A system for illumination control in a vehicle and a method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a system (100) for illumination control in a vehicle (10) and a method (200) thereof. The system (100) has one or more sensors (110) to generate sensor information pertaining to one or more parameters of the vehicle (10) in real- time. The system (100) further has an illumination assembly (120) to illuminate a region surrounding the vehicle (10). Furthermore, the system (100) has a control unit (130) to receive the sensor information and compare the sensor information with one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions. Lastly, the control unit (130) is configured to operate, the illumination assembly (120), to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10) based on a comparison of the sensor information with the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A SYSTEM FOR ILLUMINATION CONTROL IN A VEHICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for illumination control in the vehicle and a method thereof.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] Generally, vehicles are provided with a headlamp assembly in front of the vehicle for illuminating a road or a path ahead of the vehicles. The headlamp assembly has headlights which helps in illuminating the road or the path ahead of the vehicles. Conventionally, the operation of the headlights is manually controlled by a user of the vehicle. However, the manual operation of the headlights leads to certain problems such as the user sometimes forget to turn ON and turn OFF the headlights, thereby leading to visibility issues of the road / terrain to the user. The user often forgets to turn the headlights ON at dusk / dark conditions, and may also forget to turn the headlights OFF at dawn / well-lit areas. Further, the manual operation of the headlights also leads to inappropriate use of high beam in the vehicle. The user may forget to switch from the high beam to low beam in oncoming traffic situations, thereby causing glare and potentially blinding other drivers of the vehicle.

[0006]

[0003] Further, the manual operation of the headlights is unable to provide adequate response to changing conditions such as ambient light variations, weather conditions, and the like. The conventionally available systems are unable to adjust quickly enough to changes in the ambient light, such as during entering or exiting a tunnel as the same intensity of light is not required at all times. Further, situations such as sudden changes in weather, like fog or rain, are not adequately addressed by the conventionally available systems, thereby leading to poor visibility.

[0004] Further, the conventional headlights in the vehicles are provided with a fixed beam direction which does not account for changes in the vehicle’s orientation, especially during turns. The headlights are mounted at a single place, so that the position of the headlights is fixed in the vehicle. Therefore, while turning, the fixed headlight beam continues to point straight ahead leaving the direction of the turn nonilluminated, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Hence, when the vehicle is taking a sharp turn, the headlights in the vehicle are targeted to a fixed point, but not to the correct direction, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and other collision events.

[0007]

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a system for illumination control in a vehicle and a method thereof to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for illumination control in a vehicle. The system has one or more sensors disposed in the vehicle. Each of the one or more sensors are adapted to generate sensor information pertaining to one or more parameters of the vehicle in real-time. The system further has an illumination assembly and a control unit. The illumination assembly has at least one illumination source and the illumination assembly is disposed on the vehicle. The illumination assembly is operable to illuminate a region surrounding the vehicle. Furthermore, the control unit is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and the illumination assembly. The control unit is configured to receive the sensor information in the realtime from the one or more sensors and compare the sensor information with one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions. Lastly, the control unit is configured to operate, the illumination assembly, to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle based on a comparison of the sensor information with the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions.

[0010]

[0007] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors comprises: a vehicle speed sensor adapted to generate a vehicle speed information pertaining to a speed of the vehicle in the real-time; an ambient light sensor adapted to generate an intensity informationpertaining to an ambient light surrounding the vehicle in the real-time; a rotary position sensor adapted to generate a rotary position information of a steering assembly of the vehicle in the real-time; a vehicle image sensor adapted to generate an image information pertaining to an oncoming vehicle detection in the real-time; and a LIDAR sensor adapted to generate a turn information pertaining to an oncoming turn detection in the real-time.

[0011]

[0008] In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions comprise at least one of: the intensity information being less than a first predetermined value; the vehicle speed information being greater than a second predetermined value the rotational position information being greater than a third predetermined value; and the turn information and the image information being greater than a fourth predetermined value.

[0012]

[0009] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive the intensity information in the real-time; determine, if the received intensity information in the realtime exceeds the first predetermined value; activate the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the received intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value; and deactivate the illumination assembly in the vehicle, when the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value.

