ANTI-MOTION SICKNESS DEVICE EQUIPPING A MOTOR VEHICLE, MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THIS DEVICE AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING LIGHT MARKERS INTENDED TO COMBAT MOTION SICKNESS

Abstract

ANTI-MOTION SICKNESS DEVICE EQUIPPING A MOTOR VEHICLE, MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED THEREOF AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING LIGHT MARKERS INTENDED TO COMBAT MOTION SICKNESS. The invention relates to an anti-motion sickness device equipping a motor vehicle (10), characterized in that the anti-motion sickness device comprises: - a triaxial accelerometer configured to detect the accelerations of the vehicle (10) along 3 axes and to emit a corresponding acceleration signal; - display means (12, 12', 12") of luminous markers capable of forming at least one first artificial horizon line (14, 14') at the level of a first interior surface (13) of the motor vehicle (10) and at least one second artificial horizon line (16, 16') at the level of a second interior surface (15, 15') of the motor vehicle (10), the said first and second artificial horizon lines (14, 16; 14', 16') being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other;- a control unit capable of receiving the acceleration signals emitted by the accelerometer and controlling said display means (12, 12', 12") in such a way that the first and second artificial horizon lines (14, 16; 14', 16') are aligned in a horizontal plane (A), perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the gravitational vector, whatever the accelerations of the vehicle, the position of said horizontal plane (A) along a direction parallel to the gravitational vector being able to vary as a function of a physical parameter related to the person seated in the motor vehicle being positioned just next to the first interior surface (13) and just in front of the second interior surface (15, 15').

Description

1 / 18 ANTI-MOTION SICKNESS DEVICE EQUIPPING A MOTOR VEHICLE, MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THIS DEVICE AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING LIGHT MARKERS INTENDED TO COMBAT MOTION SICKNESS

[001] The invention relates to a device intended to combat motion sickness integrated into a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle equipped with said device.

[002] A problem commonly encountered by people traveling in a vehicle, airplane, or boat is motion sickness, also called kinetosis. Motion sickness is due to a difference between the sensations felt in the vestibular system of the inner ear and those experienced by other senses, such as a person's visual perceptions. The balance receptors in the inner ear are sensitive to gravity (e.g., changes in orientation), speed, and changes in velocity (accelerations) that occur during vehicle movement. When the sensations felt by the inner ear do not correspond to the visual signals perceived by the person, it often results in motion sickness, manifesting notably as nausea and headache.

[003] For example, a passenger traveling on a winding road in a car is subjected to linear and angular accelerations each time the vehicle moves through a curve. The response of the vestibular detection system to the acceleration caused by the vehicle's movement will not correspond to visual perception unless the person continuously looks at the road, so that the perception of their inner ear corresponds to the visually perceived trajectory of the vehicle in the curves. This is why the driver of a vehicle generally does not suffer from motion sickness, while the passengers in the vehicle may suffer from it. In fact, the driver constantly monitors the road and visually perceives the movement of the vehicle, so that visual perceptions Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, p. 8 / 39 2 / 18 correspond to the senses of the inner ear. On the other hand, passengers in a vehicle who are only reading or looking inside the vehicle, or who are engaged in other activities that prevent them from monitoring the road, will have a visual perception that does not correspond to that of the inner ear.

[004] To avoid motion sickness, one solution is for the passenger to monitor the road as if driving the vehicle, so that the visual information they receive corresponds more closely to the sensations of their vestibular system. However, when seated in the back of the vehicle, they generally see the road only partially. The passenger's actual movement, as perceived by the inner auditory apparatus of the vestibular ear, cannot therefore be easily associated with the visual perception of that movement. Motion sickness cannot, therefore, be avoided in this case.

