Abstract: A shortcut system (1) for controlling at least one vehicle system (2), the shortcut system comprising: an input arranged to receive configuration signals (6) generated in response to a user operating a configuration device (7) independent of the vehicle (100), the configuration signals specifying an action to be carried out by a vehicle system; a memory module (5) arranged to store the action specified in a received configuration signal; a processor (4) arranged, upon a user-selected trigger condition being met, to generate a control signal (8) for controlling the vehicle system in accordance with the stored specified action; and an output arranged to output the control signal. Also a configuration device (7) independent of a vehicle (100) that is arranged to configure a shortcut system (1) for controlling at least one vehicle system (2) of the vehicle, and a method of controlling at least one vehicle system (2) of a vehicle (100).

Abstract: There is provided a control system for controlling a system, the control system comprising one or more controllers, configured to: receive a rule configuration signal, the rule configuration signal specifying properties of a rule, the properties comprising an indicator of an action to be carried out and at least one associated trigger condition; store the indicator of the action and the at least one associated trigger condition at a storage location; determine whether the rule is to be evaluated by the control system; and if the determination indicates that the rule is to be evaluated by the control system, and upon the at least one associated trigger condition being met: generate at least one control signal in accordance with the indicated action; and output the at least one control signal to at least one vehicle system to be controlled.

Abstract: A shortcut system (1) for controlling at least one vehicle system (2), the shortcut system comprising: an input arranged to receive configuration signals (6) generated in response to a user operating a configuration device (7) independent of the vehicle (100), the configuration signals specifying an action to be carried out by a vehicle system; a memory module (5) arranged to store the action specified in a received configuration signal; a processor (4) arranged, upon a user-selected trigger condition being met, to generate a control signal (8) for controlling the vehicle system in accordance with the stored specified action; and an output arranged to output the control signal. Also a configuration device (7) independent of a vehicle (100) that is arranged to configure a shortcut system (1) for controlling at least one vehicle system (2) of the vehicle, and a method of controlling at least one vehicle system (2) of a vehicle (100).

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a system for aiding driver control of the vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water, the system comprising a measurement apparatus for determining a measured depth of water in which the vehicle is wading. The measurement apparatus is positioned and arranged relative to the vehicle such that the measured depth is indicative of the depth of water in a first measurement region relative to the actual vehicle. The processor is coupled to the measurement apparatus and is configured to calculate an estimated water depth in dependence upon the measured depth and in dependence upon the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A user advice system for a vehicle (10) for providing a user with advice regarding vehicle operation, the system comprising; a monitoring module (30) arranged to monitor at least one vehicle parameter input; a determination module (26) arranged to determine, without a specific user request, a suggested user command relating to the operation of a sub-system of the vehicle (10), based on a suggestion policy (72) and the at least one vehicle parameter input; and, a notification module (14) arranged to notify the user of the suggested user command.

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: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method of controlling an HMI-apparatus for providing information to a driver of a vehicle for aiding driver control of a vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water. The method includes determining a measured depth of water about the actual vehicle and determining a display depth, dependent upon the measured depth of water. The method also includes measuring a lateral and/or longitudinal gradient of the actual vehicle and selecting a display vehicle position from a limited number of available options of display vehicle positions based upon the measured lateral and/or longitudinal gradient of the actual vehicle. In this way the HMI-apparatus can output a simplified picture of the actual vehicle scenario which may be easier for the driver to assimilate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes imaging apparatus comprising at least one camera. The apparatus is operable to provide a wade image to an occupant of the vehicle being an image of at least a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle that is exposed to liquid when wading. The wade image is arranged to allow the occupant to determine whether the level of the liquid is below a prescribed level. Embodiments of the invention are advantageous over known wade aid devices such as ultrasonic sensor arrangements in that a driver is able to view directly a level of liquid such as water in which the vehicle is wading. Furthermore embodiments of the invention have a reduced settling time when switched on compared with ultrasonic sensor arrangements.

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: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method of controlling an HMI-apparatus for providing information to a driver of a vehicle for aiding driver control of a vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water. The method includes determining a measured depth of water about the actual vehicle and determining a display depth, dependent upon the measured depth of water. The method also includes measuring a lateral and/or longitudinal gradient of the actual vehicle and selecting a display vehicle position from a limited number of available options of display vehicle positions based upon the measured lateral and/or longitudinal gradient of the actual vehicle. In this way the HMI-apparatus can output a simplified picture of the actual vehicle scenario which may be easier for the driver to assimilate.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a system for aiding driver control of the vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water, the system comprising a measurement apparatus for determining a measured depth of water in which the vehicle is wading. The measurement apparatus is positioned and arranged relative to the vehicle such that the measured depth is indicative of the depth of water in a first measurement region relative to the actual vehicle. The processor is coupled to the measurement apparatus and is configured to calculate an estimated water depth in dependence upon the measured depth and in dependence upon the vehicle speed.

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: A motor vehicle includes imaging apparatus comprising at least one camera. The apparatus is operable to provide a wade image to an occupant of the vehicle being an image of at least a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle that is exposed to liquid when wading. The wade image is arranged to allow the occupant to determine whether the level of the liquid is below a prescribed level. Embodiments of the invention are advantageous over known wade aid devices such as ultrasonic sensor arrangements in that a driver is able to view directly a level of liquid such as water in which the vehicle is wading. Furthermore embodiments of the invention have a reduced settling time when switched on compared with ultrasonic sensor arrangements.

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.