DEPLOYMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS

The present disclosure relates to a system (1) for controlling at least one handle deployment mechanism (9-n) associated with an aperture closure member (7-n) of a vehicle (3). The system (1) includes a transceiver (29) for communicating with at least one device (33); and a control unit (20). The control unit (20) has one or more controller (21) configured to identify one of the at least one device (33) as an authorised device (33). The control unit (20) may determine a location of the or each authorised device (33) in relation to the vehicle (3). The determined location of the or each authorised device (33) is compared to one or more target zone (Zn). The control unit (20) is configured to actuate the handle deployment mechanism (9-n) to deploy a handle (11-n) in dependence on a determination that the or each authorised device (33) is located within the target zone (Zn) or one of the target zones (Zn). The present disclosure relates to a vehicle (3) including the system (10) for controlling deployment of a handle (11-n); and method of controlling deployment of a handle (11-n).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a deployment method and apparatus. The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling vehicle systems to facilitate a passenger pickup. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling deployment of a handle or a side step to facilitate passenger pickup.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a retractable handle on a vehicle door. The handle typically retracts when the vehicle is travelling above a predetermined velocity threshold to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. If the vehicle subsequently slows, for example to perform a passenger pickup, the handle may remain in the retracted position. A user input, for example by the driver or the prospective passenger, may be required to deploy the handle. This may lead to a delay before the door may be opened to provide access to an interior of the vehicle. A similar situation may arise when a latch mechanism is activated to lock the door, for example when the vehicle reference velocity increases above a threshold value. A user input may be required to unlock the door.

At least in certain embodiments, the present invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate the problem(s) associated with the prior art systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a system for controlling a handle deployment mechanism; a vehicle; a method of controlling deployment of a handle; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for controlling at least one handle deployment mechanism associated with an aperture closure member of a vehicle; the system comprising:a transceiver for communicating with at least one device; anda control unit comprising one or more controller configured to:identify one of the at least one device which is an authorised device;determine a location of the or each authorised device in relation to the vehicle;compare the determined location of the or each authorised device to one or more target zone; and actuate the handle deployment mechanism for deployment of a handle in dependence on a determinationthat the or each authorised device is located within the target zone or one of the target zones.

The one or more controller is operable to identify the presence of the at least one authorised device disposed external to the vehicle. The identification of the authorised device provides an indication of a prospective passenger for the vehicle. The handle deployment mechanism may be actuated to deploy the handle to facilitate opening of the closure member. At least in certain embodiments, the handle deployment mechanism may be actuated while the vehicle is still moving. This may provide an approach deployment function comprising at least partially deploying the handle as the vehicle approaches the authorised device (which may be assumed to be on the person of a prospective passenger). The system has particular application in actuating the handle deployment mechanism to facilitate a passenger pickup.

The at least one device may be a portable device. The at least one device may be disposed outside of the vehicle.

The authorised device may, for example, comprise one of the following: a key fob, a computational device, and a cellular telephone. The cellular telephone may have a general-purpose computational processing capability (such as a so-called “smart phone”). The authorised device may provide passive entry to the vehicle, for example providing an automated door unlock function. The authorised device may be an authorised customer identification device (CID), such as a key fob, a smart phone, etc.

The one or more controller may collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving a reference velocity signal indicating a reference velocity of the vehicle; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein. The at least one electronic processor may be configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions therein so as to determine the location of the at least one authorised device.

The at least one electronic processor may have at least one output for outputting a first actuation signal to actuate the handle deployment mechanism.

