GB2572203A

GB2572203A - Vehicle controller and control method

Info

Publication number: GB2572203A
Application number: GB1804654.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Jardine Fraser
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-23
Filing date: 2018-03-23
Publication date: 2019-09-25
Also published as: DE102019202195A1; GB201804654D0

Abstract

A controller comprising an input means for receiving a single indicative of a user request to transition out of an autonomous driving mode and receiving a capability signal of the user, an output means for outputting a transition signal to cause transition, and a control means to allow output of the transition signal in dependence on the request and capability signals. Preferably, the capability signal is indicative of an awareness level of the user or a gaze state of the user, which could depend on a blink characteristic of the eye of the user. The request signal may be indicative of input by the user to an input apparatus. The input apparatus may be operable by the user’s hand, and could be arranged on the steering wheel in the form of buttons. A system is also included, comprising the controller, a first sensing means to sense the request signal, and a second sensing means to sense the capability signal. The sensing means could be a touch sensor, or a physiological sensor, wherein the physiological sensor may be an infrared camera to capture images of the user’s eyes.

Description

FIG. 34

VEHICLE CONTROLLER AND CONTROL METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle controller and control method and particularly, but not exclusively, to a controller and a method for controlling the vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a controller, to a system, to a method, to a vehicle and to computer software.

BACKGROUND

It is known for a vehicle operating in an autonomous driving mode to be able to cease operating in the autonomous driving mode and transition out of the autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode where the vehicle is controller directly by the user of the vehicle.

This may be problematic, especially when the user is not capable of taking control of the vehicle.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a controller, a system, a method and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a controller arranged to operably cause an output of a transition signal to cause a host vehicle to transition out of an autonomous driving mode in dependence on a request signal and a capability signal. The request signal is indicative of a request from a user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode. The capability signal is indicative of a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a controller comprising input means for receiving a request signal indicative of a request from a user to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of a host vehicle and for receiving a capability signal indicative of a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode, output means for outputting a transition signal to cause the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode, and control means arranged to cause the output means to output the transition signal in dependence on the request signal and the capability signal. Advantageously, the controller can be configured to transition the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode if the user requests the transition and if the user satisfies a capability criterion for being capable of taking control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode. The transition signal may be to cause the host vehicle to transition to a manual driving mode in which at least one of a steering control and a torque control of the host vehicle is to be performed by the user.

The controller as described above, wherein:

the input means comprises an electrical input for receiving the signal;

the output means comprises an electrical output for outputting the signal; and the control means comprises one or more control devices such as electronic processing devices.

The control means may be arranged to determine the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle in dependence on the capability signal. Advantageously, the controller determines whether the user is capable of taking control of the host vehicle. The control means may be arranged to determine that the user is requesting to transition out of the autonomous driving mode in dependence on the request signal. The control means may be arranged to cause the output means to output the transition signal if the user is determined to be requesting to transition out of the autonomous driving mode. The control means may be arranged to cause the output means to output the transition signal if the user is determined to be capable to take control of the host vehicle.

The capability signal may be indicative of an awareness level of the user. Advantageously, the user may be determined to be capable to take control of the host vehicle if the awareness level is above a predetermined awareness threshold. The awareness level may be a numerical scale between 0 and 10, with 0 being not aware at all, such as in a sleep state, and 10 being fully aware, such as in a fully alert state.

The capability signal may be indicative of an action or state of the user different to the request of the user to transition the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode. Therefore, there is an additional check by the controller beyond the request by the user to transition the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode.

The capability signal may be indicative of a gaze state of the user. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the capability signal may be indicative of a passive determination that the user is capable to take control of the host vehicle. The gaze state of the user may comprise a blink characteristic. In some embodiments, the user may be determined to be capable to take control of the host vehicle if the user is blinking less than a predetermined blink threshold. The gaze state of the user may comprise a pupil characteristic. The gaze state of the user may comprise a gaze direction. In some embodiments, the user may be determined to be capable to take control of the host vehicle if the gaze direction is directed towards a predetermined acceptable gaze direction, such as out of a front of the host vehicle.

The capability signal may be indicative of one or more images of an eye of the user. The control means may be arranged to determine the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle in dependence on the blink characteristic of the eye of the user. The blink characteristic could be a number of blinks of the eye in a predetermined time, such as blinks per minute. The blink characteristic could be a proportion of time in which the eye is blinking over a predetermined period of time.

The capability signal may be indicative of a position of the user.

The capability signal may be indicative of a physiological characteristic of the user, such as a heart rate or state of health. The capability signal may be indicative of a legal qualification of the user, such as a driving license allowing operation of the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode.

The capability signal may be different to a control signal indicative of a control attempt by the user to control a component for movement of the host vehicle to perform a requested action.

The request signal may be indicative of an input by the user to an input apparatus to request transition out of the autonomous driving mode. The input apparatus may be at a steeringcontrol such as a steering wheel of the host vehicle. The input may be a tactile input such as a button press.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising the controller of any preceding claim, arranged to output the transition signal, a first sensing means responsive to the request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle and to output the request signal to the controller, and a second sensing means responsive to the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode and to output the capability signal to the controller. Advantageously, the first and second sensing means can together detect the request from the user and the capability of the user. The system is arranged to cause the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode in response to both the request from the user and the determined capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle.

The system as described above, wherein:

the first sensing means comprises a first sensor; and the second sensing means comprises a second sensor.

The first sensing means may comprise an input device, operable by a hand of the user. Advantageously, the request from the user can be made by one or more hands of the user.

The second sensing means may be different to the first sensing means. In some embodiments, the first sensing means and the second sensing means may be the same sensing means, arranged to be responsive to both the request and to determine that the user is capable to take control of the host vehicle.

The input device may be arranged to be provided at a steering wheel of the host vehicle. Advantageously, the request from the user may be received when the user’s hands are on the steering wheel of the host vehicle, demonstrating a possible capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle. The input device may be arranged on the steering wheel. The input device may be arranged in a central portion of the steering wheel, the central portion within a rim portion of the steering wheel.

The input device may comprise two buttons. Each button may be arranged to be engaged by a different hand of the user. Advantageously, the request can be made by operation of both buttons, making it possible that both hands are on the steering wheel.

The second sensing means may comprise a touch sensor arranged to detect a presence of a hand of a user on a steering wheel of the host vehicle. Advantageously, the presence of the hand of the user on the steering wheel may be representative of the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle. The or a further touch sensor of the second sensing means may be arranged to detect the presence of a further hand of the user on the steering wheel. The touch sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor. The touch sensor may be a resistive touch sensor.

The second sensing means may comprise a physiological sensor arranged to capture data indicative of a current awareness of the user. Thus, a physiological parameter of the user may be analysed to determine whether the user is capable of taking control of the host vehicle. The physiological sensor may be a heart rate sensor. The physiological sensor may comprise a camera. The camera may be arranged to capture one or more images of an eye of the user. Advantageously, characteristics of the eye, such as a blink characteristic or a gaze characteristic can be used to determine an awareness of the user. The camera may be an infrared camera. Advantageously, an infrared camera may be able to observe the eye of the user through at least some sunglasses.

The second sensing means may comprise a plurality of sensors. The second sensing means may comprise a plurality of different sensors, for example a physiological sensor and a touch sensor.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising receiving a request from a user to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of a host vehicle, receiving a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode, and transitioning the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode in dependence on the request and the capability. Advantageously, the host vehicle can transition out of the autonomous driving mode if a request is received from the user and if the user is capable of taking control of the host vehicle.

The request by the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode may be determined substantially as described in any way hereinbefore.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a controller according to an aspect of the invention as described hereinbefore, a system according to an aspect of the invention as described hereinbefore or arranged to perform a method according to an aspect of the invention as described hereinbefore.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided computer software which, when executed by a processing means, is arranged to perform a method according to an aspect of the invention. The computer software may be stored on a computer readable medium. The computer software may be tangibly stored on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may be non-transitory.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory, computerreadable storage medium storing instructions thereon that when executed by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to carry out a method according to an aspect of the invention.

SAE International’s J3016 defines six levels of driving automation for on-road vehicles. The term autonomous driving mode as used herein will be understood to cover any of the SAE levels one to five. In an embodiment, the autonomous driving modes disclosed herein will be understood to be of at least SAE level three. In other words, the automated driving system of the host vehicle will control all aspects of the dynamic driving task.

Any controller or controllers described herein may suitably comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. Thus the system may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. As used herein the term “controller” or “control unit” will be understood to include both a single control unit or controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide any stated control functionality. To configure a controller, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause said control unit or computational device to implement the control techniques specified herein. The set of instructions may suitably be embedded in said one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software saved on one or more memory associated with said controller to be executed on said computational device. A first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors. One or more other controllers may be implemented in software run on one or more processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. Other suitable arrangements may also be used.

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:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a situation in which an embodiment of the present invention can have utility;

Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 shows a steering control in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 19 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 20 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 21 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 22A to 22C show a plurality of navigable paths in which an embodiment of the present invention can have utility;

Figure 23 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 24 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 25 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 29 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 30 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 31 shows a schematic representation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 32 shows a schematic representation of a system incorporating a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 33 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 34 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A controller 110 or control unit 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1.

The controller 110 comprises a control means 120, input means 140 and output means 150. In some embodiments, the controller 110 comprises a memory means 130 such as one or more memory devices 130 for storing data therein. The input means 140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of one or more state signals. The one or more state signals are indicative of a suitability of a host vehicle to initiate an autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the one or more state signals are each indicative of one or more of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic, as will be explained. The output means 150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting an availability signal. The availability signal is indicative of an availability of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. The control means 120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 130. The control means 120 is arranged to control the output means 150 to output the availability signal in dependence on the one or more state signals. Therefore, the suitability of the host vehicle to operate in an autonomous driving mode may be used to determine whether to indicate to the user, through the availability signal, that the autonomous driving mode is available. In other words, when at least one of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic associated with the host vehicle are such that it is not suitable to initiate the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle, the user is not made aware of the availability of the autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the control means 120 is arranged to initiate the autonomous driving mode in dependence on the output of the availability signal to the user. In some embodiments, the input means 140 and the output means 150 may be combined such as by being formed by an I/O unit or interface unit. For example, the controller 110 may comprise an interface to a network forming a communication bus of the host vehicle. The interface bus may be an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication bus such as Ethernet, although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect.

In the autonomous driving mode described herein, at least one of a lateral control in the form of steering and a longitudinal control in the form of drivetrain torque or locomotion torque of the host vehicle are controlled autonomously. It will be understood that the drivetrain torque may include either or both of an acceleration torque to accelerate the host vehicle or a braking torque to decelerate the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the steering, acceleration torque and braking torque of the host vehicle are controlled autonomously.

In some embodiments, the input means 140 is arranged to receive an initiation signal. The initiation signal is indicative of a user’s request to initiate the autonomous driving mode. Typically, the user requests to initiate the autonomous driving mode in response to an awareness of the availability signal by the user. In some embodiments, the output means 150 is arranged to output a driving mode signal. The driving mode signal is to cause the host vehicle to initiate the autonomous driving mode. In embodiments, the control means 120 is arranged to control the output means 150 to output the driving mode signal in dependence on the initiation signal.

In some embodiments, the control means 120 is arranged to determine a transition phase of the autonomous driving mode. During the transition phase, control of a vehicle movement of the host vehicle is transitioned away from the user to an autonomous driving control means in the form of an autonomous driving control unit. At the end of the transition phase, the autonomous driving control means is arranged to autonomously control the vehicle movement. In some embodiments, a duration of the transition phase is determined in dependence on the one or more state signals.

In some embodiments, the output means 150 is arranged to output a progress signal. The progress signal is indicative of a progress through the transition phase. The control means 120 is arranged to control the output means 150 to output the progress signal during the transition phase. The control means 120 may be arranged to determine the duration of the transition phase. The duration of the transition phase may be determined during the transition phase. In some embodiments, the duration of the transition phase may be determined at a plurality of different times during the transition phase.

