GB2593705A

GB2593705A - Vehicle assembly and method

Info

Publication number: GB2593705A
Application number: GB2004634.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pritchard Robyn
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2020-03-30
Filing date: 2020-03-30
Publication date: 2021-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-30
Also published as: GB2593705B; GB202004634D0; DE102021104957A1; CN113460034A

Abstract

A method for a vehicle which comprises an actuator for moving a window of the vehicle between a closed position in which an opening into a vehicle interior is closed by the window and an open position, in which the opening is at least partially open. The method comprises: determining 402 whether the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre; and controlling 404 the operation of actuator based on the determination. The method may comprise moving the window into an open position if it is determined that the vehicle is located at the parking location and/or is performing or about to perform a low speed manoeuvre. The operation of an ancillary system may be controlled 416 to reduce a volume of sound being produced, and a speed of a blower within an HVAC or air conditioning system may be reduced. Advantageously, the driver may gain a greater awareness of the vehicle environment when parking the vehicle.

Description

Vehicle assembly and method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a method of operating a vehicle and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a method of operating a vehicle that improves safety when performing a parking manoeuvre, or other low speed manoeuvre.

Background

It is desirable for vehicles, such as motor vehicles, to incorporate systems for improving an occupant's awareness of their surrounding when performing a manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an actuator for moving a window of the vehicle between a closed positon, in which an opening into a vehicle interior is closed by the window and an open position, e.g. in which the window is at least partially or substantially fully open, wherein the method comprises: determining whether the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre; and controlling the operation of actuator based on the determination.

For example, the method may comprise controlling the operation of the actuator to move the window into the open position if it is determined that the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre.

In the present specification, a parking manoeuvre is taken to mean a vehicle manoeuvre performed in order to move a vehicle into a position, e.g. a parking space, in which the vehicle is to be parked, e.g. remain stationary for an extended period of time, or a manoeuvre performed in order to move a vehicle out of a parking position, e.g. onto a roadway or area of a parking lot other than a parking space.

The method may comprise determining a location of the vehicle. The method may further comprise determining whether the vehicle is at a parking location based on the determined location of the vehicle. For example, the method may comprise comparing the determined location of the vehicle to known locations of parking locations in order to determine whether the vehicle is at a parking location.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may comprise determining a selected gear ratio of a transmission of the vehicle. It may be determined whether the vehicle may be performing a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre, based on the gear ratio. For example, if it is determined that the gear ratio corresponds to a first or second gear or a reverse gear, it may be determined that the vehicle may be performing a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre. A low speed manoeuvre may be defined as a manoeuvre that is performed in a first, second or reverse gear.

Additionally or alternatively, a low speed manoeuvre may be defined as a manoeuvre that is performed at a speed less than 5 mph (8 kph), 10 mph (16 kph) or 15 mph (24 kph).

The method may further comprise controlling the operation of the actuator based on a speed of travel of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle speed is less than 5 mph (8 kph), less than 10 mph (16 kph) or less than 15 mph (24 kph) it may be determined that the vehicle 200 may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre. Additionally or alternatively, the operation of the actuator may be controlled based on the speed of travel of the vehicle after it has been determined whether the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre. For example, if the speed of travel of the vehicle is above a threshold speed, such as above 10 mph (16 kph), 15 mph (24 kph) or 20 mph (32 kph). It may be determined that the vehicle is not or is no longer performing a low speed manoeuvre and the actuator may be controlled based on the determination. For example, the window may be closed.

The method may further comprise determining a window opening setting set by a user of the vehicle. The extent of opening of the window in the open position may be determined based on the window opening setting.

The method may further comprise controlling the operation of an ancillary system of the vehicle to reduce a volume of sound being produced by the ancillary system, e.g. within an interior of the vehicle, based on the determination. For example, if it is determined that the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre, the volume of an entertainment system may be reduced, e.g. muted. Additionally or alternatively, a speed of a fan or blower within a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system of the vehicle may be reduced, if it is determined that the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre.

Additionally or alternatively again, engine enhanced sounds such as exhaust pipe noise controlling valves or air induction system symposers may be deactivated or reduced.

The method may comprise determining a time of day. The operation of the actuator may be controlled at least partially based on the time of day. For example, if the time of day is within a predetermined time of day range, the operation of the actuator may be controlled to open the window and if the time of day is outside of the predetermined time of day range, the operation of the actuator may be controlled to maintain the window in the closed position. In other words, opening of the window may be prevented.

