GB2550388A

GB2550388A - Controlling movement of window glass

Info

Publication number: GB2550388A
Application number: GB1608746.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Searle Benjamin; Roberts Adrian; Cottrill Christopher
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-18
Filing date: 2016-05-18
Publication date: 2017-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-18
Also published as: GB201608746D0; GB2550388B

Abstract

Vehicle window control comprising a controller (102), which may include electronic processor and memory, configured to switch to a second mode of operation from a first mode upon receiving a first input signal from a first switch 212A. In the first mode the controller outputs a signal to drive movement of a first window upon receiving a second input signal from a second switch 212B and in the second mode outputs signals to drive movement of both the first window and at least a second window; thus in the second mode the controller may drive multiple windows, e.g. all windows, from a single switch. Preferably a third switch for rear passenger windows is included and in the second mode operation of the third switch is disabled. The controller may reset to the first mode upon a door-open signal or after a predetermined time (which may be adjusted), alternatively it may return back to the first mode after a further press of the first switch. The second switch may be a 5-position rocker with proportional and automatic full opening/closing.

Description

CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF WINDOW GLASS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to controlling movement of window glass. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to controlling movement of window glass in vehicles.

Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus, a control system, a vehicle, a method and a computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide within a vehicle an array of electrical switches, each of which is operable by a driver of the vehicle to close or open a respective window. Each of the switches may be configured to have first positions for proportional movement such that the respective window is opened or closed while ever the switch is held in a first position. Each switch may also have second positions for a “one shot” operation of the window such that momentarily moving a switch to a second position causes the window to fully open or fully close even though the switch is released back to a neutral position.

In addition, the array of switches may include a global switch that operates in the same manner as the other window switches except that it is used to open or close all of the windows of the vehicle simultaneously, either by proportional movement or “one shot” operation. A problem with this arrangement is that an additional, relatively complex, switch must be provided in the array.

It is an aim of the present invention to address this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, a control system, a vehicle, a method and a computer readable medium as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises a control means configured to: enter a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal from a first switching means; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switching means; and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving the second input signal from the second switching means.

This provides the advantage that a simple first switching means may be used to provide the first input signal that effectively causes the repurposing of the second switching means from controlling a single window to simultaneously controlling several windows. Therefore when the second switching means is relatively complex when compared to the first switching means, the more complex functionality of the second switching means is further utilized by the relatively simple first switching means.

It should be understood that the transparent panels which are used to form windows in the vehicle are referred to herein as “window glass”. However, it will be understood that the transparent panels may be formed of glass or may be formed of material not comprising glass, such as a polycarbonate.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises a control means configured to: enter a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal from a first switching means; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switching means; and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause movement at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving the second input signal from the second switching means.

This provides the advantage that a simple first switching means may be used to provide the first input signal that effectively causes the repurposing of the second switching means from controlling opening of a single window to controlling opening of at least one other window.

In some embodiments the control means comprises an electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving the first and second input signals; and an electronic memory device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the processor is configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to receive the first input signal from the first switching means comprising a first switch and to receive the second input signal from the second switching means comprising a second switch and operate in the first or second mode.

In some embodiments the control means is configured to: receive a third input signal from a third switching means; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause movement of only a second window glass corresponding to the third switching means in dependence on receiving the third input signal from the third switching means; and in the second mode of operation, in response to receiving the third input signal from the third switching means, provide no output signal that would cause movement of the second window glass. The third switching means may comprise a third switch.

In some embodiments the control means is configured to exit the second mode and return to the first mode on receipt of a door-open signal.

In some embodiments the control means is configured to return to the first mode of operation from the second mode of operation in dependence on receiving a further input signal from the first switching means.

This provides the advantage that a user is able to immediately repurpose the second switching means so that it is again only used to operate a single window.

In some embodiments the control means is configured to: monitor a period of time following receipt of the first signal; and return to the first mode of operation in dependence upon the period of time being more than a preset value.

This provides the advantage that a user does not have to manually change back to the first mode. Also, without this function, if a user put the apparatus in the second mode and forgot about it, then at a later time they may inadvertently open or close all windows on the vehicle when only one window is required to be opened or closed.

