A system for operating one or more functions in a vehicle and a method thereof
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure IN2025051026_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION
[0002] A SYSTEM FOR OPERATING ONE OR MORE FUNCTIONS IN A VEHICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF
[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004]
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for operating one or more functions in the vehicle using a key fob unit and a method thereof.
[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006]
[0002] Generally, vehicles are provided with a key fob unit for performing one or more functions related to a vehicle. The key fob unit is an electronic device configured for performing one or more functions such as locking / unlocking of the vehicle, turning ON / OFF a headlight of the vehicle, opening / closing a glove compartment of the vehicle, and the like. Conventionally, the key fob unit is provided with a number of limitations such as a bulkier key fob unit with additional components and complex circuit, thereby increasing the cost of manufacturing the key fob unit. The bulkier key fob unit creates an inconvenience for a user of the vehicle as well as leads to an increased power consumption. Therefore, the design of the key fob unit is not user-friendly.
[0007]
[0003] Further, the conventionally available key fob unit is provided with a single button for operating a plurality of functions on the key fob unit. This makes it difficult for the user to remember the sequence of operation of the buttons on the key fob unit, and hence the same is undesirable. The reliability of the key fob unit is also less as the single button press for operating the plurality of functions damages the buttons of the key fob unit. Therefore, the hard press of the same button or the long press of the same button on the key fob unit leads to wear and tear of the key fob unit. Further, adding additional buttons on the key fob unit increases the size of the key fob unit and limitdesign options, which is again undesirable. Therefore, the existing key fob units are inefficient and inaccurate in executing the plurality of the functions of the vehicle, thereby leading to operational disruptions.
[0008]
[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for a system for operating one or more functions in a vehicle and a method thereof to overcome one or more limitations stated above.
[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010]
[0005] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for operating one or more functions in a vehicle. The system has a key fob unit to generate one or more operational inputs corresponding to the one or more functions in the vehicle. The system further has a control unit disposed in the vehicle and communicatively coupled to the key fob unit. The control unit is configured to receive the one or more operational inputs from the key fob unit to operate the one or more functions in the vehicle. The control unit is further configured to compare the one or more operational inputs received from the key fob unit with one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle. Lastly, the control unit operates the one or more functions in the vehicle, when the one or more operational inputs correspond to the one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle.
[0011]
[0006] In an embodiment, the one or more operational inputs are generated by the key fob unit on an operation of at least one input interface of: a touch based input interface, a key press input interface, an audio based input interface, and a gesture based input interface of the key fob unit by a user of the vehicle.
[0012]
[0007] In an embodiment, the at least one input interface is configured to be operated in at least one of: a time based mode, a count based mode, a combination based mode, a sequential operation based mode, a capacitive sensing based mode, and a range based mode.
[0013]
[0008] In an embodiment, the one or more functions comprises at least one of a: lock / unlock the vehicle, activate a security system of the vehicle, turn ON / OFFheadlights of the vehicle, activate an anti -theft mode in the vehicle, start / stop an engine of the vehicle, operate parking lights in the vehicle, and operate a glove compartment in the vehicle.
[0014]
[0009] In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined set of conditions comprises at least one of: an operational time duration of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit is greater than a first threshold value; an operational release time duration of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit is greater than a second threshold value; a number of operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit is greater than a third threshold value; a combination of operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit corresponds to a fourth threshold value; a sequence of operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit corresponds to a fifth threshold value; a touch based operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit corresponds to a sixth threshold value; and a range based operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit corresponds to a seventh threshold value.
[0015]
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating one or more functions in a vehicle. The method has the step of receiving, by a control unit, one or more operational inputs from a key fob unit to operate the one or more functions in the vehicle. Further, the method has the step of comparing, by the control unit, the one or more operational inputs received from the key fob unit with one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle. Furthermore, the method has the step of operating, by the control unit, the one or more functions in the vehicle, when the one or more operational inputs correspond to the one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle.
[0016] [Oil] In an embodiment, the one or more operational inputs are generated by the key fob unit on an operation of at least one input interface of: a touch based input interface, a key press input interface, an audio based input interface, and a gesture based input interface of the key fob unit by a user of the vehicle.
