Rider assistance system and method for a vehicle

Abstract

A rider assistance system (100) for a vehicle includes a communication module (130) that communicates with an external communication device (200) and a display module (120) for displaying information to the rider. The control unit (110) receives information from the external communication device (200), determines whether a predetermined riding event in a set of predetermined riding events will occur after a predetermined interval, receives a primary information set regardless of the occurrence of the predetermined riding event, displays it on the display module (120), and if it is determined that the predetermined riding event will occur after the predetermined interval, in addition to the primary information set, receives a secondary information set corresponding to the predetermined riding event before the predetermined interval and displays it on the display module (120). Here, the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rider assistance system for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for rider assistance for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] With the significant shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles in the vehicle paradigm and the development of rider assistance technologies, user interfaces and related features have advanced by leaps and bounds. These user interfaces or rider assistance systems are vehicle-specific and are expected to function as built-in assistance systems. The most prominent usefulness of these built-in assistance systems is to provide route information and navigation to the rider whenever needed. Existing conventional rider assistance systems available in the market are based on expensive operating system (OS)-based systems for displaying information. OS-based systems are not only more difficult to configure, but also increase costs and place a greater load on processor performance. Furthermore, conventional systems are configured to always provide a large set of information to the rider, which may serve to distract the rider during riding and may lead to a loss of driver attention. This loss of attention can, in severe cases, lead to traffic accidents. Moreover, the above-mentioned OS-based systems require a regular supply of current to perform their operations and display them on the screen. These conventional OS-based systems may impose an extra burden on the battery, especially in the case of electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles where power saving is an important issue.

[0003] Since conventional systems are equipped with heavy OS-based systems, usability for their users remains an issue. Furthermore, these conventional systems always require very large-sized data transfers, which can lead to inaccuracies in the system in irregular network situations. Also, most of this data consists of unnecessary information that is not always required by the rider.

[0004] Alternatively, if the rider uses an external device connected to the vehicle for navigation, the readability and handling of such an external device can cause inconvenience to the rider. Furthermore, the readability of the route information data is presented in a way that is difficult for the rider to read and interpret while riding in the vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a rider assistance system and method for a vehicle that at least addresses the aforementioned problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a rider assistance system for a vehicle. The system includes a communication module that communicates with an external communication device and a display module that displays information to a rider 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 predetermined riding event from a predetermined set of riding events will occur after a predetermined interval based on the received information. The control unit receives a primary information set from the external communication device regardless of the occurrence of the predetermined riding event and displays the primary information set on the display module. Further, if the control unit determines that the predetermined riding event will occur after the predetermined interval, it additionally receives from the external communication device a secondary information set corresponding to the predetermined riding event prior to the predetermined interval, where the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set, and displays the secondary information set on the display module.

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

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

[0009] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines each of the predetermined riding events on the rider's route based on a starting point and a destination selected by the rider, and is configured to add to the primary information set and display, prior to the predetermined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to a specific predetermined riding event.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines each of the predefined riding events on the rider's path based on the departure and destination selected by the rider, and is configured to receive information corresponding to each of the predefined riding events before the start of the ride.

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

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

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the secondary information set has a complete map image corresponding to a predefined riding event that occurs after a predefined interval.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the primary information set has a direction arrow for guiding the rider to navigate the vehicle through one or more predefined riding events existing along the route from the departure to the destination.

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

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle, the display panel is provided on the instrument panel of the handlebar of the vehicle, and the saddle-type vehicle is equipped with a visor for providing a front cover for the display panel.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the secondary information set further comprises one or more of audio feedback to the wearable device, visual feedback on a display panel or visor of the wearable device, or tactile feedback on a vehicle's handlebar.

[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 a departure and destination selected by the rider. In one embodiment, the one or more vehicle parameters include battery capacity availability, sensor and actuator normality, powertrain normality, and tire pressure.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to propose one or more solutions along the way to a destination selected by the rider if one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can optimize the route from a departure point to a destination selected by the rider based on at least distance, travel time, and one or more vehicle parameters.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for rider assistance for a vehicle. The method includes steps of receiving, by a control unit, information from an external communication device through a communication module. In the next step, the control unit determines, based on the received information, whether a default riding event among a set of default riding events will occur after a default interval. Further, in the next step, the control unit receives, from the external communication device and displays on a display module, a primary information set regardless of the occurrence of the default riding event, and if it is determined that the default riding event will occur after the default interval, an additional secondary information set corresponding to the default riding event is received from the external communication device and displayed on the display module before the default interval. Here, the secondary information set has a larger data size than the primary information set.

