Dynamic controls for vehicle equipment, steering wheel integrating these controls, and display management process

Abstract

The invention relates to dynamic controls (10) for electrical or electronic equipment in a vehicle, the dynamic controls (10) being integrated into a steering wheel (11) of this vehicle and comprising: - at least one button integrated into the steering wheel (11), - at least one visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) associated with a control configured to actuate the vehicle's electrical or electronic equipment, the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) being displayed in a specific spatial orientation, - electronic means configured to maintain substantially constant the spatial orientation of the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) so ​​that the driver can recognize the visual indicator regardless of the steering wheel's rotation angle (11). The invention also relates to a steering wheel integrating these dynamic controls (10) and a method (200) for managing their display. Figure for the abridged version: Fig.1]

Description

Title of the invention: Dynamic controls of vehicle equipment, steering wheel integrating these controls and display management method Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to dynamic controls of electrical or electronic equipment of a vehicle, a steering wheel which integrates these dynamic controls and a method for managing the display of dynamic controls. The invention can be integrated into a land vehicle such as an automobile, a heavy goods vehicle, a utility vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a military land vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a construction vehicle or even a public works vehicle. State of the prior art

[0002] In the remainder of this document, the term steering wheel is used to designate the steering wheel of a vehicle such as a land vehicle.

[0003] The environment of the driving position of a modern vehicle is currently very busy, dense in information and in controls for the various equipment of the vehicle. Conventionally, the steering wheel of a vehicle such as an automobile, comprises a rim which is connected to the central hub by at least one so-called central branch which extends according to the diameter of the rim. There are also steering wheels which comprise a second branch which is generally perpendicular to the central branch. This second branch generally extends between the central hub and the lower part of the rim when the steering wheel is in the initial position.

[0004] Traditionally, automobile manufacturers integrate several controls for controlling electrical or electronic equipment of the vehicle which are arranged in the environment of the steering wheel. For example, some manufacturers integrate the controls for controlling the indicators and the headlights on a switch located behind and on the left of the steering wheel rim. A second switch located behind and to the right of the steering wheel rim, can integrate controls for controlling the windshield wipers and the spray nozzles which spray the windshield cleaning liquid. In the jargon of those skilled in the art, the switch is a lever arranged at the rear of the steering wheel which incorporates several buttons and knobs to control the control commands as previously explained.

[0005] Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, car manufacturers have also been integrating control commands more commonly into the structure of the steering wheel itself. Generally, it is the spokes of the steering wheel that em- provide control commands in the form of a button.

[0006] Among the control commands which are embedded on the steering wheel we find commands controlling multimedia functions (car radio, navigation screen, GPS etc.), cruise control, driving mode, the vehicle's lighting ambiance, the hands-free kit function etc.

[0007] The disadvantage of integrating these control commands on the steering wheel spokes is that their position in the driving position environment is modified as the steering wheel is rotated, which makes their use complicated when the driver is approaching a bend, is on a winding road or is performing several consecutive maneuvers.

[0008] To overcome these problems, some manufacturers have developed fixed-hub steering wheels and placed the control commands on the hub rather than on the spokes of the steering wheel. This solution, while effective, has the disadvantage of being expensive and equipping vehicles with a steering wheel that can experience accelerated wear compared to a traditional steering wheel.

[0009] The invention aims to overcome all of these drawbacks. Statement of the invention

[0010] To this end, the inventors have redesigned the controls which are arranged around the steering wheel of a land vehicle in order to provide a new human-machine interface for driving, in a more ergonomic manner, in particular the controls which are traditionally carried by the switches associated with the steering wheel.

[0011] The invention also aims to free and simplify the environment around the steering wheel of the land vehicle.

[0012] The invention also aims to optimize the driving experience of the user of the vehicle.

[0013] With this in mind, the invention relates to dynamic controls of electrical or electronic equipment of a vehicle, the dynamic controls being integrated into a steering wheel of this vehicle and comprising: - at least one button integrated into the steering wheel, the button being provided with a support surface and an actuation feedback, - at least one visual indicator associated with a control command configured to operate the electrical or electronic equipment of the vehicle, the visual indicator being displayed according to a determined spatial orientation, - display means which are configured to display the visual indicator on the button support surface, - electronic means which are configured, on the one hand, to trigger the control command of the visual indicator when the button on which is displayed the visual indicator is actuated, and on the other hand, to maintain substantially constant the spatial orientation of the visual indicator so that the driver can recognize the visual indicator regardless of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel.

[0014] The visual indicator which is linked to a button and also to a control command of an electrical / electronic equipment of the vehicle thus always remains clearly visible and can be quickly interpreted by the driver whatever the angle of rotation of the steering wheel.

