Method of signaling a motor vehicle.

Abstract

A signaling method for a motor vehicle (10) equipped with at least one right-hand flashing light (6, 7) and at least one left-hand flashing light (8, 9), the method comprising: - a first command (E1) of the right-hand flashing light and the left-hand flashing light to produce a hazard warning signal, and - a second command (E2) of the right-hand flashing light and / or the left-hand flashing light to produce a change of direction signal, the first and second commands being implemented simultaneously. Figure for the abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: Method for signaling a motor vehicle.

[0001] The invention relates to a method of signaling a motor vehicle.

[0002] The flashing lights of a motor vehicle can be used by the driver to signal two types of situations: - either a change of direction, in which case only the turn signals located on the side of the change of direction will flash, - either a danger, and in this case the lights are used in hazard warning mode, which corresponds to a simultaneous flashing of all the flashing lights.

[0003] However, the two situations described above can actually occur simultaneously: for example, a driver may want to signal a hazard and simultaneously indicate a change of direction. This is not possible because activating the hazard lights prevents them from signaling the change of direction.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a signaling device and method that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and improves upon known prior art signaling devices and methods. In particular, the invention makes it possible to implement a simple and reliable device and method that allows for the simultaneous signaling of a hazard and a change of direction by a motor vehicle.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a signaling method for a motor vehicle equipped with at least one right-hand flashing light and at least one left-hand flashing light, comprising: - an initial activation of the right and left flashing lights to produce a hazard signal, and - a second command for the right and / or left flashing light to produce a direction change signal, the first and second commands being implemented simultaneously.

[0006] The first command may include a simultaneous flashing of at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light at a hazard frequency.

[0007] The second command can create an asymmetry in flashing between at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light.

[0008] The asymmetry of flashing between the at least one right flashing light and the at least one left flashing light can be induced by applying a second flashing frequency, higher than the hazard frequency, to the at least one flashing light indicating the change of direction.

[0009] The second frequency can be a multiple of the distress frequency, for example double it.

[0010] The blinking asymmetry can be induced by a geometric asymmetry between a first selection of light sources activated by the first command and a second selection of light sources activated by the second command.

[0011] The second command may include a sequential lighting of light sources from the second selection on at least one flashing light indicating the change of direction.

[0012] The invention also relates to a vehicle signaling system comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the management process as defined above.

[0013] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a signaling system as defined above.

[0014] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium to implement the steps of the management process as defined above when said program is running on a computer or a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a data medium readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer, characterized in that it includes instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer, lead the computer to implement the management process as defined above.

[0015] The invention also relates to a computer-readable data recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the management process as defined above, or a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, lead the computer to implement the management process as defined above.

[0016] The invention also relates to a signal from a data carrier, carrying the computer program product defined above.

[0017] The attached drawing represents, by way of example, one embodiment of a signaling system according to the invention and four ways of carrying out a signaling method according to the invention.

[0018] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 schematically represents one embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a means of implementing a signaling process.

[0019] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a flowchart of an execution mode of a signaling process.

[0020] [Fig.3] Fig.3 schematically represents a first control cycle of the traffic lights according to a first embodiment of the signaling process.

[0021] [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 schematically represents a second control cycle of the traffic lights according to a first embodiment of the signaling process.

[0022] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 schematically represents a first control cycle of the traffic lights according to a second embodiment of the signaling process.

[0023] [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 schematically represents a second control cycle of the traffic lights according to a second embodiment of the signaling process.

[0024] [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 schematically represents a first control cycle of the traffic lights according to a third embodiment of the signaling process.

[0025] [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 schematically represents a second control cycle of the traffic lights according to a third embodiment of the signaling process.

[0026] An example of a motor vehicle 10 equipped with an embodiment of a signaling system 1 is described below with reference to [Fig. 1].

[0027] The motor vehicle 10 is a motor vehicle of any type, including a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, a motorcycle, a bus or a truck.

