TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to assistance systems for vehicles; and more specifically, to driving assistance systems for users of vehicles, or systems for arrangement driving-position for drivers of vehicles, for example for adjustable driving elements of a vehicle that are spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver. Furthermore, the present disclosure also relates to methods of using aforesaid assistance systems for assisting the users of the vehicles, or methods of using a system for arranging adjustable driving elements for attaining a desired driving-position.

BACKGROUND

In recent times, efforts are being made to improve (namely, enhance) driving experiences for users of vehicles such as pure electrical vehicles, hybrid-electrical vehicles, and internal combustion engine vehicles, and so forth. Notably, such efforts are aimed at providing a safe, customized driving experience to the users, in a seamless and reliable manner. Typically, one vehicle may be used (namely, driven) by a single user or by multiple users. Therefore, nowadays, various techniques are being developed in order to improve the driving experiences for all possible users of such a vehicle. As an example, contemporary techniques rely on provision of distinct driving modes associated with a given vehicle, wherein each driving mode includes fixed, pre-set parameters for using the given vehicle. In such an instance, a user of the given vehicle may select a driving mode as per his/her discretion, for using the given vehicle. However, such techniques suffer from a number of limitations. Firstly, the existing techniques lack provisions to control user-selectability of the driving modes. Therefore, in a situation wherein the user may opt for a driving mode that is inappropriate in respect of his/her driving expertise and/or requirement, the existing techniques are unable to override (namely, disallow) such user selection. Therefore, in such a situation, there exists a possible safety hazard for the user of the vehicle. Secondly, the existing techniques to improve driving experience are not sufficiently well developed to customize optimally the driving experience for multiple users of a single vehicle. Typically, the multiple users may have different preferences and different levels of driving expertise, thereby, requiring different (namely, unique) measures for improving their driving experience. Therefore, such a limitation leads to sub-optimal driving experience for the multiple users of the single vehicle. Thirdly, the existing techniques do not allow for intelligently optimizing the driving experience for the users. Specifically, the existing techniques are severely limited in their ability to take into account variation in preferences and/or driving expertise of the users, over time.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, provision of optimal driving experience for users of vehicles is becoming an important issue, namely technical problem, to address.

In recent times, vehicles have become an integral part of everyday human life. Individuals use various types of vehicles, such as electrical or hydride vehicles, to commute and/or transport goods from place to place. Moreover, individuals (such as drivers) use such vehicles for traversing distances of several hundred miles or kilometres in relatively short time- periods (for example, in a period of hours). Therefore, such contemporary vehicles have started including one and more features for providing a comfortable driving experience, for example for journeys in excess of a couple of hours' duration. Common examples of such features include adjustable car seats, adjustable steering wheels and adjustable mirrors and so forth, as employed in contemporary vehicles. Such car seats, steering wheels, and mirrors may be adjusted by a given individual driving according to personal preferences of the given individual. However, the one or more aforementioned features introduced in contemporary vehicles for providing a comfortable driving experience introduce various technical difficulties, as will next be elucidated.

Firstly, the features need to be manually adjusted by the individual who is desirous to use the features. For example, a driver of the vehicle may have to adjust manually a distance of the car seat with respect to the vehicle control components, such as a steering wheel, and an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a clutch pedal. Furthermore, a process of attaining a perfect position of a given vehicle seat is a trial and error procedure. Often, individuals tend to overlook the process to achieve such a position to attend to other obligations. However, such overlooking can lead to an uncomfortable driving experience and in extreme conditions, cause accidents. Additionally, in an event wherein a vehicle is shared by multiple individuals, the car seat may have to be adjusted by multiple individuals, multiple times. Secondly, as the features need to be manually adjusted, it may not enable operation by a physically challenged individual. For example, a physically challenged individual may not be capable of adjusting the back rest of a car seat suitably, for comfortably traveling in the vehicle.

Therefore, in light of foregoing technical problems, there exists a need to address, for example to overcome, the aforementioned drawbacks associated with conventional known procedures for adjusting driving arrangement elements.

SUMMARY The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved driving assistance system for a user of a vehicle.

The present disclosure also seeks to provide an improved method of using a driving assistance system for assisting a user of a vehicle. According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a driving assistance system for a user of a vehicle, characterized in that the driving assistance system includes:

(i) an identity management module that is operable to determine an identity of the user of the vehicle; (ii) a memory module that is operable to store a plurality of pre-defined driver profiles therein; and

(iii) a data processing arrangement communicably that is coupled to the identity management module and the memory module, wherein the data processing arrangement is operable to execute a software application thereon, wherein the data processing arrangement is operable to :

(a) receive, from the identity management module, the determined identity of the user;

(b) select, from the memory module, a pre-defined driver profile among the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles, based upon the received identity of the user;

(c) associate the selected pre-defined driver profile with the user; and

(d) control operation of one or more components of the vehicle, based upon the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user.

The driving assistance system of the present disclosure is capable of providing a safe, optimal, and customized driving experience to the user of the vehicle, by efficiently, taking into account identity, preferences and/or driving expertise of the user. Furthermore, the described driving assistance system is susceptible to being robust, reliable, easy to implement, and inexpensive.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of using a driving assistive system for assisting a user of a vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

(a) receiving an identity of the user of the vehicle;

(b) selecting a pre-defined driver profile among a plurality of pre-defined driver profiles, based upon the received identity of the user; (c) associating the selected pre-defined driver profile with the user; and

(d) controlling operation of one or more components of the vehicle, based upon the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user.

