A system and method for need based speed limiter

Abstract

The present disclosure envisages in the field of SPEED LIMITERS used in automotive vehicles The system (100) comprises a plurality of user devices (200) associated with a plurality of users in one-to-one correspondence, Centralized Traffic Controller user device (300), Terminal cum speed limiter device (400), Vehicle speed system (600) and a server (500). Terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is configured to vehicle speed system (600) which is configured to a vehicle. The server (500) through Traffic controller user device (300) creates need basis geofences including fusion / overlapping geofences (on the defined stretched of roads / lanes) and stores rules associated with each such geofences. Terminal cum speed limiter device (400) when it is found in a geofence including fusion / overlapping of geofences, gets instructions / messages from server (500) and communicate to vehicle speed system (600). Vehicle Speed system (600) configured to vehicle accordingly changes / regulates the speed of the vehicle which remains valid until Terminal cum speed limiter device (400) gets a new instruction / message from server (500) once Terminal is at a new geofence. The present disclosure provides a solution to create need-based speed limiter for vehicles i.e. different speed a different stretch of roads / lanes and at different times applicable differently for different model / types of vehicles.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEED BASED SPEED LIMITER

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention pertains to speed control of automotive vehicles (autonomous or otherwise), and in particular, controlling and limiting vehicle speed based on needs of different locations and traffic situation.

[0004] DEFINITIONS

[0005] As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicates otherwise.

[0006] Traffic Speed Management Rules: The term “traffic speed management rules” means rules defined by government authorities to manage the traffic of the vehicles in a city e.g. it includes, but not limited to, speed range from one traffic junction to the next, speed range from one traffic junction to the next for different type of vehicles, speed range for different traffic lanes, aerial routes etc.

[0007] User - User is an individual using public roads / routes through vehicle, it includes a traffic personnel appointed by government authorities to manage traffic situation of the city and at times carrying at least one one-to-one associated User device having the application stored therein with different type of accesses / rights as the role of the user demands.

[0008] Centralized Traffic Controller- The term “Centralized Traffic Controller” hereinafter refers to anyone who has been authorized by government authorities to define and implement the traffic speed management rules in the system.

[0009] Green Corridor / route: The term “green corridor / route” hereinafter refers a route which is created specifically by traffic management authorities, on real time need basis, providing free flow of the movement of vehicles i.e. on these routes stop traffic signal is not there or are minimal to ensure vehicles in emergency reach their destination faster.

[0010] User Device: This is any electronic device that has communication capabilities (e.g. through geo-positioning system). It is selected from the group, but not limited to a smart phone mobile, satellite phone, smart watch, a tablet, a laptop, a palmtop, a computing device, and a portable electronic device which can identify its location / position and having an application stored therein.

[0011] Centralized traffic controller user device: This is any electronic device that has communication capabilities (e.g. through geo-positioning system). It is selected from the group, but not limited to a smart phone mobile, satellite phone, smart watch, a tablet, a laptop, a palmtop, a computing device, and a portable electronic device.

[0012] Terminal cum speed limiter device: This is any electronic device that has communication capabilities (e.g. through geo-positioning system). It is selected from the group, but not limited to a smart phone mobile, satellite phone, smart watch, a tablet, a laptop, a palmtop, a computing device, and a portable electronic device which can identify its location / position including when it is in a geofence or near to a RFID system, NFC compatible devices and communicate with the connected device through wireless technologies e.g. through Bluetooth, WiFi etc. or wired connection. A terminal cum speed limiter device may or may not be having application stored therein. Terminal cum speed limiter device is configured to Vehicle speed system.

[0013] Vehicle Speed System: It means a system in a vehicle computer system including but not limited to engine computer system which controls the vehicle speed and communicates to various components of a vehicle (autonomous or non- autonomous and whether Non-Electric Vehicle, Electric vehicles etc.) which generate / regulate / control speed of the vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0014] Conventional vehicle speed limiters configured to vehicles limit the maximum speed level, as approved by local traffic speed management rules and, beyond which a vehicle cannot achieve speed. In general, conventional speed limiter systems are connected with ECU (Engine Control Unit) or other speed generating modules like in Electric Vehicles electric motorized drive etc.

