VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

Buffeting is a phenomenon that occurs in vehicles with open aperture members (e.g. windows or sunroof) that is travelling at speed. Airflow around the vehicle passes over the open aperture causing a mass of air will 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. This noise 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 operating a window switch for example. A comfort stop may typically cause the window to open about 70 to 100 mm 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 an aperture member controller for controlling at least one aperture member of a vehicle. The controller is configured to: receive one or more inputs from one or more user input units, the input being indicative one or more user inputs for moving a first aperture member of the vehicle. The controller is configured to determine if the opening of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting; and to prevent the first aperture member from being opened by a user beyond a position likely to cause buffeting. The controller is also configured to generate an output to one or more aperture member positioning units to move a second aperture member, optionally, in dependence on at least one of the opened position of the first aperture member and if the opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting.

The controller prevents the user from inducing buffeting by opening a first aperture member excessively. To increase ventilation without inducing buffeting, the second aperture member is opened instead.

In embodiments, 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. For example, 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 sensing units; and generate an output for the one or more aperture member positioning units to move aperture members as described herein. In embodiments, the controller may be configured to: generate an output to move a second aperture member so that the extent the second aperture member is open is proportional to the extent the first aperture member is open. In embodiments, the controller may be configured to: receive one or more inputs from one or more vehicle condition sensing units indicative of a condition of the vehicle; and to determine if an opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting in dependence on the received one or more inputs from the vehicle condition sensing units.

In embodiments, the one or more vehicle condition sensing units may be indicative of a condition within a vehicle cabin. In embodiments, the one or more vehicle condition sensing units may be indicative of an acoustic pressure within a vehicle cabin.

In embodiments, the controller may be configured to: receive one or more inputs from one or more vehicle condition sensing units indicative of acoustic pressure fluctuations within the vehicle cabin; and determine if an opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting in dependence on the received one or more inputs indicative of acoustic pressure fluctuations.

In embodiments, the controller may be configured to: receive one or more inputs from one or more vehicle condition sensing units indicative of the speed of the vehicle; and determine if an opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting in dependence on the received one or more inputs indicative of speed.

In embodiments, the controller may be configured to: compare the one or more inputs from the vehicle condition sensing units to a threshold value; and prevent the first aperture member from further opening if the one or more inputs from the vehicle condition sensing units is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

In embodiments, the controller may be configured to: generate an output to the aperture member positioning unit to move one or more further aperture members in dependence on whether the position of the first and/or second aperture member are likely to cause buffeting. For example, the controller may be configured to generate an output to the aperture member positioning unit to open a third and/or fourth aperture dependent on whether the position of the first and/or second aperture member are likely to cause buffeting. This may occur whilst receiving continued input from the user to open the first aperture. This may further allow user to attain desired levels of ventilation and may prevent buffeting from exceeding undesirable levels. In embodiments, the controller may be configured to generate an output to move at least one aperture member to a last user defined position. The last user defined position may be the last position the user moved the aperture member to. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising: an aperture member controller as described herein; one or more user input units; and at least two aperture member positioning units for positioning a first and a second aperture member. In embodiments, the system may comprise at least one vehicle condition sensing unit. In embodiments, the system may comprise at least one vehicle condition sensing unit to measure acoustic pressure fluctuations within the vehicle cabin.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for controlling at least one aperture member in a vehicle. The system comprises at least one vehicle condition sensing unit to measure a condition of the vehicle; at least one aperture member positioning unit; and a controller. The controller is configured to determine if at least one aperture member requires moving in dependence on the measured vehicle condition; and if the at least one aperture member requires moving, generate an output to the aperture member positioning unit to move the at least one aperture member.

By providing a system capable of measuring acoustic pressure fluctuations in a vehicle cabin, the buffeting within the cabin can be more accurately determined. Because the buffeting is more accurately determined an aperture member may be positioned more accurately, leading to further reduced need for interference from the user, and a more user-friendly system.

In embodiments, the vehicle condition sensing unit may measure a condition within the vehicle cabin or a condition indicative of buffeting in the vehicle cabin, or acoustic pressure level within the vehicle cabin.