[0015] Furthermore, the integration of such a control directly on the steering wheel, for example on the rim of the steering wheel, makes it possible to free up space by removing at least one switch traditionally located behind the steering wheel.

[0016] In embodiments, the dynamic controls comprise: - a virtual reference mark which comprises at least two display areas which divide the surface of the steering wheel into two equal display areas which are fixed regardless of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, - at least two visual indicators, each visual indicator being associated with a specific control command, the display of each visual indicator being linked to one of said display zones so as to be decorrelated from the rotation of the steering wheel, - at least two buttons arranged on the steering wheel at a determined distance from each other so that each display area has a button at all times and regardless of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, and - display means associated with the support surface of each button, the display means being configured to display one or other of the visual indicators depending on the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, the electronic means being configured to maintain each visual indicator in the display area to which the visual indicator is linked regardless of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel so as to maintain a constant display of the dynamic controls for the driver, the activation of a first button causing the actuation of the control command associated with the visual indicator which is displayed on said button.

[0017] According to this embodiment, the position of the visual indicator and therefore of the control command of an electrical or electronic equipment is not controlled by the angle of rotation of the steering wheel. In this case, the position of each visual indicator is virtually controlled by a display zone of the steering wheel, the electronic means dynamically control the display means so that the support surface of each button displays the visual indicator assigned to the display zone in which the button is located.

[0018] The dynamic adaptation of the display of visual indicators but also the maintenance of their spatial orientation according to the rotation of the steering wheel, allow to maintain an ergonomic logic of display of the dynamic controls in a determined zone. For this, the visual indicators are respectively maintained in the same display zone, they are thus easy to interpret and the control command associated with them is then easily actuated.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the virtual reference frame comprises four display zones of equal dimensions and which are symmetrical to each other in an orthonormal reference frame, the dynamic controls also comprising four buttons distributed on the steering wheel in a symmetrical manner so that a button is located in each display zone regardless of the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel. The more the virtual reference frame is segmented into a large number of display zones, the more the display of the visual indicators is kept constant in a precise visual zone of the driver.

[0020] In embodiments, the dynamic controls comprise an angular and / or temporal delay parameter, the electronic means being configured to transfer the display of a visual indicator from the display surface of a first button which changes display area to a second button which is located in the display area to which the visual indicator is slaved, when the delay parameter is reached or exceeded. It is thus possible to limit untimely display transfers of a visual indicator between two buttons even when the change of display area is short from a temporal point of view or the button remains within the boundary between two display areas.

[0021] In embodiments, the display means comprise at least one screen which is coupled to the support surface of the button.

[0022] In embodiments, the button is integrated into a steering wheel rim or into a steering wheel spoke. Advantageously, the use of the control functions of the elements of a motor vehicle by means of the small screens arranged on the steering wheel rim makes it possible to ensure easy use of said controls for the driver.

[0023] In embodiments, the screen is touch-sensitive and includes haptic actuation feedback, the screen thus constituting the button.

[0024] In embodiments, the button is mechanical and has mechanical actuation feedback.

[0025] In embodiments, a screen associated with each button, the screen constituting the support surface of the button with which it is associated.

[0026] In embodiments, the spatial orientation of each visual indicator is maintained horizontal relative to the vehicle reference frame.

[0027] In embodiments, the control command controls electrical or electronic equipment chosen from the following list: turn signals, windshield wipers, headlight switching on / off, navigation screen, multimedia controls, modes vehicle driving, cruise control, hands-free kit, horn, cabin ambience.

[0028] The invention also relates to a steering wheel for a land vehicle which is characterized in that it integrates dynamic controls according to the invention.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method for managing the display of dynamic controls of electrical or electronic equipment of a vehicle which are integrated into the steering wheel of this vehicle, the dynamic controls comprising at least one visual indicator associated with a control command of a specific electrical or electronic equipment, the method comprising the following steps: - display at least one visual indicator, according to a defined spatial orientation, on a support surface of a button mounted on the steering wheel, the button being provided with actuation feedback, - monitor the steering wheel rotation angle relative to an initial steering wheel position, and - adjusting the spatial orientation of the visual indicator display according to the steering wheel tilt angle so as to keep the spatial orientation of the visual indicator display constant relative to the driver's vision, thereby facilitating the actuation of the control command by pressing the button on the screen on which the visual indicator is displayed.

[0030] In embodiments, the dynamic controls comprise: - at least two buttons which are arranged on the steering wheel at a determined distance from each other, and - at least two visual indicators respectively displayed on the support surface of one of the two buttons, each visual indicator being associated with a specific control command, while triggering of the control command is carried out by actuation of the button on which the visual indicator is displayed.

