Method and device for adjusting at least one side mirror of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for adjusting at least one side mirror (11) of a vehicle (10), which comprises receiving initial data representing a request to adjust at least one side mirror (11) of the vehicle. The display of a text message representing instructions within a specific area of ​​a human-machine interface (HMI) is then controlled, the text message being displayed in a first area of ​​a screen (12). Second data representing the eye position (100) of a driver of the vehicle (10) is determined by a vision system embedded in the vehicle (10), the eye position being a function of the instructions. A position of at least one side mirror (11) of the vehicle (10) is determined based on this second data, and the side mirror is adjusted accordingly.A display of graphical content in a second area of ​​the screen, representing the end of the adjustment, is then checked. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for adjusting at least one side mirror of a vehicle Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for adjusting at least one side mirror of a vehicle, in particular of the automobile type. The invention also relates to a method and a device for controlling a position of a side mirror of a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Many vehicles are equipped with side mirrors that allow the driver to have a view of a scene behind the vehicle without turning his head. In the event of a change of driver, adjustment of the mirrors is necessary because the driving position and the position of the driver's eyes are different from one driver to another.

[0003] Various systems are known for adjusting the rearview mirrors of a vehicle, manually or electrically, in order to obtain an optimal adjustment, that is to say allowing the widest possible view of a scene at the rear of the vehicle.

[0004] A first manual solution consists of taking hold of the body of the rearview mirror and moving it manually. Such a solution is not very ergonomic and does not allow a driver to place himself in the driving position at the same time as carrying out the maneuver; the adjustment of the position of a rearview mirror is then done by several imprecise iterations. In addition, this manipulation can only be carried out when stationary due to the danger of handling a rearview mirror while driving, especially in the case of adjusting a passenger rearview mirror positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle.

[0005] A second manual solution consists of using an arm or a control rod, present inside the passenger compartment and connected to the exterior rearview mirror. Here too, the driver's position is not the one he adopts during driving and the iterations remain numerous and imprecise.

[0006] In order to overcome the above problems, electrical systems for adjusting mirrors have appeared. They thus allow a driver to adjust the position of the various mirrors while sitting in the driving position. However, electrical adjustment requires the driver's attention during the adjustment operation, which takes some time, and the correct adjustment of a mirror is not guaranteed.

[0007] For all the solutions presented, the adjustment of a rearview mirror therefore requires the driver's attention during the adjustment operation and a good adjustment of a The position of a rearview mirror is not guaranteed because the operation is not intuitive. Summary of the present invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to improve the adjustment of the rearview mirrors of an automatic vehicle and adapted to each driver.

[0010] An additional object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic and intuitive interface for adjusting the rearview mirrors of a vehicle.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for adjusting at least one side mirror of a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - reception of first data representative of a request to adjust at least one side mirror of the vehicle; - control of display of a text message representative of instructions in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone of a screen; - determination of second data representative of a position of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle by a vision system on board the vehicle, the position of the eyes being a function of the instructions; - determining a position of at least one side mirror of the vehicle based on the second data; - adjustment of at least one side mirror of the vehicle according to the position of at least one side mirror; - control of display of graphic content in a second area of ​​the screen representing the end of the adjustment.

[0012] Automatic adjustment of the mirrors with the help of the HMI thus allows for rapid and intuitive adjustment of the mirrors while reducing the risk of distracting the driver.

[0013] According to a variant, the method further comprises a step of rendering an audible alert representative of the end of the adjustment.

[0014] The audible alert thus makes it possible to inform the driver of the vehicle of the end of the adjustment of the rearview mirrors without the driver having to look at a screen.

[0015] According to another variant, the method further comprises a step of controlling the end of display of the text message in the first zone following the determination of the second data.

[0016] Instructions are no longer necessary at this stage and the first area of ​​the screen is thus again available to display any other information.

[0017] According to another method variant, the vision system is a stereoscopic vision system comprising a set of cameras of at least two cameras arranged so as to each acquire an image of the eyes of the driver of the vehicle.

[0018] The use of a stereoscopic vision system makes it possible to determine the location of the driver's eyes precisely and in three dimensions of space.

[0019] According to an additional method variant, the first data are transmitted following pressing of a button located in a driver's door of the vehicle.

[0020] A button located in a driver's door is easily accessible to the driver and allows the adjustment of the mirrors to be initiated at any time, in particular when the driver gets into the vehicle and notices that his mirrors are poorly adjusted.

[0021] According to yet another alternative method, the adjustment of at least one side mirror of the vehicle is obtained by sending an instruction to at least one electric actuator placed in the at least one side mirror.

