A key fob unit for managing an operation of a vehicle and a method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a key fob unit (102) for managing an operation of a vehicle (10) and a method (200) thereof. The key fob unit (102) has a battery (110) and a transceiver unit. The key fob unit (102) has one or more input units (108) for generating an input, and the input corresponds to the at least one operation of the vehicle (10). The key fob unit (102) has a controller assembly (104) to receive the input from a user on the one or more input units (108), alter an advertisement interval and a transmission power of an advertising signal and transmit the advertising signal with the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power to the vehicle (10). The controller assembly (104) establishes the connection of the key fob unit (102) with the vehicle (10) based on the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A Key Fob Unit for Managing an Operation of 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 key fob unit for managing an operation of the vehicle and a method thereof.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles are provided with a key fob unit for performing an operation related to a vehicle. The key fob unit is an electronic device configured for performing the operation 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. Generally, the conventional key fob unit is provided with a number of limitations such as a bulkier key fob unit with a number of components and complex circuit, thereby increasing the cost of manufacturing the key fob unit, which is undesirable. Further, the conventional key fob unit is provided with a number of buttons for performing additional operations in the vehicle, thereby increasing the dimension and weight of the key fob unit. The bulkier key fob unit also requires a bigger battery, which further increases the cost of 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 on the key fob unit.

[0006]

[0003] Further, the user is able to access some operation on the vehicle such as unlocking of the vehicle, only when the key fob unit is in proximity to the vehicle. However, in certain scenarios when the key fob unit is not in proximity to the vehicle or when the key fob unit is in a sleep mode, then the conventional key fob unit is unable to authenticate an action on the vehicle. In this scenario, the user has to activate the key fob unit and then press the unlock button on the vehicle. This creates a discomfort forthe user and hence, the same is undesirable. Therefore, the design and functioning of the conventional key fob unit is not user-friendly.

[0007]

[0004] Furthermore, the conventional key fob unit has high power consumption in establishing the connection with the vehicle, and hence the same is undesirable. This significantly reduces the overall life of a battery of the key fob unit. Therefore, the existing key fob units are inefficient and inaccurate in managing the operations of the vehicle, thereby leading to operational disruptions.

[0008]

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a key fob unit for managing an operation of a vehicle and a method thereof to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a key fob unit for managing at least one operation of a vehicle. The key fob unit has a battery configured for supplying power to one or more components of the key fob unit and a transceiver unit configured for communicating with the vehicle. The key fob unit has one or more input units, wherein an input being generated on operation of each of the one or more input units, and the input corresponds to the at least one operation of the vehicle. The key fob unit further has a controller assembly communicatively coupled to the vehicle. The controller assembly is configured to receive the input from a user on the one or more input units corresponding to the at least one operation of the vehicle. Then, the controller assembly is configured to alter an advertisement interval and a transmission power of an advertising signal based on the received input from the user and transmit the advertising signal with the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power to the vehicle for establishing a connection with the vehicle. Next, the controller assembly is configured to establish the connection of the key fob unit with the vehicle based on the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle.

[0007] In an embodiment, the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal are altered based on user proximity to the vehicle in real time with one of dynamically computed values and fixed values.

[0011]

[0008] In an embodiment, the advertisement interval is altered from at least one of: a default advertisement interval, a low advertisement interval, and a high advertisement interval. The transmission power is altered from at least one of: a default transmission power, a low transmission power and a high transmission power.

[0012]

[0009] In an embodiment, the key fob unit is communicatively coupled to an instrument cluster of the vehicle. The instrument cluster is configured to receive the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power from the controller assembly and send a connection request to the controller assembly of the key fob unit, thereby establishing the connection of the key fob unit with the vehicle.

[0013]

[0010] In an embodiment, the key fob unit is configured to enter a sleep mode after timeout. The key fob unit is configured to stop transmitting the advertising signal to the vehicle during the sleep mode, and the key fob unit is configured to wake up from the sleep mode when the input from one of the one or more input units on the key fob unit is received, thereby conserving the battery of the key fob unit.

