FR3136731A1 - Method and device for controlling a user interface of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device (10) for controlling a user interface (12) of a vehicle, said method comprising: upon detection that a driving assistance function (F1) is activated, sending 'a first signal (CMD1) to the user interface (12) to cause a display of a first visual indicator (32) indicating that said driving assistance function (F1) is activated; upon detection that an energy saving function (F2), called eco function, is activated, sending a second signal (CMD2) to cause a display, in combination with the first visual indicator (32), of a second visual indicator (34) indicating that the eco function (F2) is activated, said second visual indicator (34) being displayed in a state specified by the second signal (CMD2) among a plurality of distinct states (ET1, ET2, ET3 ). Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Method and device for controlling a user interface of a vehicle

The present invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a user interface of a vehicle, and in particular but not exclusively for semi-autonomous vehicles. The invention aims in particular to control such a user interface as a function of the state of the vehicle to inform a user.

Technology background

Road safety is one of the important issues facing our societies. With the increase in the number of users, whether vehicles, pedestrians or even cyclists, on road networks around the world, the risks of accidents and incidents caused by these same users have never been greater. also important.

To improve road safety, certain contemporary vehicles are equipped with driving assistance functions or systems, known as ADAS (from English “Advanced Driver-Assistance System” or in French “Advanced Driving Assistance System”). . Among these ADAS systems, the adaptive cruise control system, known as ACC (from the English “Adaptive Cruise Control”), has the primary function of automatically regulating, in an adaptive manner, the speed of vehicles which are equipped with it according to their environment. Such an ACC system determines one or more acceleration instructions as a function of a speed instruction and information relating to the environment of the vehicle, the acceleration instruction(s) being able to regulate the speed of the vehicle in an adaptive manner , that is to say taking into account the environment of the vehicle.

Another example of an ADAS system is the speed limiter, this type of system being configured to limit the speed of vehicles equipped with it. A driver can thus choose a maximum speed limit that the speed of the vehicle cannot exceed. In practice, the accelerator pedal becomes inactive once the vehicle reaches the maximum speed limit programmed by the driver. Thus, the speed of the vehicle cannot theoretically exceed the speed limit set by the driver.

Furthermore, in addition to ADAS systems, certain vehicles give drivers the possibility of activating an energy saving function, also known as eco mode, allowing both to reduce or optimize the energy consumption of certain equipment or accessories and also to limit the speed of the vehicles concerned. Activating eco mode makes it possible in particular to increase the range of a vehicle making a long journey, on a motorway for example.

To assist a driver in driving, pictograms indicating active functions can be displayed on a screen or dashboard. But this type of user interface has some limitations. When eco mode is activated and limits the vehicle speed, it is possible to present the driver with a pictogram indicating both the eco function and the speed limiter, but this type of pictogram can be confusing. In particular, it can be difficult for a driver to quickly understand that the speed limit function is activated (classic limiter or eco mode limiter), which can lead to discomfort or confusion for the driver and driving errors.

Summary of the present invention

One of the objects of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems or deficiencies of the technological background described above.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the control of a user interface (a man-machine interface) of a vehicle, in particular to make it possible to better inform and assist a driver when driving a vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the provision of information to a user of a vehicle in which at least one ADAS function and an energy saving function (eco mode) are implemented.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a user interface of a vehicle, said method implemented by a control device comprising:
- upon detection that a driving assistance function of the vehicle is activated, sending a first signal to the user interface to cause a display of a first visual indicator indicating that said driving assistance function is activated, said driving assistance function comprising vehicle speed control limiting or regulating said speed according to a first speed setpoint;
- upon detection that an energy saving function, called eco function, is activated simultaneously with the driving assistance function, sending a second signal to the user interface to cause a display, in combination with the first visual indicator, a second visual indicator indicating that the eco function is activated, said second signal specifying a state according to which said second visual indicator is displayed among the following distinct states:
- a first state if the eco function does not limit the speed of the vehicle;
- a second state if the eco function limits the speed of the vehicle according to a second speed setpoint lower than the first speed setpoint; And
- a third state if the vehicle speed exceeds the second speed setpoint of the eco function.

The present invention advantageously makes it possible to effectively control a user interface of a moving vehicle so as to inform a user of the state of a first function, namely an energy saving function, called eco function (or mode eco), when this first function is activated at the same time as a second function, namely a vehicle speed limitation or regulation function. To the extent that the eco function is likely to itself include a speed limit function which takes precedence over (or is more restrictive than) the first function, this situation may be a source of confusion for the user and therefore cause discomfort. , disorder, and/or driving errors. In addition, if the vehicle is traveling at a speed higher than the speed setpoint imposed by the eco function speed limiter, this may also cause misunderstanding on the part of the user and therefore also be a source of error or danger. Thanks to the invention, information representative of the state of the above functions as well as the behavior of the vehicle can be returned in visual form to the user, in a compact and intuitive manner, thus making control of the vehicle easier, and making it possible to increase road safety.

