Patent Description:
Tailgate parties and similar leisure activities involve users congregating around or occupying rear cargo areas of parked vehicles. Users may listen to music or watch films or sporting events, for example. Some users may utilise vehicle electrical battery power from an auxiliary battery or a high-capacity electrified vehicle battery.

Some users may utilise a loudspeaker system of the vehicle comprising loudspeakers at multiple locations around the vehicle cabin. An always-on loudspeaker mounted in or near the rear cargo area may be useful if the user desires an enhanced listening experience in the rear cargo area. Some users may utilise an electrical socket/receptacle of the vehicle to power their device.

<CIT> relates to a vehicle audio system that is able to operate in two modes: one mode where one or more parameters of the audio system are configured to better optimize sound quality while the doors are closed and a second mode where one or more parameters of the audio system are configured to better optimize sound quality while one or more of the doors, such as a tailgate, are open. <CIT> relates to a system and method for operating an audio system in an automobile includes implementing a first system configuration, receiving an input indicating a change in operating mode, and in response to this input, implementing a second system configuration which is different from the first system configuration, wherein the second system configuration is implemented when one of the doors, such as a tailgate, of the automobile is open.

It is an aim of the present invention to enable users to have an improved vehicle tailgate event experience. The invention is as defined in the appended independent claims.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a control system for a vehicle, as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events. In this aspect, users can receive a good sound quality at reasonable volume levels while congregating at the rear cargo area of the vehicle.

In some examples, directing audio output in the vehicle-rearward direction comprises activating or increasing a sound pressure level of a rear loudspeaker of the loudspeaker system. In some examples, directing audio output to the vehicle-rearward location comprises activating the rear loudspeaker and wherein the rear loudspeaker is inactive in the first operating mode.

In some examples, directing audio output to the vehicle-rearward location comprises deactivating or decreasing a sound pressure level of a forward loudspeaker that is facing the cabin of the vehicle and/or that is in a front area of the cabin. An advantage is reduced energy use because electrical power for driving the forward loudspeakers in the unused cabin is cut. This enables the tailgate event to be powered by a battery of the vehicle for longer, without a need to switch on an engine and increase emission levels adjacent the vehicle cargo area.

In some examples, the rear loudspeaker is a rear tailgate closure loudspeaker configured to be mounted to an interior side of the rear tailgate closure. An advantage is improved audio quality due to line-of-sight acoustic propagation.

In some examples, the control system is configured to, in response to activation of the second operating mode, output a control signal to cause a rear tailgate power mechanism to open the rear tailgate closure, or cause output of a user prompt to request the user to open the rear tailgate closure. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events.

According to an aspect of the invention, in the first operating mode, access to the loudspeaker system and/or vehicle cabin microphone by a telephony function is enabled and in the second operating mode access to the loudspeaker system and/or vehicle cabin microphone by the telephony function is inhibited. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events because interruptions to a tailgate listening experience are reduced.

According to an aspect of the invention, in the first operating mode a hands-free powered tailgate request function is enabled and in the second operating mode the hands-free powered tailgate request function is inhibited. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events because accidental auto-closing is no longer a possibility.

According to an aspect of the invention, in the first operating mode a proximity-based vehicle locking function is enabled and in the second operating mode at least part of the proximity-based vehicle locking function is inhibited. The inhibited part of the function may comprise an audible sound rendering function. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events because interruptions to a tailgate listening experience are reduced.

In some examples, the rear cargo area comprises an integrated tailgate seat and/or comprises an attachment point configured to receive a removable tailgate seat. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events because users can sit in comfort on an edge of the rear cargo area.

In some examples, the vehicle comprises a rear cargo area lamp that is activatable to illuminate the rear cargo area. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for night time tailgate events.

In some examples, the control system is configured to activate the second operating mode in dependence on a user activation request via an infotainment interface or personal hand-portable computing device.

In some examples, the second operating mode is permitted when an internal combustion engine of the vehicle is inactive but not when the internal combustion engine is active. In some examples, the control system is configured to deactivate the second operating mode in dependence on the monitored energy availability of the battery reaching the depletion limit, without causing engine start to generate additional energy to further extend the second operating mode. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events because emissions in the space around the vehicle cargo area are avoided.

In some examples, activation of the second operating mode is not permitted while a telephony function is active. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events because the privacy of a call will not be interrupted by unintended activation of different loudspeakers.