[005] Another solution for motion sickness, described in document US 2019 / 0083739, consists of using luminous markers on the interior uprights of a vehicle's passenger compartment, said luminous markers forming light columns on each side of the passenger compartment. The height of the light columns is controlled by electronic means in order to create an artificial horizon corresponding to the perception of the inner ear of a passenger seated in the vehicle. However, this solution has the drawback of defining an artificial horizon that does not take into account the size of the passengers and their position in the passenger compartment. Thus, in this known solution, a small child may have difficulty seeing the artificial horizon if it is positioned above their eyes. Similarly, a tall person will hardly be able to see the artificial horizon if their eyes are above the highest luminous markers of the light columns.Furthermore, this known solution only allows for the creation of a single artificial horizon in the passenger compartment. Therefore, if two people of different sizes were sitting side-by-side in the back of the vehicle, it would be desirable to define two artificial horizons at two different heights, with each artificial horizon being assigned a specific height. Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 9 / 39 3 / 18 specifically to one of the people. [ 006] The invention aims, therefore, to propose a device designed to combat motion sickness that is integrated into a motor vehicle and does not present the disadvantages of the aforementioned prior art.

[007] To that end, the invention relates to an anti-motion sickness device fitting a motor vehicle, the anti-motion sickness device comprising: - a triaxial accelerometer configured to detect vehicle accelerations along 3 axes and emitting a corresponding acceleration signal; - means of displaying luminous markers capable of forming at least one first artificial horizon line at the level of a first interior surface of the motor vehicle and at least one second artificial horizon line at the level of a second interior surface of the motor vehicle, said first and second artificial horizon lines being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other; - a control unit capable of receiving the acceleration signals emitted by the accelerometer and controlling said display means in such a way that the first and second artificial horizon lines are aligned in a horizontal plane, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the gravity vector, whatever the accelerations of the vehicle, the position of said horizontal plane along a direction parallel to the gravity vector being able to vary as a function of a physical parameter related to the person seated in the motor vehicle, being positioned just next to the first interior surface and just in front of the second interior surface. [ 008] Thus configured, the anti-motion sickness device of the invention eliminates motion sickness by displaying two artificial horizon lines, one in front of a person seated in the vehicle and the other to the side of said person, said lines being aligned in Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 10 / 39 4 / 18 a horizontal plane. The device also allows the height of the lines to be varied according to a physical parameter related to the person. [ 009] The device of the invention may also comprise one or more of the following features: - The physical parameter is the person's height while seated in the vehicle. - The control unit is capable of modifying the position of the horizontal plane defined by the first and second artificial horizon lines in response to a command manually entered by one of the vehicle's occupants via a control interface. The control interface is integrated into the vehicle's dashboard. The control interface is integrated into a central mount of the vehicle. - The control interface comprises an external surface functionally connected to capacitive-type detection means, said detection means being able to detect the contact of a finger on said external surface and transmit a corresponding signal to the control unit. - The control unit is capable of automatically modifying the position of the horizontal plane defined by the first and second artificial horizon lines in response to a signal emitted by a sensor configured to detect at least one physical parameter, particularly the position of the eyes, of the person sitting next to the first interior surface and directly in front of the second interior surface. The sensor is chosen from among a camera, an ultrasound sensor, a radio frequency sensor, and a weight measurement sensor positioned in one of the vehicle's seats. - the display means are capable of emitting at least two straight light beams, respectively a first light beam Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 11 / 39 5 / 18 projected onto the first interior surface, forming the first artificial horizon line, and a second light beam projected onto the second interior surface, forming the second artificial horizon line. - the display means comprise at least one light source emitting a main light beam and means for separating and diverting said main light beam into two secondary light beams. - The separation and diversion means comprise a prism designed to separate the light beam into two secondary light beams and a combination of mirrors and / or lenses designed to modify the trajectory of said secondary light beams. - the display means comprise at least one pair of light sources, respectively a first light source emitting the first light beam and a second light source emitting the second light beam. - the light source, or rather the pair of light sources, is a laser, or rather a pair of lasers. - the display means comprise at least three vertically oriented light columns, respectively a first light column arranged in alignment with the first interior surface and in alignment with the second interior surface, a second light column arranged in alignment with the second interior surface and to the left or right of the first light column, and a third light column arranged in alignment with the first interior surface and closer to the rear of the vehicle than the first light column, each of the light columns being formed by a plurality of vertically aligned light points, each of the light points being able to emit light in an activated state and not emit light in a deactivated state, and wherein the first artificial horizon line is formed by the virtual straight line passing through the highest activated light points or Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 12 / 39 6 / 18 lower in the first and third light columns respectively, and the second artificial horizon line is formed by the virtual straight line that passes through the highest or lowest activated light points in the first and second light columns respectively. Each of the light columns comprises a linear network of vertically aligned light-emitting diodes, each diode forming a luminous point. [ 010] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with the motion sickness device as defined above. [ 011] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the vehicle comprises at least one central mount, said central mount supporting the display means, said display means being configured to project the first light beam onto a rear side window or rear door panel of the vehicle and to project the second light beam onto an interior surface of the passenger compartment arranged substantially perpendicular to said window or said door panel, for example, the backrest of one of the front seats of the vehicle. [ 012] In another particular configuration of the invention, the display means are movable along the central upright in order to allow adjustment of the height of the artificial horizon lines in relation to a fixed horizontal plane. [ 013] The invention also relates to a method for displaying luminous markers intended to combat motion sickness, comprising the following steps: - detection of the accelerations of a motorized vehicle along 3 axes and sending corresponding signals to a control unit; - detection of a physical parameter related to the person seated in the motor vehicle and sending a corresponding signal to the control unit; - control by the display media control unit of Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 13 / 39 7 / 18 luminous markers capable of forming at least one first artificial horizon line at the level of a first interior surface of the motor vehicle and at least one second artificial horizon line at the level of a second interior surface of the motor vehicle, said first and second artificial horizon lines being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, such that the first and second artificial horizon lines are aligned in a horizontal plane, perpendicular to the gravity vector, whatever the accelerations of the vehicle, the position of said horizontal plane along a direction parallel to the gravity vector being able to vary depending on the physical parameter detected.

