Method for ensuring information display in a vehicle

Abstract

A method for ensuring information display in a vehicle equipped with a driver assistance system, which makes it possible to detect a connected infrastructure element, possibly having a plurality of states, and to estimate the temporal proximity to this infrastructure element, the method comprising ensuring the display of information related to a driving event displayed on a display unit of the system.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a method for ensuring information display in a vehicle. The invention also relates to a driver assistance system for a vehicle, and a vehicle including such an assistance system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program for implementing the method.

[0002] The use of driver assistance technologies is becoming increasingly widespread and is no longer limited to high-end vehicles. These technologies simplify the driving of motor vehicles and / or make the behavior of the drivers of such vehicles more reliable. Specifically, driver assistance systems improve user comfort and safety by adjusting the overall speed of the vehicle. This is particularly evident in assistance methods and systems, such as systems that recommend optimal longitudinal speed based on traffic lights, also known as the abbreviation "GLOSA" (greenlight optimal speed advisory), or "ACC" type adaptive speed regulators, where ACC stands for "Adaptive Cruise Control."

[0003] Such systems typically include interface systems comprising screen-type display modules that broadcast information relevant to real-time and / or future driving events. However, such display modules may reduce a driver's or her alertness by diverting their attention from the driving lane, potentially triggering abnormal behavior that could lead to an accident.

[0004] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide a method for ensuring information display in a motor vehicle and a driving assistance system capable of implementing such a method.

[0005] This invention proposes a method for ensuring information display in a vehicle equipped with a driver assistance system, the method comprising the following steps:

[0006] - The step of detecting infrastructure elements that may have multiple states, particularly connected traffic lights;

[0007] - The steps of transmitting data related to the infrastructure element to the vehicle and displaying information related to driving events on the display module of the driver assistance system based on the transmitted data;

[0008] - The step of determining the position of the vehicle relative to the infrastructure element;

[0009] - By taking into account the vehicle's longitudinal speed, estimate in real time the remaining time T for the vehicle to reach the infrastructure element. i Steps;

[0010] - Steps to ensure information is displayed;

[0011] The assurance process includes a sub-step of turning off the information display of the display module, and during the remaining time T between the vehicle and the infrastructure element. i Equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined limit time T between the vehicle and the structural element L This sub-step is triggered when [the event occurs].

[0012] According to the present invention, the method includes the step of updating the state of the infrastructure element, the step including at least one of the following sub-steps: indicating via an alarm signal including light and / or sound and / or tactile signals that the state of the infrastructure element is about to change from a first state to a second state.

[0013] The method may include at least one of the following sub-steps: the driver's alertness is checked by the driver state monitoring unit.

[0014] According to optional features, the sub-step of checking the driver's alertness may include: a stage of monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by means of the driver monitoring unit, and a stage of detecting that the overshoot value of the parameter and / or the combination of parameters is less than or greater than a threshold.

[0015] According to optional features, the step of ensuring information display may include the following sub-step: when an overshoot of the parameter and / or the combination of parameters is detected in the inspection sub-step, at least one alarm message is issued to the driver of the vehicle, the alarm message including light and / or sound and / or tactile signals.

[0016] In particular, the limiting time T L It can take about 2 to 3 seconds.

[0017] According to optional features, the step of detecting the infrastructure element may include the following sub-steps: selecting the infrastructure element from a plurality of infrastructure elements based on the position of the infrastructure element relative to the lane and / or road in which the vehicle is traveling and / or based on the spatial and / or temporal proximity of the infrastructure element relative to the vehicle.

[0018] Depending on the optional feature, all or part of the assurance procedure can be implemented only when the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than or equal to 15 km / h.

[0019] The step of updating the status of the infrastructure element may include the following sub-steps following the prompting sub-step: verifying the driver’s behavior by measuring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by means of at least one monitoring unit, and alerting the infrastructure element to changes in status and / or alertness when an overshoot value of the parameter and / or combination of parameters is detected to be less than or greater than a threshold.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a driving assistance system for a motor vehicle, the system comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the methods described above, the hardware elements including at least a positioning device for the assistance system, a device for detecting connected infrastructure elements, a communication module, a data processing unit, a driver status monitoring unit, and a display module.

