Control of vehicle systems

Abstract

Quick selection system (1) for controlling at least one vehicle system (2), the quick selection system comprising: i. an input arranged to receive a configuration signal (6) generated in response to a user actuation of a configuration device (7) independent of the vehicle (100), wherein the configuration signal (6) specifies an action to be performed by a vehicle system (2), and wherein the configuration signal (6) specifies a trigger condition for the action; ii. a memory module (5) arranged to store the action and the trigger condition for the action specified in a received configuration signal, and wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store two or more specified actions to be performed by one or more vehicle systems (2), wherein the two or more actions each correspond to two or more different trigger conditions selected by the user, iii. a processor (4, 10) arranged to generate, upon fulfillment of a user-selected trigger condition, a control signal (8) for controlling the vehicle system (2) according to the stored specified action corresponding to this trigger condition, and wherein the processor (4, 10) is arranged to prioritize the generation of control signals based on vehicle occupancy and / or detection of one or more specified transportable devices in the vicinity of the vehicle (100); and iv. an output arranged to output the control signal (8).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the control of vehicle systems and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a speed dial for controlling vehicle systems. Inventive aspects relate to a speed dial system for controlling at least one vehicle system, a vehicle equipped with a speed dial system for controlling at least one vehicle system, a vehicle-independent configuration device arranged to configure a speed dial system for controlling at least one vehicle system of the vehicle, and a method for controlling at least one vehicle system. BACKGROUND

[0002] While using a vehicle system, a driver often desires to perform various secondary tasks related to controlling various vehicle systems in addition to the primary task of driving the vehicle. Commonly performed secondary tasks include, for example, linking a phone to the vehicle, playing a specific music source, entering a specific drive mode, controlling the heating and air conditioning system, and turning on and / or adjusting many other vehicle systems. Performing these secondary tasks generally requires the driver or a passenger to manually control each of the desired secondary systems, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

[0003] Furthermore, a driver often knows which vehicle systems they are likely to use and which settings they are likely to select before starting a trip. However, drivers typically have to wait until they have entered their car to activate the desired vehicle systems and select the desired settings.

[0004] US 2015 / 0 051 754 A1 describes a control device that communicates with a vehicle function controller to execute functions associated with a vehicle. Conditions for executing functions associated with the vehicle are determined based on the user's intention, and the functions to be automatically executed are determined based on the user's invention when the specified conditions are met.

[0005] US 2015 / 0 149 042 A1 describes an arrangement in which it is determined that multiple mobile computing devices are located in a vehicle. An occupancy zone and profile information are determined for each mobile computing device.

[0006] US 2015 / 0 217 777 A1 describes a vehicle that automates a driver action by controlling vehicle systems according to a rule, where the rule includes a trigger event and an automated action.

[0007] The present invention has been developed to mitigate or overcome at least some of the problems mentioned. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The above object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Inventive aspects and embodiments provide a speed dial system for controlling at least one vehicle system, a vehicle equipped with such a speed dial system, a vehicle-independent configuration device arranged to configure a speed dial system for controlling at least one vehicle system of the vehicle, and a method for controlling at least one vehicle system, as claimed in the appended claims.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a speed dial system for controlling at least one vehicle system, the speed dial system comprising: an input arranged to receive a configuration signal generated in response to a user actuation of a vehicle-independent configuration device, the configuration signal specifying an action to be performed by a vehicle system; a memory module arranged to store the action specified in a received configuration signal; a processor arranged to generate a control signal for controlling the vehicle system according to the stored specified action upon fulfillment of a user-selected trigger condition; and an output arranged to output the control signal.

[0010] The invention allows a user of a vehicle to pre-program personalized actions to be performed by one or more vehicle systems in response to the fulfillment of a user-selected trigger condition. This makes it possible to control the one or more vehicle systems without requiring user intervention at the desired time of use.

[0011] By independent of the vehicle, it is meant that the configuration device is not contained in the vehicle. The configuration device can be, for example, a portable communications device (such as a mobile phone), a tablet device, a laptop, a desktop computer, or a smartwatch, as described in more detail below. Using the configuration device, it is possible to pre-program desired actions outside the vehicle, for example before a commute. It is understood that although the configuration device is independent of the vehicle and can be operated outside the vehicle, in some cases the configuration device can also be operated inside the vehicle, for example when the configuration device is a mobile phone or a smartwatch.

[0012] The quick selection system is reconfigurable and can be reconfigured, for example, by adding a new pair of action and trigger condition or by removing or modifying an existing pair of action and trigger condition that has already been saved.

[0013] It is understood that the user is a normal user of the vehicle and not a maintenance person.

