Method and device for controlling an obstacle detection system using a warning light

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling an active obstacle detection system, known as an ODS system, of a vehicle. For this purpose, a warning indicator (211) representing the ODS system is displayed in a defined area of ​​a human-machine interface shown in a first zone (21) of a touchscreen (13). Data representing a touch input (212) on the displayed warning indicator (211) is received. Graphic content comprising a representation of a top view (221) of the vehicle and the area around the vehicle, as well as information (222) representing the presence or absence of an obstacle in the area around the vehicle, is displayed in a second zone (22) of the touchscreen (13). (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling an obstacle detection system using a signaling indicator Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling an obstacle detection system of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The invention relates in particular to a method and a device for controlling the display of graphic contents associated with the obstacle detection system of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method and a device for assisting in driving a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Some contemporary vehicles have several screens on board to display information useful to the driver for driving the vehicle as well as comfort information, such as, for example, information for interacting with the infotainment system, also called the IVI system (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement embargo"), of the vehicle.

[0003] Among these screens, it is known to embed one or more LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type screens, for example TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) type, or OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) type.

[0004] The integration of such screens makes it possible, for example, to control, via a graphical Human-Machine Interface (HMI) displayed on such screens, the operating status of the systems embedded in the vehicle, for example the AD AS systems (from the English “Advanced Driver-Assistance System” or in French “Advanced Driving Assistance System”).

[0005] The multiplication of systems embedded in the vehicle and the multiplication of means of command or control of these systems lead to a complexity of 1THM by which a user interacts with the embedded systems to control them, with in particular a multiplication of icons, displayed messages or command shortcuts whose control and management are consequently complicated for a user. The user experience is degraded and the attention of the driver of the vehicle can be reduced when different messages are displayed on the on-board screen(s).

[0006] For example, for vehicles equipped with an obstacle detection system, known as an ODS system (from the English “Obstacle Detection System”), access to the content graphic representing the proximity of a possible obstacle located around the vehicle only appears during a parking maneuver, which limits the use and interest of such an ODS system.

[0007] Furthermore, the multiplication of display devices in a vehicle as well as the multiplication of means of controlling the on-board systems increases the price of these vehicles and complicates access to information for the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle, which can also degrade the user experience.

[0008] Summary of the present invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the control of an obstacle detection system of a vehicle.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the user experience with regard to the control of this obstacle detection system.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling an obstacle detection system, called an ODS system, of a vehicle, the ODS system being configured to detect a set of obstacles in an area around the vehicle from a set of parking sensors of the vehicle, the vehicle furthermore having a display system comprising a touch screen, the method comprising the following steps: - display control of a signaling indicator representative of the ODS system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone of the touch screen; - reception of first data representative of a first tactile press on the indicator light; - display control of a first graphic content comprising a representation of a top view of the vehicle and the area around the vehicle, the first graphic content further comprising information representative of the presence or absence of an obstacle in the area, the control being triggered by the reception of the first data, the first graphic content being displayed in a second area of ​​the touch screen different from the first area.

[0013] The direct use of the indicator light representative of the ODS system to request the display of additional content relating to the ODS system, i.e. a top view of the vehicle indicating the presence of any obstacle(s) around the vehicle, allows the driver to obtain on demand a visual of the environment around the vehicle with an indication of the presence or absence of an obstacle.

[0014] This makes it possible to improve the use of the ODS system by offering the possibility of benefiting from the associated function by a simple touch on the displayed indicator, whenever the driver feels the need.

[0015] All content is also displayed on a single screen, which facilitates access to information and minimizes the time spent searching for information. This improves driver vigilance, as well as the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

[0016] According to one variant, the method further comprises the following steps: - reception of second data representative of a second tactile press on the indicator light, the second tactile press being subsequent to the first tactile press; - control of the end of display of the first graphic content in the second zone following the reception of the second data.

[0017] According to another variant, the first graphic content further comprises a graphic object configured to adjust a set of parameters of the ODS system by touching the graphic object.

[0018] According to an additional variant, the control of display of the first graphic content is triggered when the first touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold and the control of end of display of the first graphic content is triggered when the second touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than the threshold.