[0021] The present invention further proposes a computer program product comprising program code instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, which, when the program is run on a computer, are used to implement the steps of the method of the present invention; or a computer program product that can be downloaded from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable data medium and / or can be run by a computer, characterized in that the computer program product includes instructions that, when the program is run by the computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to the present invention.

[0022] Other details, features, and advantages will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of the various exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, given as an indication and in a non-limiting manner:

[0023] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 An embodiment of a vehicle is schematically illustrated, which is equipped with means for implementing a method for ensuring the display of information within the vehicle.

[0024] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is an overall flowchart of the execution mode used to ensure information display.

[0025] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is a flowchart that details the assurance steps of the first execution mode of the method for ensuring information display.

[0026] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a flowchart that details the assurance steps of the second execution mode of the method for ensuring information display.

[0027] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is a flowchart that details the ensuring steps of the first execution variant of the method for ensuring information display.

[0028] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a flowchart that details the ensuring steps of the second execution variant of the method for ensuring information display.

[0029] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7This is a flowchart that details the ensuring steps of the third execution variant of the method for ensuring information display.

[0030] Figure 1 An embodiment of vehicle 10 is shown, which is equipped with a device for implementing the following reference. Figures 2 to 7 The apparatus described in Method 1 for ensuring information display. This Method 1 for ensuring display is intended to be incorporated into a driver assistance system 2. For example, the consideration of the assistance system may preferably be a GLOSA (“Green Wave Speed ​​Guidance”) type optimal longitudinal speed recommendation system for vehicle 10, or an ACC (“Adaptive Cruise Control”) type situational distance adjustment system.

[0031] Vehicle 10 is any type of motor vehicle, especially a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle. Vehicle 10 includes a motor vehicle driving assistance system 2, which includes hardware and / or software elements implementing the method according to the invention. The hardware elements include at least a positioning device 3 for the assistance system 2, a device 4 for detecting connected infrastructure elements 11, a communication module 5, a data processing unit 6, a driver status monitoring unit 7, and a display module 8.

[0032] The positioning device 3 allows the location of vehicle 10 to be determined within road infrastructure. For example, the positioning device incorporates a general vehicle 10 positioning system and / or a high-resolution map of the road infrastructure. Specifically, the approximate location of vehicle 10 can be provided by a GPS (“Global Positioning System”) type system. The approximate location of vehicle 10 allows information about road infrastructure within a radius of several hundred meters around the approximate location of vehicle 10 to be retrieved from a map database. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning device 3 can be a positioning system embedded in vehicle 10 that continuously incorporates the movement of vehicle 10.

[0033] The detection device 4 is configured to detect at least one connected infrastructure element 11.

[0034] The connected infrastructure element 11 is understood to be an infrastructure element that can link to a remote server 100 and / or exchange information with the vehicle 10. The infrastructure element 11 can be mobile, or preferably fixed.

[0035] The infrastructure element includes at least one communication device 51 configured to transmit and receive data with server 100 and / or send data to the vehicle, particularly periodically. This data may include an identifier of the infrastructure element 11, its location, and / or current state. In particular, connected infrastructure elements may have multiple states.

[0036] "State" is understood to refer to the different states in which an infrastructure element affects vehicle traffic on a lane. As an example, the infrastructure element 11 under consideration could be a traffic light, a railway crossing barrier, a bridge, or any other road infrastructure traffic control element that may be connected and have different states. Thus, the state of this infrastructure element 11 is related to the color of the traffic light or the on / off state of the barrier. Preferably, the infrastructure element 11 transmits its associated data in real time.

[0037] The detection device 4 of the system according to the invention can be configured in particular to detect outgoing data signals transmitted by the connected infrastructure element 11. The detection device 4 can be included in the communication module 5 of the system.