According to a particular embodiment, the driving assistance function is a function for regulating the speed of the vehicle according to the first speed setpoint or is a speed limitation function limiting the speed of the vehicle as much as possible to the first value of order.

According to a particular embodiment, in the activated state, the eco function controls the vehicle to save the energy consumption of at least one accessory of said vehicle.

According to a particular embodiment, the state specified by the second signal is such that the second visual indicator comprises the same graphic pattern in the first, second and third states but is displayed according to variable characteristics of color and display frequency .

According to a particular embodiment, the process is such that:
- in the first state, the second visual indicator comprises a shape displayed continuously according to a first color profile;
- in the second state, the second visual indicator comprises said shape displayed continuously according to a second color profile different from said first color profile; And
- in the third state, the second visual indicator comprises said shape displayed discontinuously according to the second color profile.

According to a particular embodiment, the first signal causes an identical display of the first visual indicator independently of the state specified by the second signal.

According to a particular embodiment, said method comprises:
- detection that the driving assistance function and the eco function are simultaneously activated;
- monitoring of the eco function to determine if it limits the speed of the vehicle and, if so, to determine if the speed of the vehicle exceeds the second speed setpoint of the eco mode; And
- adaptation of the second signal according to the result of said monitoring.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a control device configured to implement the control method according to the first aspect of the invention. In particular, the second aspect of the present invention provides a device for controlling a user interface of a vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Note that the different embodiments mentioned in this document in relation to the control method according to the first aspect of the invention as well as the associated advantages apply analogously to the control device according to the second aspect of the invention .

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type or of the land motor vehicle type, comprising a control device according to the second aspect of the present invention. This vehicle can for example be a semi-autonomous vehicle.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for the execution of the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at minus a processor. In other words, the different stages of the control process are determined by computer program instructions. This computer program is configured to be implemented in a control device of the second aspect of the invention, or more generally in a computer.

Such a computer program can use any programming language, and be in the form of a source code, an object code, or an intermediate code between a source code and an object code, such as in partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a recording medium (or information medium), readable by the control device according to the second aspect or more generally by a computer (or a processor), on which a program is recorded computer comprising instructions for executing the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a ROM memory of the microelectronic circuit type, or even a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or terrestrial radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other ways. The computer program according to the present invention can in particular be downloaded onto an Internet type network.

Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in executing the method in question.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention below, with reference to the appended Figures 1 to 4, in which:

schematically illustrates a passenger compartment of a vehicle carrying a control device according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

schematically illustrates the control device and user interface of the , collectively forming a control system, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

schematically illustrates a control device and a control system configured to control a user interface of a vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; And

illustrates a diagram of different stages of a method of controlling a user interface of a vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the implementation examples

A method and a device for controlling a user interface of a vehicle will now be described in what follows with reference jointly to Figures 1-4. Unless otherwise indicated, elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.

The terms “first(s)” (or first(s)), “second(s)”, etc.) are used in this document by arbitrary convention to help identify and distinguish different elements (such as operations, threshold values, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below.

As previously indicated, the invention relates in particular to a method of controlling a user interface (also called HMI for "man-machine interface") of a vehicle, such as an automobile or other type vehicle, or more generally a motorized land vehicle type vehicle. The invention aims in particular, but not exclusively, at controlling a semi-autonomous vehicle.

This control method is based in particular on the control by a control device of the user interface considered, by sending signals (or commands) causing the display (or graphic restitution) of visual indicators to inform the user of the state of a driving assistance function (ADAS) and an energy saving function also known as eco function or eco mode.

According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the invention provides a method of controlling a user interface of a vehicle, said method implemented by a control device comprising: upon detection that a function driving assistance function of the vehicle is activated, sending a first signal to the user interface to cause a display of a first visual indicator indicating that said driving assistance function is activated, said driving assistance function comprising controlling the speed of the vehicle limiting or regulating said speed according to a first speed setpoint; upon detection that an energy saving function, called eco function, is activated simultaneously with the driving assistance function, sending a second signal to the user interface to cause a display, in combination with the first visual indicator, a second visual indicator indicating that the eco function is activated, said second signal controlling a state according to which said second visual indicator is displayed among the following distinct states:
- a first state if the eco function does not limit the speed of the vehicle;
- a second state if the eco function limits the speed of the vehicle according to a second speed setpoint lower than the first speed setpoint; And
- a third state if the vehicle speed exceeds the second speed setpoint of the eco function.

