SE541392C2

SE541392C2 - Method and a control arrangement for controlling operation of a vehicle within a zone associated with certain policies

Info

Publication number: SE541392C2
Application number: SE1751631A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Assad Alam; Håkan Nilsson; Jimmy Nichols; Apell Linus Skjutar; Lulu Mary Dahan; Carlander Mathias Larsson; Ove Bergmark
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2017-12-22
Filing date: 2017-12-22
Publication date: 2019-09-10
Also published as: SE1751631A1; DE102018009599A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle (V). The vehicle (V) has been equipped with at least one bodywork (BW) adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation. The method comprises the steps of: determining, by zone determination means, at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle (V); and controlling the vehicle operation so as to take into consideration the at least one bodywork (BW) as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone (Z1, Z2).The present invention also relates to a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a system for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.

Description

METHOD AND A CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A VEHICLE WITHIN A ZONE ASSOCl ATED WITH CERTAIN POLICl ES TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a system for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND ART For vehicles such as trucks there may be certain policies which may affect vehicle operation. Such policies may be related to emissions, noise, speed or the like. Such policies may refer to certain areas and/or certain times during the day.

Vehicles such as trucks may need to adapt the vehicle operation to such policies.

Therefore there is a need for facilitating controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle where such policies are considered.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle which facilitates the control of the vehicle operation where policies may affect the vehicle operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle which facilitates the control of the vehicle operation where policies may affect the vehicle operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system comprising such a control arrangement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle comprising such a control arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a control arrangement, a system, a vehicle, a computer program and a computer readable medium, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by a method for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle. The vehicle has been equipped with at least one bodywork adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation. The method comprises the steps of: determining, by zone determination means, at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle; and controlling the vehicle operation so as to take into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone. The method further comprises the step of controlling vehicle operation comprises the step of establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork within a vehicle-to-bodywork communication arrangement and wherein the establishing of a communication comprises communication to the bodywork about how added characteristics to the vehicle operation should be adapted in order to fulfil the policies of the determined at least one zone.

Hereby vehicle operation is facilitated in an easy and efficient way in that the at least one bodywork affecting vehicle operation is considered so that possible adaption of the operation in order to fulfil the policies relevant for the vehicle operation. Hereby possible adaption of the operation of the at least one bodywork in order to adapt the characteristics added to the vehicle operation by the at least one bodywork may be efficiently performed in order to fulfil the policies relevant for the vehicle operation. Hereby possible adaption of the vehicle operation due to the characteristics added by the at least one bodywork may be efficiently performed in order to fulfil the policies relevant for the vehicle operation. Hereby possible adaption of the vehicle operation in order to essentially maintain the characteristics added to the vehicle operation by the at least one bodywork may be efficiently performed in order to fulfil the policies relevant for the vehicle operation.

By thus establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork relevant information regarding added characteristics by the at least one bodywork and/or the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle so as to further facilitate vehicle operation in order to fulfil the policies relevant for the vehicle operation.

According to an embodiment of the method the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone and/or a time zone.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of informing the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone. By thus informing the operator of the vehicle the control may be performed by the operator which may take other factors into account. This facilitates having the control of the vehicle operation performed automatically but informing the vehicle operator prior to possible adaption of vehicle operation which may increase safety in that possible surprise for the vehicle operator is avoided.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of controlling vehicle operation is performed automatically. Hereby vehicle operation in order to fulfil the policies relevant for the vehicle operation is facilitated in that a vehicle operator does not need to take any action in order to adapt the vehicle operation. Hereby vehicle operation in order to fulfil the policies relevant for the vehicle operation is facilitated for an autonomous vehicle. The automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation may be forced so that the vehicle operator may not interrupt, or the vehicle operator may override the automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation or the automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation may be forced or overridden depending on policy and/or the performed automatic adaption of vehicle operation.

Specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle. The vehicle has been equipped with at least one bodywork adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation. The control arrangement comprises or being operably connectable to zone determination means arranged to determine at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle; the control arrangement being configured for controlling the vehicle operation so as to take into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone. The control arrangement further comprises or is operably connectable to communication establishing means arranged to establish a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork within a vehicle-to-bodywork communication arrangement for the vehicle operation control and wherein the communication establishing means comprises a communication unit arranged to send information to the at least one bodywork about the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the control arrangement the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone and/or a time zone.

According to an embodiment the control arrangement comprises or is operably connectable to information means arranged to inform the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

According to an embodiment the control arrangement is configured for controlling vehicle operation automatically.

The control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle is adapted to perform the method as set out herein.

The control arrangement according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle, the system comprising a control arrangement as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a control arrangement as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle, said computer program comprising program code which, when run on an control arrangement or another computer connected to the control arrangement, causes the control arrangement to perform the method steps as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method as set out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates framework for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter the term “link” refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a nonphysical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

Hereinafter the term “zone” in relation to “zone associated with certain policies relevant for operation of a vehicle” refers to a geographical zone and/or a time zone. The term “geographical zone” may refer to any geographical area in connection to which a vehicle may operate, which zone is associated with certain policies relevant for operation of a vehicle. The term “geographical zone” may refer to a road or road segment along which the vehicle is travelling during vehicle operation. The term “geographical zone” may refer to a city. The term “geographical zone” may refer to a country. The term “time zone” may refer to the time during which certain policies are required. A geographical zone and a time zone may be combined, e.g. a geographical zone is associated with certain policies relevant for operation of a vehicle during a certain time zone, e.g. during a certain time of the day.

Hereinafter the term “policies relevant for operation of a vehicle” in relation to “at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle” may be any policies that may affect the vehicle operation. A policy may be defined by one or more attributes describing a wanted behaviour in relation to vehicle operation in connection to a geographical zone and/or time zone. A policy may e.g. be that the vehicle operation shall be performed with electric drive in a certain geographical zone and/or time zone. Another policy may be that the vehicle operation shall be in a specific mode if the temperature is below a certain temperature value, e.g. 10 degrees Celsius. A policy may be static, e.g. a manually drawn geographic zone, i.e. geographic area, where e.g. the vehicle operation always shall be in “silent mode”. A policy may be dynamic, e.g. the policy is automatically created based on rules, e.g. if the road temperature is x degrees Celsius and the amount of rain is y mm/hour, the policy is to limit the speed to z km/h for that zone, e.g. road segment. A policy may be informative or enforcing. An informative policy means that the operator of the vehicle is informed to adapt to a certain vehicle operation, e.g. a specified speed limit. An enforcing policy means that adaption of the vehicle operation to a policy is automatic, e.g. a specific speed limit is automatically set, e.g. cruise control speed to maximum x km/h. A policy may be a rule/regulation set by e.g. authorities, i.e. legal regulation for a certain geographical zone and/or time zone. A policy may be a regulation set by e.g. a vehicle owner for a certain geographical zone and/or time zone. A policy may be created in the vehicle. A policy may be created in an off-board Zone Management system, which may be an external server unit, the so called cloud, an external data centre or any other means suitable for being operably connected to a vehicle, i.e. a control arrangement of a vehicle. A policy may be created by an external data provider such as a Road Authority, City, Commercial Data provider, Open Data provider, Transport Buyer etc.

Hereinafter the term “bodywork” in relation to “a vehicle having been equipped with at least one bodywork adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation” refers to any unit, function or the like which is not part of the vehicle and which, when added to the vehicle, adds certain characteristics to the vehicle operation. A bodywork may for example be a crane added to a truck and the function of the crane, a loading/unloading arrangement added to a truck for loading/unloading of gods, an arrangement for handling garbage on a garbage truck, an arrangement for salting or sanding on the road, a cooling arrangement for handling gods that needs to be kept at a certain temperature, etc.