[0038] Optionally, the detection device 4 may additionally include a camera (not shown) to optimize the detection and / or selection of infrastructure element 11. This camera can be fixed in such a way that it can acquire an image of a portion of the driving lane in front of the vehicle 10 over which the vehicle 10 is moving. Therefore, the camera can be fixed in front of the vehicle 10 (e.g., at the headlights), or inside the vehicle (especially behind the windshield), or even on the roof of the vehicle 10. This camera is capable of providing a signal representing the image, which can then be transmitted to the processing unit 6 for image processing and / or archiving. This arrangement allows the processing unit 6 to be provided with additional information relating to connected or unconnected infrastructure elements of the road infrastructure, for example, to optimize the detection of one or more related infrastructure elements.

[0039] The communication module 5 allows the vehicle 10 to receive data from the infrastructure element 11 via a wireless, low-frequency, or high-frequency link. For example, this link could be a wireless link based on "cellular" or "WiFi" technology. In this particular case, when implementing the method according to the invention, this communication module 5 does not handle information transmission from the vehicle 10 to the infrastructure element 11.

[0040] Processing unit 6 includes at least one computing unit, which includes hardware and software resources that cooperate with memory elements, more specifically, at least one processor or microprocessor. The computing unit is capable of executing instructions for implementing computer programs.

[0041] Monitoring unit 7 is configured to monitor the driver's state and allow the detection of a state of decreased driver alertness. A state of decreased alertness is understood to refer to the driver's physical or physiological state that may interfere with or even impede his or her safe driving of vehicle 10. This state corresponds to a state of distracted attention in a non-restrictive and non-exhaustive manner.

[0042] The monitoring unit 7 includes at least one driver monitoring sensor 71 configured to detect the driver's state, particularly a camera inside the vehicle 10. This at least one monitoring sensor 71 may be arranged inside the vehicle 10. Such at least one driver monitoring sensor 71 is particularly capable of measuring at least one physiological parameter of the driver, in addition to gaze direction, head orientation, or movement.

[0043] The monitoring unit 7 also includes a processing module 72, which is capable of performing computational operations to allow the identification of a state of decreased driver alertness. Therefore, the monitoring unit 7 can identify changes in the driver's behavioral state and thus identify changes in the driving mode he or she is using or may use. Specifically, the processing unit 72 can be incorporated into the processing unit 6.

[0044] Vehicle 10 includes a display module 8 for the driver assistance system 2. The display module 8 may include a screen capable of broadcasting information related to driving commands and / or a map of the vehicle 10's location from the driver assistance system and / or the positioning device 3.

[0045] In addition, vehicle 10 may optionally, but preferably, include a component for determining the longitudinal velocity of vehicle 10 (i.e., the displacement velocity of vehicle 10). For example, the longitudinal velocity determining component may include a speed sensor 21.

[0046] Furthermore, the system can be configured to incorporate a warning module 22 capable of broadcasting information. The warning module 22 can broadcast messages and / or signals, in particular, in the following forms:

[0047] - Sound emission, for example by means of a speaker, and / or

[0048] - Visual emission, for example by means of a display module 8 of screen type, and / or

[0049] - Tactile emission, such as vibration, for example by means of an element capable of emitting vibration, which is included in the driver's seat or at least one control element (e.g., steering wheel) of the vehicle 10.

[0050] The driving assistance system 1 may also include a memory or storage space constituting a storage medium, which can be read by a computer or a calculator of a processing unit, the memory or storage space including instructions that, when executed by the computer or calculator, cause the computer or calculator to perform the method described below.

[0051] In such Figure 1In the system 1 shown, processing unit 6 is linked to detection device 4 and communication module 5 to receive and process information related to one or more infrastructure elements 11. Furthermore, processing unit 6 is linked to positioning device 3. Processing unit 6 is also connected to warning module 22. Finally, processing unit 6 is directly or indirectly linked to various sensors, such as one or more monitoring sensors 71 or speed sensor 21, to receive information related to the driver or the longitudinal speed of vehicle 10 in real time.

[0052] For all the following descriptions, it is assumed that motor vehicle 10 is traveling in a lane that will soon include infrastructure element 11, which in this case is a traffic light. The term "soon" refers to a time proximity criterion. This means that the time required for vehicle 10 to reach infrastructure element 11 is less than a given threshold.