[0014] The memory module may be configured to store a specified action to be performed by vehicle systems related to at least one of the following: navigation, convenience, entertainment, interior configuration, security, vehicle cameras, side mirror control, tow bar retraction / extension, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), and / or phone / media features. Entertainment-related actions may include, for example, actions related to media source input selection, volume control, balance control, etc.

[0015] The memory module may be configured to store a specified action that includes activating a specified vehicle system. The specified action may, for example, include "turning on the air conditioning system."

[0016] The memory module may be arranged to store a specified action comprising setting a specified vehicle system to operate according to a selected operating mode. The specified action may, for example, comprise "setting the air conditioning system to X degrees Celsius."

[0017] The memory module may be arranged to store two or more specified actions to be performed by one or more vehicle systems, and the processor may be arranged to generate, upon fulfillment of the trigger condition, control signals for controlling the one or more vehicle systems according to the two or more stored specified actions. The quick selection system may thus enable the pre-programming of multiple personalized actions (either for a single vehicle system or for multiple vehicle systems) to be performed upon fulfillment of the trigger condition. The two or more specified actions may be associated with different vehicle systems, which may be unrelated vehicle systems.

[0018] The memory module may be arranged to store two or more specified actions to be performed by one or more vehicle systems, the two or more actions corresponding to two or more different trigger conditions selected by the user, and the processor may be arranged, upon the trigger condition being met, to generate a control signal for controlling a vehicle system according to the stored specified action corresponding to the trigger condition. The quick selection system may thus enable the preprogramming of personalized actions corresponding to several different trigger conditions. The different trigger conditions need not be related to one another, and the specified actions corresponding to each trigger condition may be intended for different vehicle systems.

[0019] The processor may be arranged to prioritize the generation of control signals based on vehicle occupancy and / or detection of one or more specified portable devices in the vicinity of the vehicle. For example, if multiple different configuration devices are used to configure the speed dial system, the processor may prioritize the configuration options selected using one of the configuration devices over the configuration options selected using other configuration devices if more than one of the configuration devices is detected in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0020] The input may be arranged to receive configuration signals specifying a trigger condition for an action and generated in response to a user operating the configuration device, and the memory module may be arranged to store the trigger condition specified in a received configuration signal. The specified action and the specified trigger condition for the action may be transmitted together as part of the same configuration signal or, alternatively, may be transmitted separately as separate configuration signals. Alternatively, specified trigger conditions may be stored in a separate memory module, which may be located at a different location than the memory module used to store the specified actions.

[0021] The processor may be arranged to determine whether or not the trigger condition is met. The processor may thus generate the control signal in response to its own determination that the trigger condition is met. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may be arranged to receive a signal indicating that the trigger condition is met, the determination being made external to the processor. In this case, the determination may be made, for example, by a cloud-based system or a portable communications device, such as a mobile phone.

[0022] The memory module can be configured to store a specified trigger condition associated with a vehicle parameter or an environmental parameter. The selected action can thus be executed automatically when the selected vehicle parameter and / or environmental parameter is detected. Vehicle parameters are parameters related to the condition and operation of the vehicle and its various sensor systems. Environmental parameters are parameters related to the vehicle's environment.

[0023] The vehicle parameters that may be specified may include at least one of the following: vehicle power state; vehicle position; vehicle speed; trip distance; trip duration; distance to destination; time to destination; proximity of the vehicle to a specified person, device, or other vehicle; vehicle occupancy; detection of one or more specified transportable devices near the vehicle; operating state of a vehicle system (such as fuel level, engine speed, engine temperature, or interior lighting); output from a vehicle sensor (such as an interior temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, or a parking sensor); and receipt of a signal transmitted to the vehicle (such as an incoming call or an incoming text message).

[0024] The environmental parameters that can be specified include at least one of the following: time; day; date; user-defined time period; temperature at the vehicle location; temperature at another specified location; weather at the vehicle location; weather at another specified location; location of a specified person, device, or other vehicle; and fuel price at a location near the vehicle.

[0025] For example, vehicle occupancy can be determined by detecting personal devices belonging to specific individuals in the vicinity of the vehicle, such as a mobile phone, smartwatch, Fitbit, or other wearable or portable device.

[0026] If the trigger condition includes vehicle occupancy or detection of one or more specified portable devices in the vicinity of the vehicle, a control signal requiring a specific action may only be issued if a specific device, for example, the portable configuration device used to select the action, is detected in the vicinity of the vehicle. In this way, it may be possible to configure the speed dial system to issue a control signal requiring a specific action only if the person who selected the action is in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0027] Vehicle parameters and environmental parameters can be measured directly by the vehicle, for example using vehicle sensors, and / or they can be determined externally and transmitted to the vehicle and / or the processor.

