Vehicle assisted driving system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle assisted driving system (1) comprising: a display device (2), a computer (3) configured to receive, on a path of the vehicle, actual speed data (Vreal) for the vehicle and legal speed limit data (Vreg), the computer (3) being configured to control the display device (2) to display a succession of images that vary according to a comparison between the actual speed data for the vehicle and the legal speed limit data.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Vehicle driving assistance system [1] The present invention relates in particular to a vehicle driving assistance system. [2] The present invention finds applications in particular on a vehicle which can be of the land, sea or air type. [3] In current motor vehicles, the actual instantaneous speed of the vehicle is displayed on a speedometer, either in the form of a needle dial or a digital display. This makes it possible to know the instantaneous speed of the vehicle, but does not make it easy to know whether the speed limit is being respected or not. In some vehicle versions, a warning light (for example in the form of a logo symbolizing a speed limit sign) comes on if the speed limit is exceeded, which is an aid to speed regulation. However, this solution requires some additional visual attention from the driver, who must visually fix this warning light while concentrating on driving. [4] The present invention aims in particular to provide better assistance with speed regulation when driving. [5] The invention thus relates to a vehicle driving assistance system comprising: - a display device, - a computer configured to receive, on a journey of the vehicle, actual vehicle speed data and regulatory speed data, the computer being configured to control the display device to display a succession of images which vary according to a comparison of the actual vehicle speed data and the regulatory speed data. [6] Thanks to the succession of images displayed on the display device, the driver is informed in real time of the vehicle's speed situation in relation to the regulatory speed. This succession of images used in the invention differs from a known binary type display (off / on), and in particular makes it possible to continuously inform the driver of his speed situation. [7] According to one aspect of the invention, the calculator, in particular of the electronic type (or ECU in English for short), is configured to control the display device to display images regardless of the actual speed situation compared to the regulatory speed. [8] In the invention, the display of images that define a graphical representation can thus take place continuously, and this graphical representation varies depending on the speed situation of the vehicle. This allows the driver to receive the images continuously and to perceive the changes in the images, without having to provide increased concentration. It is these changes in the images that make it possible to alert the driver in the event of exceeding the regulatory speed. The invention thus makes it possible to offer an intuitive perception of the speed and therefore intuitive assistance to the driver in respecting the regulatory speed. [9] According to one aspect of the invention, the calculator is configured to control the display device to display the succession of images on which any speed value is absent.

[0010] This means the driver does not need to know the actual speed or the legal speed. They are simply informed of a speeding situation or the imminent risk of speeding. This is different from traditional systems in which the driver must read a speed to know if they are speeding.

[0011] Alternatively, the image may contain a reference to the actual vehicle speed. If so, the speed value may be displayed on another display device in the vehicle.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device is distinct from a display of the value of the actual instantaneous speed of the vehicle. Thus the display device according to the invention may be distinct from a traditional speed display, needle or digital.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device is configured to surround a speed display, needle or digital.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device comprises a screen on a dashboard or on a central column or at the level of a left pillar, a head-up display or a virtual or augmented reality headset or glasses. This list is not exhaustive.

[0015] The screen can be LCD, OLED or other type.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the calculator is configured to compare the actual speed data of the vehicle and the regulatory speed data, by determining the difference between the actual instantaneous speed of the vehicle and the regulatory speed.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the calculator is configured to determine a difference between the actual instantaneous speed of the vehicle and the regulatory speed, and to control the display of the images as a function of this difference, in particular, when this difference is reduced, by: - increasing the animation speed of shapes composing the images, and / or - causing the shapes making up the images to evolve, these shapes being able to become larger and / or more numerous, and / or - changing the position of shapes making up the images, and / or - modifying the color of shapes making up the images, in particular by giving these shapes a tint tending towards yellow, orange or red.

[0018] Thus, the images displayed may present a warning character that becomes more intense as the gap decreases, meaning that the risk of speeding becomes increasingly greater. The warning character may be maximal in the event of significant speeding.

[0019] Conversely, when the vehicle's actual speed decreases, the images evolve in reverse. In a way, the alert level gradually decreases.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the animation of the shapes making up the images corresponds to their movement in the image, with or without deformation of their shape.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the computer is configured to control the display of images composed of geometric shapes, such as polygonal shapes, for example triangles, rectangles, or circles.

[0022] Any other forms may be used.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, at least some of the geometric shapes overlap. The geometric shapes may be more or less transparent.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the shapes are animated and change color depending on the difference between the actual speed and the regulatory speed.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device is configured to enable display of images adapted to peripheral vision for the driver.

