Apparatus and method for controlling aperture members in a vehicle

Embodiments of the present invention provide a controller, a system, a method and a vehicle, to receive one or more user inputs from one or more user input units; receive one or more vehicle condition inputs from one or more vehicle condition sensor units; determine if an open position of a aperture member of a vehicle is likely to cause buffeting; select an optimisation strategy from a plurality of optimisation strategies in dependence on the one or more user inputs and/or the one or more vehicle condition inputs, wherein each of the plurality of optimisation strategy comprises different instructions to determine one or more positions for at least one aperture member; and generate an output for the one or more aperture member positioning units to move at least one aperture member based on the selected optimisation strategy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2018/052895, filed Feb. 6, 2018, which claims priority to GB Patent Application 1702492.8, filed Feb. 16, 2017, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling aperture members in a vehicle, Aspects of the invention relate to a controller, to a system, to a method, and to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Buffeting is a phenomenon that occurs in vehicles that is travelling at speed, where an aperture member of the vehicle is open (e.g. windows or sunroof). Airflow around the vehicle passes over the open aperture causing a mass of air to oscillate within the vehicle cabin. In this circumstance the vehicle cabin functions as a volume in a Helmholtz resonator. The oscillation of air in the vehicle cabin results in pressure fluctuations at audible frequencies, meaning occupants of the vehicle experience a loud noise associated with buffeting. The noise of buffeting can reach very high levels (for example 120 dB), and can become uncomfortable for the occupants of the vehicle.

One method to reduce buffeting is to provide a window with a comfort stop, whereby a window is opened to a pre-programmed distance by the user. A comfort stop may typically cause the window to open about 70 to 100 mm for example where it will automatically stop. If the user requires the window to be opened beyond the comfort stop, then usually further operation or a long press of the window switch will cause the window to continue opening.

Another method to reduce buffeting is to automatically close a vehicle aperture (for example by moving an aperture member such as a window or sunroof glass) as vehicle speed increases.

However, such systems can be seen as a hindrance by the user when increased ventilation is desired.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art and to provide improvements generally.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a controller, a system, a vehicle and a method as claimed in any one of the accompanying claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a controller for controlling at least one vehicle aperture member. The controller is configured to: receive one or more user inputs from one or more user input units; to receive one or more vehicle condition inputs from one or more vehicle condition sensing units; select an optimisation strategy from a plurality of optimisation strategies in dependence on the one or more user inputs and/or the one or more vehicle condition inputs, wherein each of the optimisation strategies comprises different instructions for determining positions for the at least one aperture member; and generate an output to the one or more aperture member positioning units to move at least one aperture member in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy.

By providing a controller that selects an optimisation strategy, and moving an aperture member in dependence on the optimisation strategy, the ease of aperture member positioning can improved. For example, a user can select a strategy to suit their requirements rather than adjusting each aperture member or relying on one mode of automated aperture member repositioning.

In an embodiment, the controller for controlling at least one vehicle aperture member may comprise control electrical circuitry. The control electrical circuitry may comprise one or more processors, one or more input units, one or more output units and one or more non-transitory or transitory computer readable medium.

In embodiments, the controller or one or more processors of the control electrical circuitry may execute software to perform any of the functions or methods described herein. In embodiments, software may be executed to receive one or more user inputs from one or more user input units; receive one or more vehicle condition inputs from one or more vehicle condition sensor units; select an optimisation strategy from a plurality of optimisation strategies in dependence on the one or more user inputs and/or the one or more vehicle condition inputs; and generate an output for the one or more aperture member positioning units to move at least one aperture member in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy.

In embodiments, more than one optimisation strategies may be selected from the plurality of optimisation strategies.

In an embodiment, the controller is arranged to select an optimisation strategy whereby the at least one aperture member is moved to minimise vehicle fuel consumption and to maintain a user selectable level of ventilation.

In embodiments, the controller may generate an output to move at least one aperture member in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy so that the at least one aperture member is moved to minimise fuel consumption whilst maintaining a user set level of ventilation. This may further improve usability.

