GB2617115A

GB2617115A - Vehicle positioning

Info

Publication number: GB2617115A
Application number: GB2204512.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mizutani Tom; Gacparski Patryk; Qasim Fahad; Neog Biswajit
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-30
Filing date: 2022-03-30
Publication date: 2023-10-04
Also published as: GB202204512D0

Abstract

A control system (208) for a vehicle (10) determines information (12) from signals (14) received from one or more short-range wireless networks (16). In dependence on reception of a trigger input (18), transmission of the determined information (12) offboard the vehicle (10) is carried out to allow determination of a position (20) of the vehicle (10). The transmission is via at least one controller (200a) and transmitter (22) of the vehicle (10), and the vehicle (10) includes at least one additional controller (200b) and transmitter (24) configured to transmit information offboard the vehicle (10) to allow determination of a position (20) of the vehicle (10). The short-range wireless network may be Wi-Fi. The transmitted information may be determined from satellite positioning or cellular network signals. The system may be configured to receive a confirmation input, where the determination of the location is based upon the trigger and the confirmation input.

Description

VEHICLE POSITIONING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vehicle positioning. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to a control system, vehicle, method, and computer software for vehicle positioning in short-range wireless networks.

BACKGROUND

In some situations, it is desirable to determine a position and/or location of a vehicle. For example, in circumstances where a vehicle has been stolen it can be desirable to determine a position and/or location of a vehicle.

However, determining a position and/or location of a vehicle may not be done robustly or effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a control system for a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more controllers, wherein the control system is configured to: determine information from signals received from one or more short-range wireless networks; receive a trigger input; control, in dependence on the trigger input, transmission of the determined information offboard the vehicle to allow determination of a position of the vehicle, the transmission via at least one controller and transmitter of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one further controller and transmitter configured to transmit information offboard the vehicle to allow determination of a position of the vehicle, the at least one controller and transmitter separate from the at least one further controller and transmitter.

This provides the advantage that security of a vehicle is enhanced.

This provides the advantage that location reporting of a stolen vehicle is more difficult to prevent.

In some examples, the one or more short-range wireless networks comprise one or more This provides the advantage that no additional external infrastructure deployment is required.

In some examples, the control system is configured to determine the information from signals received from one or more short-range wireless networks in dependence on the trigger input.

This provides the advantage that the collection of information can be controlled via the trigger input.

In some examples, the at least one further controller is configured to transmit, via the at least one further transmitter, information determined from one or more satellite positioning signals and/or one or more cellular network signals.

This provides the advantage that a plurality of different positioning methods are used.

In some examples, the control system is configured to: receive a confirmation input; and control transmission of the determined information offboard the vehicle to allow determination of a position of the vehicle in dependence on the trigger input and confirmation input.

This provides the advantage that the transmission of information offboard the vehicle can be controlled via the confirmation input.

In some examples, the trigger input comprises at least one of: an alert message, one or more signals generated by a tilt sensor, one or more signals generated by unauthorised movement of a vehicle 10, one or more signals generated by battery disconnection, one or more signals generated by antenna tampering and so on.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a control system as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 6 and the controller and transmitter.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing position information of a vehicle, the method comprising: determining information from signals received from one or more short-range wireless networks; receiving a trigger input; controlling, in dependence on the trigger input, transmission of the determined information offboard the vehicle to allow determination of a position of the vehicle, the transmission via at least one controller and transmitter of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one further controller and transmitter configured to transmit information offboard the vehicle to allow determination of a position of the vehicle, the at least one controller and transmitter separate from the at least one further controller and transmitter.

In some examples, the one or more short-range wireless networks comprise one or more Wi-Fi networks.

In some examples, the method comprising: determining the information from signals received from one or more short-range wireless networks in dependence on the trigger input.

In some examples, the method comprises: receiving a confirmation input; and controlling transmission of the determined information offboard the vehicle to allow determination of a position of the vehicle in dependence on the trigger input and confirmation input.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided computer software that, when executed, is arranged to perform at least part of any one or more methods described herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided computer software that, when executed, is arranged to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause performance of any one or more of the methods described herein.

