Method and device for controlling a rest alert system installed in a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling an on-board warning system in a vehicle equipped with a human-machine interface. The method involves receiving (31) initial data representative of typical vehicle driving conditions, the driving conditions including the type of road environment in which the vehicle is traveling and weather conditions, determining (32) the vehicle's driving time between an initial time and a current time, comparing (33) the driving time to a threshold value determined based on the initial data, and controlling (34) the warning system to display a rest alert in a specified content of the human-machine interface based on the comparison result. Figure 3 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a rest alert system on board a vehicle Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a vehicle warning system, particularly but not exclusively in a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method and a device for controlling a set of systems of a vehicle as a function of data from a road environment of the vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Vehicle drivers are likely to feel tired during a long journey, during a monotonous journey, such as when driving on a highway or during a difficult journey such as driving in a built-up area in heavy traffic. The tired driver is more likely to make driving errors or to misjudge certain driving situations that he would have correctly approached if he were not tired.

[0003] It is strongly recommended, for example, to take a break every 2 hours during a long journey, however this recommendation is not always followed, particularly because the driver is not aware of the time spent on the road since leaving.

[0004] Many vehicles now incorporate drowsiness detectors, which can detect and alert the driver when they are tired. This detection is done using various sensors embedded in the vehicle. These sensors are, however, expensive and require maintenance or adjustments, for example. 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 to improve the awareness of a vehicle driver's need for rest.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to improve road safety.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling an alert system on board a vehicle, the vehicle having a human-machine interface, known as HMI, the method comprising the following steps: - receipt of initial data representative of current driving conditions of the vehicle, the driving conditions including: • a type of road environment in which the vehicle is driven, and • weather conditions; - determination of a driving time of the vehicle between an initial instant and a current instant; - comparison of the driving time with a threshold value determined based on the initial data; and - control of the alert system for rendering a rest alert in a determined content of the HMI based on a comparison result.

[0009] A vehicle driver is thus alerted that it is time to take a break before he becomes too tired.

[0010] According to a variant of the method, the threshold value is further determined as a function of parameters adjustable via the HMI.

[0011] The driver of the vehicle can thus adjust parameters in order to adapt the threshold value to his own physiological characteristics.

[0012] According to another variant of the method, the initial instant is determined by: - a first signal received from an HMI command, - starting a vehicle engine, or - the start of the vehicle's journey.

[0013] According to another variant of the method, the control of the alert system further comprises an end of alert rendering following a reception of second data, the second data belonging to a set of data comprising: • a rest period, • a change of driver of the vehicle, and • a second signal received from an HMI command.

[0014] Thus the alert is raised when one of the conditions mentioned is met.

[0015] According to an additional variant of the method, the rest alert corresponds to a audible alert emitted by at least one vehicle speaker.

[0016] According to another variant of the method, the rest alert corresponds to graphic content displayed on a screen.

[0017] According to yet another variant, the method further comprises receiving third data representative of the proximity of a rest area, the rest alert being a function of the third data.

[0018] The driver is then informed of the presence of a rest area nearby and can therefore choose to stop there for a break.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling an on-board alert system in 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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

[0027] 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 3, in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a device configured for controlling an on-board alert system in the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.3] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for controlling an on-board alert system in the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0031] A method and a device for controlling a vehicle warning system will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 3. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0032] 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.

[0033] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control of a system of a vehicle incorporating a human-machine interface, called HMI, comprises the reception of first data representative of current driving conditions of the vehicle, the driving conditions comprising a type of road environment in which the vehicle is traveling and weather conditions.

[0034] The control of the system also comprises the determination of a driving time of the vehicle between an initial instant and a current instant and the comparison of this driving time with a threshold value determined according to the first data.

[0035] The alert system is then controlled to render a rest alert in a determined content of the HMI based on a result of the comparison.

[0036] [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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a human-machine interface, known as HMI.

