GB2580895A

GB2580895A - A display system and method for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2580895A
Application number: GB1900632.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Murray Andy; Neugebauer James; Craven Richard
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2019-01-16
Filing date: 2019-01-16
Publication date: 2020-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2039-01-16
Also published as: GB2580895B; GB201900632D0

Abstract

A display system for a vehicle comprises an electronic display screen 24 for displaying a message 22b visible from outside the vehicle and a controller for updating the message based on location data received from a mobile device. Preferably the controller is configured to determine the proximity or distance from the vehicle of a user of the mobile device and to calculate a length of time required for the user to return to the vehicle, e.g. based on the shortest route. The message may be updated based on the calculated length of time. The display may comprise a map showing the location of the mobile device. The system is particularly for displaying messages relating to the parking status of the vehicle based on the location of the driver, e.g. the estimated time a delivery driver will return to the vehicle. The display may also display a parking permit or other parking authorisation based on the sensed vehicle location.

Description

A DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE

Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to a display system and method for a vehicle and particularly, although not exclusively, to a display system and method for displaying a message in or on an unattended vehicle based on the location of a vehicle user (e.g. driver).

Introduction

It is common for a driver to park their vehicle, such as a car or van, temporarily while they make a delivery or attend an appointment. The vehicle size, levels of road traffic, road conditions and road configurations mean that it is not always possible to park the vehicle in a designated parking space. Once the driver has parked the vehicle and left it unoccupied then any interested third parties cannot ascertain the current whereabouts of the driver. The interested third party has no way of knowing for how long the vehicle has been or will be unattended.

It is also common for a commercial driver to park their vehicle on a road with parking restrictions and then to make use of a permitted period of time for the loading and unloading of goods. However, sometimes the nature of the assignment may mean that they are unable to stay with the vehicle at all times, e.g. during a delivery to a top floor of a building. Parking enforcement officers observing the vehicle would have no way of ascertaining if the parking restrictions have been violated.

In addition, when a vehicle is regularly parked in an area where there are parking restrictions in place, it is incumbent on the driver to both have prior knowledge of these restrictions and to have the relevant permits, payments etc. to hand and ready for display. Oftentimes, a driver or company will have the relevant parking permits/documents, but they will not have them on their person or in the vehicle at the time. The driver or company will have to incur the inconvenience of receiving a parking ticket and then progress through the laborious and expensive procedure of appealing any fines and/or penalties in order to present the relevant evidence at a later date.

Statements of invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display system for a vehicle, the display system comprising: a display device configured to display a message; and a mobile device configured to transmit data to the display device; wherein the display device is capable of controlling the message content based on the data transmitted by the mobile device. The data may comprise the location of the mobile device.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle display system for a vehicle (such as a motor vehicle), the vehicle display system comprising: a display device configured to display a message, the message being viewable from outside the vehicle; and a controller configured to communicate with a mobile device and receive location indicating data from the mobile device; wherein the controller is further configured to update the message based on the location data received from the mobile device.

The controller may be configured to determine a length of time required for a user of the mobile device to return to the vehicle based on the location data received from the mobile device. The controller may update the message based on the determined length of time required for the user of the mobile device to return to the vehicle.

The message may comprise a timer, such as a countdown timer. The message may be adjusted periodically or in real-time.

The controller may be further configured to receive location data from a vehicle location module that determines the location of the vehicle. The vehicle location module may comprise a satellite navigation system or other such vehicle location determining means.

The controller may compare the location of the vehicle and the location of the mobile device and may estimate the time to return to the vehicle, e.g. based on a distance between the vehicle and the mobile device and/or a determined possible route (which may be different from a straight line distance between the vehicle and mobile device).

The controller may comprise a display mode in which the message may be displayed upon activation of the display mode. The display mode may be automatically activatable, e.g. the display mode may be automatically activated when the vehicle is parked. The display mode may be automatically activated upon activation of a delivery mode of the vehicle in which other parameters of the vehicle may be controlled during a delivery or collection stop. The display mode may be manually activatable via at least one of a user interface in the vehicle, a voice command and the mobile device.

The message may comprise pre-determined content in addition to content linked to the location data from the mobile device. Such pre-determined content may comprise text, e.g. "Driver attending delivery", "Driver attending emergency", or any other such text.

The message or an additional message may be updated with user input data from the mobile device. The user input data may be manually inputted into the mobile device, e.g. by typing or speech, and the user input data may be displayed on the display device.