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 falls within the scope of the appended claims. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination that falls within the scope of the appended claims, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle; FIGS. 2A, 2B illustrate an example of a control system and of a non-transitory computer readable storage medium; FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method; FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method; FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method; FIG. 6 illustrates an example scenario; FIG. 7 illustrates an example scenario; and FIG. 8 illustrates an example scenario.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the vehicle is a passenger vehicle, also referred to as a passenger car or as an automobile. In other examples, embodiments of the invention can be implemented for other applications, such as commercial vehicles.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view and illustrates a longitudinal x-axis between the front and rear of the vehicle representing a centreline, an orthogonal lateral y-axis between left and right lateral sides of the vehicle, and a vertical z-axis. A forward/fore direction typically faced by a driver's seat is in the negative x-direction; rearward/aft is +x. A rightward direction as seen from the driver's seat is in the positive y-direction; leftward is -y. These are a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction.

The vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of systems including a control system 208, a first controller 200a, a further controller 200b, a transmitter 22, and a further transmitter 24.

In examples, it can be considered that the control system 208 comprises the first controller 200a and the further controller 200b.

Consequently, FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 comprising a control system 208 as described herein and a controller 200a and transmitter 22.

The control system 208 is configured to implement any one or more of the methods described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example control system 208 configured to implement one or more aspects of the invention. FIG. 2 can be considered to illustrate how the control system 208 may be implemented.

The control system 208 of FIG. 2A comprises a controller 200. In other examples, the control system 208 comprises a plurality of controllers 200 onboard and/or offboard the vehicle 10. For example, the control system 208 can comprise a controller 200a and a further controller 200b.

In examples, any suitable control system 208 can be used.

The controller 200 of FIG. 2A includes at least one processor 202; and at least one memory device 204 electrically coupled to the electronic processor 202 and having instructions (e.g. a computer program 206) stored therein, the at least one memory device 204 and the instructions configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause any one or more of the methods described herein to be performed.

The processor 202 may have an interface such as an electrical input/output I/O or electrical input for receiving information and interacting with external components.

FIG. 2A therefore illustrates a control system 208, wherein the one or more electronic controllers 200 collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor 202 having an electrical input for receiving information associated with energy storage control; and at least one electronic memory device 204 electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor 202 and having instructions 206 stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor 202 is configured to access the at least one memory device 204 and execute the instructions thereon so as to cause the control system 208 to perform and/or cause performance of any one or more of the methods described herein.

Also illustrated in the example of FIG. 2A are one or more vehicle systems 226. Information can be communicated between the one or more vehicle systems 226 and the control system 208 and/or controller 200. There can be any number of intervening elements between the one or more vehicle systems 226 and the control system 208 (including no intervening elements).

In examples, the vehicle system(s) 226 can comprise any suitable vehicle system(s).

For example, the vehicle system(s) 226 can comprise any suitable vehicle system(s) 226 via which the control system 208 can receive signals 14, such as signals 14 from one or more short-range wireless networks 16 and/or information from signals 14.

In examples, the vehicle system(s) 226 comprise one or more systems involved in determining and transmitting offboard the vehicle 10 information to allow determination of a position of the vehicle 10.

In examples, the vehicle system(s) 226 can comprise a plurality of receivers configured to receive information by, for example, receiving one or more signals 14. Any suitable signals can be used, including any suitable combination of different signals. For example, signals having different ranges can be used.

In examples, the vehicle system(s) 226 can comprise a plurality of transmitters 22 configured to transmit information, by, for example, transmitting one or more signals 14. Any suitable signals can be used, including any suitable combination of different signals. For example, signals having different ranges can be used.

In examples, one or more transceivers can be used. In examples, a transceiver can be considered a transmitter and/or a receiver.

In examples, the vehicle system(s) 226 comprise a transmitter 22, and a further transmitter 24 that is separate from the transmitter 22.

In examples, the vehicle system(s) 226 comprise any suitable system from which an input, such as a trigger input 18 and/or confirmation input 28, can be received. For example, the vehicle system(s) 226 can comprise any suitable interface via which an input, such as a trigger input 18 and/or confirmation input, can be received.

In examples, an input, such as a trigger input 18 and/or confirmation input 28, can be received via one or more receivers/transceivers.

In examples, the control system 208 comprises a plurality of controllers 200. For example, the control system 208 can comprise a controller 200a configured to control and/or operate with a transmitter 22, and a further controller 200b configured to control and/or operate with a further transmitter 24.

In examples, the controller 200a and further controller 200b can be as described in relation to the controller 200 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2B illustrates a non-transitory computer readable storage medium 218 comprising the instructions 206 (computer software).

