Search

EP-4052241-B1 - CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE

EP4052241B1EP 4052241 B1EP4052241 B1EP 4052241B1EP-4052241-B1

Inventors

  • WHITEHOUSE, Stuart
  • AITIDIS, Ilias

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20201030

Claims (14)

  1. A control system (1) for controlling generation of a proximity alert by a parking aid system (6) of a vehicle (2), the control system comprising one or more controllers (80), the control system (1) configured to: determine an operating state of the vehicle (2) within a spatial environment in dependence on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems (10, 30, 40, 50, 60), the operating state indicating whether the vehicle (2) is currently in an on-road state or an off-road state; characterized in that , the control system (1) is further configured to control generation of the proximity alert in dependence on the determined operating state by inhibiting generation of the proximity alert by the parking aid system (6) when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle (2) is in an off-road state.
  2. The control system (1) of claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers (80) collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor (82) having an electrical input (83) for receiving the vehicle data form the one or more vehicle systems (10, 30, 40, 50, 60); and at least one memory device (85) electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored (86) therein; wherein the at least one electronic processor (82) is configured to access the at least one memory device (85) and execute the instructions (86) thereon so as to determine the operating state of the vehicle (2).
  3. The control system (1) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the proximity alert comprises or consists of an audio component and, optionally, a visible component.
  4. The control system (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (1) is configured to control generation of the proximity alert by changing a characteristic of the proximity alert when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle (2) is in an off-road state.
  5. The control system (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (1) is configured to control generation of the proximity alert by enabling generation of the proximity alert when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle (2) is in an on-road state.
  6. The control system (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (1) is configured to control generation of the proximity alert by modifying a first distance for activating the proximity alert.
  7. The control system (1) of claim 6, wherein the control system (1) is configured to apply the first distance when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle (2) is currently in an on-road state; and to apply a second distance when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle (2) is currently in an off-road state, the first and second distances being different from each other, optionally wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
  8. The control system (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle data comprises one or more of the following: an operating mode signal indicating a current operating mode of the vehicle (2); a transmission mode signal indicating a current drive ratio; and a suspension status signal indicating a current suspension configuration of vehicle (2) one or more suspension assemblies.
  9. The control system (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle data comprises geospatial data indicating a current geospatial location of the vehicle (2).
  10. The control system (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle data comprises sensor data captured by a sensor disposed on the vehicle (2).
  11. A vehicle (2) comprising the control system (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
  12. A method of controlling generation of a proximity alert by a parking aid system (6) of a vehicle (2), the method comprising: determining an operating state of the vehicle (2) within a spatial environment, the operating state indicating whether the vehicle (2) is currently in an on-road state or an off-road state; characterized in that , the method further comprises controlling generation of the proximity alert in dependence on the determined operating state by inhibiting generation of the proximity alert by the parking aid system (6) when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle (2) is in an off-road state.
  13. Computer software that, when executed, is arranged to perform the method according to claim 12.
  14. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more electronic processors, causes the one or more electronic processors to carry out the method of claim 12.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a control system and method for a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a control system, a vehicle, a method, computer software and non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a vehicle with a parking aid system for generating an alert (referred to herein as a proximity alert) when an object (or objects) are detected in proximity of the vehicle. The proximity alert may comprise an audio component, such as a continuous or interrupted tone; and/or a visible component, such as a warning graphic or alert. The alert is intended to notify the driver of the presence of an obstacle or the like and to enable them to take appropriate action to avoid the obstacle. This is advantageous when the driver is seeking to park the vehicle. However, when the vehicle is in an off-road scenario, the ground has many undulations and objects such as rocks, tree stumps and potholes. Driving across this terrain may result in the generation of false positives that cause the parking aid system to generate a proximity alert. The number and frequency with which the proximity alerts are generated may prove frustrating for the driver while driving off-road. It is known to enable the driver to mute the parking aid system, but this typically unmutes if the driver shifts to a Reverse gear. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. In GB2540424, an acoustic sensor mounted on a vehicle has dual proximity detection and terrain identification modes of operation. The proximity detection mode may include a parking assistance mode. In JP2017024472, a system is described which suppresses erroneous activation of collision avoidance when travelling off road. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a control system, a vehicle, a method, computer software and non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium as claimed in the appended claims According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system for controlling generation of a proximity alert by a parking aid system of a vehicle, the control system configured to determine an operating state of the vehicle within a spatial environment in dependence on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems, the operating state indicating whether the vehicle is currently in an on-road state or an off-road state. The control system is configured to control generation of the proximity alert in dependence on the determined operating state by inhibiting generation of the proximity alert by the parking aid system when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle is in an off-road state. The control system may selectively inhibit and permit (i.e. enable or allow) generation of the proximity alert. As described herein, the generation of the proximity alert may be permitted if the operating state indicates that the vehicle is operating in an on-road state; and is inhibited if the operating state indicates that the vehicle is operating in an off-road state. At least in certain embodiments, control of the generation of the proximity alert may be implemented automatically in dependence on changes in the operating state of the vehicle. The proximity alert may be generated in dependence on a proximity signal received from one or more proximity sensors. The or each proximity sensor may, for example, comprise an ultrasonic sensor. Alternatively, or in addition, the or each proximity sensor may comprise a imaging device, such as a camera or the like. The one or more controllers may collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving the vehicle data from the one or more vehicle systems; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein. The at least one electronic processor may be configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon so as to determine the operating state of the vehicle. The proximity alert may comprise or consist of an audio component. Alternatively, or in addition, the proximity alert may comprise a visible component, for example displayed on a screen. The control system may be configured to control generation of the proximity alert by changing a visible characteristic of the visible component when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle is currently in an off-road state. The visible characteristic may comprise one or more of the following: composition, colour, brightness, form and size. Alternatively, or in addition, a different visible component may be output. A first visible component may be output when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle is currently in an on-road state. A second visible component may be output when the determined operating state indicates that the vehicle