Apparatus and method for configuring an interior of a vehicle

Abstract

A control system (205, Fig 2) for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle (100, Fig 1). The control system comprises processors configured to output a movement control signal to cause movemen

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for configuring an interior of a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a control system, to a system, to a vehicle, to a method, and to computer readable instructions. BACKGROUND Unauthorised use, such as theft, of vehicles is a longstanding problem. Vehicle manufacturers have continually sought to include further or improved security features on vehicles, both mechanical, electronic and combinations thereof. However a problem has been observed that, over time, new technologies become available to those seeking to obtain unauthorised use of vehicles, where such technologies enable circumvention of vehicle security features. It is an aim of the present invention to provide additional security to vehicles. 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 control system, a system, a vehicle, a method, computer software and a computer readable recording medium as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to obtain a prediction signal indicative of a prediction of a user arriving at the vehicle, and output, in dependence on the prediction signal, a movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements from a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed to a use position. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to output a movement control signal to cause movement of one or more in-cabin elements of the vehicle between a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed and a use position at a movement speed greater than a movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between first and second use positions. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to obtain a prediction signal indicative of a prediction of a user arriving at the vehicle, determine, in dependence on the prediction signal, that one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle are positioned in a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed, and output, in dependence on the determination, a movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to a use position. Advantageously, by predicting the user arriving at the vehicle, time is provided for the movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to the use position. Advantageously, the user is not inconvenienced by waiting for the movement of the one or more in-cabin elements. The control system comprises one or more controllers collectively comprising at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving an input signal; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon so as to obtain a prediction signal indicative of a prediction of a user arriving at the vehicle, determine, in dependence on the prediction signal, that one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle are positioned in a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed, and output, in dependence on the determination, a movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to a use position. In the restriction position a dashboard, console or steering wheel of the vehicle may be at least partially obstructed. In the restriction position an ignition or start control of the vehicle may be at least partially obstructed. In the use position the user may be able to start and / or drive the vehicle. In the use position the one or more in-cabin elements may be positioned according to user preference, such as an ergonomic preference. The control system may comprise a timer arranged to generate the prediction signal at one or more predetermined times. Advantageously, the timer is a convenient means to provide the prediction signal. The one or more predetermined times may be user-defined. Advantageously, the user is able to define when they are likely to arrive at the vehicle. The control system may be arranged to receive data indicative of the one or more predetermined times. Advantageously, the data may be received from a device associated with the user. The prediction signal is optionally received from a prediction module configured to predict a time of the user arriving at the vehicle. That is, the prediction signal may be an arrival prediction signal received from a prediction module configured to predict a time of the user arriving at the vehicle. Advantageously, the prediction module is configured to predict the time of the user arriving at the vehicle without requiring the setting of the timer. The prediction module may be arranged to predict the time of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on historic data indicative of one or more user interactions with the vehicle. Advantageously, historic behaviour of the user may be used to predict the time of the user arriving. The movement control signal is optionally output to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to the use position, such that the one or more in-cabin elements are substantially in the use position prior to the user arriving at the vehicle. Advantageously, the one or more in-cabin elements are substantially in the use position such that they do not inconvenience the user. The one or more processors are optionally collectively configured to determine a departure of the user from the vehicle and, in dependence thereon, output the movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements from the use position to the restriction position. Advantageously, the one or more incabin elements are moved to the restriction position when the user has departed. In the restriction position the vehicle security is advantageously increased. The departure of the user may be a departure for at least a predetermined period of time. Advantageously, the one or more in-cabin elements are not moved to the restriction position unless the user has departed for the predetermined period of time. Advantageously, the likelihood of the user being inconvenienced is reduced. The departure is optionally determined based on one or more of a time of day, a location of the vehicle and data indicative of historic use of the vehicle. Advantageously, the determination of the user departing is improved. The in-cabin elements may comprise one or both of at least one seat and a steering wheel of the vehicle. The at least one seat optionally comprises a driver’s seat of the vehicle. The control signal may be arranged to cause rearward movement of the at least one seat to the use position. The in-cabin elements optionally comprise a back of the at least one seat. The in-cabin elements may comprise one or more of a bolster or a wing of the at least one seat. The in-cabin elements may comprise one or more of a cushion and a headrest of the at least one seat. Optionally the control signal is arranged to cause the back of the at least one seat to incline to the use position. The control signal may be arranged to cause retraction of steering wheel to the use position. Advantageously the seat and / or steering wheel may be moved to restrict and allow vehicle use. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising the control system of any preceding claim and a mobile device, wherein the control system is arranged to receive the prediction signal from the mobile device. The mobile device may be associated with a user. Advantageously the predication signal may be generated in dependence on the user’s behaviour. The mobile device is optionally arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle and to communicate the prediction signal to the control system in dependence thereon. The mobile device is optionally arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on a location of the mobile device. The mobile device is optionally arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on calendar data associated with the user. The mobile device is optionally arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on historic data associated with the user. Optionally the mobile device is arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on a timer. The timer may be set by a user of the mobile device. Advantageously, the user data of the mobile device may inform the prediction of the user wishing to use the vehicle. