INFORMATION TO OPERATOR AND VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE STATUS INFORMATION TO OPERATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and an information system for providing vehicle status information to an operator of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle. The present disclosure also relates to a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle having the information system and a computer program product that when executed by the information system causes the information system to perform the method.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle, such as a truck, is a motor vehicle particularly designed to transport cargo, carry specialized payloads, or perform construction work. A heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle has a cabin, or a cab, that is independent of the payload portion of the vehicle. The cab is an enclosed space where an instrument cluster is mounted, and an operator is seated. However, it may be difficult for the operator of the vehicle to obtain vehicle status information before entering the cab of the vehicle. The operator may obtain the vehicle status information of the vehicle only after going up of stairs and climbing in the cab of the vehicle, and reading the operational status of the operational system shown on the cluster inside the cab of the vehicle. For example, the operator may be able to decide whether to charge a vehicle battery or inflate a vehicle tire or change engine oil only after climbing into the cab of the vehicle to read the vehicle status information from the cluster. Statistically, going up and down of stairs are major reasons of professional accidents for heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle operators.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to some embodiments of inventive concepts, a method is provided to provide vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle to an operator of the vehicle. Vehicle status data of the vehicle may be, with a sensing module, acquired. The vehicle status data may comprise information related to an operational status of an operational system of the vehicle. Nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door may be, with the sensing module, detected. An information request signal may be, with the sensing module, generated in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door. A voice auditory signal may be, with a processing module, generated based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal. The voice auditory signal may be, with a broadcasting module, conveyed to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door. [0004] According to some embodiments of inventive concepts, an information system is provided to provide vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle to an operator of the vehicle. The information system may comprise a sensing module, a processing module, and a broadcasting module. Vehicle status data of the vehicle may be, with the sensing module, acquired. The vehicle status data may comprise information related to an operational status of an operational system of the vehicle. Nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door may be, with the sensing module, detected. An information request signal may be, with the sensing module, generated in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door. A voice auditory signal may be, with the processing module, generated based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal. The voice auditory signal may be, with the broadcasting module, conveyed to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0005] According to some embodiments of inventive concepts, a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle is provided. The vehicle may comprise an information system. The information system may comprise a sensing module, a processing module, and a broadcasting module. Vehicle status data of the vehicle may be, with the sensing module, acquired. The vehicle status data may comprise information related to an operational status of an operational system of the vehicle. Nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door may be, with the sensing module, detected. An information request signal may be, with the sensing module, generated in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door. A voice auditory signal may be, with the processing module, generated based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal. The voice auditory signal may be, with the broadcasting module, conveyed to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0006] According to some embodiments of inventive concepts, a method is provided to operate an information system of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle to an operator of the vehicle. Vehicle status data of the vehicle may be acquired. The vehicle status data may comprise information related to an operational status of an operational system of the vehicle. Nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door may be detected. An information request signal may be generated in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door. A voice auditory signal may be generated based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal. The voice auditory signal may be conveyed to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0007] According to some embodiments of inventive concepts, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program code that when executed by an information system causes the information system to provide vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle to an operator of the vehicle.

ASPECTS

[0008] According to an aspect, a method is provided to provide vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle to an operator of the vehicle.

[0009] According to one aspect, the method may comprise acquiring, with a sensing module, vehicle status data of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle status data comprises information related to an operational status of an operational system of the vehicle.

[0010] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise detecting, with the sensing module, nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0011] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise generating, with the sensing module, an information request signal in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0012] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise generating, with a processing module, a voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal.

[0013] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise conveying, with a broadcasting module, the voice auditory signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door. [0014] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise periodically acquiring, with the sensing module, the vehicle status data of the vehicle.

