GB2561025A

GB2561025A - Controller, method and computer program for controlling lighting on a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2561025A
Application number: GB1708048.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Best Robin
Original assignee: Tata Motors European Technical Centre PLC; Tata Motors Ltd
Current assignee: Tata Motors European Technical Centre PLC; Tata Motors Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-31
Filing date: 2017-05-19
Publication date: 2018-10-03
Also published as: WO2018178945A1; GB201708048D0

Abstract

A vehicle system controller (Fig 1, 10) comprising: means for determining that a door 12 of a vehicle (fig 6,14) is not closed; means for determining a context (16) of the vehicle (Fig 6,14); means for determining a time period in dependence on the determined context (16) of the vehicle (fig 6,14); means for determining that the door 12 of the vehicle (fig 6,14) has been not closed for aperiod of time greater than the determined time period; and means for controlling lighting means 18 on the vehicle door 12 and/or in an aperture (fig 6,20) corresponding to the vehicle door 12 in dependence on the determination that the door 12 of the vehicle (fig 6,14) has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Controller, method and computer program for controlling lighting on a vehicle Abstract Title: Controller determining a context of the vehicle, a Method and Computer Program for Controlling Lighting on a Vehicle (57) A vehicle system controller (Fig 1,10) comprising: means for determining that a door 12 of a vehicle (fig 6,14) is not closed; means for determining a context (16) of the vehicle (Fig 6,14); means for determining a time period in dependence on the determined context (16) of the vehicle (fig 6,14); means for determining that the door 12 of the vehicle (fig 6,14) has been not closed for aperiod of time greater than the determined time period; and means for controlling lighting means 18 on the vehicle door 12 and/or in an aperture (fig 6,20) corresponding to the vehicle door 12 in dependence on the determination that the door 12 of the vehicle (fig 6,14) has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

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CONTROLLER, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING LIGHTING ON A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a controller, method and computer program for controlling lighting on a vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a controller, method and computer program for controlling lighting on a vehicle in dependence upon a context of the vehicle.

Aspects of the invention relate to a controller, a method, a computer program, a vehicle system and a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

When a door of a vehicle is opened or is not closed, the opening of the door can cause risks to occupants of the vehicle and/or other road users including other vehicles and pedestrians.

It is therefore beneficial to draw attention to an open vehicle door as efficiently as possible to minimise safety risks associated with the open vehicle door such as the risk of other vehicles and/or pedestrians colliding with the open door.

This can be particularly beneficial in particular situations or contexts such as emergency situations.

Conventional vehicle systems are provided with a door ajar lamp that is illuminated when a door is opened. However, this may not be sufficient to effectively draw attention to an open door in various situations.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to address at least some of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a controller, a method, a computer program, a vehicle system and a vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle system controller comprising:

means for determining that a door of a vehicle is not closed; means for determining a context (16) of the vehicle;

means for determining a time period in dependence on the determined context of the vehicle;

means for determining that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period; and means for controlling lighting means on the vehicle door and/or in an aperture corresponding to the vehicle door in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

The means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling a plurality of separate light sources.

The means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling lighting means other than a door ajar lamp of the vehicle door.

Determining a context of the vehicle may comprise at least one of: determining whether a collision event involving the vehicle has occurred within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining whether an emergency stop signal has occurred in the vehicle within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining whether an emergency braking system of the vehicle has been activated within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining the maximum speed of the vehicle within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed and determining the speed limit at the location of the vehicle.

The means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling luminous intensity and/or colour of the lighting means.

The means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling lighting means to illuminate at a maximum luminous intensity and/or an altered colour in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

The means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling lighting means to illuminate with a time varying luminous intensity in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

The means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling the frequency of time variation in dependence on the determined context of the vehicle.

The means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling lighting means to illuminate with a frequency in the range 60 to 120Hz.

The means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling lighting means to flash/pulse with a frequency in the range 60 Hz to 120 Hz.

The vehicle system controller may comprise means for determining an original state of the lighting means prior to a determination that a vehicle door is not closed, and the means for controlling lighting means may comprise means for controlling lighting means to adopt the determined original state in the absence of a determination that the vehicle door is not closed.

The means may comprise an electronic processor having an electronic input and an electronic memory device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein, the processor being configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to provide the various control means recited in any preceding paragraph.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided method of controlling lighting on a vehicle, the method comprising: determining that a door of the vehicle is not closed;

determining a context of the vehicle;

determining a time period in dependence on the determined context of the vehicle; determining that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period; and controlling lighting means on the vehicle door and/or in an aperture corresponding to the vehicle door in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

Controlling lighting means may comprise controlling a plurality of separate light sources.

