Vehicle status communication system and method

Abstract

A system (100) and method (200) for communicating the vehicle status of a vehicle (190) to a user of the vehicle (190). The system (100) includes a vehicle Bluetooth module (112) located on the vehicle (190), a smart device (120), and a wearable device (130). The vehicle Bluetooth module (112) is configured to send vehicle information related to the vehicle status to the smart device (120). The smart device (120) has a smart device data analysis module (124) configured to analyze the received vehicle information and generate a signal based on the analysis. The signal is sent to the wearable device (130). The wearable device (130) is configured to generate and play a unique predetermined audio sound selected from a set of predetermined audio sounds to the user based on the received signal. The present invention provides vehicle status information without distraction and without additional parts / apparatus.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for communicating the vehicle status of a vehicle, and more particularly to a system and method for communicating the vehicle status to a user of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Existing vehicles, such as motorcycles and tricycles, have several subsystems that are interconnected to ensure the smooth operation and running of the vehicle. Information about the operation and function of these subsystems is communicated and displayed to the rider / user of the vehicle using a lidar display or by other parts of the vehicle.

[0003] Each of these subsystems has sensors, transducers, and actuators to communicate the status of the vehicle's parts and components to the control unit and ultimately to the user. For example, when the rider is turning or running low on fuel, an indication communicating these extraordinary states of these systems is provided to the vehicle occupant / rider / user through graphical, lighting, tactile, audio media, etc. The indication may be provided through a buzzer, a vibration module mounted on the vehicle, etc. For example, for a lighting channel, a series of LEDs or different illumination levels of LEDs may be used. Similarly, for an indication through a graphics channel, a text message or a graphic image may be used.

[0004] Sensors, actuators, lamps, and loads are connected on the vehicle by wires or through a vehicle network. Features such as direction, side stand status, and low fuel alerts are displayed through visual displays on the vehicle display or on the display of the rider's personal device connected to the vehicle. Additionally, during a riding situation, the rider may not be looking at the display of the rider's personal device while riding, so text messages, graphical messages, and lighting changes may go unnoticed. During a riding situation, vehicle status alerts provided to the rider through visual means without an audio alert may go unnoticed.

[0005] It is also known to provide a separate buzzer unit, if available in the vehicle, that indicates to the vehicle occupant / rider / user about the vehicle status through audio means, but audio alerts may also go unnoticed due to traffic noise, wind noise, or any other noise surrounding the vehicle.

[0006] Additionally, audio feedback requires an additional module on the vehicle. Similarly, haptic feedback requires an additional module, which increases the cost of the vehicle and requires space within the vehicle. Also, the vibration indication felt by the rider during the ride may be minimal or may be unnoticed / not felt at all. This may be because the vehicle itself vibrates while in motion or the rider cannot feel the vibration due to the layers of clothing they are wearing.

[0007] Furthermore, if an audio indication system is added to an existing system of visual and tactile indications, this increases the cost of the vehicle. Furthermore, to ensure proper reception of sound / audio to the rider's ears, the audio system must be optimally placed in a location within the vehicle to provide alerts to the rider. Additionally, in two-wheeled vehicles and some three-wheeled vehicles, space is a constraint for optimally placing the sound generating means so that it can be easily heard by the rider. This problem is less severe in four-wheeled vehicles, particularly because four-wheeled vehicles are usually enclosed spaces, making it easier to hear sounds in enclosed environments.

[0008] It can be appreciated that existing systems, working individually or in combination, are unable to adequately and efficiently display information about vehicle status to a rider. Using a combination of two or more systems from audio, haptic, and visual systems increases vehicle costs and can also confuse the user as to which display / system, i.e., sound, haptic / vibration, or visual text message, they should be aware of. This can be unpleasant, increase rider / user effort, and distract the rider, leading to safety hazards.