[0017]
[0012] In an embodiment, the at least one input interface is configured to be operated in at least one of: a time based mode, a count based mode, a combination based mode,a sequential operation based mode, a capacitive sensing based mode, and a range based mode.
[0018]
[0013] In an embodiment, the one or more functions comprises at least one of a: lock / unlock the vehicle, activate a security system of the vehicle, turn ON / OFF headlights of the vehicle, activate an anti -theft mode in the vehicle, start / stop an engine of the vehicle, operate parking lights in the vehicle, and operate a glove compartment in the vehicle.
[0019]
[0014] In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined set of conditions comprises at least one of: an operational time duration of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit is greater than a first threshold value; an operational release time duration of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit is greater than a second threshold value; a number of operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit is greater than a third threshold value; a combination of operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit corresponds to a fourth threshold value; a sequence of operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit corresponds to a fifth threshold value; a touch based operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit corresponds to a sixth threshold value; and a range based operations of the at least one input interface of the key fob unit corresponds to a seventh threshold value.
[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021]
[0015] 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.
[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for operating one or more functions in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the system for operating the one or more functions in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram for operating the one or more functions in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025]
[0016] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for operating one or more functions in the vehicle using a key fob unit and a method thereof. The system and the method are configured to enable a user of the vehicle to operate the one or more functions in the vehicle effectively and efficiently with the help of a key fob unit. As described hereinbelow, the term ‘key fob unit’ refers to an electronic device used for controlling and operating the one or more functions of the vehicle wirelessly. 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 two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle such as trikes, a four-wheeled vehicle or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement.
[0026]
[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system 100 for operating one or more functions in the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 has the key fob unit 102 for operating the one or more functions. In a non-limiting embodiment, the one or more functions may include but are not limited to locking / unlocking the vehicle 10, activating one or more alarms in the vehicle 10, operating a glove compartment in the vehicle 10, opening / closing a window of the vehicle 10, start / stop an engine of the vehicle 10, turning ON / OFF headlights of the vehicle 10, activating a security system of the vehicle 10, activating an anti -theft mode in the vehicle 10, operating parking lights in the vehicle 10, and the like.
[0027]
[0018] In an embodiment, the key fob unit 102 generates one or more operational inputs corresponding to the one or more functions in the vehicle 10. In a non-limitingembodiment, the one or more operational inputs are generated by the user of the vehicle 10 from the key fob unit 102. The one or more operational inputs are generated by the key fob unit 102 on an operation of at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102. The at least one input interface 106 comprises at least one of: a touch based input interface, a key press input interface, an audio based input interface, and a gesture based input interface of the key fob unit 102.
[0028]
[0019] In yet another non-limiting embodiment and as shown in Figure 2, the at least one input interface 106 operates in at least one of: a time based mode, a count based mode, a combination based mode, a sequential operation based mode, a capacitive sensing based mode, and a range based mode. In a non-limiting embodiment, the time based mode comprises multiple press durations of the key fob unit 102. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the time based mode comprises multiple release durations of the key fob unit 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the count based mode comprises a single or multiple presses of buttons of the key fob unit 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the combination based mode comprises pressing one or more buttons of the key fob unit 102 in combination with other buttons to activate the one or more functions in the vehicle 10. In an example, Button A and Button B are pressed together of the key fob unit 102 to open the window of the vehicle 10. In yet another example, multiple buttons such as Button A, Button B, and Button C may be pressed together to operate the headlights of the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sequential operation based mode comprises recognizing a sequence of pressing the one or more buttons of the key fob unit 102 to activate the one or more functions of the vehicle 10. In an example, pressing Button A and then Button B or pressing multiple buttons of the key fob unit 102 within a specific time frame and also button press counts are considered to activate the one or more functions of the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the capacitive touch sensing based mode comprises implementing touchbased sensing wherein different touch patterns on the key fob unit 102 is configured to activate the one or more functions of the vehicle 10. Hence, a single touch input interface 106 may be used for performing multiple actions related to the vehicle 10. Inyet another non-limiting embodiment, the range based mode comprises activating different functions of the vehicle based on a range of the key fob unit 102 from the vehicle 10. Whenever the user presses the one or more buttons of the key fob unit 102, a particular function will get selected and executed based on the distance of key fob unit 102 from the vehicle 10. In an example, when the key fob unit 102 is within five metres of the vehicle 10 and the user presses a button, then a particular function such as vehicle unlock or accessory box unlock or toolbox unlock or utility box unlock or charging lid unlock or handlebar mirror open or footrest open may get executed. However, when the key fob unit 102 is outside five metres of the vehicle 10 and the user presses the same button, then the particular function such as ‘find my vehicle action’ will only get processed and executed.