In embodiments, the controller may generate an output to move at least one aperture member in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy so that the at least one aperture member is moved to minimise buffeting in the vehicle cabin and maintain user set level of ventilation. This may further improve usability.

In embodiments, the controller may generate an output to move at least one aperture member in dependence on the optimisation strategy so that the aperture member is moved to prevent buffeting within a cabin of the vehicle from exceeding a threshold. This may further improve usability. In embodiments, the threshold may be determined in dependence on selected optimisation strategy.

In embodiments, the controller may generate an output to move a first aperture member in dependence on one or more user inputs, and may generate an output to move a second aperture member in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy and/or the position of the first aperture member. This may further improve usability.

In embodiments, the controller may record user preferences and may modify at least one of the plurality of optimisation strategies in dependence on one or more recorded user preferences. The controller may record the one or more user preferences to a non-transitory computer readable medium. This may further improve accuracy of the system thereby improving usability.

In embodiments, at least one of the plurality of optimisation strategies may be modified using machine learning.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising: a controller as described herein; at least one user input unit; at least one aperture member positioning unit; and at least one sensor unit for determining a condition of the vehicle.

In embodiments, the at least one sensing unit comprises a sensor to measure a property of the airflow within a vehicle cabin. This may further improve accuracy of the system thereby improving usability.

In embodiments, the at least one sensing unit comprises a sensor to determine the position of at least one aperture member.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a system or controller as described herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing buffeting in a vehicle comprising: selecting an optimisation strategy from a plurality of optimisation strategies; and moving at least one aperture member of the vehicle in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy, wherein each of the optimisation strategies comprises different instructions for determining positions for the at least one aperture member. The method may comprise preventing buffeting in a cabin of the vehicle.

In embodiments, at least one input may be received from a user input unit; and/or at least one input may be received from a sensor unit; and an optimisation strategy may be selected in dependence on the input from the user input unit and/or on the input from the sensor unit.

In embodiments, at least one vehicle condition sensing unit may be used to measure a parameter of the vehicle; and at least one aperture member may be moved in dependence on the measured parameter of the vehicle and on the selected optimisation strategy. This may further improve usability for the user.

In embodiments, at least one input from a sensor unit may be received; and at least one aperture member may be moved in dependence on the at least one input from the at least one sensor unit and on the selected optimisation strategy.

The method may comprise selecting the optimisation strategy so as to minimise vehicle fuel consumption and to maintain a user set level of ventilation within the vehicle.

In embodiments, the at least one aperture member may be moved in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy to minimise fuel consumption and maintain user set level of ventilation. This may further improve usability for the user.

The method may comprise selecting the optimisation strategy so as to minimise buffeting within a cabin of the vehicle and to maintain a user set level of ventilation within the vehicle.

In embodiments, the at least one aperture member may be moved in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy to minimise buffeting in a cabin of the vehicle and maintain a user set level of ventilation. This may further improve usability for the user.

The method may comprise selecting the optimisation strategy so as to prevent buffeting within the vehicle from exceeding a threshold.

In embodiments, the at least one aperture member may be moved in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy moved to prevent buffeting within the vehicle cabin from exceeding a threshold. In embodiments, the threshold may be determined in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy.

In embodiments, moving a first aperture member may be performed in dependence on one or more user inputs and moving a second aperture member performed in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy and/or the position of the first aperture member.

In embodiments, moving the at least one aperture member may comprise: selecting an aperture member to move in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy; determining the extent to which the selected aperture member is moved, in dependence on the selected optimisation strategy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, “vehicle” may include but is not limited to automobiles.

As used herein, “vehicle cabin” may refer to the interior of the vehicle where the passengers or driver may be located.

As used herein, “vehicle speed” may refer to the rate at which the vehicle is moving.

As used herein, “lateral side of the vehicle” may include the left and the right sides of the vehicle in relation to the front, which is orientated in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

As used herein, “user” may include drivers, passengers or any occupant of the vehicle.