[014] Other features and advantages will clearly emerge from the description below of two particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of the rear of the passenger compartment of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention and according to a first mode of operation of the motion sickness device, with the vehicle not being subjected to any acceleration; [Fig. 1a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1; [Fig. 1b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1; [Fig. 2] is a view similar to Fig. 1, in a second operating mode of the motion sickness device; [Fig. 2a] is a view similar to Fig. 2, in which a first example of a command interface is represented; [Fig. 2b] is a view similar to Fig. 2, in which a second example of a command interface is shown; [Fig. 2c] is a perspective view from the front of the vehicle's passenger compartment shown in Fig. 1, in which an example of a sensor is shown; Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 14 / 39 8 / 18 [Fig. 3] is a view similar to Fig. 1, with the vehicle undergoing acceleration along the Y-axis; [Fig. 3a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 3; [Fig. 3b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 3; [Fig. 4] is a view similar to fig. 1, the vehicle being subjected to acceleration along the X-axis; [Fig. 4a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 4; [Fig. 4b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 4; [Fig. 5] is a view similar to Fig. 1, the vehicle being subjected to acceleration along the X-axis and along the Y-axis; [Fig. 5a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 5; [Fig. 5b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 5; [Fig. 6] is a view similar to Fig. 1, with the vehicle undergoing acceleration along the Y-axis; [Fig. 6a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 6; [Fig. 6b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 6; [Fig. 7] is a perspective view of the passenger compartment of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention, where the vehicle is not subjected to any acceleration; [Fig. 7a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 7; [Fig. 7b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 7; [Fig. 8] is a view similar to Fig. 7, with the vehicle undergoing acceleration along the Y-axis; [Fig. 8a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 8; [Fig. 8b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 8; [Fig. 9] is a view similar to fig. 7, the vehicle being subjected to acceleration along the X-axis; [Fig. 9a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 9; [Fig. 9b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 9; [Fig. 10] is a view similar to Fig. 7, the vehicle being subjected Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 15 / 39 9 / 18 to an acceleration along the X-axis and along the Y-axis; [Fig. 10a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 10; [Fig. 10b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 10; [Fig. 11] is a view similar to Fig. 7, with the vehicle undergoing acceleration along the Y-axis; [Fig. 11a] is a rear view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 11; [Fig. 11b] is a side view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 11;

[015] In the remainder of this description, and with reference to the XYZ Cartesian marker shown in figs. 1 and 7, the terms longitudinal direction will be used for a direction along the X-axis, transverse direction for a direction along the Y-axis, and vertical direction for a direction along the Z-axis. In addition, by convention, the term front will be used to indicate an orientation directed toward the front of the vehicle and the term rear will be used to indicate an orientation directed toward the rear of the vehicle.