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

[0023] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the method includes steps of monitoring whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a default range corresponding to a departure location and a destination selected by the rider. In one embodiment, the one or more vehicle parameters are availability of battery capacity, normality of sensors and actuators, normality of the power train, and tire pressure.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the method includes steps of proposing one or more solutions on the way to a destination selected by the rider if one or more vehicle parameters are not within the default range.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the method includes steps of optimizing a route from a departure location to a destination selected by the rider based on at least pre-set favorite destinations, nearby attractions, and one or more vehicle parameters.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a display module for a rider assistance system. The display module has a thin film transistor (TFT) display panel configured to display data to a rider. The display module communicates with a control unit. The control unit receives information from an external communication device through a communication module and determines, based on the received information, whether a predetermined riding event of a predetermined set of riding events will occur after a predetermined interval. The control unit receives a primary information set from the external communication device regardless of the occurrence of the predetermined riding event and displays the primary information set on the display module. Further, if it is determined that the predetermined riding event will occur after the predetermined interval, the control unit adds to the primary information set and, prior to the predetermined interval, receives from the external communication device a secondary information set corresponding to the predetermined riding event, the secondary information set having a larger data size than the primary information set, and displays the secondary information set on the display module.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to determine each of the predetermined riding events on the rider's route based on a starting point and a destination selected by the rider, add it to the primary information set, and display, prior to the predetermined interval, a secondary information set corresponding to a particular predetermined riding event.

[0028] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to determine each of the predetermined riding events on the rider's route based on a starting point and a destination selected by the rider and receive information corresponding to each of the predetermined riding events before the start of the ride.

[0029] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a wearable device for a rider assistance system. The wearable device has a display module having a thin-film transistor (TFT) display panel configured to display data to the rider. 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 predetermined riding event of a predetermined set of riding events will occur after a predetermined 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 the occurrence of the predetermined riding event. Further, if it is determined that the predetermined riding event will occur after the predetermined interval, the control unit adds to the primary information set and, prior to the predetermined interval, receives from the external communication device a secondary information set corresponding to the predetermined riding event, the secondary information set having a larger data size than the primary information set, and displays the secondary information set on the display module.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device is worn on the head by the rider, and the display panel is provided on the visor of the wearable device.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are referred to, and examples of the embodiments may be shown in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. The present invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, but it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to these particular embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present invention generally relates to a rider assistance system for a vehicle, its method, a display module, and a wearable device.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a rider assistance system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the rider 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 smartphone or a tablet device that can be carried by a rider. It should be understood that the external communication device 200 has a network function connected to a map database 640 via a network such as VoLTE, LTE, or a 3G type network. Thus, the external communication device 200 can download data from the map database 640 as needed. The external communication device 200 further includes a messaging application 610, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-specific application 620 designed and provided in relation to the vehicle the rider is riding, and, if necessary, other applications 630.

[0035] In one embodiment, the communication module 130 that communicates with the external communication device 200 includes a wireless interface module 140. The wireless interface module 140 facilitates communication of the communication module 130 with the external communication device 200 via a wireless network such as Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.

[0036] The rider assistance system 100 further includes a display module 120 configured to display information to a rider 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, the information downloaded from the map database 640 by the external communication device 200 is communicated to the control unit 110 via the communication module 130 of the rider assistance system 100. Thus, the control unit 110 can process the data received from the external communication device 200.

[0037] As described above, the control unit 110 is configured to receive information from the external communication device 200 through 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 riding event of a predefined set of riding events will occur after a predefined interval. During operation, when the rider selects a starting point and a destination, the predefined set of riding events includes junctions, intersections, overpasses, underpasses, exits, etc. between the starting point and the destination selected by the rider.

[0038] In one embodiment, the predefined interval includes a predefined distance and / or a predefined time. Thus, in one embodiment, the control unit 110 is configured to determine whether a predefined riding event of a predefined set of riding events will occur after a predefined distance. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 110 is configured to determine whether a predefined riding event of a predefined set of riding events will occur after a predefined time.

