Method and device for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for alerting drivers to oncoming traffic in the same lane. The method and device use an augmented reality system to alert the driver of a vehicle that another vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction in the same lane. Images are displayed by this augmented reality system. These images include graphic objects that represent the imminence of a collision between the two vehicles and the danger of the road situation. (See Figure 8 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane. Technological background

[0002] It is known that systems for alerting vehicles traveling in the wrong direction on the same lane are known. Such systems are implemented, for example, by installing a dedicated application on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet, or on an infotainment system embedded in a vehicle. This application is designed to detect whether the vehicle is traveling in the wrong direction by comparing its movement to an authorized direction of travel recorded in a database. If the application detects that the vehicle is traveling in the wrong direction, the driver of that vehicle is notified via a notification on the application on their mobile device or on the infotainment system embedded in the vehicle they are driving.Another road user travelling in the same area as the oncoming vehicle may also be alerted if that user has also installed the application on one of their mobile devices or on an in-car infotainment system in the vehicle they are driving. When the application is installed on an infotainment system using a central display screen, a visual alert message is displayed on that central display screen and / or an audible alert is triggered.

[0003] Implementing this type of alert requires installing and launching a dedicated application on a mobile device. Furthermore, displaying a visual alert message on a vehicle's central display screen is not the most effective way to signal an emergency or a dangerous road situation, as this central screen is not within the driver's field of vision, as the driver is focused on the road. Summary of the present invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to alert a driver of a vehicle when another vehicle is travelling in the opposite direction in the same lane of traffic.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to improve road safety.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for alerting vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane, said method being implemented by a processor, said method comprising the following steps: - obtaining, from at least one sensor, a distance between a first vehicle and a second vehicle travelling in the opposite direction on the same lane; - if the distance is greater than a first threshold, triggering of a visual and / or audible alert of a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction in the first vehicle; - if the distance is less than the first threshold, display of an image including a graphic object representing an alert of a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction by an augmented reality system of the first vehicle; obtaining a meeting time between the first and second vehicles from the distance and a speed of the first vehicle; if the meeting time is greater than a second threshold, display of an image including a graphic object representing an incentive to brake by the augmented reality system of the first vehicle; and if the meeting time is less than the second threshold, display of an image including a graphic object representing an avoidance maneuver by the augmented reality system of the first vehicle.

[0007] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, if the meeting time is less than the second threshold, the method further includes a step of triggering an audible alert in the first vehicle.

[0008] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the displayed image further includes at least one graphic object representing a parameter or operating state of the first vehicle, or contextual or environmental information of the first vehicle.

[0009] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, said at least one sensor is carried in the first vehicle.

[0010] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment, said at least one sensor is a millimeter wave radar, a camera or an optoelectronic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor on board the first vehicle.

[0011] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, said at least one sensor is embedded in a roadside device located in an environment of the first vehicle.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0013] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions adapted for executing the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention, particularly when the A computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0015] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk drive.

[0018] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can, in particular, be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0019] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 8, in which:

[0021] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a road environment for the implementation of an alert for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the projection of images in a vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a field of vision associated with a driving position of the vehicle of [Fig.2], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a display of a graphic object representing an incentive to brake according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a display of a graphic object representative of an avoidance maneuver according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an augmented reality system for vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a device for alerting vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on the same lane, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] [Fig.8] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a method for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0029] A method and device for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 8. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0030] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the distance between a first vehicle and a second vehicle traveling in opposite directions on the same lane is obtained from at least one sensor. If the distance exceeds a first threshold, a visual and / or audible oncoming traffic alert is triggered in the first vehicle. If the distance is less than the first threshold, an image including a graphic object representing an oncoming traffic alert is displayed by an augmented reality system in the first vehicle, and a time to encounter between the first and second vehicles is calculated from the distance and speed of the first vehicle.If the encounter time is greater than a second threshold, an image including a graphic object representing an incentive to brake is displayed by the augmented reality system of the first vehicle, and if the encounter time is less than the second threshold, an image including a graphic object representing an evasive maneuver is displayed by the augmented reality system of the first vehicle.

[0031] The use of an augmented reality system is particularly well-suited for displaying images containing graphic objects representing warning levels for vehicles traveling in the wrong direction, as this system overlays the virtual image onto the reality of a road scene. The driver, then focused on driving, immediately becomes aware of the warning level, thus limiting their reaction time without diverting their attention.