[0013]

[0010] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive the vehicle speed information in the real-time, when the intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value; determine, if the vehicle speed information in the realtime exceeds the second predetermined value; activate the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value; adjust an intensity of the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value; and deactivate the illumination assembly in the vehicle, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time is less than the second predetermined value.[Oil] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive the rotational position information in the real-time; determine, if the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value; activate the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value; and adjust a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value.

[0014]

[0012] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time; determine, if at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value; and adjust a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when at least one of: the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value.

[0015]

[0013] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to check the sensor information and illumination information of the illumination assembly for determining one or more errors; notify a user of the vehicle, based on a determination of the one or more errors in at least one of the sensor information and the illumination information; and activate the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, based on a failed determination of the one or more errors.

[0016]

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for illumination control in a vehicle. The method has the step of receiving, by a control unit, sensor information in real-time from one or more sensors. Further, the method has the step of comparing, by the control unit, the sensor information with one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions. Furthermore, the method has the step of operating, by the control unit, the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle based on a comparison of the sensor information with the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions.

[0015] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors comprises: a vehicle speed sensor adapted to generate vehicle speed information pertaining to speed of the vehicle in the real-time; an ambient light sensor adapted to generate an intensity information pertaining to an ambient light surrounding the vehicle in the real-time; a rotary position sensor adapted to generate rotary position information of a steering assembly of the vehicle in the real-time; a vehicle image sensor adapted to generate image information pertaining to an oncoming vehicle detection in the real-time; and a LIDAR sensor adapted to generate turn information pertaining to an oncoming turn detection in the real-time.

[0017]

[0016] In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions comprise at least one of: the intensity information being less than a first predetermined value; the vehicle speed information being greater than a second predetermined value the rotational position information being greater than a third predetermined value; and the turn information and the image information being greater than a fourth predetermined value.

[0018]

[0017] In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: receiving, by the control unit, the intensity information in the real-time; determining, by the control unit, if the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value; activating, by the control unit, the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the received intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value; and deactivating, by the control unit, the illumination assembly in the vehicle, when the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value.

[0019]

[0018] In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: receiving, by the control unit, the vehicle speed information in the real-time, when the intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value; determining, by the control unit, if the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value; activating, by the control unit, the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceedsthe second predetermined value; adjusting, by the control unit, an intensity of the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value; and deactivating, by the control unit, the illumination assembly in the vehicle, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time is less than the second predetermined value.

[0020]

[0019] In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: receiving, by the control unit, the rotational position information in the real-time; determining, by the control unit, if the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value; activating, by the control unit, the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value; and adjusting, by the control unit, a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value.

[0021]

[0020] In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: receiving, by the control unit, at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time; determining, by the control unit, if at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value; and adjusting, by the control unit, a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, when at least one of: the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value.

[0022]

[0021] In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: checking, by the control unit, the sensor information and the illumination information of the illumination assembly for determining one or more errors; notifying, by the control unit, a user of the vehicle, based on a determination of the one or more errors in at least one of the sensor information and the illumination information; and activating, by the control unit, the illumination assembly to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle, based on a failed determination of the one or more errors.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]

[0022] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for illumination control in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a method flow diagram for illumination control in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for illumination control in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]

[0023] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for illumination control in the vehicle and a method thereof. The system and the method are configured to enable a user of the vehicle to ride the vehicle safely, thereby increasing the safety of the user. In an embodiment, the vehicle can be an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle can be a twowheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a trike, or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is the two-wheeled type vehicle. The terms “vehicle” and “two-wheeled vehicle” are interchangeably used in this disclosure. However, both the terms “vehicle” and “two-wheeled vehicle” are one and the same. The term “vehicle” is used in place of “two-wheeled vehicle” more often for brevity.