[0019] According to another variant, the signaling indicator being displayed according to a first graphic representation representative of a first activation state of the ODS system, the method further comprises the following steps: - reception of third data representative of a tactile press of a duration greater than the threshold on the indicator light; - transmitting a request to switch the ODS system from the first activation state to a second activation state different from the first activation state; - control of display of the indicator light according to a second graphic representation different from the first graphic representation, in the determined content displayed on the first part of the touch screen, the second graphic representation being representative of the second activation state of the ODS system.

[0020] According to an additional variant, the first activation state and the second activation state belong to a set of activation states comprising: - an activated state; and - a deactivated state.

[0021] According to another variant, the signaling indicator being displayed according to a third graphic representation representative of a fault in the operation of the ODS system, the method further comprises the following steps: - reception of fourth data representative of a tactile press on the indicator of signaling; - control of the display of a second graphic content representing additional information relating to the operating fault following receipt of the fourth data.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling an obstacle detection system, called an ODS system, of a vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0023] 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 or a system as described above according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for executing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0025] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0026] 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 method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0027] On the one hand, the recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0028] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0029] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question. Brief description of the figures

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 6, in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a first particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a second particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a third particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.5] illustrates a device configured to control a detection system obstacle of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] [Fig.6] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a obstacle detection system of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Description of the examples of embodiment

[0038] A method and a device for controlling an obstacle detection system of a vehicle will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 6. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0039] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control of an obstacle detection system, called ODS system, of a vehicle is for example implemented by one or more computers of the vehicle. For this purpose, the method comprises the control of the display of a signaling indicator representative of the ODS system. The signaling indicator corresponds for example to a symbol or a pictogram representing the ODS system and is displayed in a first zone or part of a touch screen of the vehicle in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, for example in a determined page of the HMI corresponding for example to the home screen or the default screen of the HMI. First data representative of a touch press on the displayed signaling indicator are received from the touch interface, for example when a user performs a touch-sensitive pressure on the touch screen at the display location of the indicator light. Following receipt of the first data, the computer controls the display of a specific graphic content which represents the vehicle seen from above and an area surrounding the vehicle, with an indication of the presence or absence of an object or obstacle in this area. The graphic content is controlled so as to be displayed in a second area of ​​the touch screen different from the first area.

[0040] Such a method makes it possible to control, via a voluntary action, the display of a visual representing the vehicle and an area around the vehicle, with indication of the presence or absence of an object or obstacle in this area.

[0041] Such a display is usually displayed automatically when the vehicle performs a parking maneuver and / or when the vehicle speed is below a threshold speed (for example a threshold speed equal to 10 km / h). According to the present invention, such a display is displayed on demand, by simple touch pressure on an indicator of the ODS system, without any particular maneuver and / or vehicle speed conditions.

[0042] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The vehicle 10 corresponds for example to a vehicle with a thermal engine, with electric motor(s) or even a hybrid vehicle with a thermal engine and one or more electric motors. The vehicle 10 thus corresponds for example to a land vehicle comprising a passenger compartment or at least equipped with a display screen, for example an automobile, a truck, a bus, a motorcycle.

[0044] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a display system comprising a screen 13 with a touch interface and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphical MMI on the touch screen 13. The computer corresponds for example to the computer of the infotainment system, called the IVI computer (from the English “In-Vehicle Infotainment” or in French “Infodivertissement embargo”) of the vehicle 10.

[0045] According to a particular embodiment, the display system further comprises a display screen 12 corresponding for example to a transparent or semi-transparent blade 12, for example arranged on top of the dashboard 11 in front of the windshield of the electric vehicle 10. The transparent blade 12 is for example arranged behind the steering wheel 14, according to the point of view of a driver installed in the driver's seat 15, in such a way that the driver sees the content displayed or projected on the transparent blade 12 when the driver is driving the electric vehicle 10. The transparent blade 12 thus corresponds to an element of a device or system called a head-up display. Such a display system comprises for example one or more projectors integrated for example in the dashboard 11. Such a system for projecting images or graphic content corresponds for example to a so-called augmented reality system, called AR (from the English "Augmented Reality"), for example a Head-Up Vision system, called VTH or HUD (from the English "Head Up Display" or in French "Display Head High"), which allows the incrustation of virtual objects in the driver's field of vision by projecting the images onto the blade 12, so as to superimpose the virtual objects of the projected images on the real road scene. The projection of the images of the graphic object is for example controlled by one or more computers of the on-board system of the vehicle 10, for example by the IVI computer. The connection between the computer and the head-up display device corresponds for example to a connection of the LVDS type (from the English "Low Voltage Differential Signaling" or in French "Low Voltage Differential Transmission").