[016] With reference to Fig. 1, a vehicle passenger compartment 10 is represented according to a first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a first vertically oriented lighting column 12 is supported by a central mount 11 of the vehicle and is arranged on the left side relative to the field of vision of a passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle, and a second vertically oriented lighting column 12' is supported by another central mount 11' of the vehicle and is arranged on the right side relative to the field of vision of a passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle. Each lighting column 12, 12' comprises at least one light source configured to project a first straight beam of light onto a rear side window or a rear door panel 13 of the vehicle and to project a second straight beam of light onto the backrest of one of the front seats 15 or 15' of the vehicle.The first beam of light emitted by the first lighting column 12 is projected directly onto the rear side window or the rear door panel 13. Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 16 / 39 10 / 18 adjacent to the first lighting column 12 along a first line 14, hereinafter referred to as the first artificial horizon line, and the second light beam emitted by the first lighting column 12 is projected onto the backrest of the front seat 15 directly adjacent to the first lighting column 12 along a second line 16, hereinafter referred to as the second artificial horizon line.Similarly, the first light beam emitted by the second lighting column 12' is projected onto the rear side window or rear door panel (not shown) directly adjacent to the second lighting column 12' along a first line 14', hereinafter referred to as the first artificial horizon line, and the second light beam emitted by the second lighting column 12' is projected onto the backrest of the front seat 15' directly adjacent to the second lighting column 12' along a second line 16', hereinafter referred to as the second artificial horizon line. In this configuration, the first and second artificial horizon lines are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other.

[017] By properly controlling the light source(s), it is thus possible to align the first and second artificial horizon lines 14, 16 and 14', 16' on a horizontal plane A that is always perpendicular to the gravity vector. Thus: a person sitting next to the rear side window 13 and behind the front seat 15 and staring at the aforementioned artificial horizon lines 14, 16 will have the same visual sensations as the driver looking at the road: therefore, they will no longer be subject to motion sickness.To achieve this result, vehicle 10 is advantageously equipped with a triaxial accelerometer configured to detect the vehicle's accelerations along the 3 axes X, Y and Z and to emit corresponding acceleration signals, and a control unit capable of receiving the acceleration signals emitted by the accelerometer and controlling the light source(s) so that the first and second artificial horizon lines 14, 16 and 14', 16' are aligned in a horizontal plane A. Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 17 / 39 11 / 18 perpendicular to the gravity vector, regardless of the vehicle's accelerations.

[018] Figs 1, 1a, 1b, 3 to 6, 3a to 6a and 3b to 6b illustrate various possible driving conditions and the corresponding operation of the motion sickness device equipping the vehicle of the invention.

[019] Thus, in the case where vehicle 10 travels on a flat road, as shown in figs 1a and 1b, it is not, in principle, subject to any acceleration. In this case, plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines 14, 16 and 14', 16' is parallel to the vehicle's floor P.

[020] In the case where vehicle 10 travels on a road inclined to the left relative to a fixed horizontal plane H, perpendicular to the gravity vector, as shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, it is subjected to acceleration along the Y-axis. This acceleration is detected by the triaxial accelerometer, which sends a corresponding acceleration signal to the control unit. In response to this acceleration signal, the control unit commands the corresponding light sources of the first and second lighting columns 12, 12' in order to align the light beams emitted by said light sources with the fixed horizontal plane H. In this case, plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines 14, 16 and 14', 16' is inclined relative to the vehicle's floor P at the level of the Y-axis, as shown in Fig. 3.

[021] In the case where vehicle 10 travels on a road inclined downwards with respect to a fixed horizontal plane H, perpendicular to the gravity vector, as shown in figs 4a and 4b, it is subjected to acceleration along the X-axis. This acceleration is detected by the triaxial accelerometer, which sends a corresponding acceleration signal to the control unit. In response to this acceleration signal, the control unit commands the corresponding light sources of the first and second lighting columns 12, 12' in order to align the light beams emitted by said light sources with the horizontal plane. Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 18 / 39 12 / 18 fixed H. In this case, plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines 14, 16 and 14', 16' is inclined relative to the vehicle floor P at the X-axis level, as shown in Fig. 4.