Controlling lighting means may comprise controlling lighting means other than a door ajar lamp of the vehicle door.

Controlling lighting means may comprise controlling luminous intensity and/or colour of the lighting means.

Controlling lighting means may comprise controlling lighting means to illuminate at a maximum luminous intensity and/or an altered colour in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

Controlling lighting means may comprise controlling lighting means to illuminate with a time varying luminous intensity in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

Controlling lighting means may comprise controlling the frequency of time variation in dependence on the determined context of the vehicle.

Controlling lighting means may comprise controlling lighting means to illuminate with a frequency in the range 60 to 120Hz.

Controlling lighting means may comprise controlling lighting means to flash/pulse with a frequency in the range 60 to 120 Hz.

The method may comprise determining an original state of the lighting means prior to a determination that a vehicle door is not closed, and controlling lighting means may comprise controlling lighting means to adopt the determined original state in the absence of a determination that the vehicle door is not closed.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle system comprising lighting means and a vehicle system controller as described in any preceding paragraph.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a vehicle system controller as described in any preceding paragraph and/or a vehicle system as described in any preceding paragraph.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least, the method as described in any preceding paragraph.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable media comprising a computer program as described in any preceding paragraph.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle system controller comprising:

means for determining that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period; and means for controlling lighting means on the vehicle door and/or in an aperture corresponding to the vehicle door in dependence on the determined time period.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle system controller comprising an electronic processor having an electrical input and an electronic memory device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein, the processor being configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to perform a method as described in any preceding paragraph.

As described above, the lighting means may comprise, but is not limited to, one or more light sources and/or lights and/or lighting elements and/or illuminating elements and/or displays. In embodiments, the lighting means may comprise a plurality of light sources/lights which may comprise different light sources/lights.

In embodiments, the lighting means may comprise one or more light emitting diodes, one or more incandescent light sources, one or more cold cathode fluorescent lamps, one or more fluorescent lamps, one or more neon light sources, one or more electro luminescent light sources, one or more laser light sources, one or more OLED light sources, one or more quantum nanodevice light sources.

In embodiments, the means for determining that a door or doors of a vehicle is / are not closed may comprise one or more sensors. Without limitation, the one or more sensors may comprise one or more switches.

The means for determining the context of the vehicle may comprise one or more sensors. Optionally the one or more sensors may comprise one or more switches, one or more cameras, one or more temperature sensors, one or more location sensors such as GNSS/GPS sensors, one or more biometric sensors, one or more motion sensors, one or more optical sensors, one or more infrared sensors, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more radar sensors, one or more chemical sensors, one or more proximity sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more speed sensors, one or more Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), one or more Inertial Navigation Unit, one or more LIDAR sensors, one or more battery state of charge (SOC) sensors, one or more battery health sensors, one or more steering angle sensors, one or more pitch sensors, one or more yaw sensors, one or more roll sensors, one or more wheel speed sensors, one or more ABS system sensors.

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 schematically illustrates an example of a vehicle system controller;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a vehicle system in a vehicle;

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a method of controlling lighting on a vehicle;

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a method of controlling lighting on a vehicle;

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of lighting means on a door;

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a vehicle; and

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an example of a method of controlling lighting on a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure relate to controlling lighting on a vehicle. Some examples of the present disclosure relate to controlling lighting and/or lights/light sources on and/or around a door of a vehicle.

In examples, a controller of a vehicle, such as a vehicle system controller, determines that a door of the vehicle is not closed. For example, the vehicle system controller may receive signals from one or more sensors to determine that a door of the vehicle is not closed.

In examples, the vehicle system controller determines a context of the vehicle. In some examples this may be considered determining context information of the vehicle.

For example, the vehicle system controller may receive information from one or more sensors and/or one or more transceivers to allow a determination of the context of the vehicle to be made.

In examples, the vehicle system controller determines a time period in dependence on the determined context of the vehicle.

The vehicle system controller may, in examples, control lighting means on the vehicle door and/or in an aperture corresponding to the vehicle door in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

For example, the vehicle system controller may use sensor information to determine actions of the vehicle prior to the door becoming not closed and determine that the vehicle is in an emergency context. In such situations, a short time period may be determined, for example, so that the lighting means on the vehicle door/aperture are illuminated quickly to draw attention to the open door.

That is, in examples, a vehicle system controller controls lighting means on the vehicle door in dependence on a determined context of the vehicle.

A technical effect of at least some examples of the disclosure is that lighting means on the door, which may be different to a door ajar lamp, can be intelligently controlled to draw attention to a vehicle door that is not closed which provides safety benefits.

Furthermore, examples of the disclosure provide for an indication to other road users that occupants of a vehicle may have exited the vehicle and may therefore be present in the vicinity of the vehicle or in the road.