[0029]

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system 100 for illumination control in the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more sensors 110 disposed in the vehicle 10. The one or more sensors 110 are adapted to generate sensor information pertaining to one or more parameters of the vehicle 10 in real-time. In an embodiment, the term “sensor information” may refer to measurable characteristics that indicate state and performance of the vehicle 10 during operation. For instance, the sensor information may include at least one of a speed of the vehicle 10, an ambient light surrounding the vehicle 10, a rotary position information of a steering assembly of the vehicle 10, an oncoming vehicle information in the real-time, an oncoming turn information in the real-time, and the like. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 110 comprises a vehicle speed sensor 110a adapted to generate vehicle speed information pertaining to the speed of the vehicle 10 in the real-time, an ambient light sensor 110b adapted to generate intensity information pertaining to ambient light surrounding the vehicle 10 in the real-time, a rotary position sensor 110c adapted to generate rotary position information of a steering assembly of the vehicle 10 in the realtime, a vehicle image sensor 1 lOd adapted to generate image information pertaining to an oncoming vehicle detection in the real-time, and a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor 1 lOe adapted to generate turn information pertaining to an oncoming turn detection in the real-time, but not limited to these sensors 110.

[0030]

[0025] During vehicle movement, the vehicle speed sensor 110a monitors and procures the vehicle speed. In an embodiment, the vehicle speed sensor 110a monitors the vehicle speed based on speed of rotation of a wheel of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, if the wheel is rotated by ‘x’ speed in a clockwise direction, the vehicle speed sensor 110a accordingly captures the speed of rotation of the wheel of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the vehicle speed sensor 110a may be one of a Hall effect sensor, an inductive sensor, and the like.

[0031]

[0026] Similarly, during vehicle movement, the ambient light sensor 110b monitors and procures the ambient light surrounding the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the ambient light sensor 110b monitors the ambient light based on the intensity information surrounding the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, if the vehicle 10 is moving, the ambientlight sensor 110b accordingly captures the ambient light surrounding the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the ambient information may also be obtained from almanac data of the day. The ambient light sensor 110b is positioned strategically on the vehicle 10 (e.g., on a windshield of the vehicle 10) to detect the surrounding light levels. The output signal from the ambient light sensor 110b corresponds to the ambient light intensity, with a high signal indicating bright conditions (daytime) and a low signal indicating darker conditions (nighttime). In an embodiment, the ambient light sensor 110b may be one of a photodiode, photovoltaic light sensors, and the like.

[0032]

[0027] Further, during vehicle movement, the rotary position sensor 110c monitors and procures the information corresponding to the movement of the steering assembly (not shown) of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the rotary position sensor 110c monitors the direction in which the steering assembly is being turned by the user of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, if the vehicle 10 is moving, the rotary position sensor 110c accordingly captures an angular rotation of the steering assembly of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the rotary position sensor 110c is connected to or mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle 10 and detects the rotational position of the steering wheel. The rotary position sensor 110c generates an output signal which reflects the steering wheel angle, thereby indicating whether the vehicle 10 is traveling in a straight direction or making a turn. Therefore, the rotary position sensor 110c detects the steering wheel's rotational position, thereby providing the real-time information on potential turning manoeuvres.

[0033]

[0028] Further, during vehicle movement, the vehicle image sensor 1 lOd monitors and procures the information corresponding to the oncoming vehicle detection in the realtime. Also, during vehicle movement, the LIDAR sensor 11 Oe monitors and procures the information corresponding to the oncoming turn detection in the real-time. In an embodiment, the vehicle image sensor 1 lOd and the LIDAR sensor 1 lOe comprises at least one of a camera, radar unit, and the like.

[0034]

[0029] The system 100 further has an illumination assembly 120 having at least one illumination source. The illumination assembly 120 is disposed on the vehicle 10. Theillumination assembly 120 is operable to illuminate a region surrounding the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the illumination assembly 120 is an adaptive and automatic headlight toggling assembly. In a non-limiting embodiment, the illumination assembly 120 is a headlamp assembly of the vehicle 10 having one or more headlights for illuminating the region surrounding the vehicle 10. Therefore, the one or more headlights are the vehicle's primary forward illumination source, including low beam and potentially high beam.

[0035]

[0030] Further, the system 100 comprises a control unit 130 disposed in the vehicle 10 and is communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors 110 and the illumination assembly 120. In an embodiment, the control unit 130 is communicably coupled to each of the one or more sensors 110 and the illumination assembly 120 through a wired connection or a wireless connection protocols known in the art.

