GB2353872A - Vehicle drive control, speed warning and navigation apparatus - Google Patents

Vehicle drive control, speed warning and navigation apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2353872A
GB2353872A GB9920331A GB9920331A GB2353872A GB 2353872 A GB2353872 A GB 2353872A GB 9920331 A GB9920331 A GB 9920331A GB 9920331 A GB9920331 A GB 9920331A GB 2353872 A GB2353872 A GB 2353872A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vehicle
location
receiver
dab
accessory
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9920331A
Other versions
GB9920331D0 (en
GB2353872B (en
Inventor
Paul Jonathan Stein
Stephen Philip Rowe
Walter Harold Willia Tuttlebee
Julia Waters
David Hawkins
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Roke Manor Research Ltd
Original Assignee
Roke Manor Research Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Roke Manor Research Ltd filed Critical Roke Manor Research Ltd
Priority to GB9920331A priority Critical patent/GB2353872B/en
Publication of GB9920331D0 publication Critical patent/GB9920331D0/en
Publication of GB2353872A publication Critical patent/GB2353872A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2353872B publication Critical patent/GB2353872B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/016—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input
    • B60G17/0165—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input to an external condition, e.g. rough road surface, side wind
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K31/00—Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator
    • B60K31/0058—Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator responsive to externally generated signalling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K31/00—Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator
    • B60K31/18—Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator including a device to audibly, visibly, or otherwise signal the existence of unusual or unintended speed to the driver of the vehicle
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/26—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096708—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G08G1/096716—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096708—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G08G1/096725—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control where the received information generates an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096733—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where a selection of the information might take place
    • G08G1/09675—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where a selection of the information might take place where a selection from the received information takes place in the vehicle
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096766—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission
    • G08G1/096791—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission where the origin of the information is another vehicle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/53—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers
    • H04H20/55—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for traffic information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/86—Arrangements characterised by the broadcast information itself
    • H04H20/91—Arrangements characterised by the broadcast information itself broadcasting computer programmes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/09—Arrangements for device control with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for control of broadcast-related services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/25—Arrangements for updating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
    • H04H60/49—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying locations
    • H04H60/51—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying locations of receiving stations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/61—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54
    • H04H60/65—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54 for using the result on users' side
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/80—Exterior conditions
    • B60G2400/82—Ground surface
    • B60G2400/824—Travel path sensing; Track monitoring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2401/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
    • B60G2401/16—GPS track data
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/04—Means for informing, instructing or displaying
    • B60G2600/042—Monitoring means
    • B60G2600/0422—Monitoring means involving data transmission, e.g. via satellite or GPS; for data monitoring, telemetry or platooning purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/20—Manual control or setting means
    • B60G2600/202—Manual control or setting means using a remote, e.g. cordless, transmitter or receiver unit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2800/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of movement or to the condition of the vehicle and to the end result to be achieved by the control action
    • B60G2800/90—System Controller type
    • B60G2800/97—Engine Management System [EMS]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2800/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of movement or to the condition of the vehicle and to the end result to be achieved by the control action
    • B60G2800/90—System Controller type
    • B60G2800/98—Intelligent Transportation System or Bus [IDB]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W2556/00—Input parameters relating to data
    • B60W2556/45—External transmission of data to or from the vehicle
    • B60W2556/50—External transmission of data to or from the vehicle of positioning data, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System] data
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H59/00—Control inputs to control units of change-speed-, or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
    • F16H59/60—Inputs being a function of ambient conditions
    • F16H2059/605—Traffic stagnation information, e.g. traffic jams
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H59/00—Control inputs to control units of change-speed-, or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
    • F16H59/60—Inputs being a function of ambient conditions
    • F16H59/66—Road conditions, e.g. slope, slippery
    • F16H2059/666—Determining road conditions by using vehicle location or position, e.g. from global navigation systems [GPS]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H59/00—Control inputs to control units of change-speed-, or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
    • F16H59/60—Inputs being a function of ambient conditions
    • F16H59/66—Road conditions, e.g. slope, slippery
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/10—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the type of broadcast system
    • H04H2201/20—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the type of broadcast system digital audio broadcasting [DAB]

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Atmospheric Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Navigation (AREA)
  • Control Of Driving Devices And Active Controlling Of Vehicle (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle is equipped with a digital audio broadcast (DAB) receiver 102 and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 104. The DAB receiver 102 receives a signal which comprises data constituting information relating to terrain, such as road surface conditions, location of bends, gradients, or relating to traffic information, or local speed limits. A processing means 200 uses the GPS data to determine vehicle location, and then extracts the relevant information from the DAB signal. This can then be used either to alert the driver to local speed limits, or to present local traffic information, or to control one or more vehicle functions, such as a cruise control system, traction control, an automatic gearbox, a suspension damping control system or ride height control system. The DAB receiver can also be used to receive software updates for the navigation system or for a vehicle management system 204.