[0015] The existing speed limiters are ensuring a maximum speed limit up to which a vehicle can get the speed, e.g. commercial vehicles used in mining / construction activities with speed limiter devices can get a maximum speed say upto 50km / hour. In absence of such speed limiter devices in commercial vehicles, used in mining / construction activity, which carry heavy load, in case of an unfortunate accident involving such vehicles with high speed, the impact is very severe and fatal in many cases. Similarly, commercial vehicles carrying passengers need to be careful as over speeding would result in heavy damage of property and lives.

[0016] The existing speed limiters do not address the issue of need of different speed limit at various different location and time e.g. a commercial vehicle carrying passengers and passing through a busy street during busy hours still can drive at maximum speed as per speed limiter even though the objective is to use the maximum speed at state / national highway or express way corridor and at busy routes within city actual vehicle speed should be lesser than what is approved for highways.

[0017] Similarly, in continuation to above example, same commercial vehicle carrying passengers should be allowed to run at higher speed when it’s a public holiday / late night hour when the traffic is not in above referred busy street or when a green corridor is created for emergency vehicles.

[0018] Similarly, personal passenger vehicles are required to follow speed limits of different zones, say near to a busy street or school, speed limit is 40 km / hour and on highway say vehicle is allowed to use a speed up to 120 km / hour, current speed limiter devices are not able to control the speed the vehicle at different locations. Therefore, there is felt a need to provide a system that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0019] OBJECTS

[0020] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:

[0021] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for need based speed limiter for automotive vehicles.

[0022] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system whereby different speed limits can be applied in the vehicle once a vehicle reaches a defined patch / location coordinates of a road based on traffic speed management rules imposed by government authorities.

[0023] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system whereby even more stringent speed limits can be applied in the vehicle once a vehicle reaches a defined patch / location coordinates of a road based on traffic speed management rules imposed by government authorities (e.g. parents may define stringer speed limits for the vehicle if their younger ones are going through a defined route for their safety).

[0024] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system whereby when a vehicle is found in an area where the vehicle speed is to be reduced as per traffic management rules at that time raising an alarm / signal to keep driver of the vehicle alert about the speed range of their vehicle at that time duration.

[0025] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system whereby a vehicle is forced to be at near stop speed by the user device with admin rights or centralized controller device if the vehicle or its passengers are found to be involved in an offence / crime.

[0026] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system whereby a vehicle is forced to be at near stop speed by the user device with admin rights or centralized controller device if the vehicle or its passengers are found going in opposite direction of permissible traffic flow direction allowed in a traffic lane on real time basis.

[0027] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] SUMMARY

[0029] The present disclosure envisages a system and method for need based speed limiter for automotive vehicles.

[0030] The system comprises a plurality of user devices associated with a plurality of users in one-to-one correspondence, a centralized traffic controller user device, Terminal cum Speed Limiter Device and a server.

[0031] The plurality of user devices is associated with a plurality of users in one-to-one correspondence. The user device has an application stored therein to facilitate the registration of user.

[0032] In an embodiment, the application in user device is configured to the terminal cum speed limiter device which is configured to the vehicle speed system.

[0033] In an embodiment, terminal cum speed limiter device is configured to directly receive messages / instructions from server and / or from user device and communicate to the vehicle speed system to align the speed of the vehicle.

[0034] In an embodiment application saved in user device allows the user to define the speed limits which are stringent to the speed limits defined by traffic rules for different stretches of roads / lanes and thereby control the speed limits of the connected vehicle through terminal cum speed limiter device.

[0035] In an embodiment, terminal cum speed limiter device is configured to vehicle voice / stereo system and dashboard display system of the vehicle to communicate with users of the vehicle about prevailing speed limit for the stretch of the road / lane and any change thereof to make the driver alert and capable to increase / decrease the speed manually as permissible.

[0036] In an embodiment, the terminal cum speed limiter device is configured to vehicle speed system. The terminal cum speed limiter device is communicatively connected to the server. The centralized traffic controller user device is configured to the server.

[0037] The server includes a repository and a geofence creator.

[0038] The repository is configured to store a set of pre-determined traffic speed management rules, a list of various roads, navigation map, vehicle model / type, various junctions, traffic signal junctions, accident prone zones and location coordinates to create geofence distance among various stretches of the road, speed limits rules associated with different stretches / lanes of geofenced roads and other relevant information corresponding to traffic management with safety, and a list of registered users and registration details pertaining to each of the registered users.