[0039] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 also carries a display system comprising one or more display devices, for example one or more of the following display devices, in any combination: - one or more screens such as for example a 13 screen with touch interface and a cal controller configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphical HMI on the touchscreen 13; and / or - a display screen 12 corresponding for example to a transparent or semi-transparent blade 12, for example arranged on top of the dashboard 11 in front of the windshield of the electric vehicle 10. The transparent blade 12 is for example arranged behind the steering wheel 14, according to the point of view of a driver installed in the driver's seat 15, in such a way that the driver sees the content displayed or projected on the transparent blade 12 when the driver is driving the vehicle 10. The transparent blade 12 thus corresponds to an element of a device or system called a head-up display. The projection of the images of the graphic object is for example controlled by one or more computers of the on-board system of the vehicle 10, for example by the computer controlling the display system(s) such as the computer of the infotainment system, called the IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "In-vehicle Infotainment").The connection between the computer and the head-up display device corresponds, for example, to an LVDS type connection (from the English “Low Voltage Differential Signaling” or in French “Low Voltage Differential Transmission”).

[0040] The vehicle 10 for example furthermore carries one or more loudspeakers 16 arranged in the passenger compartment, for example at the front and rear of the passenger compartment for rendering sound content with any sound effect using the spatial distribution of the loudspeakers in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10.

[0041] The loudspeakers 16 belong to an audio and / or multimedia system of the vehicle 10 configured for the rendering of sound content, for example music or ambient sound.

[0042] An audio system on board a vehicle comprises, for example: - a head unit, generally placed on the dashboard; a head unit combines several functions, such as controlling the overall volume of the system and controlling different audio sources in a vehicle: car radio, multimedia player such as an MP3 player or a smartphone (or in French "intelligent telephone"), USB reader (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French), data storage device integrated into the audio system, etc.; control is advantageously carried out via a user interface, for example via a touch screen and / or by issuing voice commands; - an audio amplifier corresponding to an electronic amplifier configured to amplify an audio electrical signal in order to obtain sufficient power to vibrate one or more loudspeakers and generate sounds corresponding to the audio or sound signal to be reproduced; and - the speaker(s) 16.

[0043] The audio system of the vehicle 10 is configured to render any type of audio or sound content, for example content received by radio waves, content received in a continuous broadcast mode, audio content recorded in a memory in any known coding format, content generated by algorithmic composition (such content being called algorithmic music, generative music or procedural music), content composed from a set of audio samples (called "samples" in English) by assembly or composition of these samples (or "sampling" in English).

[0044] The computers controlling the display system(s) (such as the infotainment system computer, called IVI computer), the audio system and / or the environmental data acquisition device(s) form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for the implementation of various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for the generation of a visual (particularly light) and / or sound ambiance in 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).

[0045] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates one or more driving assistance systems, called AD AS systems (from the English “Advanced Driver Assistance Systems”). These passive and active safety systems make it possible in particular to eliminate the part of human error in the driving of the vehicle 10. The AD AS systems use advanced technologies to assist the driver during driving and thus improve his performance.

[0046] AD AS use for example a combination of sensor technologies to perceive the world around the vehicle, for example cameras, radar (from the English "Radio Detection And Ranging") capable of detecting objects and measuring a distance separating the object from the vehicle 10 by radio waves or lidar (from the English "Light Detection And Ranging") using light waves, then provide information to the driver via the HMI or take measures if necessary.

[0047] A process for controlling a warning system of the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more devices on board the vehicle 10, for example by one or more computers of an on-board system of the vehicle 10.

[0048] According to a variant, the process is implemented by a system comprising the or the computers and one or more other devices or systems embedded in the vehicle 10, for example one or more devices for acquiring geolocation data for the vehicle 10, one or more display devices 13 and / or one or more speakers 16.

[0049] In a first operation, first data representative of current driving conditions of the vehicle 10 are received.

[0050] Driving conditions include: - a type of road environment in which the vehicle 10 travels, and - weather conditions.

[0051] The type of road environment in which the vehicle 10 travels is for example: - urban, in a built-up area with high traffic density, - rural or extra-urban, in the countryside with low traffic density, - motorway or on a road with regulated access, with moderate or dense traffic.

[0052] Weather conditions corresponding for example to: - clear, sunny and dry weather, - heavy rain, night driving - fog, - snow or ice.

[0053] The lists of road environment types and weather conditions previously developed are not exhaustive and may be combined, for example the vehicle 10 is driving in a built-up area, at night with an average traffic density and heavy rain. These conditions make driving difficult and tiring, in fact, the driver of the vehicle 10 must demonstrate a great deal of concentration.

[0054] Conversely, certain driving conditions are less tiring, such as driving in an extra-urban environment, during the day, with little traffic and dry weather. In this case, driving is easier, the driver of the vehicle 10 therefore gets tired less quickly.