[0009] In known prior art, automobile mechanisms have been proposed to prevent drivers from operating mobile phones while operating the vehicle. With the advent of wireless wearable audio devices that can be connected to mobile phones, the risks associated with using mobile devices while riding / driving have been eliminated, and therefore such automobile mechanisms to prevent mobile phone use have become obsolete and are no longer useful. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and method for communicating vehicle status information to a rider / user / occupant of a vehicle that addresses at least the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a communication system for communicating a vehicle status of a vehicle to a user of the vehicle. The communication system includes a vehicle Bluetooth module located on the vehicle, a smart device, and a wearable device. The vehicle Bluetooth module is configured to send vehicle information related to the vehicle status to the smart device. The smart device has a smart device data analysis module configured to analyze the received vehicle information and to generate a signal based on the analysis. The signal is sent to the wearable device. The wearable device is configured to generate and play a distinctive predetermined audio sound selected from a set of predetermined audio sounds to the user based on the received signal. The smart device has an application module for receiving the vehicle information from the vehicle Bluetooth module.

[0012] In one embodiment, the system includes a server for storing and analyzing vehicle information for a historical time period. The server is configured to generate a vehicle behavior signal based on the analysis and send the signal to a smart device. The smart device is configured to communicate the vehicle behavior signal to a wearable device. The wearable device is configured to select and play a distinctive predetermined audio sound based on the received vehicle behavior signal. An application module is configured to send the vehicle information for the historical time period to the server at predetermined periodic intervals.

[0013] In various embodiments, the vehicle information includes data regarding vehicle speed, vehicle rpm, battery voltage, vehicle range, sensor data, and the like.

[0014] In one embodiment, the smart device data analysis module is configured to compare the vehicle information to a predetermined value, and the signal is generated based on the result of the comparison.

[0015] In one embodiment, the vehicle has an instrument cluster. A vehicle Bluetooth module is located within the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster is configured to send vehicle information to the smart device via the vehicle Bluetooth module. The vehicle has a plurality of sensors and a control unit. The instrument cluster is connected to the plurality of sensors via the control unit. The plurality of sensors sense and send vehicle information to the control unit. The control unit is configured to send the vehicle information to the instrument cluster.

[0016] In one embodiment, the smart device has a smart device mobile Bluetooth module for communicating the signal to the wearable device.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for communicating a vehicle status of a vehicle to a user of the vehicle, the method including receiving vehicle information at a vehicle Bluetooth module of the vehicle, sending the vehicle information received at the vehicle Bluetooth module to an application module of a smart device, comparing the vehicle information with a predetermined value via a smart device data analysis module of the smart device, and generating and playing a distinctive predetermined audio sound to the user of the vehicle via a wearable device, wherein the distinctive predetermined audio sound is selected from a set of predetermined audio sounds based on a result of comparing the vehicle information with the predetermined value.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method includes storing and analyzing vehicle information at a server over a historical time period, generating, via the server, a vehicle behavior signal based on the analysis of the stored vehicle information, communicating, via the wearable device, the vehicle behavior signal to a user of the vehicle, and generating and playing, via the wearable device, a selected distinctive predetermined audio sound to the user based on the vehicle behavior signal.

[0019] In various embodiments, receiving vehicle information includes receiving data regarding vehicle speed, vehicle rpm, battery charge, vehicle range, sensor data, and the like.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method includes sensing and sending vehicle information to a control unit via a plurality of sensors, and sending the vehicle information by the control unit to a vehicle Bluetooth module.

[0021] Reference will now be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. While the invention has generally been 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a system for communicating a vehicle state of a vehicle to a user of the vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for communicating a vehicle state of a vehicle to a user, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for communicating a vehicle state of a vehicle to a user in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for communicating a vehicle state of a vehicle to a user, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to systems and methods for communicating the vehicle status of a vehicle to a user, and more particularly to such systems and methods that use an auditory medium.

[0024] 1 illustrates a system 100 for communicating a vehicle status of a vehicle 190 to a user of the vehicle 190, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 100 includes a vehicle Bluetooth module 112 located on the vehicle 190, a smart device 120, and a wearable device 130. The vehicle Bluetooth module 112 is configured to send vehicle information related to the vehicle status to the smart device 120. The smart device 120 has a smart device data analysis module 124 configured to analyze the received vehicle information and to generate a signal based on the analysis. The signal is sent to the wearable device 130. The wearable device 130 is configured to generate and play a distinctive predetermined audio sound selected from a set of predetermined audio sounds to the user based on the received signal.