In some embodiments, one or more of the state signals indicative of one or more of the vehicle characteristics, the user characteristics and the environment characteristics is indicative of a driving environment of the host vehicle. The driving environment may be indicative of a type of navigable path. The driving environment may be indicative of a state of the navigable path. For example, the one or more state signals may be indicative of the host vehicle driving on a highway, devoid of pedestrians.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more state signals is indicative of a vehicle characteristic or an environment characteristic in the form of a speed. The speed may be a wheel speed. The speed may be a powertrain speed. For example, the powertrain speed may be a motor speed. The powertrain speed may be an engine speed. The powertrain speed may be a drive shaft speed. The speed may be associated with the host vehicle. In other words, the speed may be a speed of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more state signals is indicative of a speed of at least one target vehicle. The at least one target vehicle is different from the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the control means 120 may be arranged to control the output means 150 to output the availability signal if the state signal(s) are indicative of a speed of the host vehicle being less than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the user of the host vehicle may be made aware of the availability of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle if the speed of the host vehicle is below the predetermined threshold speed.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more state signals is indicative of vehicle characteristic in the form of a detection range of one or more sensors associated with the host vehicle. The one or more sensors (not shown in Figure 1) may be in data communication with the controller 110 via the input means 140. The one or more sensors may comprise at least one of a radar sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a laser sensor and a camera. It will be understood that the detection range of the one or more sensors may be influenced by an environment characteristic associated with the host vehicle, such as a weather condition of the environment of the host vehicle. For example, the detection range of the camera may be significantly decreased in foggy conditions. The control means 120 may be arranged to control the output means 150 to output the availability signal if the state signal(s) are indicative of the detection range of the one or more sensors being greater than a predetermined range threshold. In other words, the autonomous driving mode may be unavailable to the user of the host vehicle if the detection range of the one or more sensors does not meet the predetermined range threshold.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more state signals is indicative of an environment characteristic in the form of a weather condition. The weather condition may be a current weather condition of the host vehicle, or may be an upcoming weather condition to be encountered by the host vehicle at a predetermined point along the navigable path. For example, at least one of the one or more state signals may be indicative of rain falling on the host vehicle. In another example, the weather condition may be the presence of snow or ice on the ground. The weather condition may be at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a wind speed, a visibility, a pressure and a precipitation indicator. The control means 120 may be arranged to control the output means 150 to output the availability signal if the state signal(s) are indicative of the weather condition being one amongst a plurality of predetermined acceptable weather conditions. In other words, the autonomous driving mode may be unavailable to the user of the host vehicle if the weather condition is not an acceptable weather condition.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more state signals is indicative of a user characteristic in the form of an awareness of the user of the host vehicle. The input means 140 may be for receiving the at least one of the one or more state signals indicative of the awareness of the user from one or more user sensors (not shown in Figure 1). The one or more user sensors may comprise at least one of a camera and a physiological sensor to capture data indicative of the awareness of the user. The control means 120 may be arranged to control the output means 150 to output the availability signal is the state signal(s) are indicative of the user’s awareness being above a predetermined awareness threshold. In other words, the autonomous driving mode may be unavailable to the user of the host vehicle if the user is not sufficiently aware to be able to resume control of the host vehicle from the autonomous driving mode if required. In some circumstances, the control means 120 may be arranged to control the output means 150 to output a driving mode control signal to cause the host vehicle to operate in a further autonomous driving mode if the user is determined as not sufficiently aware to be able to control the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the input means 140 is arranged to receive a frequency signal. The frequency signal is indicative of a frequency of previous activation of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. The control means 120 may be arranged to control the output means 150 to output the availability signal in dependence on the frequency signal. In some embodiments, the control means 120 is arranged to determine the frequency signal as having a first value if a frequency of previous activation of the autonomous driving mode is greater than a frequency threshold. The control means 120 may be arranged to determine the frequency signal as having a second value if a frequency of previous activation of the autonomous driving mode is lower than the frequency threshold. In some embodiments, the control means 120 is arranged to control the output means 150 to output the availability signal more frequently when the frequency signal is indicative of a more frequent previous activation of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. In other words, the control means 120 may be arranged to control the output means 150 to output the availability signal less frequently for a user who less frequently activates the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. Therefore, only users of the host vehicle who frequently make use of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle can be frequently advised of the availability of the autonomous driving mode through the availability signal.

A system 210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2.

The system 210 comprises the controller 110 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 1 and notification means 220. In some embodiments, the system 210 comprises sensing means 230 in the form of a sensor unit 230, sensor output means 240 and sensor control means 250. The controller 110 is arranged to output the availability signal as described hereinbefore. The notification means 220 is for receiving the availability signal from the controller 110. The notification means 220 is to indicate to the user that the autonomous driving mode is available in dependence on the received availability signal from the controller 110. In some embodiments, the notification means 220 is a sensory output unit 220. In some embodiments, the sensory output unit 220 comprises an illumination unit 220. In some embodiments, the notification means 220 comprises a display means. Optionally, the notification means 220 comprises at least one of a tactile output means and an audio output means. In some embodiments, the notification means 220 is arranged to receive the driving mode signal. The notification means 220 is configured to indicate to the user that the autonomous driving mode is to be initiated for the host vehicle in dependence on receipt of the driving mode signal. In some embodiments, the notification means 220 is arranged to indicate to the user the progress through the transition phase in dependence on receipt of the progress signal from the controller 110.

In some embodiments, the sensing means 230 is arranged to determine at least one of the vehicle characteristic, the user characteristic or the environment characteristic. The sensor output means 240 may comprise an electrical output for outputting the one or more state signals to the controller 110. The sensor control means 250 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more sensor memory devices 260. The sensor control means 250 is arranged to control the sensor output means 240 to output the one or more state signals to the controller 110 in dependence on the at least one of the vehicle characteristic, the user characteristic and the environment characteristic determined by the sensing means 230.

In some embodiments, the sensing means 230 may comprise one or more cameras, laser sensors, radar sensors, ultrasound sensors and physiological sensors.

A method 300 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3. The method 300 is a method of controlling the host vehicle. In particular, the method 300 is a method of controlling the output of the availability signal indicative of an availability of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. The method 300 may be performed by the controller 110 and system 210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The method 300 broadly comprises steps of receiving 310 a signal indicative of a suitability of initiation of an autonomous driving mode of a host vehicle and, in dependence thereon, determining 320 an availability signal indicative of an availability of the autonomous driving mode and controlling an output 330 of the availability signal.

Referring to Figure 3, the illustrated embodiment of the method 300 comprises a step of receiving 310 one or more state signals each indicative of one or more of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic from the input means 140. In some embodiments, the one or more state signals are received from the sensing means 230 via the sensor output means 240. The one or more state signals may be indicative of a speed of the host vehicle or a path type of the navigable path along which the host vehicle is travelling or is arranged to travel.

In step 320 the availability signal is determined in dependence on the one or more state signals. The availability signal is indicative of an availability of an autonomous driving mode of a host vehicle. In some embodiments, the availability signal is determined as indicative that an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle is available if the one or more state signals meet predetermined criteria. For example, the availability signal may be determined as indicative that an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle is available if the speed of the host vehicle is less than a predetermined speed threshold and/or if the path type of the navigable path along which the host vehicle is travelling or is arranged to travel is of a predetermined path type, for example, substantially free of pedestrians.

Other navigable path type conditions which may instead or additionally be considered to determine whether to output the availability signal are the presence of temporary road barriers, such as roadworks, specific path surroundings such as bridges or tunnels, and others, the speed limit on the navigable path, the speed of other traffic on the navigable path. For example, the availability signal may be determined not to be output in the presence of temporary road barriers, such as roadworks, specific path surroundings such as bridges or tunnels, and others, the speed limit on the navigable path being above a predetermined threshold, the speed of other traffic on the navigable path being above a predetermined threshold.

Other vehicle characteristics which may instead or additionally be considered to determine whether to output the availability signal are at least one of an indication of the host vehicle condition, such as tyre pressure, oil level, fuel level, whether the host vehicle is towing, loaded weight of the host vehicle and state of health of one or more components of the host vehicle. For example, the availability signal may be determined not to be output if a tyre pressure is outside a predetermined acceptable range, an oil level is below a predetermined threshold, a fuel level is below a predetermined threshold, the host vehicle is towing, a loaded weight of the host vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold or a state of health of one or more components of the host vehicle is outside a predetermined acceptable state of health.

Other user characteristics which may instead or additionally be considered to determine whether to output the availability signal are at least one of a presence of one or more hands of the user on the steering wheel, an awareness of the user, such as a blink characteristic of the user, a physiological status of the user and a legality of the user to drive the host vehicle. For example, the availability signal may be determined not to be output in the presence of fewer than one or more hands of the user on the steering wheel, if an awareness of the user is below a predetermined awareness threshold, if a physiological status of the user is outside a predetermined acceptable physiological state of the user, or if the user is not legally entitled to drive the host vehicle.

Other environment characteristics which may instead or additionally be considered to determine whether to output the availability signal are at least one of a weather condition in the vicinity of the host vehicle or the navigable path measured in the past, at the present time, or expected in the future, a temperature and humidity. For example, the availability signal may be determined not to be output if a weather condition in the vicinity of the host vehicle at a present time is different from a predetermined acceptable weather condition, or if the weather condition is the same as a predetermined unacceptable weather condition, or if a temperature of the environment of the host vehicle is outside a predetermined acceptable temperature range, or if a humidity of the environment of the host vehicle is outside a predetermined acceptable humidity range.

In step 330, the output means 150 is controlled by the control means 120 to output the availability signal. The availability signal may be output as at least one of a tactile output (sometimes referred to as a haptic output), a visual output and an audio output to the user. In some embodiments, the availability signal is output to the notification means 220 to cause the at least one of the tactile output, the visual output and the audio output. Therefore, the availability signal causes the user to become aware that the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle is available.

In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving a request from the user to initiate the autonomous driving mode following output of the availability signal. The method may comprise outputting a driving mode control signal to a driving mode control means. The driving mode control signal is to cause the driving mode control means to initiate the autonomous driving mode. The user may request initiation of the autonomous driving mode by one or more input devices, operable by a hand of the user. In some embodiments, the one or more input devices are switches, such as buttons, on the steering wheel of the host vehicle. The steering wheel may comprise two switches, each to be operated by a different hand of the user. Therefore, the user may request initiation of the autonomous driving mode via operation of the two switches on the steering wheel of the host vehicle after the user has been made aware of the availability of the autonomous driving mode.

In some embodiments, the method comprises determining whether to make the user aware that the autonomous driving mode is currently available in dependence on a frequency of previous activation of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, where the frequency of previous activation is above a first threshold, the method may determine to make the user aware that the autonomous driving mode is available in a first proportion of instances. Where the frequency of previous activation is below a second threshold (the same or below the first threshold), the method may determine to make the user aware that the autonomous driving mode is available in a second proportion of instances, different from the first proportion. In some embodiments, the second proportion is less than the first proportion. Therefore, users who infrequently make use of the autonomous driving mode are made aware only relatively infrequently that the autonomous driving mode is available, even when the other conditions for availability of the autonomous driving mode are satisfied.

In some embodiments, the method comprises initiating the autonomous driving mode via a transition phase in which control of the host vehicle moves away from the user and to a control means of the host vehicle. The method may comprise modifying a vehicle movement during the transition phase in preparation for the end of the transition phase. For example, a steering of the host vehicle may be modified during the transition phase to substantially centre the host vehicle within a lane of the navigable path. In some embodiments, a braking torque of the host vehicle may be controlled autonomously during the transition phase to substantially distance the host vehicle from a further vehicle ahead of the host vehicle along the navigable path. During the transition phase, the host vehicle will also continue to respond to movement control inputs from the user. As the transition phase progresses, the host vehicle becomes less responsive to user control until the host vehicle is controlled fully autonomously in the autonomous driving mode. The user is informed of progress through the transition phase by the transition signal described hereinbefore.

Where the autonomous driving mode is initiated via a transition phase, the autonomous driving mode may be fully initialised if the user request is maintained during the transition phase. The method may comprise determining if the user request is maintained during the transition phase. The method may comprise ceasing initiation of the autonomous driving mode if the user request is interrupted during the transition phase.

As a result of the method 300, the host vehicle can advantageously inform, via the availability signal, that the autonomous driving mode is available. In some embodiments, the host vehicle informs the user, such as the driver or other occupant of the host vehicle that the autonomous driving mode is available.

In some embodiment of the inventions disclosed herein, the autonomous driving mode may be initiated in other ways. For example, the autonomous driving mode may be initialised without first making the user aware of the availability of the autonomous driving mode, but simply in response to a request from the user to initiate the autonomous driving mode.

The operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described.

A controller 1110 or control unit 1110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 4. The controller 1110 is substantially similar to the controller 110 described with reference to Figure 1 hereinbefore apart from the hereinafter described differences.

The controller 1110 comprises a control means 1120, input means 1140 and output means 1150. In some embodiments, the controller 1110 comprises a memory means 1130 such as one or more memory devices 1130 for storing data therein. The input means 1140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a fall-back signal. The input means 1140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a keepalive signal. Therefore, the input means 1140 may be for receiving the fall-back signal and the keep-alive signal. The fall-back signal is indicative of an action to be performed by a component associated with a host vehicle. The action is associated with a manoeuvre of the host vehicle, as will be explained. The output means 1150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a component control signal. The component control signal is indicative of a control request to cause the component associated with the host vehicle to perform an action associated with a manoeuvre of the host vehicle. The control means 1120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 1130. The control means 1120 is arranged to determine if a keep-alive signal is received by the input means 1140 within a predetermined period of time from a time of receipt of a fall-back signal by the input means 1140. The control means 1120 is arranged to control the output means 1150 to output the component control signal in dependence on the fall-back signal if the keep-alive signal is not determined to be received by the input means 1140 within the predetermined period of time. Therefore, instructions for the component associated with the host vehicle, and indicated by the fall-back signal, can be used in the event that the subsequent communication of the keep-alive signal is not received within an expected time period. In some embodiments, the keep-alive signal can be another fall-back signal, comprising further instructions for the component associated with the host vehicle. In other embodiments, the keep-alive signal can be different from the fall-back signal, indicative of a control request for a component associated with the host vehicle. In embodiments where the keep-alive signal is indicative of a control request for the component associated with the host vehicle, the control request may be for an action to be performed by the component associated with the host vehicle in preference to the action indicated by the fall-back signal. In other words, in the event of a loss of the communication link to the input means 1140 of the controller 1110, the control means 1120 of the controller 1110 is arranged to implement the last received instructions indicated by the fall-back signal. In some embodiments, the fall-back signal is indicative of one or more actions to be performed by the component associated with the host vehicle, the one or more actions together associated with a manoeuvre of the host vehicle to bring the host vehicle to a stop. In some embodiments, the input means 1140 and the output means 1150 may be combined such as by being formed by an I/O unit or interface unit. For example, the controller 1110 may comprise an interface to a network forming a communication bus of the host vehicle. The interface bus may be an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication bus such as Ethernet, although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect.

