WO2023051943A1

WO2023051943A1 - Handle grip

Info

Publication number: WO2023051943A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/082675
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vipul NOTANI; Aditya RAO; Suchitra Damodharan; Ashrith UDAYASHANKAR
Original assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2021-09-29
Filing date: 2021-11-23
Publication date: 2023-04-06

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a handle grip. The handle grip includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of pressure sensors configured to measure a pressure applied on the handle grip by a user. The handle grip further includes sensor electronics that is configured to receive measurements from the plurality of pressure sensors, process measurements received from at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors based on a pressure profile from a plurality of pressure profiles of the user, and determine at least one of, the user's hands on the handle grip and pressure information.

Description

HANDLE GRIP

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates in general to handle grip. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to pressure analysis and equipment control using handle grip.

BACKGROUND

[002] Machines such as exercise equipment and vehicles are widely used. Motorcycles, bikes, are primary means of land transport. Meanwhile, treadmill, cross-trainer, and other types of exercise equipment help in exercise. A common factor between the above machines is handlebars. The above machines are operated by users using handlebars. As users hold the handlebars to operate the machines, users apply varying pressure at different situations. Often, the handlebars are provided with grip or grippers to enable the users to hold the handlebar with firm grip.

[003] Pressure applied by the users on the handlebars is studied and analyzed to control the machines. For example, a gripper of a motorcycle is fitted with pressure sensors to measure amount of pressure applied by riders on the handlebar. This data is used for various reasons. One of the main requirement in case of motorcycles is, safety of the riders. Currently, automated systems such as Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) are used to automatically control the motorcycle based on various parameters. One such control includes controlling the brakes of the motorcycle. While the ARAS controls the brakes, it is essential to know rider safety. Also, such controls are safety critical, less data points needs to be processed to timely detect rider safety and control the vehicle. However, existing handle grips provide huge datapoints for processing, thus, timely decisions cannot be taken based on such measurements. Also, huge datapoints consume more power. Hence, there is a need for a handle grip that solves one or more of the above problems.

[004] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[005] Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[006] In one embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a handle grip. The handle grip includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of pressure sensors configured to measure a pressure applied on the handle grip by a user. The handle grip further includes sensor electronics that is configured to receive measurements from the plurality of pressure sensors, process measurements received from at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors based on a pressure profile from a plurality of pressure profiles of the user, and determine at least one of, the user’s hands on the handle grip and pressure information.

[007] In an embodiment, the plurality of pressure sensors include, but not limited to, piezoelectric sensors, Force Sensing Resistors (FSR), capacitive force sensors and strain gauges.

[008] In an embodiment, the pressure profile is indicative of pressure applied by a plurality of users on the handle grip.

[009] In an embodiment, the sensor electronics comprises at least one or more analog to digital converters, a parallel to serial converter, a microprocessor or a microcontroller, a memory, and one or more communication interfaces.

[0010] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of pressure profiles are stored in a memory of the sensor electronics.

[0011] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of pressure sensors has a threshold value for measuring pressure intensity, wherein the threshold value is dynamically updated based on measurements captured while operating an equipment associated with the handle grip. [0012] In an embodiment, the sensor electronics is further configured to: provide a priority score to the plurality of pressure sensors based on measurements received from the plurality of pressure sensors; and identify the at least one pressure sensor based on the priority score.

[0013] In an embodiment, the at least one pressure sensor is selected for processing based on a location of the at least one pressure sensor in the handle grip, wherein the location of the at least one pressure sensor to be activated is obtained from the pressure profile.

[0014] In an embodiment, the priority score is provided further based at least on, a frequency of receiving the measurements from the plurality of sensors, a pressure intensity received from the plurality of sensors and a location of the plurality of pressure sensors.

[0015] In an embodiment, the plurality of pressure sensors are oriented based on at least a shoulder height of the user and one or more applications of an equipment associated with the handle grip.