[0025] By way of example, the wearable device 130 may be Bluetooth-enabled headphones, a smart headset, earphones, earpods, a smart helmet, smart glasses, a smart watch, a smart band, smart jewelry, or the like. In one embodiment, the system 100 has two or more wearable devices 130 for each user / occupant / rider of the vehicle 190. The smart device 120 is a portable / mobile device having storage and processing capabilities. For example, the smart device 120 may be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistance device, a smart cell phone, or the like. The set of predetermined audio sounds may be a set of predetermined, distinct, short audio files playable for a short duration of approximately 2 to 10 seconds. The audio sounds may be repeated for a longer duration and / or repeatedly for a specified duration until the user takes a specific, distinctive action to snooze the sounds or cancel the playback of the audio sounds. Additionally, the predetermined audio sounds may be text-to-speech versions of existing text / warning messages.

[0026] In one embodiment, the smart device 120 includes an application module 122 for receiving vehicle information from the vehicle Bluetooth module 112 .

[0027] In another embodiment, the system 100 includes a server 140 for storing and analyzing vehicle information over a historical time period. The historical time period may be on the order of several months to several years, including the entire service life of the vehicle 190. The server 140 is configured to generate a vehicle behavior signal based on the analysis and send the signal to the smart device 120. The smart device 120 is configured to communicate the vehicle behavior signal to the wearable device 130. The wearable device 130 is configured to select and play a distinctive predetermined audio sound based on the received vehicle behavior signal. The application module 122 is configured to send the vehicle information over the historical time period to the server 140 at predetermined periodic intervals. The predetermined periodic time intervals may be on the order of several hours to several days or weeks. The predetermined periodic time intervals may be irregular for a particular parameter of the vehicle information of the vehicle 190.

[0028] In various embodiments, the vehicle information includes data regarding vehicle speed, vehicle rpm, battery voltage, vehicle range, sensor data, etc. Vehicle 190 has a plurality of sensors 114 and a control unit 116. The plurality of sensors 114 may include a speed sensor for sensing the speed of vehicle 190, a brake status sensor for sensing the status of brakes of vehicle 190, a side stand status sensor for sensing the side stand status of a side stand, etc.

[0029] In one embodiment, the smart device data analysis module 124 is configured to compare the vehicle information with a predetermined value. A signal is generated based on the result of the comparison. For example, a speed sensor communicates the speed of the vehicle 190 to the data analysis module 124 located on the smart device 120. The data analysis module 124 compares the vehicle's speed with a predetermined stored value and, if the speed exceeds the specified value, generates a warning signal that is communicated to the wearable device 130.

[0030] In another embodiment, vehicle 190 has an instrument cluster 110. A vehicle Bluetooth module 112 is located within instrument cluster 110. Instrument cluster 110 is configured to send vehicle information to smart device 120 via vehicle Bluetooth module 112. Instrument cluster 110 is connected to a plurality of sensors 114 via a control unit 116. The plurality of sensors 114 sense and send vehicle information to control unit 116. Control unit 116 is configured to send the vehicle information to instrument cluster 110. In another embodiment, vehicle Bluetooth module 112 may be located anywhere in vehicle 190.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, instrument cluster 110 receives vehicle information regarding vehicle conditions from a control unit 116, such as a vehicle controller-ECU (Electronic Control Unit), which is responsible for computing information / data from sensors 114 and actuators and transmitting the data via one or more communication channels (e.g., hardwire, CAN bus, wireless medium, etc.). A smart device Bluetooth module 112 resides in a smart device 120, such as a smartphone, and communicates with instrument cluster 110 to receive vehicle data and also communicates with a connected gadget (e.g., wearable device 130) to provide predetermined audio sounds / feedback. An application module 122, such as a mobile application, has predetermined values / threshold limits, and based on a comparison of the vehicle data with the threshold limits, the mobile application provides relevant audio feedback to the rider through a wireless wearable, such as wearable device 130.