[0055] Another case is for example driving on a motorway with little traffic, in this case monotonous driving tends to lower the driver's concentration level.

[0056] Depending on all these conditions, the driver can drive the vehicle 10 for a more or less long period of time.

[0057] In a second operation, an initial instant of this driving duration is for example defined by: - a first signal received from an HMI command, - starting a vehicle engine (10), or - the start of the vehicle's journey (10).

[0058] A first signal received from a command of the HMI is for example one received by a calculator following the pressing of a real or virtual button by the driver of the vehicle 10. A virtual button is for example produced via a touch screen 13 of the vehicle 10, the button being displayed for a determined duration following the starting of an engine of the vehicle 10.

[0059] A first signal received from a command of the HMI is, according to another example, a signal received following the locking of a belt of the driver's seat 15.

[0060] A start of journey of the vehicle 10 is for example determined when a journey is determined by a guidance system on board the vehicle 10, for example when the driver or a passenger of the vehicle 10 enters a route into a satellite guidance system, in particular via the HMI.

[0061] In a third operation, a driving time of the vehicle 10 is determined between the initial instant and the current instant.

[0062] Such a duration is for example determined in minutes (mn) or in hours (h).

[0063] In a fourth operation, a threshold value corresponding to an ideal duration separating the initial time from the time of a break during a journey is determined based on the first data.

[0064] For example, the threshold value is determined from a data table stored in the memory of a device connected to the computer implementing the process. This table presents, for example, parameters or weighting coefficients that make it possible to move from a theoretical duration, for example 2 hours, to a duration adapted to current driving conditions. Thus, the threshold value is, for example, 1h45 for difficult or tiring driving conditions compared to 2h05 for favorable driving conditions.

[0065] Each driver is more or less sensitive to fatigue while driving. For example, a young driver or a driver who is not used to making long journeys will tire more quickly than a driver who is used to making long journeys. According to a particular embodiment, the threshold value is further determined according to parameters adjustable via the HMI.

[0066] In a fifth operation, parameters are then adjusted via the HMI, for example by the driver of the vehicle 10, in order to personalize the previously determined threshold value.

[0067] In a sixth operation, the driving time is compared to this threshold value.

[0068] In a seventh operation, the alert system controls a rendering of a rest alert in a determined content of the HMI based on a result of the comparison.

[0069] For example, when the difference between the driving time and the threshold value is zero, i.e. when the driving time reaches the threshold value, then the rest alert is given.

[0070] According to a first particular exemplary embodiment, the rest alert corresponds to an audible alert emitted by at least one loudspeaker 16 of the vehicle. Such an audible alert comprises a brief audible signal and / or a voice message.

[0071] According to a second particular exemplary embodiment, the rest alert corresponds to graphic content displayed on a screen 12, 13. Such graphic content is for example a graphic object of the icon type or a text message reminding the driver of the vehicle 10 to take a break.

[0072] Depending on the difference between the driving time and the threshold value, in particular when the driving time significantly exceeds the threshold value, for example by 20, 30 or 50 min, the audible alert or the graphic content may be different.

[0073] According to another particular embodiment, in an eighth operation, third data representative of a proximity of a rest area are received. These data are for example received from a vehicle guidance system 10 connected to the alert system.

[0074] The rest alert is then a function of the third data.

[0075] For example, a voice message broadcast by at least one loudspeaker 16 or a text displayed on a screen 12, 13 indicates to the driver of the vehicle 10 that a rest area is nearby. For example, the driver of the vehicle 10 is offered, via the HMI, to guide him to this rest area. A virtual button is for example displayed on a touch screen 13 in order to allow the driver of the vehicle 10 to validate the proposed guidance.

[0076] According to a particular embodiment, the control of the alert system further comprises an end of alert rendering following a reception of second data.

[0077] The second data belongs to a data set comprising: • a rest period, • a change of vehicle driver (10), and • a second signal received from an HMI command.

[0078] A rest period is for example determined as a function of a period separating the switching off of an engine of the vehicle 10 and the switching on of the same engine.

[0079] According to another example, the duration is determined from data from the guidance system, for example by determining a time during which the vehicle 10 remained without moving.

[0080] A change of driver of the vehicle 10 is for example determined using an existing sensor: - following an opening followed by a closing of a driver's door, or - following an end of detection of the presence of a person on the driver's seat 15 followed by a new detection of the presence of a person on the driver's seat 15, via a weight sensor placed in the seat base or via a sensor placed on the seat belt locking system of the driver's seat 15.

