WO2023012813A1

WO2023012813A1 - A navigation system, a control unit and a method of navigation for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023012813A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kanika Choudhary; Goutham Selma Rajan; Velagapudi Sai Praveen; Karnam Venkata MANGARAJU
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2021-08-04
Filing date: 2022-06-06
Publication date: 2023-02-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a navigation system (100) for a vehicle (10). The navigation system (100) includes a plurality of haptic actuators (110) disposed at two or more locations in the vehicle (10). The navigation system (100) further includes a control unit (120) configured to receive a navigation data from a communication device (130) and in communication with the plurality of haptic actuators (110). The control unit (120) is configured to generate a haptic signal indicative of a distance and/or a desired direction based on the navigation data, transmit the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators (110), and activate the plurality of haptic actuators (110) in advance of an action point to create a haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the vehicle (10). The present invention also relates to a method (400) for navigation of the vehicle (10).

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

A Navigation System, A Control Unit and A Method of Navigation for A Motor Vehicle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a navigation system, a control unit and a method of navigation for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Existing vehicles like two wheeled-vehicle or three-wheeled vehicle are lacking in default navigation tools. Therefore, riders of vehicle seek navigation devices which can provide external visual and audio output for navigation purpose. However, the external visual and audio output navigation devices induce more cognitive load on the rider and thus affect safety of the rider as the rider’s visual attention on the road would be deviated. In other words, the visual and audio based navigation systems may tend to compromise on the safety of the rider as it requires the rider to pay continuous attention to the visual/audio feedback, which may lead to the distraction of the rider. Further, the audio navigation cues are also posing limitation due to noisy external environment that the rider is exposed to in general in a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle.

[003] In another known navigation system, a haptic guidance navigation system was provided. The haptic guidance navigation system is generally provided for guiding visually impaired people.

[004] Further, the existing haptic based navigation systems provide a monotonous feedback to the rider, typically a single vibration before the impending directional change, for example, a left turn. Thus, such systems would suffer from the fact that being monotonous feedback, they may go unrecognized to the rider, probably due to the road conditions. This may lead to an ineffective navigation. Further, such systems may tend to provide only direction-based feedback and not distance based feedback, which in most cases leads to discomfort to the rider as the time to react for the rider is often less.

[005] In one kind of haptic navigation known in the art, the navigation information communicated to the rider is limited to a handlebar only. This provides only a monotonous navigation instruction to the rider. Thus, the problem of giving monotonous navigation instruction to the rider is that a complete information about the navigation the rider has to take is not provided in such a system. This would affect the efficiency of the navigation system and may also lead to safety concerns of the rider, as the rider does not receive information prior to an impending event. Moreover, since the information communication is limited to the handlebar only, the efficiency or effectiveness of the communication to the rider is compromised, as handlebar is a part, which is often affected by vibrations arising out of road conditions and the vehicle speed.

[006] In another kind of haptic navigation system, the information of navigation is communicated to the rider through wearable gear like a helmet. As the head region is less perceptive to the haptic signals like vibration compared to the hands and other parts of the body of the rider, the perception of the vibration at the head is not as accurate as that of the hand. Also, there can be an obstruction in the signal’s perception because of the hairs of the rider. Thus, the known helmet based haptic navigation system would also suffer from said problems and include said limitations.

[007] In yet another navigation system known in the art, the haptic feedback navigation system is provided using a short range radio technologies. This haptic navigation module discloses a feedback unit having gloves, hats, pullovers, scarves, and / or gloves that can be worn on at least a portion of the user's body, such as the hand, head, or to transmit a haptic instruction to a garment such as a shoe. This haptic navigation system combines the haptic system with classical methods, such as broadcasting or displaying a voice signal, which can be used to help the user I rider to find the right track or avoid leaving the track. The feedback unit has a cuff band, a neckband, a bandage, a steering wheel of a car, a part of a motorcycle, a part of a bicycle, a part of a ski, or gloves, a hat, a pullover, a scarf. However, this navigation system involves both the audio and haptic instruction, which may tend to compromise on the safety of the rider as it requires the rider to pay continuous attention to the audio feedback and the haptic instruction, which may lead to the distraction of the rider.