[022] In the case where vehicle 10 travels on a road inclined to the left and downwards relative to a fixed horizontal plane H, perpendicular to the gravity vector, as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, it is subjected to acceleration along the X-axis and along the Y-axis. This acceleration is detected by the triaxial accelerometer, which sends a corresponding acceleration signal to the control unit. In response to this acceleration signal, the control unit commands the corresponding light sources of the first and second lighting columns 12, 12' in order to align the light beams emitted by said light sources with the fixed horizontal plane H. In this case, plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines 14, 16 and 14', 16' is inclined relative to the vehicle floor P at the level of the X and Y axes, as shown in Fig. 5.

[023] In the case where vehicle 10 travels on a flat road and makes a left turn, as shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, it is subjected to acceleration along the X-axis. This acceleration is detected by the triaxial accelerometer, which sends a corresponding acceleration signal to the control unit. In response to this acceleration signal, the control unit commands the corresponding light sources of the first and second lighting columns 12, 12' in order to align the light beams emitted by said light sources with the fixed horizontal plane H. In this case, plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines 14, 16 and 14', 16' is inclined relative to the vehicle floor P at the Y-axis level, as shown in Fig. 6.

[024] The light beams of each of the lighting columns 12, 12' may be generated by two separate light sources, or by a single light source emitting a main light beam, said main light beam being subsequently separated and diverted into two Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, p. 19 / 39 13 / 18 secondary light beams by means of separation and diversion. The aforementioned means of separation and diversion could, for example, consist of a prism designed to separate the light beam into two secondary light beams and a combination of mirrors and / or lenses designed to modify the trajectory of said secondary light beams.

[025] The light source(s) may advantageously be moved along each of the lighting columns 12, 12' in order to modify the height of the artificial horizon lines 14, 16 and 14', 16' in relation to a fixed horizontal plane. Thus, and as shown in Fig. 2, the position of the light source(s) along the first lighting column 12 could, for example, be higher than the position of the light source(s) along the second lighting column 12'. This configuration is particularly suitable in the case where the person sitting in the left rear seat 17 is taller than the person sitting in the right rear seat 17'.This modification of the position of the light source(s) along the lighting column 12, 12' may be made with the aid of displacement means controlled by the control unit and in response to a command manually entered by one of the vehicle occupants via a control interface 19, which may be integrated, for example, into the dashboard 18, as illustrated in Fig. 2a, or into the central mount(s) 11, 11' of the vehicle, as illustrated in Fig. 2b. A control interface usable at this level may comprise an external surface functionally connected to capacitive-type detection means, said detection means being able to detect the contact of a finger on said external surface and transmit a corresponding signal to the control unit.In another possible configuration, the displacement of the light source(s) along one of the lighting columns 12, 12' could be carried out automatically in response to a signal emitted by a sensor configured to detect at least one physical parameter, particularly the size or position of the eyes of the person seated closest to the lighting column. Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 20 / 39 14 / 18 The sensor could, for example, be a camera 21, as shown in fig. 2c, an ultrasonic sensor, a radio frequency sensor, or a weight measurement sensor integrated into one of the vehicle's seats.