[0022] Electrically adjustable rearview mirrors are common and are thus automatically controlled.

[0023] According to another method variant, the screen is a touch screen arranged on a dashboard of the vehicle.

[0024] The screen is thus well positioned so that the driver can look at it without turning his head and the touch function allows interaction with the HMI.

[0025] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for adjusting at least one side mirror of a vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with at least one processor configured for implementing the steps of the method as described according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0026] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for executing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0028] 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.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect, the 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 invention.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0032] 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

[0033] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description of the non-limiting embodiments of the invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0034] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [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;

[0036] [Fig.3] illustrates a device configured to adjust at least one side mirror of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of an adjustment process of at least one side mirror of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of the embodiments

[0038] A method and a device for adjusting at least one side mirror of a vehicle will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0039] The terms “first(s)”, “second(s)” (or “first(s)”, “second(s)”), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0040] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the invention, a method for adjusting at least one side mirror of a vehicle comprises receiving first data representative of a request for adjustment of at least one side mirror of the vehicle. A display of a text message representative of instructions in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, is then controlled, the text message being displayed in a first zone of a screen.

[0041] Second data representative of a position of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle are determined by a vision system on board the vehicle, the position of the eyes being a function of the instructions. A position of at least one side mirror of the vehicle is determined as a function of the second data and the side mirror is adjusted as a function of this position.

[0042] A display of graphic content in a second area of ​​the screen representing the end of the adjustment is then controlled.

[0043] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to a particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] In this example, the vehicle 10 corresponds 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 such as an automobile, a truck, a bus, a motorcycle.

[0045] According to this example, the driver of the vehicle 10 is installed in a seat 15, called the driver's seat. The driving position is on the left or on the right of the vehicle 10, depending on the regulations applicable in each country. According to the particular and non-limiting example of [Fig.l], the driving position of the vehicle 10 corresponds to a position on the left corresponding to countries where vehicles travel on the right-hand lane of roads.

[0046] The vehicle 10 is equipped with two side mirrors 11, the first side mirror 11 is arranged on the left side of the vehicle 10 and the second side mirror 11 is arranged on the right side of the vehicle 10.

[0047] The side mirrors 11 are in this example electrically adjustable, that is to say they have electric actuators such as motors or linear actuators using electrical energy coming, for example, from a battery of the vehicle 10. They are for example connected to a computer controlling their position, thus allowing them to be adjusted according to instructions such as an electrical signal or a computer signal.

[0048] According to a particular embodiment, the driver has, in his door, a button 14 allowing him to initialize an adjustment of the side mirrors 11 of the vehicle 10.

[0049] According to another example, the button 14 can be placed on the dashboard 13 or can be virtual, for example represented via a touch interface.

[0050] This button 14 is thus easily accessible for the driver of the vehicle 10, the latter is then able to use it when he notices that at least one side mirror 11 of the vehicle 10 is poorly adjusted.

[0051] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates in its passenger compartment 10 a display system comprising a screen 12 and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphical MMI on the touch screen 12. 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.

[0052] Such a display system comprising the screen 12 is for example provided or configured to reduce the number of screens present in the passenger compartment.

[0053] The screen 12 is for example touch-sensitive and corresponds for example to a screen of the LCD type (from the English “Liquid Crystal Display” or in French “Display à cristals liquide”), for example of the TFT type (from the English “Thin-Film Transistor” or in French “Transistor en film mince”), or OLED type (from the English “Organic Light-Emitting Diode” or in French “Diode électroluminescente biologique”). The screen 12 is for example arranged in the center of the dashboard 13, for example above a central facade. Of course, the position of the screen 12 is not limited to this example, the screen 12 being able to be arranged in any position, for example on the central facade.

[0054] The screen 12 makes it possible to display content intended for the driver and passengers of the vehicle. The screen 12 is also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle to interact with one or more systems embedded in the vehicle via a human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on the screen. For example, the screen 12 makes it possible to control the infotainment system, also called IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system of the vehicle, as well as for example the system responsible for adjusting the side mirrors 11 of the vehicle 10, as described below.

[0055] According to another example, not illustrated here, the touch screen 12 is not integrated into the passenger compartment but corresponds to a screen of a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, connected in communication, for example wirelessly, with the on-board system of the vehicle.

[0056] The IVI system also interacts, for example, with loudspeakers 17 located in the doors of the vehicle 10.

[0057] 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 calculator, form for example a multiplexed architecture for the realization of different services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle 10 and to assist the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle in the control of the vehicle via the control of the system(s) embedded in the vehicle. The calculators communicate and exchange data between them via one or more computer buses, for example a communication bus of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0058] The button 14, the side mirrors 11, the speakers 17 and the screen 12 are thus connected.