The method may comprise determining whether the vehicle is located within one of one or more first locations at which it may be desirable for the vehicle window to be opened during a low speed manoeuvre. For example, the one or more first location may comprise locations in which there is a high density of pedestrian activity, such as at or close to the entrance to a shopping mall or theatre. The first locations may comprise locations in which it is known that there have been a greater than average number of vehicle accidents, e.g. involving vehicle manoeuvring at low speed, or a number of accidents above a threshold number. The operation of the actuator may be controlled based on the determination of whether the vehicle is located within one of the one or more first locations.

The method may comprise determining whether the vehicle is located within one of one or more second locations or areas, e.g. in which it may be undesirable for a window of the vehicle to be opened. The operation of the actuator may be controlled based on the determination of whether the vehicle is located within one of the one or more second locations. For example, the operation of the actuator may be controlled to close the window or maintain the window in a closed position of the vehicle is location within one of the one or more predetermined location.

The method may comprise determining one or more environmental conditions external to the vehicle, such as a weather condition and/or a level of pollution. The operation of the actuator may be controlled at least partially according to the environmental condition. For example, if it is determined that a weather condition external to the vehicle is a predetermined weather condition, such as rain, the actuator may be controlled to close the window or maintain the window in a closed position. Similarly, if it is determined that a level of pollution is above a threshold level, the actuator may be controlled to close the window or maintain the window in a closed position.

Determining the one or more environmental conditions external to the vehicle may comprise determining an operating mode of a windscreen wiper system of the vehicle.

For example, if the windscreen wiper system is operating, it may be determined that there the weather condition comprises precipitation.

The method may comprise operating an external microphone of the vehicle to detect, e.g. record, sound outside of the vehicle. A speaker inside of the vehicle may be operated to reproduce the sound from outside the vehicle detected by the external microphone. The external microphone may be operated if the operation of the actuator is not controlled to open the window.

The method may comprise determining a number of pedestrians present within a threshold distance of the vehicle, e.g. a number of pedestrians active within a threshold distance of the vehicle and/or approaching the vehicle. The operation of the actuator may be controlled at least partially according to the number of pedestrians present.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle assembly comprising: a window, e.g. a window pane; an actuator for moving the window of the vehicle assembly between a closed positon in which an opening into the vehicle assembly is closed by the window and an open position, in which the opening is at least partially open; and a controller configured to determine whether the vehicle assembly is located at a parking location and/or may be performing a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre, and control the operation of actuator based on the determination.

The controller may be configured to perform the above-mentioned method.

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 an area within which one or more vehicles, according to the present disclosure, are operating; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a vehicle according to the present disclosure; and Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating another method of operating a vehicle accordingly to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to a method for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle (e.g. car, van, truck, motorcycle etc.), an industrial or agricultural vehicle (e.g. tractor, forklift, bulldozer, excavator etc), a marine vessel, aircraft or any other type of vehicle.

With reference to Figure 1, one or more vehicles 2, such as motor vehicles, may operate within an area 10. The area 10 may comprise one or more parking locations 12 in which the vehicle may be parked for a period of time during which the vehicle may be unoccupied. One or more of the parking locations 12 may comprise individual parking spaces in which an individual vehicle may be parked. Alternatively, one or more of the parking locations 12 may be areas, e.g. car parks or parking lots, in which a plurality of vehicles may be parked. The parking locations 12 may comprise the parking spaces and an adjacent portion of the area 10 within which a vehicle may perform a parking manoeuvre in order to park within the parking space.

When the vehicles 2 are performing parking manoeuvres within one of the parking locations 12 in order to position the vehicle in a parking space, it may be desirable for the vehicle to be operated in such a way as to improve the awareness of an occupant, such as the driver, to the surroundings of the vehicle. Improving the occupant's awareness of the vehicle's surroundings may reduce the likelihood of accidents, e.g. collisions, whilst a parking manoeuvre is being performed by the vehicle and/or may improve the occupants comfort whilst a parking manoeuvre is being performed.

One or more of the vehicles 2 operating within the area 10 may be a vehicle 200 according to the present disclosure. With reference to Figure 2, the vehicle 200 comprises a body structure 210 defining an interior 212 of the vehicle within which occupants of the vehicle may be seated during operation of the vehicle 200.