The present disclosure additionally seeks to provide an improved system for arranging adjustable driving elements of a vehicle for attaining a desired driving-position for a driver.

According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for arranging at least one adjustable driving element spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle, characterised in that the system includes:

at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element for sensing multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element based upon at least one physical attribute of the driver; and

a computing unit having

a controller that is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor for controlling a movement of the at least one adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, and

a memory for storing the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element;

wherein a selection of one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions allows the driver to attain a desired driving-position based upon the at least one physical attribute of the driver.

The present disclosure seeks to provide a system for attaining a desired driving-position for a driver of a vehicle without a need to perform a cumbersome manual adjustment, namely by automatically arranging adjustable driving elements spatially associated with the driving-position of a driver.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of using a system for arranging at least one adjustable driving element spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle, characterised in that the method includes:

(i) arranging for at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element to sense multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element based upon at least one physical attribute of the driver; and

(ii) arranging for a computing unit having

a controller to be operatively coupled to the at least one sensor for controlling movement of the at least one adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, and

arranging for a memory to store the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element;

wherein the method further includes selecting one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions for allowing the driver to attain a desired driving-position based upon the at least one physical attribute of the driver.

The present invention is included in the general business context, which aims to substitute vehicles powered by traditional fuels, for example gasoline or diesel, by electric vehicles. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in electric vehicles used within cities, which can be highly beneficial to the local environment due to significant reduction of gaseous emissions as well as significant reduction of noise. Overall environmental benefits can also be significant when electric vehicles are charged from renewable energy sources.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein : FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a driving assistance system for a user of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 is an illustration of steps of a method of assisting the user of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle having adjustable driving elements spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is block diagram a system for arranging a desired driving-position for a driver by adjusting adjustable driving elements of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with a driving assistance system for a user of a vehicle (for example, a pure electrical vehicle, a hybrid-electrical vehicle, an internal combustion engine vehicle, but not limited thereto). Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with a method of using a driving assistance system for of assisting a user of a vehicle. Referring to FIG. l, there is shown a block diagram of a driving assistance system 100 for a user of a vehicle (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the driving assistance system 100 includes an identity management module 102 that is operable to determine an identity of the user of the vehicle, a memory module 104 that is operable to store a plurality of pre-defined driver profiles therein, and a data processing arrangement 106 that is communicably coupled to the identity management module 102 and the memory module 104. The data processing arrangement 106 is operable to execute a software application (not shown) thereon.

Optionally, the data processing arrangement 106 is communicably coupled to the identity management module 102 and the memory module 104 via a network (not shown). More optionally, the network is wired, wireless, or a combination thereof. Examples of the network include, but are not limited to, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs), the Internet, cellular network, and radio networks.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "driving assistance system" used herein relates to hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, operable to provide assistance to the user of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that such assistance allows for improving (namely, enhancing) driving experience for the user of the vehicle. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the driving assistance system 100 described herein could be employed for assisting one user of the vehicle, as well as multiple users (namely, a plurality of users) of the vehicle.

As mentioned previously, the identity management module 102 is operable to determine the identity of the user of the vehicle. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "identity management module" used herein relates to hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, operable to determine the identity of the user of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that determination of the identity of the user of the vehicle provides a twofold benefit of allowing for restriction of unauthorised access to the vehicle, whilst allowing for provision of user-specific driving assistance.

Optionally, the identity management module 102 is calibrated to record at least one identification parameter for the user of the vehicle, and to associate the recorded at least one identification parameter with the user. It will be appreciated that if multiple users use the vehicle, such calibration of the identity management module 102 is implemented for each of the multiple users. More optionally, only a registered owner of the vehicle is allowed to control such calibration of the identity management module 102. Furthermore, optionally, the identity management module 102 employs the at least one identification parameter associated with the user, to determine the identity of the user. Optionally, for determining the identity of the user, the identity management module 102 is operable to prompt the user of the vehicle to input his/her at least one identification parameter, and compare the user's input with the at least one identification parameter recorded during the calibration of the identity management module 102. Examples of such at least one identification parameter include, but are not limited to, an access credential, a fingerprint, a voice input, a retina scan, and a driving license scan.

As an example, the identity management module 102 is calibrated to record an access credential AC1 for a user Ul and an access credential AC2 for a user U2 of a vehicle VI, and to associate the recorded access credentials with the corresponding user. In such a case, the access credential AC1 for the user Ul may be an alphanumeric code ABC123 and the access credential AC2 for the user Ul may be a numeric code 13579. Therefore, the identity management module 102 employs the access credentials AC1 and AC2 to determine the identity of the user. For example, if a user of the vehicle VI inputs the access credential AC1 (namely, the alphanumeric code ABC123) upon being prompted by the identity management module 102, he/she is identified to be the user Ul, by the identity management module 102.