Accordingly, FIG. 2B illustrates a non-transitory computer readable medium 218 comprising computer readable instructions 206 that, when executed by a processor 202, cause performance of at least the method of one or more of FIG. 3 and/or as described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method 300.

The method 300 can be considered a method 300 of providing position information of a vehicle 10, such as a vehicle 10 that has been stolen.

In examples, method 300 can be considered a method 300 of locating a stolen vehicle.

In examples, method 300 can be considered a method 300 of enhancing and/or improving positioning and/or locating a vehicle 10, such as a vehicle 10 that has been stolen.

In examples, the method 300 is performed by the control system 208 of FIGS 2A, 2B.

That is, in examples, the control system 208 described herein comprises and/or provides means for performing the method 300. However, any suitable means may be used to perform the method 300.

In examples, the method 300 can be considered a computer implemented method 300 for a vehicle 10, such as the vehicle 10 of FIG. 1.

One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIG. 3 can be found in one or more of the other figures.

At block 302, the method 300 comprises determining information 12 from signals 14 received from one or more short-range wireless networks 16.

As used herein, the term "determining' (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, at least; calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also "determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

In examples, determining information 12 from signals 14 received from one or more short-range wireless networks 16 can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method.

In examples, any suitable signals 14 comprising any suitable information 12 can be used.

In examples, the signals 14 can comprise any suitable electromagnetic signals conveying information 12 in any suitable way.

In examples, the signal 14 can comprise any suitable short-range electromagnetic signals.

In examples, short range can be less than approximately 100 metres in range. In examples, short range can be a range between approximately 1 metre and approximately 100 metres. In some examples, short range can be a range between approximately 5 metres and approximately 100 metres.

In examples, short range signals can exclude satellite positioning and cellular signals.

In examples, short range signals can comprise wireless local area network WLAN signals, for example Wi-Fi signals. In some examples, short range signals can comprise Bluetooth (RIM) signals and so on.

In examples, the information 12 can comprise any suitable information 12. For example, the information 12 can comprise any information suitable for use in determination of a location of a vehicle 10. For example, the information 12 can comprise any suitable information for use in a WLAN and/or Wi-Fi positioning method/process.

In examples, the information 12 comprises any suitable information to geolocate and/or to be used in geolocating one or short-range wireless network access points 38. For example, the information 12 can comprise any suitable information for use with at least one database to map the information 12 to a location.

In some examples, WiFi channel number can be used.

In examples, the information 12 comprises identification information for one or more short-range wireless network access points 38, for example one or more media access control (MAC) addresses and/or service set identifiers (SSIDs) and/or basic service set identifiers (BSSIDs) and so on.

In examples, the information 12 comprises an indication of a received signal strength, for example a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).

In some examples the information 12 comprises information and/or is configured to allow an indication of received signal strength, for example a RSSI, to be determined.

In examples, any suitable short-range wireless networks 16 can be used.

In examples, a short range wireless network 16 can have a range less than approximately 100 metres. In examples, a short range wireless network 16 can have a range between approximately 1 metre and approximately 100 metres. In examples, a short range wireless network 16 can have a range between approximately 5 metres and approximately 100 metres.

In examples, a short range wireless network 16 can exclude satellite positioning networks and cellular networks.

In examples, short range wireless networks 16 can comprise one or more wireless local area networks (WLAN), for example one or more Wi-Fi networks 16. In some examples, short range wireless networks 16 can comprise one or more Bluetooth (RTM) networks and so on.

Accordingly, in examples, a short range wireless network access point 38 can comprise any suitable access point configured for operation in any such short range wireless network 16. For example, a short range wireless network access point 38 can comprise a WLAN access point, and/or a Wi-Fi access point, and/or a Bluetooth (RTM) access point, and/or Bluetooth (RTM) capable device and so on.

In examples, the one or more short range wireless networks 16 comprise one or more Wi-Fi networks 26.

By way of example, reference is made to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example scenario. In the example of FIG. 7, a vehicle 10, at a position 20, is receiving signals 14, comprising information 12, from three different short range wireless access points 38a, 38b, 38c of a short range wireless network 16.

In examples, it can be considered that the vehicle 10 is receiving signals 14, comprising information 12, from three different short range wireless access points 38a, 38b, 38c of a plurality of short range wireless networks 16.