[0015] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise analyzing, with the processing module, the information of the vehicle status data, and generating, with the processing module, the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

[0016] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise generating, with the processing module, an image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal, and conveying, with a displaying module, the image visual signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0017] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise analyzing, with the processing module, the information of the vehicle status data, and generating, with the processing module, the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

[0018] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise transmitting, with a communicating module, the vehicle status data from the sensing module to the processing module, transmitting, with the communicating module, the information request signal from the sensing module to the processing module, transmitting, with the communicating module, the voice auditory signal from the processing module to the broadcasting module, and transmitting, with the communicating module, the image visual signal from the processing module to the displaying module.

[0019] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise embedding at least one of the sensing module, the processing module, the broadcasting module, the displaying module and the communicating module in the vehicle.

[0020] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise embedding the displaying module in the vehicle door and/or a vehicle seat of the vehicle.

[0021] According to a further aspect, an information system is provided to provide vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle to an operator of the vehicle. [0022] According to one aspect, the information system may comprise a sensing module, a processing module, a broadcasting module, and the sensing module, the processing module and the broadcasting module are electrically coupled with one another. [0023] According to one aspect, the information system may be configured to acquire, with the sensing module, vehicle status data of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle status data comprises information related to an operational status of an operational system of the vehicle. [0024] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to detect, with the sensing module, nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0025] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to generate, with the sensing module, an information request signal in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0026] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to generate, with the processing module, a voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal.

[0027] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to convey, with the broadcasting module, the voice auditory signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0028] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to periodically acquiring, with the sensing module, the vehicle status data of the vehicle. [0029] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to generate, with the processing module, the voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing, with the processing module, the information of the vehicle status data, and generating, with the processing module, the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

[0030] According to one aspect, the information system may further comprise a displaying module, and the sensing module, the processing module, the broadcasting module and the displaying module are electrically coupled with one another.

[0031] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to generate, with the processing module, an image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal, and convey, with the displaying module, the image visual signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0032] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to generate, with the processing module, the image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing, with the processing module, the information of the vehicle status data, and generating, with the processing module, the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

[0033] According to one aspect, the information system may further comprise a communicating module, and the sensing module, the processing module, the broadcasting module, the displaying module and the communicating module are electrically coupled with one another.

[0034] According to one aspect, the information system may be further configured to transmit, with the communicating module, the vehicle status data from the sensing module to the processing module, transmit, with the communicating module, the information request signal from the sensing module to the processing module, transmit, with the communicating module, the voice auditory signal from the processing module to the broadcasting module, and transmit, with the communicating module, the image visual signal from the processing module to the displaying module.

[0035] According to one aspect, in the information system, at least one of the sensing module, the processing module, the broadcasting module, the displaying module and the communicating module is configured to be embedded in the vehicle.

[0036] According to one aspect, in the information system, the displaying module is configured to be embedded in the vehicle door and/or a vehicle seat of the vehicle. [0037] According to a still aspect, a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle is provided.

[0038] According to one aspect, the vehicle may comprise an information system comprising a sensing module, a processing module and a broadcasting module electrically coupled with one another.

[0039] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be configured to provide vehicle status information of the vehicle to an operator of the vehicle.

[0040] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured for acquiring, with the sensing module, vehicle status data of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle status data comprises information related to an operational status of an operational system of the vehicle.

[0041] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured for detecting, with the sensing module, nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0042] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured for generating, with the sensing module, an information request signal in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0043] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured for generating, with the processing module, a voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal. [0044] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured for conveying, with the broadcasting module, the voice auditory signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0045] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured for periodically acquiring, with the sensing module, the vehicle status data of the vehicle.

[0046] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured to generate, with the processing module, the voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing, with the processing module, the information of the vehicle status data, and generating, with the processing module, the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

[0047] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may further comprise a displaying module electrically coupled with the sensing module, the processing module and the broadcasting module.

[0048] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured to generate, with the processing module, an image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal, and convey, with the displaying module, the image visual signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0049] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured to generate, with the processing module, the image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing, with the processing module, the information of the vehicle status data, and generating, with the processing module, the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

[0050] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may further comprise a communicating module electrically coupled with the sensing module, the processing module, the displaying module and the broadcasting module.