The body structure 210 further defines one or more openings 214 into the interior 212. One or more of the openings 214, or portions thereof, may be to be closed by a window 222, e.g. a window glass or pane, of the vehicle, as described below.

As depicted, one or more of the openings 214 may correspond to a door 216 of the vehicle and the window 222 may be provided, e.g. supported, on the door 216. A portion of the opening 114 may be to be closed by the window 222 supported on the door. Additionally or alternatively, windows for closing one or more of the openings 214 may be supported by the body structure 210. In either case, the openings 214 or portions of the openings that are to be closed by windows of the vehicle may be referred to as window openings 218.

The vehicle 200 comprises one or more window assemblies 220. The window assemblies each 220 comprise the window 222, e.g. window pane or glass, for closing a corresponding window opening 218 of the vehicle. The window assemblies 220 further comprise an actuator 224 for controlling movement of the window, e.g. relative to the body structure 210 or door 216 of the vehicle on which the window is supported, e.g. via a mechanism 225.

The actuator 224 of the window assembly 220 may be for moving the window 222 of the window assembly between a closed positon, in which the corresponding window opening 218 is closed by the window, and an open position, in which the opening is at least partially, or fully, open. The vehicle 200 further comprises a controller 230 configured to control the operation of the actuator.

With reference to Figure 3, in order to improve an occupant's awareness of their surroundings when performing a parking manoeuvre, the vehicles 200 operating within the area 10, e.g. the controllers 230 of the respective vehicles 200, may operate according to a method 300.

The method 300 comprises a first block 302, at which it is determined whether the vehicle assembly is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre.

The method 300 further comprises a second block 304, at which the actuator 224 of a window assembly 220 is controlled based on the determination. For example, if it is determined that the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform a low speed manoeuvre, the actuator may be controlled to move the window 222 of the corresponding window assembly, such that the window opening 218 corresponding to the window assembly 220 is at least partially open.

With reference to Figure 4, a further method 400 of operating a vehicle, such as the vehicle 200 will now be described. The further method 400 is similar to the method 300 and comprises first and second block 402, 404 that are similar to the first and second block 302, 304 of the method 300 described above. The features described in relation to the first and second blocks 302, 304 of the method 300 may apply equally to the first and second blocks 402, 404 of the further method 400.

The blocks of the further method 400 may be performed sequentially in the order illustrated in Figure 4. Alternatively, the blocks of the method may be performed sequentially in any other desirable order. In some arrangements, one or more of the blocks may be performed at least partially simultaneously. Furthermore, one or more than one of the blocks may be omitted.

The further method 400 may comprise a third block 406, a fourth block 408, a fifth block 410, a sixth block 412 and a seventh block 414. As depicted in Figure 4, the third, fourth, fifth and/or sixth blocks may form part of the first block 402. The functions described below in relation to the third, fourth, fifth and/or sixth blocks may be performed when performing, or in order to perform, the function of the first block 402, as described above. In other arrangements, others of the blocks of the method 400 may form part of the first block 402 and may be performed when performing, or in order to perform, the function of the first block 402.

At the third block 406, the location of the vehicle may be determined. As depicted in Figure 2, the vehicle 200 may comprise a navigation system 232, such as a satellite navigation system and the controller may determine the location of the vehicle, e.g. at the third block 406, based on information received from the navigation system 232 At the fourth block 408, it may be determined whether the vehicle is at a parking location. For example, the location of the vehicle determined at the third block 406 may be compared to known locations of one or more parking locations, e.g. stored within a memory accessible to the controller 230.

At the fifth block 410, a selected gear ratio of a transmission of the vehicle 200 may be determined; and at the sixth block 412, it may be determined whether the vehicle 200 may be performing a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre, based on the selected gear ratio of the transmission determined at the fifth block. For example, if the gear ratio of the transmission corresponds to a first gear, a second gear and/or a reverse gear of the transmission, it may be determined that the vehicle may be performing, or is about to perform, a parking manoeuvre.

Additionally or alternatively, at the fifth block 410, a speed of the vehicle 200 may be determined. Tt may be determined, e.g. at the sixth block 412, whether the vehicle 200 may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre, based on the vehicle speed. For example, if the vehicle speed is less than 5 mph (8 kph), less than 10 mph (16 kph) or less than 15 mph (24 kph) it may be determined that the vehicle 200 may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre.