[0026] Such peripheral perception makes it possible not to require the driver's attention to speed excessively and therefore relieve him of this monitoring activity.

[0027] It may be recalled that peripheral vision is an important part of human vision. Unlike foveal vision, in which the eye stops (for 200 to 400 ms) on a fixation point to obtain high-resolution details, peripheral vision delivers global, compressed and distorted impressions of the entire field of vision.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, to enable peripheral vision, the display device, or screen, is arranged at a central column which is an extension of the dashboard towards the area located between the two front seats, namely the driver's seat and the passenger seat (this central column being called "stack center" in English). Alternatively, the display device is arranged to the left of the dashboard, that is to say at a left-hand pillar at the front of the vehicle's passenger compartment, namely to the left of the windshield. Preferably, the display device is not placed in the center of the driver's field of vision.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device, in particular a head-up display (HUD), is configured to display images in the form of a peripheral display relative to the field of vision, making it possible to have visual messages displayed by the system in peripheral vision. In this case, the driver's attention is not focused on an image, and the peripheral display makes it possible to return a sensation to the driver.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the system is configured to produce a projection of information onto one or more parts of the passenger compartment, such as one of the pillars, the dashboard, the steering wheel, or the central console, in order to supplement information from the display device of the system.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device according to the invention is a hidden display (also called "Hidden Display" in English) configured to display information or messages when the display is activated, and being hidden, in particular by a decoration (for example a decoration imitating a wood or leather texture of a dashboard or a central console), when the display is deactivated. The hidden display may comprise, for example, a black and white or color TFT display, or allow projection onto the back of a surface. The "Hidden Display" technology makes it possible to make any surface of the automobile interior interactive or informative, and to provide information only when it is necessary and relevant. Otherwise, no content is present on this surface, it is therefore inert and takes the role of a decorative surface.For example, the hidden display is associated with a decorated surface which can be in the form of a printed film, which can be more or less complex. This film is notably glued onto a support which can be either glass or optical plastic, the whole being then glued for example onto a TFT panel in an appropriate manner, in particular to avoid unwanted air gaps.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the computer is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in an excessive speed state when the speed actual speed of the vehicle is higher than the regulatory speed, and the computer is configured to control the display device to display one or more images specific to this state of excess speed, in the form of a visual alert.

[0033] For example, the images displayed for this speeding condition are composed of yellow, orange, or red shapes, these shapes also moving relative to each other.

[0034] The invention allows for rapid and unambiguous reading of exceeding the regulatory speed.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the computer is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a state of significant excess speed when the actual speed of the vehicle is greater than the regulatory speed by a predetermined difference (for example by more than 10 or 20 km / h), and the computer is configured to control the display device to display one or more images specific to this state of significant excess speed, in the form of a more prominent visual alert.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the calculator is configured to take into account several levels of exceeding the regulatory speed, and adapt the images according to these levels.

[0037] As speed increases, images may become increasingly animated and / or color intense and / or occupy more space on the display device.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the computer is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a vehicle stop state when the actual vehicle speed is zero, and the computer is configured to control the display device to display an image specific to this vehicle stop state.

[0039] Thus, even when the vehicle is stationary, there is a display of a graphic representation, informing the driver that the vehicle has stopped.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the calculator is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a regulatory compliant speed state. when the actual speed of the vehicle is lower than the regulatory speed, and the computer is configured to control the display device to display an image specific to this compliant speed state.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the computer is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a regulatory speed limit state when the actual speed of the vehicle is equal to the regulatory speed, and the computer is configured to control the display device to display an image specific to this speed limit state.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the calculator is part of an on-board computer of the vehicle.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the calculator is part of a remote computer, communicating with the vehicle via a link, in particular of the mobile network type, for example of the 5G type.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the system is configured to enable the acquisition of actual speed data via a vehicle system and / or GPS data.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the system is configured to enable the acquisition of regulatory speed data via a traffic recognition camera and / or GPS mapping.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method for assisting in driving a vehicle, comprising the following steps: - provide a display device, - from actual vehicle speed data and regulatory speed data, control the display device to display a succession of images which vary according to a comparison of the actual vehicle speed data and the regulatory speed data.