As described hereinbefore, the component associated with the host vehicle may be a component for movement of the host vehicle. The component for movement may be a component for longitudinal motion of the host vehicle, such as a component for torque. The torque component may be a component for braking or a component for locomotion, such as a motor or engine. The component for movement may be a component for lateral motion of the host vehicle, such as a component for steering.

In some embodiments, the input means 1140 is arranged to receive a command signal indicative of a request for an action to be performed by the component associated with the host vehicle. The control means 1120 is arranged to control the output means 1150 to output the component control signal in dependence on the command signal. In some embodiments, the input means 1140 is arranged to receive the command signal via the same communication link as the keep-alive signal. In some embodiments, the keep-alive signal comprises the command signal. Therefore, the controller 1110 can be configured to receive the command signal as the keep-alive signal via the input means 1140.

In some embodiments, the input means 1140 is arranged to receive a further fall-back signal indicative of a further action to be performed by the component instead of the action indicated by the previous fall-back signal. In such examples, the keep-alive signal comprises further fall-back signal. Therefore, the controller 1110 can be configured to receive the further fall-back signal as the keep-alive signal via the input means 1140.

In some embodiments, the output means 1150 is arranged to output a further component control signal to cause a further component associated with the host vehicle to perform an action associated with the manoeuvre of the host vehicle. The control means 1120 may be arranged to control the output means 1150 to output the further component control signal in dependence on the fall-back signal if the keep-alive signal is not determined to be received by the input means 1140 within the predetermined period of time. In this example, the predetermined period of time is one second. The predetermined period of time may be indicative of a predetermined number of processing cycles for the control means 1120.

In some embodiments, the input means 1140 is arranged to receive the keep-alive signal over a first communication link, such as a FlexRay network. The output means 1150 is arranged to output the component control signal over a second communication link, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN). In particular, the second communication link is different to the first communication link. Therefore, even if there is a failure in the first communication link, the component control signal can still be sent over the second communication link. In some embodiments, the controller 1110 can be arranged to send and receive signals over both the first communication link and the second communication link. In other words, the input means 1140 may be arranged to receive signals over the first communication link and the second communication link, and the output means 1150 may be arranged to output signals over the first communication link and the second communication link.

In some embodiments, the control means 1120 is arranged to generate a plurality of component control signals. Each of the plurality of component control signals are to cause the component of the host vehicle to perform a different portion of the action indicated by the fall-back signal. The plurality of component control signals are generated in dependence on the fall-back signal. The control means 1120 is arranged to control the output means 1150 to output each of the plurality of component control signals. Therefore, a manoeuvre of the host vehicle which requires a plurality of actions by one or more components of the host vehicle can be performed if the keep-alive signal is not received by the input means 1140 within the predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the plurality of component control signals are output in sequence. In some embodiments, the plurality of component control signals are each output separately.

In some embodiments, the action of the component is associated with a stopping manoeuvre of the host vehicle. The stopping manoeuvre may be performed over a distance greater than a minimum stopping distance of the host vehicle. Therefore, the host vehicle may be brought to a stop if the keep-alive signal is not received by the input means 1140 within the predetermined period of time.

A system 1210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 5.

The system 1210 comprises the controller 1110 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 1, as a first controller 1110 and a second controller 1220. The first controller 1110 is arranged to receive the fall-back signal as described hereinbefore. The first controller 1110 is arranged to output the component control signal as described hereinbefore. The second controller 1220 is arranged to generate the fall-back signal to be received by the first controller 1110. In some embodiments, the system 1210 comprises input means 1230 for receiving one or more state signals. The second controller 1220 is arranged to generate the fall-back signal in dependence on the one or more state signals received from the input means 1230. The one or more state signals are each indicative of at least one of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic. In some embodiments, the one or more state signals are together indicative of a speed of the host vehicle and a speed and relative location of one or more objects in the vicinity of the host vehicle. The one or more objects in the vicinity of the host vehicle may be stationary objects or moving objects, such as other vehicles.

In some embodiments, the system 1210 comprises component control means 1240. The component control means 1240 is arranged to control the component associated with the host vehicle to perform the action associated with the manoeuvre of the host vehicle in dependence on the component control signal.

In some embodiments, the system 1210 comprises further component control means 1250 arranged to control the further component associated with the host vehicle to perform an action associated with the manoeuvre of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the further component is of a different type to the component. In other embodiments, the further component is of the same type as the component. Therefore, the system 1210 can control multiple components with the same first controller 1110.

A method 1300 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 6. The method 1300 is a method of controlling the host vehicle. In particular, the method 1300 is a method of controlling the output of a component control signal to cause a component associated with the host vehicle to perform an action associated with a manoeuvre of the host vehicle. The method 1300 may be performed by the controller 1110 and the system 1210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

The method 1300 broadly comprises steps of receiving 1310 a fall-back signal indicative of an action to be performed by a component of the host vehicle, determining 1320 is a keepalive signal is received within a predetermined period of time from a time of receipt of the fall-back signal, and outputting 1330 a component control signal in dependence on the fallback signal if the keep-alive signal is not received within the predetermined period of time.

Referring to Figure 6, the illustrated embodiment of the method 1300 comprises a step of receiving 1310 a fall-back signal indicative of an action to be performed by a component associated with a host vehicle, the action associated with a manoeuvre of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the fall-back signal is received via an input means 1140 of the controller 1110. The fall-back signal may be determined in dependence on one or more state signals each indicative of at least one of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic.

In step 1320, it is determined if a keep-alive signal is received within a predetermined period of time from a time of receipt of the fall-back signal. The keep-alive signal is indicative of a continued operation of a communication link for receiving the keep-alive signal. In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time is less than one second. In some embodiments, the keep-alive signal is indicative of a continued operation of a communication link for receiving the fall-back signal.

In step 1330, a component control signal is output in dependence on the fall-back signal and if the keep-alive signal is not received within the predetermined period of time. The component control signal is configured to cause the component associated with the host vehicle to perform the action associated with the manoeuvre of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, if the keep-alive signal is not received within the predetermined period of time, the component control signal output. The component control signal is determined in dependence on the fall-back signal.

A further aspect of the operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described. A controller 2110 or control unit 2110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 7.

The controller 2110 is associated with a host vehicle travelling at a host vehicle speed in a first lane of a multi-lane navigable path, and comprises a control means 2120, input means 2140 and output means 2150. In some embodiments, the controller 2110 comprises a memory means 2130 such as one or more memory devices 2130 for storing data therein. The input means 2140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a second speed signal. The second speed signal is indicative of a further vehicle speed of a further vehicle in a second lane of the multi-lane navigable path. In some embodiments, the electrical input is also for receiving a signal in the form of a first speed signal. The first speed signal is indicative of the host vehicle speed of the host vehicle travelling in the first lane of the multi-lane navigable path. The output means 2150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a speed change signal. The speed change signal is to cause the host vehicle to control a speed of the host vehicle from the host vehicle speed towards the further vehicle speed. The control means 2120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 2130. The control means 2120 is arranged to control the output means 2150 to output the speed change signal in dependence on the second speed signal. Therefore, the speed of the host vehicle can be changed in dependence on the speed of traffic in a different lane to the host vehicle, for example, in preparation for a lane-change manoeuvre of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the input means 2140 and the output means 2150 may be combined such as by being formed by an I/O unit or interface unit. For example, the controller 2110 may comprise an interface to a network forming a communication bus of the host vehicle. The interface bus may be an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication bus such as Ethernet, although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments, the second speed signal is indicative of a relative speed of the further vehicle to the host vehicle. In other embodiments, the second speed signal is indicative of an absolute speed of the further vehicle relative to the navigable path.

In some embodiments, the control means 2120 is arranged to determine the speed change signal in dependence on the second speed signal. For example, the speed change signal may be indicative of a further speed to which the speed of the host vehicle should be changed. The further speed may be determined in dependence on the second speed signal. In some embodiments, the further speed is the further vehicle speed. In some embodiments, the control means 2120 is arranged to determine the speed change signal in dependence on the first speed signal, as well as the second speed signal. In some embodiments, the control means 2120 is arranged to determine the speed change signal if the second speed signal (and optionally the first speed signal) is indicative of the further vehicle speed differing from the host vehicle speed by more than a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the speed change signal is to cause the host vehicle to accelerate. In some embodiments, the speed change signal is to cause the host vehicle to decelerate. In some embodiments, the speed change signal is to cause the host vehicle to decelerate and subsequently accelerate. Therefore, when the host vehicle is following another vehicle in the first lane, a distance between the host vehicle and the other vehicle in the first lane can first be increased by deceleration of the host vehicle, giving the host vehicle sufficient room to accelerate before moving into the second lane.

In some embodiments, the input means 2140 is arranged to receive a space availability signal. The space availability signal is indicative of a presence of a space in front of or behind the further vehicle. A size of the space is sufficient to accommodate the host vehicle. The control means 2120 is arranged to cause the output means 2150 to output the speed change signal in dependence on the space availability signal. Therefore, in some embodiments, the speed change signal can be output if there is a space of sufficient size to accommodate the host vehicle in front of or behind the further vehicle in the second lane. In some embodiments, the control means 2120 is arranged to determine if the space availability signal is indicative of the presence of the space in front of or behind the further vehicle of the size sufficient to accommodate the host vehicle. A space may be determined to be of sufficient size to accommodate the host vehicle in dependence on the speed of the further vehicle and/or the speed of the host vehicle. Therefore, if the identified space is of a sufficient size, given the speed of the host vehicle and/or the further vehicle, the speed change signal may be output by the output means 2150. In some embodiments, the control means 2120 may be arranged to determine the size of the space in dependence on the first speed signal, the second speed signal and the space availability signal.

In some embodiments, the space is an expected space. In other words, the space availability signal is indicative of the presence of the expected space at a predetermined future time point. In another embodiment, the space is a current space, that is the space availability signal is indicative of the presence of the current space at a current time point.

In some embodiments, the speed change signal is to cause the host vehicle to control the speed of the host vehicle towards the further vehicle speed while the host vehicle is travelling in the first lane. In other words, the host vehicle at least initiates a change of speeds whilst travelling in the first lane. In some embodiments, the speed change signal is to cause the host vehicle to move from the first lane to the second lane. The host vehicle may move from the first lane to the second lane at a speed different from the host vehicle speed.

In some embodiments, the second speed signal is indicative of an average speed of a plurality of further vehicles in the second lane. The second speed signal may be indicative of an average speed of a subset of the plurality of further vehicles in the second lane.

In some embodiments, the control means 2120 is arranged to determine if the second speed signal is indicative of a further vehicle speed being different to the host vehicle speed. The control means 2120 is arranged to cause the output means 2150 to output the speed change signal in dependence on determining if the second speed signal is indicative of the further vehicle speed being different to the host vehicle speed. For example, the control means 2120 is arranged to cause the output means 2150 to output the speed change signal if the second speed signal is indicative of the further vehicle speed being different to the host vehicle speed by a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the control means 2120 is arranged to cause the output means 2150 to output the speed change signal if the second speed signal is indicative of the further vehicle speed being greater than the host vehicle speed by the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the input means 2140 is for receiving a request signal. The request signal is indicative of a request by a user of the host vehicle to move the host vehicle into the second lane. The control means 2120 is arranged to cause the output means 2150 to output the speed change signal in dependence on the request signal. In other words, the speed of the host vehicle may be changed from the host vehicle speed towards the further vehicle speed in response to the request from the user to move the host vehicle into the second lane.

In some embodiments, the output means 2150 is arranged to output a notification signal. The notification signal is to cause a notification means in the form of a notification output device, such as a notification display, of the host vehicle to indicate that the host vehicle will move into the second lane. The control means 2120 is arranged to control the output means 2150 to output the notification signal in dependence on the second speed signal.

A system 2210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 8.

The system 2210 comprises the controller 2110 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 7, sensing means 2220 and actuator means 2230. In some embodiments, the system 2210 comprises an indicator switch 2240 and notification means 2250. The controller 2110 is arranged to output the speed control signal as described hereinbefore. In some embodiments, the sensing means 2220 is in the form of a sensor unit 2220. The sensing means 2220 is for detecting the further vehicle speed of the further vehicle. In some embodiments, the sensing means 2220 is for detecting the further vehicle speed of a plurality of further vehicles. In some embodiments, the sensing means 2220 is for detecting the further vehicle speed of a plurality of further vehicles travelling in one or more of the ego lane and an adjacent lane to the lane in which the host vehicle is travelling. The sensing means 2220 is arranged to output the second speed signal to the controller in dependence on the further vehicle speed. In some embodiments, the actuator means 2230 is in the form of an actuator. The actuator means 2230 is for receiving the speed change signal from the controller 2110 and is to cause the host vehicle to change speeds from the host vehicle speed towards the further vehicle speed. The indicator switch 2240 is for receiving the request from the user of the host vehicle to move from the first lane to the second lane. The indicator switch 2240 is arranged to output the request signal to the controller 2110 in dependence on receiving the request from the user of the host vehicle to move from the first lane to the second lane. In some embodiments, the notification means 2250 is in the form of a notification output device, such as an electronic display device. The notification means 2250 is for receiving the notification signal and is arranged to indicate that the host vehicle will move into the second lane in dependence on the notification signal. In some embodiments, the notification means 2250 comprises an indicator light. In some embodiments, the system 2210 is configured to be operating in an autonomous driving mode when the controller 2110 outputs the speed change signal.