In the illustrated example, the short range wireless network(s) 16 comprise Wi-Fi networks 26.

Accordingly, in the illustrated example, the short range wireless access points 38a, 38b, 38c, comprise one or more Wi-Fi access points.

Referring back to FIG. 3, in examples, block 302 can comprise determining a position 20 of the vehicle 10.

In examples, block 302 can comprise determining information to allow a position 20 of the vehicle 10 to be determined.

Accordingly, in examples, determining a position 20 and/or location of the vehicle 10 can be performed offboard and/or onboard the vehicle 10.

Accordingly, in examples, information 12 can comprise a position 20 and/or location of the vehicle 10 and/or information to allow a position 20 and/or location of the vehicle 10 to be determined.

At block 304, method 300 comprises receiving a trigger input 18.

In examples, a trigger input 18 can be received in any suitable way using any suitable method.

For example, a trigger input 18 can be received via any suitable interface(s) of the vehicle 10. In examples, the trigger input 18 is received via one or more receivers/transceivers of the vehicle 10.

In examples, any suitable trigger input 18 can be used.

In examples, any suitable trigger input 18 indicating and/or comprising information indicating that the vehicle 10 has been stolen can be used. For example, trigger input 18 can be caused by and/or result from any action(s) indicating the vehicle 10 has been stolen.

In examples, any suitable trigger input 18 for and/or configured to start vehicle positioning can be used.

In examples the trigger input 18 comprises at least one of: an alert message, one or more signals generated by a tilt sensor, one or more signals generated by a vehicle alarm, one or more signals generated by unauthorised movement of a vehicle 10, one or more signals generated by battery disconnection, one or more signals generated by antenna tampering and so on.

In examples, a plurality of trigger inputs 18 can be received.

In examples, method 300 comprises determining the information 12 from signals 14 received from one or more short range wireless networks 16 in dependence on the trigger input 18.

Accordingly, in examples, block 302 can be performed in dependence on receiving the trigger input 18.

In examples, this means that the control system 208 begins collecting information 12 to allow a position of the vehicle 10 to be determined in dependence on the trigger input 18.

At block 306, method 300 comprises controlling, in dependence on the trigger input 18, transmission of the determined information 12 offboard the vehicle 10 to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10, the transmission via at least one controller 200a and transmitter 22 of the vehicle 10, wherein the vehicle 10 comprises at least one further controller 200b and transmitter 24 configured to transmit information offboard the vehicle 10 to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10, the at least one controller 200a and transmitter 22 separate from the at least one further controller 200b and transmitter 24.

Consequently, FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 comprising: determining information 12 from signals 14 received from one or more short range wireless networks 16; receiving a trigger input 18; controlling, in dependence on the trigger input 18, transmission of the determined information 12 offboard the vehicle 10 to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10, the transmission via at least one controller 200a and transmitter 22 of the vehicle 10, wherein the vehicle 10 comprises at least one further controller 200b and transmitter 24 configured to transmit information offboard the vehicle 10 to allow determination of a position of the vehicle 10, the at least one controller 200a and transmitter 22 separate from the at least one further controller 200b and transmitter 24.

In examples, the at least one controller 200a and at least one further controller 200b can comprise any suitable controller(s). In examples, the at least one controller 200a and at least one further controller 200b can be controllers as described in relation to FIGs 2A and/or 2B.

In examples, the at least one controller 200a and at least one further controller 200b can be considered to be at least part of the control system 208.

In examples, the at least one controller 200a is configured to control and/or operate with and/or function with the transmitter 22. Accordingly, in examples, the at least one controller 200a is configured to control transmission of the determined information 12 to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10 using the transmitter 22.

In examples, the at least one further controller 200b is configured to control and/or operate with and/or function with the further transmitter 24. Accordingly, in examples, the at least one further controller 200b is configured to control transmission of information to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10 using the further transmitter 24.

In examples, any suitable transmitter(s) 22 and/or further transmitter(s) 24 can be used. For example, any suitable transmitter(s) 22 and/or further transmitter(s) 24 configured to transmit information to allow determination of a position of the vehicle 10 can be used.

In examples, any suitable transmitter(s) 22 and/or further transmitter(s) 24 configured to transmit information to a monitoring centre 30 can be used.

