Method and device for locating a mobile communication device within the passenger compartment of a vehicle

The method uses vehicle speakers and visual aids to locate lost mobile devices via wireless communication, addressing the challenge of device loss and theft in vehicles by providing precise auditory and visual guidance.

FR3149745A1Active Publication Date: 2024-12-13STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023005927
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-12
Publication Date
2024-12-13
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Individuals frequently lose mobile communication devices in vehicle passenger compartments, leading to inconvenience and potential theft risks, as existing methods lack efficient and user-friendly location assistance.

Method used

A method utilizing a set of speakers in the vehicle to emit audible alerts based on the device's position, combined with visual guidance on a screen, to help locate the device, employing wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and near-field connections.

Benefits of technology

Effectively guides users to find lost devices by auditory and visual cues, reducing the likelihood of loss and theft, enhancing user experience and security.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for locating a mobile communication device (100) within the passenger compartment of a vehicle (10) comprising a set of at least two loudspeakers (11). To this end, first data representing a request for assistance in locating the mobile communication device within the vehicle's passenger compartment are received. Second data representing a request for a response from the mobile communication device are transmitted, and third data is received in response. A position of the mobile communication device within the vehicle's passenger compartment is determined from the third data, and at least one loudspeaker (11) located at a distance from the mobile communication device less than a specified threshold is selected from the set of loudspeakers based on the position of the mobile communication device. An audible alert is then emitted from at least one loudspeaker.Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1.
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Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for locating a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for locating a mobile communication device within the passenger compartment of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method and device for assisting in the location of a mobile communication device within the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Mobile communication devices such as smartphones, tablets, and connected objects (for example, smartwatches) are increasingly accompanying people in their daily lives, particularly during journeys in a vehicle.

[0003] It happens that a person inadvertently loses and leaves one or more of their mobile communication devices in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0004] Such an oversight can prove inconvenient for the person when they wish to use such a device left in the vehicle. Furthermore, leaving a valuable mobile communication device in a vehicle could tempt a malicious individual passing by, who might attempt to break into the vehicle (for example, by smashing a window or door) in order to steal the forgotten mobile communication device. It is therefore important for the person to be able to easily and quickly locate the mobile communication device(s) left inside the vehicle. Summary of the present invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to guide an individual when he is looking for a mobile communication device in a vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for locating a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle comprising a set of at least two loudspeakers, the method comprising the following steps: - receipt of initial data representative of a request for assistance in locating the mobile communication device inside the vehicle; - transmission of second data representing a response request from mobile communication device; - reception of third data representative of the response of the mobile communication device; - determination of a position of the mobile communication device in the vehicle's passenger compartment based on third-party data; - selection of at least one speaker located at a distance from the mobile communication device less than a threshold from among the set of speakers, the distance being a function of the position of the mobile communication device; and - rendering of an audible alert from at least one speaker.

[0008] At least one loudspeaker in the vehicle located near the mobile communication device emits an audible alert, thus guiding a user when searching for this lost mobile communication device in the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0009] According to one variant, the method includes a display control step of a first visual or graphic object representing the passenger compartment and a second visual or graphic object representing a search area located around the position of the mobile communication device in a determined content of a human-machine interface, known as HMI, displayed in a first area of ​​a screen.

[0010] The visual or graphic representation of the search area in the vehicle's interior allows a user to pinpoint the location of the mobile communication device even more precisely.

[0011] According to another variant of the process, the screen is a touch screen.

[0012] The touch screen allows for more functionality and ergonomics.

[0013] According to yet another variant of the method, the first data are representative of a press on an activation button.

[0014] The method of locating a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle is thus initiated by a user at his request, for example when he realizes that he has lost his phone in the passenger compartment.

[0015] According to an additional variant of the method, the second and third data are respectively transmitted and received via a wireless connection.

[0016] The use of a wireless connection makes it possible to avoid the need for a physical connection between the vehicle and the mobile communication device.

[0017] According to yet another variant of the process, the wireless connection belongs to a set of wireless connections comprising: - a radio frequency connection, - a Bluetooth® connection, - a Zigbee® connection, - a Wifi® connection, and - a near-field connection.

[0018] According to another variant of the method, the at least one selected speaker is the speaker closest to the mobile communication device.