[0046] Such a display system comprising the touch screen 13 and the head-up display device 12 is for example provided or configured to reduce the number of screens present in the vehicle 10, making it possible for example to eliminate the display screen(s) called the instrument panel or dashboard and generally arranged in an area 141 behind the steering wheel in the dashboard 11.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 has one or more on-board systems each controlled by one or more computers. These computers, with the IVI computer, form for example a multiplexed architecture for the realization of different services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or the passengers of the vehicle in the control of the vehicle 10 via the control of the system(s) on board the vehicle 10.The computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a communication bus of the data bus type CAN (from the English "Controller Area Network" or in French "Réseau de contrôles"), CAN FD (from the English "Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate" or in French "Réseau de contrôles à débit de données flexible"), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), LIN (from the English "Local Interconnect Network" or in French "Réseau interconnecté local") or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0048] The system(s) embedded in the vehicle 10 correspond for example to an obstacle detection system, called an ODS system, of a vehicle. An ODS system is advantageously configured to detect a set of obstacles in an area around the vehicle from a set of parking sensors of the vehicle, such as millimeter wave radars arranged at the front of the vehicle, at the rear of the vehicle and sometimes on the sides of the vehicle as well.

[0049] Such an ODS system is configured to indicate to the driver of the vehicle 10 the presence or absence of an obstacle or object around the vehicle. The presence of an object is for example indicated by a visual alert at the location of the object with respect to the vehicle, for example by highlighting the detection zone around the vehicle. The presence of a detected obstacle is, for example, further materialized with an indication of the distance of the object from the vehicle, this indication being represented graphically.

[0050] According to an alternative embodiment, the detection of an object as well as its distance from the vehicle is further indicated by the emission of one or more sound alerts (for example a determined sound repeating at a frequency which can vary), the frequency of the sound emitted increasing for example as the distance between the object and the vehicle reduces.

[0051] The ODS system thus relies for example on data received from one or more sensors of the vehicle 10 configured for object detection, such as for example: - one or more millimeter wave radars arranged on the vehicle 10, for example at the front of the vehicle 10; each radar is adapted to emit electromagnetic waves and to receive the echoes of these waves returned by one or more objects, for the purpose of detecting obstacles and their distances from the vehicle 10; and / or - one or more LIDAR(s) (from the English “Light Detection And Ranging”, or “Light Detection and Ranging” in French), a LIDAR sensor corresponding to an optoelectronic system composed of a laser emitting device, a receiving device comprising a light collector (to collect the part of the light radiation emitted by the emitter and reflected by any object located in the path of the light rays emitted by the emitter) and a photodetector which 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 and to measure the distance between the sensor and each detected object.

[0052] A process for controlling the ODS system of the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by the vehicle 10, for example by one or more processors of one or more computers of the on-board system of the vehicle 10, for example by the IVI computer.

[0053] In a first operation, the display of a signaling indicator representative of the ODS system of the vehicle 10 is controlled in such a way that the signaling indicator is displayed on the touch screen 13 in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, which content is displayed on the touch screen 13.

[0054] The displayed content includes, for example, a set of information useful to the driver to ensure control and supervision of the vehicle 10.

[0055] The set of information includes for example the instantaneous speed of the vehicle 10 when the latter is in a rolling or traffic phase, that is to say in movement, driven by the vehicle's engine 10.

[0056] The set of information comprises for example other complementary information such as for example the remaining autonomy (expressed for example in km), the distance traveled, a level of energy remaining in the tank (for example the quantity of electrical energy remaining in the traction battery when the vehicle 10 corresponds to an electric vehicle or the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank when the vehicle 10 is a vehicle with a thermal engine), etc.