As mentioned previously, the memory module 104 is operable to store the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles therein. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "memory module" used herein relates to hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, operable to store at least the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles therein. Optionally, the memory module 104 is communicably coupled to the identity management module 102, wherein the memory module 104 is operable to store the at least one identification parameter recorded during the calibration of the identity management module 102. Furthermore, throughout the present disclosure, the term "pre-defined driver profile" used herein relates to a pre-defined driving mode for using the vehicle. In such an instance, one pre-defined driver profile among the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles may be employed at a given time, to use the vehicle. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles describe (namely, define) a plurality of driving modes that may be employed by the user, to use the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles may be understood to be ^{^} pre-defined' with respect to use of the vehicle, namely, the plurality of driver profiles may be understood to be defined prior to the use of the vehicle. As an example, the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles may be at least two of: "Novice" driver profile, "Learner" driver profile, "Intermediate" driver profile, and "Expert" driver profile.

Optionally, the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles are defined (namely, specified) by the registered owner of the vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, optionally, the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles are defined by a manufacturer of the vehicle. As an example, the manufacturer of the vehicle may define driver profiles "Novice" and "Expert" prior to sale of the vehicle, and the registered owner (for example, a purchaser) of the vehicle may define a driver profile "Learner".

Optionally, each of the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles includes one or more parameters for controlling operation of one or more components of the vehicle. In such an instance, the one or more parameters set forth (namely, establish) desired operating conditions of the one or more components (namely, one or more functional elements) of the vehicle. Examples of the one or more components that may be controlled by way of the one or more parameters include, but are not limited to, a breaking arrangement of the vehicle, a battery unit of the vehicle, an electrical motor of the vehicle, a steering system of the vehicle, a suspension arrangement of the vehicle, an acoustic environmental system of the vehicle, a charging arrangement of the vehicle, seats of the vehicle, side mirrors of the vehicle, a navigation system of the vehicle, an air- conditioning system of the vehicle, an infotainment arrangement of the vehicle. More optionally, the one or more parameters include one or more of: a lower safe-operation threshold associated with the one or more components, an upper safe-operation threshold associated with the one or more components, an arrangement of the one or more components within the vehicle, an operation mode associated with the one or more components. In an example, an upper safe-operation threshold associated with the electrical motor of the vehicle may relate to a maximum power that may be delivered to the electrical motor. In such an instance, the maximum power may be directly related to a maximum speed of safely driving the vehicle. In another example, an operation mode associated with the navigation system of the vehicle may relate to whether or not to enable navigation assistance. In such an instance, for example, and operation mode OF may disable the navigation assistance and an operation mode O/V' may enable the navigation assistance.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "data processing arrangement" used herein relates to hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, operable to execute a software application thereon, for providing assistance to the user of the vehicle. Optionally, the data processing arrangement 106 is a Software Application Management and Infotainment arrangement (SAMI). Optionally, in this regard, the Software Application Management and Infotainment arrangement provides a graphical user interface to acquire input from the user and/or to provide output to the user. Therefore, such a graphical user interface facilitates interaction between the user of the vehicle and the Software Application Management and Infotainment arrangement. As an example, the user of the vehicle may employ the Software Application Management and Infotainment arrangement to record and input his/her at least one identification parameter, and to define at least one driver profile.

The data processing arrangement 106 is operable, in a first phase, to receive, from the identity management module 102, the determined identity of the user. In such an instance, the identity management module 102 communicates (namely, transmits) the determined identity of the user to the data processing arrangement 106, specifically, to the software application executed on the data processing arrangement 106.

Furthermore, the data processing arrangement 106 is operable, in a second phase, to select, from the memory module 104, a pre-defined driver profile among the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles, based upon the received identity of the user. Furthermore, optionally, the selection of the pre-defined driver profile is based upon at least one of: a previous pre-defined driver profile associated with the identified user, a previously known driving expertise of the identified user, a directive from the registered owner of the vehicle. Optionally, the directive from the registered owner of the vehicle is pre-defined . Optionally, in such a case, the pre-defined directive is stored in the memory module 104 of the driving assistance system 100. Alternatively, optionally, the d irective is received by the data processing arrangement 106, from the registered owner, in real time. Optionally, in this regard, the data processing arrangement 106 requests the registered owner to issue the directive by way of a request message, and selects the pre-defined driver profile, based upon a response message received from the registered owner. As an example, a vehicle V2 may be used by users XI, X2, and X3, wherein the user XI is a registered owner of the vehicle V2. For example, the user XI may be a parent of the users X2 and X3. In one implementation, the user XI may pre-define a d irective DIR that a pre ^¬ defined driver profile "Expert" is to be selected for the user XI and a pre- defined driver profile "Novice" is to be selected for the users X2 and X3. In such a case, the directive DIR may be stored in the memory module 104 of the driving assistance system 100. Therefore, the data processing arrangement 106 may receive, from the identity management module 102, the determined identity of a user to be, for example, the user X2. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement 106 may select, from the memory module 104, the pre-defined driver profile "Novice", based upon the received identity of the user. In another implementation, the d irective DIR may be received by the data processing arrangement 106, from the user XI, in real time. In such a case, the data processing arrangement 106 may receive, from the identity management module 102, the determined identity of a user to be, for example, the user X3. Optionally, the data processing arrangement 106 may request the user XI to issue the directive DIR by way of a request message such as "User X3 has accessed the vehicle V2. Which driver profile should be selected for the user X3?". Thereafter, the data processing arrangement 106 may select, from the memory module 104, the pre-defined driver profile "Novice", based upon a response message "Novice" received from the user XI .