In some embodiments the control means is configured to receive inputs from a user input device and to alter the preset value in dependence on the user input.

This provides the advantage that the period of time provided to a user for operating a second switching means may be adjusted to a period that is suitable to the user.

In some embodiments the control means is configured to: receive the second input signal from the second switching means, the second input signal being indicative of a fully open movement or a fully close movement; in the first mode of operation, in dependence on receiving the second input signal indicative of a fully open or fully close movement, provide an output signal to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of only the first window glass; and in the second mode of operation, in dependence on receiving the second input signal indicative of a fully open or fully close movement, provide output signals to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of the first window glass and the at least one other window glass.

This provides the advantage that fully opening or fully closing of all of the openable windows of a vehicle may be done by repurposing a relatively sophisticated second switching means that is generally used for fully opening and fully closing a single window by the use of a relatively simple first switching means.

In some embodiments the control means is configured to: receive the second input signal from the second switching means, the second signal being indicative of proportional operation; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause proportional movement of only the first window glass in dependence on receipt of the second input signal from the second switching means indicative of proportional operation; and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause proportional movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receipt of the second input signal from the second switching means indicative of proportional operation.

This provides the advantage that proportional opening or closing of all of the openable windows of a vehicle may be done by repurposing a relatively sophisticated second switching means that is generally used for proportional opening and closing a single window by the use of a relatively simple first switching means.

The phrase “proportional opening” is used herein to refer to an opening movement of window glass for a time period that is proportional to the time period for which a user input is received at the switching means. Similarly, the phrase “proportional closing” is used herein to refer to a closing movement of window glass for a time period that is proportional to the time period for which a user input is received at the switching means

In some embodiments the first window glass is arranged to be the glass of the window next to a driver’s seat of the vehicle.

This provides the advantage that a driver of the vehicle is provided with the means to operate multiple or all openable windows of a vehicle simultaneously and in a similar manner to how they operate their own side window by being able to repurpose the switching means that is used to operate the driver’s side window.

In some embodiments, in the second mode of operation, the control means is configured to provide output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and the window glass of at least two other windows in a vehicle in dependence on receiving the second input signal from the second switching means.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a control system for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle comprising apparatus as described above, a first switching means and a second switching means. The first switching means may comprise a first switch and the second switching means may comprise a second switch.

In some embodiments of the control system, the first switching means has only a first position and a second position and the first switching means is configured to generate the first signal in dependence on being moved from the first position to the second position.

This provides the advantage that the first switching means may be simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

In some embodiments of the control system, the second switching means has a neutral central position and is moveable from the central position in a first direction for closing a window or a second direction for opening a window.

In some embodiments of the control system, the second switching means is moveable in the first direction to a first position for proportional closing movement of a window glass of a window and moveable in the first direction to a second position for a fully close operation of the window.

In some embodiments of the control system, the first switching means and the second switching means are a part of an array of switches.

This provides the advantage that the second switching means is easily locatable when it is to be used to repurpose the first switching means.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a plurality of windows and a control system as described above.

In some embodiments of the vehicle, the vehicle comprises at least four windows that have moveable window glass, the at least four windows consisting of two windows on each of two sides of the vehicle, and in the second mode of operation the control means is configured to provide output signals to cause movement of each of the moveable window glasses in the four windows.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle, wherein the method comprises: entering a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal from a first switch; in the first mode of operation, providing an output signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switch; and in the second mode of operation, providing output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving the second input signal from the second switch.

In some embodiments the method comprises: in the first mode of operation, providing an output signal to cause movement of only a second window glass corresponding to a third switch in dependence on receiving a third input signal from the third switch; and in the second mode of operation, in response to receiving the third input signal from the third switch, providing no output signal that would cause movement of the second window glass.

In some embodiments the method comprises exiting the second mode and entering the first mode (301) in dependence on receiving a door-open signal indicative of an open door.

In some embodiments the method comprises returning to the first mode of operation from the second mode of operation in dependence on receiving a further input signal from the first switch.