[0039] In an embodiment, geofence creator is configured to create geofence(s) and fusion / intersection / overlap thereof and thereby enabling the terminal cum speed limiter device to get notified from server (based on precise location coordinates) about the speed limit to be maintained and if vehicle is found at higher speed, then terminal cum speed limiter device communicates to vehicle speed system to force reduce the speed of the vehicle in a progressive manner. Once the terminal cum speed limiter device has revised the speed limit of the vehicle based on instructions received from server then that speed limit remains valid until terminal cum speed limiter device gets a revised notification / message / instruction from server while passing through another geofence or as per traffic speed management rules.

[0040] In an embodiment, server has a Coordinates assessing unit to assess the coordinates of user device or terminal cum speed limiter device. In an embodiment, server has a coordinates verification unit to verify the presence of user device and / or terminal cum speed limiter device found in geofences (overlapping, intersecting, fusion thereof or otherwise).

[0041] In an embodiment, sever has result generating unit to generate instructions for the user device and / or terminal cum speed limiter device as per rules saved in repository applicable to precise road stretch / lane etc.

[0042] In an embodiment, an application stored in user device is configured to receive the real-time message / instructions from the server if terminal cum speed limiter device is passing through a geofence(s) applied on the road stretch / lane as defined by centralized traffic controller.

[0043] In an embodiment, terminal cum speed limiter device is configured to receive the real-time message / instructions from the server if the vehicle having such terminal cum speed limiter device is passing through a geofence applied on the road stretch / lane as defined by centralized traffic controller.

[0044] In an embodiment, if a vehicle maintains a speed range limit as achieved through terminal cum speed limiter device while passing through a geofence and gets into a break-down situation, then user device or terminal cum speed limiter device has to request server for updated speed limit instructions for their real time location, basis the instructions / message received from server , terminal cum speed limiter device communicate to vehicle speed system to enable the speed of the vehicle to the revised updated level.

[0045] In an embodiment, once a terminal cum speed limiter device configured to the vehicle comes in a geofence, the terminal cum speed limiter device gets real time message / instruction from server about the applicable speed limit at that road stretch / lane and accordingly terminal cum speed limiter device communicates to vehicle speed system to reduce the speed of the vehicle if the speed of the vehicle is found to be more or reducing the speed as per stringent speed limits set by the user. In an embodiment, once a terminal cum speed limiter device configured to the vehicle comes in a geofence, terminal cum speed limiter device gets real time message / instructions from server about the applicable speed limit at that road stretch / lane and accordingly terminal cum speed limiter device, which is configured to vehicle speed system, communicates about revised speed limits ( mostly applicable when vehicle reaches at a stretch of road / lane wherein higher speed is permissible than the previous road stretch wherein terminal cum speed limiter device has force reduced the speed of the vehicle. Terminal cum speed limiter device is configured to dashboard and voice messaging system of the vehicle to keep informed the driver of the vehicle or vehicle speed system about updated speed limit at that stretch of the lane / road and enable the driver or vehicle speed controlling computer (in autonomous vehicles) to know the speed permissible for the stretch of the road and change the speed of vehicle suitably.

[0046] In an embodiment, once a terminal cum speed limiter device configured to the vehicle speed system or a user device connected with said terminal cum speed limiter device comes in a geofence, terminal cum speed limiter device gets real time message / instructions from server about the applicable speed limit at that road stretch / lane and accordingly terminal cum speed limiter device communicates to vehicle speed system and driver of the vehicle through a display signal or standard voice message, from connected audio / video system of the vehicle, that speed limit has been changed and the driver is at right speed or higher or slower to make the user / driver of the vehicle in alert stage.

[0047] In an embodiment, user device with admin rights is configured to send signal to server to activate / de-activate certain traffic management rules for a certain timeperiod at a specific road stretch / lane etc. e.g., request for implementing a rule of reduced speed limit to ensure near stop speed of a vehicle.

[0048] The server is communicatively coupled with centralized traffic controller user device and centralized controller user device has application stored in it. The present disclosure envisages a method for management of Need based speed limiter.

[0049] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

[0050] A system and method for Need Based Speed Limiter, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates block diagrams of a system of Need based Speed Limiter.