The identification of the authorised device may comprise generating a polling signal to initiate communication with one or more authorised device. The polling signal may be transmitted by the transceiver. The generation of the polling signal may be initiated in dependence on a determination that a vehicle reference velocity has decreased to less than a first velocity threshold. Alternatively, a transmission rate of the polling signal may be increased in dependence on a determination that a vehicle reference velocity has decreased to less than a first velocity threshold. The polling signal may be transmitted at a first transmission rate when operating in a default or maintain mode. The polling signal may be transmitted at a second transmission rate when operating in a search mode. The first transmission rate may be less than the second transmission rate. The first transmission rate may, for example, comprise transmitting the polling signal once every three (3) seconds (corresponding to a transmission rate of twenty (20) signals per minute). The second transmission rate may, for example, comprise transmitting the polling signal once a second (corresponding to a transmission rate of 60 signals per minute). A third transmission rate may be applied, for example if communication with the authorised device is lost. The third transmission rate may be higher than the second transmission rate. The third transmission rate may, for example, comprise transmitting the polling signal once every 250 milliseconds (corresponding to a transmission rate of 240 signals per minute).

Determining the location of the authorised device may comprise receiving a response signal from the authorised device and processing the response signal to determine a location of the authorised device. The processing of the response signal may comprise triangulating the response signal.

The one or more controller may be configured to actuate the handle deployment mechanism when the reference velocity is determined to be less than a second velocity threshold. The second velocity threshold may be less than the first velocity threshold. The second velocity threshold may be zero. However, the second velocity threshold is preferably greater than zero.

The one or more controller may be suitable for controlling a plurality of handle deployment mechanisms. The one or more controller may be configured to compare the determined location of the authorised device to a plurality of the target zones, each target zone being associated with a respective one of the plurality of handle deployment mechanisms. The handle deployment mechanisms may each be associated with a respective aperture closure member.

The one or more controller may be configured to identify which one of the plurality of target zones the authorised device is located within. The first actuation signal may be output to the handle deployment mechanism associated with the identified target zone.

The one or more controller may identify one or more device which are disposed inside the vehicle, for example inside a cabin of the vehicle. The one or more controller may differentiate between a device(s) inside the vehicle or a device(s) outside the vehicle. The one or more controller may be configured not to deploy a handle(s) in dependence on identification of a device inside the vehicle. The one or more controller may be configured to instruct the one or more device disposed inside the vehicle not to respond to polling signals. This approach may reduce power consumption.

The or each target zone may be disposed outside the vehicle. The or each target zone may be displaced from the associated aperture closure member in a direction of travel of the vehicle. Alternatively, the or each target zone may extend from the associated aperture closure member in a direction of travel of the vehicle. This may facilitate actuation of the handle deployment mechanism as the vehicle approaches the authorised device. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of the location, extent and direction of the target zone may be modified in dependence on a steering angle of the vehicle.

The one or more controller may be configured to output an unlock signal to a lock mechanism associated with the aperture closure member. The lock mechanism may unlocked in dependence on a determination that the or each authorised device is located within the target zone or one of the target zones.

The one or more controller may be configured to actuate the handle deployment mechanism to retract the handle in dependence on a determination that the at least one authorised device is located outside the or each target zone.

The one or more controller may be configured to retract the handle upon determining that the at least one authorised device exits the target zone (i.e. moves from an inside of the target zone to an outside of the target zone). The one or more controller may output a second actuation signal to the handle deployment mechanism to retract the handle in dependence on a determination that the at least one authorised device is located outside the or each target zone. The one or more controller may be configured to actuate the handle deployment mechanism to retract the handle in dependence on a determination that the at least one authorised device is located outside the or each target zone for a predetermined time period.

The aperture closure member may be a door for ingress to a cabin of the vehicle. The aperture closure member may be a tailgate for access to a load space of the vehicle.

In a variant, the system may be employed for controlling deployment of a side step on the vehicle. The side step may, for example, comprise a platform which is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The one or more controller may be configured automatically to displace the side step to the deployed position in dependence on detection of an authorised device in a target zone. This may be used in conjunction with the deployment of the handle; or instead of deployment of the handle.