In some embodiments the method comprises monitoring a period of time following receipt of the first signal from the first switch; and returning to the first mode of operation in dependence upon the period of time being more than a preset value.

In some embodiments the method comprises: receiving the second input signals from the second switch, the second input signal indicating a fully open movement or a fully close movement; in the first mode of operation, in dependence on receiving the second input signal indicating a fully open or fully close movement, providing an output signal to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of only the first window glass; and in the second mode of operation, in dependence on receiving the second input signal indicating a fully open or fully close movement, providing output signals to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass.

In some embodiments the method comprises: receiving the second input signal from the second switch, the second input signal indicating proportional operation; in the first mode of operation, providing an output signal to cause proportional movement of only the first window glass in dependence on receipt of the second input signal from the second switch indicating proportional operation; and in the second mode of operation, providing output signals to cause proportional movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receipt of the second input signal from the second switch indicating proportional operation.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method as described above.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic memory device having instructions stored therein and an electronic processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the electronic memory device and to: enter a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal generated by a first switch; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal generated by a second switch; and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving the second input signal generated by the second switch.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows schematically an apparatus 101 for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram in which the apparatus 101 forms a part of a control system 201 within a vehicle 202;

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart outlining a method 300 of controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle;

Fig. 4 shows a flow chart outlining a method 400 of controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle;

Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of example processes that may be performed at block 306 of Figs. 3 and 4; and

Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of example process that may be performed at block 303 of Figs. 3 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures illustrate an apparatus 101 for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus 101 comprises a control means 102 configured to: enter a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal from a first switching means; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switching means; and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from the second switching means.

An apparatus 101 for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle is shown schematically in Fig. 1. The apparatus 101 comprises a control means 102 which, in the present embodiment, comprises an electronic processor 103 and an electronic memory device 104 electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein. The processor is configured to access the memory device and execute the stored instructions, so that it is configured to enter a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal from a first switching means.

Also, in the first mode of operation, the processor 103 is configured to cause the apparatus 101 to provide an output signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switching means, and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from the second switching means.

The instructions stored within the memory device 104 may be provided via a computer readable storage medium, such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) 108, on which the instructions are stored.

The apparatus 101 may be an electronic control unit (ECU) of similar type to those known for use in controlling operations of one or more systems within a vehicle. The apparatus 101 may have one or more communication ports for enabling the apparatus 101 to receive input signals and provide output signals. For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the apparatus 101 has a first transceiver 105 for enabling communication over a network bus, such as a CAN (controller area network) bus.

The apparatus 101 may also have a second transceiver 106 to enable communication over a second network bus, such as a LIN (local interconnect network) bus, by which the apparatus 101 may receive signals from switching means.

The apparatus 101 may also comprise a connector 107 for providing a hardwired connection to other apparatus such as a window motor, operable to raise and lower a moveable window glass, and a Hall Effect sensor, used to monitor a position of a window glass.

The apparatus 101 of Fig. 1 is shown in a schematic diagram in Fig. 2 in which the apparatus 101 forms a part of a control system 201 within a vehicle 202. The vehicle 202 has several windows each comprising a window glass. Two or more windows on each side of the vehicle 202 may have a window glass that is moveable to enable a user to open and close the window. In the present example, the vehicle 202 is a car having two windows on each side that are openable, including a driver’s door window 203 (adjacent to the driver’s seat) and a rear passenger window 204 on one side of the car and a passenger door window 205 and a rear passenger window 206 on the other side of the car.

To provide the necessary forces to open and close the openable windows 203, 204, 205 and 206, each of these windows is provided with a motor unit 207. Each of the motor units 207 for windows 204, 205 and 206 may be arranged to operate under the control of a respective electronic control unit (ECU) 208. The ECUs 208 are connected to each other and the apparatus 101 via a network bus 209, such as a CAN bus, so that they are able to communicate with each other and the apparatus 101 via the bus 209. Each of the ECUs 208 may, like apparatus 101, have a control means comprising a memory device and a processor configured to operate in accordance with instructions stored in the memory device. The ECUs also have a transceiver for communication over the bus 209 and suitable connections for connecting with a respective one of the motor units 207.