[008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a navigation system and a method of navigation for a vehicle which could address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a navigation system for a motor vehicle. The navigation system includes a plurality of haptic actuators disposed at two or more locations in the motor vehicle. The navigation system further includes a control unit configured to receive a navigation data from a communication device and in communication with the plurality of haptic actuators. The control unit is further configured to generate a haptic signal indicative of a distance and/or a desired direction based on the navigation data and transmit the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators. The control unit is further configured to activate the plurality of haptic actuators in advance of an action point to create a haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle. [010] In an embodiment, the communication device includes a navigation unit integrated with an instrument cluster of the motor vehicle or a mobile phone device having a navigation application. The navigation unit or the mobile phone device is configured to receive radio frequency signals from an off-board source. The radio frequency signals are GPS signals.

[011] In a further embodiment, the plurality of haptic actuators is disposed at a handlebar, a seat member, a footboard or a foot peg of the vehicle.

[012] In a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to communicate with the communication device and the plurality of haptic actuators wirelessly through a Bluetooth module of the vehicle.

[013] In a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate the plurality of haptic actuators in advance of the action point to create the haptic stimuli of a predetermined frequency at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle.

[014] In a further embodiment, the plurality of haptic actuators is configured to create the haptic stimuli of the predetermined vibration intensity and frequency in a progressive manner or an intuitive manner.

[015] In a further embodiment, the haptic signal is communicated from the control unit to one or more riding accessories including gloves, helmet, riding jacket, riding shoes, and knee cap.

[016] In a further embodiment, the control unit is a vehicle Engine Control Unit (ECU) or a separate control unit integrated with the vehicle ECU.

[017] In a further embodiment, the control unit is embedded in a speedometer of the vehicle. [018] In a further embodiment, the control unit is activated by turning ON a control switch and deactivated by turning OFF the control switch. The control switch is disposed on the handlebar of the vehicle.

[019] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of navigation for a vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a control unit, a navigation data from a communication device. The method further includes generating, by the control unit, a haptic signal indicative of a distance and/or a desired direction based on the navigation data. The method further includes transmitting, by the control unit, the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators. The method further includes activating, by the control unit, the plurality of haptic actuators in advance of an action point to create a haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle. The method further includes creating, by the plurality of haptic actuators, in advance of an action point the haptic stimuli of the predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle.

[020] In an embodiment, the navigation data is communicated to a navigation unit disposed in the motor vehicle or the mobile phone device, through radio frequency signals from an off-board source. The radio frequency signals are GPS signals.

[021] In a further embodiment, the plurality of haptic actuators is activated by the control unit in advance of the action point to create the haptic stimuli of a predetermined frequency at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle.

[022] In a further embodiment, a varying direction information is provided to one or more vehicular parts, and wherein the one or more vehicular parts comprises a left-side vehicular parts capable of receiving said varying direction information pertaining to a left-turn navigation, and a right-side vehicular part capable of receiving said varying direction information pertaining to a right-turn navigation.

[023] In a further embodiment, both the left-side and the right-side vehicular parts are capable of receiving the varying direction information pertaining to a U-turn.

[024] In a further embodiment, the haptic stimuli having the predetermined vibration intensity and frequency is created in a progressive manner or an intuitive manner by the plurality of haptic actuators.

[025] In a further embodiment, the haptic signal is communicated from the control unit to one or more riding accessories including gloves, helmet, riding jacket, riding shoes, and knee cap.