[0028] The memory module may be arranged to store a specified trigger condition associated with the actuation of a user-operated control device. The control device may be included in the vehicle. In this case, the control device may be any type of on-board MMS, for example, a programmable shortcut key or a control for a specific vehicle system or main infotainment system. Alternatively, the control device may be separate from the vehicle and may instead be, for example, a key fob, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, a Fitbit, or other portable or wearable device. In some cases, the control device may also serve as a configuration device.

[0029] The actuation may, for example, be a specified action performed using either a physical control element of the control device (such as a button) or a virtual control element of the control device (such as a virtual button or a touchscreen interface). The actuation may be a specified gesture, which may, for example, be performed on a touchscreen or near a motion sensor, or while holding or wearing a portable device.

[0030] For the avoidance of doubt, the actuation of a control device operated by a user does not constitute a vehicle parameter.

[0031] The memory module may be arranged to store a specified trigger condition including a plurality of separate requests. The plurality of separate requests may, for example, include one or more vehicle parameters and / or one or more environmental parameters and / or one or more actuations of the control device. In this case, the quick selection system may be configured to output a control signal only if all requests specified for a particular action are detected. For example, it may be possible to configure the control system to open a window only if the outside air temperature or the interior temperature is above a defined limit and the vehicle speed is below a defined limit.

[0032] The processor may be arranged to generate the control signal each time the trigger condition is met. In this way, a single action instruction and trigger condition can be used to pre-program an action to be executed multiple times. However, some trigger conditions may not be repeatable (for example, "date"), and it may be possible to program an action to be executed only once (for example, only the next time the trigger condition is met).

[0033] The input may be arranged to receive configuration signals from a plurality of different configuration devices independent of the vehicle. This may allow two or more users of a vehicle to configure the speed dial system using their own configuration devices, or allow a single user to configure the speed dial system using one of a number of configuration devices.

[0034] The processor may be arranged to generate the control signal depending on the energy state of the vehicle. For example, the processor may be arranged to generate the control signal only when the vehicle has been started. Alternatively, the processor may be arranged to generate the control signal after the trigger condition is met, regardless of the energy state of the vehicle, for example, to preheat a vehicle before starting it for a morning commute.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a speed dial system for controlling at least one vehicle system, the speed dial system comprising: an input arranged to receive a configuration signal generated in response to a user actuating a configuration device, the configuration signal specifying an action to be performed by a vehicle system; a memory module arranged to store the action specified in a received configuration signal; a processor arranged to generate a control signal for controlling the vehicle system according to the stored specified action upon fulfillment of a user-selected trigger condition comprising a vehicle parameter and / or an environmental parameter; and an output arranged to output the control signal.

[0036] The configuration device may be a vehicle-independent configuration device, as described above. Alternatively, the configuration device may be an on-board configuration device, for example, a main infotainment system or other vehicle-mounted MMS. All features described above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention also apply to the second aspect of the invention.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided equipped with a speed dial system as described above, the vehicle comprising a plurality of vehicle systems arranged to be controlled according to the control signals generated by the processor. The vehicle may be a passenger car.

[0038] The memory module and / or the processor may be contained within the vehicle. Alternatively, the memory module and / or the processor may be external to the vehicle, in which case the processor may be arranged to wirelessly transmit the control signal to the vehicle's control system and / or individual vehicle systems. In this case, the memory module and / or the processor may be contained within a cloud-based system or a portable communication device, such as a mobile phone. In some cases, the memory module and / or the processor may be contained within an external device that also serves as the configuration device, in which case the selection of the desired action and trigger condition and the generation of control signals may take place within the same device.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle-independent configuration device arranged to configure a quick selection system for controlling at least one vehicle system of the vehicle, the configuration device comprising: an interface arranged to be actuated by a user to select a) an action to be performed by a vehicle system and b) a trigger condition for the action; a processor arranged to generate a configuration signal for configuring the speed dial system, the configuration signal specifying an action to be performed by a vehicle system and a trigger condition for the action depending on the action and trigger condition selected by a user on the interface; and an output arranged to output the configuration signal.

[0040] The configuration device can be used to remotely configure the speed dial system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. The configuration device can be arranged to configure a speed dial system, including all of the features described above, and can include all of the features required to configure such a speed dial system. As explained above, it is understood that the user is a normal user of the vehicle and not a maintenance person.

[0041] The configuration device may be a mobile phone or other portable communication device or a tablet device or a laptop or a desktop computer or a smartwatch.