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the system as described herein or the control system as described herein. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, the method comprising obtaining a prediction signal indicative of a prediction of a user arriving at the vehicle, determining, in dependence on the prediction signal, that one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle are positioned in a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed, and outputting, in dependence on the determination, a movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to a use position. The movement control signal is optionally output to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to the use position, such that the one or more in-cabin elements are substantially in the use position prior to the user arriving at the vehicle. According to an aspect of the present invention there are provided computer readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method described above. The computer readable instructions may be stored on a computer readable medium. The computer readable instructions may be tangibly stored on the computer readable medium. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to output a movement control signal to cause movement of one or more in-cabin elements of the vehicle between a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed and a use position at a first movement speed, wherein the first movement speed is greater than a second movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between the use position and another use position. Advantageously the first movement speed allows faster repositioning of the one or more in-cabin elements to / from a restriction position, thereby improving security. The use position is optionally a position of the one or more in-cabin elements preferred or set by the user. Advantageously the one or more in-cabin elements are quickly moved to the user set position ready for use. The use position may be determined in dependence on an identity of the user. The control system may be configured to output another movement control signal to position the cabin elements from the use position to the other use position. Advantageously the in-cabin elements are moved between use positions of the user or multiple users. The control system comprises one or more controllers collectively comprising at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving an input signal; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon so as to output a movement control signal to cause movement of one or more in-cabin elements of the vehicle between a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed and a use position at a first movement speed, wherein the first movement speed is greater than a second movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between the use position and another use position. The one or more processors may be collectively configured to obtain an arrival signal indicative of a user arriving at the vehicle, and determine, in dependence on the arrival signal, that one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle are positioned in the restriction position. Advantageously the user returning or arriving at the vehicle is determined and used as a trigger to move the one or more in-cabin elements to the use position. The arrival signal may be indicative of the user being generally proximal to the vehicle, e.g. within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. Advantageously the user’s imminent arrival at the vehicle is determined. The movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to a use position is optionally output in dependence on the determination. Advantageously the one or more in-cabin elements are moved when it is required to move said elements from the restriction position to the use position. The first movement speed may be sufficient to position the one or more in-cabin elements substantially in the use position prior to the user entering the vehicle. Advantageously the first movement speed allows movement of the one or more elements to be commenced when the user arrives at the vehicle and to be substantially in the use position prior to the user entering the vehicle, thereby avoiding inconvenience. The movement control signal may be output to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to the use position, such that the one or more in-cabin elements are substantially in the use position prior to the user arriving at the vehicle. The arrival signal may be received in dependence on a wireless signal from an electronic device associated with the user or physical contact of the user with the vehicle. Advantageously the signal from the electronic device or the physical contact indicates the user arriving at the vehicle. The one or more m-cabm elements may be controlled to move at the second movement speed according to a signal indicative of a user input to position the one or more in-cabin elements according to the user preference. Advantageously the second movement speed allows for the user to control the movement of the one or more elements to achieve the user preference. The one or more processors may be collectively configured to determine a departure of the user from the vehicle and, in dependence thereon, output the movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements from the use position to the restriction position. Advantageously the one or more incabin elements are automatically moved to the restriction position which is convenient for the user. Advantageously security is improved without user inconvenience. The departure of the user may be a departure for at least a predetermined period of time. Advantageously the one or more in-cabin elements are only moved when the user is likely to be absent from the vehicle for at least the predetermined period of time. The departure may be determined based on one or more of a time of day, a location of the vehicle and data indicative of historic use of the vehicle. Advantageously one or more criteria may be used to determine the user’s departure. The in-cabin elements may comprise one or both of at least one seat and a steering wheel of the vehicle. Advantageously the at least one seat and steering wheel have a significant influence on restricting an ability to control and / or access the vehicle. The at least one seat may comprise a driver’s seat of the vehicle. Advantageously the driver’s seat position restricts access to controls of the vehicle. The control signal may be arranged to cause rearward movement of the at least one seat to the use position. Advantageously a space is provided to allow entry to the vehicle. The in-cabin elements may comprise a back of the at least one seat. Advantageously a position of the back of the at least one seat restricts access. The in-cabin elements may comprise one or more of a bolster or a wing of the at least one seat. Advantageously an ability to sit on the seat is controlled. The in-cabin elements optionally comprise one or more of a cushion and a headrest of the at least one seat. Advantageously an ability to sit on the seat is controlled. The control signal may be arranged to cause the back of the at least one seat to incline to the use position. The control signal may be arranged to cause retraction of steering wheel to the use position. Advantageously the steering wheel’s intrusion into the seating position is reduced. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising the control system of any preceding claim and a mobile device, wherein the control system is arranged to receive the arrival signal from the mobile device. The mobile device may be associated with a user of the vehicle. Advantageously the user’s behaviour may be monitored by the mobile device. The system optionally comprises an interface for receiving a user positioning input for controlling a position of the one or more elements and providing a positioning signal indicative thereof to the control system, wherein the control system is arranged to output, in dependence on the positioning signal, the movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements at the second movement speed to position the one or more in-cabin elements according to the user preference. Advantageously the second movement speed allows accurate positioning of the one or more in-cabin elements. The system may comprise at least one actuator associated with a respective in-cabin element, wherein the movement control signal is arranged to control the actuator to move the respective in-cabin element at the first or second movement speed. Advantageously the actuator is controlled at the respective movement speed. The control system may be arranged to cause pulse width modulation, PWM, of the movement control signal to control the actuator. The mobile device may be arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on a location of the mobile device. Advantageously the location of the mobile device facilities accurate prediction of the user’s arrival. The mobile device may be arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on calendar data associated with the user. Advantageously the calendar data facilities accurate prediction of the user’s arrival. The mobile device may be arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on historic data associated with the user. Advantageously the historic data facilities accurate prediction of the user’s arrival. The mobile device may be arranged to determine the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle in dependence on a timer. The timer may be set by a user of the mobile device. Advantageously the timer facilities convenient prediction of the user’s arrival. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the system described above or the control system described above. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, the method comprising outputting a movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements between a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed and a use position at a first movement speed, wherein the first movement speed is greater than a second movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between the use position and another use position. The method may comprise obtaining an arrival signal indicative of a user arriving at the vehicle. The method may comprise determining, in dependence on the arrival signal, that one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle are positioned in a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided computer readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method described above. The computer readable instructions may be stored on a computer readable medium. The computer readable instructions may be tangibly stored on the computer readable medium. 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 anyway 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 vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a control system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a seat of a vehicle in a use position according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows the seat in a restriction position according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a method according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7 shows another method according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 is a land-going i.e. wheeled vehicle, although it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be used with any type of vehicle such as aircraft and watercraft. The vehicle 100 shown in Figure 1 is a passenger vehicle 100 having a plurality of doors and seats therein, although embodiments of the invention may be used with goods vehicles e.g. heavy goods vehicles. Figure 2 illustrates a control system 205 according to an embodiment of the invention. The control system 205 as illustrated in Figure 2 comprises one controller 200, although it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative. The control system 205 is for configuring an interior environment of the vehicle 100. By configuring it may be understood that the control system 205 is arranged to configure one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle 100. The configuration of the one or more moveable in-cabin elements may be understood to mean to control a position of the one or more moveable in-cabin elements, where the cabin is understood to be a passenger compartment of the vehicle 100. As will be discussed, the one or more moveable in-cabin elements may comprise one or more seats, whether whole or in part i.e. controlling a position of a portion of a seat e.g. backrest, armrest etc, and controls of the vehicle 100. The control system 205 may position other moveable in-cabin elements such as a position of one or more controls of the vehicle 100, where the controls may comprise at least one of a steering control or steering wheel of the vehicle 100 and one or more pedals such as a brake and / or accelerator pedal of the vehicle 100. The controller 200 as illustrated in Figure 2 comprises processing means 210 and memory means 220. The processing means 210 may be one or more electronic processing device 210 or processors 210 which operably executes computer-readable instructions. The memory means 220 may be one or more memory device 220 or memory 220. The memory 220 is electrically coupled to the processing means or processor 210. The memory 220 is configured to store instructions, and the processor 210 is configured to access the memory 220 and execute the instructions stored thereon. The memory 220 may also store data for operation on by a process executing on the processor 210. It will be understood that the controller 200 may be implemented by more than one processor 210 and memory 220. The controller 200 comprises an input means 230 and an output means 240. The input means 230 may comprise an electrical input 230 of the controller 200. The output means 240 may comprise an electrical output 240 of the controller 200. The input 230 is arranged to receive an electrical signal 235 which may originate from one or more sensors or other control systems or modules of the vehicle 100. The electrical signal 235 may be a prediction signal 235 indicative of a prediction of a user moving toward, or arriving at, the vehicle 100, as will be explained. The output means 240 is arranged to provide an electrical signal 245. Figure 3 illustrates a system 300 comprising the controller 200. The system 300 comprises a timer 310, a prediction unit 320, one or more sensors 330 and a cabin controller 340 which is associated with one or more of the moveable in-cabin elements. In some embodiments, the input signal 235 to the controller 200 indicative of the prediction of the user moving toward, or arriving at, the vehicle 100 may be one or more of a timer signal 315 output from the timer 310, an arrival prediction signal 325 output by the prediction unit 320 and a sensor signal 335 output by the one or more sensors 330, one or more of which may be provided to the controller 200 indicative of a prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle 100, as illustrated in Figure 3. The output 240 of the controller 200 is arranged to output a control signal 245 for controlling the one or more moveable in-cabin elements, as will be explained. The control signal 245 may cause movement of the moveable in-cabin elements. In some embodiments, the control signal 245 may be indicative of a speed of movement of the moveable in-cabin elements. In other embodiments the controller may output first and second signals indicative of the requested speed of movement of the one or more moveable in-cabin elements. In Figure 3, the controller 200 is arranged to output the control signal 245 as control signal 345, which may be provided to the cabin controller 340 associated with one or more of the moveable in-cabin elements. The cabin controller 340 may be a seat controller 340 in some embodiments. The control signal 245, 345 may be referred to as a movement control signal 245, 345. In some embodiments the input 230 and output 240 may be integrated into an I / O unit or interface of the control system 205. The I / O interface may be a network interface of the control system 205 for connecting the control system 205 to a network system or communication bus of the vehicle 100 such as a communications bus for receiving data from and communicating data to sensors, control systems or control units of the vehicle 100 as would be understood by the skilled person. Referring to Figure 3 in more detail, the timer 310 is arranged generate the signal predicting the arrival of the