[0059] The system(s) embedded in the vehicle 10 correspond for example to a system for adjusting the side mirrors 11 of the vehicle 10. Such a system advantageously comprises a vision system capable of determining the position of the eyes 100 of the driver of the vehicle 10.

[0060] Such a vision system is for example composed of one or more cameras 16 each arranged so as to acquire an image of the eyes 100 of the driver of the vehicle 10. A system composed of several cameras 16 represents a stereoscopic vision system making it possible to determine the location of the eyes 100 of the driver precisely and in the three dimensions of space.

[0061] A process for adjusting at least one side mirror 11 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, for example by the IVI computer.

[0062] The driver of the vehicle 10 presses the button 14 and first data are transmitted, for example to the IVI computer.

[0063] In a first operation, the IVI computer receives the first data representative of a request to adjust the side mirrors 11 of the vehicle 10.

[0064] In a second operation, a display of a text message 123 representative of instructions in a determined content of the HMI is controlled. The text message 123 is displayed in a first zone 121 of the screen 12.

[0065] Such instructions describe the position that the driver of the vehicle 10 must adopt so that the position of his eyes 100 is that which they occupy when driving. Thanks to these instructions, the driver and therefore his eyes 100 are well positioned so that a vision system can determine this position of the eyes 100.

[0066] Optionally, this text message 123 is accompanied by a visual or even a animation representing the driver in the driving position in order to facilitate his understanding of the message. Such a visual or such an animation is for example displayed in the same first zone 121 of the screen 12 as the text message 123.

[0067] Thus, the driver of the vehicle 10 is in the driving position and in a third operation second data representative of a position of the eyes 100 of the driver of the vehicle 10 are determined by the vision system on board the vehicle, the position of the eyes being a function of the instructions that the driver of the vehicle 10 has followed.

[0068] The vision system is for example made up of two cameras 16 which each acquire an image of the face of the driver of the vehicle 10. From these two acquired images, the corresponding pixels between these two images and associated with the eyes 100 of the driver are analyzed. Second data, representative of the three-dimensional position coordinates of the eyes 100 are then determined by a computer, for example a computer associated with the vision system and communicated to the IVI computer.

[0069] From these second data, in a fourth operation, an optimal position of the side mirrors 11 is determined. This position makes it possible, from the position of the eyes 100, to obtain a visual field covering the rear of the vehicle 10 by reflection in the mirrors of the side mirrors 11.

[0070] The position of each side mirror 11 is for example defined in the factory as a function of the spatial coordinates of the position of the eyes 100, the computer determining the position of the side mirrors 11 then having the role of recovering the position of the side mirrors 11, in a list or via curves, corresponding to the coordinates of the position of the eyes 100.

[0071] According to another particular embodiment, the computer determining the positions of the side mirrors 11 calculates the limits of the field of vision obtained as a function of the position of the side mirrors 11 and calculates an optimal position for each side mirror 11 making it possible to obtain the widest possible field of vision towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0072] Optionally, in a fifth operation, a check of the end of display of the text message 123 in the first zone 121 is carried out following the determination of the second data.

[0073] Indeed, the instructions transmitted via the text message 123 are no longer necessary, the position of the eyes 100 having been determined. The first area of ​​the screen 12 is thus again available to display any other information.

[0074] In a sixth operation, the side mirrors 11 of the vehicle 10 are adjusted according to the position determined in the fourth operation.

[0075] An electrical signal is for example emitted by the IVI computer to the destination of electric actuators present in the side mirrors 11. These actuators act for example on a vertical inclination and a horizontal inclination of a mirror arranged in a side mirror 11.

[0076] Once the adjustment is complete, in a seventh operation, a display of a graphic content 124 is controlled in a second zone 122 of the screen 12. This graphic content is representative of an end of the adjustment and makes it possible to inform the driver of the vehicle 10 that the adjustment process is complete.

[0077] Optionally, an audible alert representative of the end of the adjustment process is given. This audible alert is for example emitted by the loudspeakers 17 present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. It is for example given in the form of a beep or a voice message informing the driver of the vehicle 10 of the end of the adjustment process. The driver then does not need to look at the screen 12 to obtain this information, he does not then have to turn his head and can concentrate on his driving for example.

[0078] The automatic adjustment of the side mirrors 11 with the help of the HMI thus allows a rapid and intuitive adjustment of the side mirrors 11 of the vehicle 10 while reducing the risk of distracting the driver of the vehicle 10.