In some examples, the control system is configured so that while the second operating mode is active, audio output through the loudspeaker system is controllable via a wireless communication interface. An advantage is that the vehicle is better equipped for tailgate events because the user does not have to re-enter the cabin to operate an infotainment interface.

In some examples, in the first operating mode, the control system is configured to deactivate the loudspeaker system in dependence on a powertrain of the vehicle entering the deactivated state, and the second operating mode is configured to enable the loudspeaker system to be used while the powertrain is in the deactivated state in dependence on monitored energy availability of a battery of the vehicle being greater than a depletion limit of the battery. In some examples, the depletion limit comprises an engine-start reserve of the battery. An advantage is that an auxiliary battery is not required and a starting-lighting-ignition battery (SLI battery) can be used.

In some examples, in the first operating mode the deactivation of the loudspeaker system (and other functions such as the wireless communication interface) is based on a timer configured to expire after the deactivated state has been entered. The timer may be paused in the second operating mode.

In some examples, the control system is configured to deactivate the second operating mode in dependence on a user deactivation request via an infotainment interface or personal hand-portable computing device. In some examples, the control system is configured to deactivate the second operating mode in dependence on engine-start. In some examples, the control system is configured to deactivate the second operating mode in dependence on satisfaction of a rear tailgate closure closed condition. An advantage is that the user has intuitive ways to resume a vehicle shutdown process and end their tailgate event experience. This reduces the chance that the second operating mode will be left on when it is no longer needed.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method, as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the control system and loudspeaker system.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided computer software, as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

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 falls within the scope of the appended claims. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination that falls within the scope of the appended claims, unless such features are incompatible.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a vehicle <NUM> in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the vehicle <NUM> is a passenger vehicle, also referred to as a passenger car or as an automobile. In other examples, embodiments of the invention can be implemented for other applications, such as commercial vehicles.

<FIG> schematically illustrates example features of the vehicle <NUM>, that are referred to later.

<FIG> illustrates a battery <NUM> for the vehicle <NUM>. In some implementations, a powertrain <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> comprises an internal combustion engine <NUM> ('engine' herein) and the battery <NUM> comprises a starting-lighting-ignition battery (SLI battery) for starting the engine <NUM>, the SLI battery comprising battery cells <NUM> and having a voltage of less than 60V or less than 30V or less than 15V. In other implementations, the vehicle <NUM> is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or a battery electric vehicle and the battery <NUM> is a traction battery.

<FIG> further illustrates a loudspeaker system <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is further configured to provide electrical power to the loudspeaker system <NUM>. The illustrated loudspeaker system <NUM> comprises a set of loudspeakers around the interior of the vehicle <NUM>, including forward loudspeakers 206C and rear loudspeakers <NUM>, 206T. The rear loudspeakers <NUM>, 206T are located within the rear cargo area <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> or are otherwise configured to direct audio into the rear cargo area <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the rear loudspeakers 206T can comprise one or more rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T configured to be mounted to an interior side of a rear tailgate closure (<FIG>, <NUM>) of the vehicle <NUM>. The rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T may be dedicated loudspeakers for use in tailgate events.

According to the example of <FIG>, the rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T are provided on a tailgate closure of a split tailgate, such as on an upper tailgate closure <NUM>. When the upper tailgate closure <NUM> is open, the rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T may face at least partially downwards to provide an unobstructed listening experience to a user sitting on a lower tailgate closure <NUM> of the split tailgate. When the upper tailgate closure <NUM> is closed, the rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T may face forward.

<FIG> further illustrates an optional subwoofer <NUM> which may be located in or near the rear cargo area <NUM>.

The forward loudspeakers 206C can comprise cabin area loudspeakers facing the cabin <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The term forward is used to identify loudspeakers that are used for presenting sound into the cabin area which is forward of the rear in a normal standing of the vehicle. Forward loudspeakers 206C may be mounted to side doors, to an A-pillar or B-pillar, or to a dashboard, for example.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> may further comprise a vehicle cabin microphone <NUM>, operably coupled to the loudspeaker system <NUM> to enable a hands-free telephony function and/or a hands-free virtual assistant function. The vehicle cabin microphone <NUM> may be mounted in proximity to a front seat of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the vehicle cabin microphone <NUM> may be supported by the dashboard, an A-pillar or B-pillar, a seat structure or a steering wheel. In some examples, a further microphone <NUM> can be mounted in proximity to the rear cargo area <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> may further comprise a wireless communication interface <NUM>. Audio output through the loudspeaker system <NUM> may be controllable via the wireless communication interface <NUM>. The wireless communication interface <NUM> can comprise a short range wireless personal/local area network interface (e.g., Bluetooth(TM)/WiFi(TM) interface) able to play audio from a user's mobile equipment (<FIG>, <NUM>) through the loudspeaker system <NUM>. This enables a user to control audio during a tailgate event without having to climb back into the cabin <NUM> to operate an integrated infotainment system of the vehicle <NUM>.