Hereinafter the term “vehicle operation” refers to any operation of the vehicle which may be relevant for any zone associated with certain policies for the operation of the vehicle. The term “vehicle operation” may refer to vehicle drive which may comprise vehicle speed, type of drive such as electric drive, hybrid drive, engine drive, etc. The term “vehicle operation” may refer to any vehicle operation affecting the environment of the zone in which the vehicle is located, which may comprise one or more of noise, emission, road conditions etc. The term “vehicle operation” may refer to certain characteristics added by one or more bodyworks with which the vehicle has been equipped with, the certain characteristics depending on the one or more bodyworks. The term “vehicle operation” may comprise vehicle operation of the actual vehicle, i.e. not provided by the bodywork. The term “vehicle operation” may comprise vehicle operation of the bodywork, i.e. bodywork operation.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The exemplified vehicle V is a is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle V is travelling on a road R. The vehicle has been equipped with at least one bodywork BW adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation.

The vehicle V may comprise a system I for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The system I may comprise a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The vehicle V may comprise a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle.

The vehicle V comprises, according to an embodiment, a system I for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to fig. 3.

The vehicle V comprises, according to an embodiment, a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to fig. 3.

The vehicle V is, according to an embodiment, arranged to be operated in accordance with a method M1, M2 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle to fig. 4 and/or fig. 5.

The vehicle according to the present invention may be any suitable vehicle having been equipped with at least one bodywork adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates framework FW for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle V has been equipped with at least one bodywork BW adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation. The vehicle is travelling on a road R. The vehicle comprises a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The control arrangement 100 may be a control arrangement 100 according to fig. 3.

Zones Z1, Z2 associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle V are illustrated. In this example a geographical zone Z1 in the form of a city and a time zone Z2 are illustrated. The road R or a segment/portion of the road R could also be a zone.

An off-board Zone Management system ZM may be provided. The off-board Zone Management system may be an external server unit, the so called cloud, an external data centre or any other means suitable for being operably connected to a vehicle, e.g. the control arrangement 100 of the vehicle V.

Thus, one or more policies are provided/have been created within the framework FW.

The one or more policies may have been created in the vehicle V, e.g. in the control arrangement 100 or any suitable means connectable to the control arrangement 100.

The one or more policies may have been created in the off-board Zone Management system ZM. In such a Zone Management System ZM Policies may be created, updated, and deleted and followed up.

A policy may be created by an external data provider such as a Road Authority RA, City, Commercial Data provider DP, Open Data provider, Transport Buyer TP etc.

The zones Z1, Z2 associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle are determined. One or more zones associated with certain policies may be determined by any suitable zone determination means, for example zone determination means as exemplified in fig. 3 described below.

The vehicle operation is then controlled so as to take into consideration the at least one body work BW of the vehicle V as well as the certain regulations associated with the determined zones Z1, Z2. The vehicle operation may be controlled as exemplified with the system I described with reference to fig. 3 and the methods M1, M2 described with reference to fig. 4 and fig. 5.

The framework FW may contain means, e.g. the control arrangement 100, to process zones and the associated policies on-board the vehicle V. The control arrangement 100 controls vehicle operation based on the determined zones Z1, Z2 associated with certain policies and on the at least one bodywork BW with which the vehicle V has been equipped. The control of vehicle operation may comprise instructing vehicle functions to perform actions in order to fulfil the policy. When the vehicle is no longer in the zone associated with a certain policy, i.e. the policy is no longer needed to be fulfilled, the vehicle operation may be adapted to any desired vehicle operation, e.g. normal vehicle operation, the vehicle operation mode used prior to having entered the zone or the like.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system I for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle has been equipped with at least one bodywork adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation.

The system I comprises a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The control arrangement 100 described herein may be implemented with any suitable means and thus more or less means than describe below with reference to fig. 3. The control arrangement 100 may comprise any suitable control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The control arrangement may also be denoted apparatus. The control arrangement may also be denoted device. The control arrangement may comprise or be comprised in an apparatus or a device. The control arrangement 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units, processing units, computers, server units or the like for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The control arrangement 100 may comprise control arrangement such as one or more electronic control units arranged on board the vehicle. The control arrangement 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units of the vehicle. The control arrangement 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units of the at least one bodywork.

The system I comprises zone determination means 110 arranged to determine at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The control arrangement 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the zone determination means 110.

The at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise a geographical zone and/or a time zone.