[0031] According to these embodiments, the management method comprises the following steps: - Determining a virtual reference which comprises at least two fixed display zones regardless of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, each display zone having at least one button, at any time and regardless of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, - Enslave the display of each visual indicator to a specific display area so that the display of each visual indicator is decorrelated from the steering wheel rotation angle, - transfer the display of each visual indicator and the command to which the visual indicator is associated, from one button to another so that each visual indicator is displayed, at all times and regardless of the steering wheel rotation angle, in the display area to which the visual indicator is linked.

[0032] In embodiments, the transfer of the display of a visual indicator from a first button to a second button is carried out when an angular and / or temporal delay parameter is reached or exceeded. It is thus possible to limit untimely display transfers of a visual indicator between two buttons even when the change of display zone is short from a temporal point of view or when the button remains at the border between two display zones.

[0033] The management method has the same advantages as the control commands of the invention, it makes it possible to decorrelate the display of the visual indicator of the steering wheel rotation angle. A new human-machine interface results from these characteristics, in which the control commands of the vehicle equipment are displayed in the environment of the driving position and in particular at the steering wheel while being decorrelated from the hardware display and actuation support which is mounted integral with the steering wheel. Description of the drawings

[0034] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0035] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of dynamic controls integrated into a steering wheel which are both in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the steering wheel being in the initial position.

[0036] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the controls and steering wheel of [Fig.l], while the steering wheel has a rotation at a first angle a relative to the initial position of the steering wheel.

[0037] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the controls and steering wheel of [Fig.l], while the steering wheel has a rotation at a second angle α relative to the initial position of the steering wheel.

[0038] [Fig.4] and [Fig.5] are schematic representations of a virtual reference mark and the principle of changing the display of the visual indicators conforming to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a virtual reference frame according to which the dynamic controls are displayed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0040] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation in the form of a flowchart of the succession of steps of a method for managing the display of dynamic steering wheel controls according to an embodiment of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0041] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the invention relates to dynamic controls 10 of a steering wheel of a vehicle, but also to the steering wheel 11 which integrates these dynamic controls 10.

[0042] In the remainder of this document, the steering wheel 11 comprises a rim 12 and at least one branch 13 which couples the rim to the central hub 14 of the steering wheel. The rim 12 is generally circular or ovoid in shape while the branch 13 is said to be central. The branch 13 extends between two opposite sections of the rim 12 of the steering wheel 11.

[0043] In the initial position of the steering wheel 11, the wheels of the vehicle are straight and the branch 13 has a horizontal spatial orientation relative to the reference frame of the vehicle chassis, this is illustrated in [Fig.l]. Furthermore, in this initial position of the steering wheel 11, it is possible to draw a parallel axis AA of the branch 13 above which we speak of the upper display zone. Conversely, below the axis AA we speak of the lower display zone. In the example of [Fig.l], the axis AA extends in the longitudinal direction of the branch 13.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steering wheel 11 may comprise a mark 15 which marks the initial position of the steering wheel 11. In this example, the mark 15 is marked on the rim 14, for example using a distinctive color. In the initial position of the steering wheel 11, the mark 15 is arranged along an axis BB. The axis BB is considered to be vertical relative to the chassis of the vehicle; it is used in particular in the remainder of this document to define the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel 11 relative to its initial position.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dynamic controls 10 comprise at least one determined control command for an electrical or electronic equipment of the vehicle. The control command corresponds to one of the control commands which is conventionally embedded in the environment of the driver's seat of a vehicle. For example, the control command can control an electrical or electronic equipment which is chosen from the following list: indicators, windshield wipers, headlight on / off, navigation screen, multimedia controls, vehicle driving modes, cruise control, hands-free kit, horn, passenger compartment ambience, etc.

[0046] The dynamic controls 10 comprise at least one button which is integrated into the steering wheel 11. The button is provided with a support surface and an actuation feedback. The actuation feedback is a mechanism which allows the driver to be aware that he has actuated the button to control the control command associated with this button. According to a preferred embodiment, the button is mechanical and has a mechanical actuation feedback, for example, a mechanical resistance which must be overcome by applying pressure to the button to actuate it. The button can also be a push button which has two positions, a rest position and an engaged position.

[0047] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the dynamic controls comprise at least one visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104. The dynamic controls may also comprise two visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104, or - preferably - four visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6. Depending on the vehicle, it is possible to provide a greater number of visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104.