[0047] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0048] - [Figure 1] illustrates, schematically and partially, a vehicle driving assistance system according to an exemplary implementation of the invention;

[0049] - [Figure 2] shows an image displayed by the display device of the system of Figure 1, in a vehicle stop state;

[0050] - [Figure 3] shows an image displayed by the display device of the system of Figure 1, in a speed state in accordance with regulations;

[0051] - [Figure 4] shows an image displayed by the display device of the system of Figure 1, in a state of regulatory speed limit;

[0052] - [Figure 5] shows an image displayed by the display device of the system of Figure 1, in a state of excess speed;

[0053] - [Figure 6] shows an image displayed by the display device of the system of Figure 1, in a state of high excess speed.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a system 1 for assisting in driving a vehicle comprising: - a display device 2, - a calculator 3 configured to receive, on a journey of the vehicle, a piece of actual speed data Vreal of the vehicle and a piece of regulatory speed data Vreg, the calculator being configured to control the display device 2 to display a succession of images 11, I2... I5 which vary according to a comparison of the actual speed data Vreal of the vehicle and the regulatory speed data Vreg.

[0055] The on-board calculator 3, of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) type, is configured to control the display device 2 to display images regardless of the actual speed situation Vreal compared to the regulatory speed Vreg.

[0056] The display of images 11, I2... I5 which defines a graphic representation, takes place continuously, and this graphic representation varies depending on the speed situation of the vehicle. This allows the driver to receive the images continuously and to perceive the changes in the images, without having to provide increased concentration.

[0057] The system 1 is configured to allow the acquisition of real speed data Vreal via a reception 4 of GPS data, or the system is configured to allow the acquisition of real speed data via a vehicle system.

[0058] The system 1 is configured to allow the acquisition of regulatory speed data via an on-board camera 5 coupled to a signal recognition system 6.

[0059] The display device 2 is distinct from a display of the value of the actual instantaneous speed of the vehicle. Thus the display device 2 according to the invention can be distinct from a traditional speed display, with needle or digital.

[0060] The display device 2 includes a screen on a dashboard or on a center column (or center console) or at a left pillar, a head-up display or a virtual or augmented reality headset or glasses. This list is not exhaustive. The screen may be of the LCD, OLED or other type.

[0061] Calculator 2 is configured to compare the actual speed data Vreal of the vehicle and the regulatory speed data Vreg, by determining the difference DeltaV between the instantaneous actual speed of the vehicle and the regulatory speed.

[0062] Depending on this DeltaV difference between the actual instantaneous speed Vreal of the vehicle and the regulatory speed Vreg, computer 3 controls the display of images according to this difference. When this DeltaV difference reduces, computer 3 controls: - an increase in the speed of animation of shapes composing the images, and / or - an evolution of the shapes making up the images, these shapes being able to become larger and / or more numerous, and / or - an evolution of the position of shapes making up the images, and / or - a modification of the color of shapes making up the images, in particular by giving these shapes a tint tending towards yellow, orange or red.

[0063] Thus the images displayed 11, I2... I5 can present a warning character that is all the more intense as the gap is reduced, signifying that there is a risk of excess speed becomes increasingly greater. The alert character can be maximal in case of excessive speeding.

[0064] Conversely, when the actual speed of the vehicle decreases, images 11, I2... I5 evolve in reverse. In a way, the alert level gradually decreases.

[0065] We will now describe the different images and their evolutions according to the DeltaV speed difference.

[0066] In a vehicle stop state, when the actual speed Vreal of the vehicle is zero, the computer 3 is configured to control the display device 2 to display an image 11 specific to this vehicle stop state. In this state, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the image 11 comprises three reference triangles denoted 10, 11 and 12 of three different colors, and a main shape 20 also triangular but larger than the three reference triangles 10, 11 and 12. The triangular shape 20 here points towards the reference triangle 10, of white color associated with the vehicle stop state. White is symbolized by the absence of patterns in the shape.

[0067] The reference triangles will remain motionless regardless of how the images change, and serve as markers on the display surface. Image 11 is relatively simple. Other shapes and colors can, of course, be chosen.

[0068] When the computer 3 detects, while the vehicle is moving, a speed state that complies with the regulations (the actual speed Vreal, non-zero, of the vehicle is lower than the regulatory speed Vreg), the computer 3 is configured to control the display device 2 to display an image I2 specific to this speed state that complies with the regulations.

[0069] For this image I2, the main geometric shape 20 in triangle takes on a green color (color symbolized by dot patterns), and the geometric shape 20 is subjected to a gradual deformation allowing to intuitively visualize where the real speed Vreal is in relation to the regulatory speed Vreg. The geometric shape 20 is perceived by the driver as rotating in the manner of a needle which turns from one mark 10, 1 1 , 12 to the other.

[0070] When the computer 3 detects that the vehicle is in a regulatory speed limit state (when the actual speed Vreal of the vehicle is equal to the regulatory speed Vreg), the computer 3 controls the display device 2 to display an image 13 specific to this speed limit state.