As used herein, “user input” may include any input provided by a user. This may include but is not limited to using a switch to open or close an aperture member by altering the position of an aperture member, for example.

As used herein, “buffeting” may include any undesirable airflow within a vehicle cabin. This may include but is not limited to the following examples: air flow vortices or pressure fluctuations that occur when a vehicle has an open aperture member and is travelling at speed.

As used herein, “preventing buffeting” or “minimising buffeting” may include reducing the magnitude or extent of buffeting in the vehicle cabin, either partially or completely. This may include but is not limited to reducing buffeting so that the noise associated with buffeting is below a specified sound pressure level, for example, below 90 dB, or below 85 dB, or below 80 dB.

As used herein, “aperture member” may include any member that can be moved to present an opening between the inside of a vehicle cabin and outside of the vehicle. In a closed state the aperture member may be moved to provide an aperture. An aperture member may include but is not limited to the following examples: an openable vehicle window glass or an openable sunroof glass.

As used herein, “front aperture member” may include any aperture member positioned at the front portion of a vehicle cabin. When used in relation to a car or similar vehicle, it may refer to the aperture members near the front seats of the vehicle cabin. Similarly, “rear aperture member”, as used herein, may include any aperture member positioned towards the rear seats of the vehicle cabin. When used in relation to a car or similar vehicle, it may refer to the aperture members near the rear seats of the vehicle cabin.

As used herein, “moving an aperture member” may include repositioning an aperture member, to either increase or decrease the size of opening of the respective aperture.

As used herein, “closing an aperture member” may include reducing the size of the opening of an aperture. In a non-limiting example, where an aperture member is a car window arranged to open by moving downward, closing an aperture member may also comprise raising the aperture member. Similarly, “opening an aperture member” as used herein, may include increasing the size of the opening of an aperture. In a non-limiting example, where an aperture member is a car window arranged to open by moving downward, opening an aperture member may also comprise lowering the aperture member.

As used herein, “ventilation” refers to the amount of airflow entering the vehicle cabin through an open aperture member.

As used herein, “user set level of ventilation” refers to the approximate amount of airflow a user is receiving from adjusting aperture members to positions to achieve that amount of airflow.

As used herein, “airflow within the vehicle cabin” includes airflow passing in or out of the cabin, or moving or oscillating within the cabin.

As used herein, “machine learning” refers to the process of recoding user behaviour and adapting software to identified user preferences.

As used herein, “monitoring” includes receiving input from a sensor. This may include the following non-limiting examples: continuous monitoring, sampling at a regular interval, or sampling after an event, e.g. 30 seconds after a window has been moved.

As used herein, “aperture member positioning unit” may include any apparatus capable of changing the position of an aperture member. This may include but is not limited to a drive system for an electric window.

Referring toFIG. 1, a controller10is shown, the controller10is operable to receive an input from one or more user input units6, to receive one or more vehicle condition inputs from one or more vehicle condition sensor units4, and to generate one or more outputs for one or more aperture member positioning units8. Embodiment controllers will be discussed. The controller10is operable for selection of an optimisation strategy from a plurality of optimisation strategies, wherein each of the plurality of optimisation strategy comprises different instructions to determine positions for the at least one aperture member. In embodiments, the instructions of an optimisation strategy may comprise control logic. The controller10may use an optimisation strategy to determine which aperture members are to be moved, the extent they are to be moved by and the conditions under which they are moved. The optimisation strategies may be used by the controller10to generate an output in dependence on inputs from the vehicle condition sensing units4and/or the one or more user input units6.

Each of the plurality of optimisation strategies may prioritize different outcomes, thus the selection of different optimisation strategies may result different aperture member positions being determined under identical inputs from the one or more vehicle condition sensing units4and/or the one or more user input units6. Thus, different optimisation strategies may be considered as different instructions for the controller10to achieve different aperture positioning outcomes.