[0032] The present invention makes it possible to limit the danger of a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction on a traffic lane by thus warning a driver of another vehicle travelling on the same lane.

[0033] The present invention is advantageous because it triggers alert levels that depend on the proximity of the two vehicles traveling in opposite directions on the same traffic lane and offers solutions for resolving a road situation based on the danger of that road situation.

[0034] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a road environment 1 for implementation of an alert for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The road environment 1 includes a roadway comprising two traffic lanes 12 and 13, both intended to be used by vehicles travelling in the same direction, for example from left to right on the [Fig.1] as indicated by arrows.

[0036] Two vehicles 10 and 11 are travelling on the same traffic lane 13. Vehicle 10 is travelling in the authorized direction of travel (from left to right on [Fig.l]) and vehicle 11 is travelling in the opposite direction (from right to left on [Fig.l]).

[0037] Vehicle 10 corresponds, for example, to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, with electric motor(s), or even a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. Vehicle 10 thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus.

[0038] Vehicles 10 and 11 are within communication range of a roadside device 14, i.e., the device 14 is located in the vicinity of vehicles 10 and 11. The device 14 includes at least one sensor for detecting whether a vehicle is travelling in the opposite direction of the traffic lane 13 and for determining a distance between vehicles 10 and 11. According to the road environment 1, the device 14 detects that vehicle 11 is travelling in the opposite direction on the traffic lane 13 and transmits to vehicle 10 a signal carrying the detection of vehicle 11 and the distance separating the two vehicles 10 and 11.

[0039] Vehicle 101, vehicle 102, and device 14 can communicate with each other via wireless connections, either through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via a communication network infrastructure (not shown). These direct or indirect connections can use a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication mode. A V2X communication mode includes vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication modes.

[0040] According to one variant, vehicle 101, vehicle 102 and device 14 can communicate from a 4G or 5G type cellular network.

[0041] The vehicle 10 carries a device 40 for alerting vehicles travelling in the direction inverse on the same traffic lane described in relation to [Fig.7].

[0042] The vehicle 10 also incorporates a system 3 known as augmented reality, or AR (from the English "Augmented Reality"), for example a Head-Up Display (HUD) system. The augmented reality system 3 is described in relation to [Fig. 6].

[0043] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the projection of images in a vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 2 presents a view of the interior of the vehicle 10, in particular of the front part of its passenger compartment including in particular the steering wheel, the dashboard, and the windscreen 100.

[0045] The vehicle 10 carries, for example, a set of sensors configured to obtain data on the environment of the vehicle 10, this data or part of it being used in particular for the autonomous driving of the vehicle 10. This or these sensors correspond, for example, to sensors of one or more object detection systems in the environment of the vehicle 10, the data obtained from this or these sensors allowing, for example, the detection of objects in the environment of the vehicle 10, for example in front of the vehicle 10. This or these object detection systems are, for example, associated with or included in one or more driver assistance systems, known as ADAS systems (from the English "Advanced Driver-Assistance System" or in French "Système d'aide à la conduite avancé").

[0046] The sensor(s) associated with these object detection systems correspond, for example, to one or more of the following sensors:

[0047] - one or more millimeter wave radars arranged on the vehicle 10, by for example, at the front, at the rear, on each front / rear corner of the vehicle; each radar is adapted to emit electromagnetic waves and to receive the echoes of these waves reflected by one or more objects, in order to detect obstacles at a distance of approximately 150m and their distances from the vehicle; and / or

[0048] - one or more LIDAR(s) (from the English "Light Detection And Ranging", or "Light Detection and Ranging" (LIDAR in French), a LIDAR sensor corresponding to an optoelectronic system composed of a laser emitter, a receiver including a light collector (to collect the portion of the light emitted by the emitter and reflected by any object located in the path of the light rays emitted by the emitter) and a photodetector that transforms the collected light into an electrical signal; a LIDAR sensor thus makes it possible to detect the presence of objects located in the emitted light beam at a maximum distance of approximately 100m and to measure the distance between the sensor and each detected object; and / or

[0049] - one or more cameras (with or without a depth sensor) for the acquisition of one or more images of the environment around the vehicle within the field of vision of the camera(s); and / or

[0050] - one or more ultrasonic sensors.

[0051] Vehicle 10 also carries at least one speed sensor.