[0042] The configuration device may comprise a software program or software application used to select the action to be performed by a vehicle system and the triggering condition for the action. The software program or software application may be arranged to enable selection of a desired action from a plurality of different selectable actions associated with a plurality of different vehicle systems. Alternatively, the software program or software application may be restricted to selecting a particular action or may be restricted to selecting actions for a particular vehicle system. In this case, selection of an action may be performed simply by selecting or opening the software program or software application specific to the action.The configuration device may comprise a plurality of different software programs or software applications for selecting different actions and / or for selecting actions associated with different vehicle systems.

[0043] The interface can be a touchscreen interface.

[0044] The configuration device may be arranged to present the user with a list from which the desired action can be selected, and a list from which the desired trigger condition can be selected. For example, a list of selectable actions can be opened by selecting a first option (which may have a suitable name, such as "Create Action" or "Select Action"), and a list of selectable trigger conditions can be opened by selecting a second option (which may have a suitable name, such as "Define Trigger" or "Select Trigger").

[0045] The configuration device may be arranged to enable the user to select one or more actions by selecting a preset action option that specifies the one or more preset actions and / or to enable the user to select the trigger condition by selecting a preset trigger option that specifies a preset trigger condition.

[0046] The configuration device may be arranged to enable the user to create a new preset action option specifying one or more user-selected actions, and / or may be arranged to enable the user to create a new preset trigger option specifying a user-selected trigger condition. It may be possible to select an appropriate title when creating a new preset action option or preset trigger option, for example, "Preheat Car" for a preset action option specifying actions related to heating, and "Morning Commute" for a preset trigger option related to a morning commute plan.The configuration device may also be arranged to enable the user to modify or delete existing preset action options and / or existing preset trigger options.

[0047] The processor may be arranged to generate configuration signals for configuring a plurality of different speed dial systems used to control vehicle systems of a plurality of different vehicles associated with the configuration device. Thus, it may be possible to configure speed dials for a plurality of different vehicles using the same configuration device.

[0048] The configuration device may be arranged to transmit the configuration signals wirelessly to the speed dialing system. Alternatively, the configuration signals may be transmitted via a wired connection.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control system for controlling at least one vehicle system is provided, the control system comprising a quick selection system as described above and a configuration device as described above.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling at least one vehicle system of a vehicle is provided, the method comprising: Use of a vehicle-independent configuration device by a user of the vehicle to select an action to be performed by a vehicle system and a trigger condition for the action; Generating a configuration signal specifying the selected action and the selected trigger condition; Receiving the configuration signal at an input; Storing the action and trigger condition specified in the received configuration signal in one or more memory modules; Determine that the trigger condition is met; Actuating a processor to generate, in response to determining that the trigger condition is met, a control signal for controlling a vehicle system according to the stored specified action; and Control the vehicle system according to the stored specified action.

[0051] The method can be used when operating a speed dialing system and / or configuration device as described above. The method can include any method steps associated with the normal operation of such a speed dialing system and / or configuration device.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium is provided comprising computer-readable instructions for a computer processor to carry out the method described above.

[0053] It is expressly contemplated within the scope of this application that various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination. This means that all embodiments and / or features of an embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or in any combination, unless these features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to amend an originally filed claim or to file a new claim accordingly, including the right to amend an originally filed claim to depend on and / or include a feature of another claim, even if not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a vehicle equipped with a speed dial system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a speed dial system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a configuration device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a method for configuring a speed dial system according to an embodiment of the present invention and Fig. 5a-c Lists from which actions and trigger conditions can be selected, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 including multiple vehicle systems controllable by a user of the vehicle. These vehicle systems include, among others, an ignition system, a satellite navigation system, a heating and air conditioning system, a seat heating system, a stereo system, an infotainment system, a seat configuration system, various vehicle camera systems, side mirror control systems, a tow bar control system, and a drive mode selection system. It should be understood that these systems are merely illustrative and that different vehicles may include different systems.

[0056] As in Fig. As schematically illustrated in Figure 2, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a speed dial system 1 for controlling at least one of the vehicle systems 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The speed dial system 1 comprises a control module 3, including a processor 4 and a memory module 5, provided in the vehicle 100. The control module 3 is arranged to wirelessly receive, at an input, configuration signals 6 generated in response to a user actuation of a vehicle-independent configuration device 7 (described in more detail below), wherein the configuration signals specify a) an action to be performed by a vehicle system and b) a trigger condition for the action. The memory module 5 is arranged to store the action and the trigger condition specified in the received configuration signals.The processor 4 is arranged to receive signals based on which it is possible to determine whether the trigger condition is met or not, and to determine, based on these signals, whether the trigger condition is met or not. The processor 4 is arranged, after determining that the trigger condition is met, to generate a control signal 8 for controlling the vehicle system 2 with which the stored specified action is associated, in accordance with the stored specified action. The control signal 8 is then output to the corresponding vehicle system 2 or to another control module of the vehicle, so that the corresponding vehicle system 2 can be controlled in accordance with the stored specified action.