[0028] The motor vehicle 10 includes a signaling system 1. The signaling system 1 mainly comprises the following elements: - a hazard warning light switch 3, - a direction change indicator selector 4, - at least one right front flashing light 6, - at least one right rear indicator light 7, - at least one front left flashing light 8, - at least one left rear flashing light 9. - a microprocessor 2, - a memory 5.

[0029] In the described embodiment, the motor vehicle 10 is equipped with four flashing lights: a right front light 6, a left front light 8, a right rear light 7 and a left rear light 9. In alternative embodiments, the vehicle could be equipped with additional flashing lights, in particular repeater flashing lights.

[0030] The hazard warning light switch 3 allows the driver of the motor vehicle 10 to change the state of the hazard warning lights from active to inactive and vice versa. When the hazard warning lights are active, the four flashing lights 6, 7, 8 and 9 are activated simultaneously to signal a hazard.

[0031] The turn signal selector 4 allows the driver of the motor vehicle 10 to select the turn to be indicated: right, left, or none. When a turn is selected, the Lights located on the side of the change of direction, 6, 7 on one side or 8, 9 on the other, are controlled simultaneously to signal the change of direction.

[0032] Different embodiments of flashing lights are described below. Two main categories of flashing lights are distinguished, - a standard category using incandescent bulb type lamps, - a high-end category using LED bulb type lamps.

[0033] In the remainder of the document, - The terms "lamp," "bulb," or "light source" are used interchangeably to refer to an incandescent or LED lamp, - the terms "light" or "flashing light" are used interchangeably to refer to a bulb or a set of bulbs constituting each of the flashing lights 6, 7, 8 and 9.

[0034] In a first, so-called minimal embodiment of the standard category lights, more specifically represented in [Fig. 6], each of the lights 6, 7, 8, and 9 can be equipped with a single lamp. The respective lamps of these lights can be controlled to flash according to different configurations. In this embodiment, the lamp can be controlled to flash at a so-called distress frequency F0, and at a second frequency Fl, the frequency Fl being higher than the frequency F0. Preferably, the frequency Fl is a multiple of the frequency F0, for example, double it.

[0035] In a second embodiment of the standard category lights, more specifically represented in [Fig. 6], each of the lights 6, 7, 8 and 9 can be equipped with two lamps, a main lamp and an additional lamp, these two lamps being able to be controlled independently of each other to flash at a frequency called the distress frequency F0. In particular, on each of the lights, the main lamp can be lit without the additional lamp being lit.

[0036] Embodiments of high-end traffic lights utilize an array of several LED bulbs evenly distributed along one or more lines, for example, two lines of four bulbs each (embodiment shown in [Fig. 8]), three lines of five bulbs each (embodiment shown in [Fig. 5]), or four lines of four bulbs each (embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 7). In a preferred embodiment, the bulbs are all identical. The bulbs of the same light and the bulbs of two different lights can be controlled independently of each other to illuminate and extinguish, in particular at the same frequency, at different frequencies, or with a given time offset.

[0037] Moreover, in certain embodiments such as those shown for example in Figures 3, 5, 7 and 8, only a subset of the lamps of each light can be controlled to light up, so as to compose a pattern, for example a diagonal (pattern shown in figures 3 and 7), an arrow or a triangle (patterns shown in [Fig.5]).

[0038] In the remainder of the document, a fire is considered to be lit when at least one of its light sources, i.e. one of its lamps, is lit.

[0039] Thus, at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light are considered to be lit simultaneously if at least one light source of the right flashing light and one light source of the left flashing light are lit simultaneously.

[0040] In the remainder of the document, a first selection of lamps on a right flashing light and a second selection of lamps on a left flashing light are considered to be the same if these two selections are symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry of the motor vehicle 10.

[0041] The signaling system 1, and particularly the microprocessor 2, mainly comprises the following modules: - A module 20 for detecting a signal command for a change of direction while the flashing lights are controlled in hazard warning light mode, this module being able to cooperate with the hazard warning light control 3, the change of direction selector 4 and the memory 5. - A module 21 for the first command of at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light to produce a distress signal, this module being able to cooperate with flashing lights 6, 7, 8, 9. - A second control module 22 for at least one right flashing light and / or at least one left flashing light to produce a change of direction signal, this module being able to cooperate with flashing lights 6, 7, 8, 9.