user at one or more points in time e.g. at a predetermined point in time e.g. 3pm, which may be set by a user of the vehicle 100, or at a point in time determined with respect to an event occurring. In some embodiments, the timer 310 is arranged to determine expiry of a period of time from an event occurring and to output the timer signal 315 in dependence thereon. The event may be an event occurring at the vehicle, such as an action of the user performed with respect to the vehicle 100. The period of time may be associated with one or more attributes of the event. The event may correspond to the vehicle 100 being parked, the vehicle 100 being locked ora change in power state of the vehicle 100 such as the power state of the vehicle 100 corresponding to the vehicle being left by the user. The one or more attributes may comprise a location of the vehicle 100, such that a different respective time period is associated with each of a plurality of different locations. The period of time may be indicative of a duration which a user of the vehicle 100 is expected to be absent or away from the vehicle 100. For example, if it is expected that the user will be away from the vehicle 100 for a period of one hour, then the timer 310 may be arranged to output the timer signal 315 after the period of one hour, or a period of time which is slightly shorter than one hour such as 55 or 58 minutes e.g. upto 10% shorter, which advantageously allows for a variance in the user’s time away from the vehicle and time for the one or more movable in-cabin elements to be moved before the user is expected to return to the vehicle 100. A different time period may be used for the vehicle 100 being locked at a home location, corresponding to overnight parking, compared to a period of time at a work location which may correspond to the working day. In some embodiments, time data indicative of the one or more points in time and the one or more periods of time may be defined by the user. For example, the user may use an interface of the vehicle 100 to enter e.g. 3pm for an arrival time or 8 hours for a duration of a working day. Other ways of entering the time data such as using a device associated with the user e.g. mobile phone 321 may be envisaged which conveniently allow the user to define the time data. The prediction unit 320 is arranged to predict the user’s arrival at the vehicle 100 and to output the arrival prediction signal 325 to the controller 200 in dependence thereon. The prediction unit 320 is, in some embodiments, arranged to receive data 322 from an electronic device 321 associated with the user of the vehicle 100, such as a mobile device 321 e.g. mobile computing device or telecommunications device, such as a mobile phone 321 which will be referred to hereinafter as an example, associated with the user. It will be appreciated that the prediction unit 320 may receive the data 322 as indicated by dashed line in Figure 3 from the mobile phone 321 via one or more other units or systems associated with the vehicle such as a telecommunications interface of the vehicle 100 although not illustrated in Figure 3. The prediction unit 320 may be arranged to predict the user’s arrival at the vehicle in dependence on the data 322 received from the mobile phone 321 and to output the arrival prediction signal 325 in dependence thereon. The mobile phone 321 may operatively execute software thereon associated with the vehicle 100 such as an application or app provided by a manufacturer of the vehicle wherein the user has associated the application with the user s particular vehicle e.g. through a registration process. The application executing on the mobile phone 321 may, for example, obtain location data indicative of the geographic location of the mobile phone 321 and provide data 322 indicative of the location to the prediction unit 320. For example, an application executing on the mobile phone 321 may provide an indication to the prediction unit 320 when the mobile phone’s location is determined to re-enter a geo-boundary extending a predetermined distance such as 500m, 1 km or 2 km (it will be appreciated that other distances may be used) around the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the application executing on the mobile phone 321 may determine or infer the user heading towards the vehicle 100 in dependence on data associated with the user which is accessible to the application e.g. a calendar or diary application associated with the user which executes on the mobile phone 321, wherein an entry in the calendar is indicative of the user’s upcoming location such that future use of the vehicle 100 is determined. The application is arranged to communicate data from the mobile phone 321 to the prediction unit 320 indicative of the future use of the vehicle 100. It will be appreciated that other ways of inferring or determining the future use of the vehicle 100 or the user’s arrival at the vehicle 100 may be envisaged. As such, the prediction unit 320 is arranged to predict the user’s arrival at the vehicle 100 and to output the arrival prediction signal 325 to the controller 200 in dependence thereon. Historic information associated with one or both of the user and the vehicle 100, such as indicative of one or more previous journeys, may be used by the prediction unit 320 to predict the user’s arrival at the vehicle 100. For example, when the location of the vehicle 100 corresponds to the user’s place of work and the vehicle 100 is locked at a time of day in a period between 8 AM and 9 AM, then the prediction unit may determine that the user is leaving the vehicle 100 at a start of a working day, and infer the user’s arrival at the vehicle 100 to be after an approximate duration of the user’s working day such as, for example, eight hours. The prediction unit 320 may incorporate a machine-learning module which is arranged to determine the user’s arrival time adaptive to the user’s historic use of the vehicle 100. In this way, the arrival time is determined by the machine learning module according to the user’s previous use of the vehicle 100. When the prediction unit determines or predicts the user’s likely arrival at the vehicle 100, the arrival prediction signal is output to the controller 200. The one or more sensors 330 are arranged to sense the user’s upcoming or impending arrival at the vehicle 100 and to output the sensor signal 335 in dependence thereon. The sensor signal 335 is indicative of a prediction of the user’s arrival at the vehicle 100 and is provided to the controller 200. The one or more sensors 330 may comprise one or more cameras or other devices capable of determining one or more attributes of the user so as to identify the user. Image data provided from the one or more cameras may be subject to facial recognition techniques to identify the user’s image in the image data and to output the sensor signal 335 indicative of the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle 100. The one or more sensors may comprise other types of sensor such as, for example, lidar or other radiation-based sensor devices whose output data is used to identify the user. The one or more sensors 330 may comprise one or more sensors arranged to determine contact of the user with the vehicle 100. For example, at least one sensor may be touch-sensitive e.g. touch sensitive door handle for detecting contact between the user and the door handle indicative of the user’s arrival the vehicle 100. When the user is identified in sensor data the sensor signal 335 is output to the controller 200 indicative of the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle 100. In dependence on one or more of the above mentioned prediction signals 315, 325, 335 (timer signal 315, arrival prediction signal 325, sensor signal 335) predicting the arrival of the user at the vehicle 100 being received at the controller 200, the controller 200 is arranged to determine whether one or more moveable incabin elements of the vehicle 100 are positioned in a restriction position. The restriction position is a position of the one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle 100 in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle 100 are at least partially obstructed. The one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle 100 may be moved to and / or from the restriction position i.e. from a