Some of the features referred to in the discussion of Figs. 1 to 4 can be found in Figs. 5 to 7.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle system controller 10. In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 of Fig. 1 may be a chip or a chip set.

The vehicle system controller 10 may form part of one or more vehicle systems 24 comprised in a vehicle 14, such as the one illustrated in the example of Fig. 2.

Implementation of a controller 10 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 10 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

As illustrated in Fig. 1 the controller 10 may be implemented using instructions 34 that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions 34 of a computer program 26 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 28 that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc) to be executed by such a processor 28.

The processor 28 is configured to read from and write to the memory 30. The processor 28 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 28 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 28.

The memory 30 stores a computer program 26 comprising computer program instructions 34 (computer program code) that controls the operation of the controller 10 when loaded into the processor 28. The computer program instructions 34, of the computer program 26, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus to perform the methods illustrated in Figs 3 and 4. The processor 28 by reading the memory 30 is able to load and execute the computer program 26.

The controller 10 therefore comprises:

at least one processor 28;and at least one memory 30 including computer program code the at least one memory 30 and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor 28, cause the controller 10 at least to perform: determining that a door of the vehicle is not closed; determining a context 16 of the vehicle 14;

determining a time period in dependence on the determined context 16 of the vehicle 14; determining that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period; and controlling lighting means on the vehicle door and/or in an aperture corresponding to the vehicle door in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

As illustrated in Fig 1, the computer program 26 may arrive at the controller 10 via any suitable delivery mechanism 32. The delivery mechanism 32 may be, for example, a nontransitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program 26. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 26. The controller 10 may propagate or transmit the computer program 26 as a computer data signal.

Although the memory 30 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.

Although the processor 28 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor 28 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single /multi- processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions 34, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions 34 for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

The blocks illustrated in the Figs 3 and 4 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program 26. 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 blocks to be omitted.

In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 of Fig. 1 or the vehicle system 24 of Fig. 2 provide means for performing the method illustrated in Figs 3 and/or 4 and/or as described herein. However, in examples, any suitable means for performing the methods illustrated in Figs 3 and/or 4 and/or as described herein may be used.

In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 may be considered a controller or controllers and/or a system.

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a vehicle system 24. In the illustrated example, the vehicle system 24 is a system for controlling lighting on a vehicle 14.

Fig. 2 also illustrates a vehicle 14 comprising a vehicle system controller 10 as described herein and/or a vehicle system 24 as described herein.

In examples, the vehicle system 28 may be considered a control system. In some, but not necessarily all, examples the vehicle system 28 is comprised in a vehicle 14 as illustrated in the example of Fig. 2.

In the example of Fig. 2, the vehicle system 24 comprises one or more sensors 36, one or more transceivers 38, lighting means 18 and the vehicle system controller 10 illustrated in the example of Fig. 1.

Accordingly, Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a vehicle system 24 comprising lighting means 18 and a vehicle system controller 10 as described in relation to Fig. 1.

The vehicle system controller 10 provides means for controlling operation of the vehicle system 24. However, in examples, any suitable means for controlling operation of the vehicle system 24 may be used.

As illustrated in the example of Fig. 2, the elements 36, 38 and 18 are operationally coupled to the vehicle system controller 10 and any number or combination of intervening elements can exist between them (including no intervening elements).

In some examples, the elements 36, 38 and 18 may be operationally coupled to each other and/or may share one or more components. Additionally or alternatively, the elements 36, 38 and 18 may be operationally coupled to and/or share one or more components with other elements not illustrated in the example of Fig. 2.

The one or more sensors 36 are for obtaining/collecting/gathering information.

In examples, the one or more sensors 36 are for obtaining information of a context 16 of a vehicle 14. That is, in examples the one or more sensors 36 are for obtaining context information 16 of the vehicle 14.

In some examples, the one or more sensors 36 are for use in determining when a door or doors of a vehicle 14 is/are not closed.

The one or more sensors 36 may comprise any suitable sensor(s)/means for obtaining information. For example, the one or more sensors 36 may comprise one or more switches, one or more cameras, one or more temperature sensors, one or more location sensors such as GNSS/GPS sensors, one or more biometric sensors, one or more motion sensors, one or more optical sensors, one or more infrared sensors, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more radar sensors, one or more chemical sensors, one or more proximity sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more speed sensors, one or more Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), one or more Inertial Navigation Unit, one or more LIDAR sensors, one or more battery state of charge (SOC) sensors, one or more battery health sensors, one or more steering angle sensors, one or more pitch sensors, one or more yaw sensors, one or more roll sensors, one or more wheel speed sensors, one or more ABS system sensors and so on.