[0029]
[0020] Further, the system 100 comprises a control unit 104 disposed in the vehicle 10 and is communicatively coupled to the key fob unit 102. In an embodiment, the control unit 104 is communicatively coupled to the key fob unit 102 through a wired connection or a wireless connection protocols known in the art. In a non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 104 is the central processing unit for the system 100. The control unit 104 receives signals from the key fob unit 102 and makes operational decisions. In a non-limiting embodiment, the key fob unit 102 and the vehicle 10 comprises a wireless transceiver configured for receiving the one or more operational inputs of the user and executing the one or more functions in the vehicle 10. The components of the wireless transceiver is the control unit 104 and the wireless antenna. The wireless transceiver is configured to transmit and receive signals wirelessly using wireless communication technologies such as Radio Frequency (RF), Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and the like.
[0030]
[0021] The control unit 104 receives the one or more operational inputs from the key fob unit 102 to operate the one or more functions in the vehicle 10 as described hereinabove. The control unit 104 then compares the one or more operational inputs received from the key fob unit 102 with one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined set of conditionscomprises: an operational time duration of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is greater than a first threshold value, an operational release time duration of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is greater than a second threshold value, a number of operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is greater than a third threshold value, a combination of operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to a fourth threshold value, a sequence of operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to a fifth threshold value, a touch based operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to a sixth threshold value, and a range based operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to a seventh threshold value. The control unit 104 operates the one or more functions in the vehicle 10, when the one or more operational inputs correspond to the one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle 10.
[0031]
[0022] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first threshold value and the second threshold value corresponds to five seconds. Therefore, when the operational time duration and the operational release time duration of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is greater than the five seconds, then the function such as find-me operation activates. However, when the operational time duration and the operational release time duration is less than five seconds, then the function such as unlocking of the glovebox activates. In a non-limiting embodiment, the third threshold value corresponds to pressing the unlock button once to unlock the vehicle 10 and pressing the unlock button twice immediately one after the other to lock the vehicle 10. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the fourth threshold value corresponds to one of a first combination and a second combination. The first combination comprises pressing Button 1 and Button 2 of the key fob unit 102 quickly within 1 second to activate a vehicle security system such as triggering an alarm, setting an anti-theft mode, and the like. The second combination comprises quickly pressing Button 2 and Button 3 within 1 second to turn ON the headlights of the vehicle 10 or turn ON Traffic Sign Lights (TSLs) for enhanced visibility. In yet another non-limiting embodiment,the fifth threshold value corresponds to pressing Button 1, then Button 3 and then Button 2 of the key fob unit 102 within five seconds to activate advanced security system for additional protection such as activating an anti-theft mode, triggering a motion sensor, activating a GPS tracking system, locking the handlebars, and the like. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the sixth threshold value corresponds to one of a light touch / tap and a long press / hard press on the key fob unit 102. The light touch / tap on the key fob unit 102 activates the headlights or parking lights. The long press / hard press on the key fob unit 102 activates the advanced security features or engine start / stop. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the seventh threshold value corresponds to one of locking of the vehicle 10 when the key fob unit 102 is pressed within five metres of the vehicle 10 and activating find-me when the key fob unit 102 is pressed from fifteen metres of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the present invention allows for the multiplexing of the one or more user interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 to perform the one or more functions of the vehicle 10 as described hereinabove.