The further method 400 may further comprise a seventh block 414 at which a window opening setting of the vehicle is determined. When the actuator is controlled, e.g. at the second block 404, to open the window, the window may be opened to an extent corresponding to the window opening setting. The window opening setting may be set by a user of the vehicle or may be a factory setting. The window opening setting may be stored in a memory accessible to the controller 230.

Returning to Figure 2, the vehicle 200 may further comprise one or more ancillary systems 240, such as an entertainment system 242 and/or a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system 244, that create sound, e.g. noise, whilst operating.

As depicted in Figure 4, the further method 400 may further comprise an eighth block 416 at which one or more ancillary systems 240 of the vehicle 200 are controlled to reduce a volume of the sound being created by the ancillary systems 240. For example, a volume of the entertainment system 242 may be reduced and/or a fan speed of a fan provided as part of the HVAC system 244 may be reduced. Control of the ancillary systems 240 at the eighth block 416 may be performed if it is determined, e.g. at the first block 402, that the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing a parking manoeuvre.

The further method 400 may further comprise a ninth step 418, at which the time of day is determined. The operation of the actuator may be controlled, e.g. at the second block, at least partially based on the time of day. For example, if is it determined that the time of day is after a particular hour and/or before a particular hour, e.g. in a range within which it may not be desirable for the window to be opened, the operation of the actuator may be controlled to close the window or maintain the position of the window at the second block 404.

The further method 400 may further comprise a tenth block 420 at which it is determined whether the vehicle is located within one or more first locations at which it has been determined that it may desirable for the window of the vehicle to be opened during a low speed manoeuvre. For example, it may be determined whether the vehicle is within one or more locations at which a level of vehicular collisions and/or a level of vehicular congestion is above a threshold level. Additionally or alternatively, it may be determined whether the vehicle is located in an area of high risk of pedestrian accidents involving slow moving vehicles, e.g. in which a rate of pedestrian accidents is above a threshold rate. Such locations may include at a close to entrances to shopping malls, theatres etc. It may be desirable for the vehicle window to be opened when performing a parking manoeuvre or other low speed manoeuvre in such locations.

Additionally or alternatively, at the tenth block 420, it may be determined whether the vehicle is location within one or more second locations at which it have been determined that it may not be desirable for the window of the vehicle to be opened. For example, it may be determined whether the vehicle is within one or more locations at which a level of vehicular crime is above a threshold level. It may be undesirable for the vehicle window to be opened, e.g. at the second block 404, in such locations.

Locations, e.g. first location and/or second locations, in which it may be desirable or undesirable to open the window of the vehicle, may be determined by accessing a database, e.g. comprising information relating to pedestrian movements, vehicle accidents and/or vehicle crime statistics.

The location of the vehicle determined by the navigation system, as described above.

The one or more locations within which it may or may not be desirable for the window of the vehicle to be opened may be determined by accessing a database of crime, accident levels and/or vehicular congestion information, from which the one or more locations may be determined. The location of the vehicle may be compared to the one or more locations and the actuator may be operated at the second block 404 according to whether it is desirable or undesirable for the window to be opened.

For example, if it is determined that the vehicle is located within a location at which it is undesirable for the window to be opened, the operation of the actuator may not be controlled to open the window at the second block, e.g. regardless of whether it has been determined at the first block 402 that the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing a parking manoeuvre.

The further method 400 may further comprise an eleventh block 422 at which an environmental condition, such as a weather condition or a pollution level, external to the vehicle, e.g. in an area within which the vehicle is located, is it determined. For example, the controller 230 may be configured to determine the environmental condition by accessing a database of environmental condition, e.g. located remotely from the vehicle.

In some arrangements, the controller 230 may be configured to determine the environmental condition based on the operating condition of one or more ancillary systems of the vehicle. For example, based on an operating mode of a windscreen wiper system of the vehicle and/or headlights of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 230 may be configured to determine the environmental condition based on one or more measurements from a temperature, humidity and/or pressure sensor on the vehicle.

At the eleventh block 422 it may be determined whether it may be undesirable for the window of the vehicle to be opened based on the environmental condition. For example, if it is determined that a weather condition external to the vehicle is a predetermined weather condition, such as a weather condition comprising precipitation, it may be determined that it may be undesirable for the window of the vehicle to be opened. Similarly, if it is determined that a level of pollution external to the vehicle is above a predetermined level, it may be undesirable for the window of the vehicle to be opened.