A method 2300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 9. The method 2300 is a method of controlling the host vehicle. In particular, the method 2300 is a method of controlling a speed of the host vehicle in dependence on a further vehicle speed of a further vehicle travelling in a different lane to the host vehicle. The method 2300 may be performed by the controller 2110 and system 2210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

The method 2300 broadly comprises the steps of receiving 2310 a further vehicle speed of a further vehicle in a second lane of a multi-lane navigable path and, in dependence thereon, changing 2320 a speed of the host vehicle from a host vehicle speed towards the further vehicle speed.

Referring to Figure 9, the illustrated embodiment of the method 2300 comprises a step of receiving 2310, at a host vehicle travelling at a host vehicle speed in a first lane of a multilane navigable path, a further vehicle speed of a further vehicle in a second lane of the multilane navigable path. In some embodiments, the further vehicle speed is indicated by a second speed signal received from sensing means 2220 at the controller 2110.

In step 2320, the speed of the host vehicle is changed from the host vehicle speed towards the further vehicle speed in dependence on the further vehicle speed. In some embodiments, the further vehicle speed is a relative speed of the further vehicle to the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the speed of the host vehicle is changed in dependence on the host vehicle speed and the further vehicle speed.

In some embodiments, the step 2320 of changing the speed of the host vehicle is performed in dependence on whether the further vehicle speed is different to the host vehicle speed by more than a predetermined threshold. For example, the step 2320 of changing the speed of the host vehicle may be performed if the further vehicle speed exceeds the host vehicle speed by at least the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the method 2300 comprises receiving the host vehicle speed of the host vehicle, and the step 2320 of changing the speed of the host vehicle is performed in dependence on the host vehicle speed and the further vehicle speed.

In some embodiments, the method 2300 comprises receiving a request by a user of the host vehicle to move the host vehicle into the second lane. In some embodiments, the step 2320 of changing the speed of the host vehicle from the host vehicle speed towards the further vehicle speed is performed in dependence on the received request by the user.

In some embodiments, the method 2300 comprises indicating that the host vehicle will move into the second lane.

In some embodiments, the method 2300 comprises receiving an indication of a presence of a space in front of or behind the further vehicle, the space having a size sufficient to accommodate the host vehicle. The step 2320 of changing the speed of the host vehicle may be performed in dependence on the received indication of the presence of the space.

In some embodiments, the method 2300 comprises determining if the size of the space is sufficient to accommodate the host vehicle in dependence on the host vehicle speed and the further vehicle speed. The step 2320 of changing the speed of the host vehicle may be performed if the size of the space is determined to be sufficient to accommodate the host vehicle therein.

In some embodiments, the second lane is adjacent the first lane. In some embodiments, the host vehicle and the further vehicle are travelling in the same direction.

A host vehicle 2400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 10. The host vehicle 2400 comprises the controller 2110 and the system 2210 and is arranged to perform the method 2300 thereon. Referring to Figure 10, the illustrated embodiment of the host vehicle 2400 is travelling on a multi-lane navigable path 2410 in the form of a multi-lane highway road 2410. The multi-lane navigable path 2410 comprises a first lane 2412 and a second lane 2414. The host vehicle 2400 is travelling in the first lane of the multi-lane navigable path 2410. At least one further vehicle 2420, 2430 in the form of a first further vehicle 2420 and a second further vehicle 2430 are travelling in the second lane 2414 of the multi-lane navigable path 2410. A space S is provided between the first further vehicle 2420 and the second further vehicle 2430. Each of the host vehicle 2400 and the at least one further vehicle 2420, 2430 are travelling in direction D along the navigable path 2410. In this way, the space S is provided in front of the first further vehicle 2420 and is provided behind the second further vehicle 2430. The space has a size S1. The host vehicle 2410 is moving in the first lane at a speed VH. The at least one further vehicle 2420, 2430 are moving in the second lane 2414 at a speed VF. In this example, the speed VF is an average of the speed of the first further vehicle 2420 and the speed of the second further vehicle 2430. In this particular example, the first further vehicle 2420 and the second further vehicle 2430 are both moving in the second lane 2414 at the speed VF. The speed VF of the at least one further vehicle 2420, 2430 and the speed VH of the host vehicle 2410 are different, such that the host vehicle 2410 is moving relative to the at least one further vehicle 2420, 2430. In this example, the speed VH is slower than the speed VF. The host vehicle 2400 changes speed from the speed VH to move towards the speed VF of the at least one further vehicle 2420, 2430. Therefore, the host vehicle 2400 can move into the space S at a speed closer to the speed VF of the at least one further vehicle 2420, 2430 than the original speed VH of the host vehicle 2400. As described hereinbefore, the host vehicle 2400 may move out of the first lane 2412 and into the space S in the second lane 2414 autonomously. The host vehicle 2400 may determine if the size S1 of the space S is sufficient to accommodate the host vehicle 2400.

A further aspect of the operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described. In particular, in one embodiment, there follows a description of a disengagement of the autonomous driving mode. A controller 3110 or control unit 3110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 11.

The controller 3110 is associated with a host vehicle for operating in an autonomous driving mode, and comprises a control means 3120, input means 3140 and output means 3150. In some embodiments, the controller 3110 comprises a memory means 3130 such as one or more memory devices 3130 for storing data therein. The input means 3140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a first request signal. The first request signal is indicative of a first request from a user of the host vehicle to transition the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the electrical input is also for receiving a signal in the form of a second request signal. The second request signal is indicative of a second request from the user of the host vehicle to transition the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode. The output means 3150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a first transition signal. The first transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode. The control means 3120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 3130. The control means 3120 is arranged to cause the output means 3150 to output the first transition signal in dependence on the first request signal and the second request signal. Therefore, both a first request and a second request from the user are required to transition the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode.

In some embodiments, the input means 3140 and the output means 3150 may be combined such as by being formed by an I/O unit or interface unit. For example, the controller 3110 may comprise an interface to a network forming a communication bus of the host vehicle. The interface bus may be an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication bus such as Ethernet, although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments, the input means 3140 is for receiving a further request signal. The further request signal is indicative of a further request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode. The output means 3150 is for outputting a second transition signal. The second transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition from the autonomous driving mode to a further driving mode in a shorter period of time than with the first transition signal. The control means 3120 is arranged to cause the output means 3150 to output the second transition signal in dependence on the further request signal and in dependence on a determination that the first request signal is indicative of the first request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode and that the second request signal is indicative of the second request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode. Therefore, when the user has already initiated transition out of the autonomous driving mode by making the first request and the second request, the process may be completed more quickly by additionally making the further request to transition out of the autonomous driving mode.

In some embodiments, the further request from the user comprises a vehicle movement request, such as at least one of a steering request and a torque request, for example a braking request or an acceleration request.

In some embodiments, the control means 3120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal is indicative of the first request from the user having a duration of at least a predetermined first threshold. The control means 3120 is arranged to cause the output means 3150 to output the first transition signal if the first request signal is indicative of the duration of the first request from the user being at least the predetermined first threshold. In this example, the predetermined first threshold is three seconds, but can be different.

In some embodiments, the control means 3120 is arranged to determine if the second request signal is indicative of the second request from the user having a duration of at least a predetermined second threshold. The control means 3120 is arranged to cause the output means 3150 to output the first transition signal if the second request signal is indicative of the duration of the second request from the user being at least the predetermined second threshold. In this example, the predetermined second threshold is the same as the predetermined first threshold.

In some embodiments, the control means 3120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal and the second request signal are received concurrently. The control means 3120 is arranged to cause the output means 3150 to output the first transition signal if the first request signal and the second request signal are received concurrently. In some embodiments, the first request signal and the second request signal are determined to be received concurrently if the first request signal and the second request signal are indicative of a first request from the user overlapping, at least partially with a second request from the user.

A system 3210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 12.

The system 3210 comprises the controller 3110 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 11, and an input apparatus 3220. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 3220 comprises a first input apparatus 3222 and a second input apparatus 3224. As described hereinbefore, the controller 3110 is arranged to output the first transition signal. The input apparatus 3220 is operable by the user to output the first request signal to the controller 3110. The input apparatus 3220 is operable separately by the user to output the second request signal to the controller 3110. Therefore, the input apparatus 3220 may be for receiving the first request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode and may be for receiving the second request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 3220 is arranged to be provided at a steering-control in the form of a steering wheel of the host vehicle. Where the input apparatus 3220 comprises the first input apparatus 3222 and the second input apparatus 3224, at least one of the first input apparatus 3222 and the second input apparatus 3224 may be provided at the steering-control of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, both the first input apparatus 3222 and the second input apparatus 3224 are arranged to be associated with the steering-control of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the first input apparatus 3222 comprises a first input device 3222 in the form of a first push-button switch 3222. In some embodiments, the second input apparatus 3224 comprises a second input device 3224 in the form of a second push-button switch 3224. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 3220 is operable by a first hand of the user to output the first request signal and operable by a second hand of the user to output the second request signal. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 3220 is configured to be operable by the hands of the user when the hands of the user are on the steering-control of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 3220 is operable by the thumb of the first hand of the user when the first hand is on the steering-control to output the first request signal. The input apparatus 3220 is operable by the thumb of the second hand of the user when the second hand is on the steering-control to output the second request signal. In embodiments, the input apparatus is arranged in a central portion of the steering-control, away from a rim portion of the steering-control.

A steering-control 3400 in the form of a steering wheel 3400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 13. The steering-control 3400 is generally circular in profile and comprises a rim portion 3410 and a central portion 3420 within the rim portion 3410. As is well-known, in use of the steering-control 3400, the hands of the user rotate the steering-control 3400 by engagement with the rim portion 3410 of the steeringcontrol 3400. As described previously, the steering-control 3400 is provided with the first input apparatus 3222 and the second input apparatus 3224. In this example, the first input apparatus 3222 and the second input apparatus 3224 are arranged in the central portion 3420 of the steering-control 3400.

A method 3300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 14. The method 3300 is a method of controlling the host vehicle. In particular, the method 3300 is a method of controlling a transition out of an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle in dependence on a first request of the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode and a second request of the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode. The method 3300 may be performed by the controller 3110 and system 3210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

The method 3300 broadly comprises the steps of receiving 3310, 3320 a first request and a second request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode and, in dependence thereon, outputting 3330 a first transition request to cause the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode.

Referring to Figure 14, the illustrated embodiment of the method 3300 comprises a step of receiving 3310 a first request from a user of the host vehicle to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the first request is received via an input apparatus 3220 on a steering-control 3400 of the host vehicle.

In step 3320, a second request from the user of the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode is received. In some embodiments, the second request is received from the input apparatus 3220 on the steering-control 3400 of the host vehicle.

In step 3330, the transition request to cause the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode is output in dependence on the first request and the second request. In some embodiments, the method 3300 comprises transitioning out of the autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the method comprises determining is at least one of the first request and the second request have a duration of at least a predetermined threshold. The transition request is output if at least one, or in some embodiments both, of the first request and the second request have a duration of at least the predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the method 3300 comprises determining if the first request and the second request are received concurrently. The transition request is output if the first request and the second request are received concurrently. In some embodiments, the method 3300 determines that the first request and the second request are received concurrently if the first request and the second request overlap at least partially.

A further aspect of the operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described. In particular, in one embodiment, there follows a description of a further aspect of a disengagement of the autonomous driving mode. A controller 4110 or control unit 4110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 15.

The controller 4110 is associated with a host vehicle for operating in an autonomous driving mode, and comprises a control means 4120, input means 4140 and output means 4150. In some embodiments, the controller 4110 comprises a memory means 4130 such as one or more memory devices 4130 for storing data therein. The input means 4140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a request signal. The request signal is indicative of a request from a user of the host vehicle to transition the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode. The electrical input is also for receiving a signal in the form of a capability signal. The capability signal is indicative of a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode. The output means 4150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a transition signal. The transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode. The control means 4120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 4130. The control means 4120 is arranged to cause the output means 4150 to output the transition signal in dependence on the request signal and the capability signal. Therefore, in this example, the host vehicle will transition out of the autonomous driving mode in dependence on both the request from the user and the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the input means 4140 and the output means 4150 may be combined such as by being formed by an I/O unit or interface unit. For example, the controller 4110 may comprise an interface to a network forming a communication bus of the host vehicle. The interface bus may be an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication bus such as Ethernet, although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments, the control means 4120 is arranged to determine the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle in dependence on the capability signal. The control means 4120 is arranged to determine that the user is requesting to transition out of the autonomous driving mode in dependence on the request signal. The control means 4120 is arranged to cause the output means 4150 to output the transition signal if the user is determined to be requesting to transition out of the autonomous driving mode and if the user is determined to be capable to take control of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the control means 4120 is arranged to prevent the output means 4150 from outputting the transition signal if the user is determined to be incapable of taking control of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the user may be determined to be capable of taking control of the host vehicle based on an awareness level of the user. In other words, the capability signal is indicative of an awareness level of the user. In some embodiments, the awareness level is a numerical scale, for example from 0 to 10, where 0 is not aware at all, such as asleep, and 10 is fully aware. In some embodiments, the capability signal is indicative of a gaze state of the user. The gaze state may comprise a blink characteristic of the user, and/or a pupil characteristic, such as a pupil movement characteristic, and/or a gaze direction of the user. In other words, in some examples, the user may be determined to be capable to take control of the host vehicle in dependence on the gaze direction of the user.

In some embodiments, the user may be determined to be incapable of taking control of the host vehicle based on the awareness level of the user.

