GB2576780A

GB2576780A - Control system and method for configuring vehicle systems

Info

Publication number: GB2576780A
Application number: GB1814263.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander George; Santhi Ram; Thomas Dion; Hasedzic Elvir
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-03
Filing date: 2018-09-03
Publication date: 2020-03-04
Also published as: GB201814263D0

Abstract

A control system (328) for configuring one or more vehicle systems (380b; 380a), the control system comprising one or more controllers (330), which are configured to: download 284 configuration data from a remote server, the configuration data comprising data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems; determine 286 a configuration signal (342) for configuring the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more preselected preferences of a user; and output 288 the configuration signal to the one or more vehicle systems to actuate the one or more instructions to configure the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. The user preferences may comprise one or more of: a pre-set radio station, an ambient lighting or temperature condition, a seat or mirror position or an address.

Description

CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING VEHICLE SYSTEMS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a pre-configuration arrangement for application to userconfigurable settings in vehicles. Aspects of the invention relate to a control system, to a system, to a vehicle, to a method, to a computer readable medium and to computer software for configuring one or more vehicle systems.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a physical paper form on which a customer purchasing a vehicle may outline one or more preferences for vehicle configurations when ordering a vehicle. When the customer purchases a new vehicle, for example, they may fill out such a form to indicate their various user preferences for their new vehicle such as radio pre-sets, home address, and/or ambient lighting settings.

These preferences are then manually entered by dealer or customer service personnel upon delivery of the vehicle. The vehicle needs to be physically available for any changes to be implemented. This is typically only done once a vehicle is available for configuration at a location at which it can be collected from or from which it can be delivered to the user, typically by the customer service or sales personnel involved with the purchase and having a direct relationship with the customer.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments provide a control system, system, vehicle, method, a non-transitory computer readable medium and computer software as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a control system for configuring one or more systems of a platform, the control system comprising one or more controllers, configured to: download configuration data from a remote server, the configuration data comprising data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more platform systems; determine a configuration signal for configuring the or each platform system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and output the configuration signal to the one or more platform systems to actuate configuration of the or each platform system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a control system for configuring one or more vehicle systems, the control system comprising one or more controllers, configured to: download configuration data from a remote server, the configuration data comprising data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems; determine a configuration signal for configuring the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and output the configuration signal to the one or more vehicle systems to actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

Optionally, the one or more controllers collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor having one or more electrical inputs for receiving the configuration data; and at least one electronic memory device operatively coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions stored therein so as to determine the configuration signal and output the configuration signal to the one or more vehicle systems.

Customers often have a number of preferences in relation to the vehicle that can be configured by pre-selecting their preferences for the various settings available in that vehicle. Some preselected preferences may relate to physical attributes, for example adjusting the physical seat configuration so that any pedals may be more comfortably reached by a customer when driving the vehicle. Other pre-selected preferences may relate to interface options, for example the radio stations assigned to the available physical or virtual buttons on the vehicle’s media interface. By pre-selecting the settings/preferences/configurations desired and storing these pre-selected preferences as configuration data, the customer can either more efficiently or quickly implement/actuate their chosen pre-selected preferences in a vehicle as a single user operation by triggering the vehicle controller to receive the configuration data in order to implement the pre-selected preferences. Typically, a customer could pre-select a plurality of settings/preferences/configurations for a vehicle.

In embodiments, the configuration data comprises one or more pre-selected preferences of a user input by a user on a device remote from the vehicle. The remote device may comprise a smartphone, tablet, or computer, such as a laptop, for example.

In some embodiments the configuration data comprises a configuration profile. The configuration profile may comprise pre-selected preferences in relation to a plurality of vehicle systems. The configuration profile may be associated with a specific user. In embodiments, the control system is configured to download the configuration profile from the remote sever and actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

In embodiments, the configuration profile is configured to be created and/or updated by the user at the remote device.

By forming the configuration data into a profile, the data might be imported to a vehicle in a single user operation rather than manually setting each separately. A plurality of profiles for each vehicle can also be implemented as needed, for example if a vehicle is jointly owned, such that when each user operates the vehicle, their individual profile can be actuated with all their preferences in a single user operation.

The one or more pre-selected preferences of a user may comprise one or more of: a pre-set radio station; an ambient lighting condition; a seat position; a mirror position; an ambient temperature condition; and/or an address.