[0032] As an example, the vehicle Bluetooth module 112 may be located in a speedometer. The speedometer / instrument cluster 110 is connected to other control units 116, such as a vehicle ECU, through a CAN bus network. Vehicle control switches 150, vehicle sensors 114, lamps, and a road 152 are hardwired to the speedometer. The vehicle Bluetooth module 112 in the speedometer is connected via Bluetooth to a mobile application 112 installed in a mobile phone (smart device 120). The mobile application 112 interacts with wired / connected earphones, connected gadgets, and transmits audio feedback to the rider of the vehicle 190.

[0033] In one embodiment, smart device 120 has a smart device mobile Bluetooth module 126 for communicating signals to wearable device 130. Wearable device 130 may be connected to smart device 120 through alternative communication means such as Wi-Fi, FlexRay, NFC, cellular networks, CAN, etc. Wearable device 130 may also be connected to smart device 120 by hardwire. Smart device 120 is also configured to receive the battery level of wearable device 130 in order to keep a check on the status of its own battery level, so that if the battery level drops below a threshold, it can communicate this to the rider of vehicle 190.

[0034] 2A is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for communicating a vehicle status of a vehicle 190 to a user, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Method 200 includes steps 210, 220, 230, and 240. In step 210, the method includes receiving vehicle information at a vehicle Bluetooth module 112 of the vehicle 190. Thereafter, sending 220 the vehicle information received at the vehicle Bluetooth module 112 to an application module 122 of the smart device 120, comparing 230 the vehicle information with a predetermined value via a smart device data analysis module 124 of the smart device 120, and generating and playing 240 a unique predetermined audio sound selected from a set of predetermined audio sounds to a user of the vehicle 190 via the wearable device 130. The unique predetermined audio sound is selected based on the result of comparing 230 the vehicle information with the predetermined value.

[0035] The set of predetermined audio sounds may be a set of predetermined, separate, short audio files playable for a short duration of approximately 2 to 10 seconds. The audio sounds may be repeated for a longer duration and / or repeatedly for a specific duration until the user takes a specific, distinctive action to snooze the sounds or cancel the playback of the audio sounds. Additionally, the predetermined audio sounds may be text-to-speech versions of existing text / warning messages.

[0036] In one embodiment, receiving 210 vehicle information includes receiving data regarding vehicle speed, vehicle rpm, battery voltage, vehicle range, sensor data, and the like.

[0037] 2B is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for communicating a vehicle status of a vehicle to a user, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the method 200 also includes sensing and sending 202 vehicle information to the control unit 116 via the plurality of sensors 114, and sending 204 the vehicle information by the control unit 116 to the vehicle Bluetooth module 112.

[0038] 2B , in another embodiment, method 200 includes steps 250, 252, 254, and 256. In step 250, the method includes storing and analyzing vehicle information in server 140 over a historical time period. Thereafter, via server 140, generating 252 a vehicle behavior signal based on the analysis of the stored vehicle information, communicating 254 the vehicle behavior signal to a user of vehicle 190 via wearable device 130, and generating and playing 256 a selected distinctive predetermined audio sound to the user of vehicle 190 via wearable device 130. The distinctive predetermined audio sound is selected based on the vehicle behavior signal. The predetermined periodic time interval may be on the order of a few hours to a few days to a few weeks. The predetermined periodic time interval may also be irregular for a particular parameter of the vehicle information of vehicle 190.

[0039] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 300 for communicating a vehicle status of a vehicle 190, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In step 302, when the ignition of the vehicle 190 is turned on, information regarding the vehicle status is received in step 304 at a Bluetooth module (e.g., vehicle Bluetooth module 112) located within the vehicle 190. In step 306, the method checks whether an external Bluetooth device (e.g., smart device 120) is connected to the Bluetooth module. In step 308, the vehicle information is communicated via a Bluetooth protocol to a mobile application installed on the external Bluetooth device. In step 310, the method compares the vehicle information with a predetermined value, and if a signal is generated based on the comparison, step 312 is followed by step 314, in which case an audio device is connected to the external Bluetooth device. In step 314, predetermined audio is played through the wearable device based on the comparison signal.

[0040] Advantageously, the systems and methods provided by the present invention enhance the user / rider experience and comfort by providing real-time vehicle status information without distraction and without the installation or addition of additional parts / equipment to the vehicle. Additionally, because the wearable device is worn by the user / rider and is a dedicated hearing device, the chance of missed alerts, which is significantly more likely when open speakers are on the vehicle, is eliminated.

