Abstract: A system for the infrastructure-based assistance of a motor vehicle driven in an at least semi-automated manner within a parking facility. The system includes: a parking facility management system configured to operate the parking facility including planning of a drive of the motor vehicle drive in an at least semi-automated manner within the parking facility, a first base unit situated within the parking facility, communicatively linked to the parking facility management system, and connected to at least one surroundings sensor situated within the parking facility in the surroundings of the first base unit, the first base unit being configured to ascertain first infrastructure assistance data for the infrastructure-based assistance of the motor vehicle driven in an at least semi-automated manner within the parking facility, and a wireless communication interface configured to transmit the ascertained first infrastructure assistance data to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system for the infrastructure-based assistance of a motor vehicle driven in an at least semi-automated manner within a parking facility. The system includes: multiple base units, each connected to a surroundings sensor which detect an area of the parking facility. The base units aid the motor vehicle during its drive through the respective area driven in an at least semi-automated manner based on surroundings sensor data of the respective surroundings sensor corresponding to the respective detection. Infrastructure assistance data are ascertained based on the surroundings sensor data, which are transmitted wirelessly to the motor vehicle. Each base unit is responsible for one area. The responsibility for aiding the motor vehicle is forwarded from base station to base station as the motor vehicle drives through the individual areas.

Abstract: A crest detection system (10, 19, 185C) for a vehicle (100), the system comprising a processing means (10, 19) arranged to receive, from terrain data capture means (185C) arranged to capture data in respect of terrain ahead of the vehicle by means of one or more sensors, terrain information indicative of the topography of an area extending ahead of the vehicle (100), wherein the processing means (10, 19) is configured to, in dependence upon a predicted path of the vehicle (100) over said terrain extending ahead of the vehicle (100), determine that a crest exists in the predicted path in dependence at least in part on the detection of a discontinuity in terrain along the predicted path ahead of the vehicle (100) based on the terrain information, and information in respect of slope of terrain before the discontinuity.

Abstract: A slope detection system (10, 19, 185C) for a vehicle (100) is provided. The system has a processor (10, 19) that receives, from one or more sensors (185C) arranged to capture data in respect of terrain ahead of the vehicle, terrain information indicative of the topography of an area extending ahead of the vehicle (100). The processor (10, 19), in dependence upon a predicted path of the vehicle (100) over the terrain extending ahead of the vehicle (100), generates, for the predicted path of the vehicle (100), information indicative of an angle of slope of the predicted path, being the slope of the predicted path along a direction of travel of the vehicle (100).

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle speed control system having a side-slope detection system (10, 19, 185C). The system comprises a processor (10, 19) arranged to receive, from one or more sensors (185C) arranged to capture data in respect of terrain ahead of the vehicle, terrain information indicative of the topography of an area extending ahead of the vehicle (100). The processor (10, 19), in dependence upon a predicted path of the vehicle (100) over said terrain extending ahead of the vehicle (100), generates, for the predicted path of the vehicle (100), information indicative of the angle of side-slope of the predicted path, being the slope of the predicted path transverse to a direction of travel of the vehicle (100). The vehicle speed control system is configured to control vehicle speed in dependence at least in part on the information indicative of the angle of side-slope of the predicted path generated by the side-slope detection system.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle speed control system having a side-slope detection system (10, 19, 185C). The system comprises a processor (10, 19) arranged to receive, from one or more sensors (185C) arranged to capture data in respect of terrain ahead of the vehicle, terrain information indicative of the topography of an area extending ahead of the vehicle (100). The processor (10, 19), in dependence upon a predicted path of the vehicle (100) over said terrain extending ahead of the vehicle (100), generates, for the predicted path of the vehicle (100), information indicative of the angle of side-slope of the predicted path, being the slope of the predicted path transverse to a direction of travel of the vehicle (100). The vehicle speed control system is configured to control vehicle speed in dependence at least in part on the information indicative of the angle of side-slope of the predicted path generated by the side-slope detection system.

Abstract: A crest detection system (10, 19, 185C) for a vehicle (100), the system comprising a processing means (10, 19) arranged to receive, from terrain data capture means (185C) arranged to capture data in respect of terrain ahead of the vehicle by means of one or more sensors, terrain information indicative of the topography of an area extending ahead of the vehicle (100), wherein the processing means (10, 19) is configured to, in dependence upon a predicted path of the vehicle (100) over said terrain extending ahead of the vehicle (100), determine that a crest exists in the predicted path in dependence at least in part on the detection of a discontinuity in terrain along the predicted path ahead of the vehicle (100) based on the terrain information, and information in respect of slope of terrain before the discontinuity.