In addition to the loudspeaker system <NUM>, <FIG> further illustrates an optional electrical receptacle <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. In some implementations, the battery <NUM> is configured to provide electrical power for auxiliary equipment during a tailgate event by providing electrical power to the electrical receptacle <NUM>. In some examples, the electrical receptacle <NUM> is located in or near the rear cargo area <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates further optional features not shown in <FIG>, for enhancing a tailgate event. <FIG> illustrates a rear cargo area lamp <NUM> that is activatable to function as a task lamp for illuminating an area in the vicinity of the rear cargo area <NUM>. In some examples, the rear cargo area lamp <NUM> is integrated with the rear tailgate closure such as the upper tailgate closure <NUM>. Therefore, when the upper tailgate closure <NUM> is open, a user sitting on the lower tailgate closure <NUM> has the benefit of an overhead task lamp.

<FIG> further illustrates a tailgate seat <NUM> supported at least partially by the lower tailgate closure <NUM>. The tailgate seat <NUM> may comprise a seat base and a seat back. The seat base and/or seat back may be integrated with the rear cargo area <NUM> or may be a separate part that is attached when needed to a suitable attachment point <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

As demonstrated above, the vehicle <NUM> is well-equipped to cater for a tailgate party. According to a control method <NUM> described below and shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is switchable between different operating modes including an operating mode configured for a tailgate event.

First, an example of a suitable control system <NUM> for carrying out the control method <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and described. The control system <NUM> comprises at least one controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> of <FIG> includes at least one processor <NUM>; and at least one memory device <NUM> electrically coupled to the electronic processor <NUM> and having instructions <NUM> (e.g., a computer program) stored therein, the at least one memory device <NUM> and the instructions <NUM> configured to, with the at least one processor <NUM>, cause any one or more of the methods described herein to be performed. The processor <NUM> may have an interface <NUM> such as an electrical input/output I/O or electrical input for receiving information and interacting with external components. <FIG> illustrates a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium <NUM> comprising the instructions <NUM> (computer software).

<FIG> is an example state diagram illustrating the method <NUM> performed by the control system <NUM>. The state diagram is configured to switch between the first operating mode <NUM> and the second operating mode <NUM> based on conditions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first operating mode <NUM> may be a normal or default operating mode for the loudspeaker system <NUM>. The second operating mode <NUM> may be a user-requestable operating mode for extended use of the loudspeaker system <NUM> during a tailgate event, while the vehicle <NUM> is not running.

In the first operating mode <NUM>, the control system <NUM> is configured to control the loudspeaker system <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> to direct audio output into the cabin <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The first operating mode <NUM> is used for normal driving. For example, audio may be output through the forward loudspeakers 206C but not the rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T. The rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T may be inactive (substantially no audio output) to reduce energy use, as their sound may be muffled to those in the cabin <NUM>. Alternatively, all of the loudspeakers of <FIG> may be active and the audio may be faded towards a default front-rear position configured for listening in the cabin <NUM>.

If the user parks the vehicle <NUM> and deactivates the powertrain <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> and does not wish to have a tailgate event, they will leave the control system <NUM> in the first operating mode <NUM>. In this situation, the control system <NUM> may deactivate equipment such as the loudspeaker system <NUM>, the electrical receptacle <NUM>, and/or the wireless communication interface <NUM> as part of a vehicle <NUM> shutdown process. They are deactivated immediately or not long after the control system <NUM> detects that the powertrain <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> has entered a deactivated state. Detecting the deactivated state can comprise any appropriate detection that the vehicle <NUM> has been switched off such that the powertrain <NUM> is not operable to drive the vehicle <NUM>, meaning that any torque demand (e.g., accelerator pedal depression) would not be acted upon. For example, the control system <NUM> may detect a vehicle-off power mode or similar 'key-off' event.

