TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a safety system, and in particular, to a vehicle safety system and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, users of vehicles, for example, two-or-three-wheeled vehicles, are aware of safety requirements of the vehicle. Some of the critical safety aspects of the vehicle are made mandatory by the regulatory authority. For instance, any vehicle requires complying with mandatory safety features such as turn signal indicators, its colors, horns, reflectors, rear view mirrors, hazard lamps, saree guard and so on. However, in spite of complying with these safety requirements, there has been a constant raise in the number of safety related accidents that occur on our roads. Though, the major reason for such accidents could be considered as the negligence of the rider, there are various other external factors that play their role in such accidents, which could be controlled. There have been constant study and research in addressing the needs for handling such controllable factors in order to prevent the raise of number of accidents. In the recent past, there have been several devices and systems that have been installed in the vehicles to detect and act upon safety measures of the vehicle. For example, in the recent past, there has been prevalent use of vehicle speed limiter, and navigation tools to monitor and control the speed and pattern of driving in order to prevent fatal accidents. However, such safety systems that are known in the state of the art are complex and expensive, which may not be suitable for implementation in small sized vehicles such as two-or-three-wheelers.

[0003] Typically, recent studies have suggested that rider of a two-or a three-wheeled vehicle in India and other developing countries, tends to neglect safety aspects, when they are not part of the mandatory requirements. One typical example could be usage of safety head gears are prominent in states where there is a legal requirement, as compared to the states where there is no such legal requirement. Thus, there is a need to provide a system that enable auxiliary safety features other than the mandatory requirements, which are simple, and cost effective, and which could be readily used by riders of small sized vehicles, such as two-or three-wheeled vehicles in India.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0005] Fig. lillustrates a block diagram of a vehicle safety system including one or more modules.

[0006] Fig. 2illustrates an accident detection module of the vehicle safety system.

[0007] Fig. 3shows a flow diagram illustrating a functionality of accident detection module of the vehicle safety system.

[0008] Fig. 4illustrates a flow diagram depicting functionality of a vehicle location detection module of a vehicle safety system.

[0009] Fig. 5illustrates a flow diagram depicting functionality of a vehicle mode detection module of a vehicle safety system.

[00010] Fig. 6illustrates a flow diagram depicting accident detection module of the vehicle safety system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[00011] Fig. 7illustrates a vehicle location detection module of a vehicle safety system.

[00012] Fig. 8illustrates a riding environment detection module of the vehicle safety system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00013] Fig. 9illustrates a flow diagram depicting the functionality of the riding environment detection module of the vehicle safety system.

[00014] Fig. lOillustrates a flow diagram depicting a functionality of a driving pattern detection and analysis module of the safety system of a vehicle.

[00015] Fig. llillustrates a flow diagram depicting functionality of the SOS module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00016] The present invention provides a vehicle safety system that is simple, convenient, reducing manual intervention, and cost effective. More particularly, the present invention provides a safety system for a small sized vehicle such as a two-or-three-wheeled vehicle. In an embodiment, the safety system of the present invention is capable of being integrated to an external electronic device, such as a mobile phone. In one embodiment, the safety system of the present invention is also capable of being integrated to a speedometer cluster of the vehicle. The safety system of the present invention includes a mode detection module, which enables detection of the current state of the vehicle, for example, the mode detection module is capable of receiving one or more inputs that communicates the current state of the vehicle. In one example, the mode detection module is integrated with a global positioning system, which continuously monitor the current position of the vehicle and communicates any change in the current position of the vehicle. The mode detection module detects the vehicle to be in an idling or stationary state if the current position of the vehicle remains constant beyond a predetermined time. The mode detection module detects the vehicle to be in a driving state if the current position of the vehicle changes from its initial position after a predetermined time. In an alternative embodiment, the mode detection module is capable of receiving one or more signals from a throttle position sensor of the vehicle, and depending upon the one or more signals received from the throttle position sensor, the mode detection module determines whether the vehicle is in the idling state or driving state.