[0053] The following text is for reference only. Figures 2 to 4 Two execution modes for ensuring information display method 1 are described. Display method 1 can also be considered as a method of operating a driving assistance system, or as a method of operating a motor vehicle 10 equipped with such a system. Display method 1 particularly ensures that information display is ensured when the driving assistance method is implemented (i.e., during execution).

[0054] It should be noted that during the execution of this display method 1, the vehicle 10 transmits its location in the road infrastructure in real time via the positioning device 3.

[0055] The display method 1 according to the invention initially includes the step of detecting infrastructure elements 11 of the E1 connection, especially infrastructure elements that may change state.

[0056] In this detection step E1, the detection device 4 detects an approaching infrastructure element 11. Depending on the alternative, as previously described, one or more detection devices 4 may pick up an outgoing data stream transmitted by the communication device 51, specific to the infrastructure element 11, particularly specific to a server and / or vehicle; and / or one or more detection devices 4 may capture an image of the infrastructure element 11. The detection device 4 transmits this information to a processing unit 6, which detects the presence of an approaching infrastructure element 11 by implementing at least one algorithm (e.g., distance analysis relative to the infrastructure element 11 and / or image processing).

[0057] For example, the detection device 4 and / or system can be configured to detect infrastructure element 11 having spatial and / or temporal proximity to vehicle 10. As an example, the detection device 4 and / or system can be configured to detect objects at a detection distance D between 25m and 500m. d The detection time T is between 2s and 60s.d The detection time corresponds to the remaining time before the vehicle 10 reaches the infrastructure element 11 at its current longitudinal rolling speed. In other words, the detection device 4 detects one or more infrastructure elements existing in the space and / or time range around the vehicle 10.

[0058] Optionally, but preferably, the detection step E1 may include the following sub-step: selecting infrastructure element 11 from a plurality of infrastructure elements. In particular, this selection may be based on the position of infrastructure element 11 relative to the lane and / or road in which vehicle 10 is traveling and / or based on the spatial and / or temporal proximity of infrastructure element 11 to vehicle 10.

[0059] For example, infrastructure element 11 can be selected from multiple infrastructure elements based on its positioning in the lane in which the vehicle is traveling rather than in an intersecting lane and / or based on its positioning in the front portion of the road (extending in front of vehicle 10) rather than in the rear portion of the road. Optionally, the selection sub-step E11 may consider a path pre-programmed in the positioning device 3.

[0060] Once the relevant infrastructure element 11 is detected, the steps of transmitting E2 data and displaying information related to the driving event based on the transmitted data are implemented. In this step, the communication device 51 of the infrastructure element 11 transmits data related to the infrastructure element 11 to the communication module 5 of the vehicle 10 (e.g., included in the processing unit 6), and then the information related to the driving event derived from the transmitted data is displayed on the display module 8 of the driver assistance system 2.

[0061] In particular, this data may include the identifier or ID of infrastructure element 11, the precise location of infrastructure element 11, the status of infrastructure element 11, and / or the remaining time before the next status change of infrastructure element 11 and / or the time elapsed since the last change, combined with a time period specific to the status of the infrastructure element. As an example, "status" is understood to refer to the color of a traffic light, the "closed" or "open" state of a railway line, a bridge, or any other movable guardrail on a roadway.

[0062] According to the preferred exemplary embodiment where infrastructure element 11 is a traffic light, the data transmitted to vehicle 10 in the search and transmission step includes at least the identifier of infrastructure element 11, the location of infrastructure element 11, the real-time current state of infrastructure element 11, and / or the remaining time before infrastructure element 11 changes to a second state different from the current state.

[0063] The method then proceeds to the step of determining the position of vehicle 10 relative to infrastructure element 11. This step aims to define, in real time, the position of vehicle 10 moving within the road infrastructure relative to infrastructure element 11, based on the position information of vehicle 10 continuously transmitted by positioning device 3 and the positioning data of infrastructure element 11 previously transmitted in step E2.

[0064] This data and information is transmitted to processing unit 6, which uses, for example, longitudinal speed data of vehicle 10 transmitted by speed sensor 21 to perform a step of real-time estimation of the time proximity of infrastructure element 11. "Time proximity" is understood to refer to the remaining time T for vehicle 10 to reach infrastructure element 11 at the detected longitudinal speed. i .