[0016] In an embodiment, the sensor electronics process the measurements by: comparing the measurements of the at least one pressure sensor with respective threshold values of pressure intensity.

[0017] In an embodiment, the sensor electronics is further configured to provide information on user’s hands on the handle grip and pressure information to a system for controlling an equipment associated with the handle grip.

[0018] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of generating pressure profiles for operating a handle grip. The method includes receiving measurements from a plurality of pressure sensors in a sensor array of the handle grip, where the measurements indicate pressure applied by a user on the handle grip; processing the measurements received from the plurality of pressure sensors; determining a location of the at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of sensors in the sensor array based at least on a pressure intensity obtained from the measurements, where a mapping between the pressure intensity and the location of the at least one pressure sensor is generated; and storing the mapping as a pressure profde in the handle grip, wherein the at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors is selected for processing in real-time based on the pressure profile. [0019] In an embodiment, the pressure intensity is affected by a plurality of parameters including at least one of, a hand size of the user, a style of holding the grip, a type of equipment associated with the handle grip, gloves of the user, one or more applications of the equipment, a height of the user, a shoulder level of the user.

[0020] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a handle grip system, including: a handle grip of claim 1; and a control unit configured to: receive at least one of, the user’s hands on the handle grip and pressure information from the handle grip; and control an equipment associated with the handle grip based on one of, the user’s hands on the handle grip and the pressure information.

[0021] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features may become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0022] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0023] Fig. la and Fig. lb show exemplary diagrams of a handle grip, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; [0024] Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b show applications of handle grip, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c show sensor array of the handle grip, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 4 is an illustration of a block diagram of handle grip and a control unit, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary flowchart for generating pressure profile of a user, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b show exemplary illustrations of pressure mapping, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary orientation of sensor position in the hand grip, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0030] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrate simulations of pressure values obtained for user’s left-hand samples and right-hand samples, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Fig. 10 illustrates setting threshold for sensor array, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it may be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0034] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and may be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0035] The terms “comprises”, “includes” “comprising”, “including” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” or “includes... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0036] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0037] Fig. la and Fig. lb show exemplary diagrams of a handle grip. Fig. la shows a handlebar 101 and a handle grip 102. The handlebar 101 may take any shape of size, and the handle grip 102 is made to be placed on the handlebar 101 or the handle grip 102 is provisioned to receive the handlebar 101. The handle grip 102 may be made from different materials including, but not limiting to: leather, rubber, and the like. The handle grip 102 may be an independent sensing element or may be part of a system controlling an equipment associated with the handle grip 102. For example, in case of a motorcycle, the handle grip 102 may be an independent sensor configured to measure pressure applied by a rider on the handlebar 101, or the handle grip can be part of an Advanced Rider Assistance System (ARAS), which is configured to automatically control the motorcycle. Likewise, in case of an exercise machine such as a treadmill, the handle grip 102 may be a measurement device or can be connected to a system for controlling the treadmill.

[0038] Fig. lb shows an illustration of the sensor array in the handle grip 102. As shown, the handle grip 102 is made up of the sensor array 301. The sensor array includes a plurality of pressure sensors for measuring a pressure applied by a user on the handlebar 101. In an embodiment, the plurality of pressure sensors include one of, but not limiting to, piezoelectric sensors, Force Sensing Resistors (FSR), capacitive force sensors and strain gauges. The following description refers to FSR to describe the disclosure, however, however, the description with reference to FSR should not be construed as a limitation. In an embodiment, the sensor array 301 may be placed beneath the handle grip 102 or placed inside the handle grip 102. In one instance, the sensor array 301 is placed between layers of the material of the handle grip 102. Number of sensors in the sensor array 301 may vary based on the equipment. For example, the handle grip 102 for the motorcycle may include more of pressure sensors, while the handle grip 102 for the treadmill may include relatively fewer pressure sensors.