In some embodiments, the capability signal is indicative of one or more images of an eye of the user. The control means 4120 is arranged to determine the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle in dependence on a blink characteristic of the eye of the user. The blink characteristic of the eye of the user is determined in dependence on the one or more images of the eye.

In some embodiments, the request signal is indicative of an input by the user to an input apparatus to request transition out of the autonomous driving mode. In some examples, the input by the user may be a tactile input, such as a button-press.

A system 4210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 16.

The system 4210 comprises the controller 4110 as described herein with reference to Figure 15, a first sensing means 4220 in the form of a first sensor 4220 and a second sensing means 4230 in the form of a second sensor 4230. The controller 4110 is arranged to output the transition signal as described hereinbefore. The first sensor 4220 is responsive to the request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. The first sensor 4220 is arranged to output the request signal to the controller 4110 in dependence on the request from the user. The second sensor 4230 is responsive to the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode. The second sensor 4230 is arranged to output the capability signal to the controller 4110 in dependence on the capability of the user.

In some embodiments, the first sensor 4220 comprises an input device 4220. The input device 4220 is operable by a hand of the user to generate the request signal. In some embodiments, the input device 4220 is arranged to be provided at a steering wheel of the host vehicle, for example as shown in Figure 13 in relation to the input apparatus 3220 described with reference to Figure 12. Similarly, in some embodiments, the input device 4220 of the present embodiment comprises two buttons.

In some embodiments, the second sensor 4230 comprises a touch sensor 4230. The touch sensor 4230 is arranged to detect a presence of a hand of the user on the steering wheel of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 4230 is a capacitive touch sensor 4230. In some embodiments, the second sensor 4230 comprises a physiological sensor. The physiological sensor is arranged to capture data indicative of a current awareness of the user. For example, the physiological sensor may be a heart rate sensor. In some embodiments, the physiological sensor comprises a camera. The camera is arranged to capture data indicative of a current awareness of the user. In some examples, the camera is an infrared camera. The infrared camera can see through some sunglasses worn by the user to continue to detect an eye characteristic of the user, for example a blink characteristic.

In some embodiments, the second sensor 4230 comprises a torque input sensor (not shown in Figure 16). The torque input sensor is arranged to detect a steering input by the user on a steering control, such as a steering wheel, of the host vehicle. In this way, a steering input by the user of the host vehicle is indicative of the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode.

A method 4300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 17. The method 4300 is a method of controlling the host vehicle. In particular, the method 4300 is a method of controlling a transition out of an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle in dependence on a request of the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode and a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle. The method 4300 may be performed by the controller 4110 and system 4210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 15 and 16.

The method 4300 broadly comprises the steps of receiving 4310 a request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode, receiving 4320 a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode and, in dependence thereon, transitioning 4330 the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode.

Referring to Figure 17, the illustrated embodiment of the method 4300 comprises a step of receiving 4310 a request from a user to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of a host vehicle.

In step 4320, a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode is received.

In step 4330, the host vehicle is transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode in dependence on the request from the user and the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle.

A further aspect of the operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described. In particular, in one embodiment, there follows a description of a further aspect of a disengagement of the autonomous driving mode. A controller 5110 or control unit 5110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 18.

The controller 5110 is associated with a host vehicle for operating in an autonomous driving mode, and comprises a control means 5120, input means 5140 and output means 5150. In some embodiments, the controller 5110 comprises a memory means 5130 such as one or more memory devices 5130 for storing data therein. The input means 5140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a feedback signal. The feedback signal is indicative of a resistance experienced by a steering wheel of a host vehicle in response to a force for moving the steering wheel. The force is applied to the steering wheel. The output means 5150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a user readiness signal. The user readiness signal is indicative of a presence of a hand of a user on the steering wheel. The control means 5120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 5130. The control means 5120 is arranged to cause the output means 5150 to output the user readiness signal in dependence on the feedback signal. Therefore, in this example, the presence of the hand of the user on the steering wheel can be determined by applying a force to the steering wheel and detecting the resistance experienced by the steering wheel. It will be understood that when a hand is present on the steering wheel, this can result in an additional resistance to movement of the steering wheel in response to an input force. In some embodiments, the input means 5140 and the output means 5150 may be combined such as by being formed by an I/O unit or interface unit. For example, the controller 5110 may comprise an interface to a network forming a communication bus of the host vehicle. The interface bus may be an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication bus such as Ethernet, although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments, the output means 5150 is arranged to output a steering wheel movement control signal. The steering wheel movement control signal is to cause the steering wheel of the host vehicle to at least attempt to move. The control means 5120 is arranged to cause the output means 5150 to output the steering wheel movement control signal. The steering wheel movement control signal is to cause the force on for moving the steering wheel. In some embodiments, the steering wheel movement control signal is configured to cause the steering wheel to attempt to perform a rotational movement. Therefore, the steering wheel may attempt to rotate. It will be understood that the presence of the hand of the user on the steering wheel will resist against rotational movement of the steering wheel. In this way, the presence of the hand of the user on the steering wheel can be determined based on the resistance experienced by the steering wheel to the at least attempted movement of the steering wheel. The steering wheel movement control signal is a request for movement of the steering wheel.

In some embodiments, the control means 5120 is arranged to control the input means 5140 to output any feedback signal to the control means 5120 only after the steering wheel movement control signal is output. In this way, the controller 5110 is arranged only to receive the feedback signal indicative of the resistance experienced by the steering wheel of the host vehicle in response to the force for moving the steering wheel when the controller 5110 has also caused movement of the steering wheel via the steering wheel movement control signal.

In some embodiments, the steering wheel movement control signal is configured to cause the steering wheel to apply a predetermined torque. In some embodiments, the steering wheel movement control signal is configured to cause the steering wheel to attempt to perform a first movement in a first direction. The steering wheel movement control signal is configured to cause the steering wheel to attempt to perform a second movement in a second direction. The second direction is opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the steering wheel movement control signal is configured to cause the steering wheel to attempt to move away from a first position and to return to the first position.

In some embodiments, the steering wheel movement control signal is such as to cause the force to be sufficiently low as to make the attempt to move the steering wheel substantially imperceptible to the user. In other words, the force is such as to cause the steering wheel to attempt to move an amount substantially imperceptible to the user.

In some embodiments, the steering wheel movement control signal is configured to attempt to apply a rotational movement of up to a predetermined amount, to cause a substantially imperceptible change to a direction of travel of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the steering wheel movement control signal is solely for use to determine the presence of the hand of the user on the steering wheel. In some embodiments, the steering wheel movement control signal is configured to cause the steering wheel to attempt to move by up to a predetermined amount. In some embodiments the attempt at movement of the steering wheel results in movement of the steering wheel in the absence of the presence of the hand of the user on the steering wheel. In some embodiments, the attempt at movement of the steering wheel results in movement of the steering wheel with the presence of the hand of the user on the steering wheel.

In some embodiments, the input means 5140 is arranged to receive a detection signal. The detection signal is indicative of a further detection of contact with the user on the steering wheel. The control means 5120 is arranged to cause the output means 5150 to output the user readiness signal in dependence on the feedback signal and the detection signal.

In some embodiments, the control means 5120 is arranged to determine if the feedback signal is indicative of the resistance experienced by the steering wheel being greater than a predetermined resistance threshold. The control means 5120 is arranged to cause the output means 5150 to output the user readiness signal if the feedback signal is determined to be indicative of the resistance experienced by the steering wheel being greater than the predetermined resistance threshold.

A system 5210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 19.

The system 5210 comprises the controller 5110 as described herein with reference to Figure 18 as a first controller 5110, and a second controller 5220. In some embodiments, the system 5210 comprises actuator means 5230. In some embodiments, the system 5210 comprises a touch sensor 5240. In some embodiments, the system 5210 comprises input means 5250. The first controller 5110 is arranged to output the user readiness signal as described hereinbefore. The second controller 5220 is in data communication with the first controller 5110. The second controller 5220 comprises output means 5222 in the form of second controller output means 5222 and control means 5224 in the form of second controller control means 5224. The second controller output means 5222 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a signal in the form of a mode change signal. The mode change signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition out of an autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the second controller 5220 comprises a memory means (not shown in Figure 19) such as one or more memory devices for storing data therein. The second controller control means 5224 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices. The second controller control means 5224 is arranged to cause the second controller output means 5222 to output the mode change signal in dependence on the user readiness signal.

In some embodiments, the actuator means 5230 may be in the form of an actuator unit 5230. The actuator means 5230 is for receiving the steering wheel movement control signal. The actuator means 5230 is configured to apply the force to the steering wheel of a host vehicle in dependence on the steering wheel movement control signal. In some embodiments, the actuator means 5230 is a motor.

In some embodiments, the touch sensor 5240 is to be provided at the steering wheel. The touch sensor 5240 is arranged to output the detection signal in response to the further detection of contact with the user on the steering wheel. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 5240 is a capacitive touch sensor 5240.

In some embodiments, the input means 5250 is for receiving a steering signal indicative of a path change request when the host vehicle is operating in the autonomous driving mode. The path change request is indicative of a steering command of the host vehicle, determined by an autonomous driving controller for controlling the host vehicle in the autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the system 5210 comprises actuator means, such as an actuator unit to cause the host vehicle to steer in accordance with a steering instruction. The actuator means referred to here may be the same or different to the actuator means described hereinbefore. The second controller control means 5224 is arranged to determine the steering instruction in dependence on the steering wheel movement control signal. The steering wheel movement control signal is configured to cause the steering wheel to attempt to move by more than an amount necessary in dependence on the steering signal alone. In other words, the steering wheel of the host vehicle is configured to move (or attempt to move) by more than necessary merely as part of the normal navigation of the host vehicle to stay on the navigable path along which the host vehicle is travelling.

A method 5300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 20. The method 5300 is a method of controlling a host vehicle. Specifically, the method 5300 is a method of determining a readiness of the user of the host vehicle in dependence on a resistance experienced by a steering wheel of the host vehicle to a force for moving the steering wheel applied to the steering wheel. The method 5300 may be performed by the controller 5110 and system 5210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 18 and 19.

The method 5300 broadly comprises the steps of receiving 5310 a resistance to a force for moving a steering wheel of a host vehicle, and generating 5320 and outputting 5330 a user readiness signal in dependence on the received resistance.

Referring to Figure 20, the illustrated embodiment of the method 5300 comprises a step of receiving 5310 a feedback signal indicative of a resistance experienced by a steering wheel of a host vehicle in response to a force for moving the steering wheel applied to the steering wheel.

In step 5320, a user readiness signal indicative of a presence of a hand of a user on the steering wheel is generated in dependence on the feedback signal. In some embodiments, the step 5320 may comprise generating the user readiness signal if the feedback signal is indicative of the resistance being greater than a predetermined resistance threshold.

In step 5330, the user readiness signal is output.

In some embodiments, the method 5300 comprises outputting a steering wheel movement control signal to cause the steering wheel of the host vehicle to attempt to move, whereby to generate the force for moving the steering wheel.

In some embodiments, the method 5300 comprises receiving a detection signal indicative of a further detection of contact with the user on the steering wheel. The method 5300 comprises generating the user readiness signal in dependence on the feedback signal and the detection signal.

A further aspect of the operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described. In particular, in one embodiment, there follows a description of a further aspect of a disengagement of the autonomous driving mode. A controller 6110 or control unit 6110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 21. The controller 6110 is for use with any of the navigable path layouts described in more detail with reference to Figures 22A to 22C hereinafter. The controller 6110 is associated with a host vehicle for operating in an autonomous driving mode, and comprises a control means 6120, input means 6140 and output means 6150. In some embodiments, the controller 6110 comprises a memory means 6130 such as one or more memory devices 6130 for storing data therein. The input means 6140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a detection signal. The detection signal is indicative of detection of a first feature associated with a navigable path of the host vehicle. The input means 6140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a time signal, and/or a distance signal. The time signal is indicative of a travel time from the host vehicle to the first feature. The distance signal is indicative of a travel distance from the host vehicle to the first feature. In some embodiments, the detection signal may comprise the time signal and/or the distance signal. In other words, both the time signal and/or the distance signal and the detection signal can be received together at the input means 6140. The output means 6150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a transition signal. The transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition from an autonomous driving mode to a further driving mode. The control means 6120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 6130. The control means 6120 is arranged to cause the output means 6150 to output a first transition signal in dependence on the detection signal if the time signal and/or the distance signal is indicative of the travel time or travel distance respectively to the first feature being greater than a first predetermined threshold (time or distance). The first transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition from the autonomous driving mode to a first further driving mode. The control means 6120 is arranged to cause the output means 6150 to output a second transition signal in dependence on the detection signal if the time signal and/or the distance signal is indicative of the travel time or travel distance respectively to the first feature being less than the first predetermined threshold (time or distance). The second transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition from the autonomous driving mode to a second further driving mode, different from the first further driving mode. Therefore, in this example, the travel distance and/or travel time from the host vehicle to the first feature can be used to determine the further driving mode into which the host vehicle is transitioned from the autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the input means 6140 and the output means 6150 may be combined such as by being formed by an I/O unit or interface unit. For example, the controller 6110 may comprise an interface to a network forming a communication bus of the host vehicle. The interface bus may be an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication bus such as Ethernet, although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, the control means 6120 may be arranged to cause the host vehicle to transition between driving modes directly, rather than through the transition signal from the output means 6150. The first further driving mode and the second further driving mode are each different from the autonomous driving mode, for example because both the first further driving mode and the second further driving mode are arranged to request the user to take control of the host vehicle before the host vehicle reaches the first feature.