[0052] Figure 2 & 2A illustrates a flow diagram of method of Need Based Speed Limiter; and

[0053] Fig 3A to 3E & Fig. 4 elaborate it by examples.

[0054] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING

[0055] 100 - System

[0056] 200 - User Device

[0057] 300 - Centralized Traffic Controller user device

[0058] 400 - Terminal cum speed limiter device

[0059] 500 - Server

[0060] 502 - Repository

[0061] 504 - Geofence Creator

[0062] 506 -Coordinates assessing unit

[0063] 508 -Coordinates verification unit

[0064] 510 -Result generating unit

[0065] 600 -Vehicle Speed System DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0067] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0068] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and / or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0069] A system and method of need-based speed limiter, of the present disclosure is described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 3E, Fig 4.

[0070] Referring to Figure 1, The system (100) comprises a plurality of user devices (200) associated with a plurality of users in one-to-one correspondence, a centralized traffic controller user device (300), Terminal cum speed limiter device (400), Vehicle Speed System (600) and a server (500). The plurality of user devices (200) is associated with a plurality of users in one-to- one correspondence. The user device (200) has an application stored therein to facilitate the registration of user.

[0071] In an embodiment, the application in user device (200) is configured to the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) of the vehicle.

[0072] In an embodiment, terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is configured to directly receive messages / instructions from server (500) and / or from user device (200) and communicate to the vehicle speed system (600) to align the speed of the vehicle.

[0073] In an embodiment application saved in user device (200) allows the user to define the speed limits which are stringent to the speed limits defined by traffic rules for different stretches of roads / lanes and thereby control the speed limits of the connected vehicle through terminal cum speed limiter device (400).

[0074] In an embodiment, terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is configured to vehicle voice / stereo system and dashboard display system of the vehicle to communicate with users of the vehicle about prevailing speed limit for the stretch of the road / lane and any change thereof to make the driver alert and capable to increase / decrease the speed manually as permissible.

[0075] In an embodiment, the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is configured to vehicle speed system (600) and able to receive data from vehicle speed system. The terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is communicatively connected to the server (500). The centralized traffic controller user device (300) is configured to the server (500).

[0076] The server (500) includes a repository (502) and a geofence creator (504).

[0077] The repository (502) is configured to store a set of pre-determined traffic speed management rules, a list of various roads, navigation map, vehicle model / type, various junctions, traffic signal junctions, accident prone zones and location coordinates to create geofence distance among various stretches of the road, speed limits rules associated with different stretches / lanes of geofenced roads and other relevant information corresponding to traffic management with safety, and a list of registered users and registration details pertaining to each of the registered users.

[0078] In an embodiment, geofence creator (504) is configured to create geofence(s) and fusion / intersection / overlap thereof and thereby enabling the terminal cum speed limiter device (400 ) to get notified from server (500) about the speed limit to be maintained and if vehicle is found at higher speed, then terminal cum speed limiter device (400) communicates to vehicle speed system (600) which is configured to vehicle to force reduce the speed of the vehicle in a progressive manner. Once the vehicle speed system (600) has revised the speed limit of the vehicle based on instructions received from terminal cum speed limiter device (400) then that speed limit remains valid until terminal cum speed limiter device (400) gets a revised notification / message / instruction from server (500) while passing through another geofence or as per traffic speed management rules.

[0079] In an embodiment, server (500), has a Coordinates assessing verifying unit (506) to assess the coordinates of user device (200) or terminal cum speed limiter device (400).

[0080] In an embodiment, server (500) has a coordinates verification unit (508) to verify the presence of user device (200) and / or terminal cum speed limiter device (400) found in geofences (overlapping, intersecting, fusion thereof or otherwise).

[0081] In an embodiment, sever (500) has result generating unit (510) to generate instructions for the user device (200) and / or terminal cum speed limiter device (400) as per rules saved in repository (502) applicable to precise road stretch / lane etc.

[0082] In an embodiment, an application stored in user device (200) is configured to receive the real-time message / instructions from the server (500) if terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is passing through a geofence(s) applied on the road stretch / lane as defined by centralized traffic controller.

[0083] In an embodiment, terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is configured to receive the real-time message / instructions from the server (500) if the vehicle having such terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is passing through a geofence applied on the road stretch / lane as defined by centralized traffic controller.