[0039] 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 the occurrence of a predefined riding event. Thus, during operation, the primary information set is received or downloaded from the external communication device 200 and is displayed on the display module 120 under all riding situations throughout the rider's route. The control unit 110 is further configured to, if it is determined that a predefined riding event will occur after a predefined interval, in addition to the primary information set, receive a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined riding event from the external communication device 200 prior to the predefined interval and display the secondary information set on the display module 120. Here, 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 provided in the vehicle or the wearable device 300. Here, the display module 120, which is a TFT-based module, has no processing capability, and thus, the rider assistance system 100 is provided for the vehicle without the need for an operating system to facilitate the operation of the rider assistance system.

[0040] In one embodiment, the primary information set includes direction arrows that guide the rider to navigate the vehicle through one or more predefined riding events that exist along the route from the starting point to the destination. On the other hand, the secondary information set includes a complete map image corresponding to a predefined riding event that occurs after a predefined interval. During operation, when the rider selects the starting point and the destination, arrow images are always displayed along the route for navigation during the transition from the starting point to the destination. When a predefined riding event such as an overpass intersection, a junction, an exit, etc. is about to occur after a predefined distance and / or after a predefined time, a complete map image is displayed on the display panel together with the arrow image to enable better and more accurate navigation. As a result, the complete map image is displayed only to the rider just before a predefined riding event is about to occur, and thus, only the necessary information is displayed to the rider. Limiting the information displayed in this way also enables the data to be handled without the need for an operating system.

[0041] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 determines each of the predefined riding events on the rider's route based on the starting point and the destination selected by the rider, adds them to the primary information set, and is configured to display a secondary information set corresponding to a specific predefined riding event a predefined interval before. This means that the reception of information from the external communication device 200 occurs in real time along the rider's route, that is, the primary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and always displayed, while the secondary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and displayed only when a predefined riding event is about to occur after a predefined interval. This is ideal when the network situation is stable along the rider's route.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, when the network situation is irregular along the rider's route, the control unit 110 determines each of the predefined riding events on the rider's route based on the departure and destination selected by the rider, and is configured to receive / download the information corresponding to each of the predefined riding events before the start of the ride. This means that the reception / download of information from the external communication device 200 occurs before the start of the ride, i.e., the primary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 before the start of the ride and stored in the memory unit 170 and always displayed, while the secondary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 before the start of the ride and stored in the memory unit 170 and is only displayed when a predefined riding event is about to occur after a predefined interval. This enables smooth and accurate navigation even when the network situation is unstable or irregular along the rider's route.

[0043] As previously described herein, the display panel of the display module 120 is provided in the vehicle or the wearable device 300. In one embodiment, the wearable device 300 is worn on the head by the rider, and the display panel is provided in the visor of the wearable device 300. In one embodiment, as mentioned in FIG. 5, the vehicle is the saddle-riding type vehicle 10, and the display panel is provided in the instrument panel 600 of the handlebar of the vehicle 10. Further, the saddle-riding type vehicle 10 includes a visor 400 for providing a front cover to the display panel. The visor 400 enables avoiding glare as well as exposure to wind and damage of the display panel during riding. Further, to accommodate the visor 400 and prevent the visor 400 from interfering with the rearview mirror assembly, the mirror stems on both the left and right sides are extended, which eliminates the possibility of the mirror being soiled by the visor 400 during assembly and disassembly.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the secondary information set further includes one or more of audio feedback to the wearable device, such as voice instructions, visual feedback on the display panel or visor of the wearable device, or tactile feedback on the vehicle's handlebar, which enhances the primary and secondary information sets displayed on the display panel.

[0045] In a further embodiment, as referred to in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the control unit 110 is configured to monitor whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predefined range corresponding to the origin and destination selected by the rider. The one or more vehicle parameters include the availability of battery capacity, the normality of sensors and actuators, the normality of the powertrain, and tire pressure. Here, the control unit 110 is configured to propose one or more solutions on the way to the destination selected by the rider if one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range. The control unit 110 can optimize the route from the origin to the destination selected by the rider based on at least the distance, the required time, and one or more vehicle parameters.