The message may comprise a viewable map showing the location of the mobile device. The viewable map may also display the location of the vehicle.

The controller may be configured to receive an authentication token from an authorised viewer and at least a portion of the message may only be displayed upon receipt of the authentication token. Such a portion of the message may comprise data relating to contact details of the driver or indication of the estimated time of return. Such data may not want to be freely shared. An authorised viewer (e.g. a registered parking official) may be able to unlock the restricted portion of the message to obtain the hidden data. The authorised viewer may have an electronic device that communicates with the controller (e.g. wirelessly) and the electronic device may transmit the authorisation token.

The display device may change a displayed message to a different message based on the location of the mobile device.

The mobile device may be capable of automatically transmitting data at pre-set time intervals or at pre-set times of day.

The mobile device data may comprise a user command entered via the mobile device.

The mobile device may be a smartphone, a wearable device or a handset.

The display device may be capable of analysing the data and selecting at least one of a plurality of a predetermined message contents to be displayed based on that analysis. The display device may be capable of analysing the data and creating new message content to be displayed based on that analysis.

The message content may include information regarding the location of the driver. The message content may be a timer count down to an estimated time when the driver will return to the vehicle. The message content may be a timer count up from the time when the driver left the vehicle. The message content may include information regarding the contact details for the driver. The message content may be a pre-prepared message. The message content may include information regarding parking permits. The message content may include any combinations of the above.

The system may further comprise a vehicle sensor configured to generate a vehicle sensor signal based on a predetermined vehicle event trigger, the display device is further configured to detect or receive the vehicle sensor signal and control message content based on the vehicle sensor signal.

The system may further comprise a vehicle user interface configured to generate a command signal based on user input, the display device is further configured to detect or receive the command signal and control message content based on the command signal.

The system may further comprise a vehicle microphone configured to generate a voice command signal based on voice recognition, the display device is further configured to detect or receive the voice command signal and control message content based on the voice command signal.

The system may further comprise means for determining the location of a vehicle and generating a vehicle location signal, the display device is further configured to detect or receive the vehicle location signal and control the message content based on a vehicle location signal.

A vehicle (such as a motor vehicle) may comprise the above-mentioned vehicle display system. The display device may be attached to the interior of the vehicle such that the message can be viewed externally to that vehicle. The display device may be in close proximity to a window of the vehicle. Alternatively, the display device may be provided on an exterior surface of the vehicle, such as on a panel of the vehicle.

The display device may be permanently or detachably attached to the interior of the vehicle such that a message can be viewed by a person situated externally to that vehicle.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for a vehicle, wherein the method comprises: receiving data, such as location indicating data, from a mobile device; updating a message displayed on a display device based on the data (e.g. location data) received from the mobile device, the message displayed on the display device being viewable from outside the vehicle.

The invention also provides software such as a computer program or a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein. A computer program embodying the invention may be stored on a computer-readable medium, or it could, for example, be in the form of a signal such as a downloadable data signal provided from an Internet website, or it could be in any other form.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a display system for a vehicle according to an arrangement of the present disclosure; Figures 2a and 2b are a schematic views of a display system for a vehicle according to an arrangement of the present disclosure; and Figure 3 is a flowchart depicting a method according to an arrangement of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

With reference to Figure 1, a display system 10 is shown according to an arrangement of the present disclosure. The system 10 comprises a display device 20 for use with a vehicle 30, such as a motor vehicle (e.g. a car, a van, a truck, a lorry or any other type of motor vehicle). The vehicle may also be a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery van/truck, an emergency response vehicle, utilities van or similar.

The display device 20 represented in Figure 1 includes a display surface 24 on which a message 22 can be displayed. The display device 20 can be any device that is capable of visually conveying the message 22. The display device 20 may comprise light emitting diodes (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a cathode ray tube display (CRT),an electroluminescent display (ELD), E ink, electronic paper, a plasma display panel (PDP), a segment display, a projector, video or mechanical display elements or combinations thereof. The display device could also be a tablet computer, monitor or it could be integrated within at least a section of a vehicle window, for example transparent LED. In the case of the display device 20 comprising a projector, the projector may project an image onto a surface, such as a window of the vehicle.