By estimating buffeting in the vehicle cabin with sensors located within the cabin, the effect of wind external to the vehicle is also accounted for. Furthermore, the system may be applied to all vehicle types, without having to experimentally determine the likelihood of buffeting in various conditions for each vehicle body type. In embodiments, the controller may determine if the at least one aperture member requires moving by comparing the measured vehicle condition to a threshold value. This may provide further improved accuracy of moving of an aperture member which may further improve user comfort.

In embodiments, the controller may prevent the moving of an aperture member by a user, if the moving would cause the measured vehicle condition to exceed a threshold value. In embodiments, the controller may determine an aperture member position limit in dependence on the measured vehicle condition; and may determine if an aperture member requires moving by determining if an aperture member position exceeds the aperture member position limit. In embodiments, the controller may generate an output to the aperture member positioning unit to move at least one aperture member to be equal to or within a range of the aperture member position limit; and/or prevent the aperture member positioning unit from moving an aperture member beyond the aperture member position limit in response to an input received from the user input unit. This may further improve user comfort.

In embodiments, the controller may prevent a first aperture member from being moved in response to an input received from the user input unit, and may generate an output to move a second aperture member instead.

In embodiments, the controller may generate an output to move at least one aperture member to a last user defined position, if a change of the measured vehicle condition corresponds to a decrease of buffeting. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a controller or a system as described herein.

According to a yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing buffeting in a vehicle cabin comprising: receiving a signal indicative of at least one user input for moving a first aperture member of a vehicle; determining whether an opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting; moving a second aperture member in dependence on at least one of the opened position of the first aperture member and whether the opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing buffeting in a cabin of a vehicle. The method comprising: receiving at least one input indicative of a condition of the vehicle; and moving at least one aperture member in dependence on the received at least one input to the received at least one input. In embodiments, the at least one input indicative of a condition of the vehicle may comprise an input indicative of a condition within the vehicle cabin or a condition indicative of buffeting in the vehicle cabin. In embodiments, the at least one input indicative of a condition of the vehicle may comprise an input indicative of an acoustic pressure level within the vehicle cabin. By providing a system comprising sensing in a vehicle cabin, the buffeting status within the cabin can be more accurately determined. This may improve estimation of buffeting, and may provide an improved automated aperture member positioning system.

In an embodiment, the moving of an aperture member may comprise moving an aperture member until the received at least one input is within a threshold value. This may provide further improved accuracy of moving of an aperture member.

In an embodiment, the method comprises preventing the moving of an aperture member by a user, where moving would cause the received signal to exceed a threshold value. This may provide further improved accuracy of moving of an aperture member.

In embodiments, an aperture member position limit may be determined in dependence on the received at least one input; and an aperture member positioning unit may determine if an aperture member is to be moved by comparing the aperture member position to the aperture member position limit.

In embodiments, if the measured vehicle condition corresponds to a decrease of buffeting in the vehicle cabin, the at least one aperture member may be moved to a last user defined position. This allows ventilation to be maintained even if, for example, vehicle speed changes, minimising the need for further adjustments by the user. In embodiments, the method may comprise preventing the first aperture member from being moved by a user beyond an opened position likely to cause buffeting. In embodiments, at least one aperture member may be prevented from being moved by a user of the vehicle beyond the aperture member position limit.

In embodiments, the method may comprise moving a second aperture member so that the extent the second aperture member is open is proportional to the extent the first aperture member is open. This may further increase ventilation whilst preventing buffeting from exceeding uncomfortable levels.

In embodiments, the method may comprise receiving at least one input indicative of a condition of the vehicle; and determining if an opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting in dependence on the received at least one input indicative of a condition of the vehicle.

In embodiments, an input may be indicative of acoustic pressure fluctuations in the vehicle cabin.

In embodiments, an input may be indicative of the speed of the vehicle.

In embodiments, the method may comprise comparing at least one input indicative of a condition of the vehicle to a threshold value; and preventing the first aperture member from further opening if the at least one input indicative of a condition of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

In embodiments, the second aperture member may be moved in dependence on the opened position if the opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting In embodiments, the method may comprise moving a third and/or fourth aperture member are dependent on whether the position of the first and/or second aperture member are likely to cause buffeting. The moving may comprise moving the third and / or fourth aperture members to open a respective third and / or fourth aperture. This may further allow user to attain desired levels ventilation. In embodiments, the first aperture member may be on a first lateral side of the vehicle, the second aperture member may be on the second lateral side of the vehicle. Opening a first and a second aperture member in this configuration may further improve ventilation without increasing buffeting.

