FR3150335A1 - Method and device for controlling a vehicle display system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a display system of a vehicle (10) comprising a screen and connected to a mobile communication device (100) via a wireless connection. For this purpose, data representative of a current position of the vehicle and a position of a destination are received, as well as data representative of a position of a stopping point different from the position of the destination of the vehicle. Data representative of the position of the stopping point and the position of the destination are then transmitted to the mobile communication device. Data representative of a position reached by the mobile communication device are received and a distance separating the position of the destination from the position reached is determined and then compared to a threshold, a message being displayed on the screen according to a result of the comparison. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Method and device for controlling a vehicle display system

The present invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a display system of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method and a device for controlling a human-machine interface of a vehicle.

Technological background

To plan a journey to be made with a vehicle, it is known to use a navigation system, such a system being for example embedded in the vehicle or implemented in a mobile device, for example a mobile phone, itself embedded in the vehicle. Such a system uses map data such as digital road maps indicating the different road routes that the vehicle can take to go from a point A, called the starting point, to a point B, called the destination.

This map data is used, for example, to suggest to a driver the shortest route, the quickest route or the one that does not take a fast lane, etc. It can also be used by certain functions or driver assistance systems, known as ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance System), to guide or control the vehicle in its environment to reach its destination.

It is possible to enter a destination in a navigation system, but not to complete the journey in one go or even to stop during the journey. Stopping during the journey can take place in the event of a change of destination, for example, or because a vehicle user wishes to complete the journey using other means, for example on foot or by public transport.

When the user returns to their vehicle, the vehicle is unable to determine whether the user has reached their destination by other means. It is then possible that the navigation system resumes guidance to the destination already reached or, conversely, that the guidance system does not offer to complete the journey while the user still wishes to go to the previously entered destination.

Summary of the present invention

An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

Another object of the present invention is to optimize the use of on-board systems in a vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to improve the relevance of information displayed by a vehicle display system.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a display system of a vehicle comprising a screen, the vehicle being connected to a mobile communication device via a wireless connection, the method comprising the following steps:
- reception of first data representative of a current position of the vehicle and a position of a destination;
- reception of second data representing a position of a stopping point different from the position of the vehicle's destination;
- transmission of third data representing the position of the stopping point and the position of the destination to the mobile communication device;
- reception of fourth data representative of a position reached by the mobile communication device;
- determination of a distance separating the destination position from the reached position based on the first data and the fourth data;
- comparison of the distance to a first threshold; and
- control of the display of a message in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed on the screen, depending on a result of the comparison.

The message is thus displayed on the screen depending on whether or not the destination has been reached, with the destination being reached when the distance separating the destination position from the position reached is less than the first threshold.

According to a method variant, the message is displayed when the distance is greater than the first threshold.

The message is thus only displayed when it is relevant, i.e. when the destination has not been reached. In the case where the destination has been reached by the mobile communication device without using the vehicle, no message is displayed.

According to another variant, the method further comprises the steps of determining a duration separating the transmission of the third data and the reception of the fourth data and of comparing the duration to a second threshold,
the display control being a function of a result of the comparison of the duration to the second threshold.

According to yet another method variant, the message is displayed when the duration is less than the second threshold.

Beyond a certain duration, the message is no longer relevant. It is then no longer displayed.

According to an additional method variant, the second threshold is equal to 24 hours.

According to another method variant, the mobile connection device is a smartphone.

According to yet another method variant, the position reached is determined by a satellite geolocation system.

Such a reliable and precise geolocation system is used in many mobile communication devices.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling a display system of a vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention.

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 method according to the first aspect of the present invention, this in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

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

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

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

On the other hand, this recording medium may 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 hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from a network such as the Internet.

Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing 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 exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 4, in which:

schematically illustrates an environment of a vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

schematically illustrates a device configured for controlling a vehicle display system of the , according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method of controlling a vehicle display system of the , according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

schematically illustrates a journey of the vehicle of the , according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Description of examples of implementation

A method and device for controlling a display system of a vehicle will now be described in the following with joint reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

The terms “first(s)”, “second(s)” (or “first(s)”, “second(s)”), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single and unique element, depending on the embodiment.

According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control of a display system of a vehicle, for example by a computer of the vehicle, comprising a screen and connected to a mobile communication device via a wireless connection, comprises the reception of data representative of a current position of the vehicle and of a position of a destination.

Control of the display system also includes receiving data representative of a position of a stopping point different from the position of the vehicle's destination.

Data representing the position of the stopping point and the position of the destination are transmitted to the mobile communication device.

Data representative of a position reached by the mobile communication device is received and a distance separating the destination position from the reached position is determined and then compared to a threshold and a display of a message is controlled, the message being displayed on the screen depending on a result of the comparison.