[0051] According to one aspect, in the vehicle, the information system may be further configured to transmit, with the communicating module, the vehicle status data from the sensing module to the processing module, transmit, with the communicating module, the information request signal from the sensing module to the processing module, transmit, with the communicating module, the voice auditory signal from the processing module to the broadcasting module, and transmit, with the communicating module, the image visual signal from the processing module to the displaying module.

[0052] According to one aspect, in the information system of the vehicle, the displaying module is embedded in the vehicle door and/or a vehicle seat of the vehicle.

[0053] According to another aspect, a method is provided to operate an information system of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle to an operator of the vehicle.

[0054] According to one aspect, the method may comprise operating the information system to acquire vehicle status data of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle status data comprises information related to an operational status of the vehicle.

[0055] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise operating the information system further to detect nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0056] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise operating the information system further to generate an information request signal in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0057] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise operating the information system further to generate a voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal.

[0058] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise operating the information system further to convey the voice auditory signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0059] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise operating the information system further to periodically acquire the vehicle status data of the vehicle.

[0060] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise operating the information system further to analyze the information of the vehicle status data, and generate the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

[0061] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise operating the information system further to generate an image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal, and convey the image visual signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0062] According to one aspect, the method may further comprise operating the information system further to analyze the information of the vehicle status data, and generate the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

[0063] According to yet another aspect, a computer program product is provided.

[0064] According to one aspect, the computer program product may comprise a non- transitory computer readable medium storing a program code that when executed by an information system of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle to an operator of the vehicle causes the information system to acquire vehicle status data of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle status data comprises information related to an operational status of the vehicle.

[0065] According to one aspect, in the computer program product, the program code that when executed by the information system may further cause the information system to detect nearby presence of the operator outside a vehicle door of the vehicle and opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0066] According to one aspect, in the computer program product, the program code that when executed by the information system may further cause the information system to generate an information request signal in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator outside the vehicle door and the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0067] According to one aspect, in the computer program product, the program code that when executed by the information system may further cause the information system to generate a voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal, and convey the voice auditory signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0068] According to one aspect, in the computer program product, the program code that when executed by the information system may further cause the information system to acquire the vehicle status data of the vehicle by periodically acquiring the vehicle status data of the vehicle.

[0069] According to one aspect, in the computer program product, the program code that when executed by the information system may further cause the information system to generate the voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing the information of the vehicle status data, and generating the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data. [0070] According to one aspect, in the computer program product, the program code that when executed by the information system may further cause the information system to generate an image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal, and convey the image visual signal to the operator in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door.

[0071] According to one aspect, in the computer program product, the program code that when executed by the information system may further cause the information system to generate the image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing the information of the vehicle status data, and generating the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts. In the drawings:

[0073] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating that vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle is provided to an operator according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0074] Figure 2 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operations of a method of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts; [0075] Figure 3 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operations of a method of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0076] Figure 4 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operations of a method of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts; [0077] Figure 5 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operations of a method of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0078] Figure 6 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operations of a method of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts; [0079] Figure 7 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operations of a method of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0080] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of an information system of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0081] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of an information system of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0082] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of an information system of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0083] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of an information system of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0084] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle capable of providing vehicle status information to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0085] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle capable of providing vehicle status information to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0086] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle capable of providing vehicle status information to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts;

[0087] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle capable of providing vehicle status information to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts; and

[0088] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle capable of providing vehicle status information to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts; and [0089] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle capable of providing vehicle status information to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts; and

[0090] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program code configured to be executed by an information system of providing vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle to an operator of the heavy-duty or medium duty vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Inventive concepts will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of present inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present/used in another embodiment.

[0092] The following description presents various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. These embodiments are presented as teaching examples and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, certain details of the described embodiments may be modified, omitted, or expanded upon without departing from the scope of the described subject matter.