[0084] In an embodiment, if a vehicle maintains a speed range limit as achieved through terminal cum speed limiter device (400) while passing through a geofence and gets into a break-down situation, then user device (200) or terminal cum speed limiter device (400) has to request server (500) for updated speed limit instructions for their real time location, basis the instructions / message received from server (500) , terminal cum speed limiter device (400) communicates to vehicle speed system (600) to enable the speed of the vehicle to the revised updated level.

[0085] In an embodiment, once a terminal cum speed limiter device (400) in the vehicle or a user device (200) connected with terminal cum speed limiter device (400) with the vehicle comes in a geofence, the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) gets real time message / instruction from server (500) about the applicable speed limit at that road stretch / lane and accordingly terminal cum speed limiter device (400) communicates to vehicle speed system (600) to reduce the speed of the vehicle if the speed of the vehicle is found to be more or reducing the speed as per stringent speed limits set by the user.

[0086] In an embodiment, once a terminal cum speed limiter device (400) in the vehicle or a user device(200) connected with said terminal cum speed limiter device (400) comes in a geofence, terminal cum speed limiter device (400) gets real time message / instructions from server (500) about the applicable speed limit at that road stretch / lane and accordingly terminal cum speed limiter device (400) communicates to vehicle speed system (600) about revised speed limits ( mostly applicable when vehicle reaches at a stretch of road / lane wherein higher speed is permissible than the previous road stretch wherein vehicle speed system (600) has force reduced the speed of the vehicle. Terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is configured to dashboard and voice messaging system of the vehicle to keep informed the driver of the vehicle or vehicle speed system (600) about updated speed limit at that stretch of the lane / road and enable the driver or vehicle speed controlling computer (in autonomous vehicles) to know the speed permissible for the stretch of the road and change the speed of vehicle suitably.

[0087] In an embodiment, once a terminal cum speed limiter device (400) in the vehicle or a user device (200) connected with said terminal cum speed limiter device (400) comes in a geofence, terminal cum speed limiter device (400) gets real time message / instructions from server (500) about the applicable speed limit at that road stretch / lane and accordingly terminal cum speed limiter device (400) communicates to vehicle speed system (600) and driver of the vehicle through a display signal or standard voice message, from connected audio / video system of the vehicle, that speed limit has been changed and the driver is at right speed or higher or slower to make the user / driver of the vehicle in alert stage.

[0088] In an embodiment, user device (200) with admin rights is configured to send signal to server to activate / de-activate certain traffic management rules for a certain timeperiod at a specific road stretch / lane etc. e.g. request for implementing a rule of reduced speed limit to ensure near stop speed of a vehicle.

[0089] The server (500) is communicatively coupled with centralized traffic controller user device (300) and centralized controller user device (300) has application stored in it.

[0090] The present disclosure envisages a System and method of Need based speed limiter. Figures 2 to 2A illustrate a flow diagram of a method of Need based Speed Limiter.

[0091] The steps include:

[0092] • Configuration of terminal cum speed limiter device (400) with the vehicle speed system (600) of the vehicle and programming of terminal cum speed limiter device (400) to understand the notification / instructions from server (400) or user device (200) and communicate to vehicle speed system (600); • User Registration, through user device (200) and configuring it to terminal cum speed limiter device (400);

[0093] • Storing, through repository (502), rules associated with geofence(s), coordinates of various routes, traffic junctions, lanes of the roads, permissible speed limits for the relevant stretches of the roads, lanes etc. as defined by traffic management rules and implemented / amended by traffic controller based on real-time needs;

[0094] • Defining stringent speed range limit rules applicable to configured terminal cum speed limiter (400), through the application saved in user device (200), within the permissible speed range limits as stored in repository applicable for the road / speed lane;

[0095] • Creating geofence(s) including fusion / intersecting / overlapping geofences, by geofence creator (504), for real time speed management on defined stretches of roads and / or lanes of roads;

[0096] • Communicating, through server (500), to terminal cum speed limiter device (400) instructions / message, , when the terminal cum speed limited device (400) is in a geofence, and in-turn communicates to vehicle speed system (600) and maintain the top speed range limit of the vehicle for a certain time / distance or until terminal cum speed limiter device (400) of the vehicle reaches next geofence and get revised instructions / message from server (500);