[0057] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the signaling indicator displayed is for example representative of a determined state of the ODS system. The graphical representation of the signaling indicator displayed depends for example on the current state of the ODS system.

[0058] For example, the signaling indicator is displayed according to a first graphic representation determined when the ODS system is activated (or "ON" in English, that is to say that the function of detecting obstacles and displaying the presence of the obstacle with respect to the vehicle with or without the emission of an audible alert is functional and active). The signaling indicator is displayed for example according to a second graphic representation when the ODS system is deactivated (or "OFF" in English, that is to say that the function of detecting obstacles and displaying the presence of the obstacle with respect to the vehicle with or without the emission of an audible alert is not functional or active).

[0059] According to an alternative embodiment, the deactivated state (voluntarily by action of a passenger, corresponding to the “OFF” state) is indicated by the indicator light according to a second graphic representation and a so-called fault state representative of a failure or a fault in the system (for example a failure of the computer, a problem at the level of one or more object detection sensors) is according to the second graphic representation and active is indicated by the indicator light according to a third graphic representation different from the first and second graphic representation.

[0060] According to another example, the deactivated (or “OFF”) state and the so-called fault state are indicated in the same way by the indicator light according to the second graphic representation.

[0061] The indicator light 211 is for example illustrated in [Fig. 2]. [Fig. 2] illustrates an example of display of the indicator light 211, for example according to a first graphic representation representative of the activated state of the ODS system, in a first determined part or zone 21 of the touch screen 13. The first determined zone 21 is for example assigned or dedicated for the display of contents of the HMI controlled by the IVI computer to provide or display to the driver the information necessary for controlling the vehicle 10, for example the instantaneous speed.

[0062] The signaling indicator 211 representative of the ODS system corresponds for example to a symbol defined in a standard, for example an ISO standard.

[0063] One or more other determined zones 22 are for example assigned to other contents of the HMI, for example a zone for displaying the information associated with the multimedia system of the vehicle 10 and / or a zone for displaying information associated with the navigation system of the vehicle 10.

[0064] In a second operation, first data representative of a first tactile press 212 on the indicator light 211 are received, following a tactile press 212 of a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the indicator light 211.

[0065] A tactile press 212 on the indicator 211 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a function associated with the command corresponding to the tactile press.

[0066] The first data representative of the touch-sensitive support are for example received via one or more data buses connecting the touch-sensitive interface of the screen (or a computer controlling such a touch-sensitive interface where appropriate) and the IVI computer.

[0067] The first data are for example representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say the duration of press on the first indicator 211 is less than a threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms).

[0068] In a third operation, the IVI computer controls the display of a graphic content representative of a set of information relating to a determined state of the ODS system, the graphic content being displayed in a second zone 22 of the touch screen 13 different from the first zone in which the indicator 211 is displayed, such a display control being triggered by the reception of the first data.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the graphic content displayed on the second zone of the screen 22 (corresponding for example to a zone adjacent to the first zone 21) corresponds to a first graphic content displayed when the current state of the ODS system corresponds to the activated state and when the first data are representative of a so-called short or brief tactile press.

[0070] The display of the first graphic content in the second zone 22 takes, for example, the place of another content displayed previously (before the first touch press 212) and for example associated with another on-board system of the vehicle 10 (for example the multimedia system).

[0071] The first graphic content includes for example: - a graphic illustration 221 of the vehicle 10 seen from above, such a view also being called a “bird’s eye view”, such a view also comprising a representation or illustration of the close environment around the vehicle (for example the environment around the vehicle over a distance of a few meters); such an illustration also includes an illustration of the presence or absence of an object or obstacle in the nearby environment, the absence of an object being for example illustrated by concentric sectors 222 around the vehicle in a determined color (green for example), a sector changing for example to red when the presence of an object is detected in this sector; and, optionally - a graphic object 223 corresponding for example to a virtual button or an icon, which graphic object 223 is provided to allow a configuration of the ODS system and / or an adjustment of one or more parameters of the ODS system such as for example the volume of the rendering of the sound alert, the modulation of the frequency according to the distance between a detected object and the vehicle, the color of the segments 222 in the presence or absence of objects, the background color of the first graphic content, etc. A touch on such a graphic object 223 triggers for example the display of a menu allowing the value of one or more parameters of the system to be modified by touch on one or more additional graphic objects displayed for this purpose (for example directly in the first graphic content or in another content displayed for example in an additional window displayed on the touch screen 23.