[0014]

[0011] In an embodiment, the instrument cluster is configured to perform lock and unlock operation of the vehicle, when one of the inputs for each of locking the vehicle and unlocking the vehicle are received from the one or more input units on the key fob unit, and the inputs are received from the one or more input units on the vehicle along with the key fob unit is in an idle mode. The idle mode of the key fob unit corresponds to transmitting the advertising signal with the default advertisement interval and the low transmission power.

[0015]

[0012] In an embodiment, the operation of the vehicle comprises at least one of: locking the vehicle, unlocking the vehicle, activate find my vehicle mode, and turn ON / OFF a headlamp of the vehicle.

[0016]

[0013] In an embodiment, dynamically adjusting the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal is based on at least one of a: proximitybetween the key fob unit and the vehicle, frequency of operation of the input unit on the key fob unit, criticality of the input unit pressed based on a state of the vehicle, and battery state of the key fob unit.

[0017]

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for managing at least one operation of a vehicle. The method has the step of receiving, by a controller assembly, an input from a user on one or more input units of a key fob unit corresponding to the at least one operation of the vehicle. Further, the method has the step of altering, by the controller assembly, an advertisement interval and a transmission power of an advertising signal based on the received input from the user. Furthermore, the method has the step of transmitting, by the controller assembly, the advertising signal with the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power to the vehicle for establishing a connection with the vehicle. Next, the method has the step of establishing, by the controller assembly, the connection of the key fob unit with the vehicle based on the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle.

[0018]

[0015] In an embodiment, the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal are altered based on user proximity to the vehicle in real time with one of dynamically computed values and fixed values.

[0019]

[0016] In an embodiment, the advertisement interval is altered from at least one of: a default advertisement interval, a low advertisement interval, and a high advertisement interval. The transmission power is altered from at least one of: a default transmission power, a low transmission power and a high transmission power.

[0020]

[0017] In an embodiment, the method has the step of receiving, by the instrument cluster, the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power from the controller assembly. The instrument cluster is communicatively coupled to the key fob unit. Next, the method has the step of sending, by the instrument cluster, a connection request to the controller assembly of the key fob unit, thereby establishing the connection of the key fob unit with the vehicle.

[0018] In an embodiment, the key fob unit is configured to enter a sleep mode after timeout. The key fob unit is configured to stop transmitting the advertising signal to the vehicle during the sleep mode, and the key fob unit is configured to wake up from the sleep mode when the input from one of the one or more input units on the key fob unit is received, thereby conserving the battery of the key fob unit.

[0021]

[0019] In an embodiment, the instrument cluster is configured to perform lock and unlock operation of the vehicle, when one of the inputs for each of locking the vehicle and unlocking the vehicle are received from the one or more input units on the key fob unit, and the inputs are received from the one or more input units on the vehicle along with the key fob unit is in an idle mode. The idle mode of the key fob unit corresponds to transmitting the advertising signal with the default advertisement interval and the low transmission power.

[0022]

[0020] In an embodiment, the operation of the vehicle comprises at least one of a: locking the vehicle, unlocking the vehicle, activate find my vehicle mode, and turn ON / OFF a headlamp of the vehicle.

[0023]

[0021] In an embodiment, dynamically adjusting the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal is based on at least one of a: proximity between the key fob unit and the vehicle, frequency of operation of the input unit on the key fob unit, criticality of the input unit pressed based on a state of the vehicle, and battery state of the key fob unit.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]

[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.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a key fob unit for managing an operation of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for managing the operation of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram for managing the operation of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for managing the operation of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030]

[0023] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a key fob unit for managing at least one operation of the vehicle and a method thereof. The key fob unit and the method are configured to enable a user of the vehicle to manage the at least one operation of the vehicle effectively and efficiently with the help of the key fob unit. The present invention provides the interaction between the key fob unit and the vehicle. The present invention further provides a passive keyless entry to the vehicle which requires the key fob unit to be near the vehicle.

[0031]

[0024] As described hereinbelow, the term ‘key fob unit’ refers to an electronic device used for controlling and managing the one or more operations 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 twowheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle such as trikes, a four-wheeled vehicle or a multi- wheeled vehicle as per requirement.

