User interface

Abstract

User interface 1 for displaying 53 vehicle information to and for receiving user input 51 from a user external to the vehicle. The interface 1 is installed in a window aperture W of the vehicle, the i

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a user interface. The user interface has particular application in a motor vehicle, such as an automobile. Aspects of the invention relate to a user interface apparatus for controlling one or more vehicle systems. BACKGROUND It is known to connect an electric vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), to a mains power supply. The electric vehicle comprises a charging port for connection to the mains power supply to charge an on-board traction battery. The charging port is sized to receive one or more plugs. The charging port typically also includes a display to provide system information, for example a state of charge (SOC) of the traction battery, or a plug lock / unlock status. The charging port may also comprise controls to enable and / or disable features, such as timed charging of the traction battery. The charging port may be provided in a charging bowl which may be selectively covered by a moveable panel or cover. The charging bowl may have to be relatively large in size to package the various features whilst providing appropriate functionality. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a user interface apparatus and a motor vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a user interface apparatus for controlling one or more vehicle systems of a motor vehicle, the user interface apparatus comprising: a transparent screen configured to be installed in a window aperture of a body of the motor vehicle; a display unit configured to display information relating to the one or more vehicle systems, the display unit being configured to display the information in a display region of the transparent screen for viewing from an exterior of the motor vehicle; and an input unit configured to receive a user input in an input region to control the one or more vehicle systems, the input unit being configured to receive the user input at the input region from a user outside the motor vehicle; wherein the input region and the display region are co-located. By configuring the display unit to display the information in the display region of the transparent screen, the information required by a user can be made available at a more convenient height. The display unit may be configured to generate at least one menu to enable the display of relevant information and, preferably, also selection of one or more options from the menu. The display unit and the input unit may, for example, be incorporated into the rear quarterlight (fixed) glass of the vehicle. At least in certain embodiments, the user interface apparatus may provide a primary interface for the user to control the one or more vehicle systems, for example to start / stop a charging event. The user interface apparatus may, for example, be configured to control charging of a traction battery provided in the motor vehicle. The user interface apparatus may be configured to control operation of a charger provided on-board the motor vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, user interface apparatus may be configured to control operation of an external power supply (such as a mains power supply) configured to charge a traction battery provided on the vehicle. The user interface apparatus may be connected to the on-board charger, for example via a communication bus or network provided in the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, the user interface apparatus may be connected to the external power supply by a wired connection (for example via a charging cable) or a wireless connection (for example using a wireless communication network). A charging interface display may be displayed in the display region defined by the display unit. The charging interface display may be displayed in the transparent screen rather than within a charging bowl. This may enable reduced packaging requirements for the charging bowl. At least in certain embodiments, the user interface apparatus described herein may enable the size of the charging bowl to be reduced. It will be understood that the user interface apparatus described herein may be configured to control other vehicle systems. The user interface apparatus may communicate with one or more other vehicle systems, such as a vehicle access system or a key authorisation system. An authorisation check may be performed to detect the presence of a key associated with the vehicle. The user interface apparatus may require that the authorisation check is successfully completed (for example to identify the presence of the associated key) before enabling control of the one or more vehicle systems. The input region and the display region are co-located to facilitate operation of the user interface apparatus. At least in certain embodiments, the user interface apparatus may be operated from outside the vehicle. At least in certain embodiments, the display unit is configured to display the information to be viewed from an exterior of the motor vehicle; and the input unit is configured to receive the user input from an exterior of the motor vehicle, i.e., by a user outside the vehicle. At least one of the display unit and the input unit may be integrated into the transparent screen. The transparent screen may be configured to be installed in the window aperture. In use, the transparent screen forms part of an exterior of the vehicle. The transparent screen may comprise a windscreen, a side window or a rear window. The transparent screen may, for example, comprise a rear quarter window. Alternatively, the transparent screen may form at least a portion of a hatch or a panel, for example to cover a charging port. The input region may be defined adjacent to the transparent screen, for example in a body panel. Alternatively, the input region may be defined within the transparent screen. The input region and the display region may be co-located within the transparent screen. The display unit may comprise a projector, for example to project the information onto the transparent screen. Alternatively, the display unit may comprise a display screen. At least in certain embodiments, the display screen allows flexibility of the display. For example, the information output by the display unit may be updated dynamically to represent changes in the vehicle system. Alternatively, or in addition, the information output to the display unit may be updated in dependence on a user input. For example, the information and / or a selection option displayed on the display screen may be updated in dependence on a user input. The display screen may be configurable by the user, for example to enable the user