[0065] In other words, when executing the method according to the invention, the system, on the one hand, performs real-time estimation of the remaining time T for vehicle E4 10 to reach infrastructure element 11. i On the one hand, the steps involve executing the remaining time T in real time. i With reference limit time T L The steps for comparing E41.

[0066] The method is also configured to implement the step of ensuring the display of information E6. It should be noted that in different figures, the estimation step E4 is represented as occurring before the step of ensuring E6; however, the remaining time T... i The update can continue in parallel with ensuring the implementation of step E6.

[0067] The remaining time T between vehicle 10 and infrastructure element 11 i Equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined limit time T between vehicle 10 and structural elements L This assurance step is triggered at the specified time. Limit time T L This is the optimal time remaining before reaching infrastructure element 11, which ensures that the driver can respond appropriately to the implementation of the assurance steps before reaching infrastructure element 11.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, this limit time is approximately 2 to 3 seconds. Therefore, the remaining time T can be... i Equal to the limit time T L With zero remaining time T i Ensure step E6 is performed during all or part of the time period between (corresponding to the alignment of the vehicle with the infrastructure element).

[0069] Initiating step E6 based on the temporal proximity of the infrastructure element (depending on the longitudinal speed of vehicle 10) rather than a predetermined spatial proximity advantageously makes method 1 applicable to variable traffic conditions, especially variable traffic density. Furthermore, the method according to the invention does not require the integration of steps for detecting additional traffic-related parameters, such as the presence of vehicles traveling or stopped on the road or near infrastructure element 11.

[0070] Advantageously, defining a fixed, predetermined limit time (i.e., a constant and unchanging limit time) helps the driver become accustomed to the assurance system when using it according to the invention. In this way, the driver's behavior adapts to the operation of the method and gradually anticipates the implementation of assurance step E6 upon approaching infrastructure element 11, thereby strengthening his or her alertness through the power of habit.

[0071] Ensure that step E6 includes a sub-step of turning off the information display on the display module 8 of the E62 driver assistance system 2. In other words, the processing unit 6 controls the turning off of the display module 8, and in particular, controls the turning off of information related to driving events.

[0072] In particular, according to Figure 3 The first execution mode shown refers to the remaining time T between vehicle 10 and infrastructure element 11. i Equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined limit time T between vehicle 10 and the structural element. L At that time, the closing sub-step E62 can be performed as follows.

[0073] According to such Figure 4 The second execution mode of the method shown ensures that step E6 may optionally include a sub-step whereby the driver state monitoring unit 7 checks the driver's alertness (E5). In particular, this checking sub-step E5 may preferably be performed before the closing sub-step E62.

[0074] Therefore, for example, when the remaining time T i Equal to or approximately equal to the limiting time T L At that time, the system initiates check sub-step E5. On the other hand, if the remaining time T... i Greater than the limit time T L This method repeatedly estimates the remaining time of E4 in real time. i The steps are to allow the remaining time to be updated based on the movement and position of vehicle 10.

[0075] The sub-step of checking the driver's alertness in the E5 vehicle may include a stage of monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the driver of the E51 vehicle by means of the monitoring unit 7 as described above. Each parameter is detected and / or measured by one or more driver monitoring sensors 71 included in the monitoring unit 7, which are linked to a processing module 72, for example, included in the processing unit 6. As an example, the monitoring unit 7 of the vehicle 10 may capture images of the driver, especially gaze images of the driver, which are then transmitted to the processing unit 6 equipped with at least one image analysis algorithm.

[0076] The inspection sub-step E5 may then include a stage where the processing unit 6 detects that the overshoot value of the E52 parameter and / or combination of parameters is less than or greater than a threshold. In other words, the processing unit 6 is capable of performing calculations and comparisons specifically to determine whether one or more parameters provided by one or more sensors exceed at least one given threshold, or exceed a larger or smaller value, thereby allowing the identification of a state of reduced driver alertness where appropriate.

[0077] In this execution mode, ensuring step E6 may additionally include one or more sub-steps, which may be conditionally implemented based on the results of the sub-step checking the driver's alertness status in E5 and / or based on one or more operating modes implemented by display method 1 and / or the system.