The motor units 207 each comprise a Hall Effect sensor that is arranged to provide a signal to the corresponding ECU 208, 101 during movement of the window. As is known in the art, the windows may be calibrated such that an ECU 208, 101 is able to determine the position of the respective window based on signals received from the Hall Effect sensor of the window motor unit 207.

The front passenger door 219 is provided with a local window switch 210 that is electrically connected to the corresponding ECU 208 by wiring 211. The local window switch 210 may be operated to provide signals to the ECU 208 which, in response to the signals, provides output signals to the motor unit 207 of window 205 to cause the window glass to move up or down.

In the present embodiment, the rear passenger windows 204 and 206 are not provided with a locally positioned window switch and are operated in accordance with output signals provided to the corresponding ECUs 208 from the apparatus 101 via the bus 209.

The apparatus 101 is electrically connected to switching means 212. In the present embodiment, the apparatus is connected to the switching means 212 via a bus, such as LIN bus 213. The switching means comprises: a first switching means 212A operable to change a mode of operation of the apparatus 101 from a first mode to a second mode. In an embodiment, a further operation of the first switching means 212A may cause the apparatus 101 to return to its first mode from the second mode. The switching means 212A may comprise a simple push button mechanism in which a switch is closed upon pressing of the button and opened upon release of the button. The switch may be of a known type, and may comprise a contactless switch, such as a capacitive switch, or it may comprise contacts that are brought together during operation.

The switching means 212 may be a replaceable module comprising the switching means 212A, 212B, 212C, 212D and 212E.

An electrically operated visual display device such as an LED (light emitting diode) 214 may be provided to indicate that the apparatus 101 is in its first mode or its second mode. For example an LED 214 may be provided on the push button of the first switching means 212A and the apparatus 101 may provide signals to cause the LED to indicate only when the apparatus is in its second mode. In this way, a user is able to see what mode the apparatus 101 is currently in. In alternative embodiments, the visual display device 214 may be located separately from the push button of the first switching means 212A, or it may be located separately from the switching means 212.

The switching means 212 also includes a second switching means 212B and may include third switching means 212C, fourth switching means 212D and fifth switching means 212E. The switching means 212 may comprise an array of switches mounted to one side of the driver’s seat, for example on the driver’s door or on a central console.

When the apparatus 101 is in its first mode of operation, the second switching means 212B is operable to lower and raise the window glass of driver’s window 203; the third switching means 212C is operable to lower and raise the window glass of passenger window 205; the fourth switching means 212D is operable to lower and raise the window glass of one rear window 204; and the fifth switching means 212E is operable to lower and raise the window glass of the other rear window 206.

The second, third, fourth and fifth switching means 212B, 212C, 212D and 212E may comprise respectively second, third, fourth and fifth switches. Each of these switches may be configured to have a central neutral position, to rock in one direction to cause the respective window to open and to rock in the opposite direction to cause the same window to close.

As is known in the art, each of these switches may also be configured to have two positions either side of the neutral position. Therefore a small rock forward (or downwards) to a first down position may cause the switch to provide a signal to the apparatus 101 to indicate that proportional lowering of a window glass is required. Thus, while ever a user holds the switch in the first down position they may cause the window to be lowered, but when the switch is released back to its central neutral position the movement of the window is stopped. A larger rock forward (or downwards) of the switch to a second down position may cause the switch to provide a signal to the apparatus 101 to indicate that full opening of the window is required. Thus, a user may move the switch briefly to the second down position and release it back to the neutral position and the window will continue to fully open, even though the switch has been released. (This latter operation assumes that the Hall Effect sensor of the respective window motor has been calibrated, as is known in the art.)

Similarly, each of these switches may be rocked backwards (or upwards) by a small rocking movement to a first up position to cause the switch to provide a signal to the apparatus 101 to indicate that proportional raising of a window glass is required. Thus, while ever a user holds the switch in the first up position they may cause the window to be raised, but when the switch is released back to its central neutral position the movement of the window is stopped. A larger rock backwards (or upwards) of the switch to a second up position may cause the switch to provide a signal to the apparatus 101 to indicate that full closing of the window is required. Thus, a user may move the switch briefly to the second up position and release it back to the neutral position and the window will continue to fully close.