Examples of embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In particular, the schematically illustrates a passenger compartment of a vehicle 2, said vehicle comprising a control device 10 and a user interface 12. The control device 10 and the user interface 12 collectively form a system (or control system) 14. The control device control 10, comprising for example at least one calculator, is configured to control the user interface 12, in particular to control a restitution of information in the form of visual indicators by said user interface 12.

There schematically illustrates the control system 14 comprising the control device 10 and the user interface 12, as well as the operation of these elements, according to a particular embodiment.

The type and characteristics of vehicle 2 can be adapted as appropriate. The vehicle 2 is for example of automobile type or equivalent. Alternatively, these vehicles can be a coach, a bus, a truck, a utility vehicle or a motorcycle, or more generally a vehicle of the motorized land vehicle type.

According to a particular example, the vehicle 2 travels in a semi-autonomous mode. In other words, the first vehicle 4 can be an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

According to a particular example, the vehicle 4 is configured in a semi-autonomous mode, that is to say with a level of autonomy between 1 and 4 according to the scale (or classification) defined by the American federal agency which has established 5 levels of autonomy ranging from 1 to 5. Level 0 corresponds to a vehicle having no autonomy, the driving of which is under the total supervision of the driver; level 1 corresponding to a vehicle with a minimum level of autonomy, whose driving is under the supervision of the driver with minimal assistance from an ADAS system (from the English “Advanced Driver-Assistance System” or in French “System advanced driving assistance"); and level 5 corresponding to a completely autonomous vehicle.

The 5 levels of autonomy in the classification of the federal agency responsible for road safety are:

- level 0: no automation, the vehicle driver has full control over the main functions of the vehicle (engine, accelerator, steering, brakes);

- level 1: driver assistance, automation is active for certain vehicle functions, the driver maintaining overall control over vehicle driving; cruise control is part of this level, like other aids such as ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP (programmed electro-stabilizer);

- level 2: automation of combined functions, the control of at least two main functions is combined in the automation to replace the driver in certain situations; for example, adaptive cruise control combined with lane centering allows a vehicle to be classified level 2, as does automatic parking assistance;

- level 3: limited autonomous driving, the driver can cede complete control of the vehicle to the automated system which will then be in charge of critical safety functions; however, autonomous driving can only take place in certain specific environmental and traffic conditions (only on motorways for example);

- level 4: complete autonomous driving under conditions, the vehicle is designed to ensure all critical safety functions alone over a complete journey; the driver provides a destination or navigation instructions but is not required to make himself available to regain control of the vehicle;

- level 5: completely autonomous driving without driver assistance in all circumstances.

As shown in , it is assumed in the examples considered that the vehicle 2 is capable of implementing at least two functions, namely an ADAS function denoted F1 and an energy saving function (called eco function or eco mode) denoted F2. These functions F1 and F2 can be implemented by one or more computers of the vehicle 2 (possibly a computer operating or not as a control device 10). As indicated below, the eco function F2 itself includes a speed limitation function (or sub-function) F2a.

Each of these functions F1, F2 and F2a can be either in the activated state (active) or in the deactivated state (inactive) at a given time. In particular, the speed limit function F2a is an integral part of the eco function F2 and can therefore only be activated if the eco function F2 is itself active. Thus, function F2 can be activated while function F2a is in the activated state or in the deactivated state depending on the case.

For each function F1, F2 and F2a, switching between the activated and deactivated states can be carried out, for example, in response to one or more instructions from the user UR1 or possibly automatically by a device of the vehicle 2 (for example by one or more computers in charge of managing these functions F1 and F2).

When activated, function F1 performs (or includes) control of the speed of vehicle 2, this control limiting or regulating the speed of vehicle 2 according to a first speed setpoint C1 (figures 1-2). This first speed instruction C1 defines for example a limit speed or target speed according to which the speed of vehicle 2 is limited or regulated. In other words, the F1 function is either a speed limiter type function (or LVV for “Speed Limiter” in English) or a speed regulation type function (or ACC for “Adaptive Cruise Control” in English) depending on the case. A speed limitation function makes it possible to limit the speed of the vehicle 2 to a maximum speed defined by the speed setpoint C1 while a regulation function makes it possible to regulate the speed of the vehicle 2 adaptively depending on its environment and according to a speed instruction C1. Whatever the type of function F1 implemented, the speed reference C1 can for example be defined by the user UR1 using any input means (for example via the control means 35).