[0041] While the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A communication system (100) for communicating a vehicle status of a vehicle (190) to a user of the vehicle (190), comprising: a vehicle Bluetooth module (112) located on the vehicle (190); A smart device (120); A wearable device (130) and Equipped with the vehicle Bluetooth module (12) is configured to send vehicle information relating to the vehicle status to the smart device (120); the smart device (120) has a smart device data analysis module (124), the smart device data analysis module (124) is configured to analyze the received vehicle information and to generate a signal based on the analysis, the signal being sent to the wearable device (130); 1. A communication system, comprising: a wearable device configured to generate and play to the user a distinctive predetermined audio sound selected from a set of predetermined audio sounds, the distinctive predetermined audio sound being selected based on the received signal.

2. 2. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the smart device (120) has an application module (122), the application module (122) configured to receive the vehicle information from the vehicle Bluetooth module (112).

3. 2. The communication system (100) of claim 1, comprising a server (140) for storing and analyzing the vehicle information, the vehicle information relating to a historical time period, the server (140) generating a vehicle behavior signal based on the analysis, and the vehicle behavior signal being sent to the smart device (120).

4. 4. The communication system (100) of claim 3, wherein the smart device (120) is configured to communicate the vehicle behavior signal to the wearable device (130), and the wearable device (130) is configured to select and play the distinctive predetermined audio sound based on the received vehicle behavior signal.

5. 4. The communication system of claim 3, wherein the application module is configured to send the vehicle information to the server over the historical time period, the vehicle information being sent at predetermined periodic intervals.

6. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle information includes data regarding vehicle speed, vehicle rpm, battery voltage, vehicle range, and sensor data.

7. 10. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the smart device data analysis module is configured to compare the vehicle information to a predetermined value, and the signal is generated based on a result of the comparison.

8. 2. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has an instrument cluster, the vehicle Bluetooth module is located within the instrument cluster, and the instrument cluster is configured to send the vehicle information to the smart device via the vehicle Bluetooth module.

9. 9. The communication system of claim 8, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of sensors and a control unit, the instrument cluster is connected to the plurality of sensors via the control unit, the plurality of sensors sense the vehicle information and send it to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to send the vehicle information to the instrument cluster.

10. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the smart device (120) comprises a smart device mobile Bluetooth module (126) for communicating the signal to the wearable device (130).

11. A method (200) for communicating a vehicle status of a vehicle (190) to a user of the vehicle (190), comprising: receiving (210) vehicle information at a vehicle Bluetooth module (112) of the vehicle (190); Sending (220) the vehicle information received at the vehicle Bluetooth module (112) to an application module (122) of a smart device (120); comparing (230) the vehicle information with a predetermined value via a smart device data analysis module (124) of the smart device (120); generating and playing (240) a distinctive predetermined audio sound selected from a set of predetermined audio sounds to the user of the vehicle (190) via a wearable device (130), the distinctive predetermined audio sound being selected based on the result of the comparison (230) between the vehicle information and the predetermined value; 1. A method for communicating a vehicle state of a vehicle to a user of said vehicle, comprising:

12. The method (200) storing and analyzing (250) the vehicle information at a server (140) over a historical time period; generating (252) a vehicle behavior signal based on the analysis of the stored vehicle information via the server (140); communicating (254) the vehicle behavior signal to the user of the vehicle (190) via the wearable device (130); generating and playing (256) the selected distinctive predetermined audio sound for the user of the vehicle (190) via the wearable device (130), the distinctive predetermined audio sound being selected based on the vehicle behavior signal; 12. The method (200) for communicating vehicle information of claim 11, comprising:

13. 12. The method (200) for communicating vehicle information of claim 11, wherein said receiving (210) vehicle information includes receiving data related to vehicle speed, vehicle rpm, battery voltage, vehicle range, and sensor data.

14. sensing the vehicle information via a plurality of sensors (114) and sending it to a control unit (116); sending said vehicle information by said control unit (116) to said vehicle Bluetooth module (112); 12. The method (200) for communicating vehicle information of claim 11, comprising:

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