use position to the restriction position and from the restriction position to the use position at a first movement speed by one or more actuators, as will be explained. The first movement speed may be referred to as a high movement speed. The first high movement speed is one which reduces a time for moving the in-cabin elements to and from the restriction position so as to advantageously reduce a likelihood of the user of the vehicle being inconvenienced. Furthermore, the first high movement speed may reduce a time between the user departing from the vehicle 100, before the in-cabin elements are located in the restriction position, thereby increasing security. The first movement speed is greater than a movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between the use position and another use position i.e. according to the user’s preference. Figure 4 illustrates a seat 400 of the vehicle 100 in side view. It will be appreciated that a shape or style of the seat 400 illustrated in Figure 4 is an example, and that other shapes and / or styles of seat for the vehicle 100 may be envisaged. As can be appreciated, the seat 400 is mounted within the vehicle 100 to be movable i.e. so that its position within the vehicle 100 may be selected by the user in order to provide a comfortable seating position from which the user may operate controls of the vehicle 100, such as a steering control and pedals i.e. accelerator and brake pedals of the vehicle 100. The seat 400 is movable longitudinally within the vehicle 100 including forwards toward controls of the vehicle 100 and a dashboard of the vehicle 100 and rearwards away from the controls and the dashboard of the vehicle 100. The position of the seat 400 may be moved by one or more actuators such as a motor, for example to move the seat 400 on rails longitudinally within the vehicle 100. Therefore it will be appreciated that the seat 400 represents a movable in-cabin element of the vehicle 100. As illustrated in Figure 4, the seat 400 comprises one or more independently movable portions or parts, thereby each representing a movable in-cabin element. The seat 400 comprises a seat back 410 and a cushion 420 or seat base 420. The seat back 410 is mounted to be movably inclined so that an incline of the seat back 410 is selectable by the user. The seat back 410 illustrated in Figure 4 is arranged to pivot around a seat-back hinge 411 in order to provide a comfortable seating position for the user. The cushion 420 is tiltable i.e. so that a relative longitudinal tilt of the seat cushion 420 may be controlled by the user. The seat 400 illustrated in Figure 4 may comprise one or more of one or more movable bolsters 430 or wings 430 of the seat 400, one or more armrests 440 and a headrest 450 each of which may be independently movable. The one or more bolsters 430 may be arranged to move laterally i.e. inward and outward from a centre of the seat 400. The one or more armrests 440 may be movable between a generally horizontal position as illustrated in Figure 4 and a generally vertical position generally parallel to an axis of the seat back 410. The headrest 450 may be tiltable with respect to an axis of the seat back 410 i.e. to control an angle between a front-face of the headrest 450 and the seat back 410. The seat 400 is illustrated in Figure 4 in a use-position wherein the user of the vehicle 100 may occupy the seat 400 in order to control or drive the vehicle 100. That is, the seat 400 is in a position suitable for use of the vehicle 100. A position of each movable in-cabin element of the vehicle 100, such as the position of each portion of the seat 400 e.g. seat back 410, cushion 420, bolster 430 etc., in the use position is selected by the user. The selection may be represented by stored data, which may be associated with each of a plurality of users of the vehicle 100. It will be appreciated that where there are multiple users of the vehicle 100, each respective user may be associated with a different position of the seat 400. Each user of the vehicle 100 is able to control or adjust the position of each portion of the seat 400 according to their preferences. The vehicle 100 comprises one or more controls for adjusting or setting the position of each portion of the seat 400. For example, a physical control e.g. switch is located within the vehicle 100, such as at a side of the seat base 420 although other locations may be envisaged, wherein the control is operable by the user to move a position of one or more associated portions of the seat 400 e.g. seat back 410. In other embodiments, the one or more controls may be part of a user interface, e.g. a graphical user interface (GUI), operable by the userto move the position of the one or more associated portions of the seat 400. In some embodiments the GUI is operable responsive to a voice input of the userto control the position of the seat. An input received at the user interface to control a position of the seat may be referred to as a positioning input for controlling the position of the one or more elements e.g. seats, where the user interface is arranged to provide a positioning signal indicative thereof to the controller 200. In dependence on operation of the associated control, an actuator associated with the respective portion of the seat e.g. seat back 410 is controlled to move the portion of the seat 400 in a direction indicated by the user via operation of the associated control. The actuator may be controlled by the seat controller 340 outputting an actuator control signal in dependence on the movement control signal 345. A speed of movement of the actuator may be controlled e.g. by pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the actuator control signal as will be appreciated. The actuator is controlled to move the associated portion of the seat at a second speed. The second speed is determined e.g. by a manufacturer of the vehicle 100 to provide the user with appropriate control of the position of the seat 400, whilst achieving an appropriate operating time movement of the seat 400. For example, movement of the seat 400 is at a speed determined to be controllable by the user without taking an excessively long period of time for the user to move the seat 400 to a desired position. Thus the second speed of movement is for positioning the seat 400 at a user-selected position e.g. according to the user’s ergonomic preference. The seat 400, or any moveable in-cabin element, may be moved between use positions i.e. a first use position and a second use position at the second speed according to an input from the user. Figure 5 illustrates the seat 400 in a restriction position in which a seating position of the vehicle 100 is at least partially obstructed. The seating position of the vehicle 100 illustrated in Figure 5 is a driver’s seating position wherein access to controls of the vehicle 100 are at least partially obstructed. The controls of the vehicle comprise a steering wheel 510 and a steering column 520 where controls e.g. an indicator, lighting control, gear change controls etc. of the vehicle 100 may be located. In the restriction position illustrated in Figure 5 the seat 400 is located longitudinally forward within the vehicle toward the steering wheel 510 in order to cause the seat 400 to substantially occupy a seating position of the user. Furthermore, in the example restriction position illustrated in Figure 5, the seat back 410 is forwardly inclined to move the seat back 410 towards the steering wheel 510 to obstruct the seating position. As can be further appreciated, the seat base 420 may be inclined into the seating position or seating space of the user. As illustrated, the seat base 420 is inclined to raise a forward or front of the seat base 420 toward the steering wheel 510. However, in other embodiments, the seat base 420 may be inclined to raise a rear of the seat base 420 toward the steering wheel 510. In some embodiments, the one or more bolsters 430, one or more armrests 440 and headrest 450 are moved from the use position in the restriction position so as to increase obstruction of the user’s seating position. Each moveable element e.g. bolster 430, armrest 440, headrest 450 may be associated with its own actuator such as a motor to cause movement of the respective part of the seat 400 in dependence on the movement control signal 345 from the controller 200. It will be appreciated that the movement control signal 345 may be output from the controller 200 and received by one or more cabin controllers 340. In some embodiments, at least one cabin controller 340 may be a seat controller 340 associated with the seat 400 e.g. as the seat controller 340. Each seat of the vehicle 100 may be associated with its own seat controller 340, or a seat controller may be associated with two or more seats, such as front vehicle seats, within the vehicle 100. Advantageously, in the restriction position an unauthorised user of the vehicle 100 is prevented or hindered from accessing the vehicle 100, particularly hindered from entering the vehicle to sit in the associated seating position. Advantageously therefore, security of the vehicle 100 is increased. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 5 in the restriction position the dashboard, console or steering wheel of the vehicle 100 is at least partially obstructed. As such an unauthorised person accessing the vehicle 100 may be hindered at attempting to start or drive the vehicle 100. Advantageously, the seat controller 340 may be powered down or off when a power state of the vehicle 100 corresponds to a lower power state e.g. ignition off, thus the unauthorised user is hindered from moving the seat 400 without the vehicle 100 being placed in a higher power state. Whilst Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a driver’s seat of the vehicle 100 it will be appreciated that other seats within the vehicle 100 may be moved between a use position and a restriction position, wherein the respective one or more seats at least partially obstruct associated seating positions within the vehicle 100. For example, one or more of a front passenger seat of the vehicle 101 or one or more middle and / or rear seats of the vehicle 100 (depending on a number of seating rows within the vehicle) may be moved into restriction positions. The one or more movable in-cabin elements of the vehicle 100 may comprise one or more of the steering wheel 510, the steering column 520 and one or more pedals of the vehicle 100. As will be appreciated, a longitudinal position of the steering wheel 510, e.g. extending the steering wheel 510 from the dashboard of the vehicle 100 toward the seat 400 or retracting the steering wheel 510 toward the dashboard, may be controlled by one or more actuators. Furthermore, a vertical position of the steering wheel 510 and / or steering column 520 may be controlled by one or more actuators e.g. to increase or decrease a rake of the steering column 520. Still further, in some embodiments a position of one or more pedals of the vehicle 100 e.g. accelerator and / or brake pedal may be adjusted by one or more actuators. For example, a pedal box associated with the accelerator and / or brake pedal may be moved by the one or more actuators. In the restriction position the position or location of the one or more of the steering wheel 510, the steering column 520 and one or more pedals of the vehicle 100 may be controlled by the actuators to at least partial obstruct the seating position of the vehicle 100 to make the vehicle 100 difficult to access or to drive. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that other moveable elements within the vehicle 100 may be moved by associated actuators. For example, tables, sun visors, video screens etc., may all be moved so as to partially obstruct a seating position of the vehicle 100. Figure 6 illustrates a method 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 600 may be performed by the system 300 described above. The method 600 is a method 600 of configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, such as the vehicle 100 illustrated in Figure 1. The method 600 may be performed by the controller 200. Computer readable instructions are stored in the memory 220 of the controller representing the method 600. When the computer readable instructions are executed by the processor 210, the processor is arranged to perform the method 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. Block 610 of the method 600 comprises obtaining a signal 315, 325, 335 indicative of a prediction of a user arriving at the vehicle 100. For example, the timer signal 315 indicative of expiry of the timer 310 may be received at the controller 200 indicative of the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle 100. In another example, the arrival prediction signal 325 is received at the controller 200 following a determination by the prediction unit 320 that the user will arrive at the vehicle 100 as described above. In a further example the sensor signal 335 is received at the controller 200 indicative of a determination by the one or more sensors 330 that the user will arrive at the vehicle 100. In this way, at least one of the signal 315, 325, 335 provides an indication to the controller 200 that the user will or is likely to shortly arrive at the vehicle 100. Block 620 of the method 600 comprises determining whether one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle 100 are positioned in the restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed. As described above, when the one or more movable in-cabin elements are in the restriction position the user of the vehicle 100 is unable to conveniently access the associated seating position within the vehicle 100. Therefore, in order to avoid inconvenience for the user, when it is predicted that the user will arrive at the vehicle 100 and the one or more movable in-cabin elements are located in the restriction position, embodiments of the present invention initiate movement of the one or more in-cabin elements in advance of the user arriving at the vehicle 100. In this way, advantageously, when the user arrives at the vehicle 100, the one or more movable in-cabin elements are, likely to be, or are located in the use position. Thus, in block 620 of the method 600, it is determined whether the one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle 100 are positioned in the restriction position so as to require movement to the use position. Block 620 may comprise requesting an indication from the cabin controller 340 such as the seat controller 340 of a current location of the one or more movable in-cabin elements. Alternatively, block 620 may comprise retrieving an indication of the current location of the one or more movable in-cabin elements from the memory 220 of the controller 200. The controller 200 may be arranged to store an indication of whether the one or more in-cabin elements are in the restriction position or use position which is updated each time the control signal 345 is output to cause movement of the in-cabin elements. If the current position location of the one or more movable in-cabin elements is determined to be the use position then the method follows path 621 where the method ends. That is, when the m-cabm elements are in the use position, or in one of a plurality of use positions, no further movement of the in-cabin elements is required for the user to conveniently access the vehicle 100. If, however, it is determined that the one or more movable in-cabin elements are located in the restriction position, then movement is determined to be required in which case the method progresses via path 622 to block 630. Thus it may be appreciated that block 630 may be performed conditionally upon the determination in block 620. Block 630 comprises outputting the movement control signal 345 to cause movement of the one or more incabin elements to the use position. The movement control signal 345 is output by the controller 200 to the cabin controller 340, such as the seat controller 340, in order to initiate movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to the use position. Following block 630 the seat 400 may be moved from the example restriction position illustrated in Figure 5 to the use position illustrated in Figure 4. In dependence on the movement control signal 345 the one or more actuators are caused to move respective in-cabin elements from the restriction position to the use position. In the illustrated example, one or more of the seat back 410 is caused to rotate about the hinge 411 incline rearwards and the incline of the seat base 420 is changed to move to a generally horizontal position. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a position of the one or more bolsters 430, one or more armrests 440 and / or the headrest 450 may be moved to a position selected by a user. Other movable in-cabin elements of the vehicle 100 may be caused to move by block 630 of the method 600. For example, the position of the steering wheel 510, steering column 520 and / or one or more pedals of the vehicle is controlled by associated one or more actuators to move from the restriction position to the use position of the vehicle. In block 630 the movement of the one or more in-cabin elements from the restriction position to the use position is at the first movement speed, which as described above is a relatively high movement speed. The first movement speed is greater than the second movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move between use positions. Following block 630 the one or more in-cabin elements are located in the use position which allows the user to conveniently access the vehicle 100. Figure 7 illustrates another method 700 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 700 may be performed by the system 300 described above. The method 700 is a method 700 of configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, such as the vehicle 100 illustrated in Figure 1. The method 700 may be performed by the controller 200. Computer readable instructions are stored in the memory 220 of the controller representing the method 700. When the computer readable instructions are executed by the processor 210, the processor 210 is arranged to perform the method 700. The method 700 is arranged to configure the interior environment of the vehicle 100 by moving the one or more in-cabin elements between the restriction position and the use position or between the use position and the restriction position. The movement of the in-cabin elements may be performed at the first movement speed which is greater than the second movement speed. The second movement speed is that at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between the use position and another use position i.e. between first and second use positions, such as at a request of the user of the vehicle 100. The method 700 comprises a block 710 in which it is determined whether a movement trigger event has occurred. The movement trigger event is an event, or one of a plurality of events, which require movement of the one or more in-cabin elements to / from the restriction position. The movement trigger event is indicative of one or more of a prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle 100, an indication of the user arriving at or being proximal to the vehicle 100, or the user departing from the vehicle 100 in response to which a signal 315, 325, 335 indicative thereof is provided to the controller 200. The signal may correspond to at least some of the prediction signals 315, 325, 335 described above. However, in some embodiments, the signal may be indicative of the user arriving at the vehicle 100, such as being at least proximal to the vehicle 100 i.e. an arrival signal. The arrival signal may be a signal from one or more of the sensors 330 which indicate the user being located at or near the vehicle 100. The sensors 330 may be image sensors or camera from which image data the user may be recognised or where the user’s contact with the vehicle 100 may be determined indicating the user’s arrival at the vehicle 100. Thus the arrival signal may be at least a portion of the sensor signal 335 received at the controller 200. The arrival signal may also be received from an electronic device associated with the user, such as the mobile phone 321 associated with the user or a key fob for the vehicle 100 carried by the user. The movement trigger event may be determined by the timer 310, the prediction unit 320 or one or more sensors 330 associated with the vehicle 100, and one of the timer signal 315, the arrival prediction signal 320 or the sensor signal 335 as described above. The movement trigger event may correspond to the user departing from the vehicle 100, such as when the vehicle 100 will be left for a minimum period of time. The movement trigger even may only be generated in some embodiments when it is determined that the user will depart from the vehicle 100 for at least a predetermined period of time e.g. 10 minutes, 30 minutes etc. When the vehicle 100 will be left unattended for a period of time it may be advantageous to increase a security of the vehicle 100 such as by preventing an unauthorised person accessing the interior of the vehicle 100. However, by determining a likelihood of the user being away from the vehicle for at least the minimum period of time energy may be saved by not moving the in-cabin elements. As described above in relation to the prediction unit 320, the departure of the user from the vehicle 100 may be determined in dependence on one or more of a time of day when the user leaves the vehicle, a location of the vehicle e.g. corresponding to home or work locations, for example, and data indicative of historic use of the vehicle 100. In embodiments of the invention, the one or more in-cabin elements are moved into the restriction position when the user departs from the vehicle 100. The movement trigger event may correspond to a signal indicative of the user locking the vehicle 100, a key or other electronic device such as the mobile phone 321 being removed from the vehicle 100 or becoming at least a predetermined distance from the vehicle 100 e.g. when direct wireless communication between the vehicle 100 and the mobile phone 321 is no longer possible or when the user’s presence proximal to the vehicle 100 is no longer detected by the one or more sensors 300. In these cases it may be determined that the user has left the vehicle 100. The method 700 comprises a block 720 of determining whether the one or more in-cabin elements are in a position that requires movement. Forexample, when the signal is indicative of the prediction of the user arriving at the vehicle 100 it is determined whether the one or more in-cabin elements are in the restriction position and, as such, require movement to the use position. Similarly, when the signal is indicative of the user departing from the vehicle 100 it is determined in block 720 whether the one or more in-cabin elements are in the use position and, as such, require movement to the restriction position. In block 720 if no movement is required i.e. the one or more in-cabin elements are already in the position associated with the received signal, the method 700 follows path 721 to return to block 710 i.e. the method waits at block 710. If, however, it is determined that movement is required i.e. the one or more in-cabin elements are now in the position associated with the received signal, the method follows path 722 to block 730. In block 730 of the method, the one or more in-cabin elements are moved from their current position to the other of the use and the restriction position. The one or more in-cabin elements are repositioned by the controller 200 outputting the movement control signal 345 as described above. In dependence on the signal indicating the user’s arrival or predicted arrival at the vehicle 100, the one or more in-cabin elements are moved between the restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed and the use position. In dependence on the signal indicating the user’s departure from the vehicle 100, the one or more in-cabin elements are moved between the use position in which the user’s seating in one or more seating positions of the vehicle facilitated and the restriction position in which the one or more seating positions are at least partially obstructed. The movement may be advantageously performed in block 730 at the first movement speed i.e. the high movement speed. The first movement speed is greater than the second, lower, movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between the use position and another use position e.g. to accommodate the user’s preference. Advantageously the movement of the one or more in-cabin elements is performed to facilitate the user’s use of the vehicle 100 and to increase security of the vehicle 100, without disadvantaging the user such as by requiring the user to wait whilst the one or more in-cabin elements are repositioned. 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.