[0036]

[0031] In a non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 is the central processing unit for the system 100. The control unit 130 receives signals from the one or more sensors 110 and makes operational decisions based on an output from the one or more sensors 110. The control unit 130 controls the on / off state and luminosity of the headlights of the illumination assembly 120.

[0037]

[0032] The control unit 130 receives the sensor information in the real-time from the one or more sensors 110. The control unit 130 compares the sensor information with one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions. In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions comprise at least one of: the intensity information being less than a first predetermined value; the vehicle speed information being greater than a second predetermined value; the rotational position information being greater than a third predetermined value; and the turn information and the image information being greater than a fourth predetermined value. Lastly, the control unit 130 operates the illumination assembly 120, to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10 based on a comparison of the sensor information with the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions.

[0033] In a non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 receives the intensity information in the real-time. The control unit 130 determines, if the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first predetermined value corresponds to 400 lumens. Based on the received intensity information in the real-time, if the control unit 130 determines that the received intensity information is less than the first predetermined value, then the control unit 130 activates the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10. In a working example of the present invention, if the headlights of the vehicle 10 are turned OFF and the control unit 130 determines that the ambient light surrounding the vehicle 10 is less, then the headlights are turned ON automatically by the present system 100, thereby providing the safety to the user of the vehicle 10.

[0038]

[0034] In a non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 deactivates the illumination assembly 120 in the vehicle 10, when the received intensity information in the realtime exceeds the first predetermined value. This is mainly to save the battery of the vehicle 10, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the vehicle 10.

[0039]

[0035] Therefore, the present invention provides an automatic activation and deactivation system 100. In the system 100, the ambient light sensors 110b are positioned strategically on the vehicle's exterior to detect ambient light levels. When the ambient light levels decrease below the first predetermined value, indicating low light conditions, the ambient light sensors 110b trigger the automatic activation of the headlights. Conversely, when the ambient light levels increase above the first predetermined value, indicating sufficient natural light, the headlights are automatically deactivated.

[0040]

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the control unit 130 receives the vehicle speed information in the real-time, when the intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value. The control unit 130 determines, if the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second predetermined value corresponds to 90 kmph. When thevehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value, then the control unit 130 activates the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the control unit 130 adjusts an intensity of the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value. The control unit 130 deactivates the illumination assembly 120 in the vehicle 10, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time is less than the second predetermined value.

[0041]

[0037] Therefore, the present invention provides a dynamic light intensity adjustment mechanism. As described hereinbefore, the control unit 130 is connected to the vehicle's lighting system and equipped with the one or more sensors 110 to monitor ambient light conditions, vehicle speed, and other relevant parameters. The control unit 130 processes the real-time data from the one or more sensors 110 to adjust the intensity of the headlights accordingly. For example, during low-light conditions or when traveling at higher speeds, the headlights may be set to a higher intensity for improved visibility. Conversely, during well-lit conditions or when the vehicle 10 is stationary, the intensity may be reduced to conserve energy.

[0042]

[0038] In a further non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 receives the rotational position information in the real-time. The control unit 130 determines, if the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value. In a non-limiting embodiment, the third predetermined value corresponds to 45 degrees from the centre of a steering column on both the sides. When the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value, then the control unit 130 activates the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10. In yet another embodiment, when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value, then the control unit 130 also adjusts a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10, thereby providing the safety to the user of the vehicle 10.

[0039] In a non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 receives at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time. The control unit 130 determines, if at least one of the turn information and the image information in the realtime exceeds the fourth predetermined value. In an embodiment, the fourth predetermined value corresponds to at least one of an oncoming vehicle and an oncoming turn. When at least one of: the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value, then the control unit 130 adjusts a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0043]

[0040] Therefore, the present invention provides an adaptive beam direction control system 100 as described hereinbefore. The present invention utilizes the rotary position sensors 110c integrated into the vehicle's steering mechanism to detect the angle and direction of the vehicle's steering. When the vehicle 10 turns, the rotary position sensors 110c transmit information to the control unit 130, which adjusts the direction of the headlights to align with the direction of the turn. The system 100 therefore ensures that the illuminated area corresponds to the path of the turn, thereby enhancing visibility and safety during cornering manoeuvres.

