GB2516703A

GB2516703A - Operation of a driver-controlled vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2516703A
Application number: GB1317360.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Themi Philemon Petridis; David Hesketh; Gareth Maxwell; Nicholas Dashwood Crisp
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2013-07-30
Filing date: 2013-10-01
Publication date: 2015-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2033-10-01
Also published as: GB201313603D0; GB2516690B; GB2516690A; GB201317360D0; GB2516703B; DE102014214277A1

Abstract

In order to make it easier for a driver in a vehicle 1 having a manual gearbox 10 to adopt an economical driving style, the vehicle is provided with a processor 100 which determines optimum gearshift points to maximise the fuel economy of the vehicle 1. The processor 100 monitors the currently selected gear and determines when a gearshift is appropriate. If a gearshift is appropriate. an active gear shift prompt is provided to the driver by modifying the relationship between an accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine and/or feeding a haptic signal through a control member 30 of the vehicle.

Description

OPERATION_OF A DRIVER-CONTROLLED VEHICLE

This invention relates to a method of operating a driver-controlled vehicle having a manual gearbox. The invention also relates to apparatus in a driver-controlled vehicle having a manual gearbox, the apparatus being configured to carry out the method.

In recent years, vehicle OEMs have developed and manufactured highly fuel-efficient vehicles. Fuel economy or brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) figures are determined by vehicle OEMs over standardised homologation driving cycles and are provided to customers. Although it is possible to drive very economically and achieve a fuel consumption close to the claimed figures, this requires a significant effort from the driver. When the vehicle is driven aggressively or at high speed, the engine operates away from the best BSFC and the actual fuel consumption may be well below the manufacturer's claimed figures.

An example of such fuel-efficient engine technology combines direct fuel injection with turbocharging to enable engine downsizing while achieving better fuel economy, lower emissions and better driving performance than an equivalent more conventional larger displacement engine.

While a car with such an engine can be driven in a very fuel-efficient manner, significant reserves of power are available which, if called upon by the driver, substantially increase fuel consumption.

This is a particular problem in driver-controlled vehicles having a manual gearbox, since fuel consumption can increase significantly if an inappropriate gear is selected.

Engine manufacturers have also made significant progress in designing engines which generate reduced emissions, However, driver behaviour continues to have a major impact on the emissions generated in everyday driving. Although a careful driver may be able to drive a vehicle in a way which generates very low emissions, unnecessarily rapid acceleration and unsuitable gear selection can dramatically increase the emissions actually generated during a journey.

It is woil known to provide the driver of a vehicle with an indication, such as a visual indication, of the instantaneous and or cumulative fuel consumption. It is also known to provide an indication to the driver of suitable gear change points which, if adopted, lead to efficient operation of the vehicle from a fuel consumption point of view. For example, by moving more swiftly through the gears during acceleration, many drivers could improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Systems are also known which sense the driving style of the driver and modify the gear change points to conform to that driving style. The gear change points can be indicated via a Human Machine Interface (HMI) display such as a shift indicator light (5(L) provided on a vehicle dashboard. The SIL indicates to the driver to change up and/or down a gear. For example an upward facing arrow may be used to indicate that the driver should change up a gear.

However, it is easy for a driver to forget to observe the gear change indication or to ignore it altogether.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a driver-controlled vehicle having a manual gearbox, comprising the steps of: a) monitoring the current driving conditions of the vehicle; b) determining whether or not a gearshift from the currently selected gear is appropriate in the current driving conditions; c) if a gearshift is appropriate, providing an active prompt to the driver by modifying the relationship between an accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine.

Monitoring the driving conditions of the vehicle involves monitoring data such as, for example, engine speed, road speed, currently selected gear, accelerator pedal position, or any combination of these parameters.

In step (c) the modification of the relationship between the accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine may be achieved by limiting the output torque from the engine so that further depression of the accelerator pedal beyond a predetermined point results in no increase in output torque. The output torque limit value may vary in order to achieve a constant or limited vehicle acceleration. Alternatively, the engine output torque limit value may be a constant value over time.

Alternatively, or in addition, the relationship between the accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine may be modified such that increased pedal travel is required to achieve a given output torque or such that an intrusive torque signal is superimposed on the output torque. The intrusive torque signal may be a fluctuating signal or any other appropriate signal which attracts the attention of the driver to encourage the appropriate gearshift.