to select which information is displayed in the display region. The display screen may, for example, comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display. The display screen may be configured to display the information in the display region of the transparent screen. The display screen may be mounted to the transparent screen. The display screen may, for example, be mounted to an interior of the transparent screen. The display screen may have a touch-capability. The display screen may be dynamically configurable, for example to change the information displayed in the display region and / or to provide re-configurable displays. The display unit may be integrated into the transparent screen. Alternatively, or in addition, the input unit may be integrated into the transparent screen. The input unit may comprise one or more buttons configured to receive user inputs to control the one or more vehicle systems. By way of example, the one or more buttons may be configured to enable one or more of the following: the selection and / or changing of a charging mode; opening and / or closing of a flap or panel provided over a charging port; the locking / unlocking of a cable lock, etc. The one or more buttons may be configured to control other systems on the vehicle. The or each button may comprise a physical (hard) button, i.e., implemented as a hardware component. At least in certain embodiments, the or each button comprises a virtual button. The input unit may comprise a touch panel mounted to the transparent screen. The touch panel may, for example, comprise a capacitive sensor or a resistive sensor. A capacitive sensor may be operated through the transparent screen. This may reduce or avoid the need to provide physical (hard) buttons in the user interface apparatus. The touch panel may define the one or more virtual buttons. The touch panel may be mounted to an interior or an exterior of the transparent screen. The touch panel may be opaque. Alternatively, the touch panel may be at least partially transparent. The at least partially transparent touch panel may be at least partially integrated into the transparent screen. The input unit may be in the form of a through-screen input unit. In use, a user input may be detected through the transparent screen. The input unit may comprise a touch panel disposed on an interior of the transparent screen. A localised region of the transparent screen may optionally comprise a reduced thickness. For example, a recess may be formed in the transparent screen to receive at least a portion of the input unit. The display unit and the input unit may be combined in a touch screen assembly. The touch screen assembly may be configured to display the information in the display region of the transparent screen. The touch screen assembly may be integrated into the transparent screen, for example the touch screen may be fastened to the transparent screen. The display region and the input region may be separate from each other. There may be a gap or an offset between the display region and the input region, but this is preferably small. Alternatively, the display region and the input region may at least partially overlap each other. The display region and the input region may be disposed adjacent to each other. The display region and the input region may be laterally and / or vertically offset from each other. For example, the display region and the input region may be disposed in a side-by-side arrangement. The display unit may be configured to display information relating to one or more of the following: a state of charge (SOC); a charging status; time to fully charged; a time remaining to achieve a target SOC; import / export charge status; a cable lock status; and a charging mode. The input unit may be configured to control one or more of the following: selecting a charging mode; starting a charging cycle; pausing or stopping a charging cycle; locking and / or unlocking an access panel; and opening and / or closing of a powered access panel. The input unit may be configured to control the vehicle system in dependence on one or more user input. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a transparent screen assembly comprising a transparent screen and a user input apparatus as described herein. The user input apparatus may be integrated into the transparent screen. The user input apparatus may be fastened to the transparent screen, for example by an adhesive fastener or one or more mechanical fastener. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a motor vehicle comprising at least one of the user interface apparatus described herein. The motor vehicle may comprise a body having a window aperture. The transparent screen of the user interface apparatus may be installed in the window aperture. The motor vehicle may comprise a charging port for charging an on-board traction battery. The window aperture may be disposed proximal to the charging port. Any control unit or controller described herein may suitably comprise a computational device having one or more electronic processors. The system may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. As used herein the term “controller” or “control unit” will be understood to include both a single control unit or controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide any stated control functionality. To configure a controller or control unit, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause said control unit or computational device to implement the control techniques specified herein. The set of instructions may suitably be embedded in said one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software saved on one or more memory associated with said controller to be executed on said computational device. The control unit or controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors. One or more other control unit or controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. Other suitable arrangements may also be used Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle incorporating a user interface apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a charger control unit for use in conjunction with the user interface apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an interface control unit of the user interface apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a co-located display region and input region of the user interface apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a combined display region and input region of the user interface apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A user interface apparatus 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. The user interface apparatus 1 is configured to be used in a vehicle 3 to control one or more vehicle systems. As illustrated in Figure 1, the vehicle 3 in the present embodiment is a motor vehicle. For example, the vehicle 3 may be an automobile, a utility vehicle or a sports utility vehicle. The vehicle 3 comprises a traction battery 7 configured to power at least one electric drive unit 9. The at least one electric drive unit 9 is operative to propel the vehicle 3. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 3 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV), i.e. an all-electric vehicle. In a variant, the vehicle 3 may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The vehicle 3 comprises an inverter 11 and a charger 13. The inverter 11 is configured to convert direct current (DC) from the battery into the alternating current (AC) where this is required by the at least one electric drive unit 9. The charger 13 is configured to convert an AC voltage supplied into a DC voltage to charge the traction battery 7. The charger 13 may comprise a charger control module or a charger controller (not shown). The inverter 11 and the charger 13 may optionally be combined. In the present embodiment, the user interface apparatus 1 is configured to control operation of the charger 13 in dependence on a user input. In the present embodiment the charger 13 is the vehicle system that is controlled by the user interface apparatus 1. It will be understood that the user interface apparatus 1 may be used to control other vehicle systems. The vehicle 3 comprises a body 15 having a plurality of window apertures 17-n (in Figure 1, n being an integer between 1 and 3) and an occupant cabin 19. Each window aperture 17-n is configured to receive one of the windows W-n (n being an integer between 1 and 4). The windows W-n are in the form of transparent screens which are mounted to the body 15. The windows W-n in the present embodiment comprise a multi-layered laminated glass. By way of example, the windows W-n may comprise a central layer of poly-vinyl butyral sandwiched between inner and outer layers of clear tempered glass to form a laminate. The windows W-n may be fixedly or movably mounted to the body. For example, the window W-n may be movably mounted to the body 15 to enable opening and closing of the window W-n. As illustrated in Figure 1, the vehicle 3 in the present embodiment comprises a first window (front windshield) W-1, a plurality of side windows W-2, a rear quarterlight window W-3 and a rear window (rear windshield) W-4. An obscuration region OBR-n (n being as above) may be formed around at least a portion of the perimeter of each window W-n of the vehicle 3. The obscuration region OBR-n is provided to hide a portion of an interior trim panel (not shown) provided in the occupant cabin 19 when viewed from an exterior of the vehicle 3. The vehicle 3 comprises a charging port 23 provided on the body 15. In the present embodiment, the charging port 23 is provided on a rear quarter panel. A moveable panel (not shown) may be provided for covering the charging port 23 when not in use. The charging port 23 comprises at least one electrical socket 25 configured to cooperate with an electrical connector (not referenced) to connect the vehicle 3 to an external power source (not shown) to charge the traction battery 7. The external power source may, for example, comprise a mains (grid) electrical supply. The electrical socket 25 is disposed in the body 15 proximal to the rear quarterlight window W-3. The vehicle 3 comprises a charger control unit 29 configured to control charging of the traction battery 7. The charger control unit 29 controls a charging cycle of the traction battery, for example to control a start / stop of the charging cycle; and / or to control a charging rate of the traction battery 7. The charger control unit 29 may optionally control scheduling of a charging cycle, for example to set a start time and / or an end time of a charging cycle. The charger control unit 29 is configured to monitor a state of charge (SOC) of the traction battery 7. The charger control unit 29 is configured to control a charging cycle to achieve a (desired) target SOC for the traction battery 7, for example to achieve a target SOC indicated by a user. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 3 comprises a cable lock 31 configured to lock a charging cable to the electrical socket 25, for example during a charging cycle. The charger control unit 29 is configured selectively to open and close the cable lock 31. The charger control unit 29 may optionally provide an automated unlock function to unlock the cable lock 31 in dependence on a determination that the SOC of the traction battery 7 is greater than or equal to a predetermined target threshold. As shown in Figure 2, the charger control unit 29 comprises a charge controller 33 configured to communicate with the user interface apparatus 1. The charge controller 33 comprises at least one first electronic processor 35 and a first memory device 37. A set of computational instructions is stored on the first memory device 37. When executed by the at least one first electronic processor 35, the instructions cause the at least one first electronic processor 35 to perform the method(s) described herein. The at least one first electronic processor 35 has at least one first input 39 and at least one first output 41. The at least one first input 39 is configured to receive at least one charge request signal CRS1 from the user interface apparatus 1. The charger control unit 29 is configured to control operation of the charger 13 in dependence on the at least one charge request signal CRS1. The at least one first output 41 is configured to output a system data signal SDS1 to the user interface apparatus 1. The system data signal SDS1 comprises system information, for example to indicate one or more of the following: a status of the charger 13; a charge rate of the charger 13; a charge schedule for the charger 13; an estimated SOC of the traction battery 7; a charge time remaining to charge the traction battery 7 to a target SOC; and a status of the cable lock 31. It will be understood that the system data signal SDS1 may comprise information relating to other vehicle systems. The user interface apparatus 1 comprises an input unit 51, a display unit 53 and an interface control unit 55 (see Figure 3). The input unit 51 and the display unit 53 are incorporated into the transparent screen of one of the windows W-n of the vehicle 3. The input unit 51 and the display unit 53 are adapted for use by a user outside the vehicle 3. In particular, the input unit 51 is configured to enable a user to make inputs from outside the vehicle 3; and the display unit 53 is configured to display the system information for viewing from outside the vehicle 3. As shown in Figure 1, the input unit 51 and the display unit 53 are incorporated into the rear quarterlight window W-3 in the present embodiment. It