Speed limit information function on a central touch screen

Abstract

The invention relates to the processing of a speed limit information function for a motorised land vehicle travelling on a road, the speed of which is limited to the speed limit on a central touch screen in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, comprising the selective display (2) of information as a function of a long or short press action.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Speed ​​limit information function on a central touch screen

[0003] The present invention claims priority from French application 2304847 filed on 16.05.2023, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention belongs to the field of human-machine interfaces on a land motor vehicle. In particular, it relates to the use of a touch screen for a speed limit information function on a central touch screen.

[0004] “Land motor vehicle” means any type of vehicle such as a motor vehicle, a moped, a motorcycle, a storage robot in a warehouse, etc.

[0005] The instrument clusters displaying vehicle operating information located behind the steering wheel are gradually disappearing. Instead, a head-up display (HUD) is installed directly on the windshield. In addition, a central touchscreen is also present, for example, between the two front passengers.

[0006] One of the information to be presented to the driver is the Speed ​​Limit Information (SLI) function. The SLI function informs the driver of the maximum local speed limit, based on a vehicle component such as a camera and / or from the navigation system's map. It can also provide information on signs indicating a restricted area or the end of a restriction. It recognizes and recommends cruise control or the speed limit.

[0007] Following the new GSR V2 (Global Safety Regulation II) regulatory constraints, the SLI function also warns the driver with an audible warning when he is overspeeding or when a speed sign changes. The SLI function can display different pictograms (for example in the form of signs) to inform a user (such as the driver) of:

[0008] 1. The system is active but does not detect speed limit information

[0009] 2. Detection of speed limit information, the system displays the value of the maximum authorized speed

[0010] 3. Detection and display of information on the end of the speed limit

[0011] 4. Detection of a vehicle speed higher than the speed limit (overspeed), the system displays the flashing value and an audible alert

[0012] 5. Contextual speed, with sign indicating a context: in case of rain, in case of exit to the left or to the right

[0013] 6. Conditional speed, with sign indicating a context: in case of snow, specific time, presence of trailer / caravan

[0014] The user can activate or deactivate the SLI in the central touchscreen (via a combination of interactions with several vehicle setting menus) with an ON / OFF item (at each start, the system is automatically activated).

[0015] In this same setting, the user can also choose to deactivate the associated sub-functions: overspeed audible alert and / or speed sign change notification.

[0016] Since the GSR V2 regulation, an additional indicator light is used to indicate several states of the function, more or less explained to the user, such as for example:

[0017] • SLI function deselected in the central screen by the user

[0018] • SLI function automatically deselected by the system because: Function degraded (connection lost)

[0019] • Overspeed audible alert sub-function deselected in the central display by the user

[0020] • SLI function faulty SLI function inhibited by the system due to an element external to the vehicle where the user can act. For example, obstructed sensors: the user must clean the sensor

[0021] Presenting the SLI function on the HUD alone is not sufficient. On the one hand, the limited display space available does not make it possible to clearly convey a message with explanatory text. Even if this presentation were possible, displaying too much information / explanation may be perceived as intrusive for some users. On the other hand, some HUDs do not allow color display, which further complicates intelligibility for the driver.

[0022] The new layout of the vehicle's driving position, without a handset behind the steering wheel and with a HUD, does not allow for the effective implementation of the regulatory speed limit information function. In addition, and regardless of the physical display device for the speed limit information function, this function is considered difficult to understand, with some users considering the function too intrusive while others find it poorly explained. This lack of intelligibility can be detrimental to safety (confusion with the speed limit, for example).

[0023] The present invention improves the situation.

[0024] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for processing a speed limit information function of a land motor vehicle traveling on a road whose speed is limited to the speed limit, the method comprising the steps of:

[0025] - acquisition of speed limit information from at least one component of the vehicle;

[0026] - display of speed limit information on a central touch screen in the vehicle's passenger compartment;

[0027] - upon detection of a short touch on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, display of information in addition to the speed limit information; - upon detection of a long touch on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, display of an interface for configuring the speed limit information function.

[0028] Displaying speed limit information on the central touchscreen, potentially in addition to simple information displayed on a HUD, simplifies management of the speed limit information function.