[0081] A second signal received from a command of the HMI is for example a signal received following a press on a virtual button displayed on the touch screen 13 allowing the driver of the vehicle 10 to validate a rest time or to end the alert.

[0082] In a ninth operation, the rendering of a rest alert then ends following the reception of the second data.

[0083] Thus, the driver of the vehicle 10 becomes aware of a need for rest thanks to the rest alert system, the rest alert being appropriate to the driving conditions encountered by the driver of the vehicle 10 and being issued at a precise time defined as a function of the driving time. The driver can then decide to rest in order to resume driving safely or decide to give up his place to a second driver.

[0084] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates a device 2 configured to control an alert system of a vehicle, for example of the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device 2 corresponds for example to a device on board the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0085] The device 2 is for example configured for the implementation of the operations described with regard to [Fig. 1] and / or the steps of the method described with regard to [Fig. 3]. Examples of such a device 2 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 2, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device 2 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0086] The device 2 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 20 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 2. The processor 20 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 2 further comprises at least one memory 21 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.

[0087] 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 21.

[0088] According to various particular embodiments, the device 2 is coupled in com communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (Telematic Control Unit), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0089] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 2 comprises a block 22 of interface elements for communicating with external devices, for example a remote server or the “cloud”, other nodes of the ad hoc network. The interface elements of the block 32 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: - RF radio frequency interface, for example Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Universal Serial Bus” in French); - HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface” or “High Definition Multimedia Interface” in French); - LIN interface (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”).

[0090] According to another particular embodiment, the device 2 comprises a communication interface 23 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 230. The communication interface 23 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 230. The communication interface 23 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).

[0091] According to an additional particular embodiment, the device 2 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 240, one or more speakers 250 and / or other peripherals 260 (projection system) via output interfaces 24, 25 and 26 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device 2.

[0092] [Fig. 3] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method 3 for controlling an on-board warning system in 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, for example example by one or more processors embedded in the vehicle 10, or by the device 2 of [Fig.2].

[0093] In a first step 31, first data representative of current driving conditions of the vehicle 10 are received.

[0094] Driving conditions include: • a type of road environment in which the vehicle 10 travels, and • weather conditions.

[0095] In a second step 32, a driving time of the vehicle 10 between an initial instant and a current instant is determined.

[0096] In a third step 33, the driving duration is compared to a threshold value determined based on the first data.

[0097] In a fourth step 34, the alert system is controlled for rendering a rest alert in a determined content of the HMI based on a result of the comparison.

[0098] According to an alternative embodiment, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to [Fig.l] apply to the steps of the method of [Fig.3].

[0099] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for controlling the attention of a vehicle driver 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.

[0100] The invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-based motor vehicle, comprising the device 2 of [Fig.2] or the system above.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling an on-board alert system in a vehicle (10), said vehicle (10) having a human-machine interface, called HMI, said method comprising the following steps: - receiving (31) first data representative of current driving conditions of said vehicle (10), said driving conditions comprising: • a type of road environment in which said vehicle (10) is traveling, and • weather conditions; - determining (32) a driving time of said vehicle (10) between an initial instant and a current instant; - comparing (33) said driving time with a threshold value determined as a function of said first data; and - controlling (34) said alert system for rendering a rest alert in a determined content of said HMI as a function of a result of said comparison.

2. Method according to claim 1, for which said threshold value is further determined according to parameters adjustable via the HMI.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, for which said initial instant is determined by: - ​​a first signal received from a command of the HMI, - a start of an engine of the vehicle (10), or - a start of a journey of the vehicle (10).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, for which said control of said alert system further comprises an end of alert rendering following a reception of second data, said second data belonging to a set of data comprising: • a rest duration, • a change of driver of the vehicle (10), and • a second signal received from a command of the HMI.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which said rest alert corresponds to an audible alert emitted by at least one loudspeaker (16) of the vehicle (10).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which said rest alert corresponds to graphic content displayed on a screen (12, 13).

7. A method according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a receiving third data representative of the proximity of a rest area, said rest alert being a function of said third 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 (2) for controlling an alert system, said device (2) comprising a memory (21) associated with at least one processor (20) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (2) according to claim 9.

Images