[026] With reference to fig. 7, a vehicle passenger compartment is represented according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the motion sickness device comprises at least three vertically oriented light columns, respectively a first light column 12 which is supported by a central mount 11 of the vehicle and which is arranged on the left side in relation to the field of vision of a passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle, a second light column 12' which is supported by another central mount 11' of the vehicle and which is arranged on the right side in relation to the field of vision of a passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle and a third light column 12 which is supported by a side mount 11 which is part of a rear side window or a rear door panel 13 and on the left side in relation to the field of vision of a passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle.Each light column 12, 12', 12 is formed by a plurality of light points aligned vertically, each of the light points being able to emit light in an activated state and not emit light in a deactivated state. Thus, a first artificial horizon line 14 is formed by the virtual straight line passing through the highest activated light points 17 and 17' in the first and third light columns 12, 12 respectively, and a second artificial horizon line 16 is formed by the virtual straight line passing through the highest activated light points 17 and 17' in the first and second light columns 12, 12' respectively. In this configuration, the first and second artificial horizon lines 14, 16 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other.In an advantageous variant of the invention, each of the luminous columns 12, 12' and 12 could comprise, for example, a linear network of vertically aligned electroluminescent diodes, each of the diodes. Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, p. 21 / 39 15 / 18 electroluminescent elements forming one of the luminous points of the luminous columns. In another configuration of the invention, the luminous points may be activated from the top of each luminous column. In this case, the first artificial horizon line 14 will be formed by the virtual straight line passing through the lowest activated luminous points in the first and third luminous columns 12, 12 respectively, and the second artificial horizon line 16 will be formed by the virtual straight line passing through the lowest activated luminous points in the first and second luminous columns 12, 12' respectively.Furthermore, vehicle 10 may advantageously comprise a fourth light column (not shown) which will be supported by a side mount which is part of a rear side window or a rear door panel and on the right side in relation to the field of vision of a passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle, said fourth light column allowing to define, in combination with the second light column 12', a third artificial horizon line 14' on the right side of the vehicle.

[027] By properly controlling the electroluminescent diodes of the first, second, and third light columns 12, 12', and 12, it is thus possible to align the first and second artificial horizon lines 14, 16 on a horizontal plane A that is always perpendicular to the gravity vector. Thus, a person sitting next to a rear side window or a rear side door panel 13 and behind the front seat 15 and staring at the aforementioned artificial horizon lines 14, 16 will have the same visual sensations as the driver looking at the road: then, they will no longer be subject to motion sickness. As in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the control of the electroluminescent diodes is carried out by means of a triaxial accelerometer and a control unit capable of receiving the acceleration signals emitted by the accelerometer. The control unit can also control the height of the higher or lower luminous points, depending on a physical parameter. Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, p. 22 / 39 16 / 18 linked to the person seated in one of the rear seats. In particular, a sensor located inside the passenger compartment may be configured to detect at least one physical parameter, particularly the size or position of the eyes, of the person seated in one of the rear seats and transmit the corresponding information to the control unit. In response to the information transmitted by the sensor, the control unit is able to modify the height of the highest or lowest light point of each of the light columns in order to align it, for example, with the position of the eyes of the person seated in the rear, which was previously detected by the sensor.

[028] Figs 7 to 11, 7a to 11a and 7b to 11b illustrate various possible driving conditions and the corresponding operation of the anti-motion device of the invention equipping the vehicle.

[029] Thus, in the case where vehicle 10 travels on a flat road, as shown in figs 7a and 7b, in principle it is not subject to any acceleration. In this case, plane A defined by artificial horizon lines 14, 16 is parallel to the vehicle's floor P.

[030] In the case where vehicle 10 travels on a road inclined to the left relative to a fixed horizontal plane H, perpendicular to the gravity vector, as shown in Figs. 8a and 8b, it is subjected to acceleration along the Y-axis. This acceleration is detected by the triaxial accelerometer, which sends a corresponding acceleration signal to the control unit. In response to this acceleration signal, the control unit commands the electroluminescent diodes of the first, second, and third light columns 12, 12', 12 in order to align the first and second artificial horizon lines 14, 16 with the fixed horizontal plane H. In this case, plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines is inclined relative to the vehicle's floor P at the level of the Y-axis, as shown in Fig. 8.

[031] In the case where vehicle 10 is traveling on an inclined road Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 23 / 39 17 / 18 to the right relative to a fixed horizontal plane H, perpendicular to the gravity vector, as shown in Figs. 9a and 9b, it is subjected to an acceleration along the X-axis. This acceleration is detected by the triaxial accelerometer, which sends a corresponding acceleration signal to the control unit. In response to this acceleration signal, the control unit commands the corresponding electroluminescent diodes of the first, second, and third luminescent columns 12, 12', 12 in order to align the first and second artificial horizon lines 14, 16 with the fixed horizontal plane H. In this case, the plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines is inclined relative to the vehicle floor P at the level of the X-axis, as shown in Fig. 9.