The operation of the actuator, e.g. at the second block 404, may be controlled at least partially according to the environmental condition. For example, the actuator may not be controlled to open the window if it has been determined that it may be undesirable for the window to be opened based on the environmental condition.

Returning to Figure 2, the vehicle 200 may comprise one or more external microphones 250 configured to record sounds outside of the vehicle. The vehicle may further comprise one or more speakers 243, e.g. provided as part of the entertainment system 242. Controller 230 may be configured to selectively reproduce the sound recorded by external microphones 250 using the speakers 243.

As shown in Figure 4, the further method 400 may further comprise a twelfth block 424 at which the one or more external microphones 250 are operated to record sound outside of the vehicle and the one or more speaker 243 inside of the vehicle are operated to reproduce the sound from outside the vehicle recorded by the microphone.

The external microphone 250 may be configured to determine a direction of origin of an external sound and the speaker 243 that is operated to reproduce the sound from outside may be selected based on the direction of origin, e.g. in order to give the impression of occupants of the vehicle that the sound is originating from that direction.

The one or more external microphones and one or more speaker may be operated as an alternative to opening the windows. In other words, the one or more external microphones and one or more speaker may be operated if it is determined not to control the operation of the actuator to open the window.

The further method 400 may further comprise a thirteenth block 426, at which a number of pedestrians present within a threshold distance of the vehicle is determined. The operation of the actuator may be controlled, e.g. in the second block 404, at least partially according to the number of pedestrians present within the threshold distance of the vehicle. For example, if it is determined that the number of pedestrians present within the threshold distance of the vehicle exceeds a threshold number, the operation of the actuator may not be controlled to open the window or the operation of the actuator may be controlled to maintain the window in the closed position.

The further method 400 may further comprise fourteenth block 428, at which a vehicle speed, e.g. the speed of travel of the vehicle, is determined. The actuator may be controller at the fourteenth block 428, at least partially based on the speed of travel of the vehicle. For example, if the speed of travel of the vehicle assembly is above a threshold speed, such as above 10mph or above 20mph, it may be determined that the vehicle assembly is not or is no longer performing a parking manoeuvre and the actuator may be controlled based on the determination. For example, the actuator may be controlled to close the window or maintain the window in a closed position. As depicted, the fourteenth block 428 may be performed after the second block 404.

In the arrangements described above, a single actuator is operated to control a single window of the vehicle. However, in other arrangements, more than one actuator may be controlled to control the positions of more than one windows of the vehicle. The windows actuators of the vehicle that are controlled using the method described herein may be selectable by an occupant of the vehicle.

The following additional, numbered statements of invention are also included within the specification and form part of the present disclosure: Statement 1. A method for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an actuator for moving a window of the vehicle between a closed positon, in which an opening into a vehicle interior is closed by the window and an open position, in which the opening is at least partially open, wherein the method comprises: determining whether the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre; and controlling the operation of actuator based on the determination.

Statement 2. The method of statement 1, wherein the method comprises controlling the operation of the actuator to move the window into the open position if it is determined that the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre.

Statement 3. The method of statement 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises determining a location of the vehicle; Statement 4. The method of statement 3, wherein the method further comprises determining whether the vehicle is at a parking location based on the determined location of the vehicle.

Statement 5. The method of statement 3 or 4, wherein the method further comprises comparing the determined location to known locations of parking locations in order to determine whether the vehicle is at a parking location.

Statement 6. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method comprises determining a selected gear ratio of a transmission of the vehicle, wherein it is determined whether the vehicle may be preforming, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre based on the selected gear ratio.

Statement 7. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises controlling the operation of the actuator based on a speed of travel of the vehicle.

Statement 8. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises: determining a window opening setting set by a user of the vehicle, wherein the extent of opening of the window in the open position is determined based on the 5 window opening setting Statement 9. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises controlling the operation of an ancillary system of the vehicle to reduce a volume of sound being produced by the ancillary system based on the 10 determination.

Statement 10. The method of statement 9, wherein the method further comprises reducing a speed of a blower within a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system of the vehicle based on the determination.

Statement 11. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises: determining a time of day, wherein the operation of actuator is controlled at least partially based on the time of day.