[0052] The vehicle 10 can also be equipped, for example, with a navigation system, which uses, for example, geolocation information provided by a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or Galileo. This geolocation information is combined with mapping data, particularly road data, to display the route on a map generated from the mapping data.

[0053] The augmented reality system 3 is configured to display an image (or part of an image) comprising one or more graphic objects by projecting a light beam carrying image data onto a surface 101 of the windshield 100.

[0054] The surface 101 is for example located above and behind the steering wheel with respect to a viewpoint corresponding to the viewpoint from which a driver is supposed to look at the road ahead when driving the vehicle 10.

[0055] According to a particular and non-limiting example of an embodiment, a graphic object is representative of a warning of a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction, an incentive to brake or an avoidance maneuver.

[0056] Alternatively, the graphic objects may be representative of parameters or operating state of the vehicle 10 corresponding to all or part of the following information, according to all possible combinations:

[0057] - information representative of instantaneous speed; and / or

[0058] - information representative of the rotation of a drive shaft (also called in tachometer training); and / or

[0059] - information representative of a mileage travelled; and / or

[0060] - information representative of a fuel level or the state of charge of the battery in the case of an electric vehicle; and / or

[0061] - information representative of a coolant temperature engine; and / or

[0062] - at least one piece of information representative of an alert witness (for example, witness battery charge indicator, engine oil pressure indicator, engine oil or coolant temperature indicator, brake failure indicator, etc.), corresponding, for example, to a pictogram that appears or changes color in the event of a warning; and / or

[0063] - at least one piece of information representative of a warning indicator (for example engine oil level indicator, airbag indicator (also called inflatable cushion), brake pad wear indicator, etc.), corresponding for example to a pictogram that appears or changes color when a warning is issued; and / or

[0064] - at least one piece of information representative of a warning indicator operation of an on-board system (positioning light indicator, dipped or main beam indicator, hazard warning light indicator, rear window defogger indicator, etc.), corresponding for example to a pictogram that appears or takes on a specific color when the on-board system is put into operation.

[0065] Alternatively, the graphic objects may represent contextual or environmental information of the vehicle 10 and correspond to all or part of the following information, according to all possible combinations:

[0066] - information representative of mapping the vehicle's environment 10, for example obtained from the vehicle's on-board navigation system 10 or from a navigation system installed on a mobile communication device (for example, a smartphone connected wirelessly to the vehicle 10; and / or

[0067] - representative navigation information of vehicle 10, for example a track the route to be followed by vehicle 10, the current position of vehicle 10, the applicable speed limit on the section of road on which vehicle 10 is traveling; this information is obtained, for example, from the navigation system on board vehicle 10 or from the navigation system installed on a mobile communication device; and / or

[0068] - information representative of an object detected in the environment, by For example, the presence of vehicle 11, the presence of a pedestrian or animal on the road in front of vehicle 10, the presence of a road sign, the presence of a stationary object on the road, the presence of a tunnel entrance, etc.; this information is obtained, for example, from one or more object detection sensors on board vehicle 10 and, for example, associated with one or more ADAS systems of vehicle 10; according to one variant, this information is received from another vehicle, for example vehicle 11, or from device 14 or from a communication network infrastructure connected to vehicle 10 via wireless communication using a V2X communication mode; according to another variant, this information is received from one or more servers in the cloud via a 4G or 5G cellular wireless network; and / or

[0069] - information representative of an event detected in the environment, by For example, information about a disruption on the road, such as an accident or traffic jam, or information about specific weather conditions that may disrupt traffic (snow, fog, rain, ice); in one variant, this information is received from another vehicle, for example vehicle 11, or from the device 14 or of a communication network infrastructure linked to the vehicle 10 according to a V2X communication mode; according to another variant, this information is received from one or more servers of the "cloud" (or "nuage" in French) via a 4G or 5G type cellular wireless network.

[0070] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a field of vision associated with a driving position of the vehicle of [Fig.2], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 3 illustrates the front part of the vehicle 10 from a top view. The field of vision 210 is associated with a viewpoint 21 which corresponds to the viewpoint from which a driver is supposed to look at the road ahead when driving the vehicle 10. This viewpoint 21 is, for example, positioned in the middle of the driver's seat (front left in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10 according to the particular example in Figure 3), at the location of the driver's head if the driver were sitting in the driver's seat. The viewpoint 21 is, for example, positioned in the center of a headrest resting on the driver's seat when the seat is equipped with such a headrest.