[0032]

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the key fob unit 102 for managing the operation of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the key fob unit 102 has a battery 110 for supplying power to one or more components of the key fob unit 102. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the one or more components of the key fob unit 102 include but are not limited to a transceiver unit 112, a controller assembly 104 and one or more inputs 108. The transceiver unit 112 of the key fob unit 102 is used for communicatingwith the vehicle 10. The transceiver unit 112 is configured to transmit and receive signals between the key fob unit 102 and the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the present invention provides for the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication based electronic key fob unit 102.

[0033]

[0026] As further illustrated in Figure 1, the key fob unit 102 has one or more input units 108. The one or more input units 108 include but are not limited to a lock unit 108a, an unlock unit 108b, a find-my vehicle unit 108c, and a head lamp unit 108d. The one or more input units 108 are configured to receive an input from a user. Therefore, the input being generated on operation of each of the one or more input units 108, and the input corresponds to the at least one operation of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the operation of the vehicle 10 comprises at least one of: locking the vehicle 10, unlocking the vehicle 10, activate find my vehicle mode, and turn ON / OFF a headlamp of the vehicle 10. In an example, if the user ‘A’ presses the unlock unit 108b on the key fob unit 102, then the vehicle 10 is unlocked based on the input received.

[0034]

[0027] The key fob unit 102 further has a controller assembly 104. The controller assembly 104 is communicatively coupled to the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the controller assembly 104 is communicatively coupled to the vehicle 10 through a wired connection or a wireless connection protocol, known in the art. In a non-limiting embodiment, the controller assembly 104 is the central processing unit responsible for receiving signals from the key fob unit 102 and makes operational decisions. The controller assembly 104 receives the input from the user on the one or more input units 108 corresponding to the at least one operation of the vehicle 10, as described hereinabove. Based on the received input from the user, the controller assembly 104 alters an advertisement interval and a transmission power of an advertising signal. The advertisement interval and the transmission power are the key parameters that helps in determining one or more of a range, connectivity of the key fob unit 102 with the vehicle 10, power consumption, and the like. In an embodiment, the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal are altered based on theuser proximity to the vehicle 10 in real time with one of dynamically computed values and fixed values. In a non-limiting embodiment, the controller assembly 104 alters the advertisement interval and the transmission power based on a look up table. The look up table is encoded in the controller assembly 104 of the key fob unit 102. The look up table is provided with a plurality of the advertisement interval and the transmission power mapped corresponding to a plurality of pre-defined set of functions in the vehicle 10.

[0035]

[0028] In an embodiment, the advertisement interval is altered from at least one of: a default advertisement interval, a low advertisement interval, and a high advertisement interval. In a non-limiting embodiment, the low advertisement interval ranges between 10 milliseconds to 15 milliseconds. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the high advertisement interval ranges between 1 second to 3 seconds. The advertisement interval is altered to enhance the performance of the key fob unit 102, thereby optimizing the power consumption. The alteration of the advertisement interval helps in enhancing the responsiveness of the key fob unit 102. The present invention helps in adjusting the advertisement interval based on the user proximity from the vehicle 10, thereby allowing the key fob unit 102 to quickly establish a connection with the vehicle 10 when needed. The low advertisement interval of the key fob unit 102 allows for faster detection and interaction with the vehicle 10, thereby enhancing user experience in critical situations. The key fob unit 102 of the present invention provides for user centric operations as the key fob unit 102 is able to switch the advertisement intervals, thereby allowing the key fob unit 102 to tailor the operation based on the user's behaviour and hence providing a more intuitive experience. In an example, when the user is nearby the vehicle 10, then the key fob unit 102 advertises more frequently to ensure an immediate response. The high advertisement interval significantly reduces the power consumption when the key fob unit 102 is not used, thereby providing an energy efficient key fob unit 102. Therefore, the different advertisement intervals as described hereinabove, helps in preventing the unnecessary energy expenditure duringidle state of the key fob unit 102, thereby allowing the key fob unit 102 to use the power resources efficiently and effectively.