In some examples, the one or more transceivers 38 may be considered to be one or more sensors 36 as the one or more transceivers 38 may, for example, be used in determining a context 16 of the vehicle 14. For example, the one or more transceivers 38 may be used to receive context 16 information of the vehicle 14 from a source external of the vehicle 14 for example.

In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 is for controlling operation of the one or more sensors 36. Information may be transmitted between the vehicle control system 10 and the one or more sensors 36. For example, control information may be transmitted from the vehicle system controller 10 to the one or more sensors 36 and/or information gathered by the one or more sensors 36 transmitted to the vehicle system controller 10.

This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 by the double-headed arrow linking the one or more sensors 36 and the vehicle system controller 10.

In examples, the one or more transceivers 38 are for receiving and/or transmitting one or more signals. In some examples, the one or more transceivers 38 are for receiving and/or transmitting one or more signals to/from a vehicle 14. Any suitable transceiver or transceivers may be used and in some examples separate transmitter(s) and/or receiver(s) may be used.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples the one or more transceivers 38 are for transmitting and/or receiving signals over any suitable range. For example, the one or more transceivers 38 may be configured to receive and/or transmit radio frequency signals over any suitable range.

In examples, the one or more transceivers 38 are configured to operate using one or more short range radio communication protocols, such as Bluetooth or WiFi protocols and/or one or more longer range radio protocols such as one or more cellular telephone protocols.

Additional or alternatively, the one or more transceivers 38 are, in examples, configured to operate using one or more hard wired protocols. For example, universal serial bus (USB) protocol, high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) protocol and so on.

In examples, the one or more transceivers 38 are for transmitting and/or receiving signals comprising information, for example context information 16 of the vehicle 14. The signals may be transmitted and/or received using any suitable communication protocol or protocols.

In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 is for controlling the one or more transceivers 38 to transmit and/or receive one or more signals to transmit and/or receive information.

In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 is for controlling operation of the one or more transceivers 38. Information may be transmitted between the vehicle system controller 10 and the one or more transceivers 38. For example, control information may be transmitted from the vehicle system controller 10 to the one or more transceivers 38 and/or data/information received in one or more signals transmitted to the vehicle system controller 10. This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 by the double-headed arrow linking the one or more transceivers 38 and the vehicle system controller 10.

In examples, the lighting means 18 are for providing light. In examples, the lighting means may be considered one or more light sources and/or lights and/or lighting elements and/or illuminating elements and/or displays and so on. In examples, the lighting means 18 may comprise a plurality of light sources/lights which may comprise different light sources/lights.

In examples, any suitable lighting means 18 for providing light may be used.

For example, any suitable lighting means 18 for providing light on a vehicle door 12 and/or in an aperture 20 corresponding to the vehicle door 12 may be used.

In examples, the lighting means 18 may comprise one or more light emitting diodes, one or more incandescent light sources, one or more cold cathode fluorescent lamps, one or more fluorescent lamps, one or more neon light sources, one or more electro luminescent light sources, one or more laser light sources, one or more OLED light sources, one or more quantum nanodevice light sources and so on.

In examples, the lighting means 18 may provide various door light sources such as one or more of: indirect control surface light(s) 60, one or more displays 58, one or more contour lights 52, one or more indirect surface lights 50 one or more pocket lights 48, one or more door release handle escutcheon lights 40, one or more puddle lights 46, one or more lock lights 56, one or more audio lights 44, and one or more handle zone lights 42. Examples of possible lighting means 18 are illustrated in the example of Fig. 5.

In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 is for controlling operation of the lighting means 18. Information may be transmitted between the vehicle system controller 10 and the lighting means 18. For example, control information may be transmitted from the vehicle system controller 10 to the lighting means 18 and/or information of the lighting means 18 transmitted to the vehicle system controller 10.

This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 by the double-headed arrow linking the lighting means 18 and the vehicle system controller 10.

In some examples, information may be transmitted from the vehicle system controller 10 to the lighting means 18 but not in the other direction. That is, in some examples, the vehicle system controller 10 may transmit control information, for example, to the lighting means 18 without a return channel from the lighting means 18 to the vehicle system controller 10.

In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 comprises means for controlling the various elements of the system 24. In some examples, the vehicle system controller 10 is configured to control the various elements of the vehicle system 24 using one or more wired communication systems and/or using one or wireless network systems.

In the example of Fig. 2, the system 24 is comprised in a vehicle 14. The vehicle 14 may be any suitable vehicle 14 such as a car, van or a truck and so on.

The vehicle system 24 may comprise any number of additional elements not illustrated in the example of Fig. 2. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the elements of the vehicle system 24 illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 may be integrated and/or combined. For example, the one or more sensors 36 may be at least partially combined with the one or more transceivers 38.

