System and method for operating voice controls in a vehicle - Patents.com

Abstract

System and method for operating voice controls in a vehicle - Patents.com The present invention relates to a system (100) and method (200) for operating voice controls of a vehicle. The system (100) includes a switch (110), a control unit (120) having a communication module (130), and a safety gear (150) having a voice input module (140). The control unit (120) is operably coupled to the switch (110). The voice input module (140) of the safety gear (150) is configured to communicate with the communication module (130), which is further configured to receive voice input from a rider and establish communication with the communication module (130) when the switch (110) is actuated.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for operating voice controls in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles are increasingly incorporating newer and more sophisticated technologies and features to improve performance, rider comfort and safety, among other things. However, vehicles have inherent space constraints in accommodating the various switches or operating elements for every feature. Such constraints are increased in the case of saddle-type vehicles, where all switches must be provided on the handlebar assembly for operation by the rider.

[0003] In known technology, voice control is provided in a vehicle to assist a rider in operating multiple features. However, turning on the voice control and turning off the same would require yet another additional button on the dashboard or handlebar assembly of the vehicle. In the event that there is no means to turn it on and off, the voice control would be permanently on. Thus, in addition to the rider's voice commands, a lot of noise from the environment would be captured, resulting in increased response time of the processor. Furthermore, since the voice control feature is always on, the rider's privacy is at risk if personal or sensitive information is disclosed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and method for operating voice controls of a vehicle that can address at least the problems and limitations discussed above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for operating a voice control of a vehicle including a switch, a control unit having a communication module, and a safety gear having a voice input module, the control unit is operably coupled to the switch, the voice input module of the safety gear is configured to communicate with the communication module, and the voice input module is further configured to receive voice input from a rider when the switch is actuated and establish communication with the communication module.

[0006] In one embodiment, the switch is configured to be actuated in one or more positions and to generate a corresponding electrical signal based on the position of actuation.

[0007] In one embodiment, the one or more positions at which the switch may be actuated are front, rear, left, right and center in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the switch is configured to generate an electrical signal for activating the voice control when operated at a first predetermined time center position.

[0009] In one embodiment, the switch is configured to generate an electrical signal to deactivate the voice control when operated again at the first predetermined time center position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to deactivate the voice control when the switch is not operated for a second predetermined time.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to deactivate the voice control when the voice control is not used for a third predetermined time.

[0012] In one embodiment, the switch is configured to generate electrical signals corresponding to multiple functions, such as accepting or rejecting incoming telephone calls, changing the volume or pausing music, navigating screens installed in the vehicle, and viewing documents stored in the vehicle's storage device when operated in the front, rear, left, and right positions in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to perform a predetermined function based on the corresponding electrical signal generated by the switch.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle type vehicle with the switch mounted on the handlebars of the saddle type vehicle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the safety gear comprises a helmet worn by the rider.

[0016] In one embodiment, the communication module and the audio input module communicate over a wireless network.

[0017] In one embodiment, the system includes a display unit in communication with the control unit, the display unit configured to display a status upon activation of the voice control.

[0018] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for operating a voice control of a vehicle, the method including the steps of activating a switch, generating an electrical signal by the switch, receiving the electrical signal by a control unit, and establishing communication between a communication module of the control unit and a voice input module disposed in a safety gear.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, by a control unit, an electrical signal corresponding to a position of a switch, the switch being configured to be actuated in front, rear, left, right, and center positions in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method includes generating, by a switch, an electrical signal for activating a voice control when operated at a first predetermined time center position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method includes generating, by the switch, an electrical signal to deactivate the voice control when the switch is again operated at the first predetermined time center position.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method includes deactivating, by the control unit, the voice control when the switch is not operated for a second predetermined time.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method includes deactivating, by the control unit, the voice control when the voice control is not used for a third predetermined time.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method includes generating electrical signals with the switch when operated in front, back, left, and right positions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, corresponding to a number of functions such as accepting or rejecting an incoming telephone call, changing the volume or pausing music, navigating screens installed in the vehicle, and viewing documents stored in a storage device of the vehicle.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method includes displaying a status upon activation of the voice control by a display unit, the display unit being in communication with the control unit.

[0026] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures, which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and while the invention will generally be described in the context of these embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a system for operating voice controls of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a switch according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a switch according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a switch according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a method for operating a voice control of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a method for activating voice control of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a method for deactivating voice control of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Various features and embodiments of the invention herein can be discerned from the further description set forth below.

[0029] The present invention relates to a system and method for operating voice controls in a vehicle.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for operating a voice control for a vehicle 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the system 100 includes a switch 110, a control unit 120, and a safety gear 150. In one embodiment, the vehicle incorporating the system 100 is a saddle-type vehicle. Furthermore, the switch 110 is mounted on a handlebar (not shown) of the saddle-type vehicle. The control unit 120 further includes a communication module 130. The safety gear 150 further includes an audio input module 140. In one embodiment, the safety gear 150 includes a helmet worn by a rider, and the audio input module 140 is disposed within the helmet. The control unit 120 and the switch 110 are operably coupled to each other, and the control unit 120 is configured to receive an electrical signal from the switch 110. The communication module 130 in the control module 120 establishes communication with the audio input module 140 in the safety gear 150 via a wireless network. In one embodiment, the wireless network is provided through Bluetooth.