[0039] Fig. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b show applications of handle grip, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2a shows an exercise machine 201 such as the treadmill, a cross-trainer, and the like. The exercise machine 201 includes the handlebar 101 for users to hold the handlebar 101 while training or exercising. The handle grip 102 is applied to the handlebar 101, and the handle grip 102 is configured to measure pressure applied by the user on the handlebar 101 while exercising. In an embodiment, the pressure applied by the user in different scenarios can be measured. In one instance, the pressure applied on the handle grip 102 when the user is running at a 5 miles per hour is less than the pressure applied while running at 8 miles per hour. Likewise, Fig. 2b illustrates the motorcycle 202 having the handlebar 101. The handle grip 102 is applied to the handlebar 101. The pressure applied by the rider on the handle grip 102 is measured. In an embodiment, the pressure applied by the rider on the handle grip 102 is used to determine a safety of the rider. For example, rider’s hands on the handle grip 102 is detected using pressure data. Likewise, how firmly the rider is holding the handlebar 101 is also determined using the pressure data. The shape and size of the handle grip 102 can vary form different types of motorcycles 202. For example, a handle grip 102 for a sports bike is different from the handle grip 102 for a cruiser bike, Also, the pressure applied by the rider in the sports bike is more intense and has more pressure points compared to the cruiser bike. In an embodiment, the handle grip 102 is customized for each equipment it is associated.

[0040] Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c illustrate different configurations of sensor array of the handle grip 102. The sensor array 301 can include strips of pressure sensors as shown in Fig. 3a. The sensor array 301 may include sensor blocks as shown in Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c. Referring to Fig. 3a, the pressure sensor 303 is prioritized over the pressure sensor 302. The prioritized pressure sensors in the sensor array 301 are illustrated with gray shade in the present disclosure. In Fig. 3b, the plurality of pressure sensors are not prioritized, and each pressure sensor carries same weight/ priority score. However, in Fig. 3c, the pressure sensors 302 (gray cells) are prioritized over the pressure sensors 302 (white cells). In an embodiment, the plurality of pressure sensors are provided priority scores based on measurements made by the plurality of pressure sensors. Assigning priority scores to the plurality of pressure sensors are described in detail further. In an embodiment, the sensor array 301 may be, but not limited to a 5cm x 5cm matrix or 4cm x4cm matrix or 3cm x 3cm matrix or 2cm x 2cm matrix. In an embodiment, the sensor array 301 may also be a 4cm x 1cm matrix as shown in the Fig. 3a. In general, the sensor array can include Mem x Ncm matrix. In an embodiment, the size of the sensor array 301 may be decreased on increased based on a resolution of output needed from the sensor array 301. In an embodiment, the placement of the plurality of pressure sensors 103 is crucial to obtain effective measurements. The plurality of sensors 103 must be placed where maximum pressure intensity is applied by the user. For example, pressure sensors on a top surface of the handlebar 101 provides crucial information about the grip of the user than pressure sensors at a bottom surface of the handlebar 101. Likewise, in another example more pressure sensors may be used where the palm touches the surface of the handlebar 101 and few pressure sensors may be used where the fingers touch the surface of the handlebar 101. Further, the placement of the plurality of sensors 103 may be determined also based on different size of hands, and different conditions such as while user is using gloves.

[0041] Fig. 4 is an illustration of a block diagram of a system 400. The system 400 includes the handle grip 102 comprising the sensor array 301 and sensor electronics 401, and a control unit 407. The sensor array 301 measures the pressure applied by the user on the handle grip 102 and transmits that measurements to the sensor electronics 401. In an embodiment, the plurality of pressure sensors 103 measures the pressure applied by the user on the handle grip 102. However, intensity of pressure measured by the plurality of pressure sensors 103 can be different. The sensor electronics 401 receives the measurements from the plurality of pressure sensors 103 and processes the measurements. In an embodiment, the sensor electronics 401 is configured to process the measurements made by the plurality of pressure sensors 103. In another embodiment, the sensor electronics 401 is configured to process measurements made by at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors 103. The sensor electronics 401 includes one or more analog to digital converters 402, a calibration unit 403, a pressure mapping unit 404, a hands on detection unit 405 and an input/ output interface 406. The sensor electronics 401 may also include other units such as memory (not shown) and parallel to serial converter. The calibration unit 403, the pressure mapping unit 404 and the hands on detection unit 405 may be implemented using a microprocessor or a microcontroller, or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or any similar computing circuit.