will be understood that the input unit 51 and the display unit 53 may be incorporated into one of the other windows W-n of the vehicle 3. The interface control unit 55 comprises at least one second electronic processor 57 and a second memory device 59. A set of computational instructions is stored on the second memory device 59. When executed by the at least one second electronic processor 57, the instructions cause the at least one second electronic processor 57 to perform the method(s) described herein. The second electronic processor 57 has at least one second input 61 and at least one second output 63. The at least one second input 61 is configured to receive a user input signal SIN1 from the input unit 51; and the system data signal SDS1 from the charger control unit 29. The at least one second output 63 is configured to output the at least one charge request signal CRS1 to the charger control unit 29 to control operation of the charger 13. The at least one charge request signal CRS1 is generated in dependence on the user inputs to the input unit 51. The at least one second output 63 is configured to output a display signal DSS1 to the display unit 53 to display system information. The display signal DSS1 is generated in dependence on the system data signal SDS1 received from the charger control unit 29; and / or the user input signal SIN1 from the input unit 51. The input unit 51 and the display unit 53 will now be described in more detail. The input unit 51 is configured to receive a user input to control one or more functions of the charger 13. As shown in Figure 1, the input unit 51 forms an input region A1 for receiving user inputs. The input unit 51 comprises a touch panel 61 integrated into the rear quarterlight window W-3. The touch panel 61 may be disposed on an interior or an exterior of the transparent screen of the window W-n. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 61 is mounted to the interior side of the transparent screen, for example by an adhesive. The touch panel 61 may be configured to detect a single touch operation or a plurality of touch operations (so-called multi-touch operation). The touch panel 61 comprises a capacitive sensor for detecting user inputs. The capacitive sensor is fastened to the transparent screen forming the rear quarterlight window W-3. The input unit 51 is operable through the transparent screen (through-glass operation), thereby enabling a user to make inputs by touching an exterior of the rear quarterlight window W-3. The user may thereby operate the touch panel 61 from outside the vehicle 3. The input unit 51 may be at least partially transparent. For example, the capacitive sensor may be at least partially transparent. At least in certain embodiments, the capacitive sensor may be integrated into the rear quarterlight window W-3. In a variant, the touch panel 61 may comprise a resistive sensor, for example mounted to the exterior of the rear quarterlight window W-3. The input unit 51 comprises a plurality of buttons 63A-D disposed in the input region A1. The buttons 63A-D are configured to control the one or more vehicle systems. The buttons 63A-D in the present embodiment are virtual buttons. Each of the buttons 63A-D comprises a capacitive touch button. The capacitive touch buttons 63A-D are disposed in fixed locations within the input region A1. In a variant, the input unit 51 may be configured to modify the location and / or the shape of the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D within the input region A1, for example in dependence on an active control function. The input unit 51 comprises a plurality of markers 65A-D for identifying the location and shape of respective capacitive touch buttons 63A-D. The markers 65A-D may comprise a graphical marking or identifier. Alternatively, or in addition, the markers 65A-D may comprise at least one light source, such as a light emitting diode (not shown), configured to illuminate the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D. In the present embodiment, the input region A1 is inset from the obscuration region OBR-1 in a transparent region of the rear quarterlight window W-3. In a variant, the input region A1 may be disposed in the obscuration region OBR-1 of the rear quarterlight window W-3. The input region A1 may be at least partially hidden from view in the obscuration region OBR-1, for example to provide a hidden-until-lit function. The input unit 51 may be provided behind the obscuration region OBR-1. The obscuration region OBR-1 may comprise at least one transmissive region to enable the input region A1 to be illuminated by the at least one light source. The at least one transmissive region may have a relatively low transmissivity. The remainder of the obscuration region OBR-1 may be at least substantially opaque. The display unit 53 is configured to display system information. The system information in the present embodiment relates to the traction battery 7, the charger 13 and the charging port 23. As shown in Figure 4, the display unit 53 has a display region B1 configured to display system information. In the present embodiment, the system information comprises one or more of the following: charger status information; a state of charge (SOC) of the traction battery 7; a charging status; a time to fully charged; a time to a target state of charge (SOC); import / export charge status; a charging mode; and a cable lock status. The charger status information indicates a current status of the charger 13, for example to indicate one or more of the following: charging has been paused, charging is in progress, or charging is complete. The cable lock status indicates that the cable lock 31 is locked or unlocked. In the present embodiment, the display unit 53 comprises a display screen 67 mounted to the interior side of the transparent screen forming the rear quarterlight window W-3. The display unit 53 comprises a light emitting diode (LED) screen for displaying graphical elements. Other types of screen can be used for the display unit 53, for example a liquid crystal display (LCD). In a variant, the display unit 53 may comprise a projector configured to project the system information onto the display region B1. In the present embodiment, the display region B1 is inset from the obscuration region OBR-1 in a transparent region of the rear quarterlight window W-3. In a variant, the display region B1 may be disposed in the obscuration region OBR-1 of the rear quarterlight window W-3. The display region B1 may be at least partially hidden from view in the obscuration region OBR-1, for example to provide a hidden-until-lit function. The display unit 53 may be provided behind a filter or a screen having low transmissivity. As shown in Figure 4, the input region A1 and the display region B1 are co-located. In the present embodiment, the