When the apparatus 101 is in its second mode of operation the function of the switching means 212B, 212C, 212D and 212E is changed. In the second mode, operation of the second switching means 212B causes the apparatus 101 to output signals to cause the driver’s window 203 to open or close and also to cause at least one of the passenger window 205 and the rear passenger windows 204 and 206 to open and close. Typically, in the second mode, operation of the second switching means causes the apparatus 101 to output signals to cause all of the windows 203, 204, 205 and 206 that have moveable window glass to open or close.

In this second mode, in dependence on receiving an input signal from the second switching means 212B indicative of a fully open or fully close movement, the apparatus 101 is configured to provide output signals to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass. Similarly, in dependence on receiving an input signal from the second switching means 212B indicative of a proportional open or close movement, the apparatus 101 is configured to provide output signals to cause respectively an open or close movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass until the switch of the second switching means is returned to its neutral position.

To cause movement of the driver’s window glass the apparatus 101 provides output signals to the motor unit 207 of the driver’s window 203. To cause movement of the other windows 204, 205 and 206 the apparatus 101 provides output signals to the ECUs 208 indicating that opening or closing of the respective window is required. On receipt of the signals from the apparatus 101, the ECUs 208 generally provide output signals to their respective motor units 207 to cause the motor units to move the respective window glass in accordance with the user’s indication received at the second switching means 212B.

However, as is known in the art, if a window glass meets with a resistive force during closing of the window, the ECU 208 or 101 is arranged to stop movement of that window glass, for example, to prevent a person’s head or fingers from being trapped in the window.

In addition, during opening or closing of the windows 203, 204, 205 and 206 under instructions from the apparatus 101 in accordance with its second mode of operation, if a person operates the local window switch 210 on the passenger door 219, the ECU 208 of the passenger door 219 is arranged to stop the window glass of the window 205 from moving. However, movement of all other windows is unaffected by operation of the switch 210 and movement of those other windows may be continued.

Similarly, in alternative embodiments, where the rear passenger windows 204 and 206 are also provided with local window switches, during opening or closing of the windows 203, 204, 205 and 206 under instructions from the apparatus 101 in accordance with its second mode of operation, if a person operates the local window switch for the rear passenger windows, the respective ECU 208 is arranged to stop the window glass from moving. However, movement of all other windows is unaffected by operation of the local switch and movement of those other windows may be continued.

As mentioned above, when the apparatus 101 is in its first mode, in dependence on receiving an input signal from the third switching means 212C, it provides an output signal to cause movement of only the window glass of the passenger window 205, which corresponds to the third switching means. However, when the apparatus 101 is in its second mode of operation, in response to receiving an input signal from the third switching means 212C, it provides no output signal that would cause movement of the window glass of the passenger window 205.

The apparatus 101 may also be configured to receive input signals from a driver’s door sensor 220 that is configured to provide a signal indicative of whether the driver’s door is open. The apparatus 101 may be configured to exit the second mode on receipt of a door-open signal from the door sensor 220.

Similarly, the passenger door 219 and/or rear passenger doors of the vehicle 202 may be provided with door sensors 221 that provide a signal indicative of whether the door is open to the respective ECU 208. The ECUs 208 may be arranged to provide a signal to the apparatus 101 when their respective door is open. The apparatus 101 may be configured to exit its second mode on receipt of a door-open signal from any of the ECUs 208.

As discussed above, the apparatus 101 is arranged to enter its second mode of operation from its first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first signal from the first switching means 212A. On entry into the second mode, the apparatus 101 may start a timer which it then monitors and when the timer reaches a pre-set value the apparatus may be configured to return to its first mode of operation. The present value may be a period of 5 to 15 seconds and typically it is about 8 seconds. Thus, upon operation of the first switching means 212A a user is provided with a period of about 8 seconds in which they may operate the second switching means 212B to effect opening or closing of all moveable windows in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 101 is configured to receive inputs from a user input device and to alter the pre-set value in dependence on the user input.