[0029] Indeed, the impact of the function is reduced without user interaction (press) and the function can be simply and quickly deactivated via a long press, which is suitable for users who find the function too intrusive. Users who need an explanation can receive this explanation with a simple short press.

[0030] Therefore, the specific problem of the speed limit information function of improving intelligibility is solved by the combination of the display with the possibility of short pressing for explanations and long pressing for parameter modifications. Such a resolution makes it possible to improve the safety of vehicles equipped with the invention.

[0031] In one embodiment, the short touch press is detected when a vehicle user presses the speed limit information displayed on the central screen for at most 1 second.

[0032] In one embodiment, the long touch press is detected when a vehicle user presses the speed limit information displayed on the central screen for at least 2 seconds.

[0033] In one embodiment, the information complementary to the speed limit information corresponds to information on a malfunction of the speed limit information function.

[0034] In one embodiment, the information complementary to the speed limit information corresponds to information on a complementary explanation relating to the speed limit.

[0035] In one embodiment, the configuration interface of the speed limit information function makes it possible for the user to perform at least one of the following actions: - deactivation of the speed limit information function;

[0036] - deactivation of a sub-function consisting of generating an audible alert in the event of the vehicle exceeding the speed limit;

[0037] - deactivation of a sub-function consisting of generating a visual alert in the event of detection of a change in the speed limit.

[0038] A second aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the invention, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0039] A third aspect of the invention relates to a device for processing a speed limit information function of a land motor vehicle moving on a road whose speed is limited to the speed limit, the device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory configured to carry out the operations of:

[0040] - acquisition of speed limit information from at least one component of the vehicle;

[0041] - display of speed limit information on a central touch screen in the vehicle's passenger compartment;

[0042] - upon detection of a short touch on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, display of information in addition to the speed limit information;

[0043] - upon detection of a long touch press on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, display of an interface for configuring the speed limit information function.

[0044] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to the motor land vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings in which:

[0045] [Fig 1] is a possible illustration of a central touch screen according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0046] [Fig 2] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0047] [Fig 3] illustrates the structure of a device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0048] The invention is described below in its non-limiting application to the case of a motor vehicle. It can also be any land motor vehicle, tractor or even truck.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a presentation of a central touch screen of the vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0050] As will be detailed below with reference to Figure 2, a display of speed limit information on the central touch screen of the vehicle passenger compartment is provided in the invention.

[0051] In Figure 1, this display is identified by box 2 in which there is a speed sign indicating speed 110. As detailed below with reference to Figure 2, a short or long press on this sign triggers specific actions.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates a method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0053] The process begins at a step 1, for example when starting the vehicle (unlocking the vehicle, or starting an engine or first moving the vehicle). At a step 3, a speed limit information SLI1 is acquired from at least one component of the vehicle. The component is typically a dedicated sensor or a sensor used for autonomous driving. It can be a camera or a laser for example.

[0054] In step 5, SLI1 is displayed on the central touchscreen of the vehicle interior. The touchscreen may be arranged on the center console, which is a central and front part of the vehicle interior. The touchscreen may be arranged vertically or horizontally in multiple dimensions. In particular, the touchscreen may run across all or part of the width of the vehicle.

[0055] In a step 7, upon detection of a short touch press on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, information complementary to the speed limit information is displayed in a step 9. The additional information that can be disseminated may be details on the states or statuses presented in the introductions of this application.

[0056] In particular, in one embodiment, the information complementary to the speed limit information corresponds to information on a malfunction of the speed limit information function. For example, it may involve explaining by text message and / or video that the function is deactivated because the sensor is dirty and needs to be cleaned. In another embodiment, the information complementary to the speed limit information corresponds to information on a complementary explanation relating to the speed limit.

[0057] The display is done directly on the central touch screen, for example via a pop-up window.

[0058] If no short press is detected, the process continues with the acquisition of new SLI data.

[0059] In one embodiment, the short touch press is detected when a user of the vehicle presses the speed limit information displayed on the central screen for at most 1 second. In a step 11, upon detection of a long touch press on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, an interface for setting the speed limit information function is displayed in a step 13. In one embodiment, the long touch press is detected when a user of the vehicle presses the speed limit information displayed on the central screen for at least 2 seconds.