The communication with the device disposed external to the vehicle may comprise transmitting a polling signal. The polling signal may be transmitted to initiate communication with the authorised device. The device may transmit a signal in dependence on receipt of the polling signal. The one or more controller may be configured to reduce a transmission rate of the polling signal when a vehicle reference velocity increases above a first velocity threshold. The one or more controller may be configured to increase the transmission rate of the polling signal in dependence on detection of a decrease in the vehicle reference velocity below a second velocity threshold.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for controlling communication with a device disposed external to the vehicle; the system comprising:a transceiver for communicating with a device, the communication with the device comprising transmitting a polling signal; anda control unit comprising one or more controller configured to:reduce a transmission rate of the polling signal when a vehicle reference velocity increases above a first velocity threshold;increase the transmission rate of the polling signal in dependence on detection of a decrease in the vehicle reference velocity below a second velocity threshold.

At least in certain embodiments, increasing the transmission rate of the polling signal may facilitate identification of the device (or devices).

The transmission rate of the polling signal may be increased to detect an authorised device disposed external to the vehicle.

This may facilitate detection of one or more authorised device.

The controller may be used to provide passive entry into the vehicle, for example to unlock a door lock. Alternatively, or in addition, the controller may be incorporated into the passenger pickup function described herein. For example, the The increased transmission rate may, for example, be applicable when operating in a search mode, as described herein.

The transmission rate of the polling signal may be reduced at least substantially to zero (0) when the vehicle reference velocity increases above the first velocity threshold. Thus, the transmission of the polling signal may be inhibited.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a system as described herein.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling at least one handle deployment mechanism associated with an aperture closure member of a vehicle; the method comprising:identify an authorised device disposed;determine a location of the authorised device relative to the vehicle;compare the determined location of the at least one authorised device to one or more target zone; andactuate the handle deployment mechanism for deploying a handle in dependence on a determination that the authorised device is located within the target zone or one of the target zones.

The identification of the authorised device may comprise determining that a vehicle reference velocity has decreased to less than a first velocity threshold. In dependence on the determination, the method may comprise initiating generation of the polling signal or increasing a transmission rate of the polling signal.

Determining the location of the authorised device may comprise triangulating the position of the authorised device in dependence on the transmission and/or receipt of one or more wireless signals.

The method may comprise actuating the handle deployment mechanism when the reference velocity decreases to less than a second velocity threshold, the second velocity threshold being less than the first velocity threshold.

The method may comprise comparing the determined location of the authorised device to a plurality of the target zones, each target zone being associated with a respective one of the plurality of handle deployment mechanisms.

The method may comprise identifying which one of the plurality of target zones the authorised device is located within; and operating the handle deployment mechanism associated with the identified target zone.

The method may comprise actuating the handle deployment mechanism to retract the handle in dependence on a determination that the at least one authorised device is located outside the or each target zone.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a set of instructions stored therein which, when executed, cause a processor to perform the method described herein.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system1for controlling deployment of systems in a vehicle3in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. During a passenger pickup, the vehicle3comes to a halt to enable the passenger to enter the vehicle3. The system1is configured to control deployment of one or more handles on the vehicle3to facilitate the passenger pickup.

As shown inFIG.1, the vehicle3comprises a plurality of apertures5-nfor ingress into and egress from the vehicle3. A closure member7-nis associated with each of the apertures5-n. The apertures5-nin the present embodiment are in the form of door openings; and the closure members7-nare in the form of doors. The vehicle3which has a front left first door7-1, a front right second door7-2, a rear left third door7-3and a rear right fourth door7-4.

As shown inFIG.1, a latch mechanism9-nis associated with each of the closure members7-n. The latch mechanism9-nis operable to secure respective closure members7-n. Each latch mechanism9-nmay, for example, comprise a latch member (not shown) for releasably engaging a door latch pin (not shown). Each latch mechanism9-ncan be controlled remotely, for example to provide a central locking function. Other types of latch mechanism9-nare also contemplated. The vehicle3comprises a plurality of handles11-ndisposed externally of the vehicle3and operable to actuate the latch mechanisms9-n.

The handles11-nare each associated with a respective one of the latch mechanisms9-n. The handles11-nare manually operated in a conventional manner to release the associated latch mechanism9-n, thereby enabling opening of the closure member7-n. The handles11-nmay, for example, undergo a pivoting motion to actuate the latch mechanism9-n. In the present embodiment, the handles11-non the vehicle3have like configurations. For the sake of brevity, a first handle11-1associated with a first closure member7-1will now be described. It will be understood that the other handles11-nhave substantially the same configuration.