In some embodiments, if the first switching means is operated when the apparatus 101 is in its second mode, it returns to its first mode. Thus, a user does not have to wait for the timer to time-out before using the second switching means 212B to operate only the driver’s window 203. A flow chart outlining a method 300 of controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle is shown in Fig. 3. The method 300 may be performed by the control means 102 of the apparatus 101 of Figs. 1 and 2. Initially, a first mode of operation is entered at block 301, and at block 302 it is determined whether a first input signal has been received from a first switch. If it is determined that a first input signal from the first switch has not been received then the process continues to block 303. At block 303, in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switch, an output signal is provided to cause the movement of only a first window glass. For example, if the apparatus 101 receives a second signal from the second switching means 212B, the apparatus 101 may provide an output signal to the motor unit 207 to cause the driver’s window 203 to open or close as indicated by the second signal.

Regardless of whether a second signal is received at block 303, the process returns to block 302. Thus, in the first mode of operation, the process repeatedly determines whether first or second input signals are received and if a second input signal is received then the driver’s window only is moved.

If it is determined at block 302 that a first signal has been received from the first switch, then a second mode of operation is entered at block 304 and at block 305 a timer may be reset and started, to monitor the time from when the second mode is entered. In dependence on a second input signal being received from a second switch, output signals are provided to cause the movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass at block 306. The movement may be proportional opening or closing or it may be fully opening or closing in dependence on the type of movement indicated by the signal received from the second switch.

Where the second input signal indicates that fully opening or fully closing is required at block 306, after causing movement of the window, the process may return to block 301 where the first mode is re-entered. If a second input signal is received indicating proportional movement is required or no second input signal is received at block 306 then the process proceeds to block 307. At block 307 it is determined whether the timer has reached a pre-set value, such as 8 seconds, and if it has not then blocks 306 and 307 are repeated. When it is determined at block 307 that the timer has reached the pre-set value, then the first mode is re-entered at block 301.

Thus, in the second mode of operation, the process repeatedly determines whether second input signals are received and if a second input signal is received then the driver’s window and at least one other window is opened or closed in accordance with the second input signal. A flow chart outlining a further method 400 of controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle is shown in Fig. 4. The method 400 is like method 300 and comprises several process blocks that are the same as those of method 300 and which have been numbered in the same manner as in Fig. 3. The method 400 may also be performed by the control means 102 of the apparatus 101 of Figs. 1 and 2.

In regard to method 400 of Fig. 4, initially a first mode of operation is entered at block 301, and at block 302 it is determined whether a first input signal has been received from a first switch. If it is determined that a first input signal from the first switch has not been received then the process continues to block 303. At block 303, in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switch, an output signal is provided to cause the movement of only a first window glass.

Regardless of whether a second signal is received at block 303, the process determines if a third input signal has been received from a third switch at block 401 and in dependence on receiving such a third input signal, an output signal is provided to cause movement of only a second window. For example, the apparatus 101 of Fig. 1 and 2, may receive a third input signal from the third switching means 212C, the fourth switching means 212D or the fifth switching means 212E and in response the apparatus 101 provides an output signal to the ECU 208 of the respective passenger window 205, 204 or 206. Whether or not signals are received at blocks 303 or 401, the process returns to block 302 where it again is determined whether a first input signal has been received.

Thus, in the first mode of operation, the process repeatedly determines whether first, second or third input signals are received and if a second or third input signal is received then the respective window is opened or closed in accordance with the received signal.

If it is determined at block 302 that a first signal has been received from the first switch, then a second mode of operation is entered at block 304 and at block 305 a timer may be reset and started. In dependence on a second input signal being received from a second switch, output signals are provided to cause the movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass at block 306.

At block 402, in response to a third input signal being received from a third switch, no output signals are provided that would cause the movement of any moveable window glass.