Abstract: A slope detection system (10, 19, 185C) for a vehicle (100) is provided. The system has a processor (10, 19) that receives, from one or more sensors (185C) arranged to capture data in respect of terrain ahead of the vehicle, terrain information indicative of the topography of an area extending ahead of the vehicle (100). The processor (10, 19), in dependence upon a predicted path of the vehicle (100) over the terrain extending ahead of the vehicle (100), generates, for the predicted path of the vehicle (100), information indicative of an angle of slope of the predicted path, being the slope of the predicted path along a direction of travel of the vehicle (100).

Abstract: A visualization technique for a vehicle and a vehicle driver combines a forward facing video camera and a forward facing time of flight camera. The outputs of the camera are combined to provide the vehicle driver with an augmented reality display, whereby topographical features can be identified in relation to the vehicle even if out of line of sight of the driver.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for selectively highlighting visual zones associated with a vehicle. A point of origin and a gaze direction of a vehicle occupant are determined and a virtual projection plotted corresponding to the gaze of the vehicle occupant. The virtual projection extends from the determined point of origin in a direction of the determined gaze direction. With reference to a three-dimensional model comprising a plurality of pre-defined areas of interest, an intersection of the virtual projection with one of the plurality of areas of interest is identified. The method comprises controlling an illumination source that is associated with the determined one of said plurality of areas of interest so as to highlight a visual zone associated with the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling one or more vehicle systems. The method uses at least one sensor (3-1, 3-2) to monitor a driver (D) to identify a driver distracted state. One or more functions of a first vehicle system (7, 9, 17) are inhibited when the driver distracted state is identified. The present application also relates to a control apparatus (1); and to a vehicle (V). The present disclosure also relates to a method and related apparatus for controlling the output of a visual notification within the vehicle (V).

Abstract: A vehicle mounted time of flight camera provides repeating images of the scene ahead of a vehicle. Such images are processed to determine topographical features in the scene, and the vehicle suspension is commanded to adopt in advance a configuration appropriate to the nature of the topographical features.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling one or more vehicle systems. The method uses at least one sensor (3-1, 3-2) to monitor a driver (D) to identify a driver distracted state. One or more functions of a first vehicle system (7, 9, 17) are inhibited when the driver distracted state is identified. The present application also relates to a control apparatus (1); and to a vehicle (V). The present disclosure also relates to a method and related apparatus for controlling the output of a visual notification within the vehicle (V).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for selectively highlighting visual zones (11, 13, 23, 25, 27, 33) associated with a vehicle (V). A point of origin (0) and a gaze direction of a vehicle occupant are determined and a virtual projection (Pv) plotted corresponding to the gaze of the vehicle occupant. The virtual projection extends from the determined point of origin (O) in a direction of the determined gaze direction. With reference to a three-dimensional model (CMOD) comprising a plurality of pre-defined areas of interest, an intersection of the virtual projection (Pv) with one of the plurality of areas of interest is identified. The method comprises controlling an illumination source (Ln) that is associated with the determined one of said plurality of areas of interest so as to highlight a visual zone (11, 13, 23, 25, 27, 33) associated with the vehicle (V).

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle control system (110) and method operable to control at least one vehicle subsystem (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) to operate in a selected one of a plurality of subsystem configuration modes. The control system is operable in a plurality of driving modes in each of which it is arranged to select the subsystem configuration mode of the at least one vehicle subsystem in a manner suitable for a respective type of driving surface. The control system uses the output of an imaging device (115) capturing the driving surface on which the vehicle is driving or will likely be driving.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide computing apparatus for determining a height of a roof load of a vehicle, the apparatus being operable to: display a captured image of at least a portion a the vehicle and roof load on display means of the apparatus; superimpose a vehicle overlay on the image; and allow a user to manipulate the vehicle overlay thereby to obtain a prescribed correspondence between the overlay and the at least a portion of the vehicle, wherein the apparatus is further operable to calculate a height of the roof load and to provide an output corresponding to the calculated height.

Abstract: A visualization technique for a vehicle and a vehicle driver combines a forward facing video camera and a forward facing time of flight camera. The outputs of the camera are combined to provide the vehicle driver with an augmented reality display, whereby topographical features can be identified in relation to the vehicle even if out of line of sight of the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted time of flight camera provides repeating images of the scene ahead of a vehicle. Such images are processed to determine topographical features in the scene, and the vehicle suspension is commanded to adopt in advance a configuration appropriate to the nature of the topographical features.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle control system (110) and method operable to control at least one vehicle subsystem (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) to operate in a selected one of a plurality of subsystem configuration modes. The control system is operable in a plurality of driving modes in each of which it is arranged to select the subsystem configuration mode of the at least one vehicle subsystem in a manner suitable for a respective type of driving surface. The control system uses the output of an imaging device (115) capturing the driving surface on which the vehicle is driving or will likely be driving.