[00017] In an embodiment, the vehicle safety system of the present invention includes a driving pattern detection and analysis (DPDA) module. In an embodiment, the DPDA module of the present invention is capable of interacting with one or more devices of the vehicle and/or the mobile phone to detect and analyze the driving pattern of the rider of the vehicle. For instance, the DPDA module is capable of receiving inputs from the global positioning system regarding the path traversed by the rider, when the vehicle is in the driving mode. In an embodiment, the DPDA module is capable of receiving continuous inputs from an accelerometer of the mobile phone or the speed sensor of the vehicle regarding the speed at which the vehicle travels for the particular path traversed. This enables the DPDA module to continuously monitor the top speed reached by the vehicle in the given path traversed. In an embodiment, the DPDA module is also capable of detecting the overall distance travelled during the given trip, which in turn could enable computation of speed at which the particular distance is covered and the time taken for reaching the given distance. This can also enable computation of fuel consumption over the given distance. In an embodiment, the DPDA module records one or more aspects such as distance travelled, top speed reached, and vehicle riding patterns such as braking pattern, use of pass-by switches etc. and create a trip record for the given trip. Such trip records created by the DPDA module enable the rider to monitor his/her driving patterns and control a particular aspect of his/her driving, for example excessive braking, or very high top speed reached, thereby ensuring maximum safety for the rider in the following trips. In an embodiment, the DPDA module is also capable of communicating such trip records to others, for example, the people in the riderDs riding community, traffic control authorities to assess the driving pattern of similar riders in a particular location, which could enable the traffic control authorities to assess and improve infrastructure to prevent accidents.

[00018] In an embodiment, the vehicle safety system of the present invention includes riding environment detection (RED) module that constantly communicates with one or more external systems, for example, global positioning system, and a central weather server. In an embodiment, the RED module communicates with the global positioning system and detects upcoming barriers in the particular trip of the rider. For example, traffic congestion in the path traversed by the rider is detected and communicated to the rider. The RED module also provides alternative route options for the rider to reach the destination. In another example, the RED module detects a road blockage, road accident, or road repair work in the path traversed by the rider, enabling the rider to choose an alternative route to reach the destination. In another embodiment, the RED module is also capable of interacting with the central weather server to determine the climatic conditions in the path traversed by the rider and constantly keep the rider updated of any harsh climatic conditions, such as a heavy rain, thunderstorm, snowfall etc. In an alternative embodiment, the RED module is also capable of wirelessly communicating with the vehicle safety systems of the nearby vehicles, for example, the vehicles that are coming from the opposite direction to determine the climatic conditions in the path traversed by the vehicle.

[00019] In an embodiment, the vehicle safety system of the present invention also includes an accident detection module that is capable of interacting with one or more sensors that are mounted on the vehicle or the mobile phone. For example, the accident detection module interacts with the accelerometer sensor and determines if there is a sudden change in the acceleration of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the accident detection module also interacts with the gyroscope to determine any sudden change in orientation of the vehicle. Upon detection of any such parameters, the accident detection module is capable of communicating with one or more devices at the user end. For example, the one or more devices can be a mobile phone of one or more emergency contact persons, nearby hospitals and/or ambulance services, nearby police stations, and nearby road assistance services. The accident detection module detects the current position and location of the vehicle and communicates to the above said one or more devices in one or more ways. For example, in the form of a short message service, or a phone call. In an embodiment, the accident detection module is capable of triggering a vehicle emergency mode upon detection of any one of the above said changes in parameters. In the emergency mode, the vehicle horn is triggered to alarm the nearby passerbys. It can also trigger the hazard lamps on to visually indicate the emergency mode of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the accident detection module, upon activation of the emergency mode, is capable of shutting off fuel outlets of the vehicle, in order to prevent any leakage of fuel, which could be fatal.

[00020] In an embodiment, the vehicle safety system further includes a location detection module. The location detection module is capable of detecting nearby locations in the path traversed by the vehicle. For example, any nearby hospitals, service stations, and petrol stations can be detected by means of receiving coordinates of the nearby locations from the global positioning system, which in case of emergency situations, such as an emergency health condition of the rider or the co-rider, or a passerby, and a vehicle irregularity, for example, a flat tire could ensure safety of the rider. In an embodiment, the location detection module further includes a vehicle finder sub-module, which enables tracking the vehicleDs position using the coordinates of the vehicle in its last idling state. The vehicle finder sub- module enables locating the vehicle in crowded parking area. In an embodiment, the vehicle finder sub-module of the vehicle safety system is capable of being integrated with the mobile phone of the rider, which eliminates the need for a separate vehicle location detection transceivers and special keys that include vehicle location detection algorithms.

[00021] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00022] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle safety system. The vehicle safety systeml50 includes one or more modules 100, 600, 300. The one or more modules includes an accident detection module 100 configured to detect and communicate regarding an unsafe event, a location detection module 600 configured to find a desired place including a parking place, a restaurant and any other desired location. The parking detection module 300 particularly finds an available parking space in a parking lot and provides desired inputs about the parking location to the user.