[0060] In one embodiment, the configuration interface of the speed limit information function makes it possible for the user to perform at least one of the following actions:

[0061] - deactivation of the speed limit information function;

[0062] - deactivation of a sub-function consisting of generating an audible alert in the event of the vehicle exceeding the speed limit;

[0063] - deactivation of a sub-function consisting of generating a visual alert in the event of detection of a change in the speed limit.

[0064] The interface is displayed directly on the central touch screen, for example via a pop-up window. The user can save his choices, for example, via touch switches, such as sliders. In particular, the parameter is saved at a step 17 upon detection at a step 15 of an interaction with the interface. If the user indicates at steps 15 and 17 that he wishes to stop the function, the method stops at a step 19.

[0065] If no long press or interaction with the interface is detected for a predetermined period, for example less than 5 seconds, the process continues with the acquisition of new SLI data.

[0066] The short or long press is taken into account if it is made directly on or in the immediate vicinity of the display area of ​​SLI1. For example, in Figure 1, the press is detected if it is made directly on the panel 110 or inside the box 2.

[0067] Figure 3 represents an example of a device D included in the vehicle. This device D can be used as a centralized device in charge of at least certain steps of the method described above with reference to Figure 1. In one embodiment, it is included in the infotainment system of the vehicle. In one embodiment, this device is included in the vehicle and directly receives data from the network internal to the vehicle (CAN or Ethernet network for example). In one embodiment, certain steps are deported to at least one other device of the vehicle. For example, as explained above, the acquisition of the speed limit information from at least one component of the vehicle is carried out at the level of a sensor such as a camera.

[0068] This device D can take the form of a box containing printed circuits, any type of computer or even a smartphone.

[0069] The device D comprises a random access memory 100 for storing instructions for the implementation by a processor 200 of at least one step of the methods as described above. The device also comprises a mass memory 300 for storing data intended to be retained after the implementation of the method.

[0070] The device D may further comprise a digital signal processor (DSP) 400. This DSP 400 receives data to format, demodulate and amplify, in a manner known per se, this data.

[0071] The device also comprises an input interface 500 for receiving data implemented by methods according to the invention and an output interface 600 for transmitting data implemented by the methods.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants.

[0073] Thus, an embodiment has been described in which the method was implemented in a motor vehicle. It can also be implemented on any type of land motor vehicle such as a truck or tractor.

Claims

Claims 1. Method for processing a speed limit information function of a land motor vehicle moving on a road whose speed is limited to the speed limit, the method comprising the steps of: - acquisition (3) of the speed limit information from at least one component of the vehicle; - display (5) of speed limit information on a central touch screen in the vehicle interior; - upon detection (7) of a short tactile press on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, display (9) of information complementary to the speed limit information; - upon detection (11) of a long touch press on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, display (13) of an interface for configuring the speed limit information function.

2. Method according to claim 1, in which the short touch press is detected when a user of the vehicle presses the speed limit information displayed on the central screen for at most 1 second.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the long touch press is detected when a user of the vehicle presses the speed limit information displayed on the central screen for at least 2 seconds.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the information complementary to the speed limit information corresponds to information on a malfunction of the speed limit information function.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the information complementary to the speed limit information corresponds to information on a complementary explanation relating to the speed limit.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the interface for setting the speed limit information function makes it possible for the user to perform at least one of the following actions: - deactivation of the speed limit information function; - deactivation of a sub-function consisting of generating an audible alert in the event of the vehicle exceeding the speed limit; - deactivation of a sub-function consisting of generating a visual alert in the event of detection of a change in the speed limit.

7. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor (2).

8. Device (D) for processing a speed limit information function of a motor vehicle travelling on a road whose speed is limited to the speed limit, the device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory configured to carry out the operations of: - acquisition of speed limit information from at least one component of the vehicle; - display of speed limit information on a central touch screen in the vehicle's passenger compartment; - upon detection of a short touch on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, display of information in addition to the speed limit information; - upon detection of a long touch press on the speed limit information displayed on the central screen, display of an interface for configuring the speed limit information function.

9. Motor land vehicle comprising the device according to claim 8.

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