Patent Application
20190351766
The present invention relates generally to instrumentation, and more particularly, to programmable vehicle gauges.
Vehicle gauges are an essential tool for safe and compliant operation of motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, boats, and airplanes. For land vehicles such as cars and trucks, gauges such as the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel level gauge are relied upon frequently by a driver to ensure proper operating conditions.
A speedometer is a gauge that measures the current speed of a vehicle. With modern electronic speedometers, a rotation sensor, often coupled to the transmission, provides a series of electronic pulses whose frequency corresponds to the rotational speed of the drivetrain. The sensor is typically a toothed metal disk located between a coil and a magnetic field sensor. As the disk turns, the teeth pass between the two, each time producing a pulse in the sensor as they affect the strength of the magnetic field it is measuring. A computer converts the pulses to a speed and displays this speed on an electronically-controlled, analog-style needle.
A tachometer is an instrument that measures the rotational speed of the motor's crankshaft. The tachometer displays the revolutions per minute (RPM) on a calibrated analog dial. The tachometer is an important gauge, providing driver assistance in determining optimal shifting points, and maximum engine RPM, known as the “red line,” beyond which, serious engine damage could occur.
The fuel level gauge is used to monitor the amount of fuel in the tank, to prevent the driver from running out of fuel. In many cases running the tank dry can cause problems, such as being stranded. The aforementioned gauges, along with others, are important components of a vehicle instrument cluster.
In one embodiment, there is provided a programmable gauge, comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; a needle; a needle motion controller; a multicolored light element configured and disposed to illuminate the needle; wherein the memory contains instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the gauge to receive an input value, and configure the needle motion controller and multicolored light element in response to the received input value.
In another embodiment, there is provided a computer-implemented method for programming a gauge, comprising: obtaining a plurality of vehicle parameters; obtaining user settings, wherein the user settings comprise a plurality of colors and corresponding input value ranges loading the plurality of vehicle parameters into the gauge; and loading the user settings into the gauge.
The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.
Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity. Furthermore, for clarity, some reference numbers may be omitted in certain drawings.
Disclosed embodiments provide a programmable gauge suited for vehicular applications. A multicolored lighting element illuminates a gauge needle in response to an input value. Thus, the needle can be a first color under certain conditions, and then transition to a second color under different conditions. In embodiments, the programmable gauge can serve as a tachometer, speedometer, fuel level gauge, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, altimeter, and/or other gauge types.
One application for such gauges is in aftermarket automotive applications. Automotive enthusiasts often upgrade original equipment and/or accessorize their vehicle with new equipment to increase performance and/or create a customized appearance for their vehicles.
In embodiments, an electronic computing device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, or other suitable electronic computing device interfaces with the programmable gauge to configure it for a particular vehicle and desired operation. As an example, a user installing a programmable tachometer gauge can use the electronic computing device to enter vehicle information, such as number of cylinders in the engine of the vehicle. Additionally, the user can enter/edit configuration information such as at which input values (e.g. RPM values) the needle color is to change, and to which colors. As an example, a user may configure a programmable tachometer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention such that the gauge needle is illuminated white for RPM values below 4,000 RPM, illuminated yellow for RPM values from 4,000 RPM to 5,000 RPM, and red for values above 5,000 RPM. In this way, the illuminated needle can convey additional information to the user, enhancing the user experience when operating the vehicle. These, and other embodiments are further detailed in the following description.
Gauge 100 may further include storage 106. In embodiments, storage 106 may include one or more magnetic storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs). Storage 106 may additionally include one or more solid state drives (SSDs). In some embodiments, the storage 106 may be used to store vehicle parameters such as number of cylinders, engine RPM limits, and/or maximum vehicle speed attained values.
Gauge 100 may further include a user interface 108. This may be a display, such as an LED display, a touch-sensitive screen, one or more buttons, switches, or any other suitable interface for a user to interface with gauge 100. In embodiments, the buttons may be used to cycle through various modes, such as for selecting a tachometer mode for 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12-cylinder engines.
The communication interface 110 may include a dedicated interface for receiving automotive input data such as a CAN bus interface, and/or an OBD-II interface. In some embodiments, the communication interface 110 comprises a wireless communication interface. In embodiments, the wireless communication interface includes a BluetoothTM interface. In some embodiments, the communication interface 110 may alternatively/additionally include a wired communication interface, such as a USB interface. Other suitable communication protocols may be supported by the communication interface 110.
Gauge 100 further includes a needle position control interface 116. In embodiments, the needle position control interface 116 may include a stepper motor, motor with a rotary encoder, or other suitable mechanism to move a gauge needle to a desired orientation on a gauge, to reflect an input value received from the communication interface.