Claims

1. A control system for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to:output a movement control signal to cause movement of one or more in-cabin elements of the vehicle between a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed and a use position at a first movement speed, wherein the first movement speed is greater than a second movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between the use position and another use position.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to: obtain an arrival signal indicative of a user arriving at the vehicle; anddetermine, in dependence on the arrival signal, that one or more moveable in-cabin elements of the vehicle are positioned in the restriction position.

3. The control system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first movement speed is sufficient to position the one or more in-cabin elements substantially in the use position prior to the user entering the vehicle.

4. The control system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the arrival signal is received in dependence on a wireless signal from an electronic device associated with the user or physical contact of the user with the vehicle.

5. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:determine a departure of the user from the vehicle and, in dependence thereon, output the movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements from the use position to the restriction position.

6. The control system of claim 5, wherein the departure of the user is a departure for at least a predetermined period of time.

7. The control system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the departure is determined based on one or more of a time of day, a location of the vehicle and data indicative of historic use of the vehicle.

8. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the in-cabin elements comprise one or both of at least one seat and a steering wheel of the vehicle.

9. A system comprising the control system of any preceding claim and a mobile device, wherein the control system is arranged to receive the arrival signal from the mobile device.

10. The system of claim 9, comprising an interface for receiving a user positioning input for controlling a position of the one or more elements and providing a positioning signal indicative thereof to the control system, wherein the control system is arranged to output, in dependence on the positioning signal, the movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements at the second movement speed to position the one or more in-cabin elements according to the user preference.

11. The system of claim 9 or claim 10, comprising at least one actuator associated with a respective incabin element, wherein the movement control signal is arranged to control the actuator to move the respective in-cabin element at the first or second movement speed.

12. A vehicle comprising the system of claim 9, claim 10 or claim 11 or the control system of any of claims 1 to 8.13, A method for configuring an interior environment of a vehicle, the method comprising:outputting a movement control signal to cause movement of the one or more in-cabin elements between a restriction position in which one or more seating positions of the vehicle are at least partially obstructed and a use position at a first movement speed, wherein the first movement speed is greater than a second movement speed at which the one or more in-cabin elements are controlled to move to position the one or more in-cabin elements between the use position and another use position.14, Computer readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of claim 13.21

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