[0057] The speed dial system 1 thus enables the automatic execution of personalized actions according to user-selected preferences. For example, if the stored specified action is "start engine" and the stored specified trigger condition is 8:00 a.m. and Monday to Friday, the speed dial system issues a control signal to start the engine after determining that the time is 8:00 a.m. and Monday to Friday.

[0058] The stored specified action may include activating a specified vehicle system and / or setting a specified vehicle system to operate according to a selected operating mode.

[0059] The stored specified trigger condition may be related to a vehicle parameter, for example, the vehicle's power state; vehicle position; vehicle speed; travel distance; travel duration; distance to destination; time to destination; proximity of the vehicle to a specified person, device, or other vehicle; vehicle occupancy; detection of one or more specified transportable devices near the vehicle; operating state of a vehicle system (such as fuel level, engine speed, engine temperature, or interior lighting); output of a vehicle sensor (such as an interior temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, or a parking sensor); and receipt of a signal transmitted to the vehicle (such as an incoming call or an incoming text message).Vehicle occupancy may be determined, for example, by detecting personal devices belonging to specific individuals in the vicinity of the vehicle. Alternatively, the stored specified trigger condition may be related to an environmental parameter, such as time, day, date, user-defined time period, temperature at the vehicle location, temperature at another specified location, weather at the vehicle location, weather at another specified location, location of a specified individual, device, or other vehicle, and fuel price at a location near the vehicle.Alternatively, the stored specified trigger condition may be associated with the actuation of a user-operated control device, such as a programmable shortcut key, a control for a specific vehicle system, a main infotainment system, a key fob, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, a Fitbit, or another wearable or portable device. The actuation may, for example, be performed on a physical or virtual control. Alternatively, the actuation may be a specified gesture performed on a touchscreen or near a motion sensor, or while holding or wearing a portable device.

[0060] The stored specified trigger condition may include multiple separate requirements (for example, requirements related to one or more vehicle parameters and / or one or more environmental parameters and / or one or more control element operations).

[0061] Optionally, the memory module 5 is arranged to store two or more specified actions (which may be intended for other, unrelated vehicle systems) to be executed after the trigger condition is met, and the processor 4 is arranged to generate control signals 8 according to the stored two or more specified actions after determining that the trigger condition is met. In this way, multiple actions can be requested simultaneously.Optionally, the memory module 5 is also arranged to store two or more specified trigger conditions and a specified action to be performed by a vehicle system according to each trigger condition, and the processor 4 is arranged to generate a control signal for controlling a vehicle system according to the stored specified action corresponding to one of the trigger conditions after determining that the corresponding trigger condition is met. In this way, several different actions can be requested under different preselected conditions.

[0062] In some cases, an action stored in the memory module 5 of the speed dial system may be a repeating action, in which case the processor 4 issues a control signal for that action each time the trigger condition is met. For example, if the stored specified action is "start engine" and the stored specified trigger condition is 8:00 a.m. and Monday to Friday, the processor may issue a control signal to start the engine every week, Monday to Friday, at the specified time. Alternatively, it may be possible to request an action to be executed only once, for example, the next time the trigger condition is met. Furthermore, it should be understood that some selectable trigger conditions may not be repeatable (for example, those that include a date).

[0063] In the present embodiment, the configuration device 7 is independent of the vehicle (ie not part of it) and is in the form of a mobile phone, as shown in Fig. 3. The mobile phone includes a software program or software application used to select the desired action(s) and the corresponding trigger condition(s) for the action(s). The mobile phone 7 includes a touchscreen interface 9 on which a user of the vehicle can select the desired action(s) and the desired trigger condition(s). The mobile phone 7 includes a processor 10 arranged to generate configuration signals 6 for configuring the speed dial system 1 described above, the configuration signals specifying the action(s) and trigger condition(s) selected by the user on the interface 9. The mobile phone 7 includes an output arranged to wirelessly output the configuration signals to remotely configure the speed dial system 1.The mobile phone / configuration device 7 can thus be used to pre-program personalized actions from outside the vehicle 100, for example, to select one or more actions desired for a morning commute before entering the vehicle.