[026] In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a control unit for navigation of a motor vehicle, is configured to receive a navigation data from a communication device. The control unit is further configured to generate a haptic signal indicative of a distance and/or a desired direction based on the navigation data. The control unit is further configured to transmit the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators. The control unit is further configured to activate the plurality of haptic actuators in advance of an action point to create a haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[027] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a navigation system and a navigation unit capable of receiving radio frequency signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the navigation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates the vehicle shown in Figure 1 equipped with the navigation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a method flowchart for navigating the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of actuation of haptic actuators of the navigation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6a - 6c illustrate schematic plots of various vibration intensity and frequency vs time for distances for navigation of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[028] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two-wheeled type vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile like a threewheeled vehicle capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention. [029] The present invention generally relates to a navigation system for vehicle. More particularly, it relates to the navigation system with a haptic guidance system and a method thereof.

[030] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a vehicle 10 equipped with a navigation system 100 (shown in Figure 2) and a navigation unit 140 (shown in Figure 3) capable of receiving Radio Frequency (RF) signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 as illustrated in the present invention may include, but not limited to, a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle which may be driven by an internal combustion engine or electrically through a battery source. The vehicle 10 in the illustrated embodiment includes a communication device 130 like the navigation unit 140 integrated with an instrument cluster 22 of the vehicle 10. In another embodiment, the communication device 130 is a mobile phone device 150 having a navigation application. The communication device 130 is adapted to receive a navigation data once a user or a rider of the vehicle 10 inputs a starting location and a destination location. The navigation unit 140 or the mobile phone device 150 is configured to receive the navigation data through the RF signals from one or more off-board sources. The off-board sources can include, but not limited to, a satellite 170 and a ground based transmitter 160. In an embodiment, the RF signals are Global Positioning System (GPS) signals.

[031] In the illustrated embodiment in Figure 1 , the navigation application in the mobile phone device 150 provides the navigation data of a route map from a starting location “A” to a destination location “B”. In an embodiment, the navigation data can include various directional and turning data of the route map.

[032] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the navigation system 100 for the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system 100 includes a plurality of haptic actuators 110 disposed at two or more locations in the vehicle 10. The navigation system 100 further includes a control unit 120 configured to receive the navigation data from the communication device 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 120 is a vehicle Engine Control Unit (ECU) (not shown). In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 120 is a separate control unit that can be further integrated with the vehicle’s ECU. In an embodiment, the control unit 120 is embedded in a speedometer (not shown) of the vehicle 10 and it can be activated by a control switch (not shown). The control switch can be disposed on a handlebar 30 of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the control unit 120 is activated by turning ON the control switch and deactivated by turning OFF the control switch. The activation and de-activation of the control unit 120 activates or de-activates the navigation system 100 of the vehicle 10.

[033] In some embodiment, the control unit 120 may include one or more additional components such as, but not limited to, a memory unit (not shown), an input/output module (not shown), a pre-processing module (not shown) etc. In another embodiment, the navigation system 100 can include more than one of same or similar control unit(s) 120.

[034] In some embodiment, the control unit 120 includes only a processor which may be required to process the received instructions I signals from one or more input devices like communication device 130 and I or switches and process the same. In yet another embodiment, the navigation system 100 may be in communication with an analytic module which is configured to perform additional analysis of the navigation data received from the navigation unit 140 of the vehicle 10 or the mobile phone device 150.

[035] In some embodiment, the memory unit in communication with the control unit 120 is capable of storing machine executable instructions. Further, the control unit 120 is capable of executing the machine executable instructions to perform the functions described herein. The control unit 120 is in communication with the components such as the pre-processing module and the analytic module. In another embodiment, the control unit 120 is embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multicore processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the control unit 120 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In still another embodiment, the control unit 120 is embodied as an executor of instructions, where the instructions are specifically configured to the control unit 120 to perform the steps or operations described herein for activating the haptic actuators 110 of the vehicle 10.

[036] In an embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to communicate with the communication device 130 and the plurality of haptic actuators 110 wirelessly through a Bluetooth module 120A of the vehicle 10.