[0093] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating provision of vehicle status information of a heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle 300 to an operator 400 of the heavy-duty or mediumduty vehicle 300. The heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle 300 may be referred to generally herein as "vehicle 300." Figures 2-7 are flowchart diagrams illustrating a method of providing the vehicle status information of the vehicle 300 to the operator 400 of the vehicle 300 according to some embodiments. The method may operate an information system 200 to perform operations. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a vehicle capable of providing vehicle status information to an operator of the vehicle according to some embodiments of inventive concepts. In particular, as shown in Figure 17, a vehicle 300 may include an operational system 310 including an electronic control unit (or ECU) 312, a sound unit 314, a vehicle seat 330 and a vehicle door 320. In some embodiments, the ECU 312 includes a sensing module 210, a processing module 220 and a communications module 240. The sound unit 314 may include a broadcasting module 230. The vehicle seat 330 may include a displaying module 250 in some embodiments, and the vehicle door 320 may include a displaying module 250 in some embodiments. In the following discussion, the operations of Figures 2-7 will be described with additional reference to Figure 17. Like numbers in the figures refer to like operations.

[0094] Referring now to Figure 2, vehicle status data of the vehicle 300 is acquired (block 201). The vehicle status data may comprise information related to an operational status of an operational system 310 of the vehicle 300. For example, the information of the vehicle status data may comprise information of a battery charge level, a vehicle weight, an engine oil level, a light bulb, and/or a tire pressure of the vehicle 300, etc. The vehicle status data of the vehicle 300 may be acquired by using the information system 200, for instance, a sensing module 210 of the information system 200.

[0095] The sensing module 210 may be, but is not limited to, a sensor, such as a voltage sensor, an oil level sensor, a tire pressure sensor, etc.

[0096] A nearby presence of the operator 400 outside a vehicle door 320 of the vehicle 300 may be detected, for example, by using the information system 200 (block 203). For example, when the operator 400 approaches a vehicle door 320 of the vehicle 300 from outside of the vehicle 300, the operator 400 may try to open the vehicle door 320 of the vehicle 300 in order to enter a cab of the vehicle 300 from outside, the sensing module 210 may be used to detect the nearby presence of the operator 400 outside the vehicle door 320.

[0097] Additionally, an opening operation of the vehicle door 320 may be detected as well, for instance, by using the information system 200, and specifically by the sensing module 210 of the information system 200. The opening operation of the vehicle door 320 may be performed by the operator 400, i.e., the vehicle door 320 may be opened manually by the operator 400 who is entering the vehicle 300. Alternatively, the opening operation of the vehicle door 320 may be performed automatically by a computer or a controller or even another user in a remote location.

[0098] Once the nearby presence of the operator 400 outside the vehicle door 320 and the opening operation of the vehicle door 320 are both detected, an information request signal may be generated, for instance, by using the information system 200, and specifically by the sensing module 210 of the information system 200 (block 205).

[0099] After the information request signal is generated, a voice auditory signal may then be generated based on the information of the vehicle status data, preferably, by using the information system 200 (block 207). Specifically, the information request signal may be transmitted from the sensing module 210 of the information system 200 to a processing module 220 of the information system 200, such as, but not limited to, a processor or a CPU, the processing module 220 then may generate the voice auditory signal after receiving the information request signal from the sensing module 210. It may be therefore desirable to electrically couple the sensing module 210 with the processing module 220. The vehicle status data may be transmitted from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220 before, when, or after the information request signal is transmitted from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220.

[00100] Accordingly, the voice auditory signal may be conveyed, for instance, by using the information system 200, and specifically by a broadcasting module 230 of the information system 200, to the operator 400 who presents nearby the vehicle door 320 when the vehicle door 320 is opened by the operator 400 or remotely by a computer or a controller or remotely by another user in a remote location (block 209).