The display device 20 can be positioned with respect to the vehicle such that the message 22 can be easily and readily viewed by interested third parties who are situated outside the vehicle 30. The display device 20 may be configured to be permanently or detachably attached to the vehicle. The display device 20 may be integrally formed with the vehicle. The display device 20 may form part of an interior trim portion of the vehicle, the interior trim portion can include any item that is added to the interior of the vehicle to increase its appeal or to provide protection. By way of example, the display device 20 can be situated on top of a vehicle instrument panel. The display device 20 may also be situated on an outer surface of a vehicle 30.

To avoid any increase to the risk of vandalism or theft the display device 20 can be attached to the vehicle 30 such that it cannot easily be removed by unauthorised persons. The display device 20 may be detachably attached to the vehicle 30 by a locking mechanism such that it can be removed only with a key or access code.

The message 22 may be any visual or tactile display. The message 22 may be static or moving. The message 22 may be selected from a set of pre-determined images or it may be uniquely created in the moment. By way of example, the message 22 may be information regarding the whereabouts of the driver, information regarding the purpose or role of the vehicle or driver, an indication as to how long the driver will be away from the vehicle, an indication as to how long the driver has been away from the vehicle, a pre-prepared message, or evidence that the vehicle is allowed to park at the location. The message 22 may also comprise a timer counting up or a timer counting down.

A controller 26 may be operatively coupled to the display device 20 and may control the display device 20. The controller 26 may control the message content by selecting what message is to be displayed and when that message is to be displayed. The controller 26 and/or display device 20 may have a memory that is capable of storing a plurality of pre-determined messages. The controller 26 may have the ability to create new messages.

The controller 26 and/or display device 20 may have the ability to store new messages in order that they may be used in the future.

The controller 26 is able to receive or detect data transmitted by a mobile device 40. The mobile device 40 interfaces with (and may or may not form part of) the system 10 but is configured such that it can be removed from the vehicle and carried by the driver 50 when they leave the vehicle. The mobile device 40 may be a smartphone, wearable device (such as a watch), car key, handset or any other type of mobile device.

The mobile device 40 may be directly connected to the display device 20 when the mobile device 40 is within a certain proximity to the display device 20, for example via a wired connection. Alternatively, the mobile device 40 may be indirectly connected to the display device 20 and communicate via the sending and receiving of data sent over a wireless connection, such as a mobile telephone communication network. The controller 26 may connect to (or comprise) a wireless transceiver for communicating with the mobile device 40 directly or indirectly (e.g. via a mobile telecommunications network).

The mobile device 40 is able to generate location data based on its own location, for example by comprising a geolocation means such as a GPS device. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device 40 is capable of providing data such that its geolocation may be calculated by alternative means, such as determining its proximity to known Wi-Fi signals and/or triangulation of mobile phone signals. The mobile device 40 may otherwise provide location data based on a logistics schedule, for example, the mobile device may be (or may be synchronised with) a logistics device that knows which location (such as a physical address) the driver has attended (or is next to attend). Such logistics data may be used to infer the location of the mobile device 40.

The mobile device 40 may also be activated and operated by the driver 50 to create user command data. The user command data may be created by manual input via a keyboard, key pad or touch sensitive interface. Additionally or alternatively the mobile device 40 may be a voice command device (VCD) or include a voice activated system via a microphone and speech recognition software.

The system 10 may further include a vehicle location device 60. The vehicle location device 60 is able to generate vehicle location data based on the location of the vehicle, for example by being on the vehicle and comprising a geolocation means such as a GPS device. Additionally or alternatively, vehicle location device 60 is capable of generating data such that the vehicle geolocation may be calculated by alternative means (e.g. as mentioned above). The controller 26 is capable of detecting or receiving the vehicle location data generated by the vehicle location device 60.

The system 10 may further include a vehicle sensor 70. The vehicle sensor 70 is able to detect a vehicle trigger event. The vehicle trigger event 70 may be the locking of the vehicle doors, the vehicle engine being switched on or off, the vehicle alarm being set, the vehicle being parked or any other appropriate trigger. The vehicle sensor 70 is able to generate vehicle event data based on the detection of a vehicle trigger event. The controller 26 is capable of detecting or receiving vehicle event data generated by the vehicle sensor 70.

The display device 20 may be controlled by user command data manually input via a keyboard or key pad 80, which may be situated in proximity to the display device 20. Additionally or alternatively the display device 20 may be controlled by user command data input via a voice command device (VCD) or include a voice activated system 90 via a microphone and speech recognition software.