[0044]

[0041] In the present embodiment, the control unit 130 checks the sensor information and the illumination information of the illumination assembly 120 for determining one or more errors. Based on a determination of the one or more errors in at least one of the sensor information and the illumination information, the control unit 130 notifies a user of the vehicle 10. The control unit 130 notifies the user of the vehicle 10 either through an instrument cluster (not shown) of the vehicle 10 or a device connected to the vehicle 10. The notification may be generated to the user in at least one of an audio alert, a video alert, a haptic alert, and the like. In an embodiment, the control unit 130 activates the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10, based on a failed determination of the one or more errors.

[0045]

[0042] In an example, if the ambient light is low (indicating night time or low light conditions), the headlights are initially turned ON with low beams for safety. Forvehicles with a high beam function (user-selectable or automatic), the system 100 checks if high beam is enabled. If the high beam is enabled and the ambient light sensor 110b reading confirms low light conditions), then the system 100 utilizes the camera to detect the oncoming traffic. If no oncoming traffic is detected, the headlights are switched to the high beam for improved nighttime visibility. If the oncoming traffic is detected, the headlights remain on the low beam to avoid the glare.

[0046]

[0043] In a further example, the rotary position sensor 110c reading is acquired to determine the steering wheel angle. If no significant turning is detected, the headlight lumens remain normal. If a turn is detected, the system 100 adjusts the headlight lumens for the turning manoeuvre, typically reducing the luminosity of the headlight on the outside of the turn to prevent the blinding of the oncoming users of the vehicle 10.

[0047]

[0044] Figure 2 illustrates a method flow diagram 200 for illumination control in the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 for illumination control starts at 202.

[0048]

[0045] At step 204, the method 200 receives the sensor information pertaining to one or more parameters of the vehicle 10 in the real-time from the one or more sensors 110. In an embodiment, the term “sensor information” may refer to measurable characteristics that indicate state and performance of the vehicle 10 during operation. For instance, the sensor information may include at least one of a speed of the vehicle 10, an ambient light surrounding the vehicle 10, a rotary position information of a steering assembly of the vehicle 10, an oncoming vehicle information in the real-time, an oncoming turn information in the real-time, and the like. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 110 comprises a vehicle speed sensor 110a adapted to generate a vehicle speed information pertaining to the speed of the vehicle in the real-time, an ambient light sensor 110b adapted to generate an intensity information pertaining to an ambient light surrounding the vehicle 10 in the real-time, a rotary position sensor 110c adapted to generate a rotary position information of a steering assembly of the vehicle 10 in the real-time, a vehicle image sensor HOd adapted to generate an image information pertaining to an oncoming vehicle detection in the real-time, and a LightDetection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor IlOe adapted to generate a turn information pertaining to an oncoming turn detection in the real-time.

[0049]

[0046] At step 206, the control unit 130 receives the sensor information in real-time from the one or more sensors 110. The control unit 130 compares the sensor information with one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions. In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions comprise at least one of: the intensity information being less than a first predetermined value; the vehicle speed information being greater than a second predetermined value; the rotational position information being greater than a third predetermined value; and the turn information and the image information being greater than a fourth predetermined value.

[0050]

[0047] At step 208, the control unit 130 operates the illumination assembly 120, to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10 based on a comparison of the sensor information with the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions. The illumination assembly 120 has at least one illumination source. The illumination assembly 120 is disposed on the vehicle 10. The illumination assembly 120 is operable to illuminate a region surrounding the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the illumination assembly 120 is an adaptive and automatic headlight toggling assembly as described hereinbefore.

[0051]

[0048] In a non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 receives the intensity information in the real-time. The control unit 130 determines, if the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first predetermined value corresponds to 400 lumens. Based on the received intensity information in the real-time, if the control unit 130 determines that the received intensity information is less than the first predetermined value, then the control unit 130 activates the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 deactivates the illumination assembly 120 in the vehicle 10, when the received intensityinformation in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value. This is mainly to save the battery of the vehicle 10, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the vehicle 10.