[00101] The broadcasting module 230 may be or may comprise, but not limited to, a radio, or a speaker, or earbuds. Before the voice auditory signal is conveyed to the operator 400 by the broadcasting module 230, the voice auditory signal may be transmitted from the processing module 220 to the broadcasting module 230. It may be therefore desirable to electrically couple the broadcasting module 230 with the processing module 220. Thus, the operator 400 would be able to obtain the vocal vehicle status information of the vehicle 300 at door opening via the voice auditory signal which vocalize the information related to the operational status of the operational system 310 of the vehicle 300 before entering the cab of the vehicle 300. By listening to the vocalized information, the operator 400 does not have to go up of stairs and climb in the cab of the vehicle 300 to read the operational status of the operational system 310 shown on a cluster inside the cab of the vehicle 300, thereby increasing safety for the operator 400.

[00102] According some embodiments, the vehicle status data of the vehicle 300 may be acquired just before or after the nearby presence of the operator 400 outside the vehicle door 320 and/or the opening operation of the vehicle door 320 has been detected, or may be acquired in real-time when the nearby presence of the operator 400 outside the vehicle door 320 and/or the opening operation of the vehicle door 320 is being detected, or may be acquired periodically, for instance, but not limited to, once or twice a day or an hour. Therefore, it may ensure that the most updated operational status of the operational system 310 of the vehicle 300 will be vocally conveyed to the operator 400 at dooring opening before the operator 400 climbs the stairs and enters in the cab of the vehicle 300.

[00103] Reference now is made to Figure 3. According to some embodiments, the voice auditory signal is generated based on the information of the vehicle status data by first analyzing the information of the vehicle status data (block 301) and then generating the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data (block 303). This analysis and generation may be performed by using the information system 200, and specifically by the processing module 220 of the information system 200.

[00104] For example, the processing module 220 may analyze information of a battery charge level of the vehicle 300, such as, but not limited to, determining a charge percentage, or comparing the battery charge level with an operation threshold, or determining whether it is low charge or over charged; the processing module 220 may analyze information of a tire pressure level of the vehicle 300, such as, but not limited to, comparing the tire pressure level with an operation threshold, or determining whether it is under-inflated or over-inflated; the processing module 220 may analyze information of an engine oil level or condition of the vehicle 300, such as, but not limited to, comparing the engine oil level or condition with an operation threshold, or determining whether it is needed to add or change the engine oil. The voice auditory signal may carry such analyzed information of the battery charge level or the tire pressure level or the engine oil level or condition of the vehicle 300 to be vocally conveyed to the operator 400 (block 305). The operator 400 then is able to decide whether to charge or discharge a vehicle battery or to inflate vehicle tires or to add or change the engine oil before climbing into the cab of the vehicle 300.

[00105] Reference now is made to Figure 4, according to some embodiments, in addition to the generated voice auditory signal, after the information request signal is received, an image visual signal may further be generated based on the information of the vehicle status data, preferably, by using the information system 200 (block 401). Similar to the generated voice auditory signal, specifically, the information request signal may be transmitted from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220, the processing module 220 then may generate the image visual signal after receiving the information request signal from the sensing module 210.

[00106] Accordingly, the image visual signal may be conveyed by a displaying module 250 of the information system 200 to the operator 400 at an appropriate location near the vehicle door 320 of the vehicle 300 before the operator 400 climbs in the cab of the vehicle 300 (block 403). The displaying module 250 may be or may comprise, but not limited to, a display or a screen or a VR (Virtual Reality) device, or a hologram projector. Before the image visual signal is conveyed to the operator 400 by the displaying module 250, the image visual signal may be transmitted from the processing module 220 to the displaying module 250. It may be therefore desirable to electrically couple the displaying module 250 with the processing module 220.

[00107] Thus, the operator 400 who is trying to enter the cab of the vehicle 300 would obtain the visual vehicle status information of the vehicle 300 at door opening via the image visual signal which visualize the information related to the operational status of the operational system 310 of the vehicle 300. By seeing or reading or watching the visualized information which may be in the form of an image or a video or the combination thereof, the operator 400 does not have to go up of stairs and climb in the cab of the vehicle 300 to read the operational status of the operational system 310 shown on a cluster inside the cab of the vehicle 300.