[037] The control unit 120 is configured to generate a haptic signal indicative of a distance and/or a desired direction based on the navigation data and transmit the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators 110. The control unit 120 is configured to activate the plurality of haptic actuators 110 in advance of an action point to create a haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle 10. The term ‘action point’ may include, but not limited to, a left turn, a right turn, a U-turn, a road intersection or a junction. The term ‘haptic stimuli’ means a mechanical vibration created by the haptic actuators and can be sensed by the rider of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to activate the plurality of haptic actuators 110 in advance of the action point to create the haptic stimuli of a predetermined frequency at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle 10. Further, the plurality of haptic actuators 110 is configured to create the haptic stimuli of the predetermined vibration intensity and frequency in a progressive manner or an intuitive manner.

[038] In another embodiment, the haptic signal is communicated from the control unit 120 to one or more riding accessories including gloves, helmet, riding jacket, riding shoes, and knee cap.

[039] Figure 3 illustrates the vehicle 10 shown in Figure 1 equipped with the navigation system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 illustrated is a scooter-type two-wheeled vehicle. It may be contemplated that the vehicle 10 may include, but not limited to, a saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle and thus, the illustrated scoter-type two-wheeled vehicle is not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention.

[040] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the haptic actuators are installed at more than one locations or at one or more vehicular parts. In the illustrated Figures 2 and 3 of the present invention a haptic actuator 110A is disposed at the handlebar 30, a haptic actuator 110B is disposed at a seat member 32 and a haptic actuator 110C is disposed at a footboard 34 or a foot peg (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The handlebar 30, the seat member 32, and the floorboard 34 are chosen as they are in direct contact with a rider. The term ‘rider’ as used herein is a person or user who drives the vehicle 10. In an embodiment of present invention, each location of the vehicular part includes two pairs of haptic actuators 110 installed, where one actuator is installed on a left-hand side and the other on a right-hand side of the vehicle 10. That is to say, at the handlebar 30, the right side handle portion includes one haptic actuator and the left side handle portion include another haptic actuator. Similarly, at the footboard 34, right side portion of the footboard 34 includes one haptic actuator and the left side portion of the footboard 34 includes another haptic actuator. In case the vehicle 10 like a straddle type vehicle includes foot pegs instead of the footboard 34, the right side foot peg includes one haptic actuator and the left side foot peg include another haptic actuator. In case of the seat member 32, the right side seat member portion includes one haptic actuator and the left side seat member portion include another haptic actuator. The right and left side seat member portions may be specifically located at a front part of the seat member where the rider can be seated.

[041] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart for a method 400 for navigating the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[042] The rider will input the details of starting and destination locations in the communication device 130 (the navigation unit 140 or the mobile phone device 150). At a step 402, the control unit 120 receives the navigation data from the communication device 130. That is to say, based on the starting and destination locations set by the rider, the navigation application installed in the navigation unit 140 or the mobile phone device 150 will obtain the navigation data of route map from a route map repository and communicate the route map to control unit 120. The route map further includes details of a distance between the start and destination locations, various directional information.

[043] Once the navigation data is received, at a step 404, the control unit 120 generates a haptic signal indicative of the distance and/or the desired direction based on the navigation data. [044] During the navigation, the control unit 120 receives real time information including, distance covered, direction of travel, speed of the vehicle from one or more inputs devices like sensors (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 10 and/or through the off-board devices. When the vehicle 10 approaches to any action point having a right turn or left turn or U- turn, the control unit 120 at a step 406, transmits the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators 110 disposed in the vehicle 10.

[045] At a step 408, the control unit 120 activates the plurality of haptic actuators 110 in advance of the action point to create the haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the vehicle 10.

[046] At a step 410, the plurality of haptic actuators 110 creates the haptic stimuli of the predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the vehicle 10 in advance of an action point.

[047] In an embodiment, the control unit 120 activates the plurality of haptic actuators 110 in advance of the action point to create the haptic stimuli of a predetermined frequency at the two or more locations in the vehicle 10.