[0042] In an embodiment, the at least one pressure sensor is identified based on a location of the at least one pressure sensor in the handle grip 102, where the location of the at least one pressure sensor to be identified is obtained from the pressure profile.

[0043] The input/ output interface 406 is configured to receive the measurements made by the plurality of pressure sensors 103 from the sensor array 301. In one embodiment, the sensor array 301 provides the measurements as analog signals to the sensor electronics 401. The input/ output interface 406 facilitates the analog to digital converter 402 to receive the analog signals from the sensor array 301. The analog to digital converter 402 converts the analog signals to digital signals as digital signals can be processed easily. Further, the digital signals are provided to the calibration unit 403. The calibration unit 403 is configured to compare a pressure intensity of the measurements with threshold values of pressure intensity for each pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensor 103. In an embodiment, during a test phase or a trial phase, the threshold values pressure intensity is defined for each of the plurality of pressure sensors 103. In an embodiment, the threshold values of pressure intensity may be calibrated by the calibration unit 403 based on the measurements received from the sensor array 301. For example, when measured pressure intensity of a pressure sensor is consistently less than the threshold value, the threshold value for that pressure sensor can be calibrated and updated to the measured value of pressure intensity. In an embodiment, the calibration unit 403 compares pressure intensity of at least one pressure sensor with respective threshold values. The at least one pressure sensor is identified based on a pressure profile generated during the test phase. As the at least one pressure sensor measurements are processed, the processing complexity is reduced, while still receiving crucial information about the rider’s safety.

[0044] In an embodiment, the hands on detection unit 405 receives the comparison made by the calibration unit 403 for the at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors 103. When the pressure intensity of the at least one pressure sensor is equal or above the respective threshold values, the hands on detection unit 405 detects that the user has placed the hands on the handle grip 102. In the scenario of the motorcycle 202, two handle grips (e.g., 102a, 102b) can be used for the left hand and right hand. Each handle grip is configured to detect the user’s hands on the handlebar 101. Therefore, the safety of the rider is ensured when the hands on detection unit 405 detects that the rider has placed both the hands on the handlebar 101. In an embodiment, when the pressure intensity of the at least one pressure sensor is not above the respective threshold values, the measurement from the remaining pressure sensors from the plurality of sensors can be considered to detect the hands on the handlebar 101.

[0045] In an embodiment, the pressure mapping unit 404 is configured to receive the comparison made by the calibration unit 403 for the at least one pressure sensor and map the pressure intensity values to the pressure profile. The pressure profile may also include information on mapping between the user’ s hands and the intensity values from the plurality of pressure sensors 103. Hence, the pressure profiles is indicative of which part of the user’s hands are applying pressure on the handlebar 101, therefore providing information on how the user is holding the handlebar 101. Further, the hands on information and pressure mapping information is provided to the control unit 407 via the input/ output interface 406. In an embodiment, the input/ output interface 406 may be a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The hands on information and the pressure mapping information may be sent to the system using CAN protocol. It is appreciated that other communication protocols can be used to transmit the hands on information and the pressure mapping information to the system 407. Other protocols may include, but not limited to I2C, RS- 232, Bluetooth, ZigBee and the like.

