Method and device for controlling a vehicle seat belt warning system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling a seat belt reminder system, referred to as the warning system, in a vehicle. For this purpose, a warning indicator (211) associated with the warning system is displayed in a specific area of ​​a human-machine interface shown in a first zone (21) of a touchscreen (13). Data representing a touch press on the displayed warning indicator (211) is received. Graphic content, including initial information representing the location of each seat belt detected as unfastened, is displayed in a second zone (31) of the touchscreen, different from the first zone (21), depending on the data received. Figure 3 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a vehicle seat belt warning system Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a seat belt warning 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 additional information for the seat belt warning system of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method and a device for controlling the fastening of the seat belts of a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Contemporary vehicles are fitted, in particular for regulatory reasons in certain countries, with a seat belt warning system. Such a system is configured to alert the driver of the vehicle when one or more seat belts have not been fastened, for example when starting the vehicle. For some vehicles, the system is configured to detect the absence of fastening of only part of the set of seat belts, for example that of the driver or those of the driver and front passenger only. For other vehicles, the system is configured to check the fastening of all the seat belts in the vehicle.

[0003] The detection of a failure to fasten one or more seat belts is generally materialized by the rendering of an audible alert accompanied by a warning light or indicator displayed for example on the dashboard in a display area located behind the steering wheel. In certain vehicles, information indicating to the driver which seat belt(s) are not fastened is displayed in another area of ​​the vehicle, for example on the ceiling light in addition to the warning light.

[0004] The multiplication of displays requires the provision of several display devices, which increases the cost of the vehicle. Furthermore, the display of interlinked information relating to the seat belt warning system in several areas of the vehicle interior degrades the user experience and can disturb the driver who is looking for the information. Summary of the present invention

[0005] An 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, for example, to improve the control of a vehicle seat belt warning system, in particular au- car.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the user experience with respect to the information associated with a seat belt warning system.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a seat belt fastening warning system, called warning system, of a vehicle, the vehicle having a display system comprising a touch screen, the vehicle comprising a set of seat belts each associated with a seat of a set of seats of the vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - display control of a seat belt warning light, called warning light, associated with the warning 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 alert indicator; - control of display of graphic content comprising first information representative of the location of each seat belt of the set of seat belts detected in an unfastened state following reception of the first data, the graphic content being displayed in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone.

[0009] The direct use of the warning light of a seat belt warning system to request the display of additional content relating to the position of the belt(s) detected as not being fastened allows the driver to obtain additional information on demand, by touching the light, on the same display device. The display of additional information is furthermore implemented only at the user's request according to needs. All of the content displayed on a single screen facilitates access to information and minimizes the time spent searching for information. The driver's vigilance is improved, as is the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

[0010] The use of a single screen reduces the diversity of displays used and the cost induced by these different displays, in particular the design and manufacturing costs of the vehicle.

[0011] According to a variant, the graphic content further comprises a second piece of information representative of the location of each seat belt of the set of seat belts detected in a buckled state.

[0012] According to another variant, the graphic content comprises a graphic illustration of a set of seats distributed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, each seat of the set of seats being represented according to a graphic representation depending on the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt associated with each seat.

[0013] According to an additional variant, the graphic representation of each seat is furthermore a function of a third item of information representing an occupied or unoccupied state of the seat, the graphic representation belonging to a set of graphic representations including: - a first graphic representation representative of a seat in the occupied state and whose associated seat belt is in the unfastened state, the first graphic representation corresponding to the first information; - a second graphic representation representing a seat in the occupied state and whose associated seat belt is in the fastened state, the second graphic representation corresponding to the second information; and - a third graphic representation representing a seat in an unoccupied state.

[0014] According to another variant, the graphic content further comprises a graphic object configured to trigger an end of display of the alert indicator following a touch press on the graphic object.

[0015] According to another variant, the graphical content further comprises a text area configured to contain a message requiring the fastening of each seat belt detected in the unfastened state.

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

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling a stability control and anti-skid 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Such a computer program can use any programming language. grammation, and be in the form of source code, object code, or code intermediate between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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

[0025] 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:

[0026] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] [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;

[0028] [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;

[0029] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates content displayed on the display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a third particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.5] illustrates a device configured to control a loop alert system of the vehicle seat belt of [Fig.l], according to an exemplary embodiment par- particular and non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

[0031] [Fig.6] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a vehicle seat belt warning system of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of the exemplary embodiments

[0032] A method and a device for controlling a seat belt fastening warning system, called a warning system, of a vehicle will now be described in the following with joint reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0033] 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.