In embodiments, the first aperture and the first aperture member may on the forwards portion of the vehicle cabin, and the second aperture and the second aperture member may on the rearwards portion of the vehicle cabin. Opening a first and a second aperture member in this configuration may further improve ventilation without increasing buffeting. Further improvements may be achieved where the first aperture member is on the front portion of a vehicle cabin and a first lateral side and the second aperture member is on the rear portion and the second lateral side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram of an embodiment system;

Figure 2 is a diagram of an embodiment; Figure 3 is a diagram of an embodiment vehicle; Figure 4 is a flow diagram of an embodiment; and

Figure 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of the controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, "vehicle" may include all commonly accepted definitions, and may include but is not limited to automobiles.

As used herein, "vehicle cabin" may refer to the interior of the vehicle where the vehicle users may be located. As used herein, "side of the vehicle" may include the left and the right sides of the vehicle in relation to the front of the vehicle, 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, or using a switch to move an aperture member.

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

As used herein, "preventing buffeting" or "reducing 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 it 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 cabin. 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 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, "position of an aperture member" may refer to the location of an aperture member in relation to its closed position. For example, an aperture member may be positioned as fully open, fully closed or anywhere in between. As used herein, "moving an aperture member" may include repositioning an aperture member, to either increase or decrease the size of opening of the 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 it 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, "airflow within the vehicle cabin" includes, for example, airflow passing in or out of the cabin, moving through the cabin or oscillating within the cabin.

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

Referring to figure 1 , a controller 10 is shown. The controller 10 is operable to: receive an input from a user input unit 6; and to generate an output to one or more aperture member positioning units 8. The output may be in the form of electrical energy or an electrical signal. The output may be such that it causes the one or more aperture member positioning unit 8 to move a first aperture member and at least a second aperture member. The controller 10, generates an output for moving the second aperture member, where the output is dependent on the opened position of the first aperture member and/or if the opened position is likely to cause buffeting. For example, if the first aperture member is opened a predetermined amount, or to a certain position, then the controller 20 may generate an output to open a second aperture member to a predetermined position or amount and/or may move the second aperture member only if the position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting.

In embodiments the controller may be configured to optionally receive an input from the vehicle condition sensing unit 4.

The controller 10 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 media. The one or more processors being operable to execute software.

The controller 10 may be comprised as part of a system 2 for controlling aperture members in a vehicle (hereon system 2). The system 2 comprises at least one user input unit 6. The input unit 6 is operable to receive an input from a user. In a non- limiting example, the input may be received from a user of a vehicle who desires the position of at least one aperture member to be altered. The user input unit 6 may generate an output receivable by the controller 10. Embodiment user input units will be discussed.

The system 2 comprises at least one aperture member positioning unit 8. The aperture member positioning unit is operable to change the position of at least one aperture member. The system 2 may comprise two or more aperture member positioning units for positioning two or more aperture members. Embodiment aperture member positioning units will be discussed.

In embodiments, system 2 may comprise at least one vehicle condition sensing units 4 as defined herein, for measuring a parameter of a vehicle. The sensing unit 4 may generate an output receivable by controller 10. Embodiment sensing units will be discussed.

The system 2 may also comprise a power supply (not shown) for supply of electrical energy to the controller 10, and in other embodiments, any of the aperture member positioning unit 8, the user input 6 and/or the at least one vehicle condition sensing unit 4. 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 to figure 2, a system 12 is shown. System 12 comprises at least one user input unit 16, at least one aperture member positioning unit 18 and a controller 20. The controller 20 is operable to receive input from the user input unit 16. This may occur, for example, when a user desiring to move an aperture member operates the user input unit. The controller 20 generate an output to one or more aperture member positioning units 18 to move at least a first and a second aperture member. The controller 20 may be any controller described herein. In embodiments, system 12 may comprise at least one vehicle condition sensing unit 14 as defined herein, for measuring a parameter of a vehicle. The sensing unit 14 may generate an output receivable by controller 20. In embodiments the controller 20 may be configured to optionally receive an input from the vehicle condition sensing unit 14.