[0046] In an embodiment, the system 407 is the ARAS in the scenario of the motorcycle 202 and the system 407 can be a general purpose computer in the scenario of the exercise machine 201. In the scenario of the motorcycle 202, the ARAS is capable of performing various autonomous functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). The ARAS is capable of overriding throttle and braking controls during emergency situations. The ARAS ensures safety of the rider during hazardous situations. For the ARAS to control the motorcycle 202, it is critical to know about the safety of the rider. The hands on information and the pressure mapping information from the handle grip 102 is used to determine the rider safety. For example, the ARAS may detect an obstacle on a road, and decide to control the brake of the motorcycle 202. Before controlling the brakes, the ARAS receives the hands on information and the pressure information to determine the safety of the rider. When the rider has not placed the hands on the handlebar 101, the ARAS may not apply the brakes, otherwise causing the rider to fall from the motorcycle 202. Likewise, only after determining that the rider has placed the hands on the handlebar 101, the ARAS applies the brakes. Other example of ARAS controls can include, steering control, cruise control and the like. The pressure mapping information is used while maneuvering the motorcycle 202. For example, when the ARAS has to steer the motorcycle 202 in a steep curve, not just the hands on detection, but the ARAS has to determine if the rider is firmly holding the handlebar 101. Hence, the pressure mapping information provides the information on how firmly the rider is holding the handlebar 101. Further, safe grip conditions is continuously monitored, and notifications may be provided by the ARAS to the rider. For example, when the rider is not using both the hands for riding and, when the rider has not placed the hands firmly, notifications may be provided to alert the rider.

[0047] In an embodiment, in the scenario of exercise equipment 201, the system 407 may be the general purpose computer, or a server. The computer or the server may be located remote from the exercise equipment 201. The computer may receive the hands on information and the pressure mapping information to analyze the grip patterns of users while operating the exercise equipment 201. This may be helpful to improve the exercise equipment 201 to increase the effectiveness of the exercise equipment 201 on the users. Also, the users condition while exercising can be monitored using the measurements.

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for generating pressure profiles for operating the handle grip 102, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure. The order in which the method 500 may be described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[0049] The method step of generating the pressure profiles may be performed during the test stage or trial stage. In an embodiment, the method steps 500 may be performed by the handle grip 102 or a computer.

[0050] At step 501, measurements from the plurality of the pressure sensors are received. The measurements correspond to pressure applied by a plurality of users. The plurality of users include users having different hand size, users with gloves, users without gloves, users with different operating styles, (riding style or exercising style), users with different height. In an embodiment, the pressure profile may be unique for a type of the equipment. For example, for a particular type of motorcycle e.g., 202a, the pressure profile may be generated using inputs from the plurality of users for that type of motorcycle 202a. Likewise, for a different type of motorcycle e.g., 202b, a plurality of measurements are made for the plurality of users for generating pressure profile specific to the type of motorcycle 202b.

[0051] Riding styles like aggressive, comfortable or lazy riding styles vary how the pressure is distributed in the area of hand grips. Aggressive styles have a firmer handgrip hold and comfort riding involves lighter grip. The worst case is the lightest handgrip pressure. Thus, we need to calibrate the sensors for the lightest pressure application. Also, some hold the handle on the extreme end and some in the inner part of the grips. Both positions need to be considered for area mapping. Wearing gloves while riding enables more even distribution of pressure while covering more area which is good for detection as it is easier [5], During clutch and brake operation, more than half of the hands are not in contact with the handlebar at all. The only contact location is the area between thumb and the index finger.

[0052] In an embodiment, type of motorcycle 202 includes but not limited to, cruiser bikes, street bikes, tourers, off-road bikes. The hands-off detection may be more important for tourers and cruisers. Street bike and race bike have a more inclined seating position hence riders may apply more pressure on the handlebar 101. This results in higher weight distribution on the handlebars 101 compared to cruisers. The cruisers have an upright position and users apply less pressure on the handlebar 101. Tourers fall in between due to their seating.

[0053] In an embodiment, during throttle twist, the sensor array 301 tends to rotate. To compensate the movement of the sensor array 301, more pressure sensors may be required at new exposed area on the handle grip 102. Further, the riders shoulder level and clutch lever level influence the arrangement orientation of the plurality of pressure sensors 103. If the shoulders height is more, the plurality of the pressure sensors 103 may be placed on the top surface of the handlebar 101, while the shoulder height is less, a greater number of the plurality of pressure sensors 103 may be placed on a surface towards the rider on the handlebar 101. The effect of applying clutch is also considered similarly.