Description

1 2353872 VEHICLE ACCESSORY CONTROL APPARATUS, VEHICLE SPEED WARNING
APPARATUS AND VEHICLE NAVIGATION APPARATUS The present invention relates to a vehicle drive feature control apparatus, vehicle speed warning apparatus and vehicle navigation apparatus of the type used in a vehicle to control the ride in a vehicle.
In a motor vehicle, such as a automobile, it is known to provide accessories, for example, cruise control, traction control, vehicle ride height control, automatic gearbox control, and automatic suspension control. These accessories are usually controlled by an engine management system resident in the vehicle and coupled to the accessories.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for controlling the vehicle accessories in order to provide improved vehicle operation and performance.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling operation at least one vehicle accessory comprising: a DAB receiver for receiving a digital audio broadcast signal; means for determining the location of a vehicle, and a processing unit arranged to extract information relating to the terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle based upon the location of the vehicle, and to adjust the operation of the at least one vehicle accessory in response to the information relating to the terrain.
The at least one vehicle accessory may be a suspension damping control system, a vehicle ride height control system, an automatic cruise control system or an automatic gearbox control system.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a vehicle speed warning apparatus comprising: a DAB receiver for receiving a 2 digital audio broadcast signal; means for determining the location of the vehicle; a processing unit arranged to extract speed limit information relating to the position of the vehicle, and an output device for alerting a driver of the vehicle as to the speed limit.
Preferably, the output device alerts the driver of the vehicle as to the speed limit in response to the vehicle travelling faster than the speed limit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a vehicle navigation apparatus comprising: a DAB receiver for receiving a digital audio broadcast signal; means for determining the location of the vehicle and the direction of travel of the vehicle; a processing unit arranged to extract traffic information pertinent to the position and direction of travel of the vehicle, an output device arranged to output the extracted traffic information pertinent to the position and direction of travel of the vehicle.
Preferably, the traffic information relates to traffic conditions immediately preceding the vehicle en route.
The vehicle navigation apparatus may further comprise means for influencing the determination of an estimated time of arrival of the vehicle to a destination based upon the traffic information received.
Preferably, the means for determining the location of the vehicle is a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is also provided an apparatus for updating software in an electronic device, comprising: a DAB receiver for receiving a digital audio broadcast signal; means for identifying and extracting data contained in the digital audio broadcast signal constituting software; and communication means for transmitting the extracted data to the electronic device.
3 The electronic device may be a vehicle management system or may be a vehicle accessory.
It is thus possible to provide a vehicle accessory control apparatus having improved performance and operation.
At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure I is a schematic diagram of apparatus for use with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus constituting an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus constituting another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus constituting a further embodiment of the invention.
Throughout the following examples, reference will be made to vehicle management systems. Such systems can provide at least one or more of, but are not limited to, the following functionality: vehicle management, engine management, and/or drivetrain management.
Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle 100 equipped with a Digital Audio Broadcast (DA-B) receiver 102 and a position location unit, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 104 is capable of receiving DAB signals from a DAB transmitter 106, and GPS signals from a GPS satellite 108, respectively.
A processing unit 200 (Figure 2) is coupled to the DAB receiver 102, the GPS receiver 104, a driver information system 202 and a vehicle management system 204. The DAB receiver 102 and the GPS receiver 104 are coupled to a first antenna 206 and a second antenna 208, respectively.
4 In operation, Position data relating to the position of the vehicle 100 is received by the GPS receiver 104 for use by the processing unit 200. DAB signals constituting data are received by the DAB receiver 102 for use by the processing unit 200 as well.
The DAB signal received contains terrain-related information, for example, road surface conditions, the location of bends, the location and degree of gradients, traffic conditions, and/or extant temporary or permanent speed limits. The terrain-related information received by the DAB receiver also contains location information associated with the terrain- related information. Consequently, the terrain-related information is location specific.
Based upon the position data received by the GPS receiver 104, the processing unit 200 extracts the terrain-related information that is relevant to the current location of the vehicle 100.
In response to the location specific terrain-related data extracted, the processing unit 200 instructs the vehicle management system 204 to adjust the operation of at least one vehicle accessory. For example, knowledge of a gradient which lies ahead on the route followed by the vehicle allows the processing unit 200 to instruct the vehicle management system 300 to select an appropriate gear ratio at or before the appropriate location by means of an automatic gearbox control. The vehicle accessories can include, but are not limited to: cruise control, traction control, vehicle ride height control, automatic gearbox control, and automatic suspension control.
In another embodiment, the data received by the DAB receiver 102 comprises location specific speed limit information, i.e. information related to speed restrictions in place at a given location. In response to the position data received by the GPS receiver 104, the processing unit 200 extracts the speed limit information pertinent to the position of the vehicle 100 and communicates the speed limit information to the driver information system 202. The driver information system 202 consequently alerts a driver of the vehicle, either audibly, visually or both, as to the speed limit in force at the vehicle's current location. Alternatively, the processing unit 200 can receive vehicle speed information from the vehicle management system 204 and only communicate the speed limit information to the driver information system 202 in the event that the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit constituting the speed limit information.
In another embodiment of the invention, the position data received by the DAB receiver 104 is used to determine the direction of travel of the vehicle. The data received by the DAB receiver 102 comprises traffic information and associated location information, i.e. information relating to traffic conditions at specific locations. Based upon the position and direction of travel of the vehicle 100, the processing unit 200 extracts traffic information ftom. the data received by the DAB receiver 104 relating to traffic conditions which lie en route immediately ahead of the vehicle 100, for example, less than 1.6 km (I mile) ahead of the vehicle 100.
In another embodiment of the invention (Figure 3), the DAB receiver 102 is coupled to an vehicle management system 300 and a navigation system 302. The data received by the DAB receiver 102 contains data corresponding to software updates for at least one of the vehicle management system 300 or the navigation system 302. The data received by the DAB receiver 102 containing the updated software is detected by the navigation system 302 or the vehicle management system 300 and downloaded in order to update the software of the respective appropriate system.
In another embodiment of the invention, the processing unit 200 is coupled to the DAB receiver 102, the driver information system 202, the navigation system 302 and the vehicle management system 300.
6 In operation, the processing unit 200 receives data received by the DAB received 102 containing traffic information and associated location information, i.e. information relating to traffic conditions at specific locations. The processing unit 200 also receives route details from the navigation system 302 relating to a route being followed by the vehicle 100 to a destination. Based upon the position of the vehicle along the route being followed, the processing unit 200 can extract traffic information relevant to the route being followed by the vehicle and determine the effect any traffic conditions may have upon the time that the vehicle 100 will take to reach the destination. Consequently, the processing unit 200 calculates the time of arrival of the vehicle 200 based upon the traffic information extracted. The calculated time of arrival is subsequently communicated to the driver of the vehicle by means of the driver information system 202 described above.
7