Gauge 100 further includes a needle color control interface 118. The needle color control interface may include circuitry and/or devices for providing a needle illumination color. In some embodiments, the needle color control interface can include a multicolor light-emitting diode (LED). The multicolor light-emitting diode may provide red, green, and blue LEDs that can be controlled by pulse code modulation (PCM), waveform duty cycle, or other suitable mechanism. In this way, the intensity of each LED can be controlled individually, allowing for a wide variety of colors that can be produced.
Gauge 100 may further include an input/output (I/O) interface 120. The I/O interface may be configured to interact directly with sensor circuitry for direct reading of sensors to obtain input values. The input values pertain to the parameter being measured by the gauge. For example, for a tachometer, the input values can be engine speed values.
In embodiments, the memory further contains instructions, that when executed by the processor, receive a first range corresponding to a first needle illumination color, and a second range corresponding to a second needle illumination color.
Memory 542 includes instructions, which when executed by processor 540, causes server 502 to implement elements of embodiments of the present invention. Server 502 is connected to network 522. Network 522 may be the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, or any other suitable network. Client 524 is an electronic computing device connected to the network 522. Client 524 may be a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or any other suitable device with communication capabilities. Client 524 is coupled to programmable gauge 526 via communication link 528. In embodiments, communication link 528 may be a wireless communication link such as a Bluetooth™ communication link. In other embodiments, communication link 528 may be a wireless communication link such as a USB communication link.
During configuration, a user enters various information into a user interface of an application executing on client 524. The information can include a vehicle type (make, model, year, etc.). In embodiments, the vehicle type information is sent to the gauge programming server 502 via network 522. In embodiments, the transfer of vehicle type information from the client 524 to the server 502 may utilize protocols including, but not limited to, TCP/IP, UDP, JSON, XML, and/or HTML. Upon receiving the vehicle type information, the gauge programming server 502 may retrieve additional information for that vehicle from vehicle database 556. When a user specifies a given vehicle type in the user interface of the client 524, the gauge programming server may retrieve information from the vehicle database 556 indicating the number of cylinders, and default limits and corresponding needle colors. As an example, upon entering a vehicle type of “1992 Honda Prelude” the corresponding entry in the vehicle database 556 may contain an engine type of “4-cylinder,” and default information such as a normal range of 0-4,999 RPM, a normal needle color of white, a caution range of 5,000-6,399 RPM, a caution needle color of yellow, a warning range of 6,400 or higher RPM, and a warning needle color of red. In some embodiments, the default settings may be overridden by the user to allow customization. For example, a user may wish to change the ranges, so that they can receive the warning color at a lower RPM level. Additionally, the user may wish to change the default needle color from white to blue to match his/her design preferences. These and other options may be changed through the user interface of the application executing on client 524.
Similarly, a plurality of descending range fields, indicated as 632 (normal), 634 (caution), and 636 (warning) are shown. The transition field indicates an offset from the end field value for transitioning to the specified color. Range field 632 corresponds to a normal range during descending input values. Range field 634 corresponds to a caution range during descending input values. Range field 636 corresponds to a warning range during descending input values. In some cases, the ascending range values and descending range field values for a given range may be identical.
Referring now to the specific data in the ascending and descending range fields, the ascending normal range field 622 includes a start input value of zero. In the case of a tachometer, the start input value corresponds to zero RPM. The ascending normal range field 622 includes an end input value of 4000, a transition of 0, and color of white. This configures the programmable gauge to set a needle illumination color of white as the input value goes from 0 RPM to 4,000 RPM.
The ascending caution range field 624 includes a start input value of 4,001, an end input value of 6000, a transition of 500, and color of yellow. This configures the programmable gauge to set a needle illumination color of yellow as the input value goes from 4,001 RPM to 6,000 RPM. The transition value of 500 configures the programmable gauge to gradually transition the needle color from the previous color (white) to yellow over an increase of 500 RPM. Thus, at an input value of 4001 RPM, the needle color is gradually changed from white to yellow by configuring the multicolored light element accordingly as a function of input value such that, after a transition of 500, to 4501 RPM, the needle color is set to yellow. In embodiments this can be accomplished by starting with the red, green, and blue LEDs at full intensity to create a white light, and then gradually reducing the blue component of the multicolored light element to create a yellow light for the gauge needle, thereby providing a yellow gauge needle color.
The ascending warning range field 626 includes a start input value of 6,001, an end input value of UNL (unlimited), a transition of 0, and color of red. This configures the programmable gauge to set a needle illumination color of red as the input value exceeds 6,000 RPM. The transition value of 0 configures the programmable gauge to instantly transition the needle color from the previous color (yellow) to red upon the input value reaching 6,001 RPM. In embodiments this can be accomplished by reducing the blue component and green component of the multicolored light element to create a red light for the gauge needle, thereby providing a red gauge needle color.