In embodiments, the configuration data is associated with a unique user identification. In such embodiments, the control system may be configured to send a request to download the configuration data stored at the remote server in dependence on receipt of the unique user identification. Optionally, the control system is configured to send the unique user identification as part of the request to download the configuration data to identify the configuration data to be downloaded.

In some embodiments the control system may be associated with a unique platform identification. In such embodiments, the control system may be configured to use the unique platform identification to identify configuration data to be downloaded. Additionally or alternatively, the control system may be configured to use the unique platform identification to authenticate a request to download the configuration data. The control system may be configured to send the unique platform identification as part of the request to download the configuration data. Optionally, the unique platform identification comprises a vehicle identification number (VIN).

In some embodiments the configuration data comprises data indicative of one or more preselected preferences of the user in relation to a plurality of vehicle systems. In such embodiments the control system is configured to determine one or more configuration signals for configuring the plurality of vehicle systems in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. The control system may be configured to output the or each configuration signal to one or more of the plurality of vehicle systems to actuate configuration of each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

In some embodiments the control system is configured to access the remote server to check for one or more updates in relation to the one or more pre-selected preferences at predetermined time intervals. The control system may be configured to access the remote server to update a copy of the configuration data stored in a memory device associated with the control system to reflect one or more changes made to the configuration data remote from the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the control system may be configured to access the remote server to update a copy of the configuration data stored at the remote server to reflect one or more changes made to the configuration data at the vehicle. The control system may be configured to communicate with the remote server to update the configuration data periodically at predetermined intervals; and/or at a predetermined time or location. For example, preferences of a user can be implemented at a certain time and/or location, as convenient or preferred by a user, for example once the user arrives back at home, or at a time when the vehicle will not be required and the vehicle or control system can implement the preferences without disturbance. A user may update their preferences during their ownership of the vehicle, and prefer that the new preferences replace the old preferences. A regular check can thus be performed in order to detect any such updates and implement them accordingly.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising a control system according to a preceding aspect of the invention and one or more vehicle systems.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a control system or system according to an aspect of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method for configuring one or more systems of a platform, the method comprising: receiving configuration data from a remote server, the configuration data comprising data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more platform systems; determining a configuration signal for configuring the or each platform system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences; and outputting the configuration signal to the one or more platform systems to actuate configuration of the or each platform system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method for configuring one or more vehicle systems, the method comprising: receiving configuration data from a remote server, the configuration data comprising data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems; determining a configuration signal for configuring the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences; and outputting the configuration signal to the one or more vehicle systems to actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more preselected preferences of a user.

Optionally, the configuration data comprises one or more pre-selected preferences of a user input by a user on a device remote from the vehicle. The remote device may comprise a smartphone, tablet, or computer, such as a laptop, for example.

In some embodiments the configuration data comprises a configuration profile. The configuration profile may comprise pre-selected preferences in relation to a plurality of vehicle systems. The configuration profile may be associated with a specific user. In embodiments, the method comprises downloading the configuration profile from the remote sever and actuating configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more preselected preferences of a user.

In embodiments, the configuration data is associated with a unique user identification. In such embodiments, the method may comprise sending a request to download the configuration data stored at the remote server in dependence on receipt of the unique user identification. Optionally, the method comprises sending the unique user identification as part of the request to download the configuration data to identify the configuration data to be downloaded.

In some embodiments the control system may be associated with a unique platform identification. In such embodiments, the method may comprise using the unique platform identification to identify configuration data to be downloaded. Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises using the unique platform identification to authenticate a request to download the configuration data. The method may comprise sending the unique platform identification as part of the request to download the configuration data. Optionally, the unique platform identification comprises a vehicle identification number (VIN).

In some embodiments the configuration data comprises data indicative of one or more preselected preferences of the user in relation to a plurality of vehicle systems. In such embodiments the method may comprise determining one or more configuration signals for configuring the plurality of vehicle systems in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. The method may comprise outputting the or each configuration signal to one or more of the plurality of vehicle systems to actuate configuration of each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