A user who desires a first aperture member to be opened may operate the user input unit 16 to open the aperture member. The controller 20 receives an input from the user input unit 16 and generates an appropriate output to the aperture member positioning unit 18 for moving the first aperture member as desired. The controller 20 determines if the position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting. The controller 20 also generates an output to the aperture member positioning unit 18 to move a second aperture member, whereby the output to move the second aperture member is determined in dependence on the position of the first aperture member, or on if the position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting. For example, in embodiments, the second aperture member may only be moved only if the position of the first aperture member is determined as likely to cause buffeting. For example, in embodiments, the second aperture member may be moved an amount determined in dependence on the amount the first aperture member is open, optionally, the second aperture member may only be moved if the position of the first aperture member is determined as likely to cause buffeting.

In alternate embodiments (not shown), the system 12 comprises at least one vehicle condition sensing unit 14 as defined herein, for measuring a condition within a vehicle cabin and at least one aperture member positioning unit 18. In this alternate embodiment, the system comprises controller 20 which is configured to receive an input from the vehicle condition sensing unit 14. The controller 20 may determine if an aperture member requires moving. In a non-limiting example, this may be achieved by determining if the input from the cehicle condition sensing unit exceeds a pre-set level i.e. a threshold (in a further non-limiting example this may be if noise or magnitude of pressure fluctuations measured by an acoustic sensor exceeds a set threshold value). If the at least one aperture member is determined as requiring moving, the controller 20 generates an output to the aperture member positioning unit 18 to move the at least one aperture member. The controller 10 may also be configured to prevent a first aperture member from being moved in response to input received from a user input unit 16, and may generate an output to the aperture member positioning unit 18 to move a second aperture member in place of the first aperture member.

Referring to figure 3, an embodiment vehicle 21 is shown, the vehicle comprises a vehicle cabin 22, having aperture members 23, 24, and an optional vehicle sensing unit 25, shown in the vehicle cabin. Also shown in figure 3 is a side 26 of vehicle 21 . The vehicle comprises a system or controller 20 as described herein for controlling the aperture member positions.

Also shown in figure 3 is a non-limiting representation of aperture members in open positions 23', 24' for aperture members 23, 24.

Referring to figure 4, an embodiment method is shown 30, comprising the steps of receiving input from a user input unit 31 when operated by a user desiring to move an aperture member; moving a first aperture member 23 to an opened position 23' and optionally determining if the opened position is likely to induce buffeting 32; moving a second aperture member 24 in dependence on the opened position, and/or the likelihood of buffeting 33.

In embodiments, a user may be prevented from moving the first aperture member beyond a position likely to cause buffeting shown as optional step 34.

In embodiments, the second aperture member 24 may be moved in dependence on the opened position 23'of the first aperture member 23 by moving a second aperture member 24 so that the extent the second aperture member is open 24' is proportional to the extent the first aperture member 23 is open. Alternatively the second aperture member 24 may be moved a predetermined amount depending on the open position of the first aperture member 23', and/or depending on if the open position of the first aperture member 23' is determined as likely to cause buffeting by controller 20.

In embodiments, the second aperture member 24 may be moved in dependence on the opened position of the first aperture member 23' only if the opened position of the first aperture member 23' is likely to cause buffeting (not shown).