Statement 12. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises: determining whether the vehicle is located within one of one or more first locations at which it may be desirable for the vehicle window to be opened during a low speed manoeuvre, wherein the operation of the actuator is controlled based on the determination of whether the vehicle is located within one of the one or more first locations.

Statement 13. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises: determining whether the vehicle is located within one of one or more second locations at which it may be undesirable for the vehicle window to be opened, wherein the operation of the actuator is controlled based on the determination of whether the vehicle is located within one of the one or more second locations.

Statement 14. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises: determining one or more environmental conditions external to the vehicle, wherein the operation of the actuator is controlled at least partially according to the environmental condition.

Statement 15. The method of statement 14, wherein determining one or more environmental conditions external to the vehicle comprises determining an operating mode of a windscreen wiper system of the vehicle.

Statement 16. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises, if it is determined not to control the operation of the actuator to open the window, operating a microphone to detect sound outside of the vehicle and operating a speaker inside of the vehicle to reproduce the sound from outside the vehicle recorded by the microphone.

Statement 17. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the method further comprises: determining a number of pedestrians present within a threshold distance of the vehicle, wherein the operation of the actuator is controlled at least partially according to the determined number of pedestrians.

Statement 18. A vehicle assembly comprising:

a window an actuator for moving the window of the vehicle assembly between a closed positon, in which an opening into the vehicle assembly is closed by the window, and an open position, in which the opening is at least partially open; and a controller configured to determine whether the vehicle assembly is located at a parking location and/or may be, or about to be performing a low speed manoeuvre, such as a parking manoeuvre and control the operation of actuator based on the determination.

Statement 19. The vehicle assembly of statement 18, wherein the controller is configured to perform the method of any of statements 2 to 17 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 exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an actuator for moving a window of the vehicle between a closed positon, in which an opening into a vehicle interior is closed by the window and an open position, in which the opening is at least partially open, wherein the method comprises: determining whether the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre; and controlling the operation of actuator based on the determination.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises controlling the operation of the actuator to move the window into the open position if it is determined that the vehicle is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, 15 a low speed manoeuvre.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises determining a location of the vehicle;
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the method further comprises determining whether the vehicle is at a parking location based on the determined location of the vehicle.
5. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein the method further comprises comparing the determined location to known locations of parking locations in order to determine whether the vehicle is at a parking location.
6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises determining a selected gear ratio of a transmission of the vehicle, wherein it is determined whether the vehicle may be preforming, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre based on the gear ratio.
7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises controlling the operation of the actuator based on a speed of travel of the 35 vehicle.
8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: determining a window opening setting set by a user of the vehicle, wherein the extent of opening of the window in the open position is determined based on the 5 window opening setting
9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises controlling the operation of an ancillary system of the vehicle to reduce a volume of sound being produced by the ancillary system based on the determination.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises reducing a speed of a blower within a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system of the vehicle based on the determination.
11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: determining a time of day, wherein the operation of actuator is controlled at least partially based on the time of day.
12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: determining whether the vehicle is located within one of one or more first locations at which it may be desirable for the vehicle window to be opened during a low speed manoeuvre, wherein the operation of the actuator is controlled based on the determination of whether the vehicle is located within one of the one or more first locations.
13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: determining whether the vehicle is located within one of one or more second locations at which it may be undesirable for the vehicle window to be opened, wherein the operation of the actuator is controlled based on the determination of whether the vehicle is located within one of the one or more second locations.
14. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further 35 comprises: determining one or more environmental conditions external to the vehicle, wherein the operation of the actuator is controlled at least partially according to the environmental condition.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining one or more environmental conditions external to the vehicle comprises determining an operating mode of a windscreen wiper system of the vehicle.
16. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises, operating a microphone to detect sound outside of the vehicle and operating a speaker inside of the vehicle to reproduce the sound from outside the vehicle detected by the microphone.
17. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: determining a number of pedestrians present within a threshold distance of the vehicle, wherein the operation of the actuator is controlled at least partially according to the determined number of pedestrians.
18. A vehicle assembly comprising: a window an actuator for moving the window of the vehicle assembly between a closed positon, in which an opening into the vehicle assembly is closed by the window, and an open position, in which the opening is at least partially open; and a controller configured to determine whether the vehicle assembly is located at a parking location and/or may be performing, or about to perform, a low speed manoeuvre and control the operation of actuator based on the determination.
19. The vehicle assembly of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to perform the method of any of claims 2 to 17.