[0036]

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the transmission power is altered from at least one of: a default transmission power, a low transmission power, and a high transmission power. In a non-limiting embodiment, the default transmission power is 0 dbM. In a non-limiting embodiment, the low transmission power ranges between 0.5 dbM to 3 dbM. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the high transmission power ranges between 5 dbM to 8 dbM. The altering of the transmission power to specific operations helps in improving the power consumption and enhancing the reliability of the key fob unit 102. In an example, the low transmission power is maintained for critical actions for which the key fob unit 102 has to be in the proximity of the vehicle 10. The transmission power is made high only when the operations like ‘find my vehicle’ are used on the key fob unit 102. Therefore, the altering of the transmission power helps in achieving the operations demanding different range of the key fob unit 102, thereby enhancing the overall power consumption of the key fob unit 102.

[0037]

[0030] In an embodiment, the dynamically adjusting of the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal is based on at least one of a: proximity between the key fob unit 102 and the vehicle 10, frequency of operation of the input unit 108 on the key fob unit 102, criticality of the input unit 108 pressed based on a state of the vehicle 10, and battery state of the key fob unit 102. In an example, if the user is in a closed parking space and trying to find the vehicle 10, then the preference has to be given to the ‘find my vehicle’ since this is a critical operation and therefore, the advertisement interval and the transmission power is altered based on the ‘find my vehicle’ unit 108c being pressed by the user on the key fob unit 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the range of the vehicle 10 for ‘find my vehicle’ to work ranges between 15 meters to 30 meters.

[0038]

[0031] Based on the altered advertisement signal and the altered transmission power of the advertising signal, the controller assembly 104 is configured to transmit the advertising signal with the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmissionpower to the vehicle 10 for establishing a connection with the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the key fob unit 102 is communicatively coupled to an instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle 10. The instrument cluster 106 receives the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power from the controller assembly 104. Based on the received altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power, the instrument cluster 106 sends a connection request to the controller assembly 104 of the key fob unit 102 for establishing the connection of the key fob unit 102 with the vehicle 10.

[0039]

[0032] In a non-limiting embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 performs lock and unlock operation of the vehicle 10, when the inputs for each of locking the vehicle 10 and unlocking the vehicle 10 are received from the one or more input units 108 on the key fob unit 102. Also, the instrument cluster 106 performs the lock and unlock operation of the vehicle 10, when the inputs are received from the one or more input units 108 on the vehicle 10 along with the key fob unit 102 in an idle mode. The idle mode of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to transmitting the advertising signal with the default advertisement interval and the low transmission power. This is particularly related to the passive keyless entry to the vehicle 10, wherein the user is allowed to lock the vehicle 10 or unlock the vehicle 10 without pressing any button on the key fob unit 10. In an example, the user A is near the vehicle 10 and the vehicle 10 detects the presence of the key fob unit 102, then the vehicle 10 is automatically locked or unlocked.

[0040]

[0033] Then, based on the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power, the controller assembly 104 establishes the connection of the key fob unit 102 with the vehicle 10, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle 10. The present invention allows the key fob unit 102 to enter a sleep mode after timeout and in the sleep mode, the key fob unit 102 stops transmitting the advertising signal to the vehicle 10. The key fob unit 102 only wakes up from the sleep mode when the input from one of the one or more input units 108 on the key fob unit 102 is received, therebyconserving the battery 110 of the key fob unit 102. Further, the life of the battery 110 is extended by 20%.

[0041]

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates another schematic block diagram of the system 100 for managing the operation of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention helps in establishing connection with the vehicle 10 only when the key fob unit 102 or the vehicle button is pressed. The present invention helps in providing the cleaner communication by limiting connection to the vehicle 10 only when the key fob unit 102 is pressed, thereby reducing the overall network traffic. This further minimizes the potential interference with other devices, thereby improving the reliability of the communication between the key fob unit 102 and the instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle 10. The present invention also helps in reducing the power consumption by establishing the connection only when the key fob unit 102 is pressed, thereby enhancing the battery life of the key fob unit 102. This is mainly because the key fob unit 102 remains in a low power mode when the same is not used by the user. To achieve this, the information related to the pressing of the key fob unit 102 is sent over advertisement packets to the vehicle 10 and when the vehicle 10 receives the information, then the vehicle 10 sends a connection request to the key fob unit 102.

