltage, and signal to actuate one or more subsystems to generate multiple outputs therefrom. Based on a lookup table, the corresponding output signal enables multiple sounds to be generated from a dedicated speaker. In addition, the system includes at least one of a motion sensor (202) and a position sensor. According to an embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured to deactivate the system (100) when the vehicle is in a silent zone according to steps 610 and 612. In addition, according to another embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured to activate the system when motion is determined within a predefined radius of the vehicle. The predefined radius of the vehicle is in the range of 0 meters to 50 meters from the frontmost part of the vehicle.

[0043] The present invention provides a system (100) that eliminates the problems and challenges of the prior art by generating sounds from an EV as the vehicle speed increases to help pedestrians become aware of approaching vehicles. The proposed system (100) generates sounds to warn pedestrians and creatures to avoid accidents. The sounds of the system (100) increase with the speed of the vehicle to give the rider the feel of a standard engine of the vehicle. In addition, the sounds of the vehicle can be customized and automatically turned off when the vehicle is in a quiet area (e.g., hospital, school).

[0044] It should be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. In view of the above disclosure, many modifications and variations of the subject matter are feasible. Therefore, within the scope of the claims of the subject matter, the present disclosure can be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described.

Claims

1. A system (100) configured to activate one or more subsystems (106) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising: a prime mover (104), the prime mover (104) being configured to provide power to the vehicle; a plurality of sensing units, wherein the plurality of sensing units are configured to measure real-time state operating parameters of the vehicle; The plurality of sensing units are connected to one or more subsystems of the vehicle; a control unit configured to receive inputs from the plurality of sensing units, Wherein, the control unit is configured to activate one or more subsystems based on the real-time status operating parameters.

2. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein: The activation of one or more subsystems is based at least on a comparison of the real-time status operating parameter with a predetermined operating condition.

3. The system of a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more subsystems are activated when an object is detected within a predetermined range of the vehicle.

4. The system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined operating conditions include a predetermined throttle opening, a predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) of the prime mover, and a predetermined operating mode, wherein the predetermined throttle opening is 0% to 100% of the maximum throttle range, the predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) is in the range of 0RPM to 700RPM, and the operating mode of the vehicle is based on the speed of the vehicle.

5. The system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The multiple sensing units include: a throttle sensing unit (102), a mode sensing unit (110), a position sensing unit (302), a motion sensing unit (202), a laser radar, a radar, and an image capture device. The throttle sensing unit (102) is configured to detect a throttle opening angle of the vehicle.

6. The system (100) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (108) is configured with a predefined lookup table to activate one or more subsystems (106) of the vehicle based on a comparison of one of the real-time state operating parameter values ​​with a predetermined state operating parameter value.

7. The system (100) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured with an artificial intelligence model, wherein the artificial intelligence model is configured to enable the control unit (108) to activate the one or more subsystems (106) based on input from the plurality of sensing units.

8. The system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The real-time state operation parameter values ​​include a real-time throttle opening, a real-time revolutions per minute of the prime mover, and a real-time operation mode.

9. The system (100) for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The predefined lookup table is a predefined three-dimensional matrix of the predetermined state operating parameter values ​​and corresponding output values ​​for activating the one or more subsystems (106) by the control unit (108).

10. The system (100) of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The subsystem (106) includes a dedicated speaker, a horn, and a lighting system.

11. The system (100) of a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The motion sensor (202) is configured to send real-time input to the control unit (108), the real-time input being related to the presence of a living being within a predefined radius of the vehicle, wherein the predefined radius of the vehicle is in the range of 0 meters to 50 meters from a front-most portion of the vehicle.

12. The system (100) for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The position sensor (302) is configured to send real-time position input to the control unit (108), the real-time position input being associated with a predefined radius geographic location of the vehicle, wherein the predefined radius of the vehicle is within a range of 0 meters to 50 meters from a front-most portion of the vehicle.

13. The system (100) of a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit (108) is configured to deactivate the subsystem (106) when the vehicle is in a predefined area, the predefined area being a quiet area.

14. The system (100) of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The system (100) comprises a user switch, wherein the user switch enables a user to activate and deactivate the system (100).

15. The system (100) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The subsystem (106) is at least one of a piezoelectric subsystem (106) and an electromagnetic subsystem (106).

16. A method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, by the control unit, one or more real-time status operating parameter values ​​from the plurality of sensing units, comparing, by the control unit, one or more real-time state operating parameter values ​​with predetermined real-time state operating parameter values, One or more subsystems of the vehicle are activated by the control unit.

17. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The activation of one or more subsystems is based at least on predetermined operating conditions.

18. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The one or more subsystems are activated when an object is detected within a predetermined range of the vehicle.

19. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The predetermined operating conditions include a predetermined throttle opening, a predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) of the prime mover, and a predetermined operating mode, wherein the predetermined throttle opening is 0% to 100% of the maximum throttle range, the predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) is in the range of 0RPM to 700RPM, and the operating mode of the vehicle is based on the speed of the vehicle.

20. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of sensing units include a throttle sensing unit (102), a mode sensing unit (110), a position sensing unit (302), a motion sensing unit (202), a laser radar, a radar, and an image capture device.

21. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The control unit (108) is configured with a predefined lookup table to activate one or more subsystems (106) of the vehicle.

22. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The control unit is configured with an artificial intelligence model, wherein the artificial intelligence model is configured to enable the control unit (108) to activate the one or more subsystems (106) based on input from the plurality of sensing units.

23. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of sensing units include a throttle sensing unit (102) configured to detect a throttle opening angle of the vehicle.

24. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The real-time state operation parameter values ​​include a real-time throttle opening, a real-time revolutions per minute of the prime mover, and a real-time operation mode.

25. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The predefined lookup table is a predefined three-dimensional matrix of the predetermined state operating parameter values ​​and corresponding output values ​​for activating the one or more subsystems (106) by the control unit (108).

26. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The subsystem (106) includes a dedicated speaker, a horn, and a lighting system.

27. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The system includes a motion sensor (202), wherein the motion sensor (202) is configured to send real-time input to the control unit (108), the real-time input being related to the presence of a living being within a predefined radius of the vehicle, wherein the predefined radius of the vehicle is in the range of 0 meters to 50 meters from a front-most portion of the vehicle.

28. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The system (100) includes a position sensor (302) configured to send real-time position input to the control unit (108), the real-time position input being related to a geographic location of the vehicle at a predefined radius of the vehicle, wherein the predefined radius of the vehicle is within a range of 0 meters to 50 meters from a front-most portion of the vehicle.

29. The method of activating a subsystem (106) of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The control unit (108) is configured to deactivate the subsystem (106) when the vehicle is in a predefined area, the predefined area being a quiet area.

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