More precisely, according to a particular example, the function F1 is or includes a speed limitation function (LVV) configured to limit the speed of the vehicle 2 to a maximum speed defined by the first speed setpoint C1. This has the effect that the driver UR1 cannot accelerate further when the speed of vehicle 2 reaches the speed setpoint C1, thus limiting the speed of the vehicle to this setpoint C1. In practice, the accelerator pedal becomes inactive, for example, when vehicle 2 reaches the maximum speed limit C1 programmed by the driver. Note that it may happen in certain particular cases that the speed of vehicle 2 nevertheless exceeds the speed setpoint C1, typically in the event of descent giving speed to the vehicle (As indicated below).

According to a particular example, the function F1 is or includes a regulation function configured to automatically regulate the speed of the vehicle 2 as a function of environmental information representative of the environment of the vehicle 2 and according to a target speed defined by the first setpoint speed C1. From these environmental data and the speed setpoint C1, the function F1 determines one or more acceleration setpoints to apply to the vehicle 2 to regulate its speed adaptively, that is to say taking into account of the environment of the vehicle 2 (for example from an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle 2 and another vehicle, called the target vehicle, which the vehicle 2 is following).

When activated, the eco function (or eco mode) F2 reduces or optimizes the energy consumption of at least one piece of equipment (device, accessory, etc.) of the vehicle 2. The eco function F2 prevents, for example, at least a device to consume more than a predefined consumption level or deactivates (or reconfigures) one or more functions of the vehicle 2 to reduce energy consumption. Activating the F2 eco mode makes it possible in particular to increase the range of a vehicle making a long journey, on a motorway for example. The way in which this control over energy consumption is carried out can be adapted depending on the case.

As already indicated, in addition to the control over energy consumption, the eco function F2 includes a speed limitation function (or sub-function) F2a which, when activated, limits the speed of the vehicle 2 according to a second speed setpoint C2 ( ) which is lower than the first speed setpoint C1 applied by function F1. In other words, the speed limit function F2a is a sub-function which – when activated – imposes a speed limit according to a speed setpoint C2 that is even more restrictive than the speed setpoint C1 of the function F1. This makes it possible to save even more energy by limiting the vehicle to a maximum speed limit lower than that defined by the first speed setpoint C1. The second speed setpoint C2 is for example predefined by default (for example by the manufacturer or the user UR1) during an initial configuration of the eco function F2.

Furthermore, the user interface 12 comprises a display device 13, the latter comprising for example a screen, dashboard or equivalent, this display device being capable of displaying information in the form of visual indicators 30. This display device 13 is in particular capable of producing a graphic restitution of certain information in the form of visual indicators (or graphic indicators) 30, intended for example for a user UR1 ( ). It is assumed in the following examples that user UR1 is the driver of vehicle 2 although other users are possible. The nature of the information displayed by the display device 13 and the manner in which the display is carried out are described in more detail later.

In general, the visual indicators 30 can be presented for example in the form of pictograms, symbols, indicator lights or any other graphic elements capable of being displayed to visually restore information to a user UR1. As described below, each visual indicator 30 has for example a particular shape or pattern (dial, leaf, etc.).

According to a particular example, the user interface 12 may comprise, in addition to the display device 13, control means 35 configured to allow the user UR1 to send instructions to the user interface 12, for example in response to visual indicators 30 displayed by the display device 13. These control means 35 can take different forms (physical and/or tactile buttons), and can in particular be displayed as tactile buttons by a touch screen of the display device. display 13.

In the example shown in , the vehicle 2 carries the control device 10 and the user interface 12. The display device 13 can for example be or include a screen (or dashboard) integrated into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2 ( ).

According to a variant embodiment, the vehicle 2 carries the control device 10 but the user interface 12 is distinct (independent) from the vehicle 2. In this variant, the user interface 13 can be (or be included in) an external terminal , for example a smart phone (smartphone) or tablet or more generally any terminal capable of operating under the control of the control device 10.

As shown in , the control device 10 comprises in a particular example detection means 20 and a processor 22. According to a particular example, the detection means 20 take the form of a function implemented by the processor 22 or as a variant of one or of several sensors. These detection means 20 allow the control device 10 to detect the respective states (either activated or deactivated) of the functions F1, F2 and F2a. We consider in this example that when the eco function F2 is deactivated, the speed limit function F2a is also in the deactivated state.