In embodiments, each of the optimisation strategies may determine aperture position using different method and optionally using different inputs.

The controller may be comprised as part of a system2, also shown inFIG. 1.

The system2comprises at least one user input unit6. The user input6is operable to receive an input. In a non-limiting example, the input may, for example, be received from a user. In a non-limiting example, the input may be received from a user who desires the position of at least one aperture member to be altered. Embodiment user input units will be discussed. In embodiments, the controller10is operable to receive an input from the user input unit6for selection of an optimisation strategy.

The system2comprises at least one aperture member positioning unit8. The aperture member positioning unit is operable to change the position of at least one aperture member. Embodiment aperture member positioning units will be discussed. In embodiments, the controller10is operable to generate an output to the aperture member positioning unit to move at least one aperture member based on the selected optimisation strategy.

In embodiments, the system2comprises at least one sensor unit4for measuring a parameter or condition of a vehicle as defined herein. Embodiment sensors will be discussed.

The system2may also comprise a power supply (not shown) for supply of electrical energy to the controller10, and in other embodiments, any of the aperture member positioning unit8, the user input6and/or the at least one sensor4unit. The power supply may comprise a connection to an electrochemical cell, for example a vehicle battery, and may comprise means for conditioning the power supply to be suitable for the aforementioned components.

Referring toFIG. 2, a controller20for controlling aperture members in a vehicle is shown. The controller is also shown as part of a system12. System12comprises at least one vehicle condition sensing unit14to measure a parameter or condition of a vehicle. System12comprises at least one user input unit16which generates an output following receipt of an input from a user. The system12comprises at least one aperture member positioning unit18.

The controller20is configured to receive one or more inputs from the user input unit16. This may occur for example when a user desiring to move an aperture member operates the user input unit16. The controller20is also configured to receive one or more inputs from one or more vehicle condition sensing units14. The controller20is operable to select an optimisation strategy from a plurality of optimisation strategies. In embodiments, the optimisation strategies may be stored on the one or more non-transitory or transitory computer readable mediums of the controller20. The controller20uses the one or more inputs from the sensor unit14, and/or inputs from the one or more inputs from the vehicle condition sensing units for selection of the optimisation strategy. The controller20is configured to generate an output to an aperture member positioning unit18for moving of an aperture member. The output may be in the form of electrical energy or an electrical signal, for example, which may cause the aperture member positioning unit18to move an aperture member. The output is based on the selected optimisation strategy. Non-limiting examples of moving an aperture member based on the optimisation strategy may include moving an aperture member to a positional limit, closing an aperture member to reduce buffeting, opening a second aperture member to reduce buffeting and opening an aperture member to increase ventilation.

Referring toFIG. 3, a vehicle is shown, the vehicle21comprising a vehicle cabin22, having aperture members23,24, a vehicle sensor unit25. Also shown inFIG. 3is a side26of vehicle21. The vehicle comprises a system or controller as described herein for controlling the aperture members.

Also shown inFIG. 3is a non-limiting representation of aperture member position limits23′,24′ for aperture members23,24.

Referring toFIG. 4, a method is shown30comprising a step of selecting an optimisation strategy from a plurality of optimisation strategies32, and moving at least one aperture member based on the selected optimisation strategy33. The controller may comprise or access a plurality of optimisation strategies stored on a computer readable medium associated with the controller20, for example stored on a memory. Each optimisation strategy may comprise a different set of instructions. The controller may use an optimisation strategy to determine which aperture members are to be moved, the extent they are to be moved by and the conditions under which they are moved. The optimisation strategies may be used by the controller to generate an output in dependence on inputs from the vehicle condition sensing units and/or the one or more user inputs.

In embodiments, selection of the optimisation strategy32may be based on the input from at least one sensor unit31. This may comprise a controller20receiving an input from at least one sensor16.

The selection of the optimisation strategy32may alternatively be based on the input from one or more user input units34. This may comprise receipt of an input from a user input unit34by the controller20for selection of an optimisation strategy. The user input unit34may, for example, comprise a visual display unit and/or an array of buttons or any input unit as described herein. In embodiments, the controller20may comprise software executable to receive an input from a user input unit for the selection of an optimisation strategy32.