Optionally, the selection of the pre-defined driver profile among the plurality of pre-defined driver is based upon assessment of driving expertise of the user, wherein the data processing arrangement 106 is operable to:

(A) direct the user to drive the vehicle for a pre-determined time period,

(B) receive test data pertaining to the pre-determined time period, from the one or more components of the vehicle, (C) process the received test data to determine a driving expertise of the user, and

(D) select the pre-defined driver profile, based upon the determined driving expertise of the user.

In such an instance, the pre-determined time period may be fixed or variable. In an example, the pre-determined time period is 45 minutes. In another example, the pre-determined time period is 2 hours. In yet another example, the pre-determined time period is 14 hours, namely, 2 hours per day, for a period of 7 days. Furthermore, in such an instance, the term "test data" used herein relates to operational data received from the one or more components, during the pre-determined time period. It is to be understood that the test data may be subsequently evaluated for assessment of the driving expertise of the user. As an example, the test data pertaining to the pre-determined time period may be received from the electrical motor of the vehicle, the steering system of the vehicle, and the suspension arrangement of the vehicle. In such an instance, the test data may include a speed of driving the vehicle, rotation of the steering wheel, and magnitude and frequency of bumps (namely, jerks or shocks) during the pre-determined time period. Thereafter, the driving expertise of the user is determined by way of processing the received test data. Optionally, the data processing arrangement 106 employs one or more artificial intelligence algorithms to process the received test data to determine the driving expertise of the user. In such an instance, the one or more artificial intelligence algorithms take into account the test data whilst predicting a probability of accidents and/or collisions if the user continues to drive the vehicle in a manner similar to that during the predetermined time period. Furthermore, if the probability is calculated to be low (for example, less than or equal to 0.2), the driving expertise of the user is determined to be high; if the probability is calculated to be intermediate (for example, greater than 0.2 but less than or equal to 0.5), the driving expertise of the user is determined to be intermediate; if the probability is calculated to be high, for example, greater than 0.5, the driving expertise of the user is determined to be low. Consequently, the pre-defined driver profile may be selected, based upon the determined driving expertise of the user. For example, the pre-defined driver profile "Novice" may be selected if the driving expertise of the user is determined to be low, the pre-defined driver profile "Learner" may be selected if the driving expertise of the user is determined to be intermediate, and pre-defined driver profile "Expert" may be selected if the driving expertise of the user is determined to be high.

Optionally, the one or more artificial intelligence algorithms include one or more of: evolutionary algorithms, optimization algorithms, machine learning algorithms, swarm intelligence algorithms, predictive algorithms, and pattern recognition algorithms.

It will be appreciated that the selection of the pre-defined driver profile, based upon the received identity of the user beneficially allows for provision of a driving mode that is appropriate in respect of the user's driving expertise and/or requirement. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement 106 is operable to (c) associate the selected pre-defined driver profile with the user. It is to be understood that "associating the selected pre-defined driver profile with the user" relates to loading the selected pre-defined profile into the data processing arrangement 106 when the user drives the vehicle. Such an association allows for utilization of the selected pre-defined driver profile by the software application executed on the data processing arrangement 106, for purpose of assisting the user of the vehicle.

Thereafter, the data processing arrangement 106 is operable to (d) control operation of the one or more components of the vehicle, based upon the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user. It will be appreciated that operation of the one or more components is implemented as defined by the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user, so as to provide the user with an appropriate and customized driving experience. Beneficially, such control of operation of the one or more components of the vehicle also allows for significantly reducing safety hazards for the user of the vehicle.

Referring to the aforementioned example describing use of the vehicle V2 by the users XI, X2, and X3, the pre-defined driver profile "Novice" may be associated with the users X2 and X3. As an example, the pre-defined driver profile "Novice" may include one or more parameters for controlling operation of the breaking arrangement of the vehicle, the electrical motor of the vehicle, the navigation system of the vehicle, the air-conditioning system of the vehicle, and the infotainment arrangement of the vehicle. In such an example, the pre-defined driver profile "Novice" may include: an upper safe-operation threshold associated with the breaking arrangement of the vehicle to allow for providing a slow breaking response for the vehicle, an upper safe-operation threshold associated with the electrical motor of the vehicle to allow for limiting the maximum speed of driving the vehicle, an operation mode ΌΛ/' associated with the navigation system of the vehicle to enable the navigation assistance, an operation mode associated with the air-conditioning system of the vehicle to enable ^{^} energy-saving' operation of the air-conditioning system, and an upper safe-operation threshold associated with the infotainment arrangement of the vehicle to allow for limiting a maximum volume of music that may be played within the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the users X2 and X3 may be novice users (namely, users who are learning to drive), and therefore, may have a tendency to abruptly apply brakes and a tendency for over speeding. Moreover, such users X2 and X3 may also require navigation assistance. Furthermore, it may also be beneficial to limit distraction of the novice users X2 and X3, to allow for increasing their on-road safety. Therefore, upon association of the pre-defined driver profile "Novice" with the users X2 and X3, operation of the aforementioned components may be controlled, based upon the aforesaid pre-defined driver profile "/Vow ^' ce" when any of the users X2 and X3 use the vehicle.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned example, the pre-defined driver profile "Expert" may be associated with the user XI . As an example, the pre-defined driver profile "Expert" may include one or more parameters for controlling operation of the electrical motor of the vehicle, the navigation system of the vehicle, and the infotainment arrangement of the vehicle. In such an example, the pre-defined driver profile "Expert" may include: an upper safe-operation threshold associated with the electrical motor of the vehicle to limit the maximum speed of driving the vehicle, an operation mode OF associated with the navigation system of the vehicle to enable the navigation assistance, and an upper safe- operation threshold associated with the infotainment arrangement of the vehicle to allow for limiting a maximum volume of music that may be played within the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the user XI may be an experienced user (namely, a user who is proficient at driving), and therefore, may be careful to avoid over speeding, thereby allowing for the maximum speed in the pre-defined driver profile "Expert" to be higher than the maximum speed in the pre-defined driver profile "Novice". Furthermore, the user XI may not require navigation assistance. Moreover, the user XI may be lesser prone to distraction as compared to the novice users X2 and X3. Therefore, the maximum volume of music that can be played according to the pre-defined driver profile "Expert" may be higher than the maximum volume of music that can be played according to the pre-defined driver profile "Novice". Therefore, upon association of the pre-defined driver profile "Expert" with the user XI, operation of the aforementioned components may be controlled, based upon the aforesaid pre-defined driver profile "Expert" when the user XI uses the vehicle.