Similarly, the descending normal range field 632 includes a start value of zero and an end input value of 4,500, a transition of 0, and color of white. The descending caution range field 634 includes a start input value of 4,501, an end input value of 7,000, a transition of 500, and color of yellow. This configures the programmable gauge to set a needle illumination color of yellow as the input value decreases from 7,000 RPM to 4501 RPM. The transition value of 500 configures the programmable gauge to gradually transition the needle color from the previous color (red) to yellow over a decrease of 500 RPM. Thus, at an input value of 7,000 RPM, the needle color is gradually changed from red to yellow by configuring the multicolored light element accordingly as a function of input value such that, after a transition of 500, to 6,500 RPM, the needle color is set to yellow. In embodiments this can be accomplished by starting with the red LED at full intensity to create a red light, and then gradually increasing the green component of the multicolored light element to create a yellow light for the gauge needle, thereby providing a yellow gauge needle color.
The ascending warning range field 636 includes a start input value of 7,001, an end input value of UNL (unlimited), a transition of 0, and color of red. This configures the programmable gauge to maintain a needle illumination color of red as the input value exceeds remains above 7,000 RPM.
Thus, with disclosed embodiments, the color setting for the gauge needle can vary depending on whether the input parameter is increasing or decreasing. For example, during increases in engine speed, the gauge needle is set to red when the engine speed exceeds 6,000 RPM. During decreases in engine speed, the needle transitions from red to yellow when the engine speed falls below 7,001 RPM. In this way, the needle color may change at different points depending on whether the input value is increasing or decreasing. For certain applications, such as drag racing, it can be useful to have different color change points for increasing and decreasing input values. In other embodiments, the ascending ranges and descending ranges for a gauge may be set to identical values, such that the normal, caution, and warning ranges are the same for both ascending and descending conditions.
User interface 600 may further include a virtual programmable gauge 606 rendered on the user interface. The virtual programmable gauge 606 includes a gauge needle 609. A user interface control such as a slide control 608 and slider 610 may be used to select an input value. As the user moves the slider 610, the position and color of gauge needle 609 is changed to reflect the input value and trend (increasing or decreasing) of the input value.
Thus, in embodiments, obtaining user settings comprises obtaining a normal range, a caution range, and a warning range. Embodiments may further include obtaining ascending limits and descending limits for at least one of the normal range, caution range, and warning range. Embodiments may further include rendering a simulated gauge that includes a needle rendered with a needle illumination color. In embodiments, the simulated gauge is a tachometer. In embodiments, the gauge includes memory that further contains instructions, that when executed by the processor, receive a first ascending range and a first descending range corresponding to a first needle illumination color, and a second ascending range and a second descending range corresponding to a second needle illumination color.
Rule field 722 includes parameter 724A and 724B for a selectable color below a particular RPM limit. As shown, parameter 724A is set to “white” and parameter 724B is set to “5,001.” This provides the behavior of setting a gauge needle illumination color to white when the RPM is below 5,001 RPM. Rule field 722 further includes parameter 726A for a selectable color above an RPM limit specified with parameter 726B. Additionally, a duration parameter 726C is provided for further control of the needle illumination color. As shown, parameter 726A is set to “red,” parameter 726B is set to “5,000,” and parameter 726C is set to “8.” This provides the behavior of setting a gauge needle illumination color to red when the RPM value exceeds 5,000 RPM for 8 seconds. Thus, with this configuration, a momentary spike above 5,000 RPM, that lasts less than 8 seconds, does not result in a change in the gauge needle illumination color.
Rule field 732 includes parameter 734A for a selectable default gauge needle illumination color and parameter 734B for a selectable gauge needle illumination color for the event of when a new maximum speed is reached. As shown, parameter 734A is set to “white” and parameter 734B is set to “blue.” In embodiments, a speedometer in accordance with disclosed embodiments stores the maximum speed in non-volatile storage (e.g. 106 of
Rule field 742 includes parameter 744A for a selectable default gauge needle illumination color for the fuel level gauge needle, and parameter 744B for when a fuel level is below 25 percent of the fuel capacity. As shown, parameter 744A is set to “white” and parameter 734B is set to “blue.”
In embodiments, user interface 700 may further include a simulated gauge. In embodiments, the simulated gauge 706 is a speedometer. The simulated gauge 706 includes a gauge needle 709. A user interface control such as a slide control 708 and slider 710 may be used to select an input value. As the user moves the slider 710, the position and color of gauge needle 709 is changed to reflect the input value. In this case, the input value is a vehicle speed value. The user interface 700 is exemplary, and other fields may be included in some embodiments. Some embodiments may include more rules per gauge. Some embodiments may include multiple simulated gauges. In some embodiments the low fuel level threshold that causes a needle color change may be configurable. Other embodiments may include rules and/or simulated gauges for other gauge types, including, but not limited to, oil temperature, oil pressure, voltage gauge, amperage gauge, and/or turbo boost gauge. For each gauge, programmable ranges, and optionally durations, may be established to control the operation of the multicolor needle illumination system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
Instrument cluster 800 further includes a speedometer 812. Speedometer 812 comprises a gauge needle 814 that is configured to illuminate in a default color (e.g. white), and a second color (e.g. blue) when the speed exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. previous maximum speed, or a preset speed (e.g. 88 mph)). Thus, in embodiments, the memory further contains instructions, that when executed by the processor, configure the programmable gauge as a speedometer, and the input value is a vehicle speed value.