Alternatively, step32may comprise selecting an optimisation strategy based on both the input from a user input unit34and from the sensing unit31. The optimisation strategies may be stored on a computer readable medium associated with the controller20. The selected optimisation strategy is then used to determine the moving at least one aperture member33.

In embodiments, more than one optimisation strategies may be selected from the plurality of optimisation strategies. The controller20may then move aperture members based on the more than one selected optimisation strategies.

In embodiments, where at least one input is received from one or more vehicle condition sensor units14; at least one aperture member may be moved33based on the at least one input from the at least one sensor unit14, and on the selected optimisation strategy. For example, the optimisation strategy may contain at least one pre-set threshold against which the measured parameter is compared. The result of the comparison may determine if an aperture member is to be moved, how far an aperture member is to be moved or may be used when moving as part of a closed loop process, for example.

Moving of an aperture member may be initiated upon receipt of user input, or may be initiated without user input, i.e. automatically. If moving of no aperture members is required, monitoring of the measured parameter may occur. Optionally, following moving of an aperture member33, monitoring of the measured parameter may occur.

In embodiments, the at least one aperture member is moved33based on the selected optimisation strategy so that the at least one aperture member is moved to minimise fuel consumption and maintain user set level of ventilation. The optimisation strategy may comprise instructions to the controller20to generate an output to aperture member positioning unit18to move one or more aperture members from a user requested position to one to favour a reduction in fuel consumption. For example, this may be at the expense of a user set level of ventilation or cabin buffeting levels. Or it may comprise moving one or more aperture members to reduce fuel consumption and to maintain user set levels of ventilation or cabin buffeting. For example, where a user has opened one aperture member a large amount, the controller20may generate an output to aperture member positioning unit18to move other aperture members to be open a small amount and to partially close the open aperture member. That way, ventilation may be maintained and fuel economy improved by making the vehicle more streamlined. In a non-limiting example, the controller20may generate an output to at least partially close an open aperture member when the speed of the vehicle is high, that way, excessive fuel consumption can be minimised.

In embodiments, the at least one aperture member is moved33based on the selected optimisation strategy, so that the at least one aperture member is moved to minimise buffeting in the vehicle cabin and to maintain a user set level of ventilation. For example, a user may select an optimisation strategy stored on a computer readable medium, accessed by the controller20. The optimisation strategy may comprise instructions to the controller20to generate an output to aperture member positioning unit18to move one or more aperture members from a user requested position, to one where buffeting is reduced. This position may at the expense of the user set levels of ventilation or moving may be to maintain a user set level of ventilation. In a non-limiting example, a user may operate a user input unit to open an aperture member. The controller20will receive an input from the user input unit16and generate an output to an aperture member positioning unit18to open an aperture as requested by the user. If the open aperture causes buffeting in the vehicle cabin22to exceed an unacceptable level, the controller20may generate an output to aperture member positioning units18to partially close the aperture member or open a second aperture member to reduce buffeting whilst maintaining ventilation.

In embodiments, the at least one aperture member is moved33based on the selected optimisation strategies so that the at least one aperture member is moved to prevent buffeting within the vehicle cabin22from exceeding a threshold. For example, a user may select an optimisation strategy stored on a computer readable medium, accessed by the controller20. The optimisation strategy may comprise instructions to the controller20to generate an output to aperture member positioning unit18to move one or more aperture members from a user set position to prevent buffeting from exceeding a threshold. The controller20may compare input from the sensor unit14to a threshold stored on computer readable medium. In a non-limiting example, a user may operate a user input unit16to open an aperture. The controller20will receive an input from the user input unit16and generate an output to an aperture member positioning unit18to open an aperture as requested by the user. If the open aperture causes buffeting in the vehicle cabin to exceed an unacceptable level (e.g. the vehicle speeds up) or the user desires to open an aperture member beyond a position where buffeting will exceed an unacceptable level, the controller20may generate an output to aperture member positioning units18to partially close the aperture or open a second aperture to prevent buffeting.