[0042] The motor vehicle 10, in particular the signaling system 1, preferably comprises all the hardware and / or software elements configured to implement the method of the invention or the method described below.

[0043] Figure 2 represents a flowchart of one execution mode of a signaling method

[0044] The signaling method can also be seen as a method of operating a signaling system or as a method of operating a motor vehicle equipped with a signaling system.

[0045] The execution method of the presented process comprises three steps E0, El and E2 which will be detailed later.

[0046] In the detection step E0, the state of the hazard warning light switch 3 and the direction change selector is analyzed to memorize their respective activation state. The hazard warning light switch can be in the active state (for activation of the hazard lights) or inactive. The direction change selector can take the neutral, right direction change or left direction change states. When the hazard warning light switch is in the active state and the change direction selector is not in the neutral state, then the process proceeds to steps E1 and E2 which are executed simultaneously.

[0047] With reference to figures 3 to 8, different modes of execution of steps El and E2 of the signaling process are described.

[0048] In Figures 3 to 8, - Time flows vertically from top to bottom, - The lines represent the different successive states of the right and left lights during a signaling sequence. - A black disc represents an LED lamp that is on, a white disc represents an LED lamp that is off. - a bulb with rays represents a lit incandescent bulb, a bulb without rays represents an unlit incandescent bulb.

[0049] Steps E1 and E2 of a first mode of execution are described below, with reference to [Fig.3].

[0050] In a first command step El, a simultaneous flashing of at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light is commanded at a hazard frequency F0. Preferably, the simultaneous flashing of all the flashing lights of the motor vehicle 10 is commanded at a hazard frequency F0.

[0051] Simultaneous flashing means that periodically at least one right-hand flashing light and at least one left-hand flashing light are illuminated at the same time. In other words, periodically, these lights each have at least one lamp illuminated simultaneously. The selection of illuminated lamps on each light (consisting of at least one lamp illuminated on each light) may be identical on several lights. Alternatively, the selection of illuminated lamps may differ from one light to another.

[0052] In the first embodiment of the method, the first command El comprises the simultaneous illumination of the same selection of lamps on at least one right-hand flashing light and at least one left-hand flashing light. In particular, this selection consists, for each of the flashing lights, of lamps forming a diagonal of the flashing light.

[0053] The distress frequency F0 is determined as the inverse of a distress period T0, that is to say the time interval elapsed between two simultaneous flashings of at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light.

[0054] Advantageously, the distress frequency F0 corresponds to the flashing frequency of the hazard warning lights when used alone, i.e., without the lights of change of direction.

[0055] In the first embodiment of the process as represented in [Fig.3], the distress period T0 is broken down into four time intervals of equal duration, Hll to H14. Indeed, - during the time interval H11, the method controls the simultaneous illumination of a diagonal of lamps on at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light, - during the time intervals H12 to H14 at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light are never lit simultaneously.

[0056] Fig. 3 also represents the periodic reproduction of this same sequence over the intervals H15 to H18.

[0057] According to this first embodiment, in a second step E2, the method controls an asymmetry in the flashing between at least one right-hand flashing light and at least one left-hand flashing light. In other words, in the second step E2, the method signals the change of direction by accentuating the visual signal on the side of the change of direction.

[0058] Figure 3 illustrates the effect of the first embodiment in the case of a change of direction to the right. In this embodiment, the asymmetry of the flashing is induced by applying to at least one right-hand flashing light a second flashing frequency Fl, higher than the hazard frequency F0. In the case illustrated by Figure 3, the flashing frequency Fl is twice the hazard frequency F0. In other words, the flashing period Tl of the right-hand flashing light is equal to half the flashing period T0 of the left-hand flashing light. More generally, the Fl frequency applied to the flashing light indicating the change of direction can be a multiple of the hazard frequency F0.

