Abstract: The present application relates to a communication system for controlling the output of messages to a vehicle occupant. The communication system has a processor configured to output a first message to the vehicle occupant. A signal is received from one or more sensors operative to monitor the vehicle occupant when the first message is output. The signal from said one or more sensors is analysed to determine one or more parameters relating to the response of the vehicle occupant to said first message. The communication system controls the subsequent output of at least said first message in dependence on said one or more determined parameters. The present application also relates to a method and to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 10 for interacting remotely with a vehicle 12 comprising data transfer means 22 for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device 18 operable by a user and a vehicle databus 24 located within the vehicle 12. Optionally, the data transfer means 22 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the mobile communications device 18 via a web server 14, a web portal or other internet-connected host system. The data transfer means 22 may be arranged to wirelessly communicate with the web portal via a GSM or other cellular communications network 13. After the vehicle engine has stopped, communication of messages may continue on an intermittent basis, or may be suspended after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold. High priority messages may be communicated at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.

Abstract: The present application relates to a communication system for controlling the output of messages to a vehicle occupant. The communication system has a processor configured to output a first message to the vehicle occupant. A signal is received from one or more sensors operative to monitor the vehicle occupant when the first message is output. The signal from said one or more sensors is analysed to determine one or more parameters relating to the response of the vehicle occupant to said first message. The communication system controls the subsequent output of at least said first message in dependence on said one or more determined parameters. The present application also relates to a method and to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a configuration code identifying the type and specification of a vehicle (1) is stored in a memory device (2) during manufacture of the vehicle (1). Information relating to one or more types of vehicle is uploaded into a mass storage device (3) located on the vehicle from an external data source (4). The stored configuration code is then used to select from the information stored on the mass storage device (3) only the information relating to the particular vehicle (1) so that only relevant information can be accessed by a user of the vehicle (1). The method may also include restricting the information provided if the vehicle speed is above a predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door protection system (1) for protecting the doors (5A-D) of a vehicle (3). The door protection system (1) includes a processor (7) configured to receive obstruction data identifying the position of one or more obstructions (O) in relation to the vehicle (3). The processor (7) determines the proximity of each vehicle door (5A-D) to the obstruction(s) and outputs a notification signal based on the determined proximity. A door position signal can be received from a door position sensor (29A-D) associated with each door (5A-D). The processor (7) can determine the proximity of each vehicle door (5A-D) to the obstruction(s) based on the door position signal in combination with the obstruction data. In an alternate arrangement, the door protection system (1) is configured to monitor one or more vehicle systems to determine when a vehicle occupant is preparing to open the vehicle door (5A-D).

Abstract: A method and apparatus 10 for interacting remotely with a vehicle 12 comprising data transfer means 22 for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device 18 operable by a user and a vehicle databus 24 located within the vehicle 12. Optionally, the data transfer means 22 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the mobile communications device 18 via a web server 14, a web portal or other internet-connected host system. The data transfer means 22 may be arranged to wirelessly communicate with the web portal via a GSM or other cellular communications network 13. After the vehicle engine has stopped, communication of messages may continue on an intermittent basis, or may be suspended after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold. High priority messages may be communicated at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 10 for interacting remotely with a vehicle 12 comprising data transfer means 22 for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device 18 operable by a user and a vehicle databus 24 located within the vehicle 12. Optionally, the data transfer means 22 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the mobile communications device 18 via a web server 14, a web portal or other internet-connected host system. The data transfer means 22 may be arranged to wirelessly communicate with the web portal via a GSM or other cellular communications network 13. After the vehicle engine has stopped, communication of messages may continue on an intermittent basis, or may be suspended after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold. High priority messages may be communicated at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.

Abstract: A laminated vehicle glazing comprising: at least two glazing panes laminated together by at least one interlayer therebetween; at least one sensor which is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand contacting or proximal to at least one of the panes; at least one shield associated with the at least one sensor whereby the at least one sensor is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand from only one side of the vehicle glazing; and at least one connector electrically connected to the at least one sensor connectable to an external device for control of the external device by manual operation of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle subsystem (10) comprises a controller (12) arranged to control operation of the subsystem (10), a user input (16) connected to the system controller (12) and arranged to be operated by a user, and a sensor comprising a transmitter (22) associated with user input (16) and a receiver (26) associated with a first user, whereby the controller uses detection of a signal from the transmitter (22) by the receiver (26) to distinguish between operation of the user input (16) by said first user and operation of the user input by a second user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 10 for interacting remotely with a vehicle 12 comprising data transfer means 22 for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device 18 operable by a user and a vehicle databus 24 located within the vehicle 12. Optionally, the data transfer means 22 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the mobile communications device 18 via a web server 14, a web portal or other internet-connected host system. The data transfer means 22 may be arranged to wirelessly communicate with the web portal via a GSM or other cellular communications network 13. After the vehicle engine has stopped, communication of messages may continue on an intermittent basis, or may be suspended after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold. High priority messages may be communicated at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.