As shown inFIG.2, the first handle11-1is movably mounted in the first closure member7-1. The first handle11-1is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The first handle11-1is disposed at least substantially within an interior of the first closure member7-1in the retracted position; and is disposed outside of the first closure member7-1in the deployed position. When disposed in the retracted position, the first handle11-1cannot be operated due to the limited access available. When disposed in the deployed position, the first handle11-1can be operated in a conventional manner to actuate the latch mechanism9-n. It will be understood that the first handle11-1is disposed in the retracted position to improve aerodynamic efficiency. For example, the first handle11-1may be retracted to the retracted position when a vehicle reference velocity VREF of the vehicle3increases above a predetermined first velocity threshold TH1. The first handle11-1is displaced to the deployed position to enable operation of the handle11-1. The first handle11-1has an outer surface13. When retracted, the outer surface13forms a continuation of the external profile of the first closure member7-1. When extended, the outer surface13of the first handle9-1is offset outwardly from the external profile of the first closure member7-1.

A lock mechanism (not shown) may be provided selectively to lock the latch mechanisms9-nto inhibit opening of the associated closure members7-n. Alternatively, or in addition, each handle11-nmay be selectively coupled to the associated latch mechanism9-n. The latch mechanism9-nmay be disconnected from the handle11-nto prevent operation of the latch mechanism9-nwhen the handle11-nis operated, thereby locking the closure member7-n. The latch mechanism9-nmay be connected to the handle11-nto enable operation of the latch mechanism9-nwhen the handle11-nis operated, thereby unlocking the door. A releasable coupling mechanism, for example comprising an electromagnet or an electromechanical coupler, may be provided for selectively connecting and disconnecting the handle11-n.

The first handle11-1is mounted on a handle deployment mechanism15-1. The handle deployment mechanism15-1is operable selectively to displace the first handle11-1between the retracted position and the deployed position. The handle deployment mechanism15-1comprises an actuator17and a frame19for carrying the first handle11-1. The handle deployment mechanism15-1is disposed in an interior of the first closure member7-n. The actuator17actuates the frame19so as to displace the first handle11-1between the retracted position and the deployed position. The actuator17comprises an electromechanical actuator, such as a solenoid. The actuator17in the present embodiment is a two-way actuator enabling controlled retraction and deployment of the first handle11-1. In a variant, the actuator17could be a one-way actuator which operates in conjunction with a biasing member controllably to retract and extend the first handle11-1.

As shown inFIG.3, the system1comprises a control unit20having a controller21for controlling operation of the actuator17selectively to deploy and retract the first handle11-1. The controller21comprises at least one electronic processor23and a system memory25. A set of computational instructions is stored on the system memory25. When executed the instructions cause the at least one electronic processor23to perform the method(s) described herein. The at least one electronic processor23has an electrical input23A for receiving a reference velocity signal VREF; and at least one electrical output23B for outputting one or more control signal Sn. The at least one electronic processor23is configured to generate at least one actuation signal to control operation of the actuator17. The at least one electronic processor23is configured to generate a first deployment signal S1to cause the actuator17to displace the first handle11-1from the retracted position to the deployed position, thereby deploying the first handle11-1. The at least one electronic processor23is configured to generate a second retraction signal S2to cause the actuator17to displace the first handle11-1from the deployed position to the retracted position, thereby retracting the first handle11-1. The at least one electronic processor23is configured to control operation of the actuator17in dependence on a geospatial location of a device33associated with the vehicle3. The device33is a portable device suitable for carrying the person of a user, for example in a hand or pocket of the user. The device33may be disposed external to the vehicle3. As described herein, the at least one electronic processor23is configured to actuate the handle deployment mechanism15-1to deploy the first handle11-1in dependence on a determination that the device33is located within a target zone Z1(or one of a plurality of target zones Zn) defined in relation to the vehicle3. The or each target zone Zn may be defined externally of the vehicle5.