At block 403 it is determined whether a further input signal has been received from the first switch and if it has then the first mode of operation is re-entered at block 301. Otherwise, at block 404 it is determined whether a door-open signal has been received indicating that a door of the vehicle is open. If such a door-open signal has been received then the second mode is exited and the first mode re-entered at block 301. Otherwise, at block 307 it is determined whether the timer has reached a pre-set value and if it has not then blocks 306, 402, 403 and 307 are repeated. When it is determined at block 307 that the timer has reached the pre-set value then the first mode is re-entered at block 301.

It will be appreciated that the block 404 is optional and that a method similar to method 400 may be performed without block 404.

It will also be appreciated that the block 403 is optional and that a method similar to method 400 may be performed without block 404. Thus, the method may rely on the timer reaching the pre-set value for the second mode to be exited and the first mode entered.

It will also be appreciated that blocks 305 and 307 are optional and that a method similar to method 400 may be performed without blocks 305 and 307. Thus, the method may require the user to operate the first switch in order to exit the second mode and enter the first mode.

An example of processes that may be performed at block 306 of Figs. 3 and 4 are shown in a flow chart in Fig. 5. At block 501 it is determined whether a second input signal has been received from a second switch indicating fully open or fully closed movement is required. If it has then an output signal is provided to cause respective fully open or fully close movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass at block 502 and the process then returns to block 301 where the first mode of operation is re-entered.

If it is determined at block 501 that no such second input signal has been received then it is determined at block 503 whether a second input signal has been received from a second switch indicating proportional movement is required. If such a second input signal has been received then output signals are provided at block 504 to cause respective proportional movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass. In accordance with method 300, block 307 may then be performed, or in accordance with method 400, block 402 may then be performed.

An example of processes that may be performed at block 303 of Figs. 3 and 4 are shown in a flow chart in Fig. 6. At block 601 it is determined whether a second input signal has been received from a second switch indicating fully open or fully closed movement is required. If it has not then the process proceeds to block 603. Alternatively, if such a second input signal has been received at block 601 then an output signal is provided at block 602 to cause respective fully open or fully close movement of only the first window glass before block 603 is performed.

It is determined at block 603 whether a second input signal has been received from the second switch indicating proportional movement is required to open or close the window. If such a second input signal has been received then output signals are provided at block 604 to cause respective proportional movement of the first window glass only. In accordance with method 300, block 302 may then be repeated, or in accordance with method 400, block 401 may then be performed.

For purposes of this disclosure, it is to be understood that the control means described herein can each comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. A vehicle and/or a system thereof may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the control means may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause the control means or control unit(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the described method(s)). The set of instructions may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, the set of instructions could be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processor(s). For example, a first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other controllers may also be implemented in software run on or more electronic processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are also useful, and therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement. In any event, the set of instructions described above may be embedded in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors/computational device, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information/instructions.

The blocks illustrated in the Figs. 3 to 6 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program stored in memory device 104 or on the CD-ROM 108. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. Apparatus for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises a control means configured to: enter a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal from a first switching means; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switching means; and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving the second input signal from the second switching means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means comprises: an electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving the first and second input signals; and an electronic memory device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the processor is configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to receive the first input signal from the first switching means and to receive the second input signal from the second switching means and operate in the first or second mode.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control means is configured to: receive a third input signal from a third switching means in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause movement of only a second window glass corresponding to the third switching means in dependence on receiving the third input signal from the third switching means; and in the second mode of operation, in response to receiving the third input signal from the third switching means, provide no output signal that would cause movement of the second window glass.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means is configured to exit the second mode and return to the first mode on receipt of a door-open signal.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means is configured to return to the first mode of operation from the second mode of operation in dependence on receiving a further input signal from the first switching means.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means is configured to: monitor a period of time following receipt of the first signal; and return to the first mode of operation in dependence upon the monitored period of time being more than a preset value.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control means is configured to receive inputs from a user input device and to alter the preset value in dependence on the user input.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control means is configured to: receive the second input signal from the second switching means, the second input signal being indicative of a fully open movement or a fully close movement; in the first mode of operation, in dependence on receiving the second input signal indicative of a fully open or fully close movement, provide an output signal to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of only the first window glass; and in the second mode of operation, in dependence on receiving the second input signal indicative of a fully open or fully close movement, provide output signals to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of the first window glass and the at least one other window glass.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control means is configured to: receive the second input signal from the second switching means, the second signal being indicative of proportional operation; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause proportional movement of only the first window glass in dependence on receipt of the second input signal from the second switching means indicative of proportional operation; and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause proportional movement of the first window glass and the at least one other window glass in dependence on receipt of the second input signal from the second switching means indicative of proportional operation.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first window glass is arranged to be the glass of the window next to a driver’s seat of the vehicle.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, in the second mode of operation, the control means is configured to provide output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and the window glass of at least two other windows in a vehicle in dependence on receiving a second input signal from the second switching means.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control means is configured to cause the apparatus to provide a signal to a visual display device in dependence on the control means being in the second mode.