[0072] The field of vision 210 extends for example around a main vision axis 211, and covers an area between an upper vertical limit (forming for example an angle of 15° with the axis 211 from the viewpoint 21), a lower vertical limit (forming for example an angle of 15° with the axis 211 from the viewpoint 21), a right lateral limit (forming for example an angle of 20 or 25° with the axis 211 from the viewpoint 21) and a left lateral limit (forming for example an angle of 25 or 30° with the axis 211 from the viewpoint 21).

[0073] A graphic object 2100 corresponding to an element of the image is advantageously projected or displayed within the field of vision 210, to ensure that the driver is looking at the road or the environment in front of the vehicle 10 according to this field of vision 210.

[0074] The graphic object 2100 corresponds, for example, to a pictogram representing a warning sign, a vehicle (e.g., a car), a pedestrian, or an arrow indicating a direction to follow. The graphic object 2100 is, for example, semi-transparent to allow the driver to see the road environment through it.

[0075] When the purpose of displaying the image is to alert the driver of vehicle 10 to a potential hazard, the graphic object is displayed, for example, at the location of an object detected in front of vehicle 10, such as vehicle 11, to draw the driver's attention to this detected object. The graphic object 2100 corresponds to a virtual element added by augmented reality through the overlay or superimposition of this virtual element onto an element of the real world.

[0076] The movement of the graphic object 2100 follows, for example, the movement of an object detected in front of vehicle 10, the movement of the detected object corresponds for example to the displacement of the detected object, where applicable, relative to the displacement of vehicle 10. According to a variant, the graphic object 2100 is initially displayed in a first position before following the movement of the detected object.

[0077] A process for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane is advantageously implemented by the vehicle 10 (i.e. by one or more devices on board the vehicle 10).

[0078] Vehicle 11 is detected by vehicle 10 from an on-board sensor of vehicle 10.

[0079] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, a millimeter wave radar type sensor is used to detect the vehicle 11 located at a distance of up to about 150 m, or even a little more for the most efficient ones.

[0080] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, a sensor of the roadside device 14 or the vehicle 11 can emit a signal carrying information representative of the traffic lane on which the vehicle 11 is traveling and the direction of travel of the vehicle 11. This information can be received by the vehicle 10 by a V2X communication mode for example via a V2V or V2I connection.

[0081] In a first operation, a distance D between vehicle 10 and vehicle 11 travelling in opposite directions on the same traffic lane is obtained from at least one sensor.

[0082] In a second operation, if the distance D is greater than a threshold TH1, a visual and / or audible alert is triggered in the vehicle 10.

[0083] This visual and / or audible alert is triggered only as an indication for the driver of vehicle 10 and its level of danger is low because vehicle 11 is far from vehicle 10. The TH1 threshold can be set by the maximum range of an on-board sensor of vehicle 10 which can be used to detect vehicle 11 when this vehicle 11 is relatively close to vehicle 10 (on the order of approximately 200 m).

[0084] For example, the visual alert may be displayed on a central screen of the vehicle 10 or a warning light may illuminate on the dashboard of the vehicle 10.

[0085] In a third operation, if the distance D is less than the threshold TH1, an image including a graphic object representing a warning of a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction is displayed by the augmented reality system 3 of the vehicle 10.

[0086] Since vehicles 10 and 11 are relatively close to each other, the level of danger increases and the displayed image alerts the driver of vehicle 10 who can react accordingly.

[0087] In a fourth operation, if the distance D is less than the threshold TH1, a meeting time T of vehicles 10 and 11 is also obtained from the distance D and the vehicle speed 10.

[0088] In a fifth operation, if the meeting time T is greater than a threshold TH2, an image including a graphic object representing an incentive to brake is displayed by the augmented reality system 3 of the vehicle 10.

[0089] For example, if vehicle 10 is traveling at a speed of 50 km / h, a millimeter-wave radar onboard vehicle 10 can detect vehicle 11 at 150 m and estimate the encounter time to be 5.4 seconds. The encounter time T is then equal to 5.4 seconds and can therefore be considered to be above the TH2 threshold. If vehicle 10 is traveling at a speed of 100 km / h, the radar can detect vehicle 11 at 150 m in 2.7 seconds. The encounter time T is then equal to 2.7 seconds and can therefore be considered to be below the TH2 threshold.