[0097] • Communicating, in case of Vehicle Break-down / stoppage in between two geofences, through terminal cum speed limiter device (400) or user device (200), by sending message to server (500) to share updated speed limit instructions applicable to that stretch of the road at that time and thereby enabling the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) to implement through vehicle speed system (600) real time speed range limit for the said vehicle based on its real time position; • Alerting the user / driver, by terminal cum speed limiter device (400), through audio / video system of the vehicle and to user device (200) to keep alert the driver and activation / de-activation of vehicle speed system (600) according to the instructions received from server (500);

[0098] • Special cases to implement speed limit, by user device (200) with admin roles, wherein a request is sent to centralized controller user device (300) or server (500) to implement a need-based speed limit rule by activating a geofences (intersecting / overlapping or otherwise) at a designated stretch / speed lane of the road for a certain time and duration.

[0099] FIG 3A to 3E are elaborative examples.

[0100] In an embodiment, Standard Speed Limit in km / hour for above road stretch for different model / type of vehicles

[0101] Lane designated for different type of vehicles in general:

[0102] FIG.3A explains a scenario wherein a road stretch with 3 speed lanes. The permissible flow of traffic is West to East. Geofences implemented to speed limit for different type of vehicles and lane to be used by different vehicles is as under.

[0103] Speed limit applied for geofence:

[0104] Here vehicles coming in with any speed are on entering into geofence 1 gets speed limit restriction of 50 km / hour, on entering geofence 2, speed limit restriction of speed to 40 km / hour and on entering into geofence 2, speed limit restriction of 30 km / hour.FIG.3B explains a scenario wherein a road stretch with 3 speed lanes. Permissible flow of traffic is West to East. Geofences implemented to speed limit for different type of vehicles and lane to be used by different vehicles is as under.

[0105] Speed limit applied for geofence:

[0106] Here vehicles coming in with any speed on entering geofence 1 and in Lane A, B or C gets speed limit restriction of 50 km / hour, on entering into geofence 2, speed limit restriction of speed to 40 km / hour for vehicles in Lane B & C, and on entering into geofence 2, speed limit restriction of 30 km / hour for vehicles in Lane B & C.

[0107] FIG.3C explains a scenario wherein a road stretch with 3 speed lanes. Permissible flow of traffic is West to East. Geofences implemented to speed limit for different type of vehicles and lane to be used by different vehicles is as under.

[0108] Speed limit applied for geofence:

[0109] Here in Lane C a truck at speed 70 km / hour (exceeding speed beyond permission) on entering geofence 1 and until next geofence, gets a speed limit restriction upto 50 km / hour, on entering into geofence 2 and until next geofence, gets a speed limit restriction of 40 km / hour and on entering into geofence 3 and until next geofence, speed limit restriction becomes 60 km / hour as applicable to trucks.

[0110] Further, in Lane B, a Bus at speed 100 km / hour (exceeding speed beyond permission) during & after geofence 1, gets a speed limit restriction upto 50 km / hour, during & after passing geofence 2, gets a speed limit restriction of 40 km / hour and during & after passing geofence 3, speed limit restriction becomes 70 km / hour which is still less than general speed limits to bus i.e. 80 km / hour.

[0111] Further, in Lane A, a Car at speed 90 km / hour during after geofence 1, gets a speed limit restriction upto 50 km / hour, does not get another geofence in that lane and continues with50 km / hour and during & after passing geofence 3, speed limit restriction becomes 70 km / hour which is still less than general speed limits to cars i.e. 100 km / hour.

[0112] FIG.3D explains a scenario wherein a road stretch with 3 speed lanes. Permissible flow of traffic is West to East. Geofences implemented to speed limit for different type of vehicles and lane to be used by different vehicles is as under.

[0113] Speed limit applied for geofence:

[0114] Lane A is occupied wrongly by a Truck at speed of 70 km / hour, during & after entering into Geofence 1 , it will start getting an alarm and speed restriction will be implemented with speed limit of 50 km / hour and during & after passing geofence 3 though speed limit will be changed to 60 km / hour, alarm of wrong lane will continue to and as per rules saved in repository , speed limit can be forced to lower levels.

[0115] Further, Lane B occupied by a Car at speed of 80 km / hour, during & after geofence 1 will get speed restriction of 50 km / hour and during & after geofence 2, speed restriction of 60 km / hour and during & after geofence 3 speed restriction of 90 km / hour.