The system1comprises a vehicle transceiver29for transmitting and receiving a wireless (RF) signal. The vehicle transceiver29in the present embodiment is an ultra-wideband transceiver. In a variant, the vehicle transceiver29may be Low Frequency (LF) transceiver or an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) transceiver. The vehicle transceiver29is configured to communicate with the device33. The vehicle transceiver29is connected to at least one antenna30for transmitting and receiving a wireless (RF) signal. In the illustrated arrangement, the vehicle transceiver29is connected to first and second antennas31A,31B disposed on the vehicle3. The first and second antennas31A,31B are spaced apart from each other on the vehicle3. In certain embodiments, the vehicle transceiver29may comprise a low energy system suitable for local (short-range) communications, for example to a establish a wireless personal area network. The low energy system may be configured to make an initial connection with the device33. A suitable low energy system is Bluetooth® Low Energy. The vehicle transceiver29may be a dedicated device for communicating with the or each device33. Alternatively, the vehicle transceiver29may perform other functions, such as determining with which satellite (SAT) to communicate.

The device33comprises a device controller35and a device transceiver37for transmitting and receiving a wireless (RF) signal. The device transceiver37in the present embodiment is an ultra-wideband transceiver for communicating with the vehicle transceiver29disposed on the vehicle3. The device controller35comprises a processor (not shown) and a memory system (not shown). In the present embodiment, the device33functions as an electronic key for controlling locking and/or unlocking of the closure members7-n. The device33is authorised at least insofar as there is a pre-existing association with the vehicle3(or a pre-established digital connection with the vehicle3). For example, the device33may be electronically paired with the vehicle3. An authentication process may be performed to authorise the device33, for example comprising sharing unique identification codes (numerical or alphanumeric) between the device33and the vehicle3. The device33in the present embodiment is a dedicated electronic key, for example in the form of a key fob. In a variant, the device33may be a general-purpose computational device, such as a cellular telephone. The cellular telephone may function as an electronic key, for example by confirming user identify. The device33may be configured to execute a software application for communicating with the vehicle3, for example to identify the device33and to establish communication with the controller21.

An electronic “handshake” function is performed to establish communication between the vehicle3and the device33. The controller21generates a polling signal which is transmitted wirelessly by the vehicle transceiver29to the device33. The polling signal is received by the device33via the device transceiver37. In response to the polling signal, the device33transmits an identification signal to the vehicle transceiver29. The identification signal comprises a unique identification code for identifying the device33. The controller21receives the identification signal and processes the unique identification code. The controller21compares the received unique identification code to a set of stored identification codes to determine if the device33is classified as an authorised device. Each identification code stored in the set may provide a unique identification of the device33already associated with the vehicle3. If the unique identification code is not present in the stored set, no further communication is performed between the controller21and the device33. If the unique identification code is present in the stored set, the controller21classifies the device33as an authorised device33. The controller21may attempt to authorise the device33by way of a challenge response or similar. The controller21communicates with the authorised device33to determine a geospatial location of the authorised device33relative to the vehicle3. The time-of-flight for transmission of signals between the vehicle transceiver29and the device transceiver37enables determination of a distance (range) to the device3. Alternatively, or addition, a signal strength of the signals transmitted by the vehicle transceiver29and the device transceiver37may be used to determine of a distance (range) to the device3. By comparing the time-of-flight for signals transmitted by and/or received by the first and second antennas31A,31B, trilateration (true-range multilateration) can be used to determine a relative location of the device3. The determination of the range and/or the heading of the authorised device33may be determined by the controller21and/or the device controller35. Other techniques may be used to determine the geospatial location of the authorised device33. For example, the geospatial location of the authorised device33may be determined by communicating with a satellite positioning system. The authorised device33may transmit geospatial location data to the controller21. The relative location of the authorised device33and the vehicle3may then be determined.