In examples, the information is configured to allow the monitoring centre 30 to determine a position 20 of the vehicle 10 in any suitable way. For example, the information can be configured to allow the monitoring centre 30 to use any suitable WLAN and/or Wi-Fi positioning method. For example, the monitoring centre 30 can use a database of access point 38 positions to determine a position 20 of the vehicle 10 using, for example, triangulation.

In examples, the information comprises a position of the vehicle 10.

In examples, the at least one transmitter 22 and/or at least one further transmitter 24 are configured to use one or more long range wireless protocols and/or networks, such as one or more cellular networks, for example 50, 4G, 3G and so on.

In examples, long range can be considered greater than approximately 200 metres.

In examples, the at least one further controller 200b is configured to transmit, via the at least one further transmitter 24, information determined from one or more satellite positioning signals and/or one or more cellular network signals.

Accordingly, in examples, it can be considered that the at least one further controller 200b and transmitter 24 are configured to provide a first route and/or method to provide information to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10, for example using satellite positioning signals and/or cellular signals.

Furthermore, in examples, it can be considered that the at least one controller 200a and transmitter 22 are configured to provide a hardware and functionally separate route and/or method to provide information to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10 using short range wireless signals, such WLAN and/or Wi-Fi signals.

In examples, this provides redundancy in providing information to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10 which, for example, makes positioning of a stolen vehicle more robust to attempts to block and/or prevent positioning of the vehicle 10.

By way of example, reference is made to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates transmission of information to allow determination of a position 20 of a vehicle 10 using at least one controller 200a and at least one further controller 200b.

In the left portion of FIG. 6, a Wi-Fi module 32, memory 204 and transmitter 22 are illustrated. The Wi-Fi module 32, memory 204 and transmitter 22 are controlled by and/or configured to operate with the controller 200a, as illustrated by the box labelled '200a' that encompasses these elements.

In the illustrated example, the controller 200a is configured to control the Wi-Fi module 32 to receive signals 14 from nearby Wi-Fi access points 38 and, in examples, to store information 12 determined from the signals 14 in memory 204.

In the example of FIG. 6, controller 200a is configured to control transmitter 22 to offboard/transmit the information 12 to monitoring centre 30 to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10.

In the right portion of FIG. 6, a GPS module 34, memory 204 and further transmitter 24 are illustrated. The GPS module 34, memory 204 and further transmitter 24 are controlled by and/or configured to operate with the further controller 200b, as illustrated by the box labelled '200b' that encompasses these elements.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more cellular modules can be used.

In the illustrated example, the further controller 200b is configured to control the GPS module 34 to receive satellite positioning signals, and in examples, to store information determined from the satellite positioning signals in memory 204.

In the example of FIG. 6, further controller 200b is configured to control further transmitter 24 to offboard/transmit the information determined from the satellite positioning signals to monitoring centre 30 to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10.

Accordingly, it can be seen from the example of FIG. 6, that at least two hardware and functionally separate routes and/or methods for providing information to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle are provided.

Referring again to the example of FIG. 7. In this example, the vehicle 10 is configured determine information 12 from the signals 14 and to offboard/transmit, via at least one controller 200a and transmitter 22, information to allow the position 20 of the vehicle 10 to be determined.

Referring back to FIG. 3, in examples method 300 comprises: receiving a confirmation input 28 and controlling transmission of the determined information 12 offboard the vehicle 10 to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10 in dependence on the trigger input 18 and confirmation input 28.

In examples, a confirmation input 28 can be received in any suitable way using any suitable method.

For example, a confirmation input 28 can be received via any suitable interface(s) of the vehicle 10. In examples, the confirmation input 28 is received via one or more receivers/transceivers of the vehicle 10.

In examples, any confirmation input 28 can be used.

In examples, any confirmation input 28 confirming and/or comprising information confirming that the vehicle 10 has been stolen can be used. For example, trigger input 18 can be caused by and/or result from any action(s) confirming the vehicle 10 has been stolen.

In examples, confirmation input 28 is caused by and/or generated by an owner and/or user of the vehicle 10.

In examples, any suitable confirmation input 28 for and/or configured to start offboarding/transmitting information to allow determination of a position 20 of the vehicle 10 can be used.

In examples the trigger input 18 comprises at least one alert message.

Accordingly, in examples, information 12 can be determined in dependence on a trigger input 18 and information to allow determination of a position 20 of a vehicle 10 can be transmitted/offboarded in dependence on a confirmation input 28. See, for example, FIG. 4 and/or 5.