input region A1 and the display region B1 are disposed adjacent to each other. At least in certain embodiments, co-locating the input region A1 and the display region B1 may facilitate operation of the user interface apparatus 1. For example, the function of each of the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D may be identified in the display region B1. The functions of the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D can be modified, for example to provide context-specific functionality. The functions of the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D may, for example, be modified as a user traverses a menu tree. The current function of the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D may be displayed on the display unit 53 to facilitate navigation of the menu. The functions and / or the configuration of the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D may be user configured. Alternatively, or in addition, the system information displayed in the display region B1 may be user configurable. The operation of the user interface apparatus 1 will now be described. The charger control unit 29 determines that an electrical connector has been connected to the electrical socket 25. The charger control unit 29 outputs a wake-up signal to the user interface apparatus 1. The user interface apparatus 1 activates the input unit 51 and the display unit 53. The activation of the input unit 51 comprises illuminating the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D. The activation of the display unit 53 comprises activating the display screen 67. System information, such as the SOC of the traction battery 7, may be output to the display screen 67. The SOC of the traction battery 7 may be displayed as a percentage (%) and / or as a graphical icon, such as bars on a battery icon. An estimated range of the vehicle 3 may be determined in dependence on the SOC and displayed on the display screen 67. A user may select charging options using one of the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D. The user input is detected by the input unit 51 and the display unit 53 updated to display the available charging options. The control functions of the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D are updated to enable selection and / or customisation of the charging options. For example, the user interface apparatus 1 may prompt a user to specify a target SOC for the traction battery 7. The capacitive touch buttons 63A-D may enable the target SOC to be increased or decreased, for example in predetermined increments. The target SOC is displayed on the display screen 53. The user can select the target SOC using the capacitive touch buttons 63A-D. The user interface apparatus 1 outputs the charge request signal CRS1 to the charger control unit 29 which initiates charging of the traction battery 7. The charger control unit 29 stops charging when the SOC of the traction battery 7 is greater than or equal to the target SOC. The system data signal SDS1 is output from the charger control unit 29 to the user interface apparatus 1 to provide system information for display on the display screen 67. In the present embodiment, the system data signal SDS1 comprises the charging status (for example, active / inactive) and the current SOC of the traction battery 7. The system data signal SDS1 may also indicate a time remaining until the target SOC is achieved. The user interface apparatus 1 may provide additional control functions for the charger control unit 13. For example, the user interface apparatus 1 may control the locking and unlocking of the cable lock 31. In a variant, the input region A1 and the display region B1 may be integrated. As shown schematically in Figure 5, the input unit 51 and the display unit 53 may be combined, for example in the form of a touch screen 75. The touch screen may be a resistive touch screen. Preferably, the touch screen is a capacitive touch screen. The touch screen may be mounted to an interior of the transparent screen of the window W-n. The touch screen may be operated through the transparent screen. The touch screen may be a through-glass touch screen. The operation of the input 51 and the display unit 53 is substantially unchanged in this arrangement. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 5, the input unit 51 and the display unit 53 are disposed in the transparent screen inset from the obscuration region OBR-1. In a variant, the input unit 51 and the display unit 53 may be at least partially disposed in the obscuration region OBR-1. The display unit 53 may optionally include a hidden-until-lit function. That is, the display unit 53 may be hidden from view until activated. The display unit 53 may be activated in dependence on detection of a user input on the input unit 51; or activation of the charging port 23. For example, the display unit 53 may be activated when a moveable panel provided over the charging port 23 is opened. The moveable panel may be operated manually. Alternatively, the moveable panel may be powered, for example by one or more electric motors. The input unit 51 has been described herein as comprising four (4) capacitive touch buttons 63A-D. It will be understood that the input unit 51 may comprise less than, or more than four (4) capacitive touch buttons 63-n. For example, the input unit 51 may comprise a numerical keypad, for example comprising capacitive touch buttons 63-n corresponding to the numerals 0-9. Other arrangements of the capacitive touch buttons 63-n are contemplated. Furthermore, the input unit 51 may comprise other types of input sensors to form the touch buttons 63-n, for example resistive touch buttons (not shown). The user interface apparatus 1 described herein may be configured to communicate with a vehicle access system and / or a key authorisation system. The user interface apparatus 1 may, for example, perform an authorisation check to detect the presence of an access key associated with the vehicle 3. The access key may, for example, comprise an electronic key. The access key 3 may be implemented by a communication device, such as a cellular telephone. The user interface apparatus 1 may require that the authorisation check is successfully completed (for example by identifying the presence of the associated key) before enabling control of the one or more vehicle system, such as the charger 13. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. The user interface apparatus 1 has been described herein with reference to controlling operation of the charger 13 provided on-board the vehicle 3. Alternatively, or in addition, the user interface apparatus 1 may be configured to control operation of an external power supply (such as a mains power supply) operative to supply power to charge the traction battery 7 provided in the vehicle 3.