[0059] The first embodiment of the signaling method can also be applied in an embodiment where the vehicle 10 is equipped with flashing lights, each comprising a single bulb. The effect of the first embodiment on such lights is illustrated in [Fig. 4].

[0060] The first command step El then includes the simultaneous lighting of the single lamp of at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light.

[0061] In the first embodiment of the process as shown in [Fig. 4], the distress period T0 is divided into four equal time intervals, H21 to H24. Indeed, - during the time interval H21, the method controls the simultaneous illumination of the lamp of at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light, - during the time intervals H21 to H25, at least one right flashing light and at less a left flashing light are never lit simultaneously, [Fig.4] also represents the periodic reproduction of this same sequence over the intervals H25 to H28.

[0062] In a second step E2, the method controls an asymmetry of flashing between at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light.

[0063] Figure 4 illustrates the effect of the first embodiment in the case of a right turn, in an embodiment of the invention with flashing lights comprising a single lamp. In this embodiment, the flashing asymmetry is induced by applying to at least one flashing light indicating the turn, i.e., the right flashing light, a second flashing frequency Fl which is twice the hazard warning frequency FO. In other words, the flashing period Tl of the right flashing light is equal to half the flashing period T0 of the left flashing light.

[0064] A second embodiment of the signaling method is shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0065] In this second embodiment, the change of direction is signaled by a geometric asymmetry in the selection of light sources activated on at least one right-hand flashing light and at least one left-hand flashing light. In other words, the visual signal is accentuated by the flashing visual pattern. The flashing frequency of at least one right-hand flashing light and at least one left-hand flashing light is equal to the hazard warning frequency F0.

[0066] In the second execution mode, a geometric asymmetry is induced between a first selection S1 of light sources activated by the first command and a second selection S2 of light sources activated by the second command.

[0067] In the second execution mode, the first command step El therefore performs a first selection of light sources SI and commands their simultaneous flashing at the distress frequency F0 on at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light.

[0068] In parallel with step E1, step E2 of the second command modifies the selection of light sources on at least one flashing light indicating the change of direction, in order to activate a selection S2 of light sources, different from the selection SL

[0069] Figure 5 illustrates a first example of the second embodiment of the method. In this example, the method signals a change of direction to the right. The S2 selection of light sources applied to at least one right-hand flashing light displays a right-pointing arrow. The SI selection of light sources applied to produce a hazard warning signal displays a hazard warning triangle. The distress period T0 is divided into two time intervals of equal duration, H31 and H32. During the time interval H31, at least one right flashing light and at least one left flashing light simultaneously display their respective pattern: a hazard warning light on at least one left flashing light, and an arrow pointing to the right on at least one right flashing light. During the time interval H32, the lights are simultaneously turned off. Figure [5] also represents the periodic reproduction of this same sequence over intervals H33 and H34.

[0070] Figure 6 also illustrates the second embodiment of the method, this time applied to a vehicle equipped with flashing lights, each comprising two incandescent lamps: a main lamp L1D and an additional lamp L2G. In this example, the method signals a change of direction to the right. The light source selection S2 applied to at least one right-hand flashing light includes both lamps L1D and L2D. The light source selection S1 applied to produce a hazard warning signal includes only the main lamp L1D. In other words, the lights L1D and L2D flash simultaneously at the hazard warning frequency FO; the change of direction is indicated by the simultaneous illumination of the main lamp and the additional lamp on the at least one flashing light signaling the change of direction, while on the at least other flashing light only the additional lamp is illuminated.

[0071] A third embodiment of the signaling method is shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0072] The third embodiment of the signaling method can be seen as a variant of the second embodiment. Indeed, - in the second and third execution modes, the process induces a geometric asymmetry between a first selection S1 of light sources activated by the first command and a second selection S2 of light sources activated by the second command, - in the third execution mode, the implementation of the geometric asymmetry includes a sequential lighting of at least two lamps from the second selection S2.

[0073] Advantageously, all the lamps of the S2 selection are lit sequentially.