[032] In the case where vehicle 10 travels on a road inclined to the left and downwards relative to a fixed horizontal plane H, perpendicular to the gravity vector, as shown in Figs. 10a and 10b, it is subjected to acceleration along the X-axis and along the Y-axis. This acceleration is detected by the triaxial accelerometer, which sends a corresponding acceleration signal to the control unit. In response to this acceleration signal, the control unit commands the corresponding electroluminescent diodes of the first, second, and third light columns 12, 12', 12 in order to align the first and second artificial horizon lines 14, 16 with the fixed horizontal plane H. In this case, the plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines is inclined relative to the vehicle's floor P at the level of the X and Y axes, as shown in Fig. 10.

[033] In the case where vehicle 10 travels along a flat road and makes a left turn, as shown in Figs. 11a and 11b, it is subjected to acceleration along the Y-axis. This acceleration is detected by the triaxial accelerometer, which sends a corresponding acceleration signal to the control unit. In response to this acceleration signal, the control unit commands the corresponding electroluminescent diodes of the first, second, and third luminescent columns 12, Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 24 / 39 18 / 18 12', 12 in order to align the first and second artificial horizon lines 14, 16 with the fixed horizontal plane H. In this case, plane A defined by the artificial horizon lines is inclined relative to the vehicle floor P at the Y-axis level, as shown in Fig. 11. [ 034] The two embodiments described above are obviously not limiting to the invention. Other embodiments may be considered at this level.

[035] In addition, the invention also aims to protect a method for displaying luminous markers intended to combat motion sickness. This method may, in particular, comprise the following steps: - detection of the accelerations of a motorized vehicle along 3 axes, namely by means of a triaxial accelerometer, and sending corresponding signals to a control unit; - detection of a physical parameter related to the person seated in the motor vehicle and sending a corresponding signal to the control unit; - control by the control unit of means of displaying luminous markers capable of forming at least one first artificial horizon line at the level of a first interior surface of the motor vehicle and at least one second artificial horizon line at the level of a second interior surface of the motor vehicle, said first and second horizon lines being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, such that the first and second artificial horizon lines are aligned in a horizontal plane, perpendicular to the gravity vector, whatever the accelerations of the vehicle, the position of said horizontal plane along a direction parallel to the gravity vector being able to vary depending on the physical parameter detected. Petition 870220064430, dated 07 / 21 / 2022, page 25 / 39

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Motion sickness device equipping a motor vehicle (10), characterized in that the motion sickness device comprises: - a triaxial accelerometer configured to detect the accelerations of the vehicle (10) along 3 axes and to emit a corresponding acceleration signal; - display means (12, 12', 12") of luminous markers capable of forming at least one first artificial horizon line (14, 14') at the level of a first interior surface (13) of the motor vehicle (10) and at least one second artificial horizon line (16, 16') at the level of a second interior surface (15, 15') of the motor vehicle (10), said first and second artificial horizon lines (14, 16; 14', 16') being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other;- a control unit capable of receiving the acceleration signals emitted by the accelerometer and controlling said display means (12, 12', 12) in such a way that the first and second artificial horizon lines (14, 16; 14', 16') are aligned in a horizontal plane (A), perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the gravity vector, whatever the accelerations of the vehicle, the position of said horizontal plane (A) along a direction parallel to the gravity vector being able to vary as a function of a physical parameter related to the person seated in the motor vehicle being positioned just next to the first interior surface (13) and just in front of the second interior surface (15, 15').

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the physical parameter is the height of the person in a seated position in the vehicle.

3. Device, according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit is able to modify the position of the horizontal plane (A) defined by the first and second artificial horizon lines (14, 16; 14', 16') in response to a command entered manually by one of the vehicle occupants by means of a command interface.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control interface is integrated into the vehicle's dashboard (18).

5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control interface is integrated into a central mount (11, 11') of the vehicle.

6. Device, according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the control interface comprises an external surface functionally connected to capacitive-type detection means, said detection means being able to detect the contact of a finger on said external surface and to transmit a corresponding signal to the control unit.