[0048] Each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 designates a control command for a specific electrical or electronic equipment associated with it. In this example, a first visual indicator 101 is associated with the control command for the left turn signals of the vehicle. The second visual indicator 102 is associated with the control for the right turn signals. The third visual indicator 103 relates to the control command for the headlight flashes while the fourth visual indicator is associated with the control command for the windshield washer nozzles. The visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 may be a fixed or animated pictogram which represents, according to a traditional coding, the control command for a piece of equipment of the vehicle.

[0049] When the control command is activated, the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 can flash, change color and possibly be associated with an audible indicator, this can be useful for example for the indicators.

[0050] The visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 may also contain text or broadcast dynamic text messages. These messages may display material alerts on the vehicle or any other information relating to prevention or the operating status of the vehicle.

[0051] As illustrated in [Fig.l], each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is displayed according to a determined spatial orientation while the steering wheel 11 is in the initial position. In particular, in the example of [Fig.l], the turn signal indicators 101, 102 extend along an axis CC which is parallel to the axis AA which is horizontal relative to the chassis of the vehicle or reference frame of the vehicle. The other indicators 103, 104 also extend along an axis DD which is also parallel to the axis AA. These indicators 103, 104 are then also in a horizontal spatial orientation relative to the reference frame of the vehicle. Thus, when the steering wheel 11 is in the initial position, the visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104 are displayed respectively in a horizontal spatial orientation relative to the vehicle's reference frame so as to provide ease of reading for the driver.

[0052] The dynamic controls 10 further comprise display means. The display means which are configured to display each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 on the button bearing surface.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the display means comprise at least one screen 16. Each screen is coupled to the bearing surface of a button, for example by gluing or mechanical assembly. In addition, the screen may be of the LCD type and mounted on the bearing surface of the button. For this purpose, the screen 16 is secured to the steering wheel 11. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 4, each screen 16 is secured to the rim 12 of the steering wheel 11. However, it is also possible to arrange a visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 on a branch 13 of the steering wheel 11.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the button is integrated into the rim 12 of the steering wheel 11 or into a branch 13 of the steering wheel 11. The screen 16 associated with the support surface of the button can also be integrated into the rim 12. Such integration presents ergonomic and aesthetic advantages for the driver.

[0055] In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, each screen 16 has a circular shape, however, it is also possible to give the screen 16 an oval, rectangular or other shape. Moreover, according to a particular embodiment, the screen can be constituted by an arcuate band which is integrated into the rim 12 of the steering wheel 11. According to this embodiment, the screen 16 can comprise determined areas for displaying a visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104, these areas are specifically coupled to a button with actuation feedback.

[0056] According to a particular embodiment, the screen is tactile and includes haptic actuation feedback. According to this embodiment, the screen 16 thus constitutes the button. This embodiment is notably compatible with a screen constituted by an arcuate band which is integrated into the rim 12 of the steering wheel 11. According to a particular embodiment, each screen 16 is associated respectively with a button, the screen 16 constituting the support surface of the button with which it is associated.

[0057] The dynamic controls 10 comprise electronic means which are connected and control the control command, the button, the display means and the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104. In particular, the electronic means are configured to control the display means and the control command control according to the actuation of the button. The electronic means are also configured to maintain the spatial orientation of the visual indicator fixed regardless of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel 11. For this purpose, the electronic means have access to the data relating to the angle of rotation of the steering wheel 11 relative to its initial position. All modern vehicles comprise an angle sensor which continuously analyzes the angle of rotation of the steering wheel 11.In particular, the electronic means can be connected to the main computer of the on-board computer to access this information or be directly connected to the angle sensor.

[0058] In practice, the data concerning the angle sensor are coded and transmitted via a communication bus to the main computer of the on-board computer. Electronic means can then extract this data using an algorithm that is configured to retrieve and decode this data. In general, data relating to the steering wheel rotation angle is encoded using low-layer computer coding.

[0059] According to the invention and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, when the steering wheel 11 has an angle of rotation a relative to the axis BB which is considered to be vertical relative to the reference frame of the vehicle. The electronic means then control the display means so that each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 maintains its initial spatial orientation in a substantially constant manner. Here, substantially is understood in the sense that an angular deviation of a few degrees is allowed relative to the initial spatial orientation.

[0060] In the present case, each visual indicator maintains a horizontal spatial orientation. For this, the electronic means take into consideration the value of the angle a and command the display means to rotate the value of the angle a in the opposite direction in order to maintain the horizontality of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104.

[0061] In the example of [Fig.3], the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11 is greater than the rotation angle a of [Fig.2] while the visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104, retain their horizontal orientation.