Claims (17)

1. An apparatus for controlling operation at least one vehicle accessory comprising: a DAB receiver for receiving a digital audio broadcast signal; means for determining the location of a vehicle, and a processing unit arranged to extract information relating to the terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle based upon the location of the vehicle, and to adjust the operation of the at least one vehicle accessory in response to the information relating to the terrain.
2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle accessory is a suspension damping control system.
3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle accessory is a vehicle ride height control system.
4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle accessory is an automatic cruise control system.
5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle accessory is an automatic gearbox control system.
6. A vehicle speed warning apparatus comprising: a DAB receiver for receiving a digital audio broadcast signal; means for determining the location of the vehicle; 8 a processing unit arranged to extract speed limit information relating to the position of the vehicle, and an output device for alerting a driver of the vehicle as to the speed limit.
7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the output device alerts the driver of the vehicle as to the speed limit in response to the vehicle travelling faster than the speed limit.
8. A vehicle navigation apparatus comprising: a DAB receiver for receiving a digital audio broadcast signal; means for determining the location of the vehicle and the direction of travel of the vehicle; a processing unit arranged to extract traffic information pertinent to the position and direction of travel of the vehicle, an output device arranged to output the extracted traffic information pertinent to the position and direction of travel of the vehicle.
9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the traffic information relates to traffic conditions immediately preceding the vehicle en route.
10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, further comprising means for influencing the determination of an estimated time of arrival of the vehicle to a destination based upon the traffic information received.
11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, 6 or 8, wherein the means for determining the location of the vehicle is a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.
9
12. An apparatus for updating software in an electronic device, comprising: a DAB receiver for receiving a digital audio broadcast signal; means for identifying and extracting data contained in the digital audio broadcast signal constituting software; and communication means for transmitting the extracted data to the electronic device.
13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the electronic device is an vehicle management system.
14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the electronic device is a vehicle accessory.
15. An apparatus for controlling operation of at least one vehicle accessory substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
16. An apparatus for updating software in an electronic device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 3.
17. A vehicle navigation apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 4.
GB9920331A 1999-08-28 1999-08-28 vehicle speed warning apparatus Expired - Fee Related GB2353872B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9920331A GB2353872B (en) 1999-08-28 1999-08-28 vehicle speed warning apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9920331A GB2353872B (en) 1999-08-28 1999-08-28 vehicle speed warning apparatus