Such a method has the advantage of displaying a message depending on whether or not the destination has been reached by the mobile communication device. The message displayed is then relevant.

There schematically illustrates an environment 1 in which a vehicle operates, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle 10 corresponds for example to a vehicle with a thermal engine, with electric motor(s) or even a hybrid vehicle with a thermal engine and one or more electric motors. The vehicle 10 thus corresponds for example to a land vehicle, for example an automobile, a truck, a coach.

According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 has one or more ADAS systems, each controlled by one or more computers. These computers form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for carrying out various services useful for the proper operation of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and/or passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle 10 via the control of the ADAS system(s) embedded in the vehicle 10. The computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a communication bus of the CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or Ethernet (according to the ISO/IEC 802-3 standard).

The vehicle 10 carries a navigation and geolocation system, also called a GNSS system (Geolocation and Navigation by a Satellite System), for example a GPS type system (from the English “Global Positioning System” or in French “Geo-positioning system by satellites”).

The vehicle 10 is also configured to communicate, i.e. receive and transmit data with other vehicles, mobile communications devices and/or an infrastructure of a communications network according to a wireless communications mode, called V2X.

For this purpose, the vehicle 10 carries a communication unit corresponding for example to a communication box of the telematic control unit type TCU (from the English "Telematic Control Unit"), BTA box ("Autonomous Telematic Box") or BSRF box ("Radio Frequency Servitude Box"). Such a unit is advantageously connected to one or more antennas 110 for example to transmit and/or receive data to and/or from a remote device 112, for example a remote server of the "cloud" 113 (or "cloud" in French), or a mobile communication device 100, via a wireless link, according to OTA technology (from the English "Over The Air" or in French "by air") for example. The wireless communication between the vehicle 10 and the remote device is established for example according to a direct communication mode (for example when the mobile communication device 100 is in the vehicle 10 or at a distance from the vehicle 10 allowing such a communication mode, for example at a distance of less than 10, 20 or 50 m). The wireless connection is based for example on one or more wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi® (based on IEEE 802.11), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, 3GPP ( ^{3rd Generation} Partnership Project) of the fourth or fifth generation, called 3GPP 4G or 5G.

For example, the mobile communication device 100 corresponds to a portable or mobile telephone, for example a smartphone, a tablet or a connected object such as a connected watch (or a so-called smart watch).

The environment 1 of the vehicle 10 comprises, for example, a mobile communication infrastructure, for example an infrastructure of a V2X (Vehicle-to-everything) type network, with which the vehicle 10 is configured to communicate data. The communication infrastructure implements, for example, communications according to LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Avanced (Long-Term Evolution - Advanced), C-V2X (Cellular - Vehicle to Everything) technology which is based on 4G and/or 5G, based on LTE. The vehicle 10 advantageously communicates using a so-called V2X communication system, for example based on the 3GPP LTE-V or IEEE 802.11p standards of ITS G5. In such a V2X communication system, each vehicle carries a node to enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and/or vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication.

The network infrastructure includes, for example, communication devices corresponding to relay antennas and/or roadside units (RUs) 110, each corresponding to a node of the network.

The antenna or UBR 110 is advantageously connected to one or more remote servers 111, 112, for example via the “cloud” 113 (or in French “nuage”), via a wired and/or wireless connection. The antenna or UBR 110 is thus configured to act as a relay between the “cloud” 100 (and the remote server 111) and the vehicle 10.

The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates, for example, in its passenger compartment a display system comprising a screen and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphical HMI on the screen. The computer corresponds for example to the computer of the infotainment system, called the IVI computer (from the English “In-Vehicle Infotainment” or in French “Infodivertissement embargo”) of the vehicle.

The screen is for example touch-sensitive and corresponds for example to an LCD type screen (from the English “Liquid Crystal Display” or in French “Display à cristaux liquide”), for example of the TFT type (from the English “Thin-Film Transistor” or in French “Transistor en film mince”), or OLED type (from the English “Organic Light-Emitting Diode” or in French “Diode électroluminescente biologique”). The screen is for example arranged in the center of the dashboard, for example above a central facade. Of course, the position of the screen is not limited to this example, the screen can be arranged in any position, for example on the central facade.

The screen is used to display content intended for the driver and passengers of the vehicle. The screen is also configured to allow the driver and/or passengers of the vehicle to interact with one or more systems embedded in the vehicle via a human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on the screen. For example, the screen is used to control the infotainment system, also called the IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system of the vehicle, as well as, for example, the system responsible for controlling a journey of the vehicle 10, as described below.

According to another example, not illustrated here, the screen is not integrated into the passenger compartment but corresponds to a screen of a second mobile communication device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, connected in communication, for example wirelessly, with the on-board system of the vehicle.