[0090] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates a display of a graphic object representing an instruction to brake according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The image displayed by the augmented reality system 3 comprises a graphic object II representing a pictogram of a warning sign positioned at the location of the detected vehicle 11 and a graphic object 12 representing a pictogram of a foot pressing on a brake pedal.

[0091] Since vehicles 10 and 11 are close to each other, the level of danger becomes critical and the displayed image suggests to the driver of vehicle 10 that he brake to avoid getting too close to vehicle 11.

[0092] In a sixth operation, if the encounter time T is less than the threshold TH2, an image including a graphic object representing an avoidance maneuver is displayed by the augmented reality system 3 of the vehicle 10.

[0093] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment, the avoidance maneuver consists of proposing a lane change to vehicle 10.

[0094] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a display of a graphic object representing an avoidance maneuver according to a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The image displayed by the augmented reality system 3 includes a graphic object 13 representing a pictogram indicating a change of lane to the right.

[0095] Since vehicles 10 and 11 are close to each other, the level of danger is very critical and the displayed image offers the driver of vehicle 10 an evasive maneuver to avoid a collision between vehicles 10 and 11.

[0096] According to one variant, an audible alert is triggered in the vehicle 10 if the meeting time T is less than the threshold TH2.

[0097] According to one variant, the change of lane is conditional on the availability of a destination lane and the absence of obstacles on that destination lane.

[0098] The displayed image is generated, for example, by an on-board computer of the vehicle 10. The image corresponds, for example, to a matrix of pixels, with each pixel associated with grey level information, for example grey level information coded on 8, 10 or 12 bits for each colour channel of a determined colour space, for example RGB (from the English "Red, Green, Blue" or in French "Rouge, vert, bleu").

[0099] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an augmented reality system 3 for vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The system 3 includes a device or control unit 31 configured for processing data received from sensors of the vehicle 10 and / or from systems embedded in the vehicle 10 and / or from remote devices connected to the vehicle 10. The control unit 31 is advantageously configured to generate images from the received data.

[0101] The control unit 31 advantageously comprises one or more CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) processors associated with memory. The control unit 31 corresponds, for example, to a computer or a combination of computers.

[0102] The data representing an image are transmitted to a projector 32 configured to project a light beam representative of the image.

[0103] The projector 32 is for example of the "emissive" type and corresponds for example to a laser scanner comprising at least one laser diode, for example three laser diodes to generate three different colours, for example RGB (one diode per RGB colour).

[0104] A laser scanner advantageously comprises a diffuser and a scanning unit that generates a light beam, which beam scans the rear face of the diffuser. The scanning unit comprises, for example, a light beam generator associated with a micromirror array, known as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device), configured to direct the light beam onto the rear face of the diffuser. The DMD comprises a movable mirror array implemented as a microelectromechanical system, known as a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System).

[0105] According to another example, the projector 32 is for example of the "light modulating" type and corresponds for example to a display screen, for example an LCD type screen (from the English "Liquid Crystal Display" or in French "Affichage à cristals liquide"), for example of the TFT type type (from the English "Thin-Film Transistor" or in French "Transistor en film mince"), or an OLED type screen (from the English "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "Diode électroluminescente organique").

[0106] The system 3 also includes a reflective device 33 associated with the projector 32. The reflective device 33 is configured to direct the light beam (emitted by the projector 32 towards the surface 101 for displaying the image in the field of vision from the viewpoint 21.

[0107] According to one variant, system 3 does not include such a reflective device, the projector being arranged so as to project the light beam directly onto the surface 101.

[0108] According to an optional embodiment, the system 3 further comprises optical means (for example an arrangement of optical lenses not shown) configured to focus the image in an image plane.

[0109] The system 3 is for example configured for the display of images such as those generated by operations described opposite Figures 5 and / or by steps of the process described opposite [Fig.8].

[0110] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a device for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Device 40 corresponds for example to a device embedded in the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0112] The device 40 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 to 5 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 8]. Examples of such a device 40 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, an electronic control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer. The elements of the device 40, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device 40 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0113] The device 40 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 401 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the vehicle 10. The processor 401 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 40 further comprises at least one memory 403, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or includes a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0114] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored on memory 403.