[00108] Similar to the analysis and generation regarding to the voice auditory signal, reference now is made to Figure 5, according to some embodiments, the image visual signal is generated based on the information of the vehicle status data by first analyzing the information of the vehicle status data and then generating the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data (block 501). This analysis and generation may also be performed by using the information system 200, specifically by the processing module 220. For example, the processing module 220 may analyze information of a battery charge level of the vehicle 300, such as, but not limited to, determining a charge percentage, or comparing the battery charge level with an operation threshold, or determining whether it is low charge or over charged. An image visual signal may be generated (block 503) and may carry such analyzed information of the battery charge level of the vehicle 300 to be visually conveyed to the operator 400 (block 505).

[00109] As can be seen in Figures 6-7, according to some embodiments, both of the voice auditory signal and the image visual signal may be generated based on the information of the vehicle status data by first analyzing the information of the vehicle status data and then generating both of the voice auditory signal and the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data, and then both of the voice auditory signal and the image visual signal may be conveyed to the operator 400.

[00110] Optionally, transmitting the vehicle status data from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220, transmitting the information request signal from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220, transmitting the voice auditory signal from the processing module 220 to the broadcasting module 230, and/or transmitting the image visual signal from the processing module 220 to the displaying module 250 may be performed by using a communicating module 240 of the information system 200. It may be therefore desirable to electrically couple the communicating module 240 with the processing module 220. The communicating module 240 may comprise or may be, for instance, but not limited to, a cable, an optic fiber, a communicator, an antenna, a wireless chip, or a Bluetooth device for transmitting voice, or image, or both, or a digital network or node.

[00111] According to some embodiments, at least one component of the information system 200, for instance, the sensing module 210, the processing module 220, the broadcasting module 230, the communicating module 240 and/or the displaying module 250, may be disposed, mounted, or located outside the vehicle 300 or in a remote location, such as, but not limited to, a control facility or server or cloud; alternatively, at least one component of the information system 200, for instance, the sensing module 210, the processing module 220, the broadcasting module 230, the communicating module 240 and/or the displaying module 250, may be embedded in the vehicle 300. For example, the sensing module 210 and the processing module 220 of the information system 200 may be embedded in an electronic control unit 312 of the operational system 310 of the vehicle 300, the broadcasting module 230 of the information system 200 may be embedded in a sound unit 314 of the operational system of the vehicle 300, while the displaying module 250 of the information system 200 may be embedded in an inside and/or an outside of the vehicle door 320 and/or a vehicle seat 330 of the vehicle 300 for easy visual access for the operator 400. Even more, the processing module 220 itself may be the electronic control unit 312, and the broadcasting module 230 itself may be the sound unit 314.

[00112] Figures 8-11 are schematic diagrams illustrating an information system 200 which is used to perform the above recited method. Specifically, the information system 200 is a system of providing vehicle status information of a vehicle 300 to an operator 400 of the vehicle 300 according to some embodiments.

[00113] As illustrated in Figure 8, according to some embodiments, the information system 200 may comprise a sensing module 210, a processing module 220, and a broadcasting module 230. The sensing module 210, the processing module 220, and the broadcasting module 230 are electrically coupled with one another. The information system 200 may be configured to acquire, with the sensing module 210, vehicle status data of the vehicle 300. The acquiring may be periodically or not periodically. As previously mentioned, the vehicle status data may comprise information related to an operational status of an operational system of the vehicle 300. The information system 200 may be further configured to detect, with the sensing module 210, nearby presence of the operator 400 outside a vehicle door 320 of the vehicle 300 and opening operation of the vehicle door 320. The information system 200 may be further configured to generate, with the sensing module 210, an information request signal in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator 400 outside the vehicle door 320 and the opening operation of the vehicle door 320. The information system 200 may be further configured to generate, with the processing module 220, a voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal. Preferably, the processing module 220 may generate the voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing the information of the vehicle status data and generating the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data. The information system 200 may be further configured to convey, with the broadcasting module 230, the voice auditory signal to the operator 400 in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door 320.