[0042]

[0035] Furthermore, for the functions such as the locking of the vehicle 10, unlocking of the vehicle 10 and activating the headlamp of the vehicle 10, the key fob unit 104 has to be very close to the vehicle 10. Therefore, for all these functions, the key fob unit 102 sends the connection request with the low advertisement interval and the default transmission power. However, when the feature such as ‘find my vehicle’ is pressed on the key fob unit 102 which requires the key fob unit 102 to establish the connection with the vehicle 10 from a longer distance, then the default transmission power is dynamically altered to the high transmission power temporarily. This helps in establishing the connection between the key fob unit 102 and the vehicle 10 from the longer distance. The advertisement interval remains as the low advertisement interval for the ‘find my vehicle’ function as well. Usually, the advertisement interval is definedin the system and kept as the normal standard interval for the key fob unit 102 to function and establish the connection with the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the range of the vehicle 10 for ‘find my vehicle’ to work ranges between 15 meters to 30 meters.

[0043]

[0036] Once the performed action is over, the key fob unit 102 goes to the sleep mode. However, the key fob unit 102 cannot immediately go to the sleep mode, therefore, the advertisement interval is altered. When the user presses the input unit 108 on the key fob unit 102, then the advertisement interval is altered so that the key fob unit 102 is able to send the connection request to the vehicle 10 and establishes the connection with the vehicle 10 immediately to perform the desired action. The advertisement interval is dynamically increased when the key fob unit 102 is in the idle mode and the user is not using the key fob unit 102 but the key fob unit is in the active state, thereby preventing the key fob unit 102 from sending the request to the vehicle 10.

[0044]

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram 200 for managing the operation of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 for managing the operation of the vehicle 10 starts at 202.

[0045]

[0038] At step 204, the method 200 has the step of receiving, by the controller assembly 104, the input from the user on the one or more input units 108 of the key fob unit 102 corresponding to the at least one operation of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the key fob unit 102 has the battery 110 for supplying power to one or more components of the key fob unit 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the one or more components of the key fob unit 102 include but are not limited to the transceiver unit 112, the controller assembly 104 and the one or more inputs 108. The transceiver unit 112 of the key fob unit 102 is used for communicating with the vehicle 10. The transceiver unit 112 is configured to transmit and receive signals between the key fob unit 102 and the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the present invention provides for the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication based electronic key fob unit 102.

[0046]

[0039] The one or more input units 108 are configured to receive an input from a user. Therefore, the input being generated on operation of each of the one or more input units108, and the input corresponds to the at least one operation of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the operation of the vehicle 10 comprises at least one of a: locking the vehicle 10, unlocking the vehicle 10, activate find my vehicle mode, and turn ON / OFF a headlamp of the vehicle 10. In an example, if the user ‘B’ presses the lock unit 108a on the key fob unit 102, then the vehicle 10 is locked based on the input received. The controller assembly 104 receives the input from the user on the one or more input units 108 corresponding to the at least one operation of the vehicle 10, as described hereinabove.

[0047]

[0040] At step 206, the method 200 alters the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal based on the received input from the user by the controller assembly 104. The advertisement interval and the transmission power are the key parameters that helps in determining one or more of a range, connectivity of the key fob unit 102 with the vehicle 10, power consumption, and the like. In an embodiment, the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal are altered based on the user proximity to the vehicle 10 in real time with one of dynamically computed values and fixed values. In a non-limiting embodiment, the controller assembly 104 alters the advertisement interval and the transmission power based on a look up table. The look up table is encoded in the controller assembly 104 of the key fob unit 102. The look up table is provided with a plurality of the advertisement interval and the transmission power mapped corresponding to a plurality of pre-defined set of functions in the vehicle 10.

[0048]

[0041] In an embodiment, the advertisement interval is altered from at least one of: a default advertisement interval, a low advertisement interval, and a high advertisement interval. In a non-limiting embodiment, the low advertisement interval ranges between 10 milliseconds to 15 milliseconds. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the high advertisement interval ranges between 1 second to 3 seconds. The advertisement interval is altered to enhance the performance of the key fob unit 102, thereby optimizing the power consumption. In yet another embodiment, the transmission power is altered from at least one of: a default transmission power, a low transmission powerand a high transmission power. In a non-limiting embodiment, the default transmission power is 0 dbM. In a non-limiting embodiment, the low transmission power ranges between 0.5 dbM to 3 dbM. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the high transmission power ranges between 5 dbM to 8 dbM. The altering of the transmission power to specific operations helps in improving the power consumption and enhancing the reliability of the key fob unit 102 as described hereinabove.