The zone determination means 110 may be arranged to determine one or more geographical zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The zone determination means 110 may be arranged to determine one or more time zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The zone determination means 110 may comprise a zone information receiving unit 112 arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The zone information receiving unit 112 may be arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle from infrastructure via a vehicle-toinfrastructure communication arrangement.

The zone information receiving unit 112 may be arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle from one or more other vehicles via a vehicleto-vehicle communication arrangement.

The zone determination means 110 may comprise a zone detection arrangement 114 arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The zone detection arrangement 114 may comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The zone determination means 110 may thus comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The zone detection arrangement 114, e.g. one or more sensors, may be arranged on board the vehicle and configured to detect the one or more zones. The zone detection arrangement 114, e.g. one or more sensors, may be arranged to detect e.g. a sign with information about certain policies of a certain zone.

The zone determination means 110 may comprise a vehicle position identification device 116 for identifying the current position of the vehicle. The vehicle position identification device 116 may comprise a Global Navigation satellite System, GNSS, e.g. a global positioning system, GPS, arranged on board the vehicle. Global Navigation satellite System may be arranged directly on the vehicle and/or on the at least one bodywork with which the vehicle has been equipped.

The zone determination means 110 may comprise time determination means 117 for determining the current time. The time determination means 117 may be any suitable means for determining time. The time determination means 117 may comprise one or more clocks. The time determination means 117 may be comprised in the control arrangement 100. The time determination means 117 may be comprised in the vehicle position identification device 116.

The zone determination means 110 may comprise retrieving unit 118 arranged to retrieve stored information of the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The retrieving unit 118 may be arranged to retrieve such information from storage means. The storage means may be internal storage means arranged on board the vehicle and/or external storage means arranged externally to the vehicle. The storage means may comprise any suitable means for storing information/data about zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of vehicles. The retrieving unit 118 may be arranged to retrieve such information based on information about the current position of the vehicle from the vehicle position identification device 116. The retrieving unit 118 may be arranged to retrieve such information based on information about the current time from the time determination means 117.

The zone determination means 110 may be arranged to determine the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle taking current position of the vehicle and/or current time into consideration.

According to an embodiment the system I comprises bodywork detection means 120 arranged to detect the at least one bodywork with which the vehicle has been equipped. The bodywork detection means 120 may comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the bodywork/bodyworks and the certain characteristics added to the vehicle operation by the bodywork/bodyworks. The bodywork detection means 120 may thus be arranged to detect the type of bodywork that has been added to the vehicle. The one or more sensors may be arranged on the vehicle and/or on the one or more bodyworks.

The control arrangement 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the bodywork detection means 120.

The system I comprises communication establishing means 130 arranged to establish a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork within a vehicle-to-bodywork communication arrangement.

The communication establishing means 130 may be arranged to establish communication from the at least one bodywork about added characteristics to the vehicle operation. The communication establishing means 130 may be arranged to establish communication from the at least one bodywork about how added characteristics to the vehicle operation may influence vehicle operation taking policies of the determined at least one zone. The communication establishing means 130 may be arranged to establish communication from the at least one bodywork about whether the added characteristics to the vehicle operation provided by the at least one bodywork may be changed or not due to the specifics of the at least one bodywork. For example, cooling by means of a bodywork comprising a cooling device for transport of cargo requiring cooling, e.g. food, may not be adapted or only adapted for a certain period of time.

The communication establishing means 130 may be arranged to establish communication to the bodywork about the policies of the determined at least one zone.

The communication establishing means 130 may be arranged to establish communication to the bodywork about how added characteristics to the vehicle operation should be adapted in order to fulfil the policies of the determined at least one zone.

The control arrangement may comprise or be operably connectable to the establishing means 130.

The communication establishing means 130 may comprise a first communication unit 132 arranged in connection to the at least one bodywork.

The first communication unit 132 may be arranged to send information about added characteristics to the vehicle operation due to the at least one bodywork with which the vehicle has been equipped. The information may be sent to the vehicle. The information may be sent to the control arrangement 100. The first communication unit 132 may be comprised in the control arrangement 100.