In the first operating mode <NUM>, deactivation of the loudspeaker system <NUM> after the deactivation of the powertrain <NUM> can be controlled by a timer, in some examples. The timer may initiate automatically in dependence on the detection of the deactivated state. The expiry duration of the timer depends on the implementation, but could be less than ten minutes or less than five minutes to minimise power drain.

If the user instead wishes to have a tailgate event experience, they may request the second operating mode <NUM>. In the second operating mode <NUM>, the control system <NUM> is configured, among other things, to control the loudspeaker system <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> to direct audio output to a vehicle-rearward location relative to the audio output in the first operating mode <NUM>, to improve the tailgate listening experience in a tailgate listening zone. For example the rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T may be activated if previously not active. If the rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T were already active, their sound pressure levels may be increased by fading the audio output towards the rear cargo area <NUM>. The subwoofer <NUM> may remain active.

In order to prevent the loudspeaker system <NUM> from deactivating when the powertrain <NUM> enters the deactivated state, the control system <NUM> may ignore or interrupt (e.g., pause) the timer if the second operating mode <NUM> has been entered.

In the second operating mode <NUM>, the loudspeaker system <NUM> may be available for longer than an hour while the powertrain <NUM> is off, assuming the battery <NUM> is initially fully charged. For hybrid vehicle traction batteries, the duration may be significantly longer. The control system <NUM> may deactivate at least some of the forward loudspeakers 206C in the second operating mode <NUM> to prolong battery life, as their sound may be muffled to those at the rear cargo area <NUM>.

With the powertrain <NUM> off in the second operating mode <NUM>, the wireless communication interface <NUM>, if present, may also remain active so that the user does not have to climb back into the cabin <NUM> to control audio settings or playback. The electrical receptacle <NUM>, if present, may also remain active.

The second operating mode <NUM> requires the rear tailgate closure to be opened. For example, in response to activation of the second operating mode <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may be configured to output a control signal to cause a rear tailgate power mechanism <NUM> to open the rear tailgate closure. If the vehicle <NUM> lacks a rear tailgate power mechanism <NUM> or said mechanism <NUM> is signalled as faulty, the control system <NUM> may cause output of an audible and/or visual user prompt to request the user to open the rear tailgate closure manually. In a split tailgate implementation, the second operating mode <NUM> may require either one or both of the upper tailgate closure <NUM> and the lower tailgate closure <NUM> to be open.

For a split tailgate, the second operating mode <NUM> may cause or require the upper tailgate closure <NUM> to be opened to at least a minimum or predetermined opening angle. The opening angle is such that a user can sit on the edge of the rear cargo area <NUM> with clearance above their head. A tailgate opening position sensor may be provided to indicate how open the upper tailgate closure <NUM> is. A collision proximity sensor may be provided to detect if the upper tailgate closure <NUM> is about to collide with an object. If a potential collision indicated by the collision proximity sensor would prevent the opening angle from being reached, the second operating mode <NUM> may transition back to the first operating mode <NUM> or the user may be otherwise alerted to move their vehicle <NUM> to an area with more headroom.

Another useful tailgate event feature is for hands-free telephony to be automatically disabled in the second operating mode <NUM> despite wireless audio being available, so that an incoming call or notification does not interrupt the playback of music/audio. Access to the loudspeaker system <NUM> by a telephony function is inhibited in the second operating mode <NUM>. Access to the vehicle cabin microphone <NUM> by the telephony function may be inhibited in the second operating mode <NUM>.

Another useful tailgate event feature is for a hands-free powered tailgate request function (gesture tailgate function) to be automatically disabled in the second operating mode <NUM>. A hands-free powered tailgate request function is a function that is configured to initiate powered closing and/or opening of one or more rear tailgate closures by a powered tailgate system in dependence on a detected hands-free user action, such as a gesture and/or voice command. Inhibiting the function in the second operating mode <NUM> enables users sitting on the edge of the rear cargo area <NUM> to tuck their feet under the rear bumper of the vehicle <NUM> without triggering a tailgate close command from a bumper-mounted sensor.