Optionally, the data processing arrangement 106 is operable to (e) receive operational data from the one or more components of the vehicle; and (f) manage the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user, based upon the received operational data, by implementing one or more of: adjustment of one or more parameters associated with the predefined driver profile, and change of the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user by selecting a different pre-defined driver profile from the memory module 104 and associating the different pre-defined driver profile with the user. In such an instance, the term "operational data" used herein relates to data representative of functional characteristics of the one or more components whilst the one or more components are in operation. Optionally, such operational data is stored in the memory module 104 of the driving assistance system 100. Furthermore, such operational data is employed by the data processing arrangement 106 to manage the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user. It will be appreciated that such management allows for intelligently optimizing the driving experience for the user, by way of taking into account the driving expertise of the user, when he/she drives the vehicle according to the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user.

In an exemplary scenario, the operational data received from the one or more components may indicate a compliance with the one or more parameters of the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user. It will be appreciated that such compliance indicates the user's successful adherence to the one or more parameters, thereby, further indicating a certain degree of driving expertise attained by the user. Therefore, in an implementation, the data processing arrangement 106 may adjust the one or more parameters of the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user to include relatively lenient operational characteristics for use of the vehicle by the user. For example, in a pre-defined driver profile "Learner" associated with a user Al, an upper safe operation threshold associated with an electrical motor of a vehicle limits the maximum speed of driving the vehicle at 40 kilometres per hour. In such an example, if operational data received from the electrical motor of the vehicle indicates that the user Al drives the vehicle at a maximum speed of 35 kilometres per hour, the data processing arrangement 106 may adjust the upper safe operation threshold of the pre-defined driver profile "Learner" to limit the maximum speed of driving the vehicle at 60 kilometres per hour. Additionally or alternatively, in an implementation, the data processing arrangement 106 may change the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user by selecting a different pre-defined driver profile having relatively lenient one or more parameters and associating the different pre-defined driver profile with the user. Referring to the aforementioned example describing the pre-defined driver profile "Learner" being associated with the user Al, if the operational data received from the electrical motor of the vehicle indicates that the user Al drives the vehicle at a maximum speed of 35 kilometres per hour, the data processing arrangement 106 may select a pre-defined driver profile "Intermediate" having the upper safe operation threshold associated with the electrical motor of the vehicle to limit the maximum speed of driving the vehicle at 60 kilometres per hour, and may associate the pre-defined driver profile " Intermediate" with the user.

In another exemplary scenario, the operational data received from the one or more components may indicate a violation the one or more parameters of the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user. It will be appreciated that such a violation indicates the user's failure to comply with the one or more parameters. Therefore, in an implementation, the data processing arrangement 106 may adjust the one or more parameters of the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user to include relatively stricter operational characteristics to regulate use of the vehicle by the user. Referring to the aforementioned example describing the pre-defined driver profile "Learner" being associated with the user Al, the operational data received from the electrical motor of the vehicle may indicate that the user Al drives the vehicle at a maximum speed of 55 kilometres per hour. In such an instance, the data processing arrangement 106 may adjust the upper safe operation threshold associated with the electrical motor of the vehicle to limit the maximum speed of driving the vehicle at 30 kilometres per hour. Additionally or alternatively, in an implementation, the data processing arrangement 106 may change the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user by selecting a different pre-defined driver profile having relatively stricter one or more parameters and associating the different pre-defined driver profile with the user. Referring to the aforementioned example describing the pre-defined driver profile "Learner" being associated with the user Al, if the operational data received from the electrical motor of the vehicle indicates that the user Al drives the vehicle at a maximum speed of 55 kilometres per hour, the data processing arrangement 106 may select a pre-defined driver profile "Novice" having the upper safe operation threshold associated with the electrical motor of the vehicle to limit the maximum speed of driving the vehicle at 30 kilometres per hour, and may associate the pre-defined driver profile "Novice" with the user.