[00114] As illustrated in Figure 9, according to some embodiments, the information system 200 may further comprise a communicating module 240. The sensing module 210, the processing module 220, the broadcasting module 230, and the communicating module 240 are electrically coupled with one another. The communicating module 240 may be configured to transmit the vehicle status data from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220, transmit the information request signal from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220, and/or transmit the voice auditory signal from the processing module 220 to the broadcasting module 230.

[00115] As illustrated in Figure 10, according to some embodiments, the information system 200 may further comprise a displaying module 250. The sensing module 210, the processing module 220, the broadcasting module 230, and the displaying module 250 are electrically coupled with one another. The information system 200 may be further configured to generate, with the processing module 220, an image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal. Preferably, the processing module 220 may be configured to generate the image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing the information of the vehicle status data and generating the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data. The information system 200 may be further configured to convey, with the displaying module 250, the image visual signal to the operator 400 in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door 320. [00116] Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 11, according to some embodiments, the information system 200 may further comprise the communicating module 240 and the displaying module 250, the sensing module 210, the processing module 220, the broadcasting module 230, the displaying module 250 and the communicating module 240 are electrically coupled with one another, and the communicating module 240 may be further configured to transmit the image visual signal from the processing module 220 to the displaying module 250.

[00117] As previously mentioned, according to some embodiments, the sensing module 210, the processing module 220, the broadcasting module 230, the communicating module 240 and/or the displaying module 250 may be disposed, mounted, or located outside the vehicle 300 or in a remote location, such as a control facility, or may be embedded in the vehicle 300.

[00118] Figures 12-17 are schematic diagrams illustrating a vehicle 300 according to some embodiments. The vehicle 300 comprises the above recited information system 200 and thus is capable of performing the above recited method of providing vehicle status information of the vehicle 300 to an operator 400 of the vehicle 300.

[00119] As illustrated in Figure 12, according to some embodiments, the vehicle 300 may comprise an information system 200, and the information system 200 may comprise a sensing module 210, a processing module 220, and a broadcasting module 230 electrically coupled with one another. In the information system 200 of the vehicle 300, the sensing module 210 acquires, periodically or not periodically, vehicle status data of the vehicle 300 which may comprise information related to an operational status of an operational system 310 of the vehicle 300, the sensing module 210 detects nearby presence of the operator 400 outside a vehicle door 320 of the vehicle 300 and opening operation of the vehicle door 320 the sensing module 210 generates an information request signal in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator 400 outside the vehicle door 320 and the opening operation of the vehicle door 320, the processing module 220 generates a voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing the information of the vehicle status data and generating the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal, and the broadcasting module 230 conveys the voice auditory signal to the operator 400 in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door 320.

[00120] As illustrated in Figure 13, according to some embodiments, the information system 200 of the vehicle 300 may further comprise a communicating module 240 electrically coupled with the sensing module 210, the processing module 220, and the broadcasting module 230. In the information system 200 of the vehicle 300, the communicating module 240 transmits the vehicle status data from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220, transmits the information request signal from the sensing module 210 to the processing module 220, and/or transmits the voice auditory signal from the processing module 220 to the broadcasting module 230.

[00121] As illustrated in Figure 14, according to some embodiments, the information system 200 of the vehicle 300 may further comprise a displaying module 250 electrically coupled with the sensing module 210, the processing module 220, and the broadcasting module 230. In the information system 200 of the vehicle 300, the processing module 220 generates an image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data by analyzing the information of the vehicle status data and generating the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal, and the displaying module 250 conveys the image visual signal to the operator 400 in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door 320.