Alternatively, or in addition, step (c) may comprise feeding a haptic signal through a control member of the vehicle.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a driver-controfled vehicle having a manual gearbox, comprising the steps: a) monitoring the current driving conditions of the vehicle; b) determining whether or not a gearshift from the currently selected gear is appropriate in the current driving conditions; c) if a gearshift is appropriate, providing an active prompt to the driver by feeding a haptic signal through a control member of the vehicle.

The haptic signal may be fed through the accelerator pedal, a steering wheel, or any other control member of the vehicle at which the driver could perceive such a haptic signal. While it is conventional in most vehicles for acceleration control to be by way of an accelerator pedal (Le. a foot-operated control member), other forms of control, for example hand-operated levers, are known and the expression "accelerator pedal" should be interpreted in this specification to cover all such acceleration controls.

Step (b) may comprise determining whether an upshift or a downshift from the currently selected gear is required. Step (b) may also comprise determining whether a single gearshift or a block gearshift, i.e. a change up or down of more than one gear, is required.

Step (b) may also comprise, if a gearshift is appropriate, providing a visual and/or audible indication to the driver. The visual indication may be provided via a shift indicator light in the vehicle, for example on the dashboard. Alternatively, the visual indication may be provided on a display screen or on a head-up display on the windscreen.

The active prompt may be implemented if the driver has not performed the appropriate gearshift within a predetermined time period from initiation of the visual and/or audible indication. This time period can be pie-set by the vehicle manufacturer or capable of being set or adjusted by the driver. The time pedod may be constant or dependent on the drMng conditions of the vehicle. The time period may be zero, in which case the active prompt is provided simultaneously with any visual andlor audible indication.

The method may also comprise the step of disabhng the active prompt. The active prompt may be disabled when the pedal displacement exceeds a threshold value. The pedal displacement can be a constant value, for example a predetermined proportion (such as 80%) of maximum displacement.

Alternatively, or additionally, the driving style of the driver may be monitored and the active prompt may be disabled when a dynamic driving style is detected. The driving style can be determined by detecting the way the vehicle is being driven, taking account of the driving conditions of the vehicle and other data such as the road gradient and the vehicle load.

The method in accordance with the first or second aspects of the present invention may be automatically initiated when the driver starts driving the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition to this, step (a) may also include monitoring whether a driver has manually activated or deactivated the gearshift active prompt.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus in a driver-controlled vehicle having a manual gearbox, the apparatus comprising: a processor configured to: monitor the current driving conditions of a vehicle: and determine whether or not a gearshift from the currently selected gear is appropriate in the current driving conditions: and an active prompt device or means configured to modify the relationship between an accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine if a gearshift is appropriate.

The active prompt means may be configured to limit the output torque from the engine.

Alternatively, or in addition, the active prompt means may be configured to modify the relationship between the accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine such that increased pedal travel is required to achieve a given output torque, or such that an intrusive torque signal, such as a fluctuating signai or any other appropriate signal b which attracts the attention of the dhver, is superimposed on the output torque from the engine.

The apparatus may further comprise haptic means for feeding a haptic signal through a control member of the vehicle if a gearshift is appropriate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus in a driver-controlled vehicle having a manual gearbox, the apparatus comprising a processor configured to: monitor the current driving conditions of the vehicle; and determine whether or not a gearshift from the currently selected gear is appropriate in the current driving conditions; and a haptic device or means for feeding a haptic signal through a control member of the vehicle in order to provide an active prompt to the driver if a gearshift is appropriate.

The haptic signal may be fed through the accelerator pedal, a steering wheel, or any other control member of the vehicle at which the driver could perceive such a haptic signal.

The apparatus may further comprise visual and/or audible indication means to provide an indication to the driver if a gearshift is appropriate. The visual indication means may be a shift indicator light in the vehicle or a head-up display on the windscreen. Visual indications may be provided on a display screen or dashboard in a position visible to the driver, or in any other manner or position to alert the driver. Shift indicator lights may be provided to indicate to the driver to change up or down a gear, and could for example be an upward or downward facing arrow. The display screen may be an LCD or similar screen, or may be a head-up display projected on to the vehicle windscreen.

The display screen may display, in addition to the gearshift indications referred to above, other data such as the currently selected gear, current fuel economy, and emissions data. Audible signals such as alarms or warning messages instructing the driver to change gear may also be provided.