[0116] Further, Lane B occupied by a Bus at speed of 100 km / hour , during & after geofence 1 will get speed restriction of 50 km / hour and during & after geofence 2, speed restriction of 40 km / hour and during & after geofence 3 speed restriction of 80 km / hour.

[0117] FIG.3E explains a scenario wherein a road stretch with 3 speed lanes. Permissible flow of traffic is West to East. Geofences implemented to speed limit for different type of vehicles and lane to be used by different vehicles is as under.

[0118] Speed limit applied for geofence:

[0119] Here, a Car is moving in wrong direction i.e. east to west at a speed of 20 km / hour. During & after crossing the geofence 3, it gets a notification through alarm about wrong direction movement and speed limiter activates and bring down the speed of car to near stop level to force driver of car to correct the direction. FIG. 4 explains the Vehicle Speed System (600), which includes ECM (Engine Control Module). Herein, ECM gets feedback from various sensors and through the processor it communicates various instructions to parts / components of vehicle.

[0120] The terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is configured to Vehicle Speed System (600) and in turn to ECM to read the readings of various sensors along with notifications from server (500) and thereby implement speed limit rules for respective lanes and vehicles moving in wrong lane / direction.

[0121] In an embodiment, rules saved in repository (502), can put speed limit only during the presence of terminal cum speed limiter device (540) in the geofence.

[0122] TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE

[0123] The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of system for need based speed limiter of vehicles, which:

[0124] • Address the technical issue of speed limiting of vehicles at defined road stretches as per traffic management rules.

[0125] • Addressing the technical issue involved in implementing near stop speed of vehicle / drivers involved in traffic rules violation or other unlawful activities.

[0126] • Implementing stringent speed limits for new drivers or young learners for defined road stretches to ensure they do not end up in accidents.

[0127] • Minimizing accidents and resulting damages due to speed violation by drivers.

[0128] • Implementing speed limit rules based on real time traffic congestion and thereby allowing time to traffic personnel to clear the traffic jam as limited number of vehicles would be allowed (due to slow speed) to keep coming in that direction. • Sending display message and / or voice message, through connected audio / video system of the vehicle, about speed limits once a vehicle is passing through a geofence created by system to keep awake and alert the drivers.

[0129] • Surprize element to drivers as geofence for speed limit can be created anywhere and anytime, ensuring the drivers are alert and law abiding, minimizing sever accidents, fatalities, and insurance costs.

[0130] • Different speed range limits can be implemented for different category of vehicles through the terminal and speed limiter device programming e.g., a geofence sending a signal to passing vehicle to maintain speed limit upto 60 km / hour will be implemented by a car speed control system as 60 km / hour and a heavy dumper will implement as 20% less (if programmed that way) from the geofence limit.

[0131] • During the heavy fog, heavy rains or low visibility situations, current invention can help to control the speed limits at designated patches / stretches of road and help in minimizing accidents.

[0132] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0133] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