In some embodiments the method comprises accessing the remote server to check for one or more updates in relation to the one or more pre-selected preferences at predetermined time intervals. The method may comprise accessing the remote server to update a copy of the configuration data stored in a memory device associated with the vehicle to reflect one or more changes made to the configuration data remote from the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises accessing the remote server to update a copy of the configuration data stored at the remote server to reflect one or more changes made to the configuration data at the vehicle. Optionally, the method comprises communicating with the remote server to update the configuration data periodically at predetermined intervals.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method for configuring one or more systems of a platform, the method comprising: receiving, at a device remote from the platform, one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more platform systems; determining configuration data comprising data indicative of the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and storing the configuration data at a server remote from the platform for subsequent download to a control system associated with the platform for actuating configuration of the or each platform system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method for configuring one or more vehicle systems, the method comprising: receiving, at a device remote from a vehicle, one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems; determining configuration data comprising data indicative of the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and storing the configuration data at a server remote from the vehicle for subsequent download to a control system associated with the vehicle for actuating configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer readable medium comprising one or more instructions thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause performance of a method according to an aspect of the invention. Optionally the computer readable medium comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided computer software which, when executed by one or more processors, causes performance of a method according to an aspect of the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a control system, the control system comprising one or more controllers, configured to: receive one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to one or more systems of a platform; determine configuration data comprising data indicative of the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and store the configuration data at a server remote from the platform for subsequent download to a control system associated with the platform for actuating configuration of the or each platform system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; wherein the control system is implemented in one or more devices remote from the platform.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a control system, the control system comprising one or more controllers, configured to: receive one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to one or more vehicle systems; determine configuration data comprising data indicative of the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and store the configuration data at a server remote from the vehicle for subsequent download to a control system associated with the vehicle for actuating configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; wherein the control system is implemented in one or more devices remote from the vehicle.

Optionally, the one or more controllers collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor having one or more electrical inputs for receiving the configuration data; and at least one electronic memory device operatively coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions stored therein so as to determine and store the configuration data.

Any controller or controllers described herein may suitably comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. Thus the control 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 will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example method;

Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a method in accordance with the invention;

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of a control system and system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates an example arrangement comprising embodiments of a control system, system and a vehicle in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a method in accordance with another aspect of the invention; and

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a control system in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Typically, when a customer purchases a vehicle, they may be required to manually fill out a form which indicates various user preferences for their new vehicle (e.g. radio pre-sets, home address, ambient lighting, etc.). In such cases, these preferences must then be manually entered by the dealer upon delivery of the vehicle such that the vehicle is configured as per the customer’s preferences on collection. However, this may require the customer to be present at the dealership to fill out the relevant forms, and may also require the dealer to spend time configuring various vehicle systems before the customer can collect the vehicle or require the user to spend time configuring the vehicle systems after collection of the vehicle. The present invention looks to at least partially address these problems.

The above problems may be addressed by the present invention which may enable a user to enter user preferences on a remote device after they have purchased a new vehicle, but possibly before collection of the new vehicle. The remote device may be a mobile phone, such as a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop computer, a tablet computer or the like. The remote device may comprise a user interface, such as an application (“app”) running on the remote device, for example.

The remote device can receive data from, or equally provide access to an external database, comprising a list of available configurable options in each vehicle for sale as well as the available configurations themselves. Different models of vehicle may have different features which can be configured. For example, a particular model vehicle may have configurable radio pre-set options. The remote device is then configured to display or otherwise present the radio as a configurable feature, and also allow the user to set the configurations via the user interface according to their personal preferences. A first vehicle may have the option to set a predetermined wing mirror angle whereas a second vehicle may not. Therefore, the features visible to the user may depend on what features can be set remotely. The information for which features can be configured on a per-vehicle basis can be stored on a remote server and provided to the remote device if required or requested. A unique platform identification, for example a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) relating to the precise model of vehicle purchased can be used to ensure that the correct vehicle information can be retrieved from or viewed at the remote server. In embodiments, certain features common to all or groups of vehicles may be set by a user in a way that can be globally applied across all vehicles configurable through the user interface of the remote device.

The remote server may equally be accessed through a web-based portal or other medium. For example, a user interface in the form of a webpage may be provided allowing a customer to access the remote server to retrieve or otherwise view and update preferences relating to one or more configurable features of the vehicle.

An example method for creating a user account is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figure 1.

With reference to Figure 1, the creation of a user account is shown in the form of a flow chart. The process starts in step 100. A unique ID is generated for a particular customer at step 105. For example, the unique ID may be prepared by a dealer, or otherwise generated. The unique ID may be interchangeably referred to as a “UniqueJD”, user identification, unique user identification, and/or user ID. This unique ID may be in the form of an alphanumeric code and is unique to a single customer. A customer may comprise one or more individuals or legal entities such as companies. A customer may have multiple unique IDs, for example if they have a car they use for or on behalf of a business or family car as well as a car personal to the user.