Instrument cluster 800 further includes a tachometer 822. Tachometer 822 comprises a gauge needle 824 that is configured to illuminate in a default color (e.g. white), and a second color (e.g. yellow) when the RPM reach a second range, and a third color (e.g. red) when the RPM reach a third range. Instrument cluster 800 is an example, and other embodiments may include other programmable gauges instead of, or in addition to the gauges shown in instrument cluster 800. These gauges may include, but are not limited to, oil temperature, oil pressure, voltage gauge, amperage gauge, and/or turbo boost gauge.
In process step 956, an input value is detected. The input value type is dependent upon the gauge type. As examples, the input value type for a tachometer is revolutions per minute (RPM), and the input value type for a speedometer is a vehicle speed. In process step 958, optionally, an input gradient value is determined. In particular, it may be determined if the change (first derivative) in the input value is positive or negative. If the gradient is positive, then a first gauge needle illumination color may be used. If the gradient is negative, then a second gauge needle illumination color may be used. This can quickly convey trend information to a user in a graphical manner, which can enhance the user experience for the operator of a vehicle. In process step 960, the corresponding gauge needle color is set, utilizing a multicolored light element (208 of
Embodiments include obtaining a predetermined duration, wherein the gauge is configured and disposed to change a needle illumination color in response to receiving a plurality of input values in the warning range over a time period exceeding the predetermined duration. Furthermore. embodiments include changing a needle illumination color in response to the received input value exceeding a predetermined threshold for a predetermined duration. In embodiments, the memory of the programmable gauge contains instructions, that when executed by the processor, set the predetermined duration at a value ranging from two seconds to ten seconds. Other values for the predetermined duration can be used in embodiments of the present invention.
In embodiments, to program gauge 1300, the user first sets his/her vehicle to the “on” or “accessory” mode, but does not start the engine. This provides power to gauge 1300 to allow in-vehicle programming using the user interface buttons 1305 and 1307. At this time, the gauge needle is at the minimum value location position indicated by reference 1302-1. As shown, programmable gauge 1300 is a speedometer, and thus, the needle is currently pointing to zero. Disclosed embodiments can include tachometers and/or other gauges as well, that are programmed using the two user interface buttons.
Once the vehicle is in on/accessory mode, the user presses the B button (1307) to cycle through the available colors. The needle 1302 changes each time the B button is pressed, until the cycle repeats. As an example, if there are four colors (white, red, blue, yellow), pressing the B button advances to the next color, and then repeats the color sequence once the last color is reached. Once the user selects the initial color (e.g. blue) with the B button, the needle illumination color is set to the initial color (blue in this example). The user then presses the A button (1305). This starts a needle sweep, and the needle 1302 slowly moves towards its maximum value location (indicated by reference 1302). In some embodiments, the duration of the sweep may range from ten seconds to twenty seconds. As the needle slowly proceeds from the minimum value location to the maximum value location, the user presses the B button as needed to select the next color. Supposing the next color the user desires is white, then the user presses the B button twice. The first press changes the color from blue to yellow. The second press changes the color from yellow to white. In this example, the user desires the needle illumination color to change from blue to white at 60 mph. As the needle sweep continues, the needle reaches the position where it is pointing at the 60-mph indication location on gauge 1300. The user then presses the A button to mark 60 mph as a set point for the white color. In embodiments, the needle may blink one or more times to provide a confirmation of the setting to the user. The user then presses the B button again to change the needle illumination color from white to red. When the needle reaches the 100-mph indication location, the user presses the A button again to mark 100 mph as a set point for the red color. The aforementioned scenario is exemplary, and the user can set additional set points for other colors if desired. When the needle reaches the maximum value location (160 mph in this case, as indicated by reference 1302), the needle sweep ends, and the set points programmed by the user, and corresponding needle illumination colors, are stored in non-volatile storage (e.g. 106 of
As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments enable a new level of interactive customization of gauges for a variety of applications. By changing the needle illumination color based on an input value for that gauge, a gauge needle color can be used to convey meaningful information regarding the operation of a vehicle. Additionally, allowing a user to select a needle color provides additional customization options for the user, allowing him/her to give a unique appearance of a vehicle interior.
Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