[048] In an embodiment, a varying direction information is provided to one or more vehicular parts. The one or more vehicular parts includes left-side vehicular parts capable of receiving a varying direction information pertaining to a left-turn navigation, and right- side vehicular parts capable of receiving a varying direction information pertaining to a right-turn navigation. The one or more vehicular parts include the handlebar 30, the seat member 32 and the footboard 34 or the foot peg.

[049] In an embodiment, both the left-side vehicular parts and the right-side vehicular parts are capable of receiving the varying direction information pertaining to a U-turn. That is to say, in case of a U-turn, both the left and the right side vehicular parts receives varying direction information.

[050] In an embodiment, the haptic stimuli having the predetermined vibration intensity and frequency is created in a progressive manner or an intuitive manner by the plurality of haptic actuators 110 such that the haptic stimuli keep increasing with increased frequency and vibration intensity when the action point or target I destination location is nearing.

[051] In an alternative embodiment, the haptic signal is communicated from the control unit 120 to one or more riding accessories including gloves, helmet, riding jacket, riding shoes, and knee cap.

[052] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of actuation of the haptic actuators 110 of the navigation system 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the control criteria or logic implemented in the control unit 120 to a given input from the navigation application for a right turn is indicated. It shows one of the ways in which the haptic actuators 110 at their respective positions are used to convey the information of various distances magnitude from the desired right turn by varying the frequency and the vibration intensity by the haptic actuators 110. As illustrated in the Figure 5, when the distance to a desired right turn is ranging at about 500 to 300 meters, the haptic actuators 110A, 110B and 110C disposed at the right hand side handlebar 30, the right hand side seat portion 32 and the right hand side floorboard 34, respectively are provided with haptic stimuli or vibrations at a frequency of F1 and a vibration intensity of A1.

[053] Further, when the distance to the desired right turn is ranging at about 301 to 200 meters, the haptic actuators 110A, 110B and 110C disposed at the right hand side handlebar 30, the right hand side seat portion 32 and the right hand side floorboard 34, respectively are provided with a haptic stimuli or vibrations at a frequency of F2 and a vibration intensity of A2.

[054] Furthermore, when the distance to a desired right turn is nearer and ranging at about 100 to 50 meters, the haptic actuators 110A, 110B and 110C disposed at the right hand side handlebar 30, the right hand side seat portion 32 and the right hand side floorboard 34, respectively are provided with haptic stimuli or vibrations at a frequency of F3 and a vibration intensity of A3. Thus, alerting the rider in a progressive and intuitive manner.

[055] In an embodiment, the frequencies F3 > F2 > F1 and the vibration intensities A3 > A2 > A1. As the distance to a desired right turn decreases, the control unit 120 generates the haptic signal to activate the haptic actuators 110 in an increased frequency and increased vibration intensity so that the rider is able to constantly perceive the approaching or nearing of the desired right turn.

[056] Similarly, in another embodiment, the control criteria or logic implemented in the control unit 120 to a given input from the navigation application can also be made for a left turn. When the distance to a desired left turn is approaching, the haptic actuators 110A, 110B and 110C disposed at the left hand side handlebar 30, the left hand side seat portion 32 and the left hand side floorboard 34, respectively are provided with haptic stimuli or vibrations at a predetermined frequencies and vibration intensities. The frequencies and vibration intensities are increased as the vehicle 10 approaches closer to the desired left turn. Thus, the higher frequencies along with higher vibration intensities would also be an indication to the rider that the vehicle speed should be reduced since the desired left turn is approaching. [057] In an embodiment, the distances from a desired turn at which the frequency and the vibration intensity of the actuator’s changes can be selected based on speed of the vehicle 10 and analysis of the feel of the vibration or haptic stimuli by the rider.