In embodiments, the likelihood of the open position of the first aperture member of causing buffeting may be determined in dependence on one or more inputs indicative of a condition of the vehicle (not shown). In embodiments, the one or more inputs indicative of a condition of the vehicle may be compared to one or more predetermined thresholds. The inputs indicative of a condition of the vehicle may be provided by one or more vehicle condition sensing units 14. In embodiments, a method may comprise any of the steps described herein or any functions of the vehicle, system or controller as described herein as steps of the method. In embodiments, a system or controller may perform any of the steps as described herein. In embodiments, the controller 20 may prevent the user from moving the first aperture member 23 with continued input from the user input unit. This may occur where buffeting is likely to occur for example. The controller 20, instead of continued generation of an output signal for moving of the first aperture member 23, may instead generate an output signal to move a second aperture member 24. This may prevent opening of a first aperture member 23 to a point that causes buffeting, and instead opening a second aperture member 24 to increase ventilation. Thus ventilation may be increased as desired by the user without buffeting exceeding an undesired level. In embodiments, the output to move the second aperture member 24 may open the second aperture member 24 an amount that is proportional to the amount the first aperture member 23 is open. For example, the second aperture member 24 may be moved such that the second aperture 24 is open 24' a fixed percent of the amount the first aperture 23 is open 23'. In embodiments, the output to move the second aperture member 24 may cause the second aperture 24 to be open 24' a constant amount. For example, where the first and second aperture members 23, 24 are moved in a linear direction to open and close the first and second apertures members 23, 24 (such as car windows) the second aperture member 24 may be moved to be open the second aperture member a fixed amount (e.g. 20 cm) less than the opened position of first aperture member 23'. In embodiments, this may occur irrespective of whether the opened position of the first aperture member 23' is determined to cause buffeting, or only if the opened position of the first aperture member 23' is determined to cause buffeting.

In embodiments, the controller 20 may be operable to receive an input from a vehicle condition sensing unit 14 indicative of a condition of the vehicle (shown as an optional feature in figure 3). In embodiments, the vehicle condition sensing unit 14 may be comprised as part of system 12. The vehicle condition sensing unit 14 may be operable to measure a parameter of the vehicle. In embodiments, the controller may determine if an opened position of the first aperture member is likely to cause buffeting in dependence on the received input from the sensing unit. For example, the measured parameter may be compared to a threshold value. This may be, for example, an acoustic pressure sensor in the vehicle cabin to detect acoustic pressure fluctuations associated with buffeting. In other nonlimiting examples, speed of the vehicle or current position of the aperture members may be compared to predetermined values. If the controller determines the opened position of the first aperture member 23' is likely to cause buffeting, the controller 20 may generate an output to aperture member positioning unit 18 to move the second aperture member 24. In embodiments, this may comprise further moving the second aperture member. In embodiments, this may comprise additionally closing or partially closing the first aperture member 23.

In embodiments, a third aperture member may be moved and/or a fourth aperture member may be moved by controller 20 generating outputs to one or more aperture member positioning units 18. This may occur concurrent with moving the second aperture member 24 or may occur sequentially to moving the second aperture member 24. The controller 20 may generate outputs to move the third and fourth aperture members dependent on the position of the first or second aperture members, in the same manner described herein as for the second aperture member being dependent on the position of the first aperture member. In embodiments, the first aperture member 23 is an aperture member on the front half of the vehicle cabin 22 and the second aperture member 24 is on the rear half of the vehicle cabin 22 as shown in figure 3. In embodiments, the first aperture member 23 is a lateral window on a first side of the vehicle 26, and the second aperture member is a sunroof (not shown) or a lateral window on the second side (not shown) of the vehicle. Figure 3 shows a configuration also applicable to some embodiments, whereby the first and second aperture members 23, 24 are arranged on the same side 26 of the vehicle 21 , but the first and second aperture members may not be limited to those shown.

In normal use, repositioning of an aperture member may be initiated upon receipt of user input 31 , or may be initiated without user input, i.e. automatically. If repositioning of no aperture members is required, the controller 20 may optionally monitor the input from the vehicle condition sensing unit 14. Optionally, following repositioning of an aperture member, monitoring of the measured parameter may also occur. Monitoring may comprise continuously analysing or sampling input from vehicle condition sensing unit 14 by the controller 20.