[0078] In particular, according to the example of the operating mode, the step of ensuring that the E6 information is displayed may include the following sub-step: issuing at least one alarm message E61 to the driver of vehicle 10 when an overshoot of a parameter and / or a combination of parameters is detected in the inspection sub-step E5.

[0079] To this end, processing unit 6 generates an alarm message, which is transmitted to warning module 22. Warning module 22 is designed to broadcast information contained in the message to the driver in order to redirect his or her attention back to the driving lane. As previously described, the alarm message may include, for example, light signals displayed on display module 8 of the assistance system 2, and / or sound signals transmitted, for example, via a speaker, and / or tactile signals that may be implemented, particularly by the driver's seat and / or steering wheel, as previously described.

[0080] Specifically, the sub-step to turn off the display of information (especially information related to driving events) on the display module 8 of the E62 driver assistance system 2 can be conditional upon checking sub-step E5.

[0081] In particular, based on the information transmitted by monitoring unit 7, when the remaining time T i Equal to or approximately equal to the limiting time T LFurthermore, if no overshoot of parameters and / or parameter combinations is detected in the inspection sub-step E5, the processing unit 6 can directly shut down the display module 8.

[0082] Conversely, when the remaining time T i Equal to the limiting time T L Furthermore, if an overshoot of a parameter and / or a combination of parameters is detected in the inspection sub-step E5, the processing unit 6 may execute sub-step E61 and command the warning module 22 to issue a message. The processing unit 6 may then execute sub-step E62 and, after issuing sub-step E61, directly check the shutdown of the display module 8.

[0083] Alternatively, as indicated by the bold dashed arrows in different diagrams, processing unit 6 may execute substep E62 when it no longer detects overshoot of the parameter and / or parameter combination. In other words, checking substep E5 can then be repeated after prompting substep E61 to update the measurement of the driver's alertness state in real time, and closing substep E62 is only implemented if the parameter and / or parameter combination has an acceptable value.

[0084] As an example, when the system detects that the driver's gaze (and therefore attention) is on the driving lane rather than on display module 8, the shutdown sub-step E62 is implemented.

[0085] This arrangement prevents the display module 8 from distracting the driver during the most critical time period (in this case, when approaching infrastructure element 11) and directs the driver's attention toward the driving lane.

[0086] It should be noted that although the display of information and / or data related to infrastructure element 11 is interrupted, the transmission of data related to infrastructure element 11 from the fixed communication module 5 of infrastructure element 11 to the communication module 5 of vehicle 10 is not interrupted. In other words, even when immediately approaching infrastructure element 11 (i.e., even when the remaining time T...), the transmission continues uninterrupted. i Less than the limit time T L (At the same time), the method according to the invention can also process the transmission step E2, the positioning step E3, and the estimation step E4 to ensure real-time updates of the vehicle 10's location data and remaining time T. i data.

[0087] Independent of the execution mode, the method may additionally include the step of re-opening the E7 display module 8, which can be implemented according to different alternatives:

[0088] - The remaining time T when vehicle 10 arrives at infrastructure element 11 i When the value is zero, that is, when vehicle 10 is aligned with the infrastructure element 11, the display module 8 can be turned on again; or

[0089] - When the positioning module of vehicle 10 transmits the location of vehicle 10, indicating that it has passed the location of infrastructure element 11, the display module 8 can be turned on again; or

[0090] - When another infrastructure element 11 is detected, the display module 8 can be reopened, i.e., simultaneously with the detection step E1 of the new cycle of the method.

[0091] Figures 5 to 7 Different variations of the method according to the invention are illustrated, particularly those incorporated into the second execution mode as described above. However, it should be understood that each of these variations can also be incorporated into the previous references with necessary modifications. Figure 3 In the first execution mode described.

[0092] Advantageously, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, ensuring that all or part of step E6 can be performed only when vehicle 10 is moving at a speed greater than or equal to 15 km / h. In other words, the method includes the optional step of assessing the longitudinal speed of the vehicle and comparing it with a predetermined threshold (15 km / h in this case) E45.