[0054] At step 502, the measurements received form the plurality of pressure sensors 103 are processed. In an embodiment, processing the measurements includes comparing the pressure intensity measured by the pressure sensors with respective threshold values. During the test phase, the plurality of measurements are read, and the threshold values are generated based on the plurality of measurements.

[0055] At step 503, a location of the at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors 103 is determined based at least on a pressure intensity obtained from the measurements. Referring now to Fig. 6a the user’s hand 601 on the handle grip 102 is shown. Specific points of the user’s hand 601 applies pressure on the handle grip 102. These specific points are mapped to the sensor array 301 to generate the pressure profile. Reference is now made to Fig. 6b, which shows the mapping between the user’s hand 601 and the sensor array 301. As seen in the Fig. 6b, pressure sensor location ‘a’ and ‘b’ are identified to measure pressure applied in the region of the hand numbered as 4, 5, 6, 7 and 13. In an exemplary embodiment, locations 4 and 5 are from the metacarpals of the index finger and exerts a relatively high pressure on the handgrip. However, during clutch/brake application the regions in contact are 6 and 13 and this is mapped to location ‘a’. The locations 2 and 3 on the palm are the locations which are in contact the most in riding conditions. Thus, locations 2 and 3 are mapped to sensor location ‘c’. Locations 9,10 and 11 are the metacarpal region of the little finger which exerts high pressure during normal riding conditions for motorcycles 202 like street bikes and track bikes where the weight of the body is applied on the handlebar 101. For cruisers, the metacarpal region has relatively lower pressures. This region has been mapped to sensor locations ‘e’, ‘d’ and ‘f’. Sensor locations ‘e’ and ‘f’ are used to compensate for throttle twist and different grip style. Sensor location ‘d’ is required in cases where the hand is small, and the handlebar 101 is held on the inner most region. As described above, the mapping between the location of the pressure sensor and the pressure intensity applied on the pressure sensor are stored as pressure profile. In one embodiment, the pressure profile defines the pressure intensity threshold of each pressure sensor. Also, the pressure profile may include priority score to the plurality of pressure sensors 103. The priority score is provided to the plurality of pressure sensors 103 based on the pressure intensity obtained from the measurements received from the plurality of pressure sensors. Thereafter, identifying the at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors based on the priority score. For example, the pressure sensors corresponding to location c may have a highest priority score as the regions 2 and 3 are in contact with the handlebar 101 most of the times. Likewise, pressure sensors corresponding to locations a and b may also have high priority as the pressure sensors receive the highest pressure intensity. In an example, if the above measurements are made for plurality of users wearing gloves, the pressure profile may be stored as a first pressure profile corresponding to users wearing gloves for a particular equipment type. Likewise, a second pressure profile may be generated for users without gloves. Similarly, a plurality of pressure profiles may be generated for a plurality of conditions.

[0056] Referring now to Fig. 7, the orientation of the plurality of pressure sensor 103 is illustrated. The orientation of the plurality of pressure sensors 103 on the handle grip 102 may be based on a baseline imagined as shown in Fig. 7 depending on the user’s shoulder height and an operation performed on the equipment (e.g., clutch/brake lever or operate buttons on a treadmill). The orientation varies for each equipment and needs calibration each time.

[0057] The following description describes the exemplary test scenario of generating the pressure profile using sample measurements. Piezoresistive sensors are used as pressure sensors. Flat rubber grips used without ridges or contours are considered. Flexible plastic foils protects the sensor array 301 form environmental factors. The pressure sensors are connected to a microcontroller. An algorithm is developed such that the threshold values of the pressure intensities are calibrated independent of the handle grip 102 they are placed on. Multiple sensor readings are obtained to determine the sensitivity of the pressure sensors with respect to the handle grip 102 and obtain the maximum shift in the threshold value thereby to set a new threshold value.