[0071] In this image I3, the main geometric shape 20 remains green, as well as the mark 11, and other geometric shapes 30 appear, also with the green color. The mark 11, in green, indicates the regulatory speed not to be exceeded.

[0072] This image I3 makes it possible to indicate to the driver that the speed limit has been reached. The main shape 20 is accompanied by a graphic animation by the additional geometric shapes 30 of the same color, allowing simple reading by the driver's peripheral vision. The additional shapes 30 are not necessarily spatially peripheral shapes on the display device, although adapted for peripheral vision, namely a vision which delivers global, compressed and distorted impressions of the total field of vision. Peripheral vision extends into a vision zone around that of foveal vision.

[0073] In the example described, the animation of the shapes composing the images corresponds to their movement in the image.

[0074] When the computer 3 detects that the vehicle is in an excess speed state (when the actual speed of the vehicle is higher than the regulatory speed just after exceeding the speed limit), the computer 3 controls the display device 2 to display an image I4 specific to this excess speed state.

[0075] In this image I4, the main shape 20, the marker 12 and the additional shapes 30 change to red color (color symbolized by a striped pattern).

[0076] The 30 shapes are moving relative to each other. This predominantly red I4 image allows for a quick and unambiguous reading of exceeding the regulatory speed.

[0077] When the computer 3 detects that the vehicle is in a state of significant excess speed (when the actual speed Vreal of the vehicle is greater than the regulatory speed Vreg by a predetermined difference, for example by more than 20 km / h), the computer 3 controls the display device 2 to display an image 15 specific to this state of significant excess speed.

[0078] Geometric shapes have become more numerous in this image 15 than in previous images.

[0079] This image 15 is accompanied, in peripheral vision, by a strong graphic animation which is proportioned according to the level of exceeding the regulatory speed Vreg. Image 15 is accompanied by complex behaviors of the shapes 20 and 30 allowing greater visual impact, these behaviors being for example pulsations, flashing, various animations applied to the geometric shapes making up image 15.

[0080] Thanks to the succession of images displayed on the display device 2, the driver is informed in real time of the vehicle's speed situation in relation to the regulatory speed, and can adapt his speed.

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for assisting in driving a vehicle comprising: - a display device (2), - a computer (3) configured to receive, on a journey of the vehicle, actual speed data (Vreal) of the vehicle and regulatory speed data (Vreg), the computer (3) being configured to control the display device (2) to display a succession of images (11, I2...I5) which vary according to a comparison of the actual speed data of the vehicle and the regulatory speed data.

2. Driving assistance system according to the preceding claim, in which the computer (3) is configured to control the display device (2) to display images regardless of the actual speed situation compared to the regulatory speed.

3. Driving assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the display device (2) comprises a screen on a dashboard or on a central column or at the level of a left pillar, a head-up display or a virtual or augmented reality headset or glasses.

4. Driving assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the computer (3) is configured to determine a difference between the instantaneous real speed (Vreal) of the vehicle and the regulatory speed (Vreg), and to control the display of the images as a function of this difference, in particular, when this difference is reduced, by: - increasing the animation speed of shapes composing the images (11, I2...I5), and / or - evolving the shapes making up the images (11, I2...I5), these shapes being able to become larger and / or more numerous, and / or - changing the position of shapes making up the images (11, I2...I5), and / or - modifying the color of shapes making up the images (11, I2...I5), in particular by giving these shapes a tint tending towards yellow, orange or red.

5. Driving assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the computer (3) is configured to control the display of images (11, I2...I5) composed of geometric shapes, such as polygonal shapes, for example triangles, rectangles, or circles.

6. Driving assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (2) is configured to allow display of images adapted to peripheral vision for the driver.

7. Driving assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the computer (3) is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a state of excess speed when the actual speed of the vehicle is greater than the regulatory speed, and the computer is configured to control the display device to display one or more images specific to this state of excess speed, in the form of a visual alert.

8. Driving assistance system according to the preceding claim, in which the images displayed for this speeding condition are composed of yellow, orange or red colored shapes, these shapes being furthermore in motion relative to each other.

9. A driving assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, as the excess speed increases, the images become increasingly animated and / or intense in color and / or occupy more space on the display device (2).

10. Driving assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the system (1) is configured to allow the acquisition of regulatory speed data via a camera (5) with signal recognition and / or GPS mapping.

11. Method for assisting in driving a vehicle, comprising the following steps: - provide a display device (2), - from actual vehicle speed data and regulatory speed data, control the display device to display a succession of images which vary according to a comparison of the actual speed data (Vreal) of the vehicle and the regulatory speed data (Vreg).|

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