[0093] As an example, substep E61 can only be issued when vehicle 10 is moving at a speed greater than or equal to 15 km / h.

[0094] Optionally, but preferably, the shutdown sub-step E62 is performed only when the vehicle 10 is moving at a speed greater than or equal to 15 km / h. Therefore, the display module 8 can remain operational when the vehicle 10 is stationary or moving at a low longitudinal speed.

[0095] In the example shown, for clarity, this evaluation and comparison step E45 is presented as preceding the assurance step E6. Specifically, the comparison step E45 can be performed before the inspection sub-step E5, such that if the vehicle is moving at a speed less than 15 km / h, the closing sub-step 62, issuing sub-step E61, and reopening step E7 are not implemented. However, it should be understood that this evaluation and comparison step E45 can be performed concurrently with the inspection sub-step E5, i.e., when the remaining time T between vehicle 10 and infrastructure element 11... i Equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined limit time T L When this happens, perform this inspection sub-step.

[0096] Optionally, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the method may include the step of updating the state of E8 infrastructure element 11 in real time.

[0097] In particular, this update step E8 can be performed simultaneously with the positioning step E3 and / or the estimation step E4 and / or the assurance step E6.

[0098] In the example shown, update step E8 is represented as occurring simultaneously with estimation step E4; however, it should be understood that this representation is by no means restrictive, and update step E8 can be implemented at any time after transmission step E2, i.e., between transmission step E2 and the vehicle traveling to and level with the infrastructure element.

[0099] In particular, update step E8 includes the following sub-step: alerting E81 that the state of infrastructure element 11 is about to change via an alarm signal broadcast by warning module 22, including light and / or sound and / or tactile signals.

[0100] "State change" is understood to mean, for example, transitioning from state one to state two as previously described. For traffic lights, a green light would be defined as "state one," while a stop light (e.g., orange or red) would be defined as "state two." "Imminent" is understood to refer to the remaining time T of the current state (i.e., state one) of the infrastructure element. s Equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined threshold time T for implementing the prompt sub-step LS As an example, this threshold time T LS This can be approximately 3 seconds before the state of an infrastructure element changes.

[0101] In other words, before issuing an alarm signal, the prompting sub-step E81 includes the phase of receiving updated data related to infrastructure elements and setting the remaining time T of the current state. s With threshold time T LS The comparison phases (neither of which are shown). Furthermore, depending on the type of data transmitted by the infrastructure elements, the phase following the receipt of updated data may be the calculation of the remaining time T for the current state. s The stage.

[0102] Optionally, but preferably, the step of updating the state of the infrastructure element E8 may include a sub-step of verifying the driver's behavior E82 after the prompting sub-step E81, in particular verifying his or her awareness that the state of the infrastructure element is about to change and / or verifying his or her alertness. This verification sub-step E82 is similar to the inspection sub-step E5 described in detail above, and therefore all descriptions related to this step are applicable to the verification step E82 with the necessary modifications.

[0103] Verification step E82 includes: a step of monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by means of monitoring unit 7 (not shown), and a stage of detecting by processing unit 6 that the overshoot value of the parameter and / or combination of parameters is less than or greater than a threshold.

[0104] Optionally, update step E8 may include the following sub-steps: alerting the driver to changes in the status and / or alertness of infrastructure elements (E83) to ensure that the driver has indeed taken the information into account and / or that the driver's attention has indeed been directed toward the driving lane. This alert sub-step is particularly effective when an overshoot of a parameter and / or combination of parameters is detected, which helps to make driving safer.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions which, when the program is run by a computer (e.g., processing unit 6), are used to perform steps of the method, or to a computer program product that can be downloaded from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable data medium and / or executed by a computer.

[0106] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable data storage medium having a computer program thereon, the computer program including program code instructions for implementing the methods described above, or to a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to the present invention.

[0107] Therefore, this invention proposes a method for ensuring the display of information in a vehicle equipped with a driver assistance system. This method allows for the detection of connected infrastructure elements that may have multiple states and estimates the temporal proximity to said infrastructure elements. The method implements measures to ensure the display of driving event-related information on the system's display module. Thus, this method allows the driver's attention to be focused on the lane and traffic, thereby making his or her driving safer.