Furthermore, optionally, the data processing arrangement 106 is operable to (g) transfer, to the memory module 104, historical driving data pertaining to the user, wherein the memory module 104 is operable to store such historical driving data pertaining to the user. In such an instance, the term "historical driving data" relates to information pertaining to the user's entire history of driving the vehicle. Optionally, in this regard, the historical driving data pertaining to the user includes one or more of: the operational data received from the one or more components of the vehicle, one or more pre-defined driver profiles that have been associated with the user, the test data received from the one or more components of the vehicle. Furthermore, optionally, the data processing arrangement 106 employs such historical driving data pertaining to the user whilst selecting, the pre-defined driver profile among the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles. Moreover, optionally, the data processing arrangement 106 employs such historical driving data pertaining to the user whilst managing the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user. It will be appreciated that the historical driving data pertaining to the user may be employed to intelligently optimize the driving experience for the user, by way of taking into account the historical driving expertise of the user.

Referring to FIG.2, there is shown an illustration of steps of a method 200 of assisting the user of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At a step 202, an identity of the user of the vehicle is received . At a step 204, a pre-defined driver profile is selected among a plurality of pre-defined driver profiles, based upon the received identity of the user. At a step 206, the selected pre-defined driver profile is associated with the user. At a step 208, operation of one or more components of the vehicle is controlled, based upon the pre- defined driver profile associated with the user. It will be appreciated that the aforesaid method 200 of assisting the user of the vehicle may be implemented by the driving assistance system 100 described hereinabove. The steps 202 to 208 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. Optionally, the method 200 includes arranging for each of the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles to include one or more parameters for controlling operation of the one or more components of the vehicle. More optionally, the method 200 includes arranging for the one or more parameters to include one or more of: a lower safe-operation threshold associated with the one or more components, an upper safe-operation threshold associated with the one or more components, an arrangement of the one or more components within the vehicle. Furthermore, optionally, the method 200 includes receiving operational data from the one or more components of the vehicle; and managing the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user, based upon the received operational data, by implementing one or more of: adjusting one or more parameters associated with the predefined driver profile, and changing the pre-defined driver profile associated with the user by selecting a different pre-defined driver profile and associating the different pre-defined driver profile with the user. Optionally, the method 200 includes arranging for the selection of the pre-defined driver profile among the plurality of pre-defined driver profiles to be based upon assessment of driving expertise of the user, wherein the method 200 includes: directing the user to drive the vehicle for a pre-determined time period; receiving test data pertaining to the pre-determined time period, from the one or more components of the vehicle; processing the received test data to determine a driving expertise of the user; and selecting the pre-defined driver profile, based upon the determined driving expertise of the user. Optionally, in this regard, the method 200 includes employing one or more artificial intelligence algorithms for processing the received test data to determine the driving expertise of the user. Moreover, optionally, the method 200 includes storing historical driving data pertaining to the user. Optionally, in such a case, the method 200 includes arranging for the historical driving data pertaining to the user to include one or more of: the operational data received from the one or more components of the vehicle, one or more pre-defined driver profiles that have been associated with the user, the test data received from the one or more components of the vehicle.

The present disclosure provides the aforementioned driving assistance system for the user of the vehicle and the aforementioned method of assisting the user of the vehicle. The described driving assistance system efficiently provides customized driving experience to the user, based upon identity of the user, and optionally, based upon preferences and/or driving expertise of the user. This enables in significantly reducing safety hazards for the user of the vehicle. Beneficially, the described driving assistance system allows for intelligently optimizing the driving experience for the user by taking into account variation in preferences and/or driving expertise of the user, over time. Furthermore, the driving assistance system and the method described herein are robust, reliable, easy to implement, and inexpensive.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims. Additionally, in overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with providing a system for automatically arranging adjustable driving elements of a vehicle for attaining a desired driving-position for a driver.

Referring to FIG. 3, shown is a schematic illustration of a vehicle 1100 having adjustable driving elements spatially associated with a driving- position of a driver (not shown) of the vehicle 1100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 1100 may be a pure electrical vehicle and/or a hybrid vehicle including a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. According to an embodiment, the vehicle 1100 may include at least one adjustable driving element, which includes at least one of a backrest 1102, a seat 1104, a central mirror 1106, side mirrors 1108a, 1108b and a steering column 1110. It will be appreciated that the vehicle 1100 optionally includes other adjustable driving elements, such as windows, open roof panel and the like; however, the present disclosure relates to adjustable driving elements spatially associated with a driving-position of the driver.

According to the present disclosure, the term "driving- position" used herein primarily relates to a desired driving posture of a driver of a vehicle, such as the vehicle 1100, with respect to adjustable driving elements, such as the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, and the steering column 1110. Furthermore, the "driving-position" is also associated with other functional elements of the vehicle, such as an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a clutch (not shown) pedal of the vehicle 1100. Therefore, a "desired driving-position" beneficially allows a driver to attain a driving posture, which allows the driver to sit comfortably and have adjustable driving elements positioned at desired position for suitable access thereof.