As shown inFIG.4, a plurality of the targetzones Zn are defined in relation to the vehicle3. Each targetzone Zn is associated with a respective one of the closure members7-n. A first target zone Z1is associated with the first closure member7-1; a second target zone Z2is associated with the second closure member7-2; a third target zone Z3is associated with the third closure member7-3; and a fourth target zone Z4is associated with the fourth closure member7-4. Each target zone Zn may have a fixed profile. Alternatively, each target zone Zn may have a profile which may be modified dynamically, for example in dependence on one or more operating parameters of the vehicle3(such as the vehicle reference velocity VREF and/or a steering angle). The profiles of the target zones Zn may be stored in the memory device and accessed by the at least one electronic processor23. In the scenario illustrated inFIG.4, the first handle11-1associated with the first closure member7-1is in a deployed position (as an authorised device33is present in the first zone Z1); and the second, third and fourth handles11-2,11-3,11-4are in their retracted positions (as no authorised devices33are detected in the respective second, third and fourth zones Z2, Z3, Z4).

The handles11-nare typically retracted when the vehicle reference velocity VREF increases above the first threshold value TH1, for example as the vehicle velocity increases after the driver enters the vehicle. The handles11-nmay remain in their retracted state until the vehicle3is brought to a stop, potentially also requiring a user input or action such as detecting opening of a driver door. This functionality may be undesirable during a passenger pickup when the vehicle3is slowed momentarily to collect a passenger. In prior art systems the handles11-nmay remain in their retracted position pending a user input or action. This may delay opening of the closure member7-n. The system1described herein is operative automatically to control operation of the handle deployment mechanisms15-n.

The system1is operable to identify one or more indicator of a passenger pickup. As described herein, the indicator(s) may comprise or consist of: (a) one or more vehicle operating parameter, such as vehicle velocity, vehicle braking, vehicle steering angle; and/or (b) external factors, such as the presence and/or the location of an authorised device. The one or more vehicle operating parameter may comprise or consist of the vehicle velocity, for example identifying vehicle deceleration resulting in the reference vehicle velocity VREF decreasing below a predefined second velocity threshold TH2. Other vehicle operating parameters may include a steering angle of the vehicle3, for example to identify a steering angle indicative of the vehicle3pulling over to a side of the road or highway; and/or a demand for vehicle braking greater than a predefined braking threshold.

The system1is configured to detect the presence of a candidate passenger indirectly by identifying an authorised device33having a pre-existing association with the vehicle3.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle reference velocity VREF is used as an entry condition for initiating a search to identify the presence of one or more authorised device33. In particular, the controller21initiates the search when the reference vehicle velocity VREF decreases below a second velocity threshold TH2. The second velocity threshold TH2may, for example, be set at 3 kph, 5 kph, 10 kph or 20 kph. The search comprises transmitting a polling signal to establish communication with any local devices33. The transmission rate (or polling rate) with which the polling signal is transmitted may change when the search is initiated. For example, the polling signal may be transmitted at a first transmission rate under normal operating conditions; and at a second transmission rate under search conditions. The second transmission rate is higher than the first transmission rate. The first transmission rate may be zero or may be greater than zero.

The transmission range of the vehicle transceiver29limits the extent of the search. Any devices33which receive the polling signal respond by transmitting an authentication signal. The authentication signal may, for example, comprise a unique identification code, thereby enabling identification of the device33. The controller21processes the identification code to determine if the device33is an authorised device. An authorised device33may, for example, be one which has previously been paired with the vehicle3or having a pre-existing association with the vehicle3. If the device33is not authorised, the controller21does not take any further action in respect of that device.