According to a particular example, the control device 22 is configured to control the user interface 12 and in particular the display device 13. To do this, the control device 10 can generate and send CMD signals (or commands) to the user interface 12 to control (or cause) the display of visual indicators 30 by the user interface 12. The user interface 12 (and more particularly its display device 13) is thus configured to display the visual indicators 30 under the control of the CMD signals sent by the control device 10.

According to a particular example, the control device 10 is configured to adapt its control of the user interface 12 as a function of data DT1 received from the detection means 20, this data DT1 being representative of the respective states (either activated or deactivated) of the functions F1, F2 and F2a.

According to the example considered here, the control device 10 is able to send to the user interface 12 a first signal CMD1 to cause a display of a first visual indicator 32 indicating that the driving assistance function F1 is activated. Likewise, the control device 10 is able to send to the user interface 12 a second signal CMD2 to cause a display, in combination with the first visual indicator 32, of a second visual indicator 34 indicating that the eco function F2 is activated. This second visual indicator 34 is configured so that it can be displayed in different states (or modes) noted below as ET1, ET2 and ET3. In other words, the state in which the second visual indicator 34 is displayed is selectable as a function of the second signal CMD2 sent by the control device 10.

More particularly, in the example considered here, the second signal CMD2 sent to the user interface 12 specifies (or controls) a state according to which the second visual indicator 34 is displayed by the display device 13 among the following distinct states:
- a first state ET1 if the eco function F2 does not limit the speed of vehicle 2;
- a second state ET2 if the eco function limits the speed of vehicle 2 according to the second speed setpoint C2 (C1 being lower than the first speed setpoint C1); And
- a third state ET3 if the speed of vehicle 2 exceeds the second speed setpoint C2 of the eco function F2 (or more precisely the setpoint C2 of the subfunction F2a).

As described below in particular examples, the different states ET1-ET3 define display modes according to which the display device 13 is capable of displaying the second visual indicator 34.

For example, each state ET1, ET2 and ET3 defines (or triggers) a color and/or a display frequency according to which the second visual indicator 34 can be displayed by the display device 13 under the control of the device control 10. The display frequency can for example vary between either a continuous display, or a discontinuous display (flashing), of the second visual indicator 32 as described below.

Thus, the first and second visual indicators 32, 34 collectively form a hybrid visual indicator (or integrated visual indicator) part of which, namely the second visual indicator 34, is capable of changing state (among ET1, ET2 and ET3) under the control of the control device 10.

The processor 22 of the control device 10 is configured to implement a control process (or method) as described below. For this purpose, the control device 10 may comprise a computer program PG1 stored in a non-volatile memory 21 of the control device 10, this computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method (or process) of control as described below ( ). The processor 22 is then configured to execute the instructions defined by the computer program PG1.

The control device 10 can for example take the form of (or include a) calculator, or a combination of calculators. An example of implementation of the control device 10 is described later.

As indicated above, the control device 10, and more generally the control system 14, are configured to implement a control process. This process is now described jointly in Figures 1 and 2 according to particular embodiments.

It is assumed that vehicle 2 is moving, for example that it is traveling on any lane.

In a first operation, the control device 10 detects that the driving assistance function F1 of the vehicle 2 (ADAS function) is activated. In response to this first detection, the control device 10 sends a first signal CMD1 to the user interface 12 to cause a display of the first visual indicator 32 indicating that the driving assistance function is activated. As already indicated, the function F1 includes (or carries out) a control of the speed of the vehicle 2 limiting or regulating said speed according to the first speed setpoint C1.

As also indicated above, the function F1 can be a speed regulation function of the vehicle 2 according to the first speed setpoint C1 or a speed limitation function limiting the speed of the vehicle 2 as much as possible to the first setpoint value C1. The shape or graphic pattern of the first visual indicator 32 can be adapted depending in particular on the nature of the function F1 which is implemented.

According to a particular example, the activated state of the function F1 is detected using the detection means 20, that is to say from the data DT1 received from said detection means, these data DT1 being representative of the state (activated or not) of function F1.

In a second operation, the control device 10 detects that the eco function (or eco mode) F2 is activated. In the activated state, the eco function F2 controls, for example, vehicle 2 to save the energy consumption of at least one device or accessory of vehicle 2.

In response to this second detection, the control device 10 sends a second signal CMD2 to the user interface 12 to cause a display, in combination with the first visual indicator 32, of the second visual indicator 34 indicating that the eco function F2 is activated

In the example shown in , the second visual indicator 34 has a leaf shape (or graphic pattern). The shape or pattern of each visual indicator 32, 34 can however be adapted depending on the case.