Once the unique ID has been generated, it is associated and/or otherwise linked with a particular customer ID in step 110. The customer lD is associated with a specific customer.

This association may require the presentation of one or more forms of customer identification (interchangeably referred to as “Customer lD” or “customer ID”), to ensure that the unique ID is being associated with the correct customer. This identification data and unique ID can be recorded in a database for future reference and/or re-use/verification.

The customer ID may be in the form of an email address, phone number, biometric scan, and/or other proof of identity. For any interactive proof of identification, for example in the case of an email address or phone number, a confirmatory response on the part of the customer may be required, for example clicking on a link in an email sent to that email address or using a code transmitted by text message to a mobile ‘phone.

The association between the unique ID and the customer is then checked in step 115 to ensure that a successful association has been made. If the association between the unique ID and customer ID has failed, then a further check is run in step 120 to see if the customer is already present in a database of all previous customers, typically located on a cloud or central server, and already has a unique ID that can be reused. If the customer ID and linked unique ID is already present in the database as established in step 125, no further work is required as the existing unique ID can be reused. The process then ends in step 130. If no existing linked customer ID and unique ID is present, then a new unique ID is then established in step 135, and linked to the customer ID in step 110.

If the association between the unique ID and customer ID in step 110 is successful, then the unique ID and customer ID are linked, and an account is created in step 140. The process then ends in step 130.

For the linked unique ID and customer ID, the account which is created may be stored at the server in the database. The server may be remote server, e.g. a cloud server, associated with a particular retailer, for example. The account may store one or more particular preferences of the customer associated with the account, for example pre-set radio stations; ambient lighting conditions; seat position; mirror position; ambient temperature conditions; and/or address labels optionally comprising a home address and/or a work address.

These preferences may provide a more familiar and comfortable environment for the customer, and can be laborious to enter manually. The preferences can be specific to certain models or even specific vehicles or can be general preferences or a mix of these. For example, a user may have preferences for pre-set radio stations for all vehicles but may have other settings may be more specific to model of vehicle or specific vehicles.

With reference to Figure 2, an embodiment of a method for configuring a vehicle is illustrated in the form of a flow chart.

In the illustrated embodiment, a customer (also referred to interchangeably as a user) has created an account according to the flow chart of figure 1. This account may be accessed and features within the account amended or otherwise updated through a user interface. In embodiments, the user interface may be in the form of an application (“app”) running on a user device, e.g. a smartphone, tablet or computer, as is described herein.

The process begins at step 200. At 205, the customer accesses a corresponding account through a user interface, e.g. by opening an app at step 205, and logging in to the account in step 110. Logging in to the account may comprise a user entering their unique ID and their customer ID, for example.

The two IDs may be checked to see whether they match with what is stored in a database 215 of confirmed matching IDs as part of a check for validation step 212. Such a database may be established during an initial period when the customer ID is first associated with the unique ID, for example when a customer has confirmed a transaction to purchase a vehicle. A check as to whether the customer ID and unique ID match is performed in step 220. If these two IDs match, then limited access to the account is granted, as is described herein.

If the two IDs do not match then the customer is informed in step 230, and offered the opportunity to re-input the unique ID and/or customer ID in case of error at step 210.

If the two IDs do match, then for security purposes when a user first accesses the app, a password (or similar security such as a biometric identification, e.g. a fingerprint or face ID) is set by the user in step 225 before full access to the account through the app may be made. This allows, for future uses of the app, that only the password (or other secure access authentication method) may be required to obtain full access to the account through the app rather than the potentially more cumbersome process of entering two IDs every time the app is accessed. Once the password is set, then the customer may attempt to use the password to log in to the app in step 235. In step 240, the log in details are analysed to ascertain if the log on procedure is successful. If the log on procedure is not successful, then the customer is informed in step 245, and offered the opportunity to re-input the password in case of error.

If the log in is successful, then a set of configurable features may be loaded in step 250 onto the app. The set of configurable features may be based on configurable features known to be present on the vehicle model bought by the customer. The set of configurable features is obtained from a database 255. The customer may then indicate a desired vehicle configuration in step 260 based on the configurable features according to their preferences. The user preferences may be saved in the form of a configuration profile. The configuration profile is then transmitted to a server, which may be a cloud based server, and linked to the unique ID in step 265. The process of Figure 2 then concludes in step 270.