[0064] The mobile phone 7 can be used to configure the speed dial system as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 and described below: a) the program or application is installed on the mobile phone 7; b) the user creates a profile and links the application to his vehicle 100; c) the user selects the action with which he wishes to pre-program his vehicle; d) the user selects the desired trigger condition for the action; e) the processor 10 of the mobile phone generates a configuration signal 6 specifying the selected action and the selected trigger condition; f) the configuration signal 6 is transmitted wirelessly to the speed dial system 1; g) the selected action and the selected trigger condition specified in the configuration signal 6 are stored in the memory module 5 of the quick selection system 1 and h) the mobile phone 7 confirms that the action and the trigger condition have been set.

[0065] The step of selecting an action may involve selecting an action from a list of selectable actions. For example, a user may select an option from "Select Action" or "Create Action" (as in Fig. 5a) to display a list of specific actions that can be selected and / or types of actions (as shown in Fig. 5b). Selecting a type of action may open another list containing specific actions that can be selected. Similarly, the step of selecting a trigger condition may involve selecting a trigger condition from a list of selectable trigger conditions. For example, a user may select a "Select trigger" or "Define trigger" option (as shown in Fig. 5a) to provide a list of specific trigger conditions that can be selected and / or types of trigger conditions (as shown in Fig. 5c). Selecting a type of trigger condition can open a further list of specific trigger conditions that can be selected. It is understood that the trigger conditions shown in the Fig. 5a to 5c are merely illustrative and that other options (or the same options under different names) may be included in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] As an example, the user could select a "Start Engine" action and a trigger condition of 8:00 AM to configure the speed dial system to automatically warm up the vehicle for a morning commute (and without the vehicle being started by the user).

[0067] In some cases, the step of selecting the trigger condition may involve selecting multiple separate requirements. For example, the user could select a trigger condition of 8:00 a.m. and Monday through Friday, to match a commuter schedule. The user could also select an additional ambient temperature requirement, which should be within a selected range or below a selected threshold, to preheat the vehicle only on cold days. In this case, the specified action is only commanded if all of the trigger condition requirements are determined to be met.

[0068] In some cases, the step of selecting an action may involve selecting multiple separate actions. For example, the user might select both "Start engine" and "Heat driver seat" to additionally warm the driver's seat before a morning commute.

[0069] As an alternative to individually selecting one or more specific actions and a specific trigger condition, it may also be possible to select one or more actions by selecting a preset action option that specifies one or more preset actions and / or to select the trigger condition by selecting a preset trigger option that specifies a preset trigger condition.

[0070] For example, it may be possible to select a group of one or more actions associated with heating a vehicle by selecting a preset action option "Preheat Car," where the preset action option "Preheat Car" specifies the one or more actions associated with heating the vehicle. A group of actions specified under "Preheat Car" may, for example, include one or more of "Start Engine," "Turn On Heating System," "Heat Driver Seat," and "Heat Rear Window." The preset action option "Preheat Car" may have been pre-created and / or modified within the application by the user to select one or more actions typically desired as part of a preheating program.

[0071] It may also be possible to select a desired schedule from 8:00 a.m. Monday to Friday by selecting a preset "morning commute" trigger condition that specifies the commute schedule. The preset "morning commute" trigger option may also have been pre-created and / or modified within the application by the user based on a known commute schedule.

[0072] The steps of selecting an action and selecting a trigger condition can be performed multiple times to store multiple different rules, each including at least one action and trigger condition for the action. For example, in addition to the various preheating operations described above, the user can additionally select an action of turning on the radio and tuning the radio to a specified radio station in response to starting the vehicle on a weekday morning.

[0073] It should be understood that the various methods and configurations described above for selecting actions and trigger conditions and for configuring the speed dial system are merely examples. The actual method steps may vary according to various embodiments of the invention, and additional actions and trigger conditions may be selected as desired.

[0074] The mobile phone 7 may be arranged to configure speed dial systems 1 for a plurality of different vehicles 100. In this case, the step of linking the application to a vehicle 100 may be performed multiple times for the plurality of different vehicles. If a configuration device 7 is linked to a plurality of different vehicles, it may be possible to select which vehicle 100 a speed dial should be applied to when selecting an action and a trigger condition to configure the speed dial system 1 of only one vehicle 100. Alternatively, it may be possible to select multiple vehicles 100 to configure the speed dial systems 1 of multiple vehicles simultaneously.

[0075] There may be several different configuration devices 7 linked to the vehicle 100 to configure the speed dial system 1, for example the mobile phones of several different users. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a second configuration device 7 in dashed lines.) In this case, the speed selection system 1 may prioritize the control of vehicle systems 2 based on the detection of one or more of the configuration devices 7 in the vicinity of the vehicle 100. For example, if two different configuration devices 7 are used to configure the speed selection system 1, and both devices are detected in the vicinity of the vehicle, the speed selection system may be arranged to prioritize the selection made using a specified one of the devices.