[0034] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control of a seat belt fastening warning system, called a warning system, of a vehicle is for example implemented by one or more computers of the vehicle. The vehicle advantageously has a display system comprising a touch screen as well as a set of seat belts each associated with a seat of a set of seats of the vehicle. For this purpose, the method comprises the control of the display of a seat belt fastening warning indicator, called a warning indicator, associated with the warning system. Such a warning indicator is for example displayed following the detection of a seat belt in the unfastened state on a seat detected as being occupied or the display indicator is displayed by default when the vehicle is started. The warning indicator corresponds for example to a symbol or a pictogram representing a person fastened with a seat belt.The warning light 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 warning light are received from the touch interface, for example when a user makes a touch press on the touch screen at the location where the warning light is displayed. Following the reception of the first data, the computer controls the display of a graphic content comprising a first information representative of the location of each seat belt of the set of seat belts detected in an unfastened state, the graphic content being controlled to be displayed in a second zone of the touch screen different from the . first zone.

[0035] Such a method makes it possible to control, via a voluntary action, the display of information relating to the location (for example the position in the vehicle) of each seat belt detected as not being fastened.

[0036] A seat belt is said to be in the buckled state when the seat belt is in a fastened state, i.e., the seat belt is in a state configured to restrain the person seated on the seat associated with the seat belt. A seat belt is said to be in the unbuckled state when the seat belt is in an unfastened state, i.e., the seat belt is in a state configured not to restrain a possible person seated on the seat associated with the seat belt.

[0037] [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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The screen 13 corresponds for example to a display device 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”).

[0041] According to a particular embodiment, the display system comprises one or more other screens, for example a screen of a so-called head-up display device or system corresponding for example to a transparent or semi-transparent blade arranged in such a way that a driver seated in the seat 15 sees the content displayed or projected on the transparent blade when the driver drives the vehicle 10.

[0042] Such a display system comprising the touch screen 13 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 13 behind the steering wheel 14 in the dashboard 11.

[0043] 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).

[0044] A system on board the vehicle 10 corresponds to a seat belt fastening warning system, called a warning system.

[0045] According to a first embodiment, the alert system detects the seat belt(s) which are in the fastened state and the seat belt(s) which are in the unfastened state, for example when starting the vehicle, for example to provide information relating to the fastening or non-fastening of the seat belts to a user of the vehicle 10, for example the driver.

[0046] In such a first embodiment, the user can request, as explained below, information relating to the fastening or non-fastening of the seat belts.

[0047] Such an alert system is for example further configured to detect when a seat belt changes from the buckled state to the unbuckled state to alert the driver of the vehicle 10 of such a change of state. The alert consists for example of rendering an audible alert accompanied by the display of an alert indicator.

[0048] According to a second embodiment, the alert system is associated with a system for detecting occupancy of the seats of the vehicle 10. The system for detecting occupancy of the seats is included in the alert system or coupled to the alert system according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0049] The seat occupancy detection system comprises a set of occupancy detection sensors associated with the seats, with for example one occupancy detection sensor per seat (for all or part of the seats of the vehicle 10).

[0050] An occupancy detection sensor corresponds for example to a pressure or weight sensor configured to detect the presence of an occupant seated on a seat. An occupant corresponds to a person or an object. A computer controlling these pressure or weight sensors are thus configured to determine or identify which seat(s) of the vehicle 10 is (are) occupied by an occupant, a seat thus being in the occupied state or in the unoccupied state according to the data received from the sensor associated with this seat. According to other examples, an occupancy detection sensor corresponds to a capacitive and / or electric field sensor determining the presence and position of an occupant by analyzing the disturbances of the oscillation in a low intensity magnetic field generated by the system. A computer controlling these capacitive sensors is thus configured to determine or identify which seat(s) of the vehicle 10 is (are) occupied by an occupant.

[0051] Each seat of the vehicle 10 is advantageously equipped with a seat belt, a buckle being associated with each seat in addition to the seat belt. The buckle is configured to receive a flat lock corresponding to the end of the seat belt which is inserted into the buckle when the seat belt is buckled to retain or hold the occupant in his seat.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, each buckle of each seat is equipped with one or more sensors configured to detect the fastening of the seat belt (i.e. the insertion of the flat lock into the buckle). When the fastening of the belt is detected by the sensor(s), a signal is transmitted to a computer of the vehicle, the computer determining via the reception of this signal that the seat in question is occupied by an occupant seated on this seat (the seat belt being detected as being in the fastened state). Otherwise, in the absence of detection of the fastening of the belt by the sensor(s), the seat belt is detected as being in the unfastened state.