Analogously to the first operation, the activated state of the function F2 can be detected using for example the detection means 20, that is to say from the data DT1 received from said detection means, these DT1 data being representative of the state (activated or not) of function F2.

Note that the first and second operations described above can be carried out one after the other or simultaneously depending on the case.

In addition, the second signal CMD2 sent by the control device 10 specifies (or controls) a state according to which said second visual indicator 34 is displayed by the display device 13 among the following distinct states:
- the first state ET1 if the eco function F2 does not limit the speed of vehicle 2;
- the second state ET2 if the eco function F2 limits the speed of vehicle 2 according to the second speed setpoint C2 lower than the first speed setpoint C1; And
- the third state ET3 if the speed of vehicle 2 exceeds the second speed setpoint C2 of the eco function F2 (or more precisely of the function F2a of the eco mode F2).

As already indicated, when activated, the eco function F2 may or may not include (or implement) a speed limitation function F2a according to the second set speed C2 depending on the case. If the eco function F2 is activated but does not implement the speed limitation function F2a according to the second speed setpoint C2 (F2 activated but F2a deactivated), then the control device 10 sends the user interface 12 a second signal CMD2 causing the display of the second visual indicator 34 according to the first state ET1. If the eco function F2 is activated and also implements the speed limitation function F2a according to the second speed setpoint C2 (F2 and F2a activated), then the control device 10 sends to the user interface 12 a second signal CMD2 causing the display of the second visual indicator 34 according to the second state ET2. Finally, if the eco function F2 is activated and the speed of vehicle 2 exceeds the second speed setpoint C2 of the eco function F2 (namely the setpoint applied by F2a), then the control device 10 sends to the user interface 12 a second signal CMD2 causing the display of the second visual indicator 34 according to the third state ET3. The speed of vehicle 2 may exceed the second speed setpoint C2 of the eco function F2 even though the speed limitation function F2a is activated, for various reasons, for example under the effect of an action by the driver or under the effect of an external cause (for example if vehicle 2 is moving downhill).

According to a particular example, in the case where the second signal CMD2 specifies the second state ET2 in the second state ET2, then the speed of the vehicle does not exceed the second speed setpoint C2.

According to a particular example, the state specified by the second signal CMD2 is such that the second visual indicator 34 comprises the same graphic pattern in the first, second and third states ET1, ET2, ET3 but is displayed according to variable characteristics of color and display frequency. This same graphic pattern has, for example, the shape of a leaf ( ).

According to a particular example, the display produced by the display device is such that:
- in the first state ET1, the second visual indicator 34 comprises a shape (for example a leaf) displayed continuously according to a first color profile;
- in the second state ET2, the second visual indicator 34 comprises said shape (for example the sheet) displayed continuously according to a second color profile different from said first color profile; And
- in the third state ET3, the second visual indicator 34 comprises said shape (for example the sheet) displayed discontinuously according to the second color profile.

Thus, the second visual indicator 34 can for example present the shape of the same pattern in the 3 states ET1-ET3, but with a variable color and according to a continuous/discontinuous variable display.

According to a particular example, the display produced by the display device 13 is such that:
- in the first state ET1, the second visual indicator 34 is displayed continuously in the form of an empty sheet to indicate that the eco mode F1 is activated but does not limit the speed of the vehicle 2 according to the second speed setpoint C2 ( function F2a disabled);
- in the second state ET2, the second visual indicator 34 is displayed continuously in the form of a full sheet to indicate that the eco mode F1 is activated and limits the speed of the vehicle 2 according to the second speed setpoint C2 (function F2a activated); And
- in the third state ET3, the second visual indicator 34 is displayed in the form of the same full sheet as in state ET2 but this time discontinuously (flashing of the indicator) to indicate that the eco mode F1 is activated and that the speed of vehicle 2 exceeds the second speed setpoint C2.
According to a particular example, the first signal CMD1 causes an identical display of the first visual indicator 32 independently of the state ET1-ET3 specified by the first signal CMD1 sent by the control device 10 (and therefore independently of the state according to which is displayed the second visual indicator 34). In other words, the control device 10 controls the user interface 12 so that the state of the first visual indicator 32 does not change (static display) regardless of the state in which the second visual indicator 34 is displayed.

According to a particular example, the control process implemented by the control device 10 comprises the following steps: detection that the driving assistance function F1 and the eco function F2 are simultaneously activated; monitoring of the eco function F2 to determine whether it limits the speed of vehicle 2 (in other words, detection of whether the speed limitation function F2a is active) and, if so, to determine whether the speed of vehicle 2 exceeds the second speed setpoint C2 of eco mode F2. The control device 10 then adapts the second signal CMD2 sent to the user interface 12 according to the result of said monitoring.