[0076] In the embodiment described above, the processor 4 of the speed dial system 1 is arranged to determine whether or not the trigger condition is met. In the case where the trigger condition includes the time 8:00 a.m. and the day Monday to Friday, the processor 4 of the speed dial system 1 can receive signals indicating the time and day of the week and can use these signals to determine that the corresponding action of preheating the vehicle should be performed. In other embodiments, however, the processor 4 can be arranged to receive a signal indicating that the trigger condition is met, wherein the determination was made externally to the processor. The signal indicating that the trigger condition is met can be sent wirelessly, for example, from a cloud-based system or from a portable communication device.In this case, the memory module 5 of the speed dial system 1 need not be configured to store the trigger condition, but can instead simply store the action. The trigger condition can instead be stored in a separate memory module located at a different location than the memory module 5 used to store the specified action.

[0077] In the embodiment described above, the processor 4 and the memory module 5 of the speed dial system 1 are contained in the vehicle 100. However, in other embodiments, the processor 4 and / or the memory module 5 of the speed dial system 1 may be located outside the vehicle 100. In this case, the processor 4 and / or the memory module 5 of the speed dial system 1 may instead be contained in a cloud-based system or a portable communication device that wirelessly transmits control signals to the speed dial system of the vehicle 100 and / or to individual vehicle systems 2.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the configuration device 7 is independent of the vehicle 100 and is in the form of a mobile phone. In other embodiments, however, the configuration device may equally well be in the form of, for example, a tablet device, a laptop, a desktop computer, or a smartwatch. According to further embodiments, the configuration device may not be independent of the vehicle, but may instead be contained in the vehicle so that the desired actions and triggering conditions can be selected using controls of the vehicle, for example, using a human-machine interface (HMI), such as a touchscreen interface on the dashboard.In some embodiments, it may be possible to configure the speed dial system using both a vehicle-independent configuration device and a vehicle-based configuration device.