The first feature is described in more detail with reference to Figures 22A to 22C hereinafter.

In some embodiments, the first transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to complete the transition from the autonomous driving mode to the first further driving mode before the host vehicle reaches the first feature. In some embodiments, a duration of the transition from the autonomous driving mode to the first further driving mode is greater than a duration of the transition from the autonomous driving mode to the second further driving mode. In this way, when the first feature is closer to the host vehicle, the host vehicle is arranged to transition out of the autonomous driving mode more quickly.

In some embodiments, a torque for longitudinal movement of the host vehicle (for example braking and/or acceleration) is controlled autonomously in the first further driving mode and the second further driving mode. In some embodiments, the host vehicle is arranged to be decelerated in the first further driving mode and the second further driving mode.

In some embodiments, the host vehicle is to be decelerated at a first deceleration rate in the first further driving mode, and the host vehicle is to be decelerated at a second deceleration rate in the second further driving mode. Therefore, the host vehicle can decelerate at different rates in the first further driving mode compared with the second further driving mode. In some embodiments, the host vehicle is arranged to be decelerated to a stop in the first further driving mode and the second further driving mode.

In some embodiments, a steering of the host vehicle is controlled autonomously in the first further driving mode and the second further driving mode.

In some embodiments, the output means 6150 is for outputting a request signal. The request signal is to request the user to transition the host vehicle from the first further driving mode or the second further driving mode to a manual driving mode in advance of the host vehicle reaching the first feature. The control means 6120 is arranged to cause the output means 6150 to output the request signal in dependence on the detection signal. In other words, the user can be requested to take control of the host vehicle on detection of the first feature.

In some embodiments, the control means 6120 is arranged to cause the output means 6150 to output the request signal after the host vehicle has started to transition from the autonomous driving mode to the first further driving mode or to the second further driving mode. In other words, the user can be requested to take control of the host vehicle while the host vehicle is operating in the first further driving mode or the second further driving mode.

In some embodiments, the transition from the autonomous driving mode to the first further driving mode comprises a first portion during which the control means 6120 is arranged to cause the output means 6150 to output the request signal, and a second portion during which the host vehicle is to be decelerated at a faster rate than in the first portion. In some embodiments, the transition from the autonomous driving mode to the second further driving mode comprises a first portion during which the control means 6120 is arranged to cause the output means 6150 to output the request signal, and a second portion during which the host vehicle is to be decelerated at a faster rate than in the first portion. The duration of the first portion of the transition is greater in the transition from the autonomous driving mode to the first further driving mode than in the transition from the autonomous driving mode to the second further driving mode.

In some embodiments, the output means 6150 is for outputting an availability signal. The availability signal is to indicate to the user an availability of the autonomous driving mode. The control means 6120 is arranged to cause the output means 6150 to output the availability signal in dependence on the detection signal and a determination that the host vehicle has passed the first feature. In some embodiments, the availability signal may be to indicate to the user that the autonomous driving mode is unavailable if the host vehicle has detected but not passed the first feature.

In some embodiments, the control means 6120 is arranged to determine that the host vehicle has passed the first feature in dependence on a further detection signal received by the input means 6140. The further detection signal is indicative of a detection of a second feature associated with the navigable path (and described further in relation to Figures 22A and 22B hereinafter), and indicative of an end of the first feature.

A plurality of navigable path layouts are shown in Figures 22A to 22C. Figure 22A shows a navigable path 6410 in the form of a road 6410. In some embodiments, the navigable path 6410 is a multi-lane navigable path 6410. In some embodiments, the navigable path comprises a first lane 6412, a second lane 6414, a third lane 6416 and a fourth lane 6418. A host vehicle 6420 is travelling along the navigable path 6410 in a direction D. In this particular example, the host vehicle 6420 is travelling in the fourth lane 6418 of the navigable path 6410. The navigable path 6410 has a first feature 6430 associated therewith. In some embodiments, the first feature 6430 is associated with a driving restriction 6430. In some embodiments, the first feature 6430 comprises the driving restriction 6430. The driving restriction 6430 is associated with at least a portion of the navigable path 6410, for example a plurality of lanes 6412, 6414, 6416 of the navigable path 6410. In some embodiments, the driving restriction 6430 is indicative of a closure of at least a portion of the navigable path 6410. In some embodiments, the driving restriction 6430 is roadworks 6430. In some embodiments, the driving restriction 6430 comprises one or more road traffic cones 6432. In some embodiments, the driving restriction 6430 comprises a temporary path marking, such as one or more of a temporary lane marking, a lane end sign and a temporary barrier, for example a temporary central reservation barrier. In other words, the driving restriction 6430 can be any feature of or associated with the navigable path 6410 which can require the host vehicle 6420 to be operated in a different driving mode to a current driving mode of the host vehicle 6420. For example, when the host vehicle 6420 is operated in an autonomous driving mode, it may be desirable or required that the host vehicle 6420 is operated in a different driving mode to the autonomous driving mode, for example a manual driving mode as described herein, when the host vehicle 6420 moves past or through the driving restriction 6430.

In some embodiments, the navigable path 6410 has associated therewith a first preceding feature 6440. The first preceding feature 6440 is indicative of the presence of the first feature 6430. In some embodiments, the first preceding feature 6440 comprises an advance marker 6440. In some embodiments, the advance marker 6440 is indicative of a travel time to the first feature 6430. In some embodiments, the advance marker 6440 is indicative of a travel distance to the first feature 6430. It will be understood that the travel time or the travel distance may be from the host vehicle 6420 or from the advance marker 6440. Therefore, the first preceding feature 6440 can provide advance notice that the first feature 6430 is upcoming on the navigable path 6410, allowing the host vehicle 6420 to prepare for the first feature 6430.

In some embodiments, the navigable path 6410 has associated therewith a second preceding feature 6450 indicative of the presence of the first feature 6430. In some embodiments, the second preceding feature comprises a start marker 6450. Therefore, the start marker 6450 can be indicative of the start of the first feature 6430. In some embodiments, the start marker 6450 is indicative of the start of the first feature 6430 being closer than from the advance marker 6440.

In some embodiments, the navigable path 6410 has associated therewith a second feature 6460. The second feature 6460 is located beyond the first feature 6430 on the navigable path 6410 and is indicative of an end of the first feature 6430. In some embodiments, the second feature 6460 may comprise an end marker 6460. Therefore, when the host vehicle 6420 passes the second feature 6460, it may be possible for the host vehicle 6420 to return to a previous driving mode in which the host vehicle 6420 was operating prior to encountering the first feature 6430.

In the example shown in Figure 22A, the host vehicle 6420 can be operating in an autonomous driving mode prior to entering the portion of the navigable path 6410 shown in Figure 22A. The host vehicle 6420 first detects the first preceding feature 6440, which is indicative of the presence of the first feature 6430 ahead of the host vehicle 6420 along the navigable path 6410. Were the host vehicle 6420 to be operating in a manual driving mode or another driving mode different from the autonomous driving mode, the host vehicle 6420 is prevented from entering the autonomous driving mode after detection of the first preceding feature 6440.

The host vehicle 6420 next detects the second preceding feature 6450 in the form of the start marker 6450 in advance of the host vehicle 6420 reaching the start marker 6450. In some embodiments, the host vehicle 6420 determines a location of the start marker 6450 based on the first preceding feature 6440. The host vehicle 6420 is arranged to switch from the autonomous driving mode to a transition driving mode in advance of the start marker 6450. In this example, the host vehicle 6420 is arranged to switch to the transition driving mode a predetermined distance in advance of the start marker 6450. In the transition driving mode, the user of the host vehicle 6420 is requested to take control of the host vehicle 6420 to navigate the host vehicle 6420 past the first feature. If the user fails to take control of the host vehicle 6420 by the time the host vehicle reaches the start marker 6450, the host vehicle 6420 is arranged to decelerate to bring the host vehicle 6420 to a complete stop in advance of the host vehicle 6420 reaching the first feature 6430. It will be understood that some deceleration of the host vehicle 6420 may occur in the transition driving mode, such as coasting or engine-braking, but that the deceleration of the host vehicle 6420 to bring the host vehicle 6420 to the complete stop can be greater.

As described previously, once the host vehicle 6420 has passed the first feature 6430, the host vehicle 6420 may be transitioned (manually or automatically) back into the autonomous driving mode. In some embodiments, the host vehicle 6420 is deemed to have passed the first feature 6430 when the host vehicle 6420 has passed the end marker 6460. In some embodiments, the host vehicle 6420 is deemed to have passed the first feature 6430 when no further features are detected by the host vehicle 6420 for a predetermined time or a predetermined distance after the first feature 6430. In some embodiments, an availability of the autonomous driving mode may be indicated to the user in dependence on a determination that the host vehicle has passed the first feature 6430.

It will be understood that the detection of the first feature 6430, the first preceding feature 6440, the second preceding feature 6450 and the second feature 6460 can be achieved using sensing means, such as one or more sensor units associated with the host vehicle 6420. For example, the host vehicle 6420 may comprise one or more cameras, laser sensors, radar sensors, and ultrasound sensors, along with sensor processing means in the form of an image processor, configured to observe the navigable path 6410 and to detect one or more of the first feature 6430, the first preceding feature 6440, the second preceding feature 6450 and the second feature 6460. In some embodiments, the detection of the first feature 6430, the first preceding feature 6440, the second preceding feature 6450 and the second feature 6460 is achieved based on map information instead of or in addition to the sensing means.

Figure 22B shows a further arrangement of features on a navigable path 6410a. The features are substantially as described with reference to Figure 22A, but with the herein noted differences. In Figure 22B, the navigable path 6410a has no associated advance marker 6440 from Figure 22A. Instead, the start marker 6450a associated with the navigable path 6410a serves as the first indicator to the host vehicle 6420 of the upcoming first feature 6430. In this way, the host vehicle 6420 can prevent activation of the autonomous driving mode as soon as the start marker 6450a is detected. If the host vehicle 6420 is already operating in the autonomous driving mode, the host vehicle 6420 switches from the autonomous driving mode to the transition driving mode at the start marker 6450a. In this embodiment, the host vehicle 6420 is arranged to stay in the transition driving mode for a predetermined duration, requesting the user to take control of the host vehicle 6420. As in Figure 22A, should the user fail to take control of the host vehicle 6420, the host vehicle 6420 is arranged to decelerate to a stop in advance of the first feature 6430.

Figure 22C shows another arrangement of features on a navigable path 6410b. The features are substantially as described with reference to Figure 22B, apart from the herein noted differences. In Figure 22B, the start marker 6450b is located closer to the first feature 6430 than in Figures 22A or 22B. In this example, if the host vehicle 6420 is operating in the autonomous driving mode, the host vehicle 6420 switches to the transition driving mode from the start marker 6450b. The host vehicle 6420 is arranged to start decelerating the host vehicle 6420 to a stop earlier than in Figures 22A or 22B to ensure that the host vehicle 6420 is stopped prior to the first feature 6430. Therefore, the length of time or distance for the transition driving mode in which the user is requested to take control of the host vehicle 6420 can be reduced compared to the situation in Figures 22A or 22B.

A system 6210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 23. The system 6210 comprises the controller 6110 as described herein with reference to Figure as a first controller 6110, a sensing means 6220 and a vehicle controller 6230. The sensing means 6220 is for detecting the first feature and is arranged to output the detection signal to the first controller 6110 in dependence on detection of the first feature. The sensing means 6220 is for detecting a travel time (and/or travel distance) from the host vehicle to the first feature and is arranged to output the time signal (and/or the distance signal) to the first controller 6110 in dependence on detection of the travel time (and/or travel distance). The vehicle controller 6230 is for receiving the transition signal from the first controller 6110 and is to cause the host vehicle to transition from the autonomous driving mode to the first further driving mode or from the autonomous driving mode to the second further driving mode in dependence on the transition signal. The transition signal can be the first transition signal or the second transition signal. The sensing means 6220 may comprise a sensor unit 6220.

In some embodiments, the sensing means 6220 comprises a camera 6220. In some embodiments, the sensing means 6220 comprises a radar. In some embodiments, the sensing means 6220 comprises a range sensing means 6220, for example a range detection means, such as a rangefinder. The rangefinder can be a laser rangefinder or another form of rangefinder. In some embodiments, the sensing means 6220 is arranged to receive navigation data.

In some embodiments, the sensing means 6220 is for detecting the second feature, in addition to the first feature.

A method 6300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 24. The method 6300 is a method of controlling a host vehicle. Specifically, the method 6300 is a method of transitioning the host vehicle out of an autonomous driving mode in dependence on detection of a first feature associated with a navigable path of the host vehicle. The method 6300 may be performed by the controller 6110 and system 6210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 21 and 23.

The method 6300 broadly comprises the steps of detecting 6310 a first feature associated with a navigable path of a host vehicle, receiving 6320 a travel time (and/or a travel distance) to the first feature, and, in dependence on the detection of the first feature, transitioning 6330 the host vehicle to a first further driving mode or transitioning 6340 the host vehicle to a second further driving mode.

Referring to Figure 24, the illustrated embodiment of the method 6300 comprises a step of detecting 6310 a first feature associated with a navigable path of a host vehicle. In step

6320, a travel time and/or a travel distance from the host vehicle to the first vehicle is received. In some embodiments, the step 6320 may occur as part of the step 6310 of detecting the first feature. In some embodiments, the travel time (and/or the travel distance) can be determined in dependence on detection of the first feature.