[00023] Fig. 2illustrates an accident detection module of the vehicle safety system. The mobile device or a hand held device 101 at the user end includes an accident detection module 100. The accident detection module comprises various features including an alarm unit capable of sending an instant message or making phone calls to important contacts and nearby hospitals as indicated by sub-module 102. The accident detection module further comprises a user interface comprising another sub-module 103 importing contacts from the userDs database during emergency conditions. Furthermore, the accident detection module includes some of the internal units comprising gyroscopic sensor, accelerometer sensor, a global positioning system unit, and a GSM module. All or most of the internal units present in the mobile device receive inputs through the various satellite signals. Finally, depending upon the inputs received by the internal units and the user, the accident detection module detects that there is an emergency and the vehicle enters the emergency mode 104.

[00024] Fig. 3shows a flow diagram illustrating a functionality of accident detection module of the vehicle safety system. The accident detection module begins in step 201. The accident detection module 100 interacts with various sensors and determines if there is a sudden change in the acceleration of the vehicle as indicated in step 202, accident detection module also interacts with the gyroscope to determine any sudden change in orientation of the vehicle as indicated in step 202. Further in step 203, a check is undertaken if the threshold value is exceeded. If the threshold value is exceeded, then an alarm is raised by the accident detection module 100 as indicated in step 204. If the threshold value is not exceeded, then the accident detection module continuously checks for any sensor data as indicated in step 202.

[00025] Further, after the alarm is displayed to the user by the accident detection module at step 204, it is checked if the alarm is cancelled in step 205. If the alarm is cancelled, then the accident detection module starts functioning afresh from step 201, else if the alarm is not cancelled, then information regarding the vehicle and user is obtained from the GPS unit as indicated in step 206,and the emergency mode is activated as indicated in step 208.

[00026] Fig. 4illustrates a flow diagram depicting functionality of a vehicle location detection module of a vehicle safety system. The vehicle location detection module 301 checks if a parking space is available as indicated in step 302.1f any parking space is available, then parking space availability is displayed in the display unit as indicated in step 303. If a parking space is not available, then the location detection module is initiated from the step 301.

[00027] Further, after displaying the available parking space in the display unit to the user as indicated in step 303, the user has to select desired parking position as indicated in step 304. If the user has selected desired parking position, then the input from the user is sent into a processor as indicated by 305, the processor sub-module includes a GPS unit and a distance calculator. The GPS unit obtains location of the selected parking position and the distance of the selected parking position is calculated by the distance calculator for reference of the user.

[00028] Finally, the parking position with all the details calculated and inputs from the GPS unit is displayed in the display unit as indicated in the step 306 for reference by the user. [00029] If a parking space is not selected by the user, then the location detection module is again initiated and the functionality begins from step 301.

[00030] Fig.5illustrates a flow diagram depicting functionality of a vehicle mode detection module of a vehicle safety system. The mode detection module is integrated with a global positioning system, which continuously monitor the current position of the vehicle and communicates any change in the current position of the vehicle as indicated in step 402.Further, in step 403 speed of the vehicle is detected. If the speed of the vehicle is greater than a threshold speed DxD, then the vehicle is in driving mode 405, else if the vehicle speed is not greater than the threshold speed DxD, then the vehicle is in idling mode as indicated in step 404. Further, after the vehicle has entered driving mode as indicated in step 405, again speed of the vehicle is checked as indicated by step 406, if the speed of the vehicle is lesser than the threshold speed DxD, then a sudden drop in the vehicle speed is observed to check for any speed breakers or any impending traffic as indicated in step 407. Further, a timer unit is initiated to check the speed after a predetermined time DyD as indicated in step 408, further, again speed of the vehicle is checked if it is greater than the threshold speedDxD as indicated in step 409, if the speed is greater than the threshold speed DxD, then the vehicle remains in driving mode, else the vehicle enters the idling mode and further inputs from the GPS unit is taken to calculate location based on speed of the vehicle.

[00031] Fig. 6illustrates a flow diagram depicting accident detection module of the vehicle safety system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The accident detection module allows the vehicle to enter into an emergency mode. The accident detection module is begun at step 501. At step 502, emergency case is identified and a check is undertaken if entering emergency mode by the vehicle is automated or not as indicated in step 503. If entering emergency mode is automated, then the vehicle enters in to the emergency mode as indicated in step 504. After entering the emergency mode, the inputs are given to the processor as indicated in step 505; the processor includes a display unit to display emergency contact details and a SMS unit to send out distress messages to saved emergency contact numbers of userDs desire and then, first aid tips are displayed to the user through a display unit as indicated in step 506.

[00032] Further, if the emergency mode of the vehicle is not automated, then first aid tips are displayed to the user as indicated in step 506, the displayed first aid tips are followed by the user as indicated in step 507, then a check is undertaken if the problem is solved or not as indicated in step 508. If the problem is solved then, the module stops functioning as indicated in step 510. If the problem is not solved, then the emergency contact numbers are contacted as indicated in step 509.