[0072] The display of the graphic illustrations 221 and 222 is accompanied for example by the rendering of an audible alert when one or more objects are detected in the environment around the vehicle, the frequency and / or the sound volume of the rendering increasing for example as the distance between the detected object and the vehicle 10 decreases.

[0073] According to an alternative embodiment, the process further comprises a fourth operation during which second data representative of a second tactile press 311 on the indicator light 211 are received, following a tactile press 311 of a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the indicator light 211.

[0074] This second touch 311 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a function associated with the command corresponding to this touch 311.

[0075] The second data are for example representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say the duration of press on the first indicator 211 is less than the threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms) defined previously.

[0076] In a fifth operation, the end of the display of the first graphic content is controlled so that the first graphic content is no longer displayed in the second zone 22 of the screen 13.

[0077] The graphic content displayed before the first touch press 212, i.e. before the display of the first graphic content, is then for example displayed again in the second zone 22.

[0078] According to an alternative embodiment, the end of the display is automatically controlled by the computer at the end of a determined duration starting from the display of the first graphic content. For example, this determined duration is provided so that the first graphic content remains displayed for, for example, 5, 10 or 15 seconds and then disappears automatically even without the user making the second touch press 311.

[0079] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the process further comprises the reception of third data representative of a so-called long tactile press on the signaling indicator, that is to say a tactile press of a duration greater than the threshold defined previously (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms), during an additional operation.

[0080] A long touch press on the indicator sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a specific function associated with the command corresponding to this long touch press.

[0081] According to this embodiment, the long touch press is performed on the signaling indicator displayed according to a first graphic representation, which is representative of a first activation state of the ODS system.

[0082] The first activation state corresponds for example to the activated (or “ON”) state as shown in [Fig.2]. According to another example, the first activation state corresponds to the deactivated (or “OFF”) state.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the process further comprises an operation of transmitting a request to switch the ODS system from the first activation state (corresponding to the current state of the system) to a second activation state different from the first activation state. When the first activation state corresponds to the activated state, the second activation state then corresponds to the deactivated state. Conversely, when the first activation state corresponds to the deactivated state, the second activation state then corresponds to the activated state.

[0084] The transmission of the request is triggered automatically by the reception of the third data representative of the long touch press on the indicator light. The request is for example generated automatically by the IVI computer upon reception of the third data and then transmitted automatically via one or more data buses connecting the IVI computer to the computer controlling the ODS system.

[0085] The request advantageously comprises control or command data to request the transition of the ODS system from the first activation state (activated or deactivated), i.e. the current state in which the ODS system is found when the indicator light is pressed, to the second activation state (deactivated or activated, respectively).

[0086] According to this embodiment, the computer in charge of the process controls the display of the signaling indicator according to a second graphic representation different from the first graphic representation, in the determined content displayed on the first part 21 of the touch screen 13, the second graphic representation being representative of the second activation state of the ODS system.

[0087] The control of the display of the indicator according to the second graphical representation is for example implemented after receipt of acknowledgment data from the ODS system computer confirming the correct reception of the request and / or the implementation of the required change of activation state.

[0088] For example, when the first activation state corresponds to the activated state and when the indicator light is displayed according to a first graphic representation 211 corresponding to that of [Fig. 2], a long tactile press on the indicator light 211 causes the transition from the first activation state (activated) to the second activation state (deactivated) and the display of the indicator light according to a second graphic representation 311 illustrated in [Fig. 3], according to a particular implementation example.

[0089] Conversely, when the first activation state corresponds to the activated state and when the indicator light is displayed according to a first graphic representation 311 corresponding to that of [Fig. 3], a long tactile press on the indicator light 311 causes the transition from the first activation state (deactivated) to the second activation state (activated) and the display of the indicator light according to a second graphic representation 211 illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0090] The first graphic representation 211 corresponding to an activated state corresponds for example to a particular indicator or pictogram with a first determined color (for example the color green). The second graphic representation 311 corresponding to a deactivated state corresponds for example to a particular indicator or pictogram (for example the indicator of the first graphic representation to which the symbol "OFF" is added or associated) with a second determined color (for example the color orange) different from the first determined color.