[0032]
[0023] In a non-limiting embodiment and as described hereinbefore, the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) of the key fob unit 102 blinks only once when the input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is pressed, thereby indicating that the input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is working. Further, the LED of the key fob unit 102 blinks every 200 ms for 1 second to indicate a low battery status of the key fob unit 102 whenever the low battery status of the key fob unit 102 is detected. The present invention allows for the multiplexing of a single button of the input interface 106 to achieve more than one functionality, thereby avoiding the bulky shape of the key fob unit 102. In an example, when a button of the key fob unit 102 is pressed for 1 second, then the key fob unit 102 unlocks the glovebox of the vehicle 10. However, when the same button is pressed for 3 seconds, then find my vehicle feature works in the vehicle 10.
[0033]
[0024] The present invention provides for the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication based electronic key fob unit 102. The key fob unit 102 unlocks the vehicle ignition and the handlebar of the vehicle 10 when the unlock button is shortlypressed for 1 second from a distance of less than 5 metres. The key fob unit 102 locks the vehicle ignition and the handlebar of the vehicle 10 when the lock button is shortly pressed for 1 second from a distance of less than 5 metres. The key fob unit 102 unlocks the glovebox of the vehicle 10 when the find my vehicle button is shortly pressed for 1 second from a distance of less than 5 metres. The key fob unit 102 further allows the user to find the vehicle 10 parked in a parking lot or any crowded area from a distance of less than or equal to 15 metres by long press of the find my vehicle button for 3 seconds and by blink of turn signal lamp on the vehicle 10. The BLE key fob unit 102 goes to sleep mode after execution of a command with the vehicle 10 or when the vehicle 10 is not found for connection. The key fob unit 102 again activates when the user presses the button of the key fob unit 102 or when the key fob unit 102 receives a connection request from the vehicle 10, thereby ensuring an increased battery life of the key fob unit 102. The key fob unit 102 is powered by a non- rechargeable coin cell battery. The key fob unit 102 is provided with a red LED which blinks once when the button is pressed and then blinks every 200 ms for 1 second if the battery of the key fob unit 102 is less than 20%. The key fob unit 102 is turned OFF by pressing the button of the key fob unit 102, when the key fob unit 102 is not in the sleep mode.
[0034]
[0025] Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram 300 for operating the one or more functions in the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 300 for operating the one or more functions starts at 302. In a non-limiting embodiment, the one or more functions may include but are not limited to locking / unlocking the vehicle 10, activating one or more alarms in the vehicle 10, operating a glove compartment in the vehicle 10, opening / closing a window of the vehicle 10, start / stop an engine of the vehicle 10, turning ON / OFF headlights of the vehicle 10, activating a security system of the vehicle 10, activating an anti -theft mode in the vehicle 10, operating parking lights in the vehicle 10, and the like.
[0035]
[0026] At step 304, the control unit 104 receives the one or more operational inputs from the key fob unit 102 to operate the one or more functions in the vehicle 10 as described hereinabove. In an embodiment, the key fob unit 102 generates the one ormore operational inputs corresponding to the one or more functions in the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the one or more operational inputs are generated by the user of the vehicle 10 from the key fob unit 102. The one or more operational inputs are generated by the key fob unit 102 on an operation of at least one input interface 106. The at least one input interface 106 comprises at least one of: a touch based input interface, a key press input interface, an audio based input interface, and a gesture based input interface of the key fob unit 102.
[0036]
[0027] In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the at least one input interface 106 operates in at least one of: a time based mode, a count based mode, a combination based mode, a sequential operation based mode, a capacitive sensing based mode, and a range based mode. In a non-limiting embodiment, the time based mode comprises multiple press durations of the key fob unit 102. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the time based mode comprises multiple release durations of the key fob unit 102. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the count based mode comprises a single or multiple presses of buttons of the key fob unit 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the combination based mode comprises pressing the one or more buttons of the key fob unit 102 in combination with other buttons to activate the one or more functions in the vehicle 10. In an example, Button A and Button B are pressed together of the key fob unit 102 to open the window of the vehicle 10. In yet another example, multiple buttons such as Button A, Button B and Button C may be pressed together to operate the headlights of the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sequential operation based mode comprises recognizing a sequence of pressing the one or more buttons of the key fob unit 102 to activate the one or more functions of the vehicle 10. In an example, pressing Button A and then Button B or pressing multiple buttons of the key fob unit 102 within a specific time frame and also button press counts are considered to activate the one or more functions of the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the capacitive touch sensing based mode comprises implementing touch-based sensing wherein different touch patterns on the key fob unit 102 is configured to activate the one or more functions of the vehicle 10. Hence, a single touch input interface 106 may be used forperforming multiple actions related to the vehicle 10. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the range based mode comprises activating different functions of the vehicle 10 based on a range of the key fob unit 102 from the vehicle 10. Whenever the user presses the one or more buttons of the key fob unit 102, a particular function will get selected and executed based on the distance of key fob unit 102 from the vehicle 10. In an example, when the key fob unit 102 is within five metres of the vehicle 10 and the user presses a button, then a particular function such as vehicle unlock or accessory box unlock or toolbox unlock or utility box unlock or charging lid unlock or handlebar mirror open or footrest open may get executed. However, when the key fob unit 102 is outside five metres of the vehicle 10 and the user presses the same button, then the particular function such as ‘find my vehicle action’ will only get processed and executed.