[0049]

[0042] In an embodiment, the dynamically adjusting of the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal is based on at least one of a: proximity between the key fob unit 102 and the vehicle 10, frequency of operation of the input unit 108 on the key fob unit 102, criticality of the input unit 108 pressed based on a state of the vehicle 10, and battery state of the key fob unit 102.

[0050]

[0043] At step 208, the controller assembly 104 is configured to transmit the advertising signal with the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power to the vehicle 10 based on the altered advertisement signal and the altered transmission power of the advertising signal for establishing a connection with the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the key fob unit 102 is communicatively coupled to an instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle 10. The instrument cluster 106 receives the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power from the controller assembly 104. Based on the received altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power, the instrument cluster 106 sends the connection request to the controller assembly 104 of the key fob unit 102 for establishing the connection of the key fob unit 102 with the vehicle 10.

[0051]

[0044] In a non-limiting embodiment, the instrument cluster 106 performs lock and unlock operation of the vehicle 10, when the inputs for each of locking the vehicle 10 and unlocking the vehicle 10 are received from the one or more input units 108 on the key fob unit 102. Also, the instrument cluster 106 performs the lock and unlock operation of the vehicle 10, when the inputs are received from the one or more input units 108 on the vehicle 10 along with the key fob unit 102 in an idle mode. The idle mode of the key fob unit 102 corresponds to transmitting the advertising signal withthe default advertisement interval and the low transmission power. This is particularly related to the passive keyless entry, wherein the user is allowed to lock the vehicle 10 or unlock the vehicle 10 without pressing any button on the key fob unit 10. In an example, the user A is near the vehicle 10 and the vehicle 10 detects the presence of the key fob unit 102, then the vehicle 10 is automatically locked or unlocked.

[0052]

[0045] At step 210, based on the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power, the controller assembly 104 establishes the connection of the key fob unit 102 with the vehicle 10, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle 10. The present invention allows the key fob unit 102 to enter a sleep mode after timeout and in the sleep mode, the key fob unit 102 stops transmitting the advertising signal to the vehicle 10. The key fob unit 102 only wakes up from the sleep mode when the input from one of the one or more input units 108 on the key fob unit 102 is received, thereby conserving the battery 110 of the key fob unit 102. Further, the life of the battery 110 is extended by 20% based on the method 200 as explained hereinabove. The method 200 subsequently terminates at step 212.

[0053]

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram 300 for managing the operation of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 302, the key fob unit 102 is powered ON. At step 304, the key fob unit 102 is activated but the same is in the idle state. In the idle mode, the key fob unit 102 wakes up and advertises. In the idle state, the advertisement interval is high and the transmission power is either default or low. This is mainly because the key fob unit 102 is in the idle state and not performing any operation. Then, as shown at step 306, the user presses the ‘find my vehicle’ input unit 108c on the key fob unit 102. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the range of the vehicle 10 for ‘find my vehicle’ to work ranges between 15 meters to 30 meters. At this time, the advertisement interval is dynamically altered to the low advertisement interval and the transmission power is dynamically altered to the high transmission power i.e., the key fob unit 102 is able to quickly establish the connection with the vehicle 10. So now the key fob unit 102 goes from the idle state to the advertised state. In the advertised state, the data related to thepressing of the key fob unit 102 is sent in advertisement packets to the vehicle 10 for establishing the connection with the vehicle 10. At step 308, the key fob unit 102 is in the active state and the instrument cluster 106 of the vehicle is connected to the key fob unit 102 and sends the connection request to the key fob unit 102. Accordingly, the connection is established between the key fob unit 102 and the vehicle 10 and the performed action is executed on the vehicle 10. Once the action is performed on the vehicle 10, the instrument cluster 106 gets disconnected and the key fob unit 102 again goes in the idle state.