[0058] The measurements undergo ternary operation to compare between the previous threshold values and the newly obtained threshold values. For example, considering the previous threshold value was P l and the one obtained in the current operation is P_2, if P l > P_2, then P l is set as the threshold value. When P_2 > P l then P_2 is set as the threshold value. This operation is carried over multiple times in the time duration and is performed for plurality of pressure sensors 103 present in the sensor array 301. The maximum threshold value obtained in this time duration is then multiplied with a constant ‘C’ to obtain the Hands-On threshold. The constant C is directly proportional to the elasticity of the material of the handle grip 102. For example, a thin rubber/leather grip, C can be greater than unity (C > 1) and for a thicker grip, C is almost unity (C~l). The multiple P x C, where P is the maximum threshold value measured in the fixed time duration and C is the constant that depends on the elasticity of the material, thus acts as the Hands- On threshold.

[0059] In an embodiment, ringing effect may occur in the sensor array 301. The ringing effect is the phenomenon of measurements varying closely to the calculated Hands-On threshold. The measurements vary above and below the Hands-On threshold in a short interval of time thereby producing a sequence of binary results. This can lead to detecting a false positive even when hands are off the grip. Ringing effect can occur due to minimal pressure exerted by the external environment. The ringing effect can be eliminated by using a sliding window. The sliding window algorithm works based on creating a ‘k’ -sized window over a ‘n’ -sized array of consecutive sensor readings, considering k < n and n is an integral multiple of k. Thus, the window slides between k elements of sensor measurements to examine that more than 90% of the readings cross the Hands- On threshold. When more than 90% of the measurements cross the required threshold, a Hands- On is detected. This is performed for the next (n/k) -1 windows and for the plurality of pressure sensors 103 present in the sensor array 301. A bigger window and the number of windows used directly affects the accuracy and repeatability of Hands-On detection. A bigger window can accommodate a greater number of sensor readings and examine.

[0060] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shows the plots of sensor data recorded for 10 seconds along with the corresponding hands-on state for both right and left hand respectively. Fig. 10 illustrates an exemplary scenario of comparing the sensor measurements with threshold values.

Table 1

Table 2 [0061] Exemplary Table 1 shows conditions for hands on, hands off and indecisive scenarios. The above conditions are considered for FSR sensor. The resistance of a FSR sensor decreases non- linearly with increase in pressure. Hence, a pressure value between 0-10 may indicate a low intensity pressure is applied, whereas a pressure value of 70-150 may indicate high pressure intensity is applied. In Fig. 10, the priority pressure sensors 303 are gray shaded. In an embodiment, for detecting hands on, the measurements form the priority pressure sensors 303 alone are processed. As can be seen form Fig. 10, the pressure values of few of the priority pressure sensors 303 lie close to the range of 0-10 as indicated in Table 1 and pressure values of remaining priority pressure sensors 303 deviate from the threshold values. Also, less than 50% of the priority pressure sensors 303 have the measurement values within the threshold range as per Table 2. Hence, the hands on condition cannot be determined using only the priority pressure sensors 303. Further, the non-priority pressure sensors 302 are used to detect the hands on condition. As more than 50% of the plurality of pressure sensors 103 have the measurements within the threshold range required to detect hands on condition, the combination of the priority pressure sensors 303 and the non-priority pressure sensors 302 are used to detect the hands on condition.

[0062] In an embodiment, the present disclosure enables detecting hands on condition and determining pressure mapping information required for safety critical applications. Further, the present invention selectively processes measurements received from the sensor array 103, thereby reducing power and reducing processing time, which are essential in safety critical applications.

[0063] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise. [0064] The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0065] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise. [0066] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0067] When a single device or article is described herein, it may be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it may be readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

[0068] The illustrated operations of Fig. 5 show certain events occurring in a certain order. In alternative embodiments, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified, or removed. Moreover, steps may be added to the above described logic and still conform to the described embodiments. Further, operations described herein may occur sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Yet further, operations may be performed by a single processing unit or by distributed processing units.