[058] Figures 6a - 6c illustrate schematic plots of various vibration intensities and frequency vs time for distances during navigation of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[059] In the illustrated embodiment, it depicts one of the sample plots of the frequency and the vibration intensity variation according to the distance of the rider from the turn. These can be tuned or changed to give an optimum feel of vibration to the rider. The method will work such that there would be predefined vibration intensity and frequency given by the control unit 120 when a turn is at a certain distance and the vehicle 10 is at a certain speed. The frequency and intensity of the haptic actuators 110 will increase such that the rider can feel a noticeable difference as the vehicle 10 approaches the turn. As the rider approaches the turn or is very nearer to the turn, stronger vibrations are felt to the rider.

[060] In an embodiment, the placement of the haptic actuators on the two-wheeler can be utilized for warning or alerting the rider for different scenarios like front and rear collision warning, blind spot alert, critical engine diagnostics, overspeed alert, low fuel warning etc. The control unit 120 receives data pertaining to the different scenarios of front and rear collision warning, blind spot alert, critical engine diagnostics, overspeed alert, low fuel warning, through one or more sensors disposed in the vehicle 10. Based on the data received by the sensors, the control unit 120 generates a haptic signal and transmits the haptic signal to the haptic actuators 110 and activates the haptic actuators 110 for providing the warning or the alert. [061] In another embodiment, the control unit 120 is adapted to communicate a voltage signal by varying the intensity and frequency based on the distance and direction information to one or more LEDs (not shown) installed on the handlebar 30 or mirrors (not shown) or the speedometer of the vehicle 10. The LEDs will communicate the direction and distance information to the user in the form of light or brightness variation.

[062] In an embodiment, the navigation system having the haptic actuation can be combined with visual/audio-based navigation. Such combined navigation helps in complementing the visual I audio feedback with the progressive haptic feedback and increases the efficiency of the navigation system of the vehicle.

[063] Advantageously, the navigation system in the present invention solves the problem with respect to lack of reliable default navigation tools on the vehicle and reduces the dependence on external visual and audio devices for navigation aids since the haptic actuators are provided at more than one location in the vehicle for providing haptic stimuli to the rider. Thus, the navigation system increases the safety of the rider by reducing the eyes off the road time. Since the navigation system in the present invention includes the haptic actuators and the control unit for actuating the haptic actuator, the present invention overcomes the limitation due to the noisy external environment that the rider is exposed to during the navigation.

[064] The haptic actuators in the navigation system will communicate the direction and distance information to the user in the form of a progressive I intuitive vibration signals. Thus, the navigation system in the present invention provides an elaborative distance and direction information to the rider through frequency and intensity variation of the haptic stimuli. Further, the haptic navigation system reduces cognitive load on the user unlike the visual and audio-based navigation. [065] The haptic actuators on the vehicle are further configured for warning or alerting the rider for different scenarios like front and rear collision warning, blind spot alert, critical engine diagnostics, overspeed alert, low fuel warning etc.

[066] The progressive haptic actuation covers the urgency to the rider as the distance to the intended turn direction is approaching. Further, providing a combination of haptic and visual/audio-based navigation, helps in complementing the visual/audio feedback with the progressive haptic feedback. This enables increasing the efficiency of the navigation system of the vehicle.

[067] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: . A navigation system (100) for a motor vehicle (10) comprising: a plurality of haptic actuators (110) disposed at two or more locations in the motor vehicle (10); and a control unit (120) configured to receive a navigation data from a communication device (130) and in communication with the plurality of haptic actuators (110), the control unit (120) configured to: generate a haptic signal indicative of a distance and/or a desired direction based on the navigation data, transmit the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators (110), and activate the plurality of haptic actuators (110) in advance of an action point to create a haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle (10). . The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the communication device (130) includes a navigation unit (140) integrated with an instrument cluster (22) of the motor vehicle (10) or a mobile phone device (150) having a navigation application. . The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the navigation unit (140) or the mobile phone device (150) is configured to receive radio frequency signals from an off-board source (160, 170), the radio frequency signals being GPS signals.