Abstract: A case for a mobile telephone or other nomadic device, the case comprising communication means for wirelessly communicating with a security and/or access system of a vehicle or property. The communication means may be embedded within the material forming the case or may be retained in a slot or recess within the case. The communication means comprises means arranged to transmit control or operation commands to the vehicle or property so as to operate or control one or more functions or devices. The case may comprise one or more buttons or switches configured to be actuated by the user to transmit said commands. A mobile telephone or other nomadic device having such a case. A vehicle adapted to work with a mobile telephone or a case as described hereinbefore.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a configuration code identifying the type and specification of a vehicle (1) is stored in a memory device (2) during manufacture of the vehicle (1). Information relating to one or more types of vehicle is uploaded into a mass storage device (3) located on the vehicle from an external data source (4). The stored configuration code is then used to select from the information stored on the mass storage device (3) only the information relating to the particular vehicle (1) so that only relevant information can be accessed by a user of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A rotatable selector mechanism for a motor vehicle transmission has a selector knob rotatable in a housing to select an operating mode of the transmission among a number of selector positions indicated by a label (P, R, N, D, M). The selector mechanism further includes a detent plate which cooperates with a detent pin for maintaining the selector knob in each of positions. The detent plate is connected to position sensors for generating selector signals to a transmission control unit which supplies control signals to an actuator for operate the transmission according to the operating mode selected. The detent plate is also associated to the selector knob and to a drive correction means by means of clutch devices respectively to engage the detent plate to one of the selector knob and the drive correction means.

Abstract: A laminated vehicle glazing comprising: at least two glazing panes laminated together by at least one interlayer therebetween; at least one sensor which is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand contacting or proximal to at least one of the panes; at least one shield associated with the at least one sensor whereby the at least one sensor is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand from only one side of the vehicle glazing; and at least one connector electrically connected to the at least one sensor connectable to an external device for control of the external device by manual operation of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A rotatable selector mechanism for a motor vehicle transmission has a selector knob rotatable in a housing to select an operating mode of the transmission among a number of selector positions indicated by a label (P, R, N, D, M). The selector mechanism further includes a detent plate which cooperates with a detent pin for maintaining the selector knob in each of positions. The detent plate is connected to position sensors for generating selector signals to a transmission control unit which supplies control signals to an actuator for operate the transmission according to the operating mode selected. The detent plate is also associated to the selector knob and to a drive correction means by means of clutch devices respectively to engage the detent plate to one of the selector knob and the drive correction means.

Abstract: A rotatable selector mechanism for a motor vehicle transmission has a selector knob rotatable in a housing to select an operating mode of the transmission among a number of selector positions indicated by a label (P,R,N,D,M). The selector mechanism further includes a detent plate which cooperates with a detent pin for maintaining the selector knob in each of positions. The detent plate is connected to position sensors for generating selector signals to a transmission control unit which supplies control signals to an actuator for operate the transmission according to the operating mode selected. The detent plate is also associated to the selector knob and to a drive correction means by means of clutch devices respectively to engage the detent plate to one of the selector knob and the drive correction means.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing the proximity of a part of a user to a control input, such as a control panel (14), for a vehicle subsystem (10), includes a transmitter (26) for transmitting a signal, a primary receivers (22) for receiving the signal via the user as a primary signal and a reference receiver (28) for receiving the signal via the user as a reference signal. One of the transmitter and primary receiver is associated with the user and the other with the control input (14). The reference receiver (28) is associated with the user and a controller (12) is provided to receive and process the primary and reference signals to provide a measure of the proximity between the part of the user and the control input (14).

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing the proximity of a part of a user to a control input, such as a control panel (14), for a vehicle subsystem (10), includes a transmitter (26) for transmitting a signal, a primary receivers (22) for receiving the signal via the user as a primary signal and a reference receiver (28) for receiving the signal via the user as a reference signal. One of the transmitter and primary receiver is associated with the user and the other with the control input (14). The reference receiver (28) is associated with the user and a controller (12) is provided to receive and process the primary and reference signals to provide a measure of the proximity between the part of the user and the control input (14).

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle subsystem (10) comprises a controller (12) arranged to control operation of the subsystem (10), a user input (16) connected to the system controller (12) and arranged to be operated by a user, and a sensor comprising a transmitter (22) associated with user input (16) and a receiver (26) associated with a first user, whereby the controller uses detection of a signal from the transmitter (22) by the receiver (26) to distinguish between operation of the user input (16) by said first user and operation of the user input by a second user.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a transmitter/receiver user recognition device and a control system for allowing a user to act remotely on one or more sub-systems of a vehicle, e.g., opening a panel such as a boot. In use, the system operates in association with a user identification device so as to activate an illumination block when the identification device has been recognized by the user recognition device and the identified user's hand is approaching, and to control the operation of one of the sub-systems when the identified user s hand is touching the illumination legend.