The first communication unit 132 may be arranged to receive information about the determined at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The communication establishing means 130 may comprise a second communication unit 134 arranged in connection to the vehicle.

The second communication unit 134 may be arranged to send information about the determined at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The information may be sent to the at least one bodywork. The information may be sent to the control arrangement 100. The second communication unit 134 may be comprised in the control arrangement 100.

The second communication unit 134 may be arranged to receive information about added characteristics to the vehicle operation due to the at least one bodywork with which the vehicle has been equipped.

The system I comprises information means 140 arranged to inform the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

The information means 140 may comprise one or more display units. The one or more display units may comprise the display unit on the instrument panel of the vehicle, a heads up display unit, a display unit providing a display on the front windshield, a display on a smart phone and/or tablet of the operator of the vehicle or the like. The information means 140 may comprise audible information means. The audible information means may be a voice message, an alarm or the like. The information means 140 may comprise tactile information means. The tactile information means may comprise vibrations in the steering wheel, vibrations in the driver seat or the like in order to alert the vehicle operator.

The control arrangement 100 is configured for controlling the vehicle operation so as to take into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured for controlling the vehicle operation based on the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 10, operably connected to the zone determination means 110. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 10 arranged to receive a signal from the means 110 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 12, operably connected to the zone information receiving unit 112. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 12 arranged to receive a signal from the zone information receiving unit 112 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 14, operably connected to the zone detection arrangement 114. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 14 arranged to receive a signal from the zone detection arrangement 114 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 16, operably connected to the vehicle position identification device 116. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 16 arranged to receive a signal from the vehicle position identification device 116 representing data about the position of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 17, operably connected to the time determination means 117. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 17 arranged to receive a signal from the time determination means 117 representing data about current time.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 18, operably connected to the retrieving unit 118. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 18 arranged to send a signal to the retrieving unit 118 representing data about position of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 18, operably connected to the retrieving unit 118. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 18 arranged to send a signal to the retrieving unit 118 representing data about current time.

The retrieving unit 118 may be arranged to process the data about position of the vehicle and/or data about current time so as to determine one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 18, operably connected to the retrieving unit 118. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 18 arranged to receive a signal from the retrieving unit 118 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 20, operably connected to the bodywork detection means 120. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 20 arranged to receive a signal from the bodywork detection means 120 representing data about one or more bodyworks with which the vehicle has been equipped. The data may comprise data about type of bodywork/bodyworks. The data may comprise data about certain characteristics added to the vehicle operation by the bodywork/bodyworks.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 30, operably connected to the communication establishing means 130. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 30 arranged to receive a signal from the communication establishing means 130 representing data about establishing communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 32a, operably connected to the first communication unit 132. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 32a arranged to receive a signal from the first communication unit 132 representing data about added characteristics to the vehicle operation due to the at least one bodywork with which the vehicle has been equipped.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 32b, operably connected to the first communication unit 132. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 32b arranged to send a signal to the first communication unit 132 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 34a, operably connected to the second communication unit 134. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 34a arranged to receive a signal from the second communication unit 134 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 34b, operably connected to the second communication unit 134. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 34b arranged to send a signal to the second communication unit 134 representing data about added characteristics to the vehicle operation due to the at least one bodywork with which the vehicle has been equipped.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 40, operably connected to the information means 140. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 40 arranged to send a signal to the information means 140 representing data about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment arranged to process the data about one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment arranged to process the data about one or more bodyworks with which the vehicle has been equipped. The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment arranged to process the data about type of bodywork/bodyworks. The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment arranged to process the data about certain characteristics added to the vehicle operation by the bodywork/bodyworks The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle operation based on the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to adapt the vehicle operation by adapting one or more vehicle functions and/or one or more bodywork functions based on the at least one bodywork and the one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle so as to fulfil the certain policies during vehicle operation in connection to the at least one zone.

The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle operation automatically.

The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle operation automatically in such a way that the vehicle operator may not interrupt the automatic control. The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle operation automatically in such a way that the automatic control may be overridden by the vehicle operator. The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle operation automatically in such a way that the automatic control may be forced or overridden depending on policy and/or the performed automatic adaption of vehicle operation.