Another useful tailgate event feature is for at least part of a proximity-based vehicle locking function (walkaway locking function) to be automatically disabled in the second operating mode <NUM>, so that users can walk away from the vehicle <NUM> without an audible sound (e.g., chime) being rendered. The function of the audible sound may be to act as a warning that is rendered via a loudspeaker(s) <NUM> when a device of the user is detected to be away from the vehicle <NUM> if a closure of the vehicle <NUM> is detected as open (such as the tailgate).

Another useful tailgate event feature is for a rear microphone <NUM> to be automatically enabled in the second operating mode <NUM> to enable the hands-free virtual assistant function to more reliably recognise voice commands from users at the rear cargo area <NUM>. The rear microphone <NUM> may be rearward of the front seat vehicle cabin microphone <NUM> and may be proximal to the rear cargo area <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an entry condition <NUM> for transitioning from the first operating mode <NUM> to the second operating mode <NUM>. The entry condition <NUM> may comprise a user entry condition. That is, the second operating mode <NUM> may be a user-requestable operating mode, requestable whenever the user wants the tailgate event experience. For example, the user may be able to request the second operating mode <NUM> via any appropriate human-machine interface, such as a touchscreen (<FIG>, <NUM>) or tactile input device of the vehicle <NUM> or an app on their personal hand-portable computing device (<FIG>, <NUM>). In some examples, the user is able to request the second operating mode <NUM> if various preconditions of the entry condition <NUM> are satisfied. A precondition can comprise the vehicle <NUM> being parked and secured. The control system <NUM> could monitor this precondition based on a parking brake status, a park pawl status, the powertrain <NUM> being in the deactivated state, or a combination thereof. Another precondition may be that there is no ongoing hands-free telephony event utilizing the loudspeaker system <NUM>. In some examples, another precondition is that the battery <NUM> has an above-threshold state of charge.

<FIG> also illustrates the exit condition <NUM> for transitioning from the second operating mode <NUM> to the first operating mode <NUM>. Various example events satisfying the exit condition <NUM> are described below. In some examples, the exit condition <NUM> can be satisfied if a precondition of the entry condition <NUM> is no longer being satisfied, such as the user activating the powertrain <NUM> or at least the engine <NUM>, or the parking brake and/or park pawl being released, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the exit condition <NUM> can be satisfied by a user request to transition to the first operating mode <NUM>, via a human-machine interface such as a touchscreen (<FIG>, <NUM>) or tactile input device of the vehicle <NUM> or an app on their personal hand-portable computing device (<FIG>, <NUM>). In some examples, the exit condition <NUM> can be satisfied by detecting closing of a rear tailgate closure.

The exit condition <NUM> can comprise an energy use precondition in order to prevent the battery <NUM> from being drained excessively. The control system <NUM> monitors the energy use precondition to determine when to transition back to the first operating mode <NUM> (e.g., un-pause the timer to resume shutdown). The control system <NUM> enables the second operating mode <NUM> as long as a monitored energy availability of the battery <NUM> is greater than a depletion limit of the battery <NUM>. Assuming the battery <NUM> was initially charged, this should provide a much longer duration of use of the loudspeaker system <NUM> and other electrical features than would be permitted by the timer.

In an example implementation, the monitored energy availability of the battery <NUM> comprises a state of charge. The depletion limit of the battery <NUM> comprises a minimum threshold state of charge for providing an engine-start reserve. Note that in this example, the control system <NUM> does not automatically start the engine <NUM> to generate power in response to the depletion limit being reached, to prevent emissions in the vicinity of the rear cargo area <NUM>. Instead, the engine-start reserve is a state of charge that is calibrated to be enough to enable user-requested engine start after a long stand-time. The depletion limit may be calibrated to be at a high enough level to enable the engine <NUM> to be reliably started in a wide range of climactic conditions after a minimum stand time (e.g., longer than seven days).

The depletion limit of the battery <NUM> may be variable rather than static, and based on one or more monitored variable parameters. The depletion limit may track the health or condition of the battery <NUM>. For example, the depletion limit may be configured to rise in dependence on at least one of: monitored capacity of the battery <NUM> falling; monitored internal resistance of the battery <NUM> rising; monitored temperature of the battery <NUM> being below a cold temperature threshold; or monitored temperature of the battery <NUM> being above a hot temperature threshold. If the battery <NUM> is brand new/at an optimal temperature, for example, the depletion limit could be as low as <NUM>% state of charge, or some other value less than <NUM>%. This is because the new battery cells <NUM> are able to supply a reliable engine start voltage during engine start (cranking), even with a low state of charge. If the battery <NUM> is aged/at a suboptimal temperature, the depletion limit could be higher than <NUM>% and may be higher than <NUM>%. This is because the aged battery cells <NUM> need to be at a higher state of charge in order to supply a reliable engine start voltage.