Features visible to a user through the app may depend on what features can be set remotely. Furthermore, different models of vehicle may have different features which can be configured. For example, a more premium vehicle may have the option to set a predetermined seat position whereas an entry-level vehicle may not. The information for which features can be configured on a per-vehicle basis can be stored on a remote server and provided to the app when needed or refreshed. The customer ID and/or unique ID can relate to the precise model of vehicle purchased so that the correct vehicle information can be retrieved from the remote server in order to configure all of the configurable features of that vehicle. Certain features common to all or groups of vehicles can be set by a user in a way that can be globally applied across all vehicles configurable through the app.

Subsequent to the user/customer entering their preferences, e.g. when the vehicle is delivered, the customer may log in to their account via an interface within the vehicle. The log in details may be the same as those used to log in to the app. The vehicle is linked to the cloud server and/or retail network, and so once the vehicle is associated with a particular customer, the preferences saved to the app associated with that particular customer may then be downloaded to the vehicle and implemented - e.g. the various vehicle systems may be configured in accordance with the preferences input by the user remotely. The vehicle is then configured for use for that customer. The amount of time required for the customer to be at a dealership filling out forms, and also the amount of time required for the dealer to personalise each vehicle on delivery, may thereby be significantly reduced.

The amendment of features or any other actions enabled by an app may alternatively or additionally be performed through a web-based portal or other computer-accessible medium. For example, a webpage may allow customers to access their account online. From such a website, preferences may be set or amended according to the features which are customizable on a vehicle associated with that account.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention. The method starts at step 280. At 282, a request is sent to download configuration data stored at a remote server. As described herein, the configuration data comprises data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems. At 284, the configuration data is received from the remote server. At 286, a configuration signal for configuring the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences is determined. The configuration signal is then output at step 288 to the one or more vehicle systems to actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. The process concludes at step 290.

Figure 4A illustrates an embodiment of a control system 328 in accordance with the invention. Control system 328 comprises a controller 330 having a processor 332, electrical input 334, electrical output 336 and memory 338.

In use, the control system 328, specifically the controller 330, is configured to download configuration data from a remote server, e.g. receive the configuration data at input 334. As described herein, the configuration data may comprise data indicative of one or more preselected preferences of a user in relation to one or more vehicle systems. The configuration data is passed to processor 332 which is operable to determine a configuration signal 342 for configuring the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. Specifically, the processor 332 is configured to access the memory 338 and execute instructions, e.g. in the form of computer software 340, stored therein so as to determine the configuration signal 342. The configuration signal 342 is output to the one or more vehicle systems via output 336 in order to actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

The configuration data comprises one or more pre-selected preferences of a user input by a user on a remote device. For example, the configuration data may comprise a configuration profile configured to be created and/or updated by the user at the remote device, and the control system 328 is configured to download the configuration profile from the remote sever and cause configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

The control system 328 may be configured to download the configuration data from the remote server and/or actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user prior to delivery of the vehicle to the user.

In embodiments, the control system 328 is configured to send a request to the remote server to download the configuration data. The request may be sent from the controller 330 to the remote server via a further electrical output (not shown). As described herein, the configuration data may be associated with a unique user identification, and in such embodiments the control system 328 is configured to send the unique user identification to the remote server as part of the request, for example to identify the configuration data to be downloaded. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 328 is configured to use a unique platform identification, e.g. an identification unique to the vehicle such as a VIN, to identify configuration data to be downloaded; and/or authenticate a request to download the configuration data. The control system 328 may send the unique platform identification as part of the request.

In embodiments, the configuration data may comprise data indicative of one or more preselected preferences of the user in relation to a plurality of vehicle systems. In such embodiments, the control system 328 may be configured to determine one or more configuration signals 342 for configuring the plurality of vehicle systems in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. For example, the control system 328 may be configured to determine a plurality of configuration signals 342, and output those signals via one or more electrical outputs, e.g. output 336, to one or more of the plurality of vehicle systems to actuate configuration of each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

Figure 4B illustrates an embodiment of a system 375 in accordance with the invention. The system 375 comprises the control system 328 as described herein. The system 375 also includes first and second vehicle systems 380a, 380b. It will be appreciated that the system 375 can comprise one or a plurality of vehicle systems 380 as desired or necessary, and that vehicle systems 380a, 380b are shown in Figure 4B as examples, only. In use, control system 328 is configured to output configuration signals 342a, 342b via electrical output 336 to respective vehicle systems 380a, 38b to configure the vehicle systems 380a, 380b in accordance with the one or more preferences of the user.