Method 300 is advantageous and provides one or more technical benefits.

For example, method 300 provides for alternate and/or back-up positioning of a stolen vehicle, providing greater security for the vehicle as positioning of the stolen vehicle is harder to prevent.

For example, method 300 can be implemented on hardware already present in a vehicle, providing a low-cost efficient back-up positioning method.

For example, method 300 can be implemented without deployment of additional external infrastructure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example scenario. In examples, FIG. 4 can be considered to illustrate states of a control system 208 and/or vehicle 10.

In examples, FIG. 4 can be considered to illustrate a method 400. In examples, the method 400 is performed by the control system 208 of FIGS 2A, 2B.

That is, in examples, the control system 208 described herein comprises and/or provides means for performing the method 400. However, any suitable means may be used to perform the method 400.

At block 402, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 is in an inactive state. In an inactive state the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 is not configured to perform method 300.

At block 404, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 is in a ready state. In examples, in a ready state the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 is configured to and/or ready to perform one or more methods described herein, for example at least part of method 300 of FIG. 3.

In examples, at block 404, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 is configured to receive one or more trigger inputs.

In examples, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 can move between blocks 404 and 402 as desired, upon, for example, any suitable input(s).

In the example of FIG. 4, upon receipt of a trigger input 18, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 is put in an alert state at block 406. In examples, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 indicates a potential theft condition has been detected by sending a theft notification message.

In examples, in an alert state, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 determines information 12 from signals 14 received from one or more short-range wireless networks 16. See, for example, block 302 of FIG. 3.

In the example of FIG. 4, upon receipt of a confirmation input 28, the control system 208 is put in an alarm state at block 408. In examples, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 continues to perform block 302 and commences to perform block 306 at block 408.

However, in examples, upon receipt of a trigger input 18, the control system and/or vehicle 10 can be put straight into the alarm state at block 408.

Accordingly, in examples, in the alarm state the control system and/or vehicle 10 initiates live tracking by collecting tracking information and sending that data to a monitoring centre 30 and continues to track until the alert is closed by the monitoring centre 30.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method 500.

In examples, the method 500 is performed by the control system 208 of FIGS 2A, 2B.

That is, in examples, the control system 208 described herein comprises and/or provides means for performing the method 500. However, any suitable means may be used to perform the method 500.

At block 502, the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 is in a ready state. In examples, in a ready state the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 is configured to and/or ready to perform one or more methods described herein, for example method 300 of FIG. 3.

Accordingly, at block 502 method 500 can be considered to comprise maintaining the control system 208 and/or vehicle 10 in a ready state.

At block 504, method 500 comprises monitoring for a trigger input 18.

At block 506, if a trigger input 18 is not detected, method 500 returns to block 504 via loop 518. However, if a trigger input 18 is detected at block 506, method 500 proceeds to block 508.

Accordingly, in examples, method 500 comprises exiting the ready state if a trigger input 18, such as an alert, is detected, for example antenna tampering or vehicle alarm.

At block 508, method 500 comprises determining if a confirmation input 28 has been received.

If a confirmation input 28 has not been received, method 500 proceeds to block 510.

At block 510, method 500 comprises collecting tracking information and saving it to memory.

In examples, block 510 can be as described in relation to block 302 of FIG. 3.

In examples, proceeding to block 510 can be considered entering an alert state. In examples, in the alert state, tracking data is not transmitted to a monitoring centre 30 but confirmation or cancellation of the theft of the vehicle is awaited.

In examples, method 500 can repeat around loop 512, 510, 514 while awaiting a confirmation input 28.

However, if a confirmation input 28 is determined to have been received at block 508, method 500 proceeds to block 516.

In examples, proceeding to block 516 can be considered entering an alarm state.

Accordingly, in examples, the alarm state is entered when a potential theft condition has been confirmed, by a monitoring centre for example.

In examples, at block 506 method 500 comprises transmitting and/or offboarding the tracking data.

In examples, block 506 can be as described in relation to 306 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of position determination of a vehicle 10.

In the illustrated example, a map 36 is shown with a plurality of points indicated by small circles.

In the example of FIG. 8 the points indicate positions 20 of a stolen vehicle 10 that have been determined using one or more methods described herein.

In the example of FIG.8, the positions 20 of the vehicle 10 have been determined using a Wi-Fi based positioning method.

Examples of the disclosure are advantageous and provide technical benefits.