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9920331D0 GB9920331D0 (en) 1999-11-03
GB2353872A true GB2353872A (en) 2001-03-07
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FR2802469A1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2001-06-22 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Adjustment device for the drive train of a vehicle comprises a navigation device determining the vehicle position and a treatment unit determining the road state in order to send a signal to the drive train control unit
EP1138530A3 (en) * 2000-03-27 2003-05-28 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
ES2190874A1 (en) * 2001-06-11 2003-08-16 Univ Alcala Henares System and method for checking the speed and locating the position of a vehicle.
GB2390438A (en) * 2002-07-01 2004-01-07 London Taxis Internat Ltd Vehicle control and warning system.
DE10303010A1 (en) * 2003-01-27 2004-08-05 Volkswagen Ag Method and device for automatic speed adjustment
EP1449688A3 (en) * 2003-02-18 2006-02-08 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
EP1624599A2 (en) * 2004-08-02 2006-02-08 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Digital broadcast system and method using a digital broadcast signal containing location information
EP1659713A1 (en) * 2004-11-16 2006-05-24 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for providing location-based information
GB2430067A (en) * 2005-09-13 2007-03-14 Mark Hopkins Method of selecting a message for an associated location based upon probability of a user traveling to the location.
US7349776B2 (en) 2002-04-18 2008-03-25 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle control
WO2008141859A2 (en) * 2007-05-18 2008-11-27 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method and device for setting driving states with regard to a dynamic position- and situation-dependent vehicle management
WO2009053330A1 (en) * 2007-10-22 2009-04-30 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Method and device for improving the driving behavior of a vehicle
EP2054868A1 (en) * 2006-08-21 2009-05-06 LG Electronics Inc. Method and apparatus for providing safe speed of a vehicle and using the information
GB2462660A (en) * 2008-08-16 2010-02-17 Gm Global Tech Operations Inc Vehicle including a transmission control unit and a navigation unit connected thereto
EP2199169A1 (en) * 2007-09-05 2010-06-23 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Travel control device
EP1780916A3 (en) * 2005-10-26 2010-08-04 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method for processing multimedia broadcasting data in wireless terminal in a driving vehicle
DE102011054782A1 (en) 2011-10-25 2013-04-25 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Method for outputting information regarding start of operation of vehicle at e.g. push or sailing phase to driver of vehicle, involves setting predetermined positive speed based on vehicle entry in energy-saving mode to second position
US20140277919A1 (en) * 2013-03-18 2014-09-18 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for providing vehicle configurations
US8938333B2 (en) 2012-06-27 2015-01-20 Bose Corporation Active wheel damping
US9102209B2 (en) 2012-06-27 2015-08-11 Bose Corporation Anti-causal vehicle suspension
GB2534030A (en) * 2014-12-31 2016-07-13 Hand Held Prod Inc Speed-limit-compliance system and method
USRE46828E1 (en) 2002-04-18 2018-05-08 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Vehicle control
US20200158507A1 (en) * 2018-11-19 2020-05-21 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Point of interest based vehicle settings
US11554778B2 (en) 2016-07-08 2023-01-17 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Vehicle speed control