In embodiments, the threshold may be based on the selected optimisation strategy. For example, the selected optimisation strategy may correspond to one or more pre-set thresholds, which may be stored on a computer readable medium.

Moving an aperture member may occur based on the input received from the sensor unit16. For example, where the sensor unit is a speed sensor, repositioning may occur where the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold amount. The aperture members that are moved and the amount they are moved may also be determined based on the measured speed, for example.

In embodiments, where a first aperture member is moved by a user, operating the user input unit16, a second aperture member may be moved based on the optimisation strategy and or position of the first aperture member. In embodiments, the second aperture member may be moved based on the input from the sensing unit.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user may select an optimisation strategy via an input unit16from a list comprising a first optimisation strategy that prioritizes fuel economy and a second optimisation strategy that prioritizes user ventilation. In such an embodiment, were the user to select the first operating strategy with an aperture member in a user set open position, the controller10may open and close the aperture member as the vehicle speed changes speed. This strategy may maintain some ventilation without significant adverse effects on fuel consumption compared to other strategies. Alternatively, were the user to select the second optimisation strategy, the controller10may open and close a second aperture depending on vehicle speed. The opening of a second window may provide a more effective strategy for reducing buffeting and maintaining ventilation than the first strategy, however, the opening of multiple windows may have a more adverse effect on fuel consumption than the first strategy.

In embodiments, the controller may be configured to record user preferences to the non-transitory computer readable medium and modify at least one of the plurality of optimisation strategies based on recorded user preferences. User preferences may be recorded by the controller20. For example, preferred positions or interventions made by the user following moving of an aperture member by the controller20may be identified by the controller. These may be analysed by the controller and used to change the instructions of the optimisation strategy selected at that time. For example, where an optimisation strategy is used, where the user repeatedly alters the position of a moved aperture member, the optimisation strategy may be modified by changing any pre-set aperture member position limits or thresholds associated with the optimisation strategy to correspond to the user set positions. In embodiments, at least one of the plurality of optimisation strategies is modified using machine learning. For example, the optimisation strategies can be modified based on the chosen user strategies and occupancy pattern, e.g. the vehicle is predominantly occupied by only a driver and operated with a strategy that prioritizes fuel efficiency.

The at least one vehicle condition sensor4,14may comprise multiple sensors. The at least one sensing unit may comprise a sensor for measuring a parameter within a vehicle cabin, and may comprise any number of additional sensors. Additional sensors may include speed sensors for measuring vehicle speed; temperature for measuring temperature in the vehicle; air speed sensors for detecting or measuring flow of air in or around a vehicle cabin; microphone for detecting noise in a vehicle cabin; vehicle occupancy sensors for detecting user occupancy of a vehicle, aperture member position sensors for detecting current position of at least one aperture member.

Where the at least one sensor comprises an acoustic sensor, this may be arranged (not shown) to provide an input to the controller20. The controller20may process the signal from the acoustic sensor to isolate a noise of interest. In a non-limiting example, the controller20comprise filters (e.g. a Fourier or band pass filter) or other appropriate algorithms to isolate a noise of interest. In a non-limiting example the controller20may comprise algorithms to determine the level of noise caused by buffeting in the vehicle cabin. The system may be configured to provide closed or open loop control for moving the aperture member using the acoustic sensor, or for determining aperture member position limits. The aperture member may be moved until the noise of interest measured by the sensor reaches a level, e.g. drops below a threshold, for example. A threshold may be set at a comfort threshold below which is deemed comfortable and above which is deemed uncomfortable for the user. Likewise, an aperture member may be moved in response to a user input via the user input unit until the noise measured reaches a level, e.g. reaches a threshold. The term “acoustic sensor” may include but is not limited to any known pressure sensor, vibration sensor or sensor that can be used to sense acoustic noise.