[0054]

[0047] As shown at step 310, the key fob unit 102 goes to the sleep state after the timeout usually after a predetermined time period. In a non-limiting embodiment, the predetermined time period is seven days. The key fob unit 102 wakes up from the sleep state and goes to the idle state only when the input units 108 are pressed on the key fob unit 102. Again, when the user presses the input units 108, the key fob unit 102 goes from the idle state to the advertised state. At step 312, if the battery 110 of the key fob unit 102 is removed or if the battery 110 of the key fob unit 102 is dead, then the key fob unit 102 is powered OFF.

[0055]

[0048] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and a method for managing one or more operations of the vehicle using a key fob unit. The present invention provides a compact and a reliable key fob unit for managing the one or more operations of the vehicle. The present invention provides the electronic key fob unit for keyless entry operations to the vehicle with advanced optimization techniques, thereby improving the battery power of the key fob unit. The present invention further provides for the key fob unit with the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, thereby improving the cost, 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.

[0056]

[0049] Furthermore, the key fob unit as provided in the present invention is compact in size and user friendly. The present invention provides for the optimization of thepower consumption, thereby improving the life of the battery of the key fob unit. The overall form factor of the key fob unit is small and therefore, the key fob unit of the present invention is market friendly. The present invention provides a sophisticated and flexible way for managing the one or more operations, thereby making the key fob unit less bulky and compact in size. The present invention avoids the double action of awakening the key fob unit and then pressing the input unit on the key fob unit, thereby providing a reliable and sophisticated key fob unit. Additionally, the present invention provides convenience and comfort to the user, hence leading to customer satisfaction and providing an enhanced user experience.

[0057]

[0050] The present invention further allows the alteration of the advertisement interval to enhance the performance of the key fob unit, thereby optimizing the power consumption. The alteration of the advertisement interval helps in enhancing the responsiveness of the key fob unit. The present invention helps in adjusting the advertisement interval based on the user proximity from the vehicle, thereby allowing the key fob unit to quickly establish a connection with the vehicle when needed. The present invention further allows the alteration of the transmission power to specific operations, thereby improving the power consumption and enhancing the reliability of the key fob unit. The present invention further improves the overall battery life.

[0058]

[0051] 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.

[0059]

[0052] 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, includinginstructions 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”.

[0060]

[0053] 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.

[0061] List of Reference Numerals

[0062] 10: Vehicle

[0063] 100: System for managing an operation of the vehicle

[0064] 102: Key Fob Unit

[0065] 104: Controller Assembly

[0066] 106: Instrument Cluster

[0067] 108: One or More Input Units

[0068] 110: Battery

[0069] 112: Transceiver Unit

[0070] 200: Method for managing the operation of the vehicle

[0071] 300: Exemplary method for managing the operation of the vehicle

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A key fob unit (102) for managing at least one operation of a vehicle (10), the key fob unit (102) comprising:a battery (110) configured for supplying power to one or more components of the key fob unit (102);a transceiver unit (112) configured for communicating with the vehicle (10); one or more input units (108), wherein an input being generated on operation of each of the one or more input units (108), and the input corresponds to the at least one operation of the vehicle (10); anda controller assembly (104), the controller assembly (104) being communicatively coupled to the vehicle (10), the controller assembly (104) being configured to:receive the input from a user on the one or more input units (108) corresponding to the at least one operation of the vehicle (10);alter an advertisement interval and a transmission power of an advertising signal based on the received input from the user;transmit the advertising signal with the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power to the vehicle (10) for establishing a connection with the vehicle (10); andestablish the connection of the key fob unit (102) with the vehicle (10) based on the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle (10).

2. The key fob unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal being altered based on user proximity to the vehicle (10) in real time with one of dynamically computed values and fixed values.

3. The key fob unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the advertisement interval being altered from at least one of: a default advertisement interval, a low advertisement interval, and a high advertisement interval; and the transmission power being altered from at least one of: a default transmission power, a low transmission power and a high transmission power.