The apparatus may further comprise means for activation and/or deactivation of the active prompt means.

The means for activation and/or deacUvaton of the active prompt means may be a manu switch, such as a button, a touch-screen interface on a vehicle HMI, or any other suitable means by which the driver can manualiy select or input a request for the activation and/or deactivation of the active prompt.

The means for deactivation of the active prompt means may be responsive to accelerator pedal displacement.

The apparatus may also comprise driving style monitoring means for monitoring the driving style of the driver, and means for deactivation of the active prompt means which is responsive to the driving style.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows in schematic form, a driver-controlled vehicle, such as a passenger car, having a manual gearbox; Figure 2 shows in schematic form apparatus in the vehicle of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a flowchart representing a method of operating the vehicle, Figure 1 shows a driver-controlled vehicle, such as a passenger car, including a schematic representation of the features of the vehicle which are relevant to the present invention. The location of these features within the vehicle is not limited by the schematic representation in Figure 1.

The carl includes: a manual gear box 10, an engine 12 having an engine control module (ECM) 14, an accelerator pedal 30 having a haptic device 32; a windscreen 70; a processor 100 and a driver interface 50. The driver interface 50 includes a dashboard 52 having an eco-mode selection button 54, a gearshift indicator 56, a data display screen 58, a beeper or other sound generating device 60 and a head-up display 62.

The coo-mode selection button or switch 54 is provided for the driver to manually switch the ace-mode of f and on. Alternatively, the s&ection and dc-selection of the eco-mode can be made via an input on a touch-screen display (not shown. in some embodiments, the eco-mode may be permanently active, with no provision for manual switching off. The gearshift indicator 56 comprises two shift indicator lights (SILs), in the form of an upward facing arrow and a downward facing arrow, which are illuminated to indicate to the driver to shift up or down a gear respectively. The data display 58 shows the currently selected driving gear and current fuel economy. Other data relating to the driving conditions of the vehicle can also be shown on the data display 58. The head-up display 62 also provides an indication to the driver to shift up or down a gear by means of an upward facing or downward facing arrow projected onto the windscreen 70. The head-up display 62 can also be used to provide other information to the driver, for example the current driving speed. The beeper 60 provides an alarm to alert the driver to change gear. Alternatively, the device 60 can give verbal instructions to the driver to change gear.

The haptic device 32 is adapted to generate and feed a haptic signal, such as a pulse or a vibration, to the accelerator pedal 30.

Figure 2 represents apparatus, including the processor 100, in the passenger car 1 of Figure 1.

The processor 100 receives input signals 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, relating to the driving conditions of the vehicle and environmental data. Input signals correspond to the selection of eco-mode 112, the currently selected gear 114, engine speed 116, engine output torque 118, road speed 120, and accelerator pedal position 122 Further input signals may include driving data 124, road data 126, and vehicle and environmental data 128 which may include for example, the mass of the vehicle (which may be either a fixed value taken from the vehicle specification or a value derived by onboard sensors so as to take account of the weight of vehicle occupants, luggage and fuel), the vehicle engine coolant temperature, the engine oil temperature and the ambient air temperature. Reference data 130 can be predetermined by the vehicle manufacturer and stored in the processor 100. The reference data 130 comprises engine performance data, for example, ri the form of look-up tables which provides a correlation between engine speed, output torque and fuel consumption under different operating conditions (such as ambient and engine temperatures).

Although shown as input signals in Figure 2, at least some of the data such as the road data 126 and reference may be stored in a memory of the processor 100.

The processor 100 provides output to the shift indicator lights 56, the head-up display 62, the beeper 60, the ECM 14 and the haptic device 32.

The operation of the vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 2 and the flowchart of Figure 3.

Upon starting of the car, the eco-mode of the car is automatically activated. The driver has the option to manually switch off the eco-mode, using the eco-mode button 54.

The driver may reactivate the eco-mode using the eco-mode button 54. If the eco-mode is active, a signal 112 is sent to the processor 100.

The currently selected gear signal 114 is sent from the manual gearbox 10 to the processor. Also, the position of the accelerator pedal 30 is monitored, for example by measuring the pedal depression angle, and an accelerator pedal position signal 122 is input into the processor 100.