[0046] As mentioned in FIGS. 2, 4A, 4B, and 4C, during operation, the rider opens the OEM application 640 on their external communication device 200 and selects their destination. The rider can select the destination based on their input that they can type, or based on a saved favorite destination, or through voice commands, or based on nearby candidates such as a station or a mall. When the destination is selected, a list of multiple route options for the rider to choose from is listed down. The rider can choose an option from the listed routes based on distance or travel time, or based on traffic conditions or tolls, or based on the vehicle's normality consisting of one or more vehicle parameters. Here, the control unit 110 is configured to monitor one or more vehicle parameters based on the destination before the start of the ride. The control unit 110 monitors vehicle parameters such as the availability of battery capacity, the normality of sensors and actuators, the normality of the power train, and tire pressure. If all vehicle parameters are within the predefined range, an optimized route is selected by the rider or the rider assistance system 100. The control unit 110 is configured to propose solutions such as a nearby charging station when the battery is low, or a nearby service station when the tire pressure is too low or when there is some problem with the power train or the battery, etc., if the vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range.

[0047] Thereafter, the optimized route is selected by the rider or by the rider assistance system 100. As previously mentioned herein, when the optimized route is selected, the primary information set and the secondary information set are communicated to the control unit 110 and displayed on the display module 120.

[0048] In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 3, the present invention relates to a method 500 for rider assistance while riding on a vehicle. The method steps included in method 500 are described below. In step 3a, information from the external communication device 200 is received by the control unit 110 through the communication module 130. The external communication device 200 comprises a smartphone or a tablet device that can be carried by the rider. It should be understood that the external communication device 200 has a network function connected to the map database 640 via VoLTE, LTE, 3G, etc. Thus, the external communication device 200 can download data from the map database as needed. The external communication device 200 further comprises a message application 610, an OEM-specific application 620 designed and provided in relation to the vehicle on which the rider is riding, and, if necessary, other applications 630. The communication module 130 communicating with the external communication device 200 comprises a wireless interface module 140. The wireless interface module 140 facilitates communication of the communication module 130 with the external communication device 200 via a wireless network such as Bluetooth, WiFi. In one embodiment, the information received by the control unit 110 includes navigation data from the external communication device 200.

[0049] In step 3b, based on the information received from the external communication module 200, it is determined whether a default riding event among the default riding event set will occur after a default interval. During operation, when a rider selects a departure location and a destination, the default riding event set includes junctions, intersections, overpasses, underpasses, exits, etc. between the departure location and the destination selected by the rider. In one embodiment, the default interval includes a default distance and / or a default time. Thus, in one embodiment, method 500 comprises a step of determining whether a default riding event among the default riding event set will occur after a default distance. In an alternative embodiment, method 500 comprises a step of determining whether a default riding event among the default riding event set will occur after a default time.

[0050] In step 3c, regardless of the occurrence of the default riding event, a primary information set is received from the external communication device 200 and displayed on the display module 120. Thus, during operation, the primary information set is received or downloaded from the external communication device 200 and displayed on the display module 120 under all riding situations throughout the rider's route. If it is determined that the default riding event will occur after the default interval, in step 3d, in addition to the primary information set, a secondary information set corresponding to the default riding event before the default interval is received from the external communication device 200 and displayed on the display module 120. Here, 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 provided in the vehicle or the wearable device 300. Here, the display module 120, which is a TFT-based module, has no processing capability, and thus, the rider assistance system 100 is provided for the vehicle without requiring an operating system to facilitate the operation of the rider assistance system.

[0051] In one embodiment, the primary information set includes direction arrows that guide the rider to navigate the vehicle through one or more predefined riding events that exist along the route from the starting point to the destination. On the other hand, the secondary information set includes a complete map image corresponding to a predefined riding event that occurs after a predefined interval. During operation, when the rider selects the starting point and the destination, arrow images are always displayed for navigation during the transition from the starting point to the destination along the route. When a predefined riding event such as an overpass intersection, a junction, an exit, etc. is about to occur after a predefined distance and / or after a predefined time, a complete map image is displayed on the display panel together with the arrow image to enable better and more accurate navigation. As a result, the complete map image is displayed only to the rider just before a predefined riding event is about to occur, and thus, only the necessary information is displayed to the rider. Limiting the information displayed in this way also makes it possible to handle data without requiring an operating system.