4. The key fob unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key fob unit (102) being communicatively coupled to an instrument cluster (106) of the vehicle (10), the instrument cluster (106) being configured to:receive the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power from the controller assembly (104); andsend a connection request to the controller assembly (104) of the key fob unit (102), thereby establishing the connection of the key fob unit (102) with the vehicle (10).

5. The key fob unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key fob unit (102) being configured to enter a sleep mode after timeout, the key fob unit (102) being configured to stop transmitting the advertising signal to the vehicle (10) during the sleep mode, and the key fob unit (102) being configured to wake up from the sleep mode when the input from one of the one or more input units (108) on the key fob unit (102) is received, thereby conserving the battery (110) of the key fob unit (102).

6. The key fob unit (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the instrument cluster (106) being configured to perform lock and unlock operation of the vehicle (10), when one of the:inputs for each of locking the vehicle (10) and unlocking the vehicle (10) are received from the one or more input units (108) on the key fob unit (102); andinputs are received from the one or more input units (108) on the vehicle (10) along with the key fob unit (102) being in an idle mode, and the idle mode of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to transmitting the advertising signal with the default advertisement interval and the low transmission power.

7. The key fob unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation of the vehicle (10) comprises at least one of a: locking the vehicle (10), unlocking the vehicle (10), activate find my vehicle mode, and turn ON / OFF a headlamp of the vehicle (10).

8. The key fob unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein dynamically adjusting the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal being based on at least one of a: proximity between the key fob unit (102) and the vehicle (10), frequency of operation of the input unit (108) on the key fob unit (102), criticality of the input unit (108) pressed based on a state of the vehicle (10), and battery state of the key fob unit (102).

9. A method (200) for managing at least one operation of a vehicle (10), the method (200) comprising the steps of:receiving, by a controller assembly (104), an input from a user on one or more input units (108) of a key fob unit (102) corresponding to the at least one operation of the vehicle (10);altering, by the controller assembly (104), an advertisement interval and a transmission power of an advertising signal based on the received input from the user;transmitting, by the controller assembly (104), the advertising signal with the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power to the vehicle (10) for establishing a connection with the vehicle (10); andestablishing, by the controller assembly (104), the connection of the key fob unit (102) with the vehicle (10) based on the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power, thereby managing the operation of the vehicle (10).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal being altered based on user proximity to the vehicle (10) in real time with one of dynamically computed values and fixed values.

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the advertisement interval being altered from at least one of: a default advertisement interval, a low advertisement interval, and a high advertisement interval; and the transmission power being altered from at least one of: a default transmission power, a low transmission power and a high transmission power.

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, by an instrument cluster (106), the altered advertisement interval and the altered transmission power from the controller assembly (104), the instrument cluster (106) being communicatively coupled to the key fob unit (102); and sending, by the instrument cluster (106), a connection request to the controller assembly (104) of the key fob unit (102), thereby establishing the connection of the key fob unit (102) with the vehicle (10).

13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the key fob unit (102) being configured to enter a sleep mode after timeout, the key fob unit (102) being configured to stop transmitting the advertising signal to the vehicle (10) during the sleep mode, and the key fob unit (102) being configured to wake up from the sleep mode when the input from one of the one or more input units (108) on the key fob unit (102) is received, thereby conserving a battery (110) of the key fob unit (102).

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the instrument cluster (106) being configured to perform lock and unlock operation of the vehicle (10), when one of the:inputs for each of locking the vehicle (10) and unlocking the vehicle (10) are received from the one or more input units (108) on the key fob unit (102); and inputs are received from the one or more input units (108) on the vehicle (10) along with the key fob unit (102) being in an idle mode, and the idle mode of the key fob unit (102) corresponds to transmitting the advertising signal with the default advertisement interval and the low transmission power.

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the operation of the vehicle (10) comprises at least one of a: locking the vehicle (10), unlocking the vehicle (10), activate find my vehicle mode, and turn ON / OFF a headlamp of the vehicle (10).

16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein dynamically adjusting the advertisement interval and the transmission power of the advertising signal being based on at least one of a: proximity between the key fob unit (102) and the vehicle (10), frequency of operation of the input unit (108) on the key fob unit (102), criticality of the input unit (108) pressed based on a state of the vehicle (10), and battery state of the key fob unit (102).

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