With reference to Figure 5, a vehicle 325 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a user has downloaded the app on their smartphone 300 which is remote from the vehicle 325. By successfully logging into the app, a user may access an account 315, hosted on a cloud server 310. Through the app, the user may indicate one or more preferences in relation to one or more configurable vehicle systems. These preferences are wirelessly communicated to the cloud server 310, and associated with the account 315.

Conventionally, each vehicle 325 has a unique vehicle identification number (VIN) which can comprise a serial number. The VIN can be linked to the account 315 by a dealer once the vehicle 325 is delivered, and the unique ID associated with the customer for the vehicle 325 is provided. A control system, e.g. controller 330, in the vehicle is then operable to download and implement the preferences saved on the linked account 315 as is described herein. Further, any amendments to the preferences made in the vehicle 325 itself can be automatically uploaded and saved to the account 315, so that any future vehicles can be configured to the latest preferences of the user. When the vehicle 325 is started for the first time, a vehicle telematics systems check is performed to ascertain whether the VIN is linked to a unique ID stored in a cloud server.

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a method in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The method begins at step 350. At 355, one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems are received at a device remote from a vehicle. At 360, the method comprises determining configuration data comprising data indicative of the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. The configuration data is then stored in step 365 at a server remote from the vehicle. The stored configuration data may then be available for subsequent download to a control system associated with the vehicle, e.g. for actuating configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

Figure 7 illustrates embodiments of a control system 400 and system 450 in accordance with aspects of the invention.

The control system 400 comprises a controller 402 having a processor 404, electrical input 406, electrical output 408 and a memory 410. In use, the control system 400, specifically the controller 402 is configured to receive one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems. The one or more pre-selected preferences may be received at the input 406, for example. The pre-selected preferences are passed to processor 404 which is operable to determine configuration data. The configuration data comprises data indicative of the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. Specifically, the processor 404 is configured to access the memory 410 and execute instructions, e.g. in the form of computer software 412, stored therein so as to determine the configuration data. The processor 404 is further operable to store the configuration data at a server 310 remote from the vehicle. This may be achieved through the processor 404 determining a configuration data signal 414 which is output, e.g. via output 408 to the remote server. The configuration data may be stored at the remote server 310 for subsequent download to a control system associated with the vehicle 350, e.g. for actuating configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 450 comprises the control system 400, remote server 310 and vehicle 325. It will be appreciated that the system 450 may be comprised of the control system 400 and server 310, only.

Processors such as those discussed above, generally each include instructions executable by one or more processors for carrying out the method steps described above. For example, the method steps discussed above may be embodied as computer-executable instructions, shown in the Figures as computer software 340, 412 to be run on processors 332, 404 of control systems 328, 400, for example. Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages and/or technologies. In general, a processor such as a microprocessor, receives instructions, for example from a memory (e.g. memory 340, 410) or a computer-readable medium, and executes these instructions to perform one or more processes or methods, including one or more of the methods described above. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium includes any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions), which may be read by a processor.

In some embodiments, a customer may own several vehicles and link each vehicle to the same account. Any preferences within the account may be applied globally, for example setting a particular radio station as a “favourite” in the account may make that station more easily playable throughout all the vehicles within that account. However, some preferences may be applied more locally, for example setting a particular seat position in one vehicle may not be comfortable for the customer in a slightly differently shaped vehicle. Further, some preferences may not be able to be set in vehicles which are not equipped to the same specifications.

In some embodiments, the same vehicle may have features amended from a plurality of accounts. For example, a couple may share a car and each partner may have different preferences. Therefore, it can be advantageous for the vehicle to adapt its features based on the current driver. The vehicle may be alerted to the identity of the driver in advance through the app, for example if the driver is known ahead of time. The vehicle may further be programmed to recognise the current driver through, for example: detecting the location and relative proximity of a tag, for example a smartphone, associated with a particular driver; the use of a particular physical vehicle key associated with a particular driver; a biometric or other identity-related scan of the driver and/or any associated documents; and/or any features adjusted manually when the driver uses the vehicle. Once a particular driver is recognised, the preferences of that driver may be downloaded if not downloaded already and implemented in the vehicle to be driven.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Any system feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice 10 versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.