[0019] Thus, the selected speaker accurately informs the user of the position of the mobile communication device.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for locating a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0023] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate form between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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

[0028] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the particular and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 5, in which:

[0029] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates part of a vehicle passenger compartment, according to a a particular and non-limiting example of a realization of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a top view of the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to an example of a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a device configured to locate a device mobile communication in a vehicle cabin of the [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a localization process of a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of the vehicle of [Fig. 1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a display device for the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a first particular and non-limiting example of the present invention.

[0034] Description of examples of implementation

[0035] A method and device for locating a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 5. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0036] The terms "first," "second" (or "firsts," "seconds"), etc., are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow for the identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0037] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a method for locating a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle comprising a set of at least two loudspeakers includes receiving first data representing a request for assistance in locating the mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, transmitting second data representing a request for a response from the mobile communication device and receiving third data representing the response from the mobile communication device.

[0038] A position of the mobile communication device in the vehicle's passenger compartment is then determined from the third data point, and at least one speaker located at a distance from the mobile communication device less than a threshold is selected from among the set of speakers, the distance being a function of the position of the mobile communication device.

[0039] An audible alert is thus given from at least one loudspeaker.

[0040] Such a process makes it possible to ensure that at least one loudspeaker of the vehicle located near the mobile communication device emits an audible alert, thus guiding a user when searching for this lost mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0041] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates part of a vehicle passenger compartment, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 1 presents a view of the interior of a vehicle 10, in particular of the front part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 including in particular the steering wheel, the dashboard, the driver's seat and the front passenger seat 14 (respectively front left seat and front right seat according to the example in Fig. 1).

[0043] 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.

[0044] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 also incorporates a set of loudspeakers 11. The loudspeakers 11 are, for example, located in the dashboard, the front and rear doors, and the rear shelf of the vehicle 10, on the right and left sides. Obviously, the invention is not limited to this speaker arrangement; the set of loudspeakers comprises at least two loudspeakers located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. Loudspeakers 11 can also be located under the seats, in the headliner, or in the pillars of the vehicle 10, for example.

[0045] This set of speakers 11 allows, by the plurality of speakers 11, to emit a sound locally in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 by the activation of a speaker 11, or even to create a three-dimensional sound rendering using several speakers 11 called holophonic sound.

[0046] 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 graphic HMI 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 étoilé") of the vehicle.

[0047] The screen 12 is, for example, touch-sensitive and corresponds, for example, to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type screen, a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) type screen, or an OLED (Organic Light- Emitting Diode (or in French, "Organic Light-Emitting Diode"). The screen 12 is, for example, arranged in the center of the dashboard 13, for example, above a central panel. Of course, the position of the screen 12 is not limited to this example; the screen 12 can be arranged in any position, for example, on the central panel.

[0048] The screen 12 allows content to be displayed 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, screen 12 allows control of the vehicle's infotainment system, also known as the IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system, as well as, for example, the system responsible for locating a mobile communication device in the vehicle's passenger compartment 10, as described below.

[0049] According to another example, not illustrated here, the screen 12 is not integrated into the passenger compartment but corresponds to a screen of a second mobile communication device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, connected in communication, for example wirelessly, with the vehicle's on-board system.

[0050] The IVI system also interacts, for example, with the speakers 11 located in the doors of the vehicle 10.

[0051] According to a first particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 further comprises a communication unit 103 comprising at least one antenna 103, configured in particular to establish a wireless connection with one or more mobile communication devices 100.

[0052] According to a second particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 further comprises a communication unit 103 comprising at least one connection device such as a universal serial bus (USB) type socket, high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or other standardized interface, configured in particular to establish a wired connection with one or more mobile communication devices 100.

[0053] The vehicle 10 carries, for example, a communication unit 103 corresponding, for example, to a communication box of the type telematic control unit (TCU), standalone telematics box (BTA), or radio frequency servicing box (BSRF). Such a unit 103 is advantageously connected to one or more antennas to, for example, transmit and / or receive data to and / or from a remote device, for example, a remote server in the cloud, or a mobile communication device 100, via a wireless link, according to OTA (Over The Air) technology, for example. Wireless communication between vehicle 10 and the remote device is established, for example, using a direct communication method (for example, when the mobile communication device 100 is in vehicle 10 or at a distance from vehicle 10 that allows for such a communication method, for example, a distance of less than 10, 20, or 50 m). The wireless link is based, for example, on one or more wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi® (based on IEEE 802.11), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), fourth-generation, or fifth-generation, also known as 3GPP 4G or 5G.