The control arrangement 100 according to the present invention may comprise or be operably connected to one or more of the means 110, 120, 130, 140 of the system I. The control arrangement 100 according to the present invention may be operably connected to one or more of the means 110, 120, 130, 140 of the system I via any suitable link/links. The control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to the present invention may comprise or be operably connected to other means.

The control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle is, according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 4 and/or the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 5.

The system I for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 4 and/or the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 5.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method M1 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle comprises a step S1. In this step at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle is determined. The at least one zone is arranged to be determined by means of zone determination means.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise the step of receiving information about at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise the step of detecting the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The step of detecting may comprise utilizing one or more sensors suitable for detecting such zones.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise the step of detecting identifying the current position of the vehicle. Identification of the current position of the vehicle may be performed by means of a Global Navigation satellite System, GNSS, e.g. a global positioning system, GPS, arranged on board the vehicle.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise the step of determining the current time.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise the step of retrieving stored information of the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may be performed taking current position of the vehicle and/or current time into consideration.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S4. In this step the vehicle operation is controlled so as to take into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

The method M1 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle is according to an embodiment adapted to be performed by the system described above with reference to fig. 3.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method M2 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise one or more of the steps mentioned above with reference to fig. 4.

According to a variant of the method, not shown in fig. 5, the at least one bodywork with which the vehicle has been equipped is detected. Detection of the at least one bodywork may be performed by detection means such as one or more sensors.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S2. In this step a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork within a vehicle-to-bodywork communication arrangement is established.

The step S2 of establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork may comprise establishing communication from the at least one bodywork about added characteristics to the vehicle operation.

The step S2 of establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork may comprise establishing communication from the at least one bodywork about how added characteristics to the vehicle operation may influence vehicle operation taking policies of the determined at least one zone.

The step S2 of establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork may comprise establishing communication from the at least one bodywork about whether the added characteristics to the vehicle operation provided by the at least one bodywork may be changed or not due to the specifics of the at least one bodywork.

The step S2 of establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork may comprise establishing communication to the bodywork about the policies of the determined at least one zone.

The step S2 of establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork may comprise establishing communication to the bodywork about how added characteristics to the vehicle operation should be adapted in order to fulfil the policies of the determined at least one zone.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S3. In this step the vehicle operator is informed about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

The step S3 of informing the vehicle operator may comprise displaying information. Displaying information may be performed by means of the display unit on the instrument panel of the vehicle, a heads up display unit, a display unit providing a display on the front windshield, a display on a smart phone and/or tablet of the operator of the vehicle or the like.

The step S3 of informing the vehicle operator may comprise providing sound information. Providing audible information may comprise providing a voice message, an alarm or the like.

The step S3 of informing the vehicle operator may comprise providing tactile information. Providing tactile information may comprise may comprise providing vibrations in the steering wheel, vibrations in the driver seat or the like in order to alert the vehicle operator.

The step S4 of controlling the vehicle operation may comprise basing the vehicle operation on the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

The step S4 of controlling the vehicle operation may comprise processing information about the at least one bodywork and processing information about one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The step S4 of controlling the vehicle operation may comprise adapting the vehicle operation based on the at least one bodywork and the one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle so as to fulfil the certain policies during vehicle operation in connection to the at least one zone.

The step S4 of controlling the vehicle operation may comprise adapting the vehicle operation by adapting one or more vehicle functions and/or one or more bodywork functions based on the at least one bodywork and the one or more zones associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle so as to fulfil the certain policies during vehicle operation in connection to the at least one zone.

The step S4 of controlling the vehicle operation may comprise adapting operation of the vehicle due to, e.g. in order to maintain, the characteristics added to the vehicle operation by the at least one bodywork and/or adapting the operation of the at least one bodywork in order to adapt the characteristics added to the vehicle operation by the at least one bodywork.

According to an embodiment of the method the step S4 of controlling vehicle operation is performed automatically.

The automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation may according to an embodiment be forced so that the vehicle operator may not interrupt. The automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation may according to an embodiment be overridden by the vehicle operator. The automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation may according to an embodiment be forced or overridden depending on policy and/or the performed automatic adaption of vehicle operation.

According to the embodiment the method M2 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle is performed without the step of informing the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one bodywork as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone.

The method M2 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle is according to an embodiment adapted to be performed by the system I described above with reference to fig. 3.

With reference to figure 6, a diagram of a computer 500/apparatus 500 is shown. The control arrangement 100 described with reference to fig. 3 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, l/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The vehicle has been equipped with at least one bodywork adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation.

The program P comprises routines for determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise a geographical zone and/or a time zone. The program P may comprise routines for establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork within a vehicle-to-bodywork communication arrangement. The program P may comprise routines for informing the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one body work of the vehicle as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone. The program P comprises routines for controlling the vehicle operation so as to take into consideration the at least one body work of the vehicle as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone. The routines for controlling the vehicle operation comprise routines for controlling the vehicle operation automatically.

The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.

Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control unit 100 may be connected.

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for determining at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork within a vehicle-tobodywork communication arrangement. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for informing the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one body work of the vehicle as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for controlling the vehicle operation so as to take into consideration the at least one body work of the vehicle as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone. The signals used by apparatus 500 for controlling the vehicle operation comprise signals used for controlling the vehicle operation automatically.

Parts of the methods described herein may be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A method (M1, M2) for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle (V), the vehicle having been equipped with at least one bodywork (BW) adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation, comprising the steps of: - determining, by zone determination means (110), at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle; and - controlling the vehicle operation so as to take into consideration the at least one bodywork (BW) as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone, characterized by the step of controlling vehicle operation comprises the step of establishing a communication between the vehicle and the at least one bodywork within a vehicle-to-bodywork communication arrangement (V2B) and wherein the establishing of a communication comprises communication to the bodywork about how added characteristics to the vehicle operation should be adapted in order to fulfil the policies of the determined at least one zone.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone (Z1) and/or a time zone (Z2).

3. The method according to any of claims 1-2, comprising the step of informing the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one bodywork (BW) of the vehicle as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone (Z1, Z2).

4. The method according to any of claims 1 -3, wherein the step of controlling vehicle operation is performed automatically.

5. A control arrangement (100) for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle (V), the vehicle having been equipped with at least one bodywork (BW) adding certain characteristics to the vehicle operation, the control arrangement (100) comprising or being operably connectable to zone determination means (110) arranged to determine at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle (V); the control arrangement (100) being configured for controlling the vehicle operation so as to take into consideration the at least one bodywork (BW) as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone, characterized by the control arrangement (100) comprising or being operably connectable to communication establishing means (130) arranged to establish a communication between the vehicle (V) and the at least one bodywork (BW) within a vehicle-to-bodywork communication arrangement (V2B) for the vehicle operation control and wherein the communication establishing means (130) comprises a communication unit (134) arranged to send information to the at least one bodywork about the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

6. The control arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle (V) comprises a geographical zone (Z1) and/or a time zone (Z2).

7. The control arrangement (100) according to any of claims 5-6, the control arrangement (100) comprising or being operably connectable to information means (140) arranged to inform the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation taking into consideration the at least one bodywork (BW) as well as the certain policies associated with the at least one zone (Z1, Z2).

8. The control arrangement (100) according to any of claims 5-7, wherein the control arrangement is configured for controlling vehicle operation automatically.

9. A control arrangement (100) according to claim 5-8, wherein the control arrangement (100) is arranged to perform the method according to claims 1-5.

10. A system (I) for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle (V), the system comprising a control arrangement (100) according to any of claims 5-9.

11. A vehicle (1) comprising a control arrangement (100) according to any of claims 5-9.

12. A computer program (P) for controlling vehicle operation during operation of a vehicle (V), said computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on a control arrangement (100) or another computer (500) connected to the control arrangement (100), causes the control arrangement to perform the steps according to claim 1-4.

13. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to anyone of claim 1-4.