[0052]

[0049] In yet another embodiment, the control unit 130 receives the vehicle speed information in the real-time, when the intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value. The control unit 130 determines, if the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second predetermined value corresponds to 90 kmph. When the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value, then the control unit 130 activates the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the control unit 130 adjusts an intensity of the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value. The control unit 130 deactivates the illumination assembly 120 in the vehicle 10, when the vehicle speed information in the real-time is less than the second predetermined value.

[0053]

[0050] In a further non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 receives the rotational position information in the real-time. The control unit 130 determines, if the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value. In a non-limiting embodiment, the third predetermined value corresponds to 45 degrees from the centre of a steering column on both the sides. When the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value, then the control unit 130 activates the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10. In yet another embodiment, when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value, then the control unit 130 also adjusts a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10, thereby providing the safety to the user of the vehicle 10.

[0054]

[0051] In a non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 130 receives at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time. The control unit 130determines, if at least one of the turn information and the image information in the realtime exceeds the fourth predetermined value. In an embodiment, the fourth predetermined value corresponds to at least one of an oncoming vehicle and an oncoming turn. When at least one of: the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value, then the control unit 130 adjusts a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0055]

[0052] In the present embodiment, the control unit 130 checks the sensor information and the illumination information of the illumination assembly 120 for determining one or more errors. Based on a determination of the one or more errors in at least one of the sensor information and the illumination information, the control unit 130 notifies a user of the vehicle 10. The control unit 130 notifies the user of the vehicle 10 either through an instrument cluster (not shown) of the vehicle 10 or a device connected to the vehicle 10. The notification may be generated to the user in at least one of an audio alert, a video alert, a haptic alert, and the like. In an embodiment, the control unit 130 activates the illumination assembly 120 to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10, based on a failed determination of the one or more errors. The method, then terminates at step 210.

[0056]

[0053] In an example, a user ‘A’ is riding the vehicle during the night time conditions at 100 kmph. The headlights of the vehicle are turned OFF. The present invention detects that the ambient light surrounding the vehicle is not sufficient and also the speed of the vehicle is above the predetermined threshold. Therefore, the system of the present invention turns ON the headlights of the vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle and the user ‘A’ of the vehicle.

[0057]

[0054] In yet another example, the control unit 130 receives signals from the one or more sensors 110 of the vehicle 10 and determines the appropriate headlight operation. When the ambient light sensor 110b indicates bright conditions (daytime), the control unit 130 keeps the headlights off. When the ambient light sensor 110b indicates low light conditions (nighttime), the control unit 130 activates the headlights, potentially atfull luminosity for optimal nighttime visibility. Similarly, if the rotary position sensor 110c detects significant steering wheel movement (indicating a turn), the headlights are also turned and the control unit 130 may adjust the headlight luminosity. The control unit 130 may reduce the luminosity of the headlight on the outside of the turn to prevent glare for oncoming users of the vehicle 10.

[0058]

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram 300 for illumination control in the vehicle 10. The method 300 for illumination control starts at 302. The method 300 starts when an engine of the vehicle 10 is turned on. At step 304, a system check is performed to ensure the proper functionality of all components such as the one or more sensors 110, the illumination assembly 120, the control unit 130, and the like. If a system error is detected, then a fail-safe mechanism is triggered, potentially turning on the headlights after a set time delay.

[0059]

[0056] At step 306, the ambient light sensor 110b constantly monitors the surrounding light environment. Then, the method 300 checks whether the ambient light level is low or high at step 308. If the reading is high (indicating daytime based on a predefined threshold), then the headlights of the illumination assembly 120 are turned off, as shown at step 328.

[0060]

[0057] However, when the ambient light sensor 110b indicates bright conditions (daytime), then the method 300 moves to step 310 and checks the vehicle speed sensor 110a. At step 312, the method 300 checks the speed of the vehicle 10. If the speed of the vehicle 10 is below the threshold value, then the method 300 continues to check the speed of the vehicle 10. However, if the vehicle speed is above the threshold value, then at step 314, the method 300 activates the illumination assembly 120 of the vehicle 10. At step 316, the method 300 reads the image sensor 1 lOd and the LIDAR sensor HOe. At step 318, the method 300 detects an oncoming vehicle / oncoming turn. If at least one of the oncoming vehicle and the oncoming turn is detected, then at step 320, the method 300 adjusts the angle of the illumination assembly 120 of the vehicle 10. At step 322, the method 300 continues to monitor the sensor information and checks the ambient light level and the vehicle speed. As shown in Figure 3 at steps 324-326,if the ambient light is low and the speed of the vehicle 10 is above the threshold, then the illumination assembly 120 of the vehicle is activated / continues to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0061]