[0052] In one embodiment, each of the predefined riding events on the rider's route is determined based on the starting point and the destination selected by the rider. In addition to the primary information set, a secondary information set corresponding to a specific predefined riding event is displayed a predefined interval before. This means that the reception of information from the external communication device 200 occurs in real time along the rider's route, that is, the primary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and always displayed, while the secondary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 and displayed only when a predefined riding event is about to occur after a predefined interval. This is ideal when the network situation is stable along the rider's route.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, when the network situation is irregular along the rider's route, each of the predefined riding events on the rider's route is determined based on the starting point and destination selected by the rider, and information corresponding to each of the predefined riding events is received before the start of the ride. This means that the reception of information from the external communication device 200 occurs before the start of the ride itself, i.e., the primary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 before the start of the ride and is always displayed, while the secondary information set is received / downloaded from the external communication device 200 before the start of the ride and is only displayed when a predefined riding event is about to occur after a predefined interval. This enables smooth and accurate navigation even when the network situation is unstable or irregular along the rider's route.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the secondary information set further includes one or more of audio feedback to a wearable device such as voice instructions, visual feedback on a display panel or visor of the wearable device, or tactile feedback on the vehicle's handlebar, which enhances the primary and secondary information sets displayed on the display panel.

[0055] In a further embodiment, one or more vehicle parameters are monitored to determine whether the one or more vehicle parameters are within a predefined range corresponding to the starting point and destination selected by the rider. The one or more vehicle parameters include battery capacity availability, sensor and actuator normality, power train normality, and tire pressure. Here, if one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, one or more solutions on the way to the destination selected by the rider are proposed. In a further embodiment, the method 500 comprises the step of optimizing the route from the starting point to the destination selected by the rider based at least on distance, travel time, and one or more vehicle parameters.

[0056] As mentioned in the steps of the method shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, during operation, in step 4a, the rider opens the OEM application 640 on their external communication device 200 and selects their destination. In step 4b, the rider can select the destination based on their input that they 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 candidates such as a station or a mall as in step 4b4. When the destination is selected in step 4c, in step 4d, a plurality of route options for the rider to choose from are listed down. In step 4e, the rider can choose an option from the listed routes based on distance as in step 4e1, or based on the required time as in step 4e2, or based on traffic conditions or tolls etc. as in step 4e3, or based on the vehicle's normality consisting of one or more vehicle parameters as in step 4e4. Here, in steps 4e' and 4e'', one or more vehicle parameters are monitored based on the destination before the start of the ride. The vehicle parameters such as the availability of battery capacity as in step 4e''1, the normality of sensors and actuators as in step 4e''2, the normality of the power train as in step 4e''3, and the tire pressure as in step 4e''4 are monitored. If all vehicle parameters are within the predefined range, in step 4f, an optimized route is selected by the rider or the rider assistance system 100. If the vehicle parameters are not within the predefined range, for the facilitation of steps 4e', 4e'', 4e''', a solution such as a nearby charging station when the battery is low, or a nearby service station when the tire pressure is too low or there is some problem with the power train or battery etc. is proposed.

[0057] Thereafter, in step 4f, the optimized path is selected by the rider or by the rider assistance system 100. As previously described herein, when the optimized path is selected, in step 4g, the primary information set and the secondary information set are communicated to the control unit 110 and, in step 4h, are displayed on the display module 120.

[0058] Advantageously, the present invention provides a rider assistance system and method, the rider assistance system comprising assistance or route navigation data without using any operating system. This enables a simple and cost-effective system and method to be used in a vehicle, which is not only less expensive but also reduces the number of components and the difficulty in configuration. Further, the present invention ensures that the data required for navigation or route assistance is downloaded or received and displayed only prior to a predefined riding event as required, which makes it possible to use less data, prevents presenting unnecessary information to the rider, and avoids confusion of information on the vehicle's instrument cluster. Since the present invention does not use an OS, the amount of current required by the system is less compared to an OS-based system, which is important in the case of electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention enables route assistance to be provided in a stable network situation as well as in an irregular and unstable network situation.

[0060] Moreover, providing a display module having a display panel in a vehicle or a wearable device ensures better rider comfort and ergonomics since there is no need for an external device to be held by the rider or mounted on the vehicle.

[0061] The claimed steps discussed above are not common, customary, or well understood in the art, because the claimed steps enable the following solutions to existing problems in the prior art.

[0062] Although the invention has been described with respect to specific 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 following claims.

Claims

1. A rider assistance system (100) for a vehicle, comprising: a communication module (130) configured to communicate with an external communication device (200); a display module (120) configured to display information to a rider of the vehicle, the display module (120) in communication with a control unit (110), the control unit (110) comprising: receiving information from the external communication device (200) through the communication module (130); determining whether a predetermined riding event from a set of predetermined riding events occurs after a predetermined interval based on the received information; receiving a primary set of information from the external communication device (200) and displaying it on the display module (120) regardless of the occurrence of the predetermined riding event; and a display module (120) configured to: receive from the external communication device (200) and display on the display module (120) a secondary information set corresponding to the predefined riding event before the predefined interval in addition to the primary information set if it is determined that the predefined riding event will occur after the predefined interval, the secondary information set having a larger data size than the primary information set.