[0108] However, the invention should not be limited to the devices and configurations described and shown herein, but is equally extended to any equivalent devices or configurations and any technically operable combinations of such devices, provided that they ultimately achieve the functions described and shown in this document.

Claims

1. A method (1) for ensuring information display in a vehicle (10) equipped with a driver assistance system, the method comprising the steps of: - The step of detecting infrastructure elements with multiple states (11); - The steps of transmitting data related to the infrastructure element (11) to the vehicle (10) and displaying information related to driving events on the display module (8) of the driving assistance system (2) based on the transmitted data; - The step of determining the position of the vehicle (10) relative to the infrastructure element (11); - Considering the longitudinal speed of the vehicle (10), estimate in real time the remaining time (T) for the vehicle (10) to reach the infrastructure element (11). i The steps; - Ensure the information is displayed correctly. The steps to ensure the information is displayed include: In response to the remaining time (T) for the vehicle (10) to arrive at the infrastructure element (11) i The time between the vehicle (10) and the infrastructure element is equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined limit time (T). L The driver's alertness is checked by the driver status monitoring unit (7); The sub-step of closing the information display on the display module (8) and when the remaining time (T) between the vehicle (10) and the infrastructure element (11) is... i The time between the vehicle (10) and the infrastructure element is equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined limit time (T). L This sub-step is triggered when the driver status monitoring unit (7) does not detect an overshoot of the parameter and / or the parameter combination; The display information is maintained on the display module when the driver status monitoring unit (7) detects an overshoot of the parameter and / or the combination of parameters; The implementation method for ensuring information display is to turn off the display information only when the vehicle's speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed; The method also includes the step of re-opening the display module (8), wherein, When the remaining time (Ti) for the vehicle (10) to reach the infrastructure element (11) is zero, the display module (8) is turned on again; or When the location of the vehicle (10) transmitted by the positioning module of the vehicle (10) indicates that the location of the infrastructure element (11) has been passed, the display module (8) is turned on again. The method also includes a step of updating the state of the infrastructure element (11), which includes at least one of the following sub-steps: prompting the infrastructure element (11) to change its state from a first state to a second state via an alarm signal including light signals and / or sound signals and / or tactile signals.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The sub-steps for checking the driver’s alertness include: a phase of monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by means of the driver monitoring unit (7), and a phase of detecting that the overshoot value of the parameter and / or combination of parameters is less than or greater than a threshold.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, The steps to ensure information display include the following sub-steps: when an overshoot of the parameter and / or the combination of the parameters is detected in the inspection sub-step, at least one alarm message is issued to the driver of the vehicle (10), the alarm message including light and / or sound and / or tactile signals.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, This limiting time (T) L (The duration is 2 to 3 seconds.) 5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The step of detecting an infrastructure element (11) having multiple states includes the following sub-steps: selecting the infrastructure element (11) from multiple infrastructure elements based on the position of the infrastructure element (11) relative to the lane and / or road in which the vehicle (10) is traveling and / or based on the spatial and / or temporal proximity of the infrastructure element (11) relative to the vehicle (10).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The steps to ensure information display are performed in whole or in part only when the vehicle (10) is moving at a speed of 15 km / h or greater.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The steps of updating the state of the infrastructure element include the following sub-steps after the state of the infrastructure element (11) is about to change from a first state to a second state, indicated by an alarm signal including light signals and / or sound signals and / or tactile signals: verifying the driver’s behavior by measuring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by means of at least one monitoring unit (7), and alerting the infrastructure element to the change in state and / or alertness when an overshoot value of the parameter and / or combination of parameters is detected to be less than or greater than a threshold.

8. A driver assistance system (2) for a motor vehicle (10), the system comprising hardware and / or software elements for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the hardware elements including at least a positioning device (3) for the assistance system (2), a device (4) for detecting connected infrastructure elements (11), a communication module (5), a data processing unit (6), a driver status monitoring unit (7), and a display module (8).

9. A computer program product comprising program code instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, which, when the program is run on a computer, are used to implement the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or a computer program product capable of being downloaded from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable data medium and / or executable by a computer, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when the program is run by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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