[00033] Fig. 7illustrates a vehicle location detection module of a vehicle safety system. The vehicle location detection module includes a data repository601 that stores most of the places that are of userDs interest. At the user end, various inputs are given by the user depending upon the requirement of the user. The various inputs include a place type 608, a particular restaurant 609, and an option to navigate to a particular selected place 610, and distance and other details of the desired location. All the inputs that are required by the user are fetched by the interface from the database.

[00034] For example, the working of the location detection module can be understood with the help of the following example: the user has to only select the place type 608, for example, if the place type selected by the user is a restaurant, then, the places interface 602 fetches all the restaurants from the data repository 601, the places interface also gets its inputs from a GPS unit 605, further, all the restaurants near the location606 of the user are selected by the places interface 602 and then communicated to the user to select a particular restaurant 609. Further, if the user requires any more details regarding the selected place, which is a restaurant, then the places details interface 603 fetches detailed description about the restaurant607 and an option to navigate is communicated to the user as shown in 610. If the option to navigate610 is selected by the user, then the MAPS interface 604 fetches the required data as to distance and other details regarding the selected restaurant as indicated by 611.

[00035] Fig. 8illustrates a riding environment detection module of the vehicle safety system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The riding environment detection module700 is capable of interacting with the central weather server 701to determine the climatic conditions in the path traversed by the rider and constantly keep the rider updated of any harsh climatic conditions, such as a heavy rain, thunderstorm, snowfall etc. in the present embodiment, the central weather server is a third party cloud.

[00036] At the user end, the user through his smartphone704 comprising the riding environment detection, requests the central weather server 701 to get weather updates. The central weather server 701 through a notification manager 702 communicates to the user. The communication, for example, in the present example is in the form of a push message with weather details. Further, after receiving the weather updates, the vehicle settings of the user are changed accordingly 703through a vehicle gateway 705.

[00037] Fig. 9illustrates a flow diagram depicting the functionality of the riding environment detection module of the vehicle safety system. The riding environment detection (RED) module begins from the step 801, at step 802 the user through his smart phone or any other device, checks for any weather updates. The updated weather details are displayed on the display device at the user end as indicated in the step 803. Further, the details are sent through a vehicle gateway as indicated in step 804. The vehicle gateway checks if the weather module is matched with the updated weather details as indicated in step 805. If the weather module matches, then the vehicle settings are changed accordingly as indicated in step 806, else the riding environment detection (RED) module is again initiated and the functionality begins again from step 801.

[00038] Fig. lOillustrates a flow diagram depicting a functionality of a driving pattern detection and analysis module of the safety system of a vehicle. The functionality of the driving pattern detection and analysis (DPDA) module is begun in step 901. Further, the trip is initialized as indicated in step 902.Further, the location of the vehicle and other details of the vehicle are obtained from the GPS unit as indicated in step 903, further, the speed of the vehicle is detected as indicated in step 904. If the vehicle speed is greater than the threshold speed DxD, then the trip is begun, else, if the speed of the vehicle is not greater than the threshold speed DxD, then constant connection with the GPS unit is established. Further, after the trip is begun, again any interruption in the speed is detected, it is checked if the idling mode of the vehicle is enabled as indicated in step 905. Further, at step 913, condition as to whether the trip has to be continued or not is checked. If the trip has to be continued, then the GPS unit 914 inputs are constantly received and any interruptions if any are detected.

[00039] Further, after the interruption is detected at step 905 and if the trip continuation is disabled, then, the GPS unit fetches the start and the end positions as indicated in step 907. The GPS unit also received inputs from MAPS interface as indicated in step 906. Furthermore, the inputs given by the GPS unit is used to calculate the trip details908 including trip traversed, distance travelled, time taken to finish the trip, maximum speed, etc.,

[00040] Furthermore, the user can share911 the trip details into any desired medium912 for his further perusal or for the reference of his peers. Furthermore, the user can save the trip traversed and the trip details in his favorites909, so that the user can compare the future trips with the one saved910 in the favorites.

[00041] Fig. llillustrates a flow diagram depicting functionality of the SOS module. The save our souls (SOS) module is a part of the vehicle safety system as per the proposed invention. The SOS module checks if the SOS key is activated as indicated in step 916. If the SOS key is activated, then the module seeks inputs from the GPS unit 917, else, the SOS module is initiated again from the beginning. Further, the GPS unit sends SMS as indicated in the step 918, after sending the SMS, the module checks if the SOS key is deactivated as indicate in the step 919. If the SOS key is deactivated, then the SOS module is initiated from the beginning 915, else the timer is initiated as indicated in step 920. After Y intervals of time is lapsed by the timer, a SMS with GPS co-ordinates is communicated to the emergency numbers as saved by the user.

[00042] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.