[0037]
[0028] At step 306, the control unit 104 then compares the one or more operational inputs received from the key fob unit 102 with the one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined set of conditions comprises an operational time duration of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is greater than a first threshold value, an operational release time duration of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is greater than a second threshold value, a number of operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 is greater than a third threshold value, a combination of operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to a fourth threshold value, a sequence of operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to a fifth threshold value, a touch based operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to a sixth threshold value, and a range based operations of the at least one input interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to a seventh threshold value.
[0038]
[0029] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first threshold value and the second threshold value corresponds to five seconds. Therefore, when the operational time duration and the operational release time duration of the at least one input interface 106of the key fob unit 102 is greater than the five seconds, then the function such as find-me operation activates. However, when the operational time duration and the operational release time duration is less than five seconds, then the function such as unlocking of the glovebox activates. In a non-limiting embodiment, the third threshold value corresponds to pressing the unlock button once to unlock the vehicle 10 and pressing the unlock button twice immediately one after the other to lock the vehicle 10. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the fourth threshold value corresponds to one of a first combination and a second combination. The first combination comprises pressing Button 1 and Button 2 of the key fob unit 102 quickly within 1 second to activate a vehicle security system such as triggering an alarm, setting an anti-theft mode, and the like. The second combination comprises quickly pressing Button 2 and Button 3 within 1 second to turn ON the headlights of the vehicle 10 or turn ON Traffic Sign Lights (TSLs) for enhanced visibility. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the fifth threshold value corresponds to pressing Button 1, then Button 3 and then Button 2 of the key fob unit 102 within five seconds to activate advanced security system for additional protection such as activating an anti-theft mode, triggering a motion sensor, activating a GPS tracking system, locking the handlebars, and the like. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the sixth threshold value corresponds to one of a light touch / tap and a long press / hard press on the key fob unit 102. The light touch / tap on the key fob unit 102 activates the headlights or parking lights. The long press / hard press on the key fob unit 102 activates the advanced security features or engine start / stop. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the seventh threshold value corresponds to one of locking of the vehicle 10 when the key fob unit 102 is pressed within five metres of the vehicle 10 and activating find-me when the key fob unit 102 is pressed from fifteen metres of the vehicle 10.
[0039]
[0030] At step 308, the control unit 104 operates the one or more functions in the vehicle 10, when the one or more operational inputs correspond to the one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle 10 as described hereinabove. The method 300 subsequently terminates at step 310. Therefore, the present invention allows forthe multiplexing of the one or more user interface 106 of the key fob unit 102 to perform the one or more functions of the vehicle 10 as described hereinabove.
[0040]
[0031] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and a method for operating one or more functions in the vehicle using a key fob unit. The present invention provides a compact and a reliable key fob unit for operating the one or more functions in the vehicle. The present invention allows for multiplexing of one or more user interface of the key fob unit for performing the one or more functions, thereby improving the reliability and the efficiency of the key fob unit. The key fob unit of the present invention provides a better user experience and reduces the complexity in manufacturing the key fob unit, thereby reducing the overall cost of manufacturing the key fob unit.