[0058] However, if at steps 324-326, if the ambient light is high and the speed of the vehicle 10 is below the threshold, then the illumination assembly 120 of the vehicle 10 is deactivated, as shown at step 328. At step 330, the method 300 checks for any failure in the system to make real-time adjustments to the headlight operation and if the failure is detected at step 332, then the same is notified to the user at step 334. The method 300, then terminates at step 336.

[0062]

[0059] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and a method for illumination control in the vehicle. The present invention enables a user of the vehicle to ride the vehicle safely, thereby increasing the safety of the user. The present invention provides an automatic activation and deactivation system of the one or more headlights. The present invention automatically controls the one or more headlights, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the overall system and method. The present invention further provides a dynamic light intensity adjustment mechanism, thereby adjusting the intensity of the one or more headlights based on the ambient light conditions.

[0063]

[0060] Furthermore, the present invention provides an adaptive beam direction control system and method. The present invention helps in controlling the angle and direction of the one or more headlights based on the ambient light conditions. Hence, the present invention provides a handsfree adjustment of the orientation of the one or more headlights of the vehicle. Additionally, the present invention provides convenience and comfort to the user leading to customer satisfaction. Therefore, the present invention provides an automatic control of the one or more headlights, thereby providing an enhanced user experience. The present invention further helps in avoiding the light towards the users of the oncoming vehicles.

[0064]

[0061] Hence, the present invention provides an adaptive and automatic headlight toggling mechanism which provides an improved visibility of roads at high speed ofthe vehicle and low ambient light conditions. The present invention utilises the existing ambient light sensor in an instrument cluster of the vehicle, thereby providing a cost-effective system to the user of the vehicle.

[0065]

[0062] In light of the abovementioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed system and method, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps provide solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the system itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.

[0066]

[0063] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable storage medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media”.

[0067]

[0064] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0068] List of Reference Numerals

[0069] 10: Vehicle

[0070] 100: System for illumination control in a vehicle

[0071] 110: One or More Sensors110a: Vehicle speed sensor

[0072] 110b: Ambient light sensor

[0073] 110c: Rotary position sensor

[0074] 1 lOd: Vehicle image sensor

[0075] 1 lOe: LIDAR sensor

[0076] 120: Illumination Assembly

[0077] 130: Control Unit

[0078] 200: Method for illumination control in the vehicle 300: Method for illumination control in the vehicle

Claims

1. WE CLAIM1. A system (100) for illumination control in a vehicle (10), the system (100) comprising:one or more sensors (110), the one or more sensors (110) being disposed in the vehicle (10), each of the one or more sensors (110) being adapted to generate sensor information pertaining to one or more parameters of the vehicle (10) in real-time;an illumination assembly (120) having at least one illumination source, the illumination assembly (120) being disposed on the vehicle (10), the illumination assembly (120) being operable to illuminate a region surrounding the vehicle (10); anda control unit (130) being communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors (110) and the illumination assembly (120), the control unit (130) being configured to:receive the sensor information in the real-time from the one or more sensors (110);compare the sensor information with one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions; andoperate, the illumination assembly (120), to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10) based on a comparison of the sensor information with the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (110) comprises:a vehicle speed sensor (110a) adapted to generate vehicle speed information pertaining to a speed of the vehicle (10) in the real-time;an ambient light sensor (110b) adapted to generate intensity information pertaining to an ambient light surrounding the vehicle (10) in the real-time;a rotary position sensor (110c) adapted to generate rotary position information of a steering assembly of the vehicle (10) in the real-time;a vehicle image sensor (1 lOd) adapted to generate image information pertaining to an oncoming vehicle detection in the real-time; anda LIDAR sensor (1 lOe) adapted to generate turn information pertaining to an oncoming turn detection in the real-time.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions comprise at least one of:the intensity information being less than a first predetermined value;the vehicle speed information being greater than a second predetermined value; the rotational position information being greater than a third predetermined value; andthe turn information and the image information being greater than a fourth predetermined value.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (130) being configured to:receive the intensity information in the real-time;determine, if the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value;activate the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the received intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value; anddeactivate the illumination assembly (120) in the vehicle (10), when the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (130) being configured to:receive the vehicle speed information in the real-time, when the intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value;determine, if the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value;activate the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value;adjust an intensity of the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value; anddeactivate the illumination assembly (120) in the vehicle (10), when the vehicle speed information in the real-time is less than the second predetermined value.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (130) being configured to:receive the rotational position information in the real-time;determine, if the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value;activate the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value; andadjust a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (130) being configured to:receive at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time;determine, if at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value; andadjust a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when at least one of: the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (130) being configured to:check the sensor information and an illumination information of the illumination assembly (120) for determining one or more errors;notify a user of the vehicle (10), based on a determination of the one or more errors in at least one of the sensor information and the illumination information; andactivate the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), based on a failed determination of the one or more errors.