[0091] The display of the indicator light according to the second graphic representation 211 or 311 replaces for example the display of the indicator light according to the first graphic representation 311 or 211 respectively. According to this example, the display location in the content of the HMI and on the screen 13 is the same regardless of the graphic representation (first or second) of the indicator light.

[0092] According to another example, the signaling indicator is displayed in a different location depending on whether it is in the first graphical representation or the second graphical representation (for example side by side).

[0093] If the user wishes to return the ODS system to the first activation state, he simply needs to make a tactile press on the signaling indicator 211 or 311 then displayed to trigger again the operations described above with reference to this embodiment, the display of the signaling indicator being at the end of the process again modified to graphically represent the activation state (activated or deactivated) current and desired by the user.

[0094] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the process further comprises the reception of fourth data representative of a tactile press 412 on the signaling indicator 411 as illustrated in [Fig.4]. The tactile press 412 corresponds for example to a so-called short press, that is to say a press of duration less than the threshold described previously.

[0095] This embodiment is for example implemented only when the signaling indicator 411 is displayed according to a graphic representation different from the graphic representation of the indicator when the ODS system is activated and functional (no operating fault detected).

[0096] Thus, the graphic representation of the indicator 411 corresponds for example to the second graphic representation 311 illustrated in [Fig.3] (representative of the deactivated state of the ODS system) or to a third graphic representation different from the first graphic representation 211 of [Fig.2] and the second graphic representation 311 of [Fig.3].

[0097] According to this other embodiment, the reception of the fourth data by the computer in charge of the process triggers the control of the display of a second graphic content representative of additional information relating to an operating fault observed or detected in the ODS system.

[0098] The second graphic content is for example displayed in the second zone 22 of the screen, like the first graphic content and in place of the latter (or in place of the content displayed when the indicator 411 is touched).

[0099] The second graphic content comprises, for example, one or more text zones 421 in which a message is displayed explaining the cause(s) of the detected operating fault of the ODS system and / or the cause(s) explaining why the ODS system cannot be activated (despite a long touch press on the indicator 311, for example).

[0100] For example, when the cause of the ODS system malfunction is an obstructed or defective sensor, the message displayed is of the type “ODS system defective: obstacle detection sensors obstructed / defective”. According to a variant, an animation (for example a computer-generated image or a video) illustrating a person checking the sensors is displayed in the second zone 22 next to the text zone 421.

[0101] According to another example, when the cause of the malfunction of the ODS system is a system fault, the message displayed is of the type “Obstacle detection function faulty: please go to an authorized repairer”, with optionally an animation illustrating a person repairing the vehicle 10.

[0102] The end of the display of the second graphic content is for example controlled and triggered by another tactile press, for example a short press, on the indicator light 411. According to another example, the end of the display is triggered automatically at the end of a time interval of a determined duration (for example 3, 5 or 10 seconds) starting at the display of the second graphic content.

[0103] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a device 5 configured for controlling an ODS system of a vehicle, for example the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device 5 corresponds for example to a device on board the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0104] The device 5 is for example configured for the implementation of the operations described with regard to figures 1 to 4 and / or the steps of the method described with regard to [Fig.6]. Examples of such a device 5 include, but are not limited to, on-board electronic equipment such as an on-board computer of a vehicle, an electronic calculator such as an ECU (“Electronic Control Unit”), a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop. The elements of the device 5, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device 5 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0105] The device 5 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 50 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the device 5. The processor 50 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 5 further comprises at least one memory 51 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0106] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored in the memory 51.

[0107] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 5 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (from the English "Telematic Control Unit" or in French "Telematic Control Unit"), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0108] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 5 comprises a block 52 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 52 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: - RF radio frequency interface, for example Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Universal Serial Bus” in French); - HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface” or “High Definition Multimedia Interface” in French); - LIN interface (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”).