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GB2319635A (en) * 1996-11-19 1998-05-27 Nissan Motor Vehicle drive force controller responsive to regional conditions
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EP0866576A2 (en) * 1997-03-20 1998-09-23 GRUNDIG Aktiengesellschaft RDS-receiver for the evaluation of traffic information messages
EP0884709A2 (en) * 1997-06-13 1998-12-16 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device to obtain information about the predetermined maximum speed in a vehicle
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Cited By (40)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2802469A1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2001-06-22 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Adjustment device for the drive train of a vehicle comprises a navigation device determining the vehicle position and a treatment unit determining the road state in order to send a signal to the drive train control unit
US8948968B2 (en) 2000-03-27 2015-02-03 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
US7878510B2 (en) 2000-03-27 2011-02-01 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
US8517395B2 (en) 2000-03-27 2013-08-27 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
EP1138530A3 (en) * 2000-03-27 2003-05-28 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
US7434816B2 (en) * 2000-03-27 2008-10-14 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
US7195250B2 (en) 2000-03-27 2007-03-27 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
ES2190874A1 (en) * 2001-06-11 2003-08-16 Univ Alcala Henares System and method for checking the speed and locating the position of a vehicle.
USRE49258E1 (en) 2002-04-18 2022-10-25 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Vehicle control
USRE46828E1 (en) 2002-04-18 2018-05-08 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Vehicle control
US7349776B2 (en) 2002-04-18 2008-03-25 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle control
GB2390438A (en) * 2002-07-01 2004-01-07 London Taxis Internat Ltd Vehicle control and warning system.
DE10303010A1 (en) * 2003-01-27 2004-08-05 Volkswagen Ag Method and device for automatic speed adjustment
EP1449688A3 (en) * 2003-02-18 2006-02-08 Bose Corporation Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
EP1624599A2 (en) * 2004-08-02 2006-02-08 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Digital broadcast system and method using a digital broadcast signal containing location information
EP1624599A3 (en) * 2004-08-02 2006-06-14 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Digital broadcast system and method using a digital broadcast signal containing location information
EP1659713A1 (en) * 2004-11-16 2006-05-24 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for providing location-based information
GB2430067A (en) * 2005-09-13 2007-03-14 Mark Hopkins Method of selecting a message for an associated location based upon probability of a user traveling to the location.
CN1956366B (en) * 2005-10-26 2012-05-23 三星电子株式会社 Method for processing multimedia broadcasting data in wireless terminal in a driving vehicle
US7869937B2 (en) 2005-10-26 2011-01-11 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Method for processing multimedia broadcasting data in wireless terminal while driving vehicle
EP1780916A3 (en) * 2005-10-26 2010-08-04 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method for processing multimedia broadcasting data in wireless terminal in a driving vehicle
EP2054868A4 (en) * 2006-08-21 2011-12-07 Lg Electronics Inc Method and apparatus for providing safe speed of a vehicle and using the information
EP2054868A1 (en) * 2006-08-21 2009-05-06 LG Electronics Inc. Method and apparatus for providing safe speed of a vehicle and using the information
WO2008141859A3 (en) * 2007-05-18 2009-06-18 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method and device for setting driving states with regard to a dynamic position- and situation-dependent vehicle management
WO2008141859A2 (en) * 2007-05-18 2008-11-27 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method and device for setting driving states with regard to a dynamic position- and situation-dependent vehicle management
EP2199169A4 (en) * 2007-09-05 2011-04-06 Toyota Motor Co Ltd Travel control device
US9045118B2 (en) 2007-09-05 2015-06-02 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Travel control device
EP2199169A1 (en) * 2007-09-05 2010-06-23 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Travel control device
WO2009053330A1 (en) * 2007-10-22 2009-04-30 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Method and device for improving the driving behavior of a vehicle
GB2462660A (en) * 2008-08-16 2010-02-17 Gm Global Tech Operations Inc Vehicle including a transmission control unit and a navigation unit connected thereto
DE102011054782A1 (en) 2011-10-25 2013-04-25 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Method for outputting information regarding start of operation of vehicle at e.g. push or sailing phase to driver of vehicle, involves setting predetermined positive speed based on vehicle entry in energy-saving mode to second position
US8938333B2 (en) 2012-06-27 2015-01-20 Bose Corporation Active wheel damping
US9102209B2 (en) 2012-06-27 2015-08-11 Bose Corporation Anti-causal vehicle suspension
US9174653B2 (en) 2013-03-18 2015-11-03 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for providing vehicle configurations
GB2514887A (en) * 2013-03-18 2014-12-10 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method for providing vehicle configurations
US20140277919A1 (en) * 2013-03-18 2014-09-18 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for providing vehicle configurations
GB2514887B (en) * 2013-03-18 2015-12-16 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method for providing vehicle configurations
GB2534030A (en) * 2014-12-31 2016-07-13 Hand Held Prod Inc Speed-limit-compliance system and method
US11554778B2 (en) 2016-07-08 2023-01-17 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Vehicle speed control
US20200158507A1 (en) * 2018-11-19 2020-05-21 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Point of interest based vehicle settings

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