In some examples, one or more elements illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 may be omitted from the system 24. For example, the one or more transceivers 38 may be omitted from the system 24.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a method 300. For example, the method 300 may be for controlling lighting on a vehicle 14 such as the vehicle 14 illustrated in the example of Fig. 2.

In examples, the method 300 is performed by the vehicle system controller 10 of Fig. 1 or the vehicle system 24 of Fig. 2.

That is, in examples, the vehicle system controller 10 of Fig. 1 or the vehicle system 24 of Fig. 2 comprises means for performing the method 300. However, in examples, any suitable means for performing the method 300 may be used.

At block 302 it is determined that a door 12 of a vehicle 14 is not closed.

Any suitable method for determining that a door 12 of a vehicle 14 is not closed may be used.

For example, the vehicle system controller 10 may control the one or more sensors 36 to determine that a door 12 of the vehicle 14 is not closed.

In some examples, the door 12 of the vehicle 14 may comprise one or more switches, or similar, associated with a latch of the door 12 and configured to provide one or more signals to the vehicle system controller 10 when the vehicle door 12 is not closed.

Additionally or alternatively the body of the vehicle 14 may comprise one or more switches, or similar, associated with the door 12 and configured to provide one or more signals to the vehicle system controller 10 when the vehicle door 12 is not closed.

As used here the term “not closed” is intended to include the door being partially open but not clear of the door latch and also open and therefore fully unlatched.

In examples, determining that a door 12 of the vehicle 14 is not closed may be considered determining that a door 12 of the vehicle 14 is open.

At block 304 a context of the vehicle 14 is determined.

In examples, any suitable method for determining a context of the vehicle 14 may be used.

For example, the vehicle system controller 10 may control the one or more sensors 36 and/or the one or more transceivers 38 to receive information to determine the context of the vehicle 14.

As used herein, the context of the vehicle 14 is intended to include any information of the situation and/or environment of the vehicle and/or one or more passengers for the vehicle before, during and/or after determination that a door 12 of the vehicle 14 is not closed.

In examples, determining context information of the vehicle 14 comprises retrieving information from the memory 30 such as map/terrain/location/speed limit information.

In some examples, determination of the context of a vehicle 14 may comprise at least one of: determining whether a collision event involving the vehicle 14 has occurred within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door 12 becoming not closed, determining whether an emergency stop signal has occurred in the vehicle 14 within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door 12 becoming not closed, determining whether an emergency braking system, automatic (such as an anti-lock braking system) or nonautomatic, has been activated within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door 12 becoming not closed, determining the maximum speed of the vehicle 14 within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door 12 becoming not closed and determining the speed limit at the location of the vehicle 14.

In examples, any suitable predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door 12 becoming not closed may be used. For example, a predetermined time period of 1 or more seconds or greater may be used. In examples a predetermined time period of less than 1 second may be used.

Furthermore, in some examples, a different predetermined time period may be used in relation to the different contexts. For example, a different predetermined time period may be used in relation to a collision event determination compared to an emergency stop signal determination and so on.

For example, a predetermined time period in the range 0 > predetermined time period <= 1800 seconds for assessment of a collision event and/or 0 > predetermined time period <= seconds for assessment of maximum speed prior to the vehicle door 12 becoming not closed and so on.

At block 306 a time period is determined in dependence on the determined context of the vehicle 14. This time period may be considered a lighting means control time period and may be distinct from the time period referred to in relation to block 304.

Any suitable method for determining a time period in dependence upon the determined context of the vehicle 14 may be used.

For example, the vehicle system controller 10 may retrieve an appropriate time period for the determined context of the vehicle 14 from the memory 30. In some examples, the vehicle system controller may access one or more data structures and/or look-up tables to determine a time period for the determined context of the vehicle 14.

Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle system controller 10 may use one or more formulae stored, for example, in memory 30 to determine the time period for the determined context of the vehicle 14.

In examples, the determined lighting means control time period may be 1 or more seconds. In some examples the determined lighting means control time period may be less than 1 second.

For example, the determined lighting means control time period may be in the range 0 to 30 seconds, 5 to 25 seconds, 10 to 20 seconds and so on.

In some examples, the lighting means control time period may be set by a user of the vehicle 14 via one or more user interfaces with the vehicle 14. In such examples the user value for the lighting means control time period may be saved in one or more data structures in memory 30.

At block 308 it is determined that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period. That is, at block 308 it is determined that the door 12 of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the time period determined in block 306.

Any suitable method for determining that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period may be used.

For example, the vehicle system controller 10 may initiate one or more timers (not illustrated) upon determination that a door 12 of the vehicle 14 is not closed and may monitor the timer(s) to determine that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

In examples, the vehicle system controller 10 determines when at least one timer equals or exceeds the determined time period.