[0069] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0070] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A handle grip, including: a sensor array comprising a plurality of pressure sensors configured to measure a pressure applied on the handle grip by a user; and sensor electronics configured to: receive measurements from the plurality of pressure sensors in the sensor array; process measurements received from at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors based on a pressure profile from a plurality of pressure profiles of the user; and determine at least one of, the user’s hands on the handle grip and pressure information.

2. The handle grip of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pressure sensors include one of, piezoelectric sensors, Force Sensing Resistors (FSR), capacitive force sensors and strain gauges.

3. The handle grip of claim 1, wherein the pressure profile is indicative of pressure applied by a plurality of users on the handle grip.

4. The handle grip of claim 1 , wherein the sensor electronics comprises at least one or more analog to digital converters, a parallel to serial converter, a microprocessor or a microcontroller, a memory, and one or more communication interfaces.

5. The handle grip of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pressure profiles are stored in a memory of the sensor electronics.

6. The handle grip of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of pressure sensors has a threshold value for measuring pressure intensity, wherein the threshold value is dynamically updated based on real-time measurements.

7. The handle grip of claim 1, wherein the sensor electronics is further configured to: provide a priority score to the plurality of pressure sensors based on measurements received from the plurality of pressure sensors; and identify the at least one pressure sensor based on the priority score.

8. The handle grip of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure sensor identified based on a location of the at least one pressure sensor in the handle grip, wherein the location of the at least one pressure sensor to be identified is obtained from the pressure profile.

9. The handle grip of claim 7, wherein the priority score is provided further based at least on, a frequency of receiving the measurements from the plurality of sensors, a pressure intensity received from the plurality of sensors and a location of the plurality of pressure sensors.

10. The handle grip of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pressure sensors are oriented based on at least a shoulder height of the user and one or more applications of an equipment associated with the handle grip.

11. The handle grip of claim 1, wherein the sensor electronics process the measurements by: comparing the measurements of the at least one pressure sensor with respective threshold values of pressure intensity.

12. The handle grip of claim 1, wherein the sensor electronics is further configured to provide information on user’s hands on the handle grip and pressure information to a system for controlling an equipment associated with the handle grip.

13. A method of generating pressure profiles for operating a handle grip, including: receiving measurements from a plurality of pressure sensors in a sensor array of the handle grip, wherein the measurements indicate pressure applied by a user on the handle grip; processing the measurements received from the plurality of pressure sensors; determining a location of the at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of sensors in the sensor array based at least on a pressure intensity obtained from the measurements, wherein a mapping between the pressure intensity and the location of the at least one pressure sensor is generated; and storing the mapping as a pressure profile in the handle grip, wherein the at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors is selected for processing in real-time based on the pressure profile.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the pressure intensity is affected by a plurality of parameters including at least one of, a hand size of the user, a style of holding the grip, a type of equipment associated with the handle grip, gloves of the user, one or more applications of the equipment, a height of the user, a shoulder level of the user.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the measurements are obtained in real-time or during a test phase.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing a priority score to the plurality of pressure sensors based on the pressure intensity obtained from the measurements received from the plurality of pressure sensors; and identifying the at least one pressure sensor from the plurality of pressure sensors based on the priority score.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the priority score is provided based at least on, a frequency of receiving the measurements from the plurality of sensors, a pressure intensity and a location of the plurality of pressure sensors.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the processing comprises: comparing the measurements with respective threshold values of pressure intensity.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein a threshold value is associated with each pressure sensor for measuring pressure intensity, wherein the threshold value is dynamically updated based on realtime measurements.

20. A handle grip system, including: a handle grip of claim 1 ; and a control unit configured to: receive at least one of, the user’s hands on the handle grip and pressure information from the handle grip; and control an equipment associated with the handle grip based on one of, the user’s hands on the handle grip and the pressure information.

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