If the eec-mode is activated, the processor 100 determines whether or not a gearshift is appropriate in the current driving conditions. The processor 100 determines whether a single gearshift or a block gearshift, i.e. a change up or down by more than one gear, is appropriate.

The processor 100 uses the data from the input signals 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 to determine current fuel consumption and optimum fuel consumption for the current road speed and engine torque demands. These values are used to determine an optimum gear in order to maximise the fuel economy, taking account of other factors, such as estimated road gradient. The determined optimum gear is compared to the currently selected gear position 114 in order to determine whether a gearshift upwards or downwards is appropriate.

f a qearshift is appropriate, the processor 100 sends a visual gearshift indication signal to the SILs 56 on the dashboard of the car I and to the head-up display 62 on the windscreen 70. These alert the driver of the need to change gear. The processor 100 also sends an audible gearshift indicator signal 142 to the beeper 60. An alternative audible indication can be provided, such as a pre-recorded voice message instructing the driver to change up or down or instructing [he driver to change to a particular gear.

If a gearshift is appropriate, the processor 100 also provides an active gearshift prompt, which can be implemented in one or more of the following ways.

In one embodiment, the active prompt is implemented by the processor 100 sending a signal 144 to the ECM 14 to restrict the output torque of the engine 12 to an engine output torque limit Tmax. When the output torque of the engine is limited, further depression of the accelerator pedal beyond the threshold position results in no increase in engine output torque and consequently a perception to the driver of a lack of engine power. The engine output torque limit Irna. may be the level reached when the SIL 56 activates. In a variant of this procedure there may be a variable output torque limit which is dependent on the currently selected gear, engine speed and/or other vehicle data inputs. Predetermined output torque limits Tmax can be provided as reference data 130 in the processor 100. The perceived reduction will prompt the driver to change up a gear, as indicated by the SlLs 56 and/or the head-up display 62.

In an alternative embodiment, the signal 144 to the ECM 14 includes an instruction to modify the accelerator pedal map, i.e. the output torque of the engine 12 in response to the travel of the accelerator pedal 30, such that increased accelerator pedal travel is required to achieve a given engine output torque. Modified accelerator pedal maps PMrncd which are dependent on the currently selected gear, engine speed and/or other vehicle data inputs, are provided as reference data 130 in the processor 100. The change in response of the engine 12 for a given accelerator pedal movement will also deter the driver from accelerating too briskly and he will be prompted to change up a gear, as indicated by the SlLs 56 and/or the head-up display 62. In an alternative embodiment, the output torque limit may be varied in such a way that the maximum permitted vehicle acceleration is a constant value. Thus, the torque limit in a higher gear wiH be higher than that in a lower gear.

Aiternallv&y or in addition, the signal 144 to the ECM 14 includes an instruction to superimpose an intrusive torque signai on the output torque of the engine 12. The intrusive torque signal may be a fluctuating signal or any other appropriate signal which attracts the attention of the driver. The driver will notice the disturbance and will be prompted to change up or down a gear, as indicated by the shift indicator lights 56 and/or headup display 62.

In another embodiment, a haptic device 32 can be used to feed a haptic signal through the accelerator pedal 30. For example, the haptic device 32 may vibrate the accelerator pedal 30 and disturb the driver so that he is prompted to change up or down a gear, as indicated by the SILs 56 and/or the headup display 62.

Whist the active prompt is being provided to the driver, the processor 100 continuously monitors the accelerator pedal position 122 and the driving style of the driver, in order to determine whether the driver requires normal control of the vehicle or in other words whether the driver wishes to override the active gearshift prompt. Situations in which a driver may require normal control of the vehicle include, for example, in order to overtake a slow moving vehicle or an emergency situation in which the driver must manoeuvre to avoid an obstacle.

In order to provide a means of disabling the active prompt, the accelerator pedal position 122 is monitored and if the travel of the accelerator pedal 30 is below a threshold position A (which may be a percentage such as 80% of full travel), the active prompt or prompts are disabled. The SlLs 56 andlor any audible indicators may be switched off at the same time (i.e. at the same pedal travel) as the active prompt.

However, in an alternative embodiment, the SILs 56 and/or any audible indicators, may be switched off at a lower percentage of full travel of the accelerator pedal, corresponding to a lower torque demand than that at which the active prompt is disabled.