[0079] Many modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Quick selection system (1) for controlling at least one vehicle system (2), the quick selection system comprising: i. an input arranged to receive a configuration signal (6) generated in response to a user actuation of a configuration device (7) independent of the vehicle (100), wherein the configuration signal (6) specifies an action to be performed by a vehicle system (2), and wherein the configuration signal (6) specifies a trigger condition for the action; ii. a memory module (5) arranged to store the action and the trigger condition for the action specified in a received configuration signal, and wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store two or more specified actions to be performed by one or more vehicle systems (2), wherein the two or more actions each correspond to two or more different trigger conditions selected by the user, iii. a processor (4, 10) arranged to generate, upon fulfillment of a user-selected trigger condition, a control signal (8) for controlling the vehicle system (2) according to the stored specified action corresponding to this trigger condition, and wherein the processor (4, 10) is arranged to prioritize the generation of control signals based on vehicle occupancy and / or detection of one or more specified transportable devices in the vicinity of the vehicle (100); and iv. an output arranged to output the control signal (8). [2] The speed dial system (1) according to claim 1, wherein one of the one or more specified portable devices is the configuration device (7). [3] A speed dial system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor (4, 10) is arranged, upon fulfillment of a user-selected trigger condition, to generate a control signal (8) for controlling the vehicle system (2) according to a stored specified action, in dependence on the detection of the configuration device (7) used to specify the stored action and the trigger condition in the vicinity of the vehicle (100). [4] Speed ​​dial system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store a specified action to be performed by vehicle systems (2) and is associated with at least one of the following: navigation, comfort, entertainment, interior configuration, security, vehicle cameras, side mirror control, tow bar retraction / extension, driver assistance systems (ADAS) and / or telephone / media features. [5] A speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store a specified action comprising activating a specified vehicle system. [6] A quick selection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store a specified action comprising setting a specific vehicle system to operate according to a selected operating mode. [7] A speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store two or more specified actions to be performed by one or more vehicle systems (2), and wherein the processor (4, 10) is arranged to generate control signals for controlling the vehicle system(s) in accordance with the two or more stored specified actions after the trigger condition has been met. [8] A speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (4, 10) is arranged to determine whether or not the trigger condition is met. [9] A speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store a specified trigger condition associated with a vehicle parameter or an environmental parameter. [10] A speed dial system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle parameters that can be specified include at least one of the following: Energy state of the vehicle (100); vehicle position; Vehicle speed; travel distance; travel time; distance to destination; Time to destination; proximity of the vehicle (100) to a specified person, to a device or another vehicle; vehicle occupancy; Detection of one or more specified transportable devices in the vicinity of the vehicle (100); operating state of a vehicle system (2); output of a vehicle sensor; and reception of a signal transmitted to the vehicle (100); and / or wherein the environmental parameters, which can be specified, include at least one of the following: Time; Day; Date; User-defined time period; Temperature at the vehicle location; Temperature at another specified location; Weather at the vehicle location; weather at another specified location; location of a specified person, device, or other vehicle; and fuel price at a location near the vehicle (100). [11] A speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store a specified trigger condition associated with the actuation of a control device actuated by a user. [12] A speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory module (5) is arranged to store a specified trigger condition including a plurality of separate requests. [13] A speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (4, 10) is arranged to generate the control signal (8) each time the trigger condition is met. [14] A speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input is arranged to receive configuration signals (6) from a plurality of different configuration devices (7) independent of the vehicle (100). [15] Speed ​​dial system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (4, 10) is arranged to generate the control signal (8) depending on the energy state of the vehicle (100). [16] Vehicle (100) equipped with a speed dial system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (100) comprises a plurality of vehicle systems (2) arranged to be controlled according to the control signals generated by the processor (4, 10). [17] Vehicle (100) according to claim 16, wherein the memory module (5) and / or the processor (4, 10) are contained in the vehicle (100). [18] A configuration device (7) independent of a vehicle (100) and arranged to configure a quick selection system (1) for controlling at least one vehicle system (2) of the vehicle (100), the configuration device comprising: i. an interface (9) arranged to be actuated by a user to select a) an action to be performed by a vehicle system (2) and b) a trigger condition for the action; ii. a processor (4, 10) arranged to generate a configuration signal (6) for configuring the speed dial system (1), the configuration signal (6) specifying: depending on the action and the trigger condition selected by a user on the interface (9), an action to be performed by a vehicle system (2) and a trigger condition for the action; and an instruction to perform the action, depending on the detection of the configuration device (7) in the vicinity of the vehicle (100); and iii. an output arranged to output the configuration signal (6). [19] Configuration device (7) according to claim 18, wherein the configuration device (7) is a mobile phone or other portable communication device or a tablet device or a laptop or a desktop computer or a smartwatch. [20] Configuration device (7) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the configuration device (7) comprises a software program or a software application used to select the action to be performed by a vehicle system (2) and the triggering condition for the action. [21] Configuration device (7) according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the interface (9) is a touchscreen interface (9). [22] Configuration device (7) according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the configuration device (7) is arranged to present to the user a list from which the desired action can be selected and a list from which the desired trigger condition can be selected. [23] Configuration device (7) according to one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the configuration device (7) is arranged to enable the user to select one or more actions by selecting a preset action option specifying the one or more preset actions and / or to enable the user to select the trigger condition by selecting a preset trigger option specifying a preset trigger condition. [24] Configuration device (7) according to claim 23, wherein the configuration device (7) is arranged to enable the user to create a new preset action option specifying one or more actions selected by the user, and / or wherein the configuration device (7) is arranged to enable the user to create a new preset trigger option specifying a trigger condition selected by the user. [25] Configuration device (7) according to one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the processor (4, 10) is arranged to generate a configuration signal (6) for configuring a plurality of different speed dial systems (1) used to control vehicle systems (2) of a plurality of different vehicles (100) belonging to the configuration device (7). [26] Configuration device (7) according to one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the configuration device (7) is arranged to transmit the configuration signal (6) wirelessly to the speed dial system (1). [27] Control system for controlling at least one vehicle system (2), the control system comprising a quick selection system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 and a configuration device (7) according to one of claims 18 to 26. [28] Method for controlling at least one vehicle system (2) of a vehicle (100), the method comprising: i. Use of a configuration device (7) independent of the vehicle (100) by a user of the vehicle (100) to select an action to be performed by a vehicle system (2) and a trigger condition for the action; ii. generating a configuration signal (6) specifying the selected action and the selected trigger condition; iii. Receiving the configuration signal (6) at an input; iv. Storing the action and trigger condition specified in the received configuration signal in one or more memory modules, wherein the memory module (5) stores two or more specified actions to be performed by one or more vehicle systems (2), wherein the two or more actions each correspond to two or more different trigger conditions selected by the user; v. Determine that the trigger condition is met; vi. Actuating a processor (4, 10) to generate, in response to determining that the trigger condition is met, a control signal (8) for controlling a vehicle system (2) according to the stored specified action, prioritizing the generation of control signals based on vehicle occupancy and / or detection of one or more specified transportable devices in the vicinity of the vehicle (100); and vii. Controlling the vehicle system (2) according to the generated control signals. [29] A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions for a computer processor (4, 10) to carry out the method of claim 28.

Images