[0041]
[0032] The present invention provides a sophisticated and flexible way to multiplex one or more buttons on the key fob unit for operating the one or more functions, thereby making the key fob unit less bulky and compact in size. The multiplexing of the buttons on the key fob unit are done using a time based mode, a count based mode, a combination based mode, a sequential operation based mode, a capacitive sensing based mode and a range based mode. The present invention provides a smaller form factor of the key fob unit. The multiplexing functions of the same user interface helps in reducing the cost of the key fob unit and enhancing the overall design of the key fob unit. The present invention permits for multiplexing, thereby allowing the system and the method to be used for various vehicles having different requirements. Additionally, the present invention provides convenience and comfort to the user, hence leading to customer satisfaction and providing an enhanced user experience.
[0042]
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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”.
[0043]
[0035] 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.
[0044] List of Reference Numerals
[0045] 10: Vehicle
[0046] 100: System for operating one or more functions in a vehicle
[0047] 102: Key Fob Unit
[0048] 104: Control Unit
[0049] 106: Input Interface
[0050] 300: Method for operating one or more functions in the vehicle
Claims
WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for operating one or more functions in a vehicle (10), the system (100) comprising:a key fob unit (102), the key fob unit (102) being configured to generate one or more operational inputs corresponding to the one or more functions in the vehicle (10);a control unit (104) being disposed in the vehicle (10) and communicatively coupled to the key fob unit (102), the control unit (104) being configured to:receive the one or more operational inputs from the key fob unit (102) to operate the one or more functions in the vehicle (10);compare the one or more operational inputs received from the key fob unit (102) with one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle (10); andoperate the one or more functions in the vehicle (10), when the one or more operational inputs correspond to the one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle (10).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more operational inputs being generated by the key fob unit (102) on an operation of at least one input interface (106) of: a touch based input interface, a key press input interface, an audio based input interface, and a gesture based input interface of the key fob unit (102) by a user of the vehicle (10).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one input interface (106) being configured to be operated in at least one of: a time based mode, a count based mode, a combination based mode, a sequential operation based mode, a capacitive sensing based mode, and a range based mode.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more functions comprises at least one of a: lock / unlock the vehicle (10), activate a security system of the vehicle (10), turn ON / OFF headlights of the vehicle (10), activate an antitheft mode in the vehicle (10), start / stop an engine of the vehicle (10), operate parking lights in the vehicle (10), and operate a glove compartment in the vehicle (10).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more predetermined set of conditions comprises at least one of:an operational time duration of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) being greater than a first threshold value;an operational release time duration of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) being greater than a second threshold value;a number of operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) being greater than a third threshold value;a combination of operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to a fourth threshold value;a sequence of operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to a fifth threshold value;a touch based operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to a sixth threshold value; anda range based operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to a seventh threshold value.
6. A method (300) for operating one or more functions in a vehicle (10), the method (300) comprising the steps of:receiving, by a control unit (104), one or more operational inputs from a key fob unit (102) to operate the one or more functions in the vehicle (10);comparing, by the control unit (104), the one or more operational inputs received from the key fob unit (102) with one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle (10); andoperating, by the control unit (104), the one or more functions in the vehicle (10), when the one or more operational inputs correspond to the one or more predetermined set of conditions of the vehicle (10).
7. The method (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more operational inputs being generated by the key fob unit (102) on an operation of at least one input interface (106) of: a touch based input interface, a key press input interface, an audio based input interface, and a gesture based input interface of the key fob unit (102) by a user of the vehicle (10).
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one input interface (106) being configured to be operated in at least one of: a time based mode, a count based mode, a combination based mode, a sequential operation based mode, a capacitive sensing based mode, and a range based mode.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more functions comprises at least one of a: lock / unlock the vehicle (10), activate a security system of the vehicle (10), turn ON / OFF headlights of the vehicle (10), activate an antitheft mode in the vehicle (10), start / stop an engine of the vehicle (10), operate parking lights in the vehicle (10), and operate a glove compartment in the vehicle (10).
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more predetermined set of conditions comprises at least one of:an operational time duration of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) being greater than a first threshold value;an operational release time duration of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) being greater than a second threshold value;a number of operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) being greater than a third threshold value;a combination of operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to a fourth threshold value;a sequence of operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to a fifth threshold value;a touch based operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to a sixth threshold value; anda range based operations of the at least one input interface (106) of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to a seventh threshold value.