[0054] By way of example, the mobile communication device 100 corresponds to a mobile phone or mobile device, for example a smartphone, a tablet, a connected object such as a connected watch (or so-called smart watch), a key or a key finder.

[0055] The TCU unit is for example connected to one or more computers of the vehicle 10. The TCU unit and the computers advantageously form the embedded system of the vehicle 10, these computers forming with the TCU unit a multiplexed architecture for the realization of various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle, in particular for the localization of a mobile communication device 100 in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 or for the display of images or graphic content on an on-board screen 12 in the vehicle 10.The computers, the TCU unit and any devices (for example one or more projectors) communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458), LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3) type communication bus.

[0056] According to an example scenario, a user of the vehicle 10, driver or passenger, has misplaced a mobile communication device 100 in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10.

[0057] In order to find his mobile communication device 100, the user wishes to activate the mobile communication device location function in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. According to a particular embodiment example, the user then presses a physical button located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10, for example on the dashboard 13, or on a virtual button of an HMI displayed on a touch screen, for example the screen 12.

[0058] According to another particular embodiment, the user uses the touch screen 12, browses menus and activates the function of locating a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 via the HMI.

[0059] A process for monitoring the alert of a forgotten one or more mobile communication devices 100 in the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors of a device embedded in the vehicle 10, such a device corresponding for example to a computer such as the IVI computer or to a combination of computers of the vehicle 10.

[0060] Pressing a button or the screen 12 triggers the transmission of initial data, for example on the CAN bus. This data represents a request for assistance in locating the mobile communication device 100 within the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10.

[0061] In a first operation 41, this first data is received, for example by the IVI calculator.

[0062] Following the receipt of these first data, in a second operation 42, second data representing a response request from the mobile communication device 100 are transmitted to the mobile communication device 100.

[0063] For example, these second data are emitted by the IVI computer via a wireless link through an antenna of the communication box 103 or via a wired link through the CAN bus.

[0064] In response to the request, the mobile communication device 100 in turn transmits third data.

[0065] In a third operation 43, these third data representing the response of the mobile communication device 100 are received, for example, by the IVI computer via an antenna connected to the communication unit 103 or by wire via the CAN bus.

[0066] In a fourth operation 44, a position of the mobile communication device 100 in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 is determined from said third data. This position is determined, for example, by triangulation from the signals, associated with the transmission of the third data, emitted by the remote communication device and received by the set of antennas connected to the communication unit 103.

[0067] According to another particular embodiment, if the communication device 100 is connected to the IVI computer by wire, for example by being plugged into a charging socket, then the position of the remote communication device 100 is determined as that of the charging socket, known to the IVI computer.

[0068] In order to emit an audible alert representative of the location of the remote communication device 100, in a fifth operation, at least one loudspeaker 11 is selected. This is at least one speaker 11 located at a distance from the mobile communication device 100 less than a threshold among the set of speakers 11. The distance is a function of the position of the mobile communication device 100 and the position of each speaker 11 of the set of speakers 11.

[0069] The threshold value depends, for example, on the number of speakers 11 and their placement in the vehicle 10. Indeed, the greater the density of speakers 11, the lower the threshold value will be, for example 10, 20 or 50 cm. Conversely, if the density of speakers 11 is low, then the threshold value will be high, for example 70, 80, 120 cm.

[0070] According to another particular embodiment, the threshold value is defined as equal to the distance separating the communication device 100 and the nearest speaker 11 to this device, the nearest speaker 11 is then the only speaker 11 selected.

[0071] In a sixth operation 46, an audible alert is given from the selected loudspeaker(s) 11.

[0072] The audible alert is for example a series of "beeps" emitted at regular time intervals defined as proportional to the distance separating the loudspeaker 11 emitting the audible alert from the mobile communication device 100.

[0073] According to another example, the audible alert is a voice message characterizing the distance separating the loudspeaker 11 emitting the audible alert from the mobile communication device 100.

[0074] According to yet another example, the audible alert is a regular beep independent of the distance separating the loudspeaker 11 emitting the audible alert from the mobile communication device 100.

[0075] For example, if the mobile communication device 100 is positioned in front of the passenger seat 14, then a loudspeaker 11 located in the passenger-side door emits the audible alert.