In examples, if it is determined, for example by signals received from the one or more sensors 36, that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has become closed prior to expiration of the time period determined at block 306 the method 300 may end.

At block 310 lighting means 18 on the vehicle door 12 and/or in an aperture 20 corresponding to the vehicle door 12 are controlled in dependence on the determination that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

That is, in examples, the vehicle system controller 10 may control lighting means 18 on the vehicle door 12 and/or in an aperture 20 corresponding to the vehicle door 12 in dependence on the determination at block 306.

As used herein, the aperture 20 corresponding to the vehicle door 12 is intended to include the aperture 20 into which the vehicle door 12 fits when the vehicle door 12 is in the closed position.

In examples, the lighting means 18 may be controlled in any suitable way in dependence upon the determination that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

In some examples, controlling light means 18 comprises controlling luminous intensity and/or colour of the lighting means 18. In some examples this may be considered controlling brightness and/or colour of the lighting means 18.

For example, controlling lighting means 18 may comprise controlling lighting means 18 to illuminate at a maximum luminous intensity and/or an altered colour in dependence on the determination that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

In some examples, the lighting means 18 may be controlled to illuminate at a maximum luminous intensity and with a red colour where it is determined that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

In examples, controlling lighting means 18 comprises controlling lighting means 18 to illuminate with a time-varying luminous intensity in dependence on the determination that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

For example, controlling light means 18 may comprise controlling lighting means 18 to flash at a particular frequency in dependence on the determination that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

In examples, controlling lighting means 18 comprises controlling the frequency of time variation in dependence on the determined context 16 of the vehicle 14.

For example, the frequency or time variation may be higher if an emergency context 16 is determined and slower if a non-emergency context 16 is determined. In some examples the frequency may be higher in a non-emergency context 16 compared with an emergency context 16.

In some examples, controlling lighting means 18 comprises controlling lighting means 18 to illuminate with a frequency in the range 60 to 120 Hz. In some examples, the frequency may be in the range 50 to 100 Hz and in some examples the frequency may be in the range 80 to 90 Hz.

In examples where it is determined that a collision event has occurred within the predetermined time period prior to the door 12 becoming not closed the lighting means 18 may be controlled to illuminate with an intensity which varies with time at a frequency in the range 3 to 4 Hz.

However, in examples, any suitable frequency for varying the luminous intensity/brightness of lighting means 18 may be used.

In examples where the lighting means 18 comprises one or more displays 58, controlling lighting means 18 may comprise controlling one or more displays 58 to display one or more warning symbols.

In examples, controlling lighting means 18 comprises controlling a plurality of separate light sources 18. For example, controlling lighting means 18 may comprise controlling a plurality of separate, different light sources 18 located at different locations on a vehicle door 12 and/or in an aperture 20 corresponding to the vehicle door 12. See, for example, Fig. 5.

In examples, controlling lighting means 18 comprises controlling lighting means 18 other than a door ajar lamp 22 of the vehicle door 12.

That is, in examples, controlling lighting means 18 comprises controlling lighting means 18/light sources that are different from and separate to the door ajar lamp 22 of the vehicle door 12.

Accordingly, lighting means 18 on the vehicle door 12 and/or in an aperture 20 corresponding to the vehicle door 12 may be illuminated when it is determined that the vehicle door has not closed for a period of time longer than the time period determined based on the context 16 of the vehicle 14.

This provides the technical benefit of intelligently controlling the lighting means 18 present on the door to draw attention to the door 12..

Accordingly, examples of the disclosure provide safety benefits.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a method 400. For example, the method 400 may be for controlling lighting on a vehicle 14.

In examples, the method 400 is performed by the vehicle system controller 10 of Fig. 1 or the vehicle system 24 of Fig. 2.

That is, in some examples, the vehicle system controller 10 of Fig. 1 or the vehicle system 24 of Fig. 2 comprise means for performing the method 400. However, in examples, any suitable means for performing the method 400 may be used.

At block 401 an original state of lighting means 18 on a vehicle door 12 and/or in an aperture 20 corresponding to the vehicle door 12 is determined.

Any suitable method for determining the original state of the lighting means 18 may be used.

For example, parameters used in controlling the lighting means 18 prior to the determination that the vehicle door 12 is not closed may be stored in one or more data structures in memory 30.

Additionally or alternatively, default values for the lighting means 18 may be retrieved from one or more data structures in memory 30.

Blocks 402, 404, 406, 408 and 410 are, in examples, the same as corresponding blocks 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310 of Fig. 3 and may be described in relation to those blocks of Fig. 3.