[0053] According to this second embodiment, it is determined which seat is occupied or not and whether the seat belt is in the buckled or unbuckled state. This makes it possible to detect or determine safety alerts when a seat is in the occupied state and the seat belt associated with this seat is in an unbuckled state.

[0054] A process for controlling a seat belt fastening warning system, called warning 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.

[0055] In a first operation, the display of a seat belt warning light, called a warning light, associated with the warning system of the vehicle 10 is controlled in such a way that the warning light is displayed on the touch screen 13 in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called an HMI, which content is displayed on the touch screen 13.

[0056] The warning light is displayed for example by default when the vehicle 10 is started and / or when the vehicle 10 is in motion or stopped (for example at the roadside, in a parking lot, etc.).

[0057] The displayed content includes, for example, welcome content displayed when the vehicle 10 is started and / or content including a set of information useful to the driver for ensuring control and supervision of the vehicle 10.

[0058] The set of information includes for example the instantaneous speed of the vehicle 10 when the latter is in a rolling or circulation phase, that is to say in motion, driven by the engine of the vehicle 10.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The warning light is displayed by default when the vehicle 10 is started to allow the driver or a passenger to obtain information relating to the fastening status (fastened status or unfastened status) of all or part of the seat belts of the vehicle 10.

[0061] According to one variant, the warning light is displayed only to alert the driver or passenger of a potential danger linked to the unfastened state of one or more seat belts. A potential danger arises when, for example, the driver has not fastened his seat belt. According to another example, a potential danger arises when the seat belt associated with a seat detected as being in the occupied state is in the unfastened state. According to yet another example, a potential danger arises when a seat belt changes from the fastened state to the unfastened state while the engine of the vehicle 10 is still running or while the speed of the vehicle 10 is non-zero.

[0062] According to another variant, the warning light is displayed by default when the vehicle 10 is started and in any situation of potential danger to alert the driver or a passenger of the vehicle 10.

[0063] The warning light is for example displayed according to the same graphic representation whatever the situation (at startup or when detecting a potential danger). According to another example, the warning light is displayed according to several graphic representations depending on the situation, for example: - according to a first graphic representation at startup; - according to a second graphic representation (for example according to a different color from that of the first graphic representation) when a seat belt is in the unfastened state while the associated seat is in the occupied state; and - according to a third graphic representation (for example according to a color different from those of the first and second graphic representations) when a seat belt changes from buckled to unbuckled.

[0064] The warning light 211 is illustrated in [Fig. 2] according to a particular and non-limiting example of implementation. [Fig. 2] illustrates an example of displaying the warning light 211 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.

[0065] The alert indicator 211 associated with the alert system corresponds for example to a symbol defined in a standard, for example an ISO standard.

[0066] The warning indicator 211 illustrated in [Fig.2] is displayed according to a determined graphic representation, according to which the warning indicator corresponds to a pictogram composed of pixels representing a seated person attached by a seat belt in the fastened state.

[0067] The first zone 21 covers for example only a part of the total display zone of the screen 13, one or more other determined zones (not illustrated) being 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.

[0068] In a second operation, first data representative of a first tactile press 210 on the warning light 211 are received, following a tactile press 210 of a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the warning light 211.

[0069] A tactile press 210 on the alert indicator 211 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a function associated with the command corresponding to the tactile press.

[0070] The first data representative of the tactile support are for example received via one or more data buses connecting the tactile interface of the screen (or a computer controlling such a tactile interface where appropriate) and the IVI computer.

[0071] The first data are for example representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say the duration of the press on the alert indicator 211 is less than a threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms).

[0072] According to another example, the first data are representative of a double click, that is to say a sequence of two consecutive and close tactile presses (with for example less than 250 or 500 ms between the two consecutive tactile presses).

[0073] In a third operation, the IVI computer controls the display of a graphic content comprising one or more first information items representative of the location of each seat belt of the vehicle 10 detected in an unfastened state. This graphic content is displayed in a second zone 31 of the touch screen. 13, as illustrated by [Fig.3], which second area 31 is different from the first area 21 in which the indicator 211 is displayed. The display control of the graphic content in the second area 31 is triggered by the reception of the first data.

[0074] The graphic content is for example displayed in a window occupying a part of the display area of ​​the screen 13 and corresponding to the second area 31, this window corresponding for example to a contextual window, also called an intrusive or pop-up window (from the English “pop-up window”). This window is for example displayed next to the first area 21, for example centered on the screen (around the center of the screen 13).