Thus, depression of the accelerator pedal 30 beyond the threshold signifies that the driver wishes to receive full torque from the engine, for example in an emergency or when overtaking. 1 I

Further, the processor 100 uses the nput signas to monitor and determine the driving style of the driver, The driving style of the driver may be determined, for example, by observing hard and frequent acc&eration events and/or braking events or large and frequent accelerator pedal position changes.

If the processor 100 determines that the driver is driving in a dynamic style, this also signifies that the driver wishes to receive full torque from the engine. In this case, the active prompt or prompts, and possibly the SILs 56, and/or audible indicators, are disabled.

At any time during operation of the car, the driver can also disable the active gearshift prompt or prompts and the visual and/or audible indication using the eco-button 54.

As described above, the active prompt or prompts are initiated at the same time as visual and audible indications. Alternatively, there may be a time delay t between these events, i.e. the active prompt is activated if the driver ignores the visual and audible indications.

Thus, if the driver has not performed the appropriate gearshift at the end of the time period t. and the processor 100 determines that the gearshift remains appropriate, the active gearshift prompt is provided to the driver. The time period t is provided as reference data 130 in the processor 100 and can be predetermined by the vehicle manufacturer or input by the driver. The time delay t may be a constant period of for example, 1 or 2 seconds. Alternatively, the time period t may vary according to the current driving conditions. For example, a shorter period, of less than 3 seconds may be appropriate when accelerating briskly, while a larger period of 5 seconds or more may be appropriate if the car is maintaining a constant speed in too low a gear While the active prompt is being provided to the driver, the processor 100 monitors whether or not the driver has performed the appropriate gearshift, and whether or not the gearshift remains appropriate. If the gearshift has been performed, or is no longer appropriate, all gearshift indicators 56, 60, 62 and active prompts are disabled or switched off.

in the embodiment above, the gearshift indicator comprises two SILs, in the form of an upward facing arrow and a downward facing arrow. Alternativey, or in addition, other gearshift indications may be provided, for example, a digital display screen may be provided which indicates one or more of the following: an upward/downward facing arrow; the determined optimum gear; how many gears up or down is the determined optimum gear.

In the embodiment described, the eco-mode is the default setting for the car, but the driver can manually switch it off and back on again using the eco-mode button 54.

Alternatively, the eco-mode is by default deactivated and the driver has the option to select, via the eco-mode button 54, that he wishes to drive in a manner to maximise fuel economy, i.e. to activate the eco-mode. . ARernatively, or in addition, the processor 100 may also monitor the driving style of the driver and determine that he no longer wishes to drive in a fuel efficient manner, i.e. that he no longer requires the eco-mode to be activated but has not manually deactivated the eco-mode by depressing the eco-mode button 54. In this case, the processor may automatically deactivate the eco-mode. The processor 100 may determine, for example, after the driver has ignored the visual and audible indications and active prompts several times, that he no longer wishes to drive in the eco-mode.

In the embodiment above, visual and audible indications are provided to the driver either before or at the same time as the active prompt. Alternatively, there may be no visual or audible indication. In this case, when the processor determines that a gearshift is appropriate, only the active prompt is provided in one or more of the ways outlined in the above embodiment.

in some embodiments, the active prompt may be suppressed in some driving conditions, for example when travelling uphill, to aflow sufficient torque to be delivered so that constant speed or acceleration can be maintained.

The assistance provided by the embodiments in accordance with the invention will make it easier for the driver to adopt an economical driving style and is encouraged to use less of the available engine torque resulting in a driving style similar to that experienced on a homologation drive cycle.

Furthermore, &nce the active prompts are conveyed to the driver by way of the engine performance or a haptic signal, the correct gearshift timing can be achieved without the need for the driver to take his eyes off the road.

Although the above method and apparatus have been described with reference to an active gearshift prompt to encourage the driver change gear in order to reduce fuel consumption, it is anticipated that the active gearshift prompt could also be used to encourage the driver to change gear in order to drive in other environmentally friendly ways, such as, for example, to minimise the generation of hazardous emissions.

In order to reduce hazardous emissions, the step of determining whether or not a gearshift from the currently selected gear is appropriate may involve the steps of: a) determining in the processor a route from a start point to a destination; b) generating in the processor a driving cycle over the determined route which is optimised for the reduction of emissions, in which the optimised driving cycle comprises an estimated torque requirement profile over the determined route; and c) limiting the output torque of the vehicle engine during progress along the determined route to conform to the optimised driving cycle d) determing whether or not a gearshift is appropriate on the basis of the respective torque requirement profile and gear selection profile.