7. Device, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit is able to automatically modify the position of the horizontal plane (A) defined by the first and second artificial horizon lines (14, 16; 14', 16') in response to a signal emitted by a sensor configured to detect at least one physical parameter, particularly the position of the eyes, of the person sitting next to the first inner surface (13) and in front of the second inner surface (15, 15').

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor is chosen from among a camera, an ultrasound sensor, a radio frequency sensor and a weight measurement sensor positioned in one of the vehicle's seats.

9. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display means (12, 12', 12) are capable of emitting at least two light beams in a straight line, respectively a first light beam projected onto the first interior surface (13) and forming the first artificial horizon line (14, 14') and a second light beam projected onto the second interior surface (15, 15') and forming the second artificial horizon line (16, 16').

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the display means (12, 12', 12) comprise at least one light source emitting a main light beam and means for separating and diverting said main light beam into two secondary light beams.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the separation and diversion means comprise a prism intended to separate the light beam into two secondary light beams and a combination of mirrors and / or lenses intended to modify the trajectory of said secondary light beams.

12. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the display means (12, 12', 12) comprise at least one pair of light sources, respectively, a first light source emitting the first light beam and a second light source emitting the second light beam.

13. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the light source, or pair of light sources, is a laser, or a pair of lasers.

14. Device, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the display means comprise at least three vertically oriented luminous columns (12, 12', 12), respectively a first luminous column (12) arranged in alignment with the first inner surface (13) and in alignment with the second inner surface (15, 15'), a second luminous column (12') arranged in alignment with the second inner surface (15, 15') and to the left or right of the first luminous column (12), and a third luminous column (12) arranged in alignment with the first inner surface (13) and more Petition 870220051343, dated 10 / 06 / 2022, p.12 / 15 4 / 5 closer to the rear of the vehicle than the first light column (12), each of the light columns (12, 12', 12) being formed by a plurality of light points aligned vertically, each of the light points being able to emit light in an activated state and not emit light in a deactivated state and wherein the first artificial horizon line (14) is formed by the virtual straight line passing through the highest or lowest activated light points (17, 17) in the first and third light columns (12, 12), respectively, and the second artificial horizon line (16) is formed by the virtual straight line passing through the highest or lowest activated light points (17, 17') in the first and second light columns (12, 12'), respectively.

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that each of the luminous columns (12, 12', 12) comprises a linear network of vertically aligned electroluminescent diodes, each of the electroluminescent diodes forming a luminous point.

16. Motorized vehicle (10), characterized in that it is equipped with an anti-motion sickness device, according to any of the preceding claims.

17. Motor vehicle (10) fitted with an anti-motion sickness device according to any of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that it comprises at least one central mount (11, 11'), said central mount supporting the display means (12, 12'), said display means being configured to project the first light beam onto a rear side window or a rear door panel (13) of the vehicle and to project the second light beam onto an interior surface (15, 15') of the passenger compartment arranged substantially perpendicular to said window or said door panel (13), for example, the backrest of one of the vehicle's front seats.

18. Vehicle (10), according to claim 17, characterized in that the display means (12, 12') are movable along the central upright (11, 11') so as to allow an adjustment of the height of the artificial horizon lines (14, 16; 14', 16') in relation to a fixed horizontal plane (H).

19. Method for displaying luminous markers intended to combat motion sickness, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - detection of the accelerations of a motor vehicle (10) along 3 axes and sending corresponding signals to a control unit; - detection of a physical parameter related to the person seated in the motor vehicle and sending a corresponding signal to the control unit; - control by the control unit of display means (12, 12', 12') of luminous markers capable of forming at least one first artificial horizon line (14, 14') at the level of a first interior surface (13) of the motor vehicle and at least one second artificial horizon line (16, 16') at the level of a second interior surface (15, 15') of the motor vehicle, the said first and second artificial horizon lines (14, 16;14', 16') being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, such that the first and second artificial horizon lines (14, 16; 14', 16') are aligned in a horizontal plane (A), perpendicular to the gravity vector, whatever the accelerations of the vehicle, the position of said horizontal plane (A) along a direction parallel to the gravity vector may vary depending on the physical parameter detected. Petition 870220051343, dated 10 / 06 / 2022, pp. 14 / 15;

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