13. A control system for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle comprising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, a first switching means and a second switching means.

14. A control system according to claim 13, wherein the first switching means has only a first position and a second position and the first switching means is configured to generate the first signal in dependence on being moved from the first position to the second position.

15. A control system according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the second switching means has a neutral central position and is moveable from the central position in a first direction for closing a window or a second direction for opening a window.

16. A control system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second switching means is moveable in the first direction to a first position for proportional closing movement of a window glass of a window and moveable in the first direction to a second position for a fully close operation of the window.

17. A control system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first switching means and the second switching means are a part of an array of switches.

18. A control system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, including a visual display device, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide a signal to cause the visual display device to provide an indication in dependence on the control means being in the second mode.

19. A vehicle comprising a plurality of windows and a control system as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18.

20. A vehicle according to claim 19, comprising at least four windows that have moveable window glass, the at least four windows consisting of two windows on each of two sides of the vehicle, and, in the second mode of operation, the control means is configured to provide output signals to cause movement of each of the moveable window glasses in the four windows.

21. A method of controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle, wherein the method comprises: entering a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal from a first switch; in the first mode of operation, outputting a signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal from a second switch; and in the second mode of operation, outputting signals to cause movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving the second input signal from the second switch.

22. The method according to claim 21, comprising: in the first mode of operation, outputting a signal to cause movement of only a second window glass corresponding to a third switch in dependence on receiving a third input signal from the third switch; and in the second mode of operation, in response to receiving the third input signal from the third switch, outputting no signal that would cause movement of the second window glass.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, comprising exiting the second mode and entering the first mode in dependence on receiving a door-open signal indicative of an open door.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, comprising returning to the first mode of operation from the second mode of operation in dependence on receiving a further input signal from the first switch.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, comprising: monitoring a period of time following receipt of the first signal from the first switch; and returning to the first mode of operation in dependence upon the monitored period of time being more than a preset value.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, comprising: receiving the second input signal from the second switch, the second input signal indicating a fully open movement or a fully close movement; in the first mode of operation, in dependence on receiving the second input signal indicating a fully open or fully close movement, outputting a signal to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of only the first window glass; and in the second mode of operation, in dependence on receiving the second input signal indicating a fully open or fully close movement, outputting signals to cause respectively a fully open or fully close movement of the first window glass and at the least one other window glass.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, comprising: receiving the second input signal from the second switch, the second input signal indicating proportional operation; in the first mode of operation, outputting a signal to cause proportional movement of only the first window glass in dependence on receipt of the second input signal from the second switch indicating proportional operation; and in the second mode of operation, outputting signals to cause proportional movement of the first window glass and the at least one other window glass in dependence on receipt of the second input signal from the second switch indicating proportional operation.

28. A non-transitory computer readable media having stored thereon computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 21 to 27.

29. Apparatus for controlling movement of window glass in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic memory device having instructions stored therein and an electronic processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the electronic memory device and to: enter a second mode of operation from a first mode of operation in dependence on receiving a first input signal generated by a first switch; in the first mode of operation, provide an output signal to cause movement of only a first window glass in dependence on receiving a second input signal generated by a second switch; and in the second mode of operation, provide output signals to cause movement of the first window glass and at least one other window glass in dependence on receiving the second input signal generated by the second switch.

30. An apparatus, a control system, a vehicle or a method as described herein with respect to the accompanying figures.