[0031] 2-4 show a switch 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the switch 110 is configured to be actuated by a rider in one or more positions 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, including front 110e, rear 110c, left 110d, right 110b, and center 110a in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The one or more positions 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e of the switch 110 correspond to different functions. In one embodiment, the switch 110 is a joystick that can be actuated in multiple directions. The switch 110 generates a corresponding electrical signal 160 based on the position of actuation. The corresponding electrical signal 160 is transmitted to the control unit 120 of the system 100.

[0032] In one embodiment, the switch 110 is configured to generate an electrical signal 160 for activating voice control when operated at a first predetermined time center position 110a. Upon actuation of the switch 110 at the first predetermined time center position, the electrical signal 160 is transmitted to the control unit 120. Upon receiving the electrical signal 160, the communication module 130 in the control unit 120 communicates with the voice input module 140 in the safety gear 150 via a wireless network to enable voice control, whereby the rider can give voice commands or queries as desired.

[0033] Upon delivery of an optional voice command or query, the rider may deactivate the voice control through the system 100. The switch 110 is configured to generate an electrical signal 160 for deactivating the voice control when operated at a second predetermined time center position 110a. Upon actuation of the switch 110 at the second predetermined time center position, the electrical signal 160 is transmitted to the control unit 120. Upon receiving the electrical signal 160, the communication module 130 in the control unit 120 terminates communication with the voice input module 140 in the safety gear 150.

[0034] In one embodiment, the switch 110 is configured to generate electrical signals 160 corresponding to multiple functions such as accepting or rejecting an incoming telephone call, changing the volume or pausing music, navigating screens installed in the vehicle, viewing documents stored in the vehicle's storage device, etc., when operated in the front 110e, rear 110c, left 110d, and right 110b positions in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Additionally, the switch 110 may be stand-alone actuated in the center 110a position to operate functions in addition to being actuated for predetermined times to operate the vehicle's voice controls.

[0035] In another embodiment, the system 100 includes a display unit (not shown) in communication with the control unit 120. The display unit is provided in an instrument cluster (not shown) of a saddle-type vehicle. The display unit is configured to display status upon activation of voice control by the system 100.

[0036] 5 illustrates a method for operating a voice control for a vehicle 200, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the method 200 comprises step 5A, activating a switch 110. The switch 110 may be activated by a rider of the vehicle. In step 5B, an electrical signal 160 is generated upon activation of the switch 110. In step 5C, the electrical signal 160 is received by the control unit 120. In step 5D, communication is established between the communication module 130 of the control unit 120 and a voice input module 140 disposed in the safety gear 150.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method 200 includes receiving, by the control unit 120, an electrical signal 160 corresponding to a position of the switch 110, the switch 110 being configured to be actuated in front 110e, rear 110c, left 110d, right 110b, and center 110a positions in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0038] The method 200 includes generating an electrical signal 160 by the switch 110 to activate the voice control when operated at a first predetermined time center position 110a. Additionally, the method 200 includes generating an electrical signal 160 by the switch 110 to deactivate the voice control when operated again at the same first predetermined time center position 110a. The control unit 120 deactivates the voice control when the switch 110 is not operated for a second predetermined time. The control unit 120 deactivates the voice control when no voice input is obtained from the rider for a third predetermined time.

[0039] In one example, the first predetermined time is about 2 seconds, the second predetermined time is about 1 minute, and the third predetermined time is about 1 minute.

[0040] In one embodiment, the method 200 includes generating electrical signals 160 by the switch 110 when operated in the front 110e, rear 110c, left 110d, and right 110b positions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, corresponding to a number of functions such as accepting or rejecting an incoming telephone call, changing the volume or pausing music, navigating screens installed in the vehicle, and viewing documents stored in a storage device of the vehicle.

[0041] In one embodiment, the method 200 includes displaying a status upon activation of the voice control by a display unit, the display unit being in communication with the control unit 120 .

[0042] 6 and 7 respectively show an exemplary embodiment of a method 200 for activating and deactivating voice control of a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 6, the method 300 includes step 6A in which the vehicle is turned on. The vehicle is driven by a rider wearing a safety gear 150 having a voice input module 140 disposed therein in step 6B. In step 6C, the control unit 120 determines whether the rider has actuated the switch 110. In step 6D, the switch 110, upon actuation, sends an electrical signal 160 to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 is configured to determine in step 6E whether the switch 110 has been operated for a first predetermined time. When the switch 110 is actuated at the first predetermined time center position 110a, the control unit 120 activates the voice control in step 6G and further displays the status on the display unit. When the switch 110 is actuated in the front 110e, rear 110c, left 110d, right 110b, and center 110a positions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the control unit 120 performs a function corresponding to the actuated position of the switch 110 in step 6F.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the method 400 includes the vehicle being turned on in step 7A. The voice control is activated in step 7B, and the communication module 130 of the control unit 120 communicates with the voice input module 140 disposed in the safety gear 150. In step 7C, the control unit 120 determines whether the rider has operated the switch 110. The switch 110, upon actuation, sends an electrical signal 160 to the control unit 120 in step 7E. In step 7F, the control unit 120 determines whether the switch 110 has been operated for a first predetermined time. When the switch 110 has been actuated at the center position 110a for the first predetermined time, the control unit 120 deactivates the voice control in step 7H, and further displays the status on the display unit. When the switch 110 is actuated in the front 110e, rear 110c, left 110d, right 110b, and center 110a positions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the control unit 120 is configured to perform a function corresponding to the position of actuation of the switch 110 in step 7G. In step 7D, the control unit deactivates the voice control when the switch 110 is not operated for a second predetermined time. Further, in step 7D, the control unit deactivates the voice control when no voice input is obtained from the rider for a third predetermined time.