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

3. the predetermined interval comprises a predetermined distance and / or a predetermined time; The control unit (110) is configured to determine whether the predetermined riding event of the set of predetermined riding events occurs after a predetermined distance; and 2. The rider assistance system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether the predetermined riding event of the set of predetermined riding events occurs after a predetermined time.

4. The control unit (110) determines each of the predetermined riding events on the rider's route based on a starting point and a destination selected by the rider, and adds it to the primary information set to:

2. The rider assistance system (100) of claim 1, configured to at least one of: display the secondary information set corresponding to a particular one of the predetermined riding events; and receive information corresponding to each of the predetermined riding events prior to the start of a ride.

5. The rider assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the secondary information set includes a full map image corresponding to the predetermined riding event occurring after the predetermined interval.

6. 2. The rider assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the primary information set includes directional arrows that guide the rider to navigate the vehicle through one or more of the predetermined riding events along an origin and destination path.

7. 2. The rider assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a saddle-ride type vehicle (10), the display panel is provided on an instrument panel (600) on a handlebar of the vehicle, and the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) includes a visor (400) for providing front coverage for the display panel.

8. 10. The rider assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the secondary information set further comprises one or more of audio feedback to a wearable device, visual feedback on the display panel or visor of the wearable device, or tactile feedback on a handlebar of the vehicle.

9. 2. The rider assistance system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to monitor whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predetermined range corresponding to a starting location and a destination selected by the rider, and wherein the control unit is configured to suggest one or more solutions en route to the destination selected by the rider if the one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predetermined range.

10. the one or more vehicle parameters include battery capacity availability, sensor and actuator health, powertrain health, and tire pressure; 10. The rider assistance system of claim 9, wherein the control unit is capable of optimizing a route from an origin to a destination selected by the rider based on at least distance, travel time, and the one or more vehicle parameters.

11. 1. A method (500) for rider assistance for a vehicle, said method (500) comprising: receiving, by the control unit (110), information from an external communication device (200) through a communication module (130); determining whether a predetermined riding event from a set of predetermined riding events occurs after a predetermined interval based on the received information; receiving a primary set of information from the external communication device (200) and displaying the primary set of information on a display module (120) regardless of the occurrence of the predetermined riding event; If it is determined that the predetermined riding event will occur after the predetermined interval, the method (500) comprises a step of receiving from the external communication device (200) and displaying on the display module (120) a secondary information set corresponding to the predetermined riding event before the predetermined interval in addition to the primary information set, the secondary information set having a larger data size than the primary information set.

12. the information received by the control unit (110) includes navigation data from the external communication device (200), and the predetermined interval includes a predetermined distance and / or a predetermined time; 12. The method (500) of claim 11, comprising determining whether the predetermined riding event of the set of predetermined riding events occurs after at least one of a predetermined distance or a predetermined time.

13. Each of the predetermined riding events on the rider's route is determined based on a starting point and a destination selected by the rider and added to the primary information set to:

12. The method (500) of claim 11, wherein the secondary information sets corresponding to particular predetermined riding events are displayed, and information corresponding to each of the predetermined riding events is received prior to the start of a ride.

14. 12. The method (500) of claim 11, comprising monitoring whether one or more vehicle parameters are within a predetermined range corresponding to a start location and a destination selected by the rider, and if the one or more vehicle parameters are not within the predetermined range, suggesting one or more solutions en route to the destination selected by the rider.

15. A display module (120) for a rider assistance system (100), said display module comprising: a thin film transistor display panel configured to display data to the rider; The display module communicates with a control unit (110), the control unit (110) receiving information from an external communication device (200) through a communication module (130); determining whether a predetermined riding event from a set of predetermined riding events occurs after a predetermined interval based on the received information; receiving a primary set of information from the external communication device (200) and displaying it on the display panel regardless of the occurrence of the predetermined riding event; a display module (120) configured to receive from the external communication device (200) and display on the display panel a secondary information set corresponding to the predetermined riding event before the predetermined interval in addition to the primary information set if it is determined that the predetermined riding event will occur after the predetermined interval, the secondary information set having a larger data size than the primary information set.

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