In step 6330, if the travel time (and/or travel distance) to the first feature is greater than a first predetermined time, the host vehicle is transitioned from an autonomous driving mode to a first further driving mode in dependence on the detection of the first feature.

In step 6340, if the travel time (and/or travel distance) to the first feature is less than the first predetermined time, the host vehicle is transitioned from the autonomous driving mode to a second further driving mode in dependence on the detection of the first feature.

In some embodiments, the method 6300 comprises the step 6350 of determining if the travel time (and/or travel distance) from the host vehicle to the first feature is greater than the first predetermined time.

A further aspect of the operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described. In particular, in one embodiment, there follows a description of a further aspect of a disengagement of the autonomous driving mode. A controller 7110 or control unit 7110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 25.

The controller 7110 comprises a control means 7120, input means 7140 and output means 7150. In some embodiments, the controller 7110 comprises a memory means 7130 such as one or more memory devices 7130 for storing data therein. The input means 7140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a first request signal. The first request signal is indicative of a primary control attempt by a user of a host vehicle. The primary control attempt is to control a first component of the host vehicle to perform a requested action. The requested action is different from a current action of the first component and is associated with a manoeuvre of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the input means 7140 comprises an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a second request signal. The second request signal is indicative of a secondary control attempt by the user of the host vehicle to control a second component of the host vehicle. The first component and the second component of the host vehicle are each components for movement of the host vehicle. The output means 7150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a first component control signal. The first component control signal is to cause the first component to perform the requested action. The control means 7120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 7130. The control means 7120 is arranged to control the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal in dependence on the first request signal and receipt of the second request signal. The control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than a first predetermined threshold. In other words, the control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal satisfies a first predetermined criterion, indicated by the first predetermined threshold. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal in dependence on if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than the first predetermined threshold. The control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the second request signal is received by the input means 7140. If the second request signal is determined to be received, the control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than a second predetermined threshold. In other words, the control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal satisfied a second predetermined criterion, indicated by the second predetermined threshold. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal in dependence on if the second request signal is determined to be received, and if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than the second predetermined threshold. The second predetermined threshold is different to the first predetermined threshold. Therefore, the controller 7110 can be arranged to cause the host vehicle to operate the first component for movement of the host vehicle following a primary control attempt by the user according to different criteria based on whether the primary control attempt is accompanied by a secondary control attempt. In some embodiments, the control means 7120 is arranged to control the host vehicle in accordance with an autonomous driving mode when the user supplies the first control attempt and the second control attempt. In some embodiments, the input means 7140 and the output means 7150 may be combined such as by being formed by an I/O unit or interface unit. For example, the controller 7110 may comprise an interface to a network forming a communication bus of the host vehicle. The interface bus may be an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication bus such as Ethernet, although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments, the second predetermined threshold is less than the first predetermined threshold. Therefore, a primary control attempt, not accompanied by a secondary control attempt needs to be stronger in order to result in performance of the requested action by the first component, compared to a primary control attempt accompanied by a secondary control attempt.

In some embodiments, the first component is a steering component operable to cause a change in a direction of travel of the host vehicle. In this way, the primary control attempt can be an attempt by the user of the host vehicle to change a direction of travel of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the first predetermined threshold and/or the second predetermined threshold comprise a torque limit threshold. In this context, the torque limit threshold is understood to be indicative of a steering torque to be applied by the user as the primary control attempt to change the direction of travel of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the primary control attempt is applied to a steering wheel of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the first predetermined threshold and/or the second predetermined threshold comprise a torque integral limit threshold. The torque integral limit threshold is indicative of an integrated steering torque to be applied by the user as the primary control attempt. The primary control attempt is applied by the user to the steering wheel of the host vehicle. It will be understood that an integrated steering torque is a mathematical integral of the steering torque applied by the user over an integration window. In some embodiments, the integration window is less than five seconds.

In some embodiments, the control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than the first predetermined threshold for longer than a first threshold duration. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal in dependence on whether the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than the first predetermined threshold for longer than the first threshold duration. In some embodiments, the first threshold duration is less than two seconds.

Therefore, the use of either the torque integral limit threshold or the first threshold duration described hereinbefore allow the control means 7120 to not output the first component control signal in dependence on a short primary control attempts which is not sufficiently sustained. For example, accidental knocks of the control apparatus by the user of the host vehicle may not result in performance of the requested action by the first component.

In some embodiments, the output means 7150 is for outputting a second component control signal. The second component control signal is to cause the second component to perform a further requested action. The further requested action may be associated with the same manoeuvre as for the requested action of the first component, or may be associated with a different manoeuvre to the manoeuvre associated with the requested action of the first component. The control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the second request signal is indicative of the secondary control attempt being greater than a third predetermined threshold. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the second component control signal in dependence on whether the second request signal is indicative of the secondary control attempt being greater than the third predetermined threshold. The third predetermined threshold may be different from either of the first predetermined threshold and the second predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the third predetermined threshold may be the same as the first predetermined threshold and/or the second predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the second component is a speed control component, such as a torque control component. The speed control component is operable to cause a change in a speed of the host vehicle, for example a ground speed of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the speed control component comprises a braking component, such as a brake, operable to reduce the speed of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the third predetermined threshold is a braking threshold. The braking threshold is indicative of a braking force to be applied by the user as the secondary control attempt to a brake input of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the speed control component comprises an acceleration component, such as a torque request component, for example a motor. The torque request component is operable to increase the speed of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the third predetermined threshold is an acceleration threshold. The acceleration threshold is indicative of an acceleration request to be applied by the user as the secondary control attempt to an acceleration input of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the input means 7140 is for receiving a detection signal. The detection signal is indicative of detection of a hand of the user on the steering wheel of the host vehicle, in substantially any way as described hereinbefore. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal in dependence on the detection signal.

In some embodiments, the control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than a fourth predetermined threshold. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal in dependence on if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than the fourth predetermined threshold and in dependence on if the detection signal is indicative of the detection of the hand of the user on the steering wheel. In other words, a different threshold can be used depending on whether the user has at least one hand on the steering wheel.

In some embodiments, the fourth predetermined threshold is less than at least one of the first predetermined threshold and the second predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the input means 7140 is for receiving a further detection signal. The further detection signal is indicative of detection of a further hand of the user on the steering wheel of the host vehicle. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal in dependence on the further control signal.

In some embodiments, the control means 7120 is arranged to determine if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than a fifth predetermined threshold. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal in dependence on if the first request signal is indicative of the primary control attempt being greater than the fifth predetermined threshold and in dependence on if the detection signal and the further detection signal are together indicative of the detection of the hand and the further hand of the user on the steering wheel. In other words, a different threshold can be used depending on whether the user has both hands on the steering wheel.

In some embodiments, the fifth predetermined threshold is less than at least one of the first predetermined threshold, the second predetermined threshold and the fourth predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the output means 7150 is for outputting a transition signal. The transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. The control means 7120 is arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the transition signal in dependence on the first request signal. In some examples, the control means 7120 can be arranged to cause the output means 7150 to output the transition signal if the control means 7120 is to cause the output means 7150 to output the first component control signal. Therefore, the host vehicle can be transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode if the first component control signal is output.

In some embodiments, the transition signal is to cause the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode over a transition period of time. In some embodiments, the transition period of time may be at least half a second. In some embodiments, the transition period of time may be less than half a second.

A system 7210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 26.

The system 7210 comprises the controller 7110 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 25 and arranged to output the first component control signal. In some embodiments, the system 7210 comprises actuator means 7230 in the form of an actuator unit 7230 and input apparatus 7220. The actuator means 7230 is for receiving the first component control signal from the controller 7110. The actuator means 7230 is to cause the first component of the host vehicle to perform the requested action in dependence on the first component control signal. The input apparatus 7220 is for receiving the primary control attempt by the user of the host vehicle and is arranged to output the first request signal to the controller 7110 in dependence on the received primary control attempt. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 7220 comprises a first input device 7222 for receiving the primary control attempt by the user and a second input device 7224 for receiving the secondary control attempt by the user. The second input device 7224 is arranged to output the second request signal to the controller 7110 in dependence on the secondary control attempt. In some embodiments, the first input device 7222 may be a steering component 7222, such as a steering wheel 7222 of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the second input device 7224 may be a speed control component 7224, such as a braking component 7224, for example a brake pedal 7224, of the host vehicle.

A method 7300 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 27. The method 7300 is a method of controlling the host vehicle. In particular, the method 7300 is a method of controlling a first component for movement of the host vehicle to perform a requested action. The method 7300 may be performed by the controller 7110 and system 7210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 25 and 26.

The method 7300 broadly comprises steps of receiving 7310 a primary control attempt by a user of a host vehicle to control a first component of the host vehicle, determining 7320 if a secondary control attempt by the user of the host vehicle to control a second component of the host vehicle is received, and in dependence thereon, controlling the first component to perform the requested action.

Referring to Figure 27, the illustrated embodiment of the method 7300 comprises a step of receiving 7310 a primary control attempt by a user of a host vehicle. The primary control attempt is to control a first component of the host vehicle to perform a requested action different from a current action of the first component. The requested action is associated with a manoeuvre of the host vehicle. The first component is a component for movement of the host vehicle.

In step 7320, the receipt of a secondary control attempt is determined. The secondary control attempt is by the user of the host vehicle and is to control a second component for movement of the host vehicle.

If the secondary control attempt is not received in step 7320, in step 7330, whether a characteristic of the primary control attempt is greater than a first predetermined threshold is determined. In step 7340, the first component is controlled to perform the requested action in dependence on whether the characteristic of the primary control attempt is greater than the first predetermined threshold.

If the secondary control attempt is received in step 7320, in step 7350, whether the characteristic of the primary control attempt is greater than a second predetermined threshold is determined. In step 7360, the first component is controlled to perform the requested action in dependence on whether the characteristic of the primary control attempt is greater than the second predetermined threshold.

A further aspect of the operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described. In particular, in one embodiment, there follows a description of a further aspect of a disengagement of the autonomous driving mode. A controller 8110 or control unit 8110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 28.

The controller 8110 comprises control means 8120 and input means 8140. In some embodiments, the controller 8110 comprises a memory means 8130 such as one or more memory devices 8130 for storing data therein. The input means 8140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a transition request signal. The transition request signal is indicative of a transition request by a user of a host vehicle to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the input means 8140 comprises an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a steering request signal. The steering request signal is indicative of a steering request by the user of the host vehicle. The control means 8120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 8130. The control means 8120 is arranged to switch from the autonomous driving mode to a transition driving mode in dependence on the transition request signal. In the transition driving mode, the host vehicle is steered autonomously. The control means 8120 is arranged to receive the steering request signal indicative of the steering request by the user of the host vehicle. The control means 8120 is arranged to determine if the steering request signal is indicative of the steering request being greater than a predetermined threshold. The control means 8120 is arranged to switch from the transition driving mode to a further driving mode in dependence on whether the steering request signal is indicative of the steering request being greater than the predetermined threshold. In the further driving mode, the host vehicle is steered in dependence on the steering request signal. In some embodiments, the control means 8120 is arranged to control the host vehicle in accordance with the autonomous driving mode when the user supplies the transition request. Therefore, the host vehicle can be switched to the further driving mode and out of a driving mode in which the steering of the host vehicle is controlled autonomously in dependence on a steering request signal.

In some embodiments, the control means 8120 is arranged to switch from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode in less than half a second.

In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold comprises a torque limit threshold. The torque limit threshold is indicative of a steering torque to be applied by the used as the steering request to a steering wheel of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the control means 8120 is arranged to determine if the steering request signal is indicative of the steering request being greater than the torque limit threshold for longer than a predetermined duration. The control means 8120 is arranged to switch from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode in dependence on if the steering request signal is indicative of the steering request being greater than the torque limit threshold for longer than the predetermined duration.

In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold comprises a torque integral limit threshold. The torque integral limit threshold is indicative of an integrated steering torque to be applied by the user as the steering request to a steering wheel of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the torque integral limit threshold is indicative of the integrated steering torque to be applied by the user over an integration window. In some embodiments, the integration window has a duration of no more than three seconds.

In some embodiments, the control means 8120 is arranged to cause a predetermined delay between receipt of the transition request signal and switching from the autonomous driving mode to the transition driving mode. In some embodiments, the predetermined delay is of a duration of at least half a second.

It will be understood that in some embodiments, the controller 8110 may comprise output means (not shown in Figure 28) for outputting a driving mode control signal to cause the host vehicle to switch driving modes. The output means can be substantially as described hereinbefore in relation to other aspects of the invention.

A system 8210 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 29.

The system 8210 comprises the controller 8110 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 28 and arranged to switch between the autonomous driving mode and the transition driving mode. The controller 8110 is arranged to switch between the transition driving mode and the further driving mode. The system 8210 comprises input apparatus 8220. The input apparatus 8220 is for receiving the transition request from the user and is arranged to output the transition request signal to the controller 8110 in dependence on the transition request. The input apparatus 8220 is for receiving the steering request from the user and is arranged to output the steering request signal to the controller 8110 in dependence on the steering request. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 8220 comprises a first input apparatus 8222 for receiving the transition request from the user and a second input apparatus 8224 for receiving the steering request from the user. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 8220 is for operation by a hand of the user to cause the input apparatus 8220 to output the transition request signal. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 8220 in the form of the first input apparatus 8222 comprises an input switch 8222. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the input apparatus 8220 is arranged to be provided at a steering wheel of the host vehicle. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 8220 comprises a steering wheel 8220.