It will be appreciated that the desired d riving-position may be associated with at least one physical attribute of the driver, for example a height of the driver and/or a girth of the driver. In an example, the physical attribute of the driver may include a height of the driver. For example, it may be evident that a desired driving-position of a taller person (or driver) (for example, 2 metres tall) would be different from a desired driving-position of a comparatively shorter person (for example, 1.3 metres tall) . Specifically, the taller person may adjust the adjustable driving elements to their desired positions for suitable access thereof, and similarly the shorter person may adjust the adjustable driving elements according ly. However, adjustable positions of the adjustable driving elements for the taller person would be different, for example incompatible, from that of the shorter person.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the desired driving-position may not be only associated with the physical attribute of the driver, and may include other factors. According to one embodiment, the at least one physical attribute of the driver may also include driving preferences of the driver, which may be based upon a driving terrain, a distance to be travelled and/or prevailing weather conditions when travelling . For example, in case of a smooth driving terrain, a long distance and/or a pleasant weather condition, a driver's preference may include a slightly backward tilted backrest 1102, and the seat 1104 may be positioned such that the driver's legs can comfortably reach the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals of the vehicle 1100 without a requirement for the driver to bend his/her knees. Similarly, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b may be adjusted accordingly, and the steering column 1110 may be tilted slightly backwards towards the driver. However, in case of a rough driving terrain, a short distance to be travelled and/or unpleasant weather conditions, a driver's preference may include a comparatively less tilted (or straight) backrest 1102, and the seat 1104 may be positioned such that driver's legs reach the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals of the vehicle 1100. Similarly, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b and so forth may be adjusted accordingly, and the steering column 1110 may be slightly tilted away from the driver. Therefore, it may be appreciated that the desired driving-position may not be only limited by the physical attribute of the driver and may be also based upon the driver's preference. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that the desired driving-position may be attained by tilting the backrest 1102, moving the seat 1104 forward and/or backward, and angling the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b and the steering column 1110 based on either the physical attributes of the driver and/or the driver's preference.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is block diagram of a system 2100 for arranging a desired driving-position for a driver by adjusting adjustable driving elements of a vehicle, such as the vehicle 1100 of FIG.

3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 2100 is associated with adjusting various adjustable driving elements, such as the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b and the steering column 1110 of the vehicle, spatially associated with the driving-position of the driver of the vehicle.

The system 2100 includes at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element for sensing multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element based on the at least one physical attribute of the driver. As shown, the system 2100 includes sensors 2102, 2104, 2106, 2108a, 2108b and 2110 operatively coupled to the adjustable driving elements, namely the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, and the steering column 1110, respectively. The sensors 2102, 2104, 2106, 2108a, 2108b, 2110 are operable to sense multiple adjustable positions of the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b and the steering column 1110, respectively. In one embodiment, each of the at least one sensor, such as the sensors 2102, 2104, 2106, 2108a, 2108b, 2110, includes at least one of an imaging sensor or a tilt sensor. Furthermore, the imaging sensor may be one of an infrared sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. For example, the sensor 2102 may be a tilt sensor operable to sense tilting of the backrest 1102. Furthermore, the sensor 2104 may be an imaging sensor operable to sense forward and/or backward positions of the seat 1104, for example with respect to a dashboard of a vehicle. Moreover, the sensors 2106, 2108a, 2108b may be a tilt sensor operable to sense angled position of the central mirror 1106, and the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, respectively. Furthermore, the sensor 2110 may be a tilt sensor operable to sense tilting position of the steering column 1110. Moreover, it may be appreciated that each of the sensors 2102, 2104, 2106, 2108a, 2108b, 2110 may be combination of an imaging sensor and a tilt sensor.

The system 2100 also includes a computing unit 2130 having a controller 2132 that is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, such as the sensors 2102, 2104, 2106, 2108a, 2108b, 2110, for controlling movement of the at least one adjustable driving element, namely the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, and the steering column 1110, for attaining the multiple adjustable positions thereof. According to an embodiment, the controller relates to hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, configured to control movement of the at least one adjustable driving element. Furthermore, the controller is operable to acquire sensed data from the at least one sensor. Additionally, the controller includes a single and/or a plurality of processors arranged in various architectures for processing the sensed data acquired from the at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the controller includes general electronic components. For example, the general electronic components include an input means, an output means, a processer, a network adapter and so forth.

According to an embodiment, the at least one adjustable driving element, such as the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, and the steering column 1110, is operatively coupled to at least one actuator arrangement for attaining the multiple adjustable positions thereof. As shown, the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, and the steering column 1110 are operatively coupled to actuator arrangements 2112, 2114, 2116, 2118a, 2118b and 2120, respectively. According to an embod iment, each of the at least one actuator arrangement, such as the actuator arrangements 2112, 2114, 2116, 2118a, 2118b and 2120, includes at least one motor and motion transfer elements (not shown) . In an example, the motion transfer elements may include gears, rods or mechanical links. Therefore, the motion transfer elements, in conjunction with rotary motion provided by the motors, can tilt the backrest 1102, move the seat 1104 forward and/or backward, and angle (incline or direct) the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b and the steering column 1110. It will be appreciated that the controller 2132 may send operating signals to the actuator arrangements 2112, 2114, 2116, 2118a, 2118b and 2120 for providing required movement to the adjustable driving element, such as the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, and the steering column 1110.