In embodiments, when receiving a user input for closing the first aperture member, any of second, third or fourth aperture members may be closed prior to closing the first aperture member. The controller 20 may receive an input from the user input unit 6 for closing an aperture member, for example, the first aperture member 23. The controller may generate an output to an aperture member positioning unit 18 to close a second aperture member, prior to the first aperture member 23. This may be where any other aperture members have been opened after the first aperture member 23 has been stopped at a position likely to cause buffeting. In embodiments, the controller 20 may permit a user to select an optimisation strategy from a list of optimisation strategies pre-programmed into the controller. The controller 20 may reposition at least one aperture member based on at least in part, the selected optimisation strategy. The controller 20 may determine aperture member movement in dependence on the optimisation strategy. The controller 20 may determine which aperture member is to be repositioned, i.e. which aperture member is the second aperture member. The optimisation strategy may also determine the extent of which the aperture member is repositioned in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. In embodiments, the vehicle condition sensing units 4, 14 may include one or more of 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 22; a microphone or acoustic sensor for detecting sound pressure 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 vehicle condition sensing unit 4, 14 comprises an acoustic sensor, an output may be generated by the sensing unit receivable as an input to the controller 20. The input may be indicative of noise within the vehicle cabin associated with buffeting. The controller 20 may process the signal from the acoustic sensor to isolate a noise of interest. In a non-limiting example, the acoustic sensor may comprise filters (e.g. a Fourier or band pass filter) or other appropriate algorithms to isolate a noise of interest e.g. buffeting noise. In embodiments, the controller 20 may use this input to determine if an opened position of an aperture member is likely to cause buffeting. For example, the determination may be made by comparing a measured noise within the vehicle cabin to a threshold value of noise, or by using the measured noise in combination with another measured parameter. In embodiments, the controller 20 may prevent a first aperture member from being moved further if the input is greater than or equal to a threshold value of noise. 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 25 includes an aperture member position sensor, this may be operable (not shown) to provide an input to the controller 20 that corresponds to aperture member position. The system may be configured to provide a closed or open loop for repositioning the aperture member using the position sensor. The aperture member position may be used by the controller 20 as part of determining if an open position is likely to cause buffeting or as part of moving an aperture member. This input may be compared to a predetermined threshold value. This input may also be combined with vehicle speed in other embodiments.

The system may be configured to provide a closed or open loop feedback for repositioning of the aperture member using the vehicle condition sensing, (e.g. acoustic pressure, and position sensor for example). The aperture member may be repositioned until the parameter measured by the sensor reaches a given level, e.g. reaches a threshold, for example. A threshold may be set at a level below which buffeting is deemed comfortable and above which buffeting is deemed uncomfortable for the user. Likewise, an aperture member may be repositioned in response to a user input via the user input unit until the noise measured reaches a given level, e.g. reaches a threshold. The sensing unit output may be used by the controller 20 as part of determining an aperture member position or as part of selecting or repositioning an aperture member, for example.

The user input unit 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.

An aperture member positioning unit 18 may comprise an actuator and may comprise any associated mechanism for moving an aperture member. For example, an aperture member positioning unit 18 may 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 an aperture member to move. The output from a controller 20 may cause the motor of an aperture member positioning unit 18 to 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 controller 10, 20 may be a control electrical circuit, which may control the sensing unit(s) 4, 14, user input unit(s) 6, 16 and aperture member positioning unit(s) 8, 18 by means of electrically operated switches, which control the electrical energy supplied from the power supply to various subcomponents of the system 2, 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 unit, sensor unit or input unit. A controller or control electrical circuit may be located on a vehicle, and may be distributed in multiple locations on a vehicle. The electrical circuit 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. 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 to figure 5, an embodiment electrical circuit which may be included in the controller 10, 20 is shown, which comprises hardware resources 66. The hardware resources 66 comprise processor resources 68. The processor resources 68 comprise one or more processors 70, 72 adapted to execute machine readable instructions 74, 76, 78, 80, 82. The instructions may be for implementing a process wherein the process comprises receiving an input from the user input unit or the sensor unit, processing such input, determining a buffeting status, determining an aperture member position limit, determining whether to move an aperture member and generating an output signal to an aperture member positioning unit or other like process to move the aperture member. In embodiments the instructions 74, 76 are arranged on the one or more processors 70, 72. In embodiments the instructions 78 are arranged on separate memory/storage devices 84. In embodiments, instructions 80 may be arranged on peripheral devices 86, which may include but are not limited to sensor units, vehicle consoles, positioning units, which are in communication with the control electrical circuit by means of communication resources 88. In embodiments the instructions 82 are arranged on a remote database 90 (including a network-based or cloud-based system), which is in communication with the control electrical circuit by means of communication resources 88 over a computer network 92. The memory/storage devices can be implemented and computer-readable medium as defined herein. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored on computer readable medium, in the form of volatile or nonvolatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine-readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.