[0109] According to another particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 5 comprises a communication interface 53 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 530. The communication interface 53 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 530. The communication interface 53 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (from the English “Controller Area Network” or in French “Réseau de contrôles”) type, CAN FD (from the English “Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate” or in French “Réseau de contrôles à débit de données flexible”), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0110] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 5 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 540, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 550 and / or other peripherals 560 (projection system) via output interfaces 54, 55 and 56 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device 5.

[0111] [Fig.6] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of an obstacle detection system, called ODS system, of a vehicle, for example the vehicle 10, the ODS system being configured to detect a set of obstacles in an area around the vehicle from a set of parking sensors of the vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method is for example implemented by a device on board the vehicle 10 or by the device 5 of [Fig.5].

[0112] In a first step 61, the display of a signaling indicator representative of the ODS system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, is controlled so that the signaling indicator is displayed in a first zone of a touch screen on board the vehicle.

[0113] In a second step 62, first data representative of a tactile press on the signaling indicator are received.

[0114] In a third step 63, the display of a first graphic content is controlled so that the first graphic content is displayed in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone, following the reception of the first data. The first graphic content comprises a representation of a top view of the vehicle and the zone around the vehicle as well as information representative of the presence or absence of an obstacle in the zone around the vehicle.

[0115] According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of figures 1 to 4 apply to the steps of the method of [Fig.6].

[0116] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying indicator lights and graphic contents representative of an ODS system which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0117] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-based motor vehicle, comprising the device 5 of [Fig.5] or a display system comprising the device 5 of [Fig.5] connected in communication to a touch screen 13.

[0118] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, all the embodiments and variants described above, some of which have been deliberately simplified to facilitate explanations, constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, those skilled in the art may envisage any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a particular need.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling an obstacle detection system, called ODS system, of a vehicle (10), said ODS system being configured to detect a set of obstacles in an area around said vehicle (10) from a set of parking sensors of said vehicle (10), said vehicle (10) further comprising a display system comprising a touch screen (13), said method comprising the following steps: - controlling (61) the display of a signaling indicator (211) representative of said ODS system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first area (21) of said touch screen (13); - receiving (62) first data representative of a first touch press (212) on said signaling indicator (211);- control (63) of display of a first graphic content comprising a representation of a top view (221) of said vehicle and of said zone around said vehicle, said first graphic content further comprising information (222) representative of the presence or absence of an obstacle in said zone, said control (63) being triggered by the reception (62) of said first data, said first graphic content being displayed in a second zone (22) of said touch screen (13) different from said first zone (21).;

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: - receiving second data representative of a second touch press on said indicator light, said second touch press being subsequent to said first touch press (212); - controlling the end of display of said first graphic content in said second zone (22) following the reception of said second data.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, for which said first graphical content further comprises a graphical object (223) configured to adjust a set of parameters of said ODS system by touching said graphical object (223).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, for which the display control of said first graphic content is triggered when said first touch press (212) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold and the end of display control of said first content graphic is triggered when said second touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than said threshold.

5. Method according to claim 4, for which, said signaling indicator being displayed according to a first graphic representation representative of a first activation state of said ODS system, the method further comprises the following steps: - receiving third data representative of a touch press of a duration greater than said threshold on said signaling indicator; - transmitting a request to switch said ODS system from said first activation state to a second activation state different from said first activation state; - controlling the display of said signaling indicator according to a second graphic representation (311) different from said first graphic representation (211), in said determined content displayed on said first part (21) of said touch screen (13), said second graphic representation (311) being representative of said second activation state of said ODS system.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein said first activation state and said second activation state belong to a set of activation states comprising: - an activated state; and - a deactivated state.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, for which, said indicator light (211) being displayed according to a third graphic representation representative of a malfunction of said ODS system, said method further comprises the following steps: - reception of fourth data representative of a tactile press (412) on said indicator light (411); - control of display of a second graphic content representative of additional information relating to said malfunction following the reception of said fourth data.

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

9. Device (5) for controlling an obstacle detection system, called ODS system, of a vehicle, said device (5) comprising a memory (51) associated with at least one processor (50) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of the claims indications 1 to 7.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (5) according to claim 9.

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