4. The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of haptic actuators (110A, 11 OB, 110C) is disposed at a handlebar (30), a seat member (32), a footboard (34) or a foot peg of the vehicle (10).

5. The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (120) is configured to communicate with the communication device (130) and the plurality of haptic actuators (110) wirelessly through a Bluetooth module (120A) of the vehicle (10).

6. The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (120) is configured to activate the plurality of haptic actuators (110) in advance of the action point to create the haptic stimuli of a predetermined frequency at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle (10).

7. The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of haptic actuators (110) is configured to create the haptic stimuli of the predetermined vibration intensity and frequency in a progressive manner or an intuitive manner.

8. The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the haptic signal is communicated from the control unit (120) to one or more riding accessories including gloves, helmet, riding jacket, riding shoes, and knee cap.

9. The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (120) is a vehicle Engine Control Unit (ECU) or a separate control unit integrated with the vehicle ECU.

10. The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (120) is embedded in a speedometer of the vehicle (10).

11. The navigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (120) is activated by turning ON a control switch and deactivated by turning OFF the control switch, the control switch being disposed on the handlebar (30) of the vehicle (10).

12. A method (400) of navigation for a motor vehicle (10) comprising: receiving (402), by a control unit (120), a navigation data from a communication device (130); generating (404), by the control unit (120), a haptic signal indicative of a distance and/or a desired direction based on the navigation data; transmitting (406), by the control unit (120), the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators (110); activating (408), by the control unit (120), the plurality of haptic actuators (110) in advance of an action point to create a haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle (10); and creating (410), by the plurality of haptic actuators (110), in advance of an action point the haptic stimuli of the predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle (10). 22 The method (400) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the navigation data is communicated to a navigation unit (140) disposed in the motor vehicle (10) or the mobile phone device (150), through radio frequency signals from an off-board source (160, 170), the radio frequency signals being GPS signals. The method (400) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of haptic actuators (110) is activated by the control unit (120) in advance of the action point to create the haptic stimuli of a predetermined frequency at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle (10). The method (400) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a varying direction information is provided to one or more vehicular parts, and wherein the one or more vehicular parts comprises a left-side vehicular parts capable of receiving said varying direction information pertaining to a left-turn navigation, and a right-side vehicular part capable of receiving said varying direction information pertaining to a right-turn navigation. The method (400) as claimed in claim 15, wherein both the left-side and the right-side vehicular parts are capable of receiving the varying direction information pertaining to a U-turn. The method (400) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the haptic stimuli having the predetermined vibration intensity and frequency is created in a progressive manner or an intuitive manner by the plurality of haptic actuators (110). 23

18. The method (400) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the haptic signal is communicated from the control unit (120) to one or more riding accessories including gloves, helmet, riding jacket, riding shoes, and knee cap.

19. A control unit (120) for navigation of a motor vehicle (10), is configured to: receive a navigation data from a communication device (130); generate a haptic signal indicative of a distance and/or a desired direction based on the navigation data, transmit the generated haptic signal to the plurality of haptic actuators (110), and activate the plurality of haptic actuators (110) in advance of an action point to create a haptic stimuli of a predetermined vibration intensity at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle (10).

20. The control unit (120) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the control unit (120) is configured to communicate with the communication device (130) and a plurality of haptic actuators (110) wirelessly through a Bluetooth module (120A) of the vehicle (10).

21. The control unit (120) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the control unit (120) is configured to activate the plurality of haptic actuators (110) in advance of the action point to create the haptic stimuli of a predetermined frequency at the two or more locations in the motor vehicle (10). 24

22. The control unit (120) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plurality of haptic actuators (110) is configured to create the haptic stimuli of the predetermined vibration intensity and frequency in a progressive manner or an intuitive manner. 23. The control unit (120) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the haptic signal is communicated from the control unit (120) to one or more riding accessories including gloves, helmet, riding jacket, riding shoes, and knee cap.