However, in the example of Fig. 4, method 400 comprises, at block 410, controlling lighting means 18 to adopt the determined original state in the absence of a determination that the vehicle door 12 is not closed.

For example, vehicle system controller 10 may be configured to control the lighting means 18 to return to the original state upon the determination that the vehicle door 12 has been closed.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a door 12 of a vehicle 14. For example, the door 12 illustrated in the example of Fig. 5 may be a door 12 of vehicle 14 illustrated in Fig. 2 and/or Fig. 6.

Fig. 5 illustrates a plurality of light sources on the door 12. However, the lighting means 18 on the door 12 illustrated in the example of Fig. 5 is not exhaustive and additional and/or different lighting means 18 can, in examples, be present on the door 12.

Additionally or alternatively, the aperture (not shown) corresponding to door 12 may comprise lighting means 18.

Additionally or alternatively, in examples, one or more of the lighting means 18 illustrated on the door 12 in the example of Fig. 5 may be omitted.

In the example of Fig. 5 the door 12 comprises the following lighting means: door release handle escutcheon 40, handle zone 42, audio 44, puddle 46, pocket 48, indirect surfaces 50, display 58, indirect control surfaces 60, contour 52 and lock 56.

Additionally or alternatively, a vehicle door 12 or the corresponding aperture 20 may comprise aesthetically specific mood lighting and/or direct illuminated controls lighting.

In examples, a vehicle system controller 10 may be configured to control one or more of the lighting means 18 on the door 12 of Fig. 5 in accordance with the methods described in relation to Figs 3 and/or 4.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a vehicle 14. In the illustrated example, the vehicle 14 comprises a vehicle system controller 10 as described in relation to Fig. 1 and a vehicle system 24 as described in relation to Fig. 2. The vehicle 14 illustrated in the example of Fig. 6 also comprises a plurality of doors 12 and corresponding apertures 20, which, in the example of Fig 6., comprise one or more lighting means as illustrated in the example of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a method 300, 400. For example, the method 300, 400 is for controlling lighting on a vehicle 14.

In part A of Fig. 7 two vehicles 14a, 14b are schematically illustrated.

The vehicles 14a, 14b are travelling along a road in the direction to the right of the figure as indicated by the arrows extending from the front of the vehicles 14a, 14b.

The vehicle 14a to the left of the image comprises a vehicle system controller 10 as described in relation to Fig. 1 and a vehicle system 24 as described in relation to Fig. 2 (not explicitly illustrated in Fig. 7).

At part B of Fig. 7, the front vehicle 14b has encountered a collision with an object. This has caused the rear vehicle 14a, comprising the vehicle system controller 10 as described in relation to Fig. 1 and vehicle system 24 as described in relation to Fig. 2, to brake sharply as indicated by the illuminated brake light on the vehicle 14a in part B of Fig. 7.

In the example of Fig. 7, in braking sharply an emergency braking system, for example, antilock braking system (ABS), intelligent emergency braking system (IEB) or similar of the rear vehicle 14a has been activated.

In part C of the example of Fig. 7 the driver’s door 12 of the rear vehicle 14a has been opened. Part C of Fig. 7 is shown from the rear of the vehicle 14a.

Upon opening the door 12 the door ajar lamp 22 is illuminated as is known.

However, at parts B and/or C of Fig. 7 the context 16 of the vehicle 14 has been determined and it has been determined that an emergency braking event has happened within, for example, a time period of 30 seconds prior to the door 12 being opened.

For example, one or more sensors 36 in the vehicle 14a may have been used to make the determination. Additionally or alternatively, one or more transceivers 38 may, in some examples, be used to receive information from the vehicle 14b that has experienced the collision event allowing the vehicle 14a to the rear to determine that a vehicle collision event has occurred prior to the door 12 being opened further allowing the context 16 of the vehicle 14a to be determined.

A time period is determined based on the determined context 16 of the vehicle 14a. In the example of Fig. 7 it is determined that an emergency braking system has been activated prior to the door 12 being opened and a collision event has occurred in the vicinity of the vehicle 14 prior to the door 12 being opened. Accordingly, an emergency context 16 of the vehicle 14a is determined and a short time period is determined.

For example, the time period may be one second, two seconds, three seconds or, in some examples, less.

In part C of Fig. 7 the door 12 has just been opened and the lighting means 18, separate from the door ajar lamp 22, are not illuminated or are not illuminated to their respective maximum possible intensities. See, for example, Fig. 5.

At part D of the example of Fig. 7 it is determined that the time period that has been determined on the basis of the context 16 of the vehicle 14 has expired and the door 12 is still not closed.

Accordingly, in part D of the example of Fig. 7 the lighting means 18 in the door 12 are illuminated, for example, at their maximum intensity to draw attention to other road users that the door 12 of the vehicle 14 is not closed.