The controller21determines the presence of an authorised device33as indicating a candidate individual for a passenger pickup. In the present embodiment, the controller21also identifies the position of the authorised device33in relation to the vehicle3. The controller21identifies when the authorised device33enters one of the predefined target zones Zn. If the location of the authorised device33is coincident with one of the predefined target zones, the controller21determines that the vehicle3is performing a passenger pickup. The controller21is then operative to deploy one or more of the handles11-nautomatically to facilitate opening of the associated closure member7-n. The system1in the present embodiment identifies one or more of the handles11-nto be opened in dependence on the location of the or each authorised device33in relation to the vehicle1. The target zones are each associated with one of the handles11-n. The controller21is configured to deploy the handle11-nassociated with the target zone in which the authorised device33is located. The at least one electronic processor23generates the first deployment signal S1to cause the actuator17to displace the handle11-nfrom the retracted position to the deployed position, thereby deploying the handle11-n. The first deployment signal S1may be generated while the vehicle3is still moving, thereby at least initiating the deployment of the handle11-nbefore the vehicle3comes to a stop. If the controller21determines that the authorised device33is no longer located inside the target zone, the second retraction signal S2may be generated to retract the handle11-n. If the door is not opened in a predetermined time period, the second retraction signal S2may be generated to retract the handle11-n. Identification of an increase in the speed of the vehicle (VREF) may be used to trigger generation of the second retraction signal S2to retract the handle11-n.

The operation of the system1will now be described with reference to a first block diagram100shown inFIG.5. The system1is activated (BLOCK105), for example when a driver enters the vehicle3. The vehicle reference velocity VREF increases above a first threshold TH1and a first retraction signal S1is output to retract each handle11-n(BLOCK110). The system determines that the vehicle reference velocity VREF has decreased below a second threshold TH2(BLOCK115). A rate of polling for devices33is increased (or initiated) to identify any devices33within a predetermined range to the vehicle3(BLOCK120). The or each device33is interrogated to determine if they are an authorised device33or are otherwise associated with the vehicle3(BLOCK125). The location of the or each authorised device33is determined (BLOCK130). The system1identifies if the or each authorised device33is located in one of the target zones (BLOCK135). A deployment signal S1is generated to deploy the handle11-nassociated with the target zone in which the authorised device33is detected (BLOCK140). Optionally, the opening of the closure member7-nis detected and/or the ingress of the passenger is detected (BLOCK145). The first retraction signal S1is output to retract the handle11-n(BLOCK150). The system1continues to operate until the vehicle3is deactivated (BLOCK155).

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiment(s) described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The one or more controller may identify one or more device33inside the vehicle3, for example inside a cabin of the vehicle3. Any such device33may be an authorised device, for example associated with a driver of the vehicle3. The at least one processor may be configured not to deploy a handle(s)11-nin dependence on identification of an authorised device inside the vehicle3. Furthermore, the controller21may instruct the one or more authorised device33disposed inside the vehicle3not to respond to polling signals.

The system1could be configured to activate a vehicle light, such as a side light or a puddle light (disposed in a wing mirror of the vehicle3), in dependence on the determination that an authorised device33is located within the target zone or one of the target zones.

The system1could be configured to unlock a door locking mechanism in dependence on the determination that an authorised device33is located within the target zone or one of the target zones.

The system1has been described herein with particular reference to the deployment of the handle(s)11-n. Alternatively, or in addition, the system1may be employed for controlling deployment of a side step on the vehicle. The side step may, for example, be provided to facilitate entry into the vehicle3. The system1can be configured to deploy the side step as the vehicle3approaches to perform a passenger pickup.

As outlined above, trilateration may be used to determine a location of the device33. A comparison of the determined locations may be used to determine a heading (direction of travel) of the device33. The determined heading of the device33may be used to control actuation of the handle deployment mechanism. This may be used in conjunction with or instead of comparing the location of the or each authorised device to one or more target zone. The determined heading of the device may be used to provide additional information in relation to the device33, for example to determine if the device33is getting closer to the vehicle5(approaching) or further away from the vehicle5(departing).

The system1may store historical data about the movement of the device33relative to the vehicle5. For example, the system1may store an approach direction (vector) of the device33in dependence on one or more historical use cases. The historical data may, for example, indicate a preference or bias to a user approaching from a first side of the vehicle5as opposed to a second side. The handle deployment mechanism may be actuated in dependence on the historic data. The historic data may be associated with a particular device33, thereby providing an indication of likely behaviour of the user having that device33.