[0076] According to a particular embodiment and as illustrated by [Fig. 5], the audible alert is accompanied by the display of a first visual object 122 representing the interior of the vehicle 10 and a second visual object 101 representing a search area located around the previously determined position of the mobile communication device 100. The first and second visual objects are, for example, displayed in a first area 121 of the screen 12.

[0077] The second visual object 101 is, for example, a circle of diameter determined according to the accuracy of the localization of the communication device 100, centered on the position of the communication device 100 determined.

[0078] Following another example, the second visual object 101 is a coloring of the first visual object 121, ranging from a bold color (for example of high saturation) in the area where the communication device 100 is located to a very light color (of lower saturation) away from this area.

[0079] Thanks to this visual representation, the user, in addition to being guided by the audible alerts emitted by the loudspeakers 11, easily understands where to look for the mobile communication device 100. This visual presentation is all the more useful if the density of loudspeakers 11 is low.

[0080] Such a process thus makes it possible to help a person to easily find their mobile communication device.

[0081] The mobile communication device is therefore not forgotten in the vehicle.

[0082] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a device 3 configured to locate a A mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, for example in the passenger compartment of vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Device 3 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in vehicle 10, for example a computer or the IVI computer.

[0083] According to a particular embodiment, device 3 corresponds to the IVI calculator.

[0084] Device 3 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 and 2 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 4]. Examples of such a device 3 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 device 3, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 3 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0085] The device 3 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 30 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software 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, 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.

[0086] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to The information loaded and executed by the processor is, for example, stored in memory 31.

[0087] According to various specific and non-limiting embodiments, the device 3 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.

[0088] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 includes a block 32 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 32 include one or more of the following interfaces: - radio frequency RF interface, for example of the Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for 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 (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", or in French "Réseau interconnecté local").

[0089] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 includes a communication interface 33 which allows communication to be established with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded 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), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0090] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 340, 12, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 350, 11 and / or other peripherals peripherals 360 via output interfaces 34, 35 and 36 respectively. According to one variant, one or the other of the external devices is integrated into device 3.

[0091] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for locating a mobile communication device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, for example in vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by a device embedded in vehicle 10 or by device 3 of Figure 3.

[0092] In a first step 41, initial data representative of a request for assistance in locating the mobile communication device 100 in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 are received.

[0093] In a second step 42, second data representing a response request from the mobile communication device 100 are transmitted.

[0094] In a third step 43, third data representative of the response of the mobile communication device 100 are received.

[0095] In a fourth step 44, a position of the mobile communication device 100 in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 is determined from the third data.

[0096] In a fifth step 45, at least one speaker 11 located at a distance from the mobile communication device 100 less than a threshold is selected from the set of speakers 11.

[0097] In a sixth step 46, an audible alert is made from at least one selected loudspeaker 11.

[0098] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to [Fig.1] and / or [Fig.2] apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.4].

[0099] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for locating a mobile communication device in a vehicle's passenger compartment, which would include secondary steps without departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0100] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-powered vehicle, comprising the device 3 of [Fig.3].

Claims

Claims

1. Method for locating a mobile communication device (100) in a passenger compartment of a vehicle (10) comprising a set of at least two loudspeakers (11), said method comprising the following steps: - receiving (41) first data representative of a request for assistance in locating said mobile communication device (100) in the passenger compartment of said vehicle (10); - transmitting (42) second data representative of a response request from said mobile communication device (100); - receiving (43) third data representative of said response from said mobile communication device (100); - determining (44) a position of said mobile communication device (100) in the passenger compartment of said vehicle (10) from said third data;- selection (45) of at least one loudspeaker (11) located at a distance from said mobile communication device (100) less than a threshold among the set of loudspeakers (11), said distance being a function of said position of said mobile communication device (100); and - rendering (46) of an audible alert from said at least one loudspeaker (H).;

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of controlling the display of a first visual object (122) representative of said passenger compartment and of a second visual object representative of a search zone (101) located around said position of said mobile communication device (100) in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone (121) of a screen (12).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said screen (12) is a touch screen.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, for which said first data are representative of pressing an activation button.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said second and third data are respectively transmitted and received via a wireless connection.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein said wireless connection belongs to a set of wireless connections comprising: - a radio frequency connection, - a Bluetooth connection, - a Zigbee connection, - a Wifi connection, and - a near field connection.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, for which the at least one speaker (11) selected is the speaker closest to said mobile communication device (100).

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 (3) for assisting in locating a mobile communication device in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, said device (3) 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.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (3) according to claim 9.

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