With reference to Figures 2a and 2b a vehicle 30 is shown with respective messages 22a and 22b displayed according to an arrangement of the present disclosure. The messages 22a and 22b are clearly displayed in a bottom section of the front windscreen of the vehicle 30. However, the message could be displayed in any part of the vehicle such that it is visible through the window and could be viewed externally. (The message could also be displayed on an external surface of the vehicle.) With reference to Figure 1, operation of system 10, as explained above, will be described. To begin operation of the system 10 the display device 20 may be turned on. The display device 20 can be turned on manually by the driver 50 via the user interface 80 or the mobile device 40. The display device 20 can additionally or alternatively be turned on by the vehicle sensor 70 detecting a vehicle trigger event and generating vehicle event data that is detected or received by the controller 26, for example the display device turns on when the vehicle engine is switched off, such as when the vehicle is parked.

Once the display device 20 is turned on a pre-set message may be displayed. The driver can choose to set operating preferences via the user interface 80 and/or mobile device 40 or the system can operate on a standard or default setting.

The controller 26 may comprise a display mode in which the message may be displayed upon activation of the display mode. The display mode may be automatically activatable, e.g. the display mode may be automatically activated when the vehicle 30 is parked. By way of example, the display mode may be automatically activated upon activation of a delivery mode of the vehicle 30 in which other parameters of the vehicle may be controlled during a delivery or collection stop.

The next time the driver 50 parks the vehicle 30 the vehicle sensor 70 will detect a vehicle event trigger such as the engine being turned off, the car being placed in a parking or delivery mode, the vehicle being locked etc. The vehicle sensor 70 will generate vehicle event data corresponding to that vehicle event trigger. The controller 26 will detect or receive that vehicle event data and analyse the data. The controller 26 will then control what message 22 is to be displayed on the display device 20. This could be a standard or default message, for example the message "out on delivery', "I'll be back soon", contact details for the driver, a time counting how long the driver has been away, and/or a count-down timer (based on a preconfigu red or estimated time of return) may be automatically displayed. The message may comprise a viewable map showing the location of the mobile device 40. The viewable map may also display the location of the vehicle 30.

Alternatively before leaving the vehicle, or soon after, the driver 50 may manually input user command data, via the user interface 80, by voice actuation 90 or the mobile device 40, and select or create a message 22 to be displayed.

Alternatively, no message 22 is displayed until the mobile device 40 is determined to be a certain distance from the vehicle. Once the mobile device 40 is determined to be a certain distance from the vehicle a standard or set message 22 may be displayed, for example "driver out on delivery", "I'll be back soon", contact details for the driver, a timer counting how long the driver has been away etc. The controller 26 may compare the location of the vehicle 30 and the location of the mobile device 40 and may estimate the time required for the driver to return to the vehicle 30. The estimate may be based on a distance between the vehicle 30 and the mobile device 40 and/or a determined possible route (which may be different from a straight line distance between the vehicle and mobile device). The controller 26 may refer to a navigation system (on board the vehicle or via the internet) to estimate the time to return to the vehicle 30 for the driver 50. This estimation may be based on the driver walking or cycling (or other motive means) to return to the vehicle. The time estimate may default to an estimate based on walking, but if a cycle (or other motive means) has been removed from the vehicle, the controller 26 may sense such a removal (via a sensor) and may base the time estimate on the driver cycling (or using other motive means) to return to the vehicle. The estimated time of return (and/or a countdown timer) may be displayed as part of the message 22 on the display device 20. Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the vehicle 30 and the mobile device 40 may be displayed.

Additionally or alternatively, a message 22 may be displayed based on an analysis of the vehicle location data generated by the vehicle location device 60, for example a message displaying parking permits or medical dispensations may be displayed automatically in response to the vehicle being parked in a zone subject to parking restrictions.

The display device 20 may continue to display the message 22 indefinitely, for a set period of time or until a commanded to stop is determined.

The controller 26 may otherwise be configured to only display at least a portion of the message 22 upon receipt of the authentication token from an authorised viewer. Such a portion of the message 22 may comprise data relating to contact details of the driver 50 or indication of the estimated time of return. Such data may not want to be freely shared. An authorised viewer (e.g. a registered parking official) may be able to unlock the restricted portion 22 of the message to obtain the hidden data. The authorised viewer may have an electronic device that communicates with the controller (e.g. wirelessly) and the electronic device may transmit the authorisation token to the controller so as to unlock the hidden data. The display device 20 may indicate to the authorised viewer that there is a message to be viewed so that they know to unlock the message.