[0062] Advantageously, the display means and in particular the screen 16 are configured to refresh the display of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104, according to a frequency of at least 50 Hz. Such a frequency makes it possible to rely on retinal persistence so that the change in orientation of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104, is perceived by the driver as a continuous phenomenon whereas it is in reality a discontinuous phenomenon.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the electronic means can be integrated into the main calculator of the vehicle's on-board computer. According to this embodiment, the addition of an electronic card in the steering wheel 11 is avoided, however, this adds cables to be passed through the steering wheel hub 11. According to an alternative embodiment, the electronic means can comprise a dedicated electronic card integrated into the steering wheel 11. The electronic card can be associated with a processor, a memory, an electronic clock, etc. Indeed, the electronic means are configured to store and execute an algorithm or a computer program managing the display of the visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104 and the actuation of the control commands.

[0064] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4] and 5, the dynamic controls 10 comprise a virtual reference which comprises at least two display zones L, R, fixed regardless of the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel 11. The virtual reference mark is centered on the hub 14 of the steering wheel 11. In this example, the virtual reference mark is determined, while the steering wheel 11 is in the initial position, relative to the vertical axis BB which delimits two right D and left G zones arranged on either side of this axis. Alternatively, it is possible to determine a virtual reference mark comprising two upper and lower display zones which are arranged on either side of the horizontal AA axis.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the dynamic controls 10 comprise at least two visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104. In particular, in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, the dynamic controls 10 comprise four visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104. Here, each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is associated with a determined control command and the display of each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is slaved to a determined display zone. This advantageously makes it possible to decorrelate the position of each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 from the rotation of the steering wheel 11 and thus maintain in the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 whatever the angle of rotation of the steering wheel 11 in a predefined display zone. This facilitates visual comfort, ergonomics and control of the control commands.

[0066] In practice, the dynamic controls 10 comprise at least two buttons arranged on the steering wheel 11 at a determined distance from each other. In the example of Figures 4 and 5, the dynamic controls 10 comprise four buttons 170, 171, 172, 173. The buttons 170, 171, 172, 173 are distributed in such a way that each display zone comprises, permanently and whatever the angle of rotation of the steering wheel 11, at least two buttons each 170, 171, 172, 173. Here, the buttons 170, 171, 172, 173 are mounted on the rim 12, however, it is also possible to mount them on a branch 13 of the steering wheel 11.

[0067] In the particular example of [Fig. 4], the visual indicators 102, 104 are slaved to the right display area D, while the visual indicators 101, 103 are slaved to the left display area G. Furthermore, in the example of [Fig. 4], a first button 170 has on its display surface the visual indicator 102, the second button 171 has the visual indicator 104, the third button 172 has the visual indicator 101 and the fourth button 173 displays the visual indicator 103.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the dynamic controls 10 comprise display means associated with the support surface of each button. As described previously, a screen 16 can constitute the display means. Advantageously, the display means are configured to display one or other of the visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104 depending on the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11 and the display zone D, G, in which the button is located. This is controlled by the electronic means which are configured to keep each visual indicator 101 displayed, 102, 103, 104 in the display area D, G, to which the visual indicator is slaved and this whatever the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel 11.

[0069] The display of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is decorrelated from the button whose position in the virtual reference frame necessarily depends on the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11. Advantageously, by slaving the display of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 to a display zone D, G of the virtual reference frame, it is possible to provide the driver with control commands whose position changes little as a function of the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11. This contributes to improving the ergonomics of driving and actuation of these control commands.

[0070] Advantageously, the electronic means are configured to change the display of a visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 from a first button to a second button when the first button enters a display zone beyond a threshold time delay parameter. The threshold time delay parameter may be temporal or angular. In the example of Figures 4 and 5, the time delay parameter comprises an angular deviation [3 of rotation of the steering wheel 11 relative to the delimitation between two display zones which is here defined by the axis BB. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the angular deviation [3 may take a positive or negative value depending on the direction of rotation of the steering wheel 11. The angular deviation [3 may further be between 5° and 20°, relative to the axis delimiting the two display zones which are adjacent.

[0071] When a first button on which a visual indicator is displayed enters the display zone G, while said visual indicator is slaved to zone D, and the first button reaches or exceeds the value of the angular deviation [3, the electronic means control a change in the display of said indicator on the button which is in direct proximity to the first button so that said indicator is displayed in the display zone to which it is slaved.