[0134] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for Need Based Speed Limiter, said system (100) comprising:• user devices (200), a centralized traffic controller device (300), a terminal cum speed limiter device (400), a server (500) and a vehicle speed system (600);Characterized in that: o a plurality of user devices (200) associated with said plurality of users in one-to-one correspondence, said user device (200) having an application stored therein to facilitate said user to provide registration details based on one time password and allowing such user to connect their user device (200), to the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) configured to the vehicle speed system (600); o application stored in user device (200), to allow user to enter speed limits for different stretches of roads / speed lanes of the roads and set the rules which are below the speed limits set by traffic speed management rules; o a terminal cum speed limiter device (400) configured to:■ the vehicle speed system (600) of the vehicle, to communicate speed limit applicable at the road stretch / speed lane of the road, based on instructions / message received from the server (500) or connected user device (200) when terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is found to be in a geofence area or area of fusion / overlap / intersecting geofences, and thereby vehicle speed system (600) implements the speed limit of the vehicle through vehicle speed system;■ the audio / video system of the vehicle and user device (200) to communicate instructions / messages as per traffic speed management rules when the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is found in a geofence or fusion of intersecting / overlapping geofences; o user device (200) with admin rights, to communicate to the centralized controller user device (300) or server (500) to activate geofence (intersecting / overlapping / fusion of geofences) as per traffic speed management rules based on real time needs for a designated road stretch or speed lane;• a centralized traffic controller device (300) associated with server (500), to facilitate implementation of traffic speed management rules including the changes therein as the real time situation demands;• a server (500) communicatively coupled with said user devices (200), centralized traffic controller user device (300) and terminal cum speed limiter device (400), said server (500) comprising: o a repository (502) configured to store a set of pre-determined traffic speed management rules, location coordinates of various road stretches, speed lanes, traffic signal junctions, speed limits for different stretches of the road and lanes thereof, terminal cum speed limiter devices (400) configured to the vehicles in one-to-one correspondence etc.; o a geofence creator (504), configured to cooperate with said repository (502) and configured to cooperate with user devices (200) with admin rights and centralized traffic controller user device (300), to create the geofence(s) or fusion / intersection / overlap of geofences at designated places like stretches of roads / speed lanes of the roads basedon real time traffic situation / details and said traffic speed management rules; o a coordinates assessing unit (506), to assess the coordinates when a terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is in a geofence area; o a coordinates verification unit (508), to verify coordinates in how many geofence areas (including the fusion of intersecting / overlapping geofences) the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) has been identified and communicate to the server (500), to derive precise stretch of the road / speed lane of the road; o a result generating unit (510), based on location coordinates verification by coordinates verification unit (508), to provide applicable speed at said stretch and / or lane of the road, as per rules saved in repository (502), wherein terminal cum speed limiter device (400) has been identified.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a map is configured in said application stored in user device (200), to provide navigation details, as per traffic speed management rules, speed range limits applicable at designated stretches / speed lanes of the road (whether geofenced or not) and real time speed range limits applicable at designated stretches, as well as additional road stretches / speed lanes as created based on requests from user device (200) with admin rights, of the road once the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) is found in the geofenced or otherwise stretch / lane of the road.

3. The System (100) as claimed in claim 1, includes vehicle speed system (600) implemented in automotive vehicles whether Internal Combustion Engines operated vehicles, Electric Vehicle, Autonomous vehicles and connected vehicles.

4. A method to implement need-based speed limiter system, said method comprises the following steps:• Configuration of terminal cum speed limiter device (400) with the vehicle speed system (600) of the vehicle and programming of terminal cum speed limiter device (400) to understand the notification / instructions from server (400) or user device (200) and communicate to vehicle speed system (600);• User Registration, through user device (200) and configuring it to terminal cum speed limiter device (400);• Storing, through repository (502), rules associated with geofence(s), coordinates of various routes, traffic junctions, lanes of the roads, permissible speed limits for the relevant stretches of the roads, lanes etc. as defined by traffic management rules and implemented / amended by traffic controller based on real-time needs;• Defining stringent speed range limit rules applicable to configured terminal cum speed limiter (400), through the application saved in user device (200), within the permissible speed range limits as stored in repository applicable for the road / speed lane;• Creating geofence(s) including fusion / intersecting / overlapping geofences, by geofence creator (504), for real time speed management on defined stretches of roads and / or lanes of roads;• Communicating, through server (500), to terminal cum speed limiter device (400) instructions / message, , when the terminal cum speed limited device (400) is in a geofence, and in-turn communicates to vehicle speed system (600) and maintain the top speed range limit of the vehicle for a certain time / distance or until terminal cum speed limiter device (400) of the vehicle reaches next geofence and get revised instructions / message from server (500);• Communicating, in case of Vehicle Break-down / stoppage in between two geofences, through terminal cum speed limiter device(400) or user device (200), by sending message to server (500) to share updated speed limit instructions applicable to that stretch of the road at that time and thereby enabling the terminal cum speed limiter device (400) to implement through vehicle speed system (600) real time speed range limit for the said vehicle based on its real time position;• Alerting the user / driver, by terminal cum speed limiter device (400), through audio / video system of the vehicle and to user device (200) to keep alert the driver and activation / de-activation of vehicle speed system (600) according to the instructions received from server (500);• Special cases to implement speed limit, by user device (200) with admin roles, wherein a request is sent to centralized controller user device (300) or server (500) to implement a need-based speed limit rule by activating a geofences (intersecting / overlapping or otherwise) at a designated stretch / speed lane of the road for a certain time and duration.

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