A process for controlling a display system of the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors of one or more computers of the vehicle 10, for example by the IVI computer.

A user enters or selects, for example, via the HMI, locations corresponding to the position of a starting point A and a destination B. The starting point is, for example, the current position of vehicle 10.

Data representative of the position of the starting point A are for example obtained from the location system on board the vehicle 10.

Data representative of the destination position B are for example obtained from a map associated with the geolocation system of the vehicle 10.

This data is used, for example, to calculate one or more routes in order to guide the driver of the vehicle 10 using a navigation system to the previously defined destination.

In a first operation, the calculator receives initial data representing the starting point A and a position of a destination B.

The vehicle 10 then begins its journey by following, for example, a route calculated to take it to the destination position B.

During the journey, and as illustrated in the , the vehicle 10 is caused to stop at a position of a stopping point B' before reaching the position of its destination B. Stopping is defined as parking the vehicle 10, for example, associated with switching off an engine of the vehicle 10. The reasons for such a stop are varied.

In a first example, the driver needs to rest and therefore takes a break, for example at a rest area.

In a second example, an occupant of the vehicle 10 wishes to reach the destination position B by another means, for example on foot or by using public transport.

In a second operation, second data representative of a position of the breakpoint B' are received.

These second data come for example from the geolocation system on board the vehicle 10.

One of the occupants of the vehicle 10 carries a mobile communication device 100 connected to the vehicle 10 by a wireless connection. As previously developed, this connection may be direct, for example via a Bluetooth® connection, or indirect, for example via a 5G network and the cloud 113.

In a third operation, third data representative of the position of the stopping point B' and the position of the destination B are transmitted to the mobile communication device 100.

The mobile communication device 100 then receives the two positions, which it stores in memory, for example, before being out of range of the vehicle 10, that is to say as long as the connection with the vehicle 10 is possible.

Advantageously, a computer of the vehicle 10 records the time and date on which the stop occurred.

The mobile communication device 100 integrates, for example, a satellite geolocation system.

The mobile communication device 100 is then moved. It allows, for example, to guide one of the occupants of the vehicle 10 to the position of the destination B via a satellite guidance and geolocation system.

In another example, the communication device 100 is not used. It is then passive, its position being recorded however.

The positions of the mobile communication device 100 are, according to these different examples, recorded. Among the recorded positions, a reached position C corresponds to the position closest to the position of the destination B reached by the mobile communication device 100.

When the mobile communication device 100 returns within range of the vehicle 10, for example when the occupant of the vehicle 10 boarding the mobile communication device 100 returns to the vehicle 10, the mobile communication device 100 transmits the position reached C to the computer of the vehicle 10.

In a fourth operation, fourth data representative of the position reached C by the mobile communication device 100 are received, for example by the IVI calculator.

Optionally, the calculator records the time and date when it receives this fourth data.

In a fifth operation, a distance d separating the destination position B from the reached position C is determined based on the first data and the fourth data. Such a distance is then expressed in meters, hundreds of meters or kilometers.

In a sixth operation, this distance d is compared to a first threshold. Such a threshold makes it possible to evaluate whether the position of the destination B was reached by the mobile communication device 100 when it was distant from the vehicle 10. The threshold is for example 50m, 100m or 500m.

Indeed, if the driver, for example, took a break at a rest area 100 km from the position of destination B, he will have travelled a few metres but not approached the position of destination B significantly, the position reached C still being of the order of 100 km, significantly higher than the first threshold. It is then clear that the driver has not reached the position of destination B.

Conversely, if the vehicle was stopped and parked a few kilometers from the position of destination B and the mobile communication device 100 subsequently recorded a position reached C of the order of a few meters, then the mobile communication device has indeed reached the position of destination B.

Optionally, in a seventh operation, a duration separating the transmission of the third data and the reception of the fourth data is determined and compared to a second threshold.

This duration makes it possible to evaluate the probability that the journey started, from the starting point position A to the destination position B, will resume, while the vehicle 10 is parked at the stopping point B’.

For example, if this duration is a few minutes, it is very likely that the journey will resume. Conversely, if the vehicle has been parked for several days at stopping point B’, it is likely that the journey will not resume because it is no longer relevant.

The second threshold corresponds for example to a determined duration value stored in memory, such a value being for example equal to 24h (24 hours).

According to other examples, the value of the second threshold is equal to 12h, 24h, 48h, 72h, etc.

Alternatively, the second threshold is a configurable system parameter, the duration of which can be adjusted, for example, via a specific content of the HMI. This allows the driver, for example, to set the value of the second threshold according to his criteria, for example for a duration between 24 hours (1 day) and 168 hours (7 days).