Claims

C LAI MSA method of operating a driver-controfled vehicle having a manual gearbox, comprising the steps of: a) monitoring the current driving conditions of the vehicle; b) determining whether or not a gearshift from the currently selected gear is appropriate in the current driving conditions; c) if a gearshift is appropriate, providing an active prompt to the driver by modifying the relationship between an accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein, in step (c), modifying the relationship between the accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine comprises limiting the output torque from the engine.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the output torque limit value is determined so as to achieve a constant predetermined maximum acceleration.
4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein, in step (c), the relationship between the accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine is modified such that increased pedal travel is required to achieve a given output torque.
5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein, in step (c), modifying the relationship between the accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine comprises superimposing an intrusive torque signal on the output torque from the engine.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the intrusive torque signal is a fluctuating signal.
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein step (c) further comprises feeding a haptic signal through a control member of the vehicle.
8. A method of operating a driver-controlled vehicle having a manual gearbox, comprising the steps: a) monitoring the current driving conditions of the vehicle; b) determining whether or not a gearshift from the currently selected gear is appropriate in the current driving conditions; c) if a gearshift is appropriate, provithng an active prompt to the driver by feeding a haptic signal through a control member of the vehicle.
9. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the haptic signal is fed through the accelerator pedal.
10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein step (b) comprises determining whether an upshift is required.
11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein step (b) comprises determining whether a downshift is required.
12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein, step (b) further comprises, if a gearshift is appropriate, providing a visual and/or audible indication to the driver.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the visual indication is provided via a shift light indicator in the vehicle.
14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the visual indication is provided via a head-up display on a windscreen of the vehicle.
15. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein step (c) is implemented if the driver has not performed the appropriate gearshift within a predetermined time period from initiation of the visual and/or audible indication.
16. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising the step of disabling the active prompt.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the active prompt is disabled when the accelerator pedal displacement exceeds a threshold value.
18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising monitoring the driving style of the driver and disabling the active prompt when a dynamic driving style is detected.
19. A method of operating a driver-contro Dad vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 8 and substanfiaDy as descilbed herein.
20. Apparatus in a drivercontrolled vehicle having a manual gearbox, the apparatus comprising: a processor configured to: monitor the current driving conditions of a vehicle; and determine whether or not a gearshift from the currently selected gear is appropriate in the current driving conditions; and active prompt means configured to modify the relationship between an accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine if a gearshift is appropriate.
21. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the active prompt means is configured to limit the output torque from the engine.
22. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the active prompt means is configured to modify the relationship between the accelerator pedal and the output torque of the engine such that increased pedal travel is required to achieve a given output torque.
23. Apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the active prompt means is configured to superimpose an intrusive torque signal on the output torque from the engine.
24. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the intrusive torque signal is a fluctuating signal.
25. Apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 23, further comprising haptic means for feeding a haptic signal through a control member of the vehicle it a gearshift is appropriate.
26. Apparatus in a driver-controlled vehicle having a manual gearbox, the apparatus comprising a processor configured to: monitor the current driving conditions of the vehicle; and determine whether or not a gearshift from the currenfly selected gear is approodate in the current driving conditions; and haptic means for feeding a haptic signal through a control member of the vehicle in order to provide an active prompt to the driver if a gearshift is appropriate.
27 Apparatus according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the control member is an accelerator pedal.
28. Apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 26, further comprising visual andlor audible indication means to provide an indication to the driver if a gearshift is appropriate.
29. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the visual indication means is a shift indicator light in the vehicle.
30. Apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the visual indication means is a head-up display on a windscreen of the vehicle.
31. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 29, further comprising means for activation and/or deactivation of the active prompt means.
32. Apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the means for activation and/or deactivation of the active prompt means is a manual switch.
33. Apparatus according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the means for deactivation of the active prompt means is responsive to the extent of the accelerator pedal travel.
34. Apparatus according to any of claims 30 to 32, further comprising driving style monitoring means for monitoring the driving style of the driver, wherein the means for deactivation of the active prompt means is responsive to the driving style.
35. Apparatus in a driver-controlled vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.