Any feature in one aspect may be applied to other aspects, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to system aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, 15 any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

Claims

1. A control system for configuring one or more vehicle systems, the control system comprising one or more controllers, configured to:

download configuration data from a remote server, the configuration data comprising data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems;

determine a configuration signal for configuring the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and output the configuration signal to the one or more vehicle systems to actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more preselected preferences of a user.

2. A control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers collectively comprise:

at least one electronic processor having one or more electrical inputs for receiving the configuration data; and at least one electronic memory device operatively coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein;

wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions stored therein so as to determine the configuration signal and output the configuration signal to the one or more vehicle systems.

3. A control system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the configuration data comprises one or more pre-selected preferences of a user input by a user on a device remote from the vehicle.

4. A control system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the configuration data comprises a configuration profile, and the control system is configured to download the configuration profile from the remote sever actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

5. A control system as claimed in claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the configuration profile is configured to be created and/or updated by the user at the remote device.

6. A control system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user comprise one or more of: a pre-set radio station; an ambient lighting condition; a seat position; a mirror position; an ambient temperature condition; and/or an address.

7. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the configuration data is associated with a unique user identification, and the control system is configured to send a request to download the configuration data stored at the remote server in dependence on receipt of the unique user identification.

8. A control system of claim 7, configured to send the unique user identification as part of the request to download the configuration data to identify the configuration data to be downloaded.

9. A control system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is associated with a unique platform identification; and the control system is configured to use the unique platform identification to:

identify configuration data to be downloaded; and/or authenticate a request to download the configuration data.

10. A control system as claimed in claim 9, when dependent on claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the control system is configured to send the unique platform identification as part of the request to download the configuration data.

11. A control system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the unique platform identification comprises a vehicle identification number.

12. A control system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the configuration data comprises data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of the user in relation to a plurality of vehicle systems; and the control system is configured to:

determine one or more configuration signals for configuring the plurality of vehicle systems in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and output the or each configuration signal to one or more of the plurality of vehicle systems to actuate configuration of each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

13. A control system of any preceding claim, configured to access the remote server to check for one or more updates in relation to the one or more pre-selected preferences at predetermined time intervals.

14. A system comprising the control system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13; and one or more vehicle systems.

15. A vehicle comprising the control system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, or a system as claimed in claim 14.

16. A method for configuring one or more vehicle systems, the method comprising:

receiving configuration data from a remote server, the configuration data comprising data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems;

determining a configuration signal for configuring the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences; and outputting the configuration signal to the one or more vehicle systems to actuate configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more preselected preferences of a user.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the configuration data comprises one or more pre-selected preferences of a user input by a user on a remote device.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the configuration data comprises a configuration profile configured to be created and/or updated by the user at the remote device, and the method comprises downloading the configuration profile from the remote sever and actuating configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

19. A method of any of claims 16 to 18, comprising downloading the configuration data from the remote server and/or actuating the one or more instructions to configure the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user prior to delivery of the vehicle to the user.

20. A method of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the configuration data comprises data indicative of one or more pre-selected preferences of the user in relation to a plurality of vehicle systems; and the method comprises:

determining one or more configuration signals for configuring the plurality of vehicle systems in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and outputting the or each configuration signal to one or more of the plurality of vehicle systems to actuate configuration of each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user.

21. A method of any of claims 16 to 20, comprising sending a request to download the configuration data stored at the remote server.

22. A method for configuring one or more vehicle systems, the method comprising:

receiving, at a device remote from a vehicle, one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to the one or more vehicle systems;

determining configuration data comprising data indicative of the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user; and storing the configuration data at a server remote from the vehicle for subsequent download to a control system associated with the vehicle for actuating configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more preselected preferences of a user.

23. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising one or more instructions thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause performance of a method of any of claims 16 to 22.

24. Computer software which, when executed by one or more processors, causes performance of a method of any of claims 16 to 22.

25. A control system, the control system comprising one or more controllers, configured to:

receive one or more pre-selected preferences of a user in relation to one or more vehicle systems;

determine configuration data comprising data indicative of the one or more preselected preferences of a user; and store the configuration data at a server remote from the vehicle for subsequent download to a control system associated with the vehicle for actuating configuration of the or each vehicle system in accordance with the one or more pre-selected preferences of a user;

5 wherein the control system is implemented in one or more devices remote from the vehicle.