<FIG> is a storyboard illustrating an example non-limiting implementation of the control methods described herein. Five panels illustrate five steps/times T1-T5.

Panel T1 of <FIG> figuratively illustrates some example requirements for the second operating mode <NUM> of <FIG>. A first requirement is that the battery <NUM> has a state of charge above a threshold. A second requirement is that the vehicle <NUM> is parked and secured as described earlier. A further requirement may be that there is no ongoing hands-free telephony event utilizing the loudspeaker system <NUM>. Non-satisfaction of any one of these requirements may cause the second operating mode <NUM> to be non-activatable or to transition back to the first operating mode <NUM>.

Panel T2 figuratively illustrates how a user may request the second operating mode <NUM>. For example, the option to activate the second operating mode <NUM> may be a menu item in a touchscreen display <NUM> of a centre console or instrument cluster. Additionally, or alternatively, the second operating mode <NUM> can be requested wirelessly from a user's mobile equipment <NUM> such as via a mobile phone app.

Panel T3 figuratively illustrates how the second operating mode <NUM> may require a rear tailgate <NUM> of a rear cargo area <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> to be opened. For example, if the rear tailgate <NUM> is a powered tailgate, the control system <NUM> may cause a rear tailgate power mechanism <NUM> to open the rear tailgate <NUM> automatically when the second operating mode <NUM> is initiated. Alternatively, if the rear tailgate <NUM> is unpowered, the user may be directed to open the rear tailgate <NUM>, for example via a displayed instruction. In the illustrated example, the tailgate <NUM> is a split tailgate comprising an upper tailgate closure <NUM> and a lower tailgate closure <NUM>, one or both of which may be powered. The lower tailgate closure <NUM> may be configured to fold down so that a user can sit on the lower tailgate closure <NUM> or on a tailgate seat <NUM> supported at least partially by the lower tailgate closure <NUM>.

Panel T4 figuratively illustrates useful tailgate event functions of the second operating mode <NUM>. One or more rear tailgate closure loudspeakers 206T may be kept active despite the powertrain <NUM> being in the deactivated state. Cabin-mounted loudspeakers such as forward loudspeakers 206C may be deactivated to preserve battery life, since they are not necessarily needed in a tailgate event. The rear cargo area lamp <NUM> is also shown, for the user's convenience. Other features described earlier but not visible in <FIG> may be present.

Panel T5 figuratively illustrates the user deploying an optional tailgate seat <NUM> such as a deployable seat base and/or deployable seat back for one or more users, to allow the user to comfortably sit in the rear cargo area <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> while enjoying their tailgate event. The tailgate seat <NUM> may be attachable to one or more attachment points <NUM> or may be an integrated feature of the rear cargo area <NUM>.

When the user is finished with their tailgate event, they may initiate deactivation of the second operating mode <NUM> as described earlier.

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 as defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A control system (<NUM>) for a vehicle (<NUM>), the control system comprising one or more controllers (<NUM>), wherein the control system is configured to:
in a first operating mode (<NUM>), control a loudspeaker system (<NUM>) of the vehicle to direct audio output into a cabin (<NUM>) of the vehicle; and
in a second, user-requestable operating mode (<NUM>), control the loudspeaker system (<NUM>) of the vehicle to direct audio output to a vehicle-rearward location relative to the audio output in the first operating mode (<NUM>), wherein the second operating mode (<NUM>)requires a rear tailgate closure (<NUM>) of a rear cargo area (<NUM>) of the vehicle to be opened,
characterized in that,
in the first operating mode (<NUM>), one or more functions are enabled and, in the second operating mode (<NUM>), the one or more functions are inhibited, wherein the one or more functions include at least one of:
access to the loudspeaker system (<NUM>) by a telephony function;
access to a vehicle cabin microphone (<NUM>) by the telephony function;
a hands-free powered tailgate request function that is configured to initiate powered closing and/or opening of the rear tailgate closure (<NUM>) by a rear tailgate power mechanism (<NUM>) in dependence on a detected hands-free user action; and
a proximity-based vehicle locking function.