9. A method (200) for illumination control in a vehicle (10), the method (200) comprising the steps of:receiving, by a control unit (130), sensor information in real-time from one or more sensors (110);comparing, by the control unit (130), the sensor information with one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions; andoperating, by the control unit (130), the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10) based on a comparison of the sensor information with the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions.

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more sensors (110) comprises:a vehicle speed sensor (110a) adapted to generate vehicle speed information pertaining to a speed of the vehicle (10) in the real-time;an ambient light sensor (110b) adapted to generate intensity information pertaining to an ambient light surrounding the vehicle (10) in the real-time;a rotary position sensor (110c) adapted to generate rotary position information of a steering assembly of the vehicle (10) in the real-time;a vehicle image sensor (1 lOd) adapted to generate image information pertaining to an oncoming vehicle detection in the real-time; anda LIDAR sensor (1 lOe) adapted to generate turn information pertaining to an oncoming turn detection in the real-time.

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions comprise at least one of:the intensity information being less than a first predetermined value;the vehicle speed information being greater than a second predetermined value; the rotational position information being greater than a third predetermined value; andthe turn information and the image information being greater than a fourth predetermined value.

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, the method (200) comprising the steps of:receiving, by the control unit (130), the intensity information in the real-time; determining, by the control unit (130), if the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value;activating, by the control unit (130), the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the received intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value; anddeactivating, by the control unit (130), the illumination assembly (120) in the vehicle (10), when the received intensity information in the real-time exceeds the first predetermined value.

13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 12, the method (200) comprising the steps of:receiving, by the control unit (130), the vehicle speed information in the realtime, when the intensity information in the real-time is less than the first predetermined value;determining, by the control unit (130), if the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value;activating, by the control unit (130), the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value;adjusting, by the control unit (130), an intensity of the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the vehicle speed information in the real-time exceeds the second predetermined value; and deactivating, by the control unit (130), the illumination assembly (120) in the vehicle (10), when the vehicle speed information in the real-time is less than the second predetermined value.

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, the method (200) comprising the steps of:receiving, by the control unit (130), the rotational position information in the real-time;determining, by the control unit (130), if the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value;activating, by the control unit (130), the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value; and adjusting, by the control unit (130), a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when the rotational position information in the real-time exceeds the third predetermined value.

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, the method (200) comprising the steps of:receiving, by the control unit (130), at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time;determining, by the control unit (130), if at least one of the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value; and adjusting, by the control unit (130), a direction and an angle of the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), when at least one of: the turn information and the image information in the real-time exceeds the fourth predetermined value.

16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, the method (200) comprising the steps of:checking, by the control unit (130), the sensor information and illumination information of the illumination assembly (120) for determining one or more errors;notifying, by the control unit (130), a user of the vehicle (10), based on a determination of the one or more errors in at least one of the sensor information and the illumination information; andactivating, by the control unit (130), the illumination assembly (120) to illuminate the region surrounding the vehicle (10), based on a failed determination of the one or more errors.

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