For example, examples of the disclosure provide for robust positioning of a stolen vehicle using, in some examples, pre-existing elements of a vehicle.

As used herein "for" should be considered to also include "configured or arranged to". For example, "a control system for" should be considered to also include "a control system configured or arranged to".

For purposes of this disclosure, it is to be understood that the controller(s) described herein can each comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. A vehicle and/or a system thereof may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller(s) may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause said controller(s) or control unit(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the described method(s)). The set of instructions may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, the set of instructions could be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processor(s). For example, a first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other controllers may also be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are also useful, and therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement.

In any event, the set of instructions described above may be embedded in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors/computational device, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information/instructions.

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.

The blocks illustrated in Fig. 3 and/or FIG. 4 and/or FIG. 5 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program 206. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control system (208) for a vehicle (10), the control system (208) comprising one or more controllers (200), wherein the control system (208) is configured to: determine information (12) from signals (14) received from one or more short-range receive a trigger input (18); control, in dependence on the trigger input (18), transmission of the determined information (12) offboard the vehicle (10) to allow determination of a position (20) of the vehicle (10), the transmission via at least one controller (200a) and transmitter (22) of the vehicle (10), wherein the vehicle (10) comprises at least one further controller (200b) and transmitter (24) configured to transmit information offboard the vehicle (10) to allow determination of a position (20) of the vehicle (10), the at least one controller (200a) and transmitter (22) separate from the at least one further controller (220b) and transmitter (24).
2. The control system (208) of claim 1, wherein the one or more short-range wireless networks (16) comprise one or more Wi-Fi networks (26).
3. The control system (208) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control system (208) is configured to determine the information (12) from signals (14) received from one or more short-range wireless networks (16) in dependence on the trigger input (18).
4. The control system (208) of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one further controller (200b) is configured to transmit, via the at least one further transmitter (24), information determined from one or more satellite positioning signals and/or one or more cellular network signals.
5. The control system (208) of any preceding claim, wherein the control system (208) is configured to: receive a confirmation input (28); and control transmission of the determined information offboard the vehicle (10) to allow determination of a position (20) of the vehicle (10) in dependence on the trigger input (18) and confirmation input (28).
6. The control system (208) of any preceding claim, wherein the trigger input (18) comprises at least one of: an alert message, one or more signals generated by a tilt sensor, one or more signals generated by unauthorised movement of a vehicle, one or more signals generated by battery disconnection, one or more signals generated by antenna tampering and so on.
7. A vehicle (10) comprising a control system as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 6 and the controller (200a) and transmitter (22).
8. A method (300) of providing position information of a vehicle (10), the method (300) comprising: determining information (12) from signals (14) received from one or more short-range wireless networks (16); receiving a trigger input (18); controlling, in dependence on the trigger input (18), transmission of the determined information (12) offboard the vehicle (10) to allow determination of a position (20) of the vehicle (10), the transmission via at least one controller (200a) and transmitter (22) of the vehicle (10), wherein the vehicle (10) comprises at least one further controller (200b) and transmitter (24) configured to transmit information offboard the vehicle (10) to allow determination of a position (20) of the vehicle (10), the at least one controller (200a) and transmitter (22) separate from the at least one further controller (200) and transmitter (24).
9. The method (300) of claim 8, wherein the one or more short-range wireless networks (16) comprise one or more Wi-Fi networks (26).
10. The method (300) of claim 8 or claim 9, the method (300) comprising: determining the information (12) from signals (14) received from one or more short-range wireless networks (16) in dependence on the trigger input (18).
11 The method (300) of any of claims 8 to 10 wherein the at least one further controller (200b) is configured to transmit, via the at least one further transmitter (24), information determined from one or more satellite positioning signals and/or one or more cellular network signals.
12. The method (300) of any of claims 8 to 11, the method (300) comprising: receiving a confirmation input (28); and controlling transmission of the determined information (12) offboard the vehicle (10) to allow determination of a position (20) of the vehicle (10) in dependence on the trigger input (18) and confirmation input (28).
13. The method (300) of any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the trigger input (18) comprises at least one of: an alert message, one or more signals generated by a tilt sensor, one or more signals generated by unauthorised movement of a vehicle 10, one or more signals generated by battery disconnection, one or more signals generated by antenna tampering and so on.
14. Computer software that, when executed, is arranged to perform a method (300) according to at least one of claims 10 to 14.