In an eighth operation, a display of a message is controlled in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed on the screen.

The message is, for example, a text message proposing to the driver of the vehicle 10 to reactivate a guidance function using a navigation system, the new destination position being identical to the previously defined destination position B.

This message is displayed based on the result of the distance comparison to the first threshold.

Optionally, the display of the message is also determined based on the result of the comparison of the duration to the second threshold.

Thus, the message is displayed when the distance is greater than the first threshold, the position of the destination not having been reached by the mobile communication device 100.

In the case of taking into account the result of the comparison of the duration with the second threshold, this message is for example only displayed if the duration is less than the value of the second threshold. Thus, the resumption of guidance is only proposed via the display of the message if the vehicle stop has not, for example, exceeded one day, i.e. 24 hours.

Thus, the message is only offered to the driver who resumes the journey if this message is deemed relevant. This process thus avoids the display of an unnecessary message to the driver, or conversely it allows the driver to be offered to resume the journey started under certain conditions, thus making the display of the message useful.

There schematically illustrates a device 2 configured for controlling a display system of a vehicle, for example of the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device 2 corresponds for example to a device embedded in the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

Device 2 is for example configured to implement the operations described with regard to the and/or steps of the method described with respect to the . Examples of such a device 2 include, but are not limited to, on-board electronic equipment such as an on-board computer of a vehicle, an electronic calculator such as an ECU (“Electronic Control Unit”), a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop. The elements of the device 2, individually or in combination, can be integrated in a single integrated circuit, in several integrated circuits, and/or in discrete components. The device 2 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

The device 2 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 20 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and/or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the device 2. The processor 20 may include integrated memory, an input/output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 2 further comprises at least one memory 21 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 is for example stored in the memory 21.

According to various particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the device 2 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 communication bus or through dedicated input/output ports.

According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 2 comprises a block 22 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 22 comprise 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 2.4 GHz frequency band, or of the Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced;
- USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Universal Serial Bus” in French);
- HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface”);
- LIN interface (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”).

According to another particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 2 comprises a communication interface 23 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 230. The communication interface 23 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and/or data via the communication channel 230. The communication interface 23 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (standardized by the ISO/IEC 802-3 standard).

According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 2 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 240, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 250 and/or other peripherals 260 (projection system) via output interfaces 24, 25 and 26 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device 2.

There illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for controlling a display system of a vehicle, for example of the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method is for example implemented by a device on board the vehicle 10 or by the device 2 of the .

In a first step 31, first data representative of a current position A of the vehicle 10 and of a position of a destination B are received.

In a second step 32, second data representative of a position of a stopping point B’ different from the position of the destination B of the vehicle 10 are received.

In a third step 33, third data representative of the position of the stopping point B’ and the position of the destination B are transmitted to the mobile communication device 100.

In a fourth step 34, fourth data representative of a position reached C by the mobile communication device 100 are received.

In a fifth step 35, a distance d separating the destination position B from the reached position C is determined.

In a sixth step 36, the distance d is compared to a first threshold.

In a seventh step 37, the display of a message is controlled in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed on the screen, depending on a result of the comparison.

According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to the apply to the process steps of the .

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for controlling a display system which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile, comprising the device 2 of the .

Claims (10)

A method of controlling a display system of a vehicle (10) comprising a screen, said vehicle (10) being connected to a mobile communication device (100) via a wireless connection, said method comprising the following steps:
- reception (31) of first data representative of a current position (A) of said vehicle (10) and of a position of a destination (B);
- reception (32) of second data representative of a position of a stopping point (B') different from said position of the destination (B) of said vehicle (10);
- transmission (33) of third data representative of said position of the stopping point (B') and of said position of the destination (B) to said mobile communication device (100);
- reception (34) of fourth data representative of a position reached (C) by said mobile communication device (100);
- determination (35) of a distance (d) separating the position of said destination (B) from said reached position (C) as a function of the first data and the fourth data;
- comparison (36) of said distance (d) with a first threshold; and
- control (37) of display of a message in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed on said screen, according to a result of said comparison. Method according to claim 1, wherein said message is displayed when said distance (d) is greater than said first threshold. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising the steps of determining a duration separating said transmission of the third data and said reception of the fourth data and of comparing said duration to a second threshold,
said display control being a function of a result of the comparison of the duration to the second threshold. The method of claim 3, wherein said message is displayed when said duration is less than said second threshold. Method according to one of claims 3 to 4, for which said second threshold is equal to 24 hours. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, for which said mobile connection device (100) is a smartphone. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, for which said position reached (C) is determined by a satellite geolocation system. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor. Device (2) for controlling a display system of a vehicle, said device (2) comprising a memory (21) associated with at least one processor (20) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (2) according to claim 9.