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the graphic content displayed on the second zone of the screen 31 comprises a zone 311 for displaying the first information representative of the location of the seat belt(s) in the unfastened state, for example each seat belt of the vehicle 10 detected in the unfastened state.

[0076] According to an alternative embodiment, this zone 311 further comprises the display of one or more second pieces of information representative of the location of one or more seat belts detected in the fastened state, for example each seat belt of the vehicle 10 detected in the fastened state.

[0077] The first information and the second information correspond for example to text, such as for example: “Driver's seat belt not fastened”, “Driver's seat belt fastened”, “Left passenger seat belt of the 2nd row of seats not fastened”, etc.

[0078] According to another example, the area 311 comprises the display of a graphical illustration of a set of seats distributed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle 10, each seat of the set of seats being represented according to a graphical representation depending on the buckled state or the unbuckled state of the seat belt associated with each seat. Such a particular exemplary embodiment is illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0079] [Fig.4] illustrates the vehicle 10 in the form of a graphic illustration 410 by particular representing the exterior silhouette of a vehicle seen from above with a representation of all or part of the seats of the vehicle 10.

[0080] This graphic illustration 410 comprises 7 seats according to the example of [Fig.4], namely a driver's seat 41, a front passenger seat 42, three seats 43, 44, 45 forming a second row of seats (behind the front seats 41, 42) and 2 seats 46 and 47 forming a third row of seats (behind the second row).

[0081] Such a graphic illustration 410 is configured to illustrate the location of the seat belt(s) in the unfastened state, for example via a first particular representation (for example according to a determined texture or color) of each seat associated with a seat belt detected in the unfastened state. This first particular representation thus corresponds to the first representative information of the location of each seat belt in the unfastened state.

[0082] According to a variant, this graphic illustration 410 is further configured to illustrate the location of the seat belt(s) in the unfastened state, for example via a second particular representation (for example according to a determined texture or color different from those of the first graphic representation) of each seat associated with a seat belt detected in the fastened state. This second particular representation thus corresponds to the second information representative of the location of each seat belt in the fastened state.

[0083] According to a particular embodiment, the data representative of the buckled or unbuckled state of each seat belt and the data representative of the occupied or unoccupied state of each seat 41 to 47 of the vehicle 10 are used to graphically represent the location, in the vehicle 10, of each seat belt in the buckled state, of each seat belt in the unbuckled state with, in addition, a third piece of information representative of the occupied or unoccupied state of each seat 41 to 47. According to this particular embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 4], the graphical representation of each seat 41 to 47 varies according to the buckled / unbuckled state of the seat belts and according to the occupied / unoccupied state of each seat, with: - a first graphic representation representative of a seat in the occupied state and whose associated seat belt is in the unfastened state, the first graphic representation corresponding to the first information; for example, a seat in the occupied state and whose associated seat belt is in the unfastened state is represented according to a first color (for example red) or a first texture, as for the seats 42, 45 in [Fig. 4]; and - a second graphic representation representative of a seat in the occupied state and whose associated seat belt is in the fastened state, the second graphic representation corresponding to the second information; for example, of a seat in the occupied state and whose associated seat belt is in the fastened state is represented according to a second color (for example green) or a second texture different from the first texture, as for the seats 41, 44 in [Fig. 4]; and optionally - a third graphic representation representative of a seat in the unoccupied state, for example according to a third color (for example gray) or a third texture different from the first and second textures, as for seats 44, 46 and 47 for example.

[0084] According to another exemplary embodiment, the location of each seat belt in the unfastened state is graphically represented by a point of a first color. determined (red for example) at the location of the seat associated with this unfastened belt in the silhouette 410 and the location of each seat belt in the fastened state is graphically represented by a point of a second determined color (green for example) at the location of the seat associated with this fastened belt in the silhouette 410.

[0085] According to an alternative embodiment, the graphic content displayed in the second zone 31 further comprises a graphic object 312 configured to trigger an end of display of the alert indicator following a tactile press on the graphic object.

[0086] Such a graphic object 312 corresponds for example to an icon or a virtual button (graphic) allowing a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) to deactivate a seat belt detection alert. Such an alert is for example generated when a seat is detected as being occupied, the occupant corresponding to an object (for example a package) and not to a person, the fastening of the seat belt associated with this seat not being required.

[0087] The reception of data representative of a tactile press on this graphic object causes the deactivation of the alert, that is to say the end of the display of the alert indicator 211 and optionally the end of an audible alert when such an audible alert was initiated upon detection of the seat belt in the unfastened state on this seat.