Claims

1. A user interface apparatus for controlling one or more vehicle systems of a motor vehicle, the user interface apparatus comprising:5 a transparent screen configured to be installed in a window aperture of a body of themotor vehicle, the transparent screen comprising a substantially opaque obscuration region provided to hide a portion of an interior trim panel provided in an occupant cabin when viewed from an exterior of the vehicle;a display unit configured to display information relating to the one or more vehicle10 systems, the display unit being configured to display the information in a display region of the transparent screen for viewing from an exterior of the motor vehicle; andan input unit configured to receive a user input in an input region to control the one or more vehicle systems, the input unit being configured to receive the user input at the input region from a user outside the motor vehicle;15 wherein the input region and the display region are co-located, the input unit isprovided behind the obscuration region, and the display region is disposed in the obscuration region.

2. A user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit comprises 20 a display screen mounted to the transparent screen and configured to display the information in the display region of the transparent screen.

3. A user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the display unit is integrated into the transparent screen.

254. A user interface apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the input unit is integrated into the transparent screen.

5. A user interface apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein 30 the input unit comprises a touch panel mounted to the transparent screen.

6. A user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the touch panel is mounted to an interior of the transparent screen.35 7. A user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the touch panelis at least partially transparent.

8. A user interface apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit and the input unit are combined in a touch screen, the touch screen being configured to display the information in the display region of the transparent screen.

59. A user interface apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display region and the input region at least partially overlap each other.

10. A user interface apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display 10 region and the input region are co-located by being disposed adjacent to each other.

11. A user interface apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit is configured to display information relating to the one or more of the following: a state of charge(SOC);a charging status;time to fully charged;a time remaining to achieve a target SOC;import / export charge status;a cable lock status; and a charging mode.A user interface apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, whereinthe input unit is configured to control one or more of the following:selecting a charging mode;25 starting a charging cycle;pausing or stopping a charging cycle;locking and / or unlocking an access panel; and opening and / or closing of a powered access panel.30 13. A motor vehicle comprising a user interface apparatus as claimed in any one of thepreceding claims, the motor vehicle comprising a body having a window aperture; wherein the transparent screen is installed in the window aperture.

14. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the motor vehicle comprises a 35 charging port for charging an on-board traction battery; wherein the window aperture is disposed proximal to the charging port.

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