Once the driver 50 has left the vehicle 30 with the mobile device 40 the system 10 is able to track the driver location via the location data. The system 10 is able to analyse the location data to establish the driver's location, for example when the driver 40 is making a delivery or attending an appointment some distance from the vehicle. The system 10is also able to compare the analysis of the location data with the message 22 displayed to determine if the message 22 needs to be updated or changed. For example, if the message states that the driver will be back in five minutes, after 5 mins the system 10 can track the driver's location and change the message to show a new estimated time of arrival back at the vehicle. Similarly, if the message 22 is a counter that is counting down to the estimated time of return by the driver, the system can track the driver's location and determine if the message 22 needs to be updated to reflect a new estimated time of return by the driver. The system can also display the current location of the driver 50 at any point in time. The system 10 is therefore able to provide a real time update to the message 22 and to interested third parties.

The driver 50 may attend multiple locations whilst the vehicle is parked. For example, during a single stop, a courier driver may attend a plurality of addresses, which may be closely spaced, such as in a high-rise apartment building. In such a case, the controller 26 may obtain data from the mobile device, such as logistics data (e.g. directly from a logistics device or via a server), that indicates the location of or progress made by the driver. The controller 22 may update the message 22 based on this data. For example, the message may indicate that the driver is attending location x out of y locations. The controller 26 may also estimate the time to return to the vehicle based on such data. For example, the controller 26 may estimate the time spent at and between future addresses and the controller 26 may update the message based on this estimation. Accordingly, the location data provided by the mobile device 40 may be physical location data (such as GPS coordinates), a physical address or an indication of progress on an itinerary.

The driver 50 may also decide at any time to input a command via the mobile device 40. The mobile device will transmit the user command data and the display device 20 will detect or receive that user command data and, if appropriate, change the message displayed on the display device 20, for example "driver returning to vehicle", "attending emergency" or "back in 5 mins".

With reference to Figure 3, a method 100 may apply to vehicle 30. The method 100 comprises a first block 110 in which data, such as location data, is received from the mobile device 40. In a second block 120, a message displayed on the display device 20 is updated. The message may be based on the location data received from the mobile device 40. The message displayed on the display device 20 may be viewable from outside the vehicle 30. Software may be provided to carry out method 100. Such software may be provided on the controller 26.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and alternative examples may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A vehicle display system for a vehicle, the vehicle display system comprising: a display device configured to display a message, the message being viewable from outside the vehicle; and a controller configured to communicate with a mobile device and receive location data from the mobile device; wherein the controller is further configured to update the message based on the location data received from the mobile device.
2. The vehicle display system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine a length of time required for a user of the mobile device to return to the vehicle based on the location data received from the mobile device, and wherein the controller updates the message based on the determined length of time required for the user of the mobile device to return to the vehicle.
3. The vehicle display system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is further configured to receive location data from a vehicle location module that determines the location of the vehicle.
4. The vehicle display system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller comprises a display mode in which the message is displayed upon activation of the display mode.
5. The vehicle display system of claim 4, wherein the display mode is automatically activatable.
6. The vehicle display system of claim 5, wherein the display mode is automatically activated when the vehicle is parked.
7. The vehicle display system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the display mode is automatically activated upon activation of a delivery mode of the vehicle in which other parameters of the vehicle are controlled during a delivery or collection stop.
8. The vehicle display system of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the display mode is manually activatable via at least one of a user interface in the vehicle, a voice command and the mobile device.
9. The vehicle display system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the message comprises predetermined content in addition to content linked to the location data from the mobile device.
10. The vehicle display system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the message or an additional message is updated with user input data from the mobile device.
11. The vehicle display system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the message comprises a viewable map showing the location of the mobile device.
12. The vehicle display system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to receive an authentication token from an authorised viewer and at least a portion of the message is only displayed upon receipt of the authentication token.
13. A vehicle comprising the vehicle display system according to any of the preceding claims.
14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the display device is attached to the interior of the vehicle such that the message can be viewed externally to that vehicle.
15. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the display device is in close proximity to a window of the vehicle.
16. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the display device is provided on an exterior surface of the vehicle.
17. A method for a vehicle, wherein the method comprises: receiving location data from a mobile device; updating a message displayed on a display device based on the location data received from the mobile device, the message displayed on the display device being viewable from outside the vehicle. C)