[0044] Advantageously, the system for operating the voice control may be activated when the switch is actuated in the center push position for a first predetermined time, the switch being capable of performing a number of different functions when actuated in different positions. Furthermore, the system may be deactivated when the switch is actuated in the center push position for a second predetermined period, thus eliminating any risk of compromising the rider's privacy. Thus, the present invention may effectively eliminate the need for a standalone, separate switch for operating the voice control.

[0045] While the present invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims below.

Claims

1. A system (100) for operating a voice control of a vehicle, comprising: A switch (110); a control unit (120) operably coupled to the switch (110), the control unit (120) having a communication module (130); A safety gear (150) having an audio input module (140), the audio input module (140) configured to communicate with the communication module (130), wherein when the switch (110) is actuated, the audio input module (140) receives audio input from a rider and establishes communication with the communication module (130), wherein the switch (110) is configured to be actuated in one or more positions (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e) by the rider, the switch (110) generating a corresponding electrical signal (160) based on the position of actuation. A system (100) comprising:

2. 2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the one or more positions (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e) at which the switch (110) can be actuated are front (110e), rear (110c), left (110d), right (110b), and center (110a) in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

3. 2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the switch (110) is configured to generate an electrical signal (160) for activating a voice control when operated in the center position (110a) for a first predetermined time.

4. 4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the switch (110) is configured to generate an electrical signal (160) for deactivating voice control when operated again in the center position (110a) for the first predetermined time.

5. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to deactivate voice control when the switch is not operated for a second predetermined time.

6. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to deactivate the voice control when the voice control is unused for a third predetermined time period.

7. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the switch (110) is configured to generate electrical signals (160) corresponding to a number of functions, such as accepting or rejecting an incoming telephone call, changing the volume or pausing music, navigating screens installed in the vehicle, and viewing documents stored in a storage device of the vehicle when operated in the front (110e), rear (110c), left (110d), and right (110b) positions in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

8. 8. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (120) is configured to perform a predetermined function based on the corresponding electrical signal (160) generated by the switch (110).

9. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle with the switch (110) mounted on a handlebar of the saddle-type vehicle.

10. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the safety gear (150) comprises a helmet worn by the rider.

11. The system (100) of claim 1 , wherein the communication module (130) and the audio input module (140) communicate over a wireless network.

12. 2. The system (100) of claim 1, comprising a display unit in communication with the control unit (120), the display unit configured to display a status upon activation of voice control.

13. A method (200) for operating a voice control of a vehicle, comprising: activating (210) a switch (110); generating (220) an electrical signal (160) by said switch (110); receiving (230) said electrical signal (160) by a control unit (120); Establishing (240) communication between a communication module (130) of said control unit (120) and a voice input module (140) disposed in a safety gear (150); The method (200).

14. 14. The method (200) of claim 13, comprising receiving, by the control unit (120), an electrical signal (160) corresponding to a position of the switch (110), the switch (110) being configured to be operated in front (110e), rear (110c), left (110d), right (110b), and center (110a) positions in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

15. 15. The method (200) of claim 14, comprising generating, by the switch (110), an electrical signal (160) for activating a voice control when operated in the central position (110a) for a first predetermined time.

16. 16. The method (200) of claim 15, comprising generating, by the switch (110), an electrical signal (160) for deactivating voice control when the switch (110) is again operated in the center position (110a) for the first predetermined time.

17. 16. The method (200) of claim 15, comprising deactivating, by the control unit (120), voice control when the switch (110) is not operated for a second predetermined time.

18. 16. The method (200) of claim 15, comprising the step of deactivating, by the control unit (120), a voice control when the voice control is not used for a third predetermined time period.

19. 14. The method (200) of claim 13, comprising generating, by the switch (110), electrical signals (160) corresponding to a number of functions, such as accepting or rejecting an incoming telephone call, changing the volume or pausing music, navigating screens installed in the vehicle, and viewing documents stored in a storage device of the vehicle, when operated in the front (110e), rear (110c), left (110d), and right (110b) positions in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

20. 14. The method (200) of claim 13, comprising displaying a status upon activation of voice control by a display unit, said display unit being in communication with said control unit (120).

Images