According to a particular example, the control device 10 sends a plurality of second CMD2 signals to the user interface 12 to control the latter over time according to the control process described above in particular examples.

According to a particular example, the control device 10 monitors in real time the activated/deactivated state of the functions F1, F2 and F2a and adapts the second signal CMD2 accordingly to modify the state of the second visual indicator 34. It is thus possible to adapt the display of the second visual indicator 34 according to the configuration and behavior of the vehicle 2.

According to a particular example, in response to the display of the visual indicators 32 and 34, a user instruction is received by the user interface 12, for example a command from the user UR1 using the control means 35 This instruction can be transmitted to the control device 10 and/or to any computer of the vehicle 2 to adapt the configuration of the vehicle 2. The user can thus modify, if necessary, the configuration of the vehicle 2 according to the visual indicators 30 restored by user interface 12.

The present invention advantageously makes it possible to effectively control a user interface of a vehicle so as to inform a user of the state of an energy saving function F2 when this function F2 is activated at the same time as a function F1 speed limitation or regulation. To the extent that this function F2 is likely to itself include a speed limitation function F2a which takes precedence over (or is more restrictive than) the function F1, this situation may be a source of confusion for the user and therefore lead to a discomfort, distress, and/or driving errors. In addition, if the vehicle is moving at a speed higher than that of the speed setpoint C2 of function F2a, this may also cause misunderstanding on the part of the user and therefore be a source of error or danger. Thanks to the invention, information representative of the state of the functions F1 and F2 as well as the behavior of the vehicle 2 can be returned in visual form to the user, in a compact and intuitive manner, thus making control of the vehicle 2 more easy, and making it possible to increase road safety.

There schematically illustrates a control device 10 configured to control a user interface of a vehicle, such as the user interface 12 of the vehicle 2 as previously described with reference to Figures 1-2, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The control device 10 corresponds for example to a device on board the vehicle 2, for example a computer.

The control device 10 is for example configured for the implementation of the operations of the control process as previously described with reference to Figures 1-2 and/or the steps of the method described below with regard to the . Examples of such a control device 10 include, without being limited to, on-board electronic equipment such as an on-board computer of a vehicle, an electronic computer such as an ECU (“Electronic Control Unit”), a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop. The elements of the control device 10, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and/or into discrete components. The control device 10 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

The control device 10 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 40 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method (or the control process) and/or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the control device 10. The processor 40 may include integrated memory, an input/output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The control device 10 further comprises at least one memory 41 corresponding for example to a volatile and/or non-volatile memory and/or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM , ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor 40 is for example stored on the memory 41. The memory 41 can constitute an information medium according to a particular embodiment in that it comprises a computer program (for example PG1 in ) comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method (or control process) of the invention.

According to different particular and non-limiting examples of embodiment, the control device 10 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and/or with communication devices, for example a TCU (from the English “Telematic Control Unit”). or in French “Telematic Control Unit”), for example via a communications bus or through dedicated input/output ports.

According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the control device 10 comprises a block 42 of interface elements for communicating with external devices, for example a remote server or the "cloud", or the vehicle 2 when the device control 10 corresponds to a smartphone or a tablet for example. The interface elements of block 42 include one or more of the following interfaces:

- RF radio frequency interface, for example of the Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or of the Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the band frequency at 2.4 GHz, or Sigfox type using UBN radio technology (from English Ultra Narrow Band, in French ultra narrow band), or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (from English “ Long-Term Evolution” or in French “Long-Term Evolution”), LTE-Advanced (or in French LTE-advanced);

- USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Bus Universel en Série” in French);

- HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface”, or “Interface Multimedia Haute Definition” in French).

According to another particular and non-limiting example of embodiment, the control device 10 comprises a communication interface 43 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system or on-board sensors such as the sensors 20) via a communication channel 45. The communication interface 43 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and/or data via the communication channel 45. The communication interface 43 corresponds by example to a wired network of the CAN type (from the English “Controller Area Network” or in French “Réseau de controllers”), CAN FD (from the English “Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate” or in French “Réseau de flexible data rate controllers"), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458), Ethernet (standardized by ISO/IEC 802-3) or LIN (from the English "Local Interconnect Network", or in French "Réseau local interconnected").

The control device 10 is for example coupled to the user interface 12 by means of the block 42 of interface elements or the communication interface 43 so as to be able to control the display of the visual indicators 30 by the device d display 13 as described previously.