[0072] Thus, as illustrated in the example of [Fig. 4], the value of the rotation angle a has a negative value in relation to the direction of rotation of the steering wheel 11. In addition, the value of the rotation angle a is such that the first button 170 displaying the indicator 102 and the fourth button 173 displaying the indicator 103 have passed beyond the axis BB which delimits the two display zones G, D, and their position is located within the limit of the angular difference [3. Given that the indicator 102 is slaved to the display zone D and that the indicator 103 is slaved to the display zone G, in this situation, the electronic means are configured to control a change in the display of the indicators 102 and 103 from the respective button 170, 173 where they are displayed to a button located in the display zone to which they are slaved and in particular to the nearest button located in said display zone.In this example, transferring the display of indicators 102, 103 to the nearest button which is located in the correct display area D, G, results in . also the transfer of the display of the other indicators 101, 104 to another button which is located in the display area to which they are respectively slaved.

[0073] In [Fig.5], the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11 is greater than the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11 in [Fig.4], the first button 170 and the fourth button 173 which were within the limit of the angular deviation [3 in [Fig.4], have now exceeded the angular deviation [3. The first button 170 is then in the display area G, the indicator 101 now being displayed on the first button 170. The fourth button 173 is in the display area D and displays the indicator 104. The other two buttons 171, 172 which have not changed display area, however, display a new indicator 102, 103 through the rule of display transfer to the proximal button located in the display area to which a visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is slaved.

[0074] According to another embodiment, the timing parameter comprises a time parameter. In this case, the time parameter may have a predefined duration which is, for example, between 0.5 and 2 seconds. That is to say, a button 170, 171, 172, 173 displaying a visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 which changes display zone D, G must remain in this new display zone D, G, for the predefined duration of the time parameter so that the electronic means control a change in the display of said visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 to a button located in the display zone to which said visual indicator is slaved. The transfer of the display of the visual indicator is carried out, preferably, to the nearest button located in the display zone of the visual indicator.

[0075] It should be noted that these two embodiments can be alternative or combined. When they are combined, the button must exceed the angular deviation limit and remain in the new display zone for a duration equal to or greater than the time parameter for the electronic means to control a change in the display of the visual indicators.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the activation of a button causes the actuation of the control command associated with the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 which is displayed on said button. A control command is thus not materially linked to a determined button but virtually coupled to a specific visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104, which is temporarily coupled to the button which is located in the display area D, G to which said visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104, is slaved.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], the virtual reference mark comprises four display zones HG, HD, BG, BD which are delimited by the axis AA and the axis BB which are orthogonal to each other. In particular, the reference mark comprises a top left zone HG, a top right zone HD, a bottom left zone BG and a bottom right zone BD. The bottom zones are located below the axis AA while the High zones are located above the AA axis as shown in [Fig.6]. In the example shown in [Fig.6], the four display zones HG, HD, BG, BD divide the surface of the steering wheel into four equal zones which are distributed symmetrically like four quarters dividing a circle.

[0078] According to this embodiment, four buttons respectively associated with display means are distributed two by two on the steering wheel 11 at a determined distance from each other. Preferably, the four buttons are distributed symmetrically and at an equal distance from each other two by two. In the example of [Fig.6], the four buttons are mounted on the rim 12. However, it would also be possible to mount two buttons on the branch 13 of the steering wheel 11.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the electronic means take into consideration the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11 to maintain, on the one hand, each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 horizontal relative to the reference frame of the vehicle, and on the other hand, so that a screen changes display according to the rotations of the steering wheel 11 in order to maintain each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 in the display zone to which it has been slaved. In practice, the electronic means transfer a visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 and its control command, from a first screen 16 to a second screen 16 when the first screen 16 leaves the display zone HG, HD, BG, BD to which said visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 and the associated control command are slaved while the second screen 16 simultaneously enters said display zone HG, HD, BG, BD.

[0080] In the particular example of [Fig.6], the visual indicator 101 of the left turn signal is slaved to the display zone HG, the visual indicator 102 of the right turn signal is slaved to the display zone HD, while the visual indicator 103 of the headlight flashes is associated with the display zone BG, while the visual indicator 104 of the windscreen washer nozzles is slaved to the display zone BD.

[0081] Advantageously, the symmetrical distribution of the four buttons but also of the four display zones HG, HD, BG, BD ensures a smooth transition of the change in display of the visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104 as the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11 varies.

[0082] The invention also relates to a steering wheel 11 of a land vehicle which integrates dynamic controls 10 according to the invention. In addition, the invention may also relate to a land vehicle which incorporates such a steering wheel 11 associated with dynamic controls 10 according to the invention.

[0083] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the invention also relates to a method 200 for managing the display of dynamic controls of electrical or electronic equipment of a vehicle which are integrated into the steering wheel 11 of this land vehicle.