[0074] Preferably, the sequential illumination of the lamps of selection S2 occurs in the direction of the change of direction. In other words, to signal a change of direction to the right, the lamps of the right turn signal illuminate progressively from left to right, and conversely, to signal a change of direction to the left, advantageously the lamps of the left turn signal illuminate. They gradually light up from right to left.

[0075] As illustrated in [Fig.7], in the third embodiment the SI and S2 selections of lamps controlled by steps El and E2 can be identical: in this case, the geometric asymmetry lies in the sequential lighting of the light sources of the second selection S2 on at least one flashing light indicating the change of direction.

[0076] According to the example shown in [Fig.7], the patterns SI and S2 are identical and draw the same diagonal of the flashing lights.

[0077] The example in [Fig.7] illustrates a right-hand turn signal: - on the left flashing light (opposite the turn), step El commands the simultaneous flashing at frequency F0 of all the lamps in selection SI, drawing a complete diagonal, - on the right flashing light (indicating the change of direction), step E2 commands a sequential lighting of the same selection of lamps S2 (identical to SI).

[0078] Thus, the distress period T0, which is the inverse of the distress frequency F0, is broken down into eight time intervals of equal duration: - During the first half-period Tl=T0 / 2 (covering the intervals H51 to H54), a diagonal of lamps is progressively illuminated on the side of the change of direction, at a rate of one lamp per interval, while all the lamps on the diagonal are illuminated on the side opposite the change of direction. During the time interval H54, both diagonals of lamps are illuminated simultaneously. - On a second half period (from interval H55 until the end of the period), the light located on the side of the change of direction resumes the same cycle as on the four previous intervals (H51 to H54) and sequentially illuminates a diagonal of lamps, while all the lamps are off on the opposite side of the change of direction.

[0079] Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig. 8], in the third embodiment the SI and S2 selections of lamps controlled by steps E1 and E2 may differ. In particular, the SI and S2 selections may be disjoint, such that: - all lamps included in the SI selection flash symmetrically on at least one right-hand flashing light and at least one left-hand flashing light, - The lamps included in the S2 selection light up sequentially.

[0080] The embodiments of the method can be implemented at the level of all the vehicle's turn signals. Alternatively, they can be implemented at the level of the rear turn signals only, or the front turn signals only.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for signaling a motor vehicle (10) equipped with at least one right-hand flashing light (6, 7) and at least one left-hand flashing light (8, 9), the method comprising: - a first command (E1) of the right-hand flashing light and the left-hand flashing light to produce a hazard warning signal, and - a second command (E2) of the right-hand flashing light and / or the left-hand flashing light to produce a change of direction signal, the first and second commands being implemented simultaneously, the second command creating an asymmetry in flashing between the at least one right-hand flashing light (6, 7) and the at least one left-hand flashing light (8, 9), the asymmetry in flashing being induced by a geometric asymmetry between a first selection (S1) of light sources activated by the first command and a second selection (S2) of light sources activated by the second command,and the second command comprising a sequential illumination of light sources from the second selection (S2) on at least one flashing light indicating the change of direction.

2. Signaling method according to the preceding claim characterized in that the first command (El) comprises a simultaneous flashing of at least one right flashing light (6, 7) and at least one left flashing light (8, 9) at a distress frequency (FO).

3. Signaling method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the asymmetry of flashing between the at least one right flashing light (6, 7) and the at least one left flashing light (8, 9) is induced by applying a second flashing frequency (Fl), greater than the distress frequency (FO), to the at least one flashing light indicating the change of direction.

4. Signaling method according to the preceding claim characterized in that the second frequency (Fl) is a multiple of the distress frequency (FO), for example double.

5. A vehicle signaling system (1) for a vehicle (10) comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4

6. Vehicle (10) comprising a signaling system (1) according to the preceding claim.

7. Product computer program comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium to implement the steps of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 4 when said program is run on a computer.

8. A computer-readable data recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or according to claim 7.

9. Signal from a data carrier, carrying the computer program product according to claim 7.

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