[0079] The number of operations carried out by the driver of the vehicle 10 is limited, the driver only having to press a button and hold the driving position. The adjustment process is therefore quick and effortless, the driver of the vehicle 10 then has no difficulty in triggering it and then benefits from optimal adjustment of his side mirrors 11 at all times, making his driving safer.

[0080] [Fig.3] illustrates a device configured to adjust at least one side mirror of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The device 3 corresponds for example to the IVI computer of the vehicle.

[0081] The device 3 is for example configured for implementing the operations of the process described with regard to figures 1 and 2 or the steps of the method described with regard to [Fig.4]. Examples of such a device 3 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 3, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device 3 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0082] The device 3 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 30 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 3. The processor 30 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 3 further comprises at least one memory 31 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.

[0083] 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 31.

[0084] According to various particular embodiments, the device 3 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.

[0085] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 comprises a block 32 of interface elements for communicating with external devices, for example a remote server or the “cloud”, other nodes of the ad hoc network. The interface elements of the block 32 comprise one or more of the following interfaces - RF radio frequency interface, for example Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, 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”).

[0086] According to another particular embodiment, the device 3 comprises a communication interface 33 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate) type, FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0087] According to an additional particular embodiment, the device 3 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 340, one or more speakers 350 and / or other peripherals 360 (projection system) via output interfaces 34, 35 and 36 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device 3.

[0088] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for adjusting at least one side mirror of the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method is advantageously implemented in the vehicle, for example implemented by the device 3 of [Fig.3].

[0089] In a first step 41, first data representative of a request to adjust at least one side mirror 11 of the vehicle 10 are received.

[0090] In a second step 42, the display of a text message 123 representative of instructions in a determined content of an HMI is controlled. The text message 123 is displayed in a first zone 121 of a screen 12.

[0091] In a third step 43, second data representative of a position of the eyes 100 of the driver of the vehicle 10 are determined by a vision system on board the vehicle 10. The position of the eyes 100 is a function of the instructions displayed on the screen 12.

[0092] In a fourth step 44, a position of at least one side mirror 11 of the vehicle 10 is determined as a function of the second data.

[0093] In a fifth step 45, at least one side mirror 11 of the vehicle 10 is adjusted according to the at least one position of a side mirror 11 previously determined.

[0094] In a sixth step 46, a display of a graphic content 124 is controlled. The graphic content 124 is displayed in a second area 122 of the screen 12 and represents an end of the adjustment of at least one side mirror 11 of the vehicle 10.

[0095] The method for adjusting at least one side mirror 11 of a vehicle 10 thus allows a driver of the vehicle 10 to have a simple and intuitive tool allowing him to easily and quickly adjust the side mirrors 11 of his vehicle 10. His field of vision is then optimal for driving in complete safety.

[0096] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method of adjusting at least one side mirror of a vehicle, and to the device configured for the implementation of such a method.

[0097] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the IVI computer or the device 3 of [Fig.3].

Claims

Claims

1. Method for adjusting at least one side mirror (11) of a vehicle (10), said method comprising the following steps: - receiving (41) first data representative of a request for adjustment of said at least one side mirror (11) of said vehicle (10); - controlling (42) the display of a text message (123) representative of instructions in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone (121) of a screen (12); - determining (43) second data representative of a position of the eyes (100) of a driver of the vehicle (10) by a vision system on board the vehicle (10), said position of the eyes being a function of said instructions; - determining (44) a position of said at least one side mirror (11) of the vehicle (10) as a function of said second data;- adjustment (45) of at least one side mirror (11) of the vehicle (10) as a function of said position of at least one side mirror (11); - control (46) of display of a graphic content (124) in a second zone (122) of said screen (12) representative of an end of said adjustment (45).;

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of rendering an audible alert representative of the end of said adjustment (45).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of controlling the end of display of said text message (123) in said first zone (121) following the determination of said second data.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, for which said vision system is a stereoscopic vision system comprising a set of cameras of at least two cameras (16) arranged so as to each acquire an image of said eyes (100) of the driver of the vehicle (10).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which the first data are transmitted following pressing of a button (14) located in a driver's door of the vehicle (10).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said adjustment (45) of at least one side mirror (11) of the vehicle (10) is obtained by sending an instruction to at least one electric actuator placed in said at least one side mirror (11).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, for which said screen (12) is a touch screen arranged on a dashboard (13) of the vehicle (10).

8. Device (3) for adjusting at least one side mirror (11) of a vehicle (10), said device comprising a memory (31) associated with at least one processor (30) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (3) according to claim 8. Computer program product comprising instructions adapted for executing the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 7, when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

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