[0084] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the management method 200 comprises a step display step 201 of at least one visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 according to a defined spatial orientation. In this case and as described previously, the visual indicator is, in the example of [Fig.l], displayed horizontally relative to the vehicle reference frame. In particular, the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is displayed on a support surface of a button mounted on the steering wheel 11. As described previously, a screen 16 can be mounted on the support surface of the button. Typically, the display step 201 can take place when the vehicle is switched on when the driver switches on the ignition.

[0085] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the management method 200 comprises a step 202 of monitoring the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11 relative to an initial position of the steering wheel 11. The rotation angle a is continuously monitored by an angle sensor which is placed at the level of the articulation of the hub 14 on the steering wheel support. All modern vehicles are equipped with this type of sensor and collect the vehicle rotation data at the level of the vehicle computer. The data can be retrieved as described previously.

[0086] The management method 200 also comprises a step 203 of adjusting the spatial orientation of the display of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 as a function of the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11. The spatial orientation of the display of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is thus kept substantially constant with respect to the driver's vision. Here, the term substantially takes on the same meaning as that addressed previously.

[0087] In the example of Figures 1 to 5, the spatial orientation of the display of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is maintained horizontal relative to the vehicle reference frame. In practice, the spatial orientation is maintained constant by applying to the display of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 a rotation on itself and in an opposite direction by an angle equal to the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11. The visibility of the visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104 is thus constant, which allows the driver to actuate the control command ergonomically by pressing the button on the screen on which the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is displayed.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the invention and as previously described, when the dynamic controls 10 comprise at least two buttons and at least two visual indicators 101, 102, 103, 104 respectively displayed on the support surface of one of the two buttons, the management method 200 comprises a step 204 of determining a virtual reference which comprises at least two display zones D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD fixed whatever the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel (see figures 4 to 6). Of course, the method can be applied in the manner if four or a greater number of display zones HG, HD, BG, BD and / or buttons equip the dynamic controls 10.

[0089] According to this embodiment, each display zone D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD has at least one button, at any time and regardless of the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel 11. This is possible because the division of the display zones D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD is carried out according to the distribution of the buttons. In the example of [Fig. 4] to 6, the four buttons are distributed on the steering wheel at a constant radial distance from each other. It is thus possible to produce a virtual reference divided into two display zones D, G (see figures 4 and 5) or into four display zones HG, HD, BG, BD, (see [Fig. 6]) the virtual reference being orthocentered on the hub 14 of the steering wheel 11.

[0090] Still according to the same embodiment, the management method 200 comprises a step 205 of controlling the display of each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 to a determined display zone D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD so that the display of each visual indicator is decorrelated from the rotation angle a of the steering wheel 11. This step 205 makes it possible to define a rule for transferring the display of a visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 from one screen 16 to another as a function of the virtual reference which has been previously defined.

[0091] The management method 200 also comprises a step 206 of transferring the display of each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 and the control with which the visual indicator is associated, from one button to another. This transfer is carried out in such a way that each visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 is displayed, at any time and regardless of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel 11, in the display zone D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD to which the visual indicator is slaved. In practice, the electronic means comprise a digital model as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 or 6.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the transfer of display of the visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 to another button located in the display zone to which said visual indicator is slaved, is carried out when the threshold value of the time delay parameter is reached or exceeded as described above.

[0093] The management method thus monitors the position of each button or each screen 16 in the virtual reference that has been determined beforehand. The activation of a button thus triggers the control command which corresponds to the visual indicator which is displayed on the button which is activated. When a first screen 16 which displays a first visual indicator passes from a first display zone D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD into a second display zone D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD, the electronic means transfer the display of the first visual indicator to a third screen 16 which then enters the first display zone D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD.

[0094] According to this embodiment, a specific control command is not connected to a specific button but associated with the display zone to which the corresponding visual indicator 101, 102, 103, 104 to this control command is slaved. 17

Claims

Claims

1.