Where the at least one vehicle condition sensing unit includes a position sensor, this may be arranged (not shown) to provide an input to the controller20that corresponds to aperture member position. The system may be configured to provide a closed or open loop for moving the aperture member using the position sensor. The aperture member position may be used by the controller20as part determining an aperture member position limit or as part of moving an aperture member.

Where the at least one sensor includes a position sensor, this may be arranged (not shown) to provide an input to the controller20that corresponds to aperture member position. This may be configured to provide a closed or open loop for moving the aperture member. The aperture member position may be used by the controller20as part of determining an aperture member position limit or as part of moving an aperture member, for example.

The user input may comprise one or more units for allowing a user input for positioning an aperture member to be received. This may, for example, comprise one or more switches located in a vehicle. The switches may configured to allow input for opening or closing an aperture member or aperture members, for example. The user input may comprise a vehicle user interface comprising buttons, voice command facility or a touch screen for user input. The user interface may include one or more of the following: buttons, such as a joystick button or press button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LDCs; graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons; or other like devices. Alternative user input units are also known in the art and may be considered suitable as part of the present invention.

An aperture member positioning unit18may comprise an actuator and may comprise any associated mechanism for moving an aperture member. For example, an aperture member positioning unit18may comprise an electric motor. The electric motor may for example be connected to a drive gear aperture member regulator in which the motor is connected via a gear system to an arm configured to rotate by the motor, whereby rotation of the arm causes an aperture member to move. In an alternative example, the aperture member may be connected to a cable system to which an aperture member is mounted, so that movement of the cable by a motor causes the aperture member to move. The output from a controller20may cause the motor of an aperture member positioning unit18to move. Alternative aperture member positioning units are also known in the art and may be considered suitable as part of the present invention.

In embodiment variations the controller10,20may be a control electrical circuit, which may control the sensor4,14, input unit6,16and aperture member positioning unit8,18by means of electrically operated switches, which control the electrical energy supplied from the power supply to various sub-components of the system2,12. The electrically operated switches can comprise various transistors such as a MOSFET and the like.

As used herein, “electrical circuit” includes circuitry operable to provide a control function to the various units defined herein including: the at least one aperture member positioning unit8,18, sensor unit4,14or input unit6,16. A controller or control electrical circuit may be located on a vehicle, and may be distributed in multiple locations on a vehicle. The electrical circuitry may also be distributed on another component in communication with the circuit of the system, which may include a networked-based, including as a remote server, or cloud-based computer or portable electronic device, which may include a mobile phone. An electrical circuit may comprise electrical components known to the skilled person, including passive components, e.g. combinations of transistors, transformers, resistors, capacitors or the like. The electrical circuitry may be partially embodied on a processor, including as an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, state machine or the like. The processor can include a computer program stored on a memory and/or programmable logic, for execution of a process. The memory can be a computer-readable medium. The process may include controlling the position of aperture members in a vehicle.

Referring toFIG. 5, an embodiment electrical circuit which may be included in the controller10,20is shown, which comprises hardware resources66. The hardware resources66comprise processing resources68. The processor resources68comprise one or more processors70,72adapted to execute machine readable instructions74,76,78,80,82. The instructions may be for implementing a processes for receiving an input from the user input unit16, sensing units18, processing such inputs, determining an aperture member position limit, determining the need to move an aperture member, generating an output signal to an aperture member positioning unit or other like process. In embodiments the instructions74,76are arranged on the one or more processors70,72. In embodiments the instructions78are arranged on separate memory/storage devices84. In embodiments, instructions80may be arranged on peripheral devices86, which may include I.A. sensor units, vehicle consoles, positioning units, which are in communication with the control electrical circuit by means of communication resources88. In embodiments, the instructions82are arranged on a remote database90(including a network-based or cloud-based system), which is in communication with the control electrical circuit by means of communication resources88over a computer network92. The memory/storage devices can be implemented and computer-readable medium as defined herein.