[0088] According to another alternative embodiment, the graphic content displayed in the second zone 31 further comprises a text zone 313 configured to contain a message requiring the fastening of each seat belt detected in the unfastened state. Such text is for example displayed only when a seat belt has been detected as being unfastened. The display of such text is thus a function of the detection or absence of detection of one or more seat belts in the unfastened state.

[0089] According to an alternative embodiment, the process further comprises a fourth operation during which second data representative of a second tactile press 310 on the warning light 211 are received, following a tactile press by a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the warning light 211.

[0090] This second touch press 310, temporally subsequent to the first touch press 210, sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a function associated with the command corresponding to this second touch press 310.

[0091] The second data are for example representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say the duration of the press on the indicator 211 is less than the threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms) defined previously.

[0092] This second touch press corresponds to a touch press made while the graphic content is displayed in the second zone 31 of the screen (and the second touch press corresponds to a brief press, or even a double click according to one variant).

[0093] In a fifth operation, the end of the display of the graphic content is controlled so that the graphic content is no longer displayed in the second zone 31 of the screen 13 following the reception of the second data.

[0094] The graphic content displayed before the reception of the first data representative of the first touch press 210, that is to say before the display of the graphic content, is then for example displayed again in the second zone 31. When the second zone 31 corresponds to a contextual window, then this contextual window is closed.

[0095] 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 graphic content. For example, this determined duration is provided so that the graphic content remains displayed for, for example, 5, 10 or 15 seconds and then disappears automatically without the user making the second touch press 310.

[0096] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a device 5 configured for controlling a seat belt warning 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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”).

[0102] 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 (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0103] 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 screen. display 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.

[0104] [Fig.6] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a seat belt fastening warning system, called warning system, of a vehicle, for example the vehicle 10, 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].

[0105] In a first step 61, the display of a seat belt warning light, called warning light, associated with the warning system, in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, is controlled so that the warning light is displayed in a first zone of a touch screen on board the vehicle.

[0106] In a second step 62, first data representative of a tactile press on the alert indicator are received.

[0107] In a third step 63, the display of graphic content comprising first information representative of the location of each seat belt of the set of seat belts detected in an unfastened state is controlled so that the graphic content is displayed in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone, following the reception of the first data.

[0108] 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].

[0109] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying a warning indicator of a seat belt fastening warning system and additional information relating to the location of an unfastened and / or fastened seat belt 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.

[0110] 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.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling a seat belt fastening warning system, called warning system, of a vehicle, said vehicle (10) having a display system comprising a touch screen (13), said vehicle comprising a set of seat belts each associated with a seat of a set of seats (41 to 47) of said vehicle, said method comprising the following steps: - controlling (61) the display of a seat belt fastening warning indicator, called warning indicator (211), associated with said warning system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone (21) of said touch screen (13); - receiving (62) first data representative of a first touch press (210) on said warning indicator (211);- control (63) of display of a graphic content comprising a first information representative of the location of each seat belt of said set of seat belts detected in an unfastened state following the reception (62) of said first data, said graphic content being displayed in a second zone (31) of said touch screen (13) different from said first zone (21).;

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said graphical content further comprises second information representative of location of each seat belt of said set of seat belts detected in a buckled state.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said graphical content comprises a graphical illustration (410) of the set of seats (41 to 47) distributed in a passenger compartment of said vehicle (10), each seat of said set of seats (41 to 47) being represented according to a graphical representation depending on the buckled state or the unbuckled state of the seat belt associated with said each seat.

4. Method according to claim 3, for which the graphical representation of said each seat is furthermore a function of a third information representative of an occupied or unoccupied state of said each seat, said graphical representation belonging to a set of graphical representations comprising: - a first graphical representation representative of a seat (42, 45) in the occupied state and whose associated seat belt is in the unoccupied state buckled, said first graphic representation corresponding to said first information; - a second graphic representation representative of a seat (41, 43) in the occupied state and whose associated seat belt is in the buckled state, said second graphic representation corresponding to said second information; and - a third graphic representation representative of a seat (44, 46, 47) in the unoccupied state.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which said graphic content further comprises a graphic object (312) configured to trigger an end of display of said alert indicator (211) following a touch pressure on said graphic object (312).

6. A method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said graphical content further comprises a text area (313) configured to contain a message requesting fastening of said each seat belt detected in the unfastened state.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the following steps: - receiving second data representative of a second touch press (310) on said alert indicator (211), said second touch press (310) being subsequent to said first touch press (210); - controlling the end of display of said graphic content in said second zone (31) following the reception of said second 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 a seat belt warning system of a vehicle (10), 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 claims 1 to 7.

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

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