2. Dynamic controls (10) of electrical or electronic equipment of a vehicle, the dynamic controls (10) being integrated into a steering wheel (11) of this vehicle and, comprising: at least one button integrated into the steering wheel (11), the button being provided with a support surface and an actuation feedback, at least one visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) associated with a control command configured to actuate the electrical or electronic equipment of the vehicle, the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) being displayed according to a determined spatial orientation, display means which are configured to display the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) on the support surface of the button, and electronic means which are configured, on the one hand, to trigger the control command of the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) when the button on which the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is displayed is actuated, and on the other hand, to maintain substantially constant the spatial orientation of the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) so that the driver can recognize the visual indicator regardless of the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel (11). Dynamic controls (10) according to claim 1, which comprise: a virtual reference mark which comprises at least two display areas (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) which divide the surface of the steering wheel into two equal display areas (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) which are fixed regardless of the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel (11), at least two visual indicators (101, 102, 103, 104), each visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) being associated with a determined control command, the display of each visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is itself controlled by one of said display zones (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) so as to be decorrelated from the rotation of the steering wheel (11), at least two buttons arranged on the steering wheel (11) at a determined distance from each other so that each display area has (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) a button at all times and regardless of the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel (H), and - display means associated with the support surface of each button, the display means being configured to display one or other of the visual indicators (101, 102, 103, 104) depending on the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel (11), the electronic means being configured to maintain each visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) in the display area (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) to which the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is slaved regardless of the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel (11) so as to maintain a constant display of the dynamic controls (10) for the attention of the driver, the activation of a first button causing the actuation of the control command associated with the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) which is displayed on said button.

3. Dynamic controls (10) according to claim 2, in which the virtual reference frame comprises four display zones (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) of equal dimensions and which are symmetrical to each other in an orthonormal reference frame, the dynamic controls (10) also comprising four buttons distributed on the steering wheel (11) in a symmetrical manner so that a button is located in each display zone (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) regardless of the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel.

4. Dynamic controls (10) according to one of claims 2 and 3, which comprise an angular and / or temporal delay parameter, the electronic means being configured to transfer the display of a visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) from the display surface of a first button which changes display area to a second button which is located in the display area to which the visual indicator is slaved, when the delay parameter is reached or exceeded.

5. Dynamic controls (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the display means comprise at least one screen which is coupled to the support surface of the button.

6. Dynamic controls (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the button is integrated in a rim of the steering wheel or in a steering wheel branch.

7. Dynamic controls (10) according to claims 5 and 6, in which the screen is touch-sensitive and has haptic actuation feedback, the screen thus constituting the button.

8. Dynamic controls (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the button is mechanical and has mechanical actuation feedback.

9. Dynamic controls (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the spatial orientation of each visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is maintained horizontal relative to the reference frame of the vehicle.

10. Dynamic controls (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the control command controls electrical or electronic equipment chosen from the following list: indicators, windshield wipers, headlight switching on / off, navigation screen, multimedia controls, vehicle driving modes, cruise control, hands-free kit, horn, passenger compartment ambience.

11. Steering wheel (11) for driving a land vehicle, characterized in that it incorporates dynamic controls (10) defined according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Method for managing (200) the display of dynamic controls of electrical or electronic equipment of a vehicle which are integrated into the steering wheel (11) of this vehicle, the dynamic controls (10) comprising at least one visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) associated with a control command of a determined electrical or electronic equipment, the method (200) comprising the following steps: - displaying (201) at least one visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104), according to a defined spatial orientation, on a support surface of a button mounted on the steering wheel (11), the button being provided with an actuation feedback, - monitoring (202) the rotation angle a of the steering wheel (11) relative to an initial position of the steering wheel (11), and - adjusting (203) the spatial orientation of the display of the visual indicator (101, 102, 103,104) as a function of the angle of inclination a of the steering wheel (11) so as to maintain substantially constant the spatial orientation of the display of the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) relative to the vision, of the driver which makes it easier to operate the control command by pressing the button on the screen on which the visual indicator is displayed (101, 102, 103, 104).

13. Display management method (200) according to claim 12, in which the dynamic commands (10) comprise: • at least two buttons which are arranged on the steering wheel (10) at a determined distance from each other, • at least two visual indicators (101, 102, 103, 104) respectively displayed on the support surface of one of the two buttons, each visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) being associated with a specific control command, while triggering of the control command is carried out by actuation of the button on which the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is displayed, the management process comprising the following steps: - Determine (204) a virtual reference which comprises at least two display zones (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) fixed whatever the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel (11), each display zone (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) having at least one button, at any time and whatever the angle of rotation a of the steering wheel (11), - Enslave (205) the display of each visual indicator to a determined display zone (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) so that the display of each visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is decorrelated from the rotation angle a of the steering wheel (11), and - transferring (206) the display of each visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) and of the control with which the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is associated, from one button to another so that each visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is displayed, at any time and regardless of the rotation angle a of the steering wheel (11), in the display zone (D, G, HG, HD, BG, BD) to which the visual indicator (101, 102, 103, 104) is slaved.

14. A display management method (200) according to claim 13, in wherein the transfer (206) of the display of a visual indicator from a first button to a second button is carried out when an angular and / or temporal delay parameter is reached or exceeded.

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