Abstract: The present invention includes a system for use in a vehicle for determining the terrain type in proximity to a vehicle. The system comprises a processor configured to receive primary output data from at least one vehicle-mounted sensor, and secondary output data from a secondary data source; and a data memory configured to store pre-determined primary data relating primary output data for the at least one vehicle-mounted sensor to a particular terrain type, and store at least one data set relating to one or more terrain types. The processor is configured to compare the primary output data with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the particular terrain type corresponding to the primary output data, and compare the secondary output data with a data set corresponding to the indication of the particular terrain type.

Abstract: A vehicle launch control system for a vehicle (10) comprising an input for receiving an indication signal to indicate that vehicle launch is imminent; a sensor system (12, 22) configured to determine a terrain characteristic of the terrain in the path of the vehicle if the indication signal is received; and a processing module (33) configured to determine whether the terrain characteristic is likely to result in an unwanted level of wheel slip if the vehicle is launched, wherein the processing module (33) is further configured to provide an output to indicate that an unwanted level of wheel slip will occur based on the outcome of the determination.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for use in a vehicle for determining the terrain type in proximity to a vehicle. The system comprises a processor configured to receive primary output data from at least one vehicle-mounted sensor, and secondary output data from a secondary data source; and a data memory configured to store pre-determined primary data relating primary output data for the at least one vehicle-mounted sensor to a particular terrain type, and store at least one data set relating to one or more terrain types. The processor is configured to compare the primary output data with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the particular terrain type corresponding to the primary output data, and compare the secondary output data with a data set corresponding to the indication of the particular terrain type.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for use in a vehicle for determining an indication of the type of terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle. The system comprises a processor arranged to receive acoustic sensor output data from at least one vehicle-mounted acoustic sensor, the or each acoustic sensor being arranged to receive a reflected signal from the terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle, the processor also being arranged to calculate at least one acoustic parameter in dependence on the acoustic sensor output data. The system also comprises a data memory arranged to store pre-determined data relating the at least one acoustic parameter to a particular terrain type. The processor is arranged to compare the at least one acoustic parameter with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the particular terrain type based on the acoustic sensor output data only.

Abstract: A system for use in a vehicle for determining an indication of the type of terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle, the system comprising; means configured to receive sensor output data from at least one sensor on the vehicle; means configured to determine a plurality of parameters in dependence on the sensor output data; a neural network algorithm configured to receive the plurality of parameters; and means configured to execute the neural network algorithm to provide a plurality of outputs corresponding to a plurality of different terrain types, the neural network being further configured to associate the plurality of parameters with one of the plurality of outputs, so as to determine an indication of the terrain type.