[0115] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 40 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (Telematic Control Unit), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0116] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 40 includes a block 402 of interface elements for communicating with external devices such as, for example, the device 14 or the vehicle 11. The interface elements of the block 402 include one or more of the following interfaces:

[0117] - radio frequency (RF) interface, for example of the Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), by example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or of the Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or of the Sigfox type using UBN radio technology (from the English Ultra Narrow Band, in French bande ultra étroite), or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (from the English "Long-Term Evolution" or in French "Evolution à long terme"), LTE-Advanced (or in French LTE-avancé);

[0118] Data, such as data obtained by sensors, are for example loaded into the device 40 via the interface of block 402 using a Wi-Fi® network such as according to IEEE 802.11, an ITS G5 network based on IEEE 802.1 lp or a mobile network such as a 4G (or 5G) network based on the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard defined by the 3GPP consortium, in particular an LTE-V2X network.

[0119] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 40 includes a communication interface 404 which enables communication with other devices (such as other computers or on-board sensors) via a communication channel 405. The communication interface 404 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 405. The communication interface 404 corresponds, for example, to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3) type.

[0120] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 40 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 406, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 407 and / or other peripherals peripherals 408 (augmented reality system 3) via output interfaces 409, 410 and 411 respectively. According to one variant, one or the other of the external devices is integrated into device 40.

[0121] For example, if the distance D is greater than the threshold TH1, the visual alert can be displayed on the screen 406 and / or the audible alert can be emitted by the speakers 407.

[0122] [Fig.8] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a method for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] The process is implemented for example by a device on board the vehicle 10 or by the device 40 of [Fig.7].

[0124] In a first step 51, a distance D between vehicle 10 and vehicle 11 travelling in opposite directions on the same traffic lane is obtained from at least one sensor.

[0125] In a second step 52, if the distance D is greater than the threshold TH1, a visual and / or audible alert of a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction is triggered in the vehicle 10. In a third step 53, if the distance D is less than the threshold TH1, an image including a graphic object representing a warning of a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction is displayed by the augmented reality system 3 of the vehicle 10.

[0126] In a fourth step 54, if the distance D is less than the threshold TH1, the meeting time T between vehicles 10 and 11 from the distance D and a speed of vehicle 10.

[0127] In a fifth step 55, if the encounter time T is greater than the threshold TH2, an image including a graphic object representing an incentive to brake is displayed by the augmented reality system 3 of the vehicle 10.

[0128] In a sixth step 56, if the encounter time T is less than the threshold TH2, an image including a graphic object representative of an avoidance maneuver is displayed by the augmented reality system 3 of the vehicle 10.

[0129] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to Figures 1 to 5 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.8].

[0130] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for alerting vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on the same lane, which would include secondary steps without falling outside the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0131] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-powered vehicle, comprising the device 40 of [Fig.7],

Claims

Demands

1. A method for alerting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane, said method being implemented by a processor, said method comprising the following steps: - obtaining (51), from at least one sensor, a distance between a first vehicle and a second vehicle travelling in the opposite direction on the same traffic lane; - if the distance is greater than a first threshold, triggering (52) a visual and / or audible alert of a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction in the first vehicle; - if the distance is less than the first threshold, displaying (53) an image comprising a graphic object representing a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction alert by an augmented reality system of the first vehicle; obtaining (54) a meeting time between the first and second vehicles from the distance and a speed of the first vehicle;if the time of encounter is greater than a second threshold, display (55) of an image including a graphic object representing an incentive to brake by the augmented reality system of the first vehicle; and if the time of encounter is less than the second threshold, display (56) of an image including a graphic object representing an avoidance maneuver by the augmented reality system of the first vehicle.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein if the meeting time is less than the second threshold, the method further comprises a step of triggering an audible alert in the first vehicle.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a displayed image further comprises at least one graphic object representing a parameter or operating state of the first vehicle or contextual or environmental information of the first vehicle.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one sensor is carried in the first vehicle.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein said at least one sensor is a millimeter wave radar, a camera or an optoelectronic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor on board the first vehicle.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said at least a sensor is embedded in a roadside device located in the environment of the first vehicle.

7. A computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when such instructions are executed by a processor.

8. Computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A device (40) for alerting oncoming traffic on the same lane, said device comprising a memory (403) associated with at least one processor (401) configured to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6

10. 1 of U. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (40) according to claim 9.

Images