According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the control device 10 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen, touchscreen or not, one or more speakers and/or other devices (projection system) via respective output interfaces. According to a variant, one or the other of the external devices is integrated into the control device 10.

There illustrates a diagram of the different stages of a method of controlling a user interface of a vehicle, for example of the user interface 12 of the vehicle 2 as previously described. The method is for example implemented by the control device 10 previously described, this device can be on board the vehicle 2. We now assume that this vehicle 2 is moving; it circulates for example on a traffic lane.

In a first step 51, upon detection that a vehicle driving assistance function F1 is activated, sending a first signal CMD1 to the user interface 12 to cause a display of a first visual indicator 32 indicating that said driving assistance function F1 is activated, said driving assistance function F1 comprising controlling the speed of the vehicle 2 limiting or regulating said speed according to a first speed setpoint C1.

In a second step 52, upon detection that an energy saving function F2, called eco function (or eco mode), is activated simultaneously with the driving assistance function F1, sending a second signal CMD2 to the user interface 12 to cause a display, in combination with the first visual indicator 32, of a second visual indicator 34 indicating that the eco function F2 is activated, said second signal CMD2 specifying a state according to which said second visual indicator is displayed among the following distinct states:
- a first state ET1 if the eco function F2 does not limit the speed of vehicle 2;
- a second state ET2 if the eco function F2 limits the speed of vehicle 2 according to a second speed setpoint C2 lower than the first speed setpoint C1; And
- a third state ET3 if the vehicle speed exceeds the second speed setpoint C2 of the eco function F2.

According to alternative embodiments, the variants and examples of the operations of the control process described above in relation to Figures 1-3 apply to the stages of the control process of the .

A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and variants described above constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention. In particular, those skilled in the art may consider any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a very specific need.

The present invention is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends in particular to a control method which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured to implement such a process.

The present invention also relates to a control system comprising the control device 10 and the user interface 12 as previously described.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally a land motor vehicle (for example semi-autonomous), comprising the control device 10 previously described.

Claims (10)

Method for controlling a user interface (12) of a vehicle (2), said method implemented by a control device (10) comprising:
- upon detection that a vehicle driving assistance function (F1) is activated, sending a first signal (CMD1) to the user interface to cause a display of a first visual indicator (32) indicating that said driving assistance function (F1) is activated, said driving assistance function comprising controlling the speed of the vehicle limiting or regulating said speed according to a first speed setpoint (C1);
- upon detection that an energy saving function (F2), called eco function, is activated simultaneously with the driving assistance function (F1), sending a second signal (CMD2) to the user interface to cause a display, in combination with the first visual indicator, of a second visual indicator (34) indicating that the eco function is activated, said second signal specifying a state according to which said second visual indicator is displayed among the following distinct states:
- a first state (ET1) if the eco function does not limit the speed of the vehicle;
- a second state (ET2) if the eco function limits the speed of the vehicle according to a second speed setpoint (C2) lower than the first speed setpoint; And
- a third state (ET3) if the vehicle speed exceeds the second speed setpoint of the eco function. Method according to claim 1, in which the driving assistance function (F1) is a function for regulating the speed of the vehicle (2) according to the first speed setpoint (C1) or is a speed limitation function limiting to maximum vehicle speed at the first setpoint value (C1). Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the activated state, the eco function (F2) controls the vehicle to save the energy consumption of at least one accessory of said vehicle. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the state specified by the second signal (CMD2) is such that the second visual indicator (34) comprises the same graphic pattern in the first, second and third states (ET1-ET3 ) but is displayed according to variable characteristics of color and display frequency. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which:
- in the first state (ET1), the second visual indicator (34) comprises a shape displayed continuously according to a first color profile;
- in the second state (ET2), the second visual indicator (34) comprises said shape displayed continuously according to a second color profile different from said first color profile; And
- in the third state (ET3), the second visual indicator (34) comprises said shape displayed discontinuously according to the second color profile. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first signal (CMD1) causes an identical display of the first visual indicator independently of the state specified by the second signal (CMD2). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising:
- detection that the driving assistance function (F1) and the eco function (F2) are simultaneously activated;
- monitoring of the eco function (F2) to determine if it limits the speed of the vehicle and, if so, to determine if the speed of the vehicle exceeds the second speed setpoint (C2) of the eco mode; And
- adaptation of the second signal (CMD2) according to the result of said monitoring. Computer program (PG1) comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor (40). Device (10) for controlling a user interface of a vehicle, said device comprising a memory (41) associated with at least one processor (40) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of the claims 1 to 7. Vehicle (4) comprising the control device (10) according to claim 9.