In some embodiments, the input apparatus 8220 is arranged to cause a predetermined delay between a first receipt of the transition request from the user and output of the transition request signal. The predetermined delay is of a duration of at least half a second.

In some embodiments, the input apparatus 8220 is for operation by a hand of the user to cause the input apparatus 8220 to output the steering request signal.

In some embodiments, during the transition from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode, the system 8210 is arranged to limit a rate of change of the steering of the host vehicle to a rate threshold. In some embodiments, the rate threshold is determined in dependence on the steering request signal. Therefore, the host vehicle can be steered only partially in dependence on the steering request signal in the case of significant steering requests, to reduce the likelihood of swerving of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the rate threshold is arranged to increase as the host vehicle transitions from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode. In other words, as the host vehicle transitions from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode, the host vehicle may become more fully compliant with a steering request from the user.

In some embodiments, the system 8210 is arranged to reduce a steering of the vehicle from a steering request indicated by the steering request signal by a predetermined amount during the transition from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode. This is an alternative approach to the previously described approach using the rate threshold.

A method 8300 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 30. The method 8300 is a method of controlling the host vehicle. In particular, the method 8300 is a method of transitioning the host vehicle out of an autonomous driving mode to a further driving mode in which the host vehicle is steered in dependence on a steering request by a user of the host vehicle. The method 8300 may be performed by the controller 8110 and system 8210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 28 and 29.

The method 8300 broadly comprises steps of receiving 8310 a transition request by a user of a host vehicle to transition out of an autonomous driving mode, transitioning 8320 the host vehicle from the autonomous driving mode to a transition driving mode, receiving 8330 a steering request by the user of the host vehicle and, in dependence thereon, transitioning 8340 the host vehicle from the transition driving mode to a further driving mode.

Referring to Figure 30, the illustrated embodiment of the method 8300 comprises a step of receiving 8310 a transition request by a user of a host vehicle. The transition request is to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle. As explained hereinbefore, in the autonomous driving mode, the host vehicle is at least steered autonomously. In some embodiments, a longitudinal movement of the host vehicle may also be controlled autonomously in the autonomous driving mode.

In step 8320, the host vehicle is transitioned or switched from the autonomous driving mode to a further driving mode in dependence on the transition request. In the further driving mode, the host vehicle is steering autonomously. For example, if the transition request satisfies any requirements on the transition request as described hereinbefore, the host vehicle can transition from the autonomous driving mode to the further driving mode.

In step 8330, a steering request by the user of the host vehicle is received. The steering request may be received in any way described hereinbefore.

In step 8340, the host vehicle is transitioned or switched from the transition driving mode to a further driving mode in dependence on whether a characteristic of the steering request is greater than a predetermined threshold. The characteristic of the steering request may be any characteristic of the steering request, for example as described hereinbefore. In the further driving mode, the host vehicle is steered in dependence on the steering request. In some embodiments, the further driving mode may be a manual driving mode in which the host vehicle is steered in dependence on a steering input to a steering wheel of the host vehicle. Therefore, the host vehicle can be transitioned out of the transition driving mode where a suitable steering request is received whilst the host vehicle is in the transition driving mode.

In some embodiments, the host vehicle is transitioned from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode in dependence on whether a steering torque to be applied by the user as the steering request to a steering wheel of the host vehicle is greater than a torque limit threshold. In some embodiments, the host vehicle is transitioned from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode in dependence on whether the steering torque of the steering request is greater than the torque limit threshold for longer than a predetermined duration.

In some embodiments, the host vehicle is transitioned from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode in dependence on whether an integrated steering torque to be applied by the user as the steering request is greater than a torque integral limit threshold. The steering request is to be applied to a steering wheel of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the host vehicle will transition or switch out of the transition driving mode to the further driving mode after a predetermined period of time, even if the steering request is not received. In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time is at least three seconds.

A further aspect of the operation of the autonomous driving mode will now be described. In particular, in one embodiment, there follows a description of a further aspect of a disengagement of the autonomous driving mode. A controller 9110 or control unit 9110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 31.

The controller 9110 comprises control means 9120 and input means 9140. In some embodiments, the controller 9110 comprises a memory means 9130 such as one or more memory devices 9130 for storing data therein. The input means 9140 may comprise an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of one or more state signals. The one or more state signals are each indicative of one or more of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic. In some embodiments, the input means 9140 comprises an electrical input for receiving a signal in the form of a confirmation signal. The confirmation signal is indicative of a confirmation by a user of a host vehicle to transition out of a current driving mode of the host vehicle. The control means 9120 may be formed by one or more electronic processing devices such as an electronic processor. The processor may operably execute computer readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices 9130. The control means 9120 is arranged to switch from an autonomous driving mode to a transition driving mode in dependence on the one or more state signals. In the transition driving mode, the host vehicle is steered autonomously. The control means 9120 is arranged to receive the confirmation signal indicative of the confirmation by the user of the host vehicle to transition out of the current driving mode of the host vehicle. The control means 9120 is arranged to switch from the transition driving mode to a further driving mode in dependence on the confirmation signal. In some embodiments, in the further driving mode, the host vehicle is steered in dependence on a steering request signal. Therefore, the host vehicle can be transitioned out of the transition driving mode in dependence on the confirmation by the user, even though the transition driving mode was entered from the autonomous driving mode in dependence on the one or more state signals.

In some embodiments, the confirmation signal is indicative of at least one of a steering confirmation, a torque confirmation, a braking confirmation and a driving mode change confirmation by the user of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the controller 9110 may comprise output means 9150. The output means 9150 may comprise an electrical output for outputting a notification signal. The notification signal is to notify the user to confirm the switch from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode of the host vehicle. The control means 9120 is arranged to cause the output means 9150 to output the notification signal in dependence on the one or more state signals. In some embodiments, the control means 9120 is arranged to cause the output means 9150 to output the notification signal in dependence on the host vehicle switching from the autonomous driving mode to the transition driving mode.

In some embodiments, the input means 9140 is for receiving a capability signal. The capability signal is indicative of a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode. The capability signal may be determined substantially as described elsewhere in this specification.

In some embodiments, the control means 9120 is arranged to switch from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode in dependence on the capability signal. Therefore, the control means 9120 can switch to the further driving mode if the user is determined to be capable to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned or switched to the further driving mode.

A system 9210 is accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 32.

The system 9210 comprises the controller 9110 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 31. The controller 9110 is arranged to switch between the autonomous driving mode and the transition driving mode. The controller 9110 is arranged to switch between the transition driving mode and the further driving mode. The system comprises input apparatus 9220. The input apparatus 9220 is for receiving the confirmation from the user to transition out of the current driving mode of the host vehicle. The input apparatus 9220 is arranged to output the confirmation signal to the controller 9110 in dependence on the confirmation from the user. In some embodiments, the input apparatus 9220 is operable by a hand of the user and is an input switch 9220, substantially as described hereinbefore.

In some embodiments, in the transition driving mode, the controller 9110 is arranged to decelerate the host vehicle autonomously. In some embodiments, the controller 9110 is arranged to decelerate the host vehicle autonomously at a deceleration rate less than a maximum deceleration rate of the host vehicle. In other words, the deceleration rate is set to achieve less severe deceleration than possible by the host vehicle when the host vehicle is in the further driving mode. In some embodiments, the further driving mode is a manual driving mode of the host vehicle in which the host vehicle is steered in dependence on a steering request of the user, indicated by a steering request signal as described hereinbefore.

In some embodiments, the controller 9110 is configured to decelerate the host vehicle autonomously at a maximum deceleration rate of the host vehicle.

In some embodiments, the system 9210 comprises notification means 9230 in the form of a notification unit 9230. The notification means 9230 is for receiving the notification signal from the controller 9110. The notification means 9230 is arranged to indicate to the user to confirm the transition from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode of the host vehicle in dependence on the notification signal. In some embodiments, the notification means 9230 comprises a display means 9230, such as a display unit 9230. In some embodiments, the notification means 9230 comprises a tactile output means (not shown in Figure 32). In some embodiments, the notification means 9230 comprises an audio output means (not shown in Figure 32).

A method 9300 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 33. The method 9300 is a method of controlling the host vehicle. In particular, the method 9300 is a method of transitioning the host vehicle out of an autonomous driving mode to a further driving mode in dependence on one or more of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic and in dependence on a confirmation by a user of the host vehicle. The method 9300 may be performed by the controller 9110 and system 9210 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 31 and 32.

The method 9300 broadly comprises the steps of receiving 9310 one or more of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic, transitioning or switching 9320 a host vehicle from an autonomous driving mode to a transition driving mode in dependence on the received characteristics, receiving 9330 a confirmation by a user of the host vehicle to transition out of a current driving mode and transitioning or switching 9340 the host vehicle from the transition driving mode to a further driving mode in dependence on the confirmation.

Referring to Figure 33, the illustrated embodiment of the method 9300 comprises a step of receiving 9310 one or more of a vehicle characteristic, a user characteristic and an environment characteristic. As described hereinbefore, the characteristics may be received in the form of one or more state signals. The characteristics are any aspects of a vehicle, user or environment which can lead to a necessity for a host vehicle to no longer be operated in an autonomous driving mode.

In step 9320, the host vehicle is transitioned or switched from an autonomous driving mode to a transition driving mode in dependence on one or more of the one or more of the vehicle characteristic, the user characteristic and the environment characteristic. In the transition driving mode, the host vehicle is steered autonomously. The transition driving mode can be as described hereinbefore in relation to other embodiments of the invention.

In step 9330, a confirmation by a user of the host vehicle to transition out of a current driving mode of the host vehicle is received. In some embodiments, the confirmation is a confirmation to transition to a further driving mode of the host vehicle. The confirmation may be determined in any way described hereinbefore.

In step 9340, the host vehicle is transitioned or switched from the transition driving mode to a or the further driving mode in dependence on the confirmation.

In some embodiments, the method 9300 comprises indicating to the user to request the transition from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode of the host vehicle. The indicating to the user may be performed in dependence on the one or more of the one or more of the vehicle characteristic, the user characteristic and the environment characteristic. In some embodiments, the indicating to the user may be performed in dependence on the host vehicle transitioning or switching 9320 from the autonomous driving mode to the transition driving mode.

In some embodiments, the method 9300 comprises transitioning or switching the host vehicle from the transition driving mode to the further driving mode in dependence on a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned to the further driving mode. In some embodiments, the capability is different from the confirmation. The capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle may be determined as described in relation to any embodiments of the invention described herein.

In some embodiments, the method 9300 comprises causing the host vehicle to decelerate autonomously in the transition driving mode. The autonomous deceleration can be substantially as described in relation to any embodiments of the invention described herein.

A host vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 34. The host vehicle 10 is for travelling along a navigable path in an autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle 10. The host vehicle 10 may comprise any of the controllers or systems described hereinbefore. The host vehicle 10 may be arranged to perform any of the methods described hereinbefore.

As will be understood, the host vehicle 10 may be a ground vehicle, for example a road vehicle such as a car, a lorry, or any other suitable vehicle.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A controller, comprising:

input means for receiving a request signal indicative of a request from a user to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of a host vehicle and for receiving a capability signal indicative of a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode;

output means for outputting a transition signal to cause the host vehicle to transition out of the autonomous driving mode; and control means arranged to cause the output means to output the transition signal in dependence on the request signal and the capability signal.

2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the control means is arranged to:

determine the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle in dependence on the capability signal;

determine that the user is requesting to transition out of the autonomous driving mode in dependence on the request signal; and cause the output means to output the transition signal if the user is determined to be requesting to transition out of the autonomous driving mode and if the user is determined to be capable to take control of the host vehicle.

3. The controller of claim 2, wherein the capability signal is indicative of an awareness level of the user.

4. The controller of claim 3, wherein the capability signal is indicative of a gaze state of the user.

5. The controller of claim 4, wherein the capability signal is indicative of one or more images of an eye of the user and wherein the control means is arranged to determine the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle in dependence on a blink characteristic of the eye of the user.

6. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the request signal is indicative of an input by the user to an input apparatus to request transition out of the autonomous driving mode.

7. A system comprising:

the controller of any preceding claim, arranged to output the transition signal;

a first sensing means responsive to the request from the user to transition out of the autonomous driving mode of the host vehicle and to output the request signal to the controller; and a second sensing means responsive to the capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode and to output the capability signal to the controller.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first sensing means comprises an input device, operable by a hand of the user.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the input device is arranged to be provided at a steering wheel of the host vehicle.

10. The system of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the input device comprises two buttons.

11. The system of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second sensing means comprises a touch sensor arranged to detect a presence of a hand of a user on a steering wheel of the host vehicle.

12. The system of any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the second sensing means comprises a physiological sensor arranged to capture data indicative of a current awareness of the user.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the physiological sensor comprises a camera arranged to capture one or more images of an eye of the user.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the camera is an infrared camera.

15. A method comprising:

receiving a request from a user to transition out of an autonomous driving mode of a host vehicle;

receiving a capability of the user to take control of the host vehicle after the host vehicle has transitioned out of the autonomous driving mode; and transitioning the host vehicle out of the autonomous driving mode in dependence on the request and the capability.

16. A vehicle comprising the controller of any of claims 1 to 6, the system of any of claims 7 to 14, or arranged to perform the method of claim 15.

17. Computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform a method according to claim 15.

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18. The computer software of claim 17 stored on a computer-readable medium.

19. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that when executed by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to carry out the method of claim 15.