The system 2100 also includes a memory 2134 for storing the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, such as the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, and the steering column 1110. The selection of one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions allows the driver to attain a desired driving-position based on the at least the physical attributes of the driver. According to an embodiment, the computing unit 2130 further includes a display 2136 for displaying the stored multiple adjustable positions. The display 2136 may be a touch sensitive display for allowing selection of the stored at least one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the stored multiple adjustable positions allowed. This allows a driver of a vehicle to attain a desired driving position, using the system 2100, based on either the physical attributes of the driver or the driver's preference.

According to an embodiment, in use or operation, a driver may sit on the seat 1104 and manually adjust the adjustable driving elements, such as the backrest 1102, the seat 1104, the central mirror 1106, the side mirrors 1108a, 1108b, and the steering column 1110, to their desired adjustable positions as per driver's comfort. The sensors 2102, 2104, 2106, 2108a, 2108b, 2110 may accordingly sense such desired adjustable positions of the manually adjusted adjustable driving elements. Thereafter, the desired adjustable positions, of the manually adjusted adjustable driving elements, may be sent to the controller 2132. The controller 2132 may accordingly create a driving-position profile, for the driver, corresponding to the desired adjustable positions of the adjustable driving elements. The desired driving-position profile for the driver may be sent to the memory 2134 and stored therein. It will be appreciated that multiple drivers may accordingly have multiple desired driving-position profiles associated therewith, stored in the memory 2134. In one embodiment, the desired driving-position profiles may be stored with the driver's name, for easy identification. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that one person (or driver) may have more than one desired driving-position profiles that are based either on the physical attributes of the driver or the driver's preference. Therefore, selection of at least one adjustable position, associated with a desired driving-position profile of a driver, from the multiple adjustable positions (i.e. multiple desired driving position profiles) allows the driver to attain a desired driving position based on either the physical attributes of the driver or the driver's preference. In one embodiment, the desired driving- position profile may be displayed to the driver on the touch sensitive display (with the driver's name) allowing the driver to easily select the desired driving-position profile. The selection of desired driving-position profile essentially adjusts all adjustable driving elements to the comfort of the driver, thereby allowing the driver to attain the desired driving- position for driving the vehicle. Therefore, same driver can select different desired driving-position profiles based on the physical attributes or the preference of the driver. Additionally, different drivers of a same vehicle can have stored multiple desired driving-position profiles associated therewith, and selection of such desired driving-positions by the drivers would allow the drivers to attain their desired driving positions.

According to an embodiment, the computing unit 2130 further includes a software application. Optionally, the software application is device- functionality software and/or operating system software configured to execute other application programs and moreover, interface between the application programs and associated hardware, such as the computing unit 2130. Furthermore, the software application is a software application management and infotainment (SAMI) arrangement. For example, the software application may be operable to provide an infotainment arrangement and/or system for the driver of the vehicle. Additionally, the software application includes artificial intelligence algorithms hosted therein. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence algorithms relate to software-based algorithms that are executable upon a computing hardware, such as the computing unit 2130, and are operable to adapt and adjust the operating parameters of the algorithms in an adaptive manner, depending upon information that is presented thereto, when executed upon the computing hardware. For example, the artificial intelligence algorithms are arranged, using learnt or pre-defined rules, to be able to identify each driver individually, for example from one or more sensor signals and/or from a log in code entered of the driver, and also be able to learn a pattern of fatigue that the driver exhibits when driving a long journey. From the pattern of fatigue, the artificial intelligence algorithms are operable to adjust, using one or more actuators, aforementioned driving elements of the vehicle to improve comfort of the driver, thereby increasing d riving safety for example.

Furthermore, as aforementioned, the artificial intelligence algorithms are operable to process the sensed data acquired from the various sensor, such as sensors 2102, 2104, 2106, 2108a, 2108b, 2110. Subsequently, the artificial intelligence algorithms are operable to provide suggestion to the driver of the vehicle. For example, the artificial intelligence algorithms may analyse the sensed data provided by the imaging sensor 2104 and the tilt sensor 2102. Subsequently, the artificial intelligence algorithms may be operable to determine the amount of fatigue experienced by a driver based on the sensed data provided by the sensors 2102 and 2104. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence algorithms may suggest the amount of tilt of the backrest 1102 for providing a less fatiguing travelling experience for the driver of the vehicle. In another example, the artificial intelligence algorithms may be operable to provide voice output to the driver to create a comfortable driving experience. In such an example, the voice output may include suggesting the driver safety measures for driving.

The present disclosure provides an efficient system for arranging the driving arrangement of vehicle based on user preference. The present system is operable to change the setting for the driving arrangement of the vehicle based on the user preference. Beneficially, the present system is operable to adjust, automatically or semi-automatically, the driving arrangement of the vehicle. Thus, little or no user involvement is required for adjusting the driving arrangement of the vehicle according to the user's preference. Additionally, the adjustment of the driving arrangement causes a lesser amount of fatigue to a user, consequently, providing a comfortable driving and/or traveling experience for the user. Therefore, the system is capable of providing an ergonomic benefit to the user, thus enabling a comfortable and enjoyable traveling experience in the vehicle. Furthermore, such reduction of fatigue in the driving experience for the driver is an important technical solution provided by embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of providing an ergonomic benefit for the driver by providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.