[00122] Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 15, according to some embodiments, the information system 200 of the vehicle 300 may further comprise the communicating module 240 and the displaying module 250. In the information system 200 of the vehicle 300, the sensing module 210, the processing module 220, the broadcasting module 230, the displaying module 250 and the communicating module 240 are electrically coupled with one another, and the communicating module 240 further transmits the image visual signal from the processing module 220 to the displaying module 250.

[00123] According to some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 16, the sensing module 210, the processing module 220, the broadcasting module 230, the communicating module 240 and/or the displaying module 250 are embedded in the vehicle 300.

[00124] For example, as illustrated in Figure 17, the sensing module 210, the processing module 220 and the communicating module 240 are embedded in an electronic control unit 312 of the operational system 310 of the vehicle 300, the broadcasting module 230 is embedded in a sound unit 314 of the operational system 310 of the vehicle 300, while the displaying module 250 is embedded in an inside and/or an outside of the vehicle door 320 and/or a vehicle seat 330 of the vehicle 300.

[00125] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a computer program product (100) comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium (110) storing a program code (120) according to some embodiments of inventive concepts. The program code (120) is configured to be executed by the above recited information system (200) to perform the above recited method. The program code (120) when executed by the information system (200) may cause the information system (200) to acquire vehicle status data of the vehicle (300), for instance, by periodically acquiring the vehicle status data of the vehicle (300). As previously mentioned, the vehicle status data may comprise information related to an operational status of the vehicle (300). The program code (120) when executed by the information system (200) may further cause the information system (200) to detect nearby presence of the operator (400) outside a vehicle door (320) of the vehicle (300) and opening operation of the vehicle door (320). The program code (120) when executed by the information system (200) may further cause the information system (200) to generate an information request signal in response to the detection of the nearby presence of the operator (400) outside the vehicle door (320) and the opening operation of the vehicle door (320). [00126] The program code (120) when executed by the information system (200) may further cause the information system (200) to generate a voice auditory signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal by analyzing the information of the vehicle status data and generating the voice auditory signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data. The program code (120) when executed by the information system (200) may further cause the information system (200) to convey the voice auditory signal to the operator (400) in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door (320). The program code (120) when executed by the information system (200) may further cause the information system (200) to generate an image visual signal based on the information of the vehicle status data in response to receiving the information request signal by analyzing the information of the vehicle status data and generating the image visual signal based on an analysis of the information of the vehicle status data. The program code (120) when executed by the information system (200) may further cause the information system (200) to convey the image visual signal to the operator (400) in response to the opening operation of the vehicle door (320).

[00127] In the above-description of various embodiments of present inventive concepts, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of present inventive concepts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which present inventive concepts belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[00128] When an element is referred to as being "connected", "coupled", "responsive", or variants thereof to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly coupled", "directly responsive", or variants thereof to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, "coupled", "connected", "responsive", or variants thereof as used herein may include wirelessly coupled, connected, or responsive. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[00129] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements/operations, these elements/operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element/operation from another element/operation. Thus a first element/operation in some embodiments could be termed a second element/operation in other embodiments without departing from the teachings of present inventive concepts. The same reference numerals or the same reference designators denote the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[00130] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "comprises", "include", "including", "includes", "have", "has", "having", or variants thereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the common abbreviation "e.g.", which derives from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," may be used to introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. The common abbreviation "i.e.", which derives from the Latin phrase "id est," may be used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation.

[00131] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and/or devices) and/or computer program products. It is understood that a block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit, and/or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks, and thereby create means (functionality) and/or structure for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block(s).

[00132] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a tangible computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer- readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks. Accordingly, embodiments of present inventive concepts may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on a processor such as a digital signal processor, which may collectively be referred to as "circuitry," "a module" or variants thereof.

[00133] It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and/or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added/inserted between the blocks that are illustrated, and/or blocks/operations may be omitted without departing from the scope of inventive concepts. Moreover, although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows. [00134] Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of present inventive concepts. Accordingly, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the examples of embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the spirit and scope of present inventive concepts. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of present inventive concepts are to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the present disclosure including the examples of embodiments and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.