In the example of Fig. 7, the lighting means 18 are controlled to flash at a predetermined frequency to further draw attention to the door 12 not being closed and also to indicate that the situation is potentially unsafe.

Accordingly, in this way, the vehicle system controller 10 of the vehicle 14 has intelligently controlled the lighting means 18 in the door 12 to provide increased safety benefits.

As used herein, “for” should be considered to also include “configured or arranged to”. For example, a “vehicle system controller for” should be considered to also include “a vehicle system controller configured or arranged to”.

For purposes of this disclosure, it is to be understood that the controller(s) 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 controller(s) may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. A set of instructions 34 could be provided which, when executed, cause said controller(s) or control unit(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the described method(s)). The set of instructions 34 may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, the set of instructions 34 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 34 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 ad EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium tor storing such information/instructions 34.

The blocks illustrated in the Figs 3 and/or 4 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program 26. 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.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term “comprised” is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use “comprise” with an exclusive meaning than it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one ...” or by using “ consisting”.

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 endeavouring 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. A vehicle system controller comprising:

means for determining that a door of a vehicle is not closed; means for determining a context of the vehicle;

2. A vehicle system controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for controlling lighting means comprises means for controlling a plurality of separate light sources.

3. A vehicle system controller as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for controlling lighting means comprises means for controlling lighting means other than a door ajar lamp of the vehicle door.

4. A vehicle system controller as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein determining a context of the vehicle comprises at least one of: determining whether a collision event involving the vehicle has occurred within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining whether an emergency stop signal has occurred in the vehicle within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining whether an emergency braking system of the vehicle has been activated within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining the maximum speed of the vehicle within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed and determining the speed limit at the location of the vehicle.

5. A vehicle system controller as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for controlling lighting means comprises means for controlling luminous intensity and/or colour of the lighting means.

6. A vehicle system controller as claimed in claim 5, wherein the means for controlling lighting means comprises means for controlling lighting means to illuminate at a maximum luminous intensity and/or an altered colour in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

7. A vehicle system controller as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the means for controlling lighting means comprises means for controlling lighting means to illuminate with a time varying luminous intensity in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

8. A vehicle system controller as claimed claim 7, wherein the means for controlling lighting means comprises means for controlling the frequency of time variation in dependence on the determined context of the vehicle.

9. A vehicle system controller as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the means for controlling lighting means comprises means for controlling lighting means to illuminate with a frequency in the range 60 to 120Hz.

10. A vehicle system controller as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for determining an original state of the lighting means prior to a determination that a vehicle door is not closed, wherein the means for controlling lighting means comprises means for controlling lighting means to adopt the determined original state in the absence of a determination that the vehicle door is not closed.

11. A method of controlling lighting on a vehicle, the method comprising:

determining that a door of the vehicle is not closed;

determining a context of the vehicle;

12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein controlling lighting means comprises controlling a plurality of separate light sources.

13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein controlling lighting means comprises controlling lighting means other than a door ajar lamp of the vehicle door.

14. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, wherein determining a context of the vehicle comprises at least one of: determining whether a collision event involving the vehicle has occurred within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining whether an emergency stop signal has occurred in the vehicle within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining whether an emergency braking system of the vehicle has been activated within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed, determining the maximum speed of the vehicle within a predetermined time period prior to the vehicle door becoming not closed and determining the speed limit at the location of the vehicle.

15. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, wherein controlling lighting means comprises controlling luminous intensity and/or colour of the lighting means.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein controlling lighting means comprises controlling lighting means to illuminate at a maximum luminous intensity and/or an altered colour in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein controlling lighting means comprises controlling lighting means to illuminate with a time varying luminous intensity in dependence on the determination that the door of the vehicle has been not closed for a period of time greater than the determined time period.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein controlling lighting means comprises controlling the frequency of time variation in dependence on the determined context of the vehicle.

19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein controlling lighting means comprises controlling lighting means to illuminate with a frequency in the range 60 to 120Hz.

20. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 19, comprising determining an original state of the lighting means prior to a determination that a vehicle door is not closed, wherein controlling lighting means comprises controlling lighting means to adopt the determined

5 original state in the absence of a determination that the vehicle door is not closed.

21. A vehicle system comprising lighting means and a vehicle system controller as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 10.

10

22. A vehicle comprising a vehicle system controller as claimed in at least one of claims

1 to 10 and/or a vehicle system as claimed in claim 21.

23. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least, the method as claimed in at least one of

15 claims 11 to 20.

24. A non-transitory computer readable media comprising a computer program as claimed in claim 23.

Intellectual

Property

Office

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