Controlling a graphical interface in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method comprising controlling (300) a touchscreen of the motor vehicle to display a graphical interface in a first configuration including a first area comprising an indicator light showing the activation and / or operating state of at least one airbag of the vehicle. The method further comprises receiving (301) a first user input on the graphical interface in the first configuration, and, if the first user input is on the indicator light, controlling (304) the touchscreen to display the graphical interface in a second configuration.The graphical interface in the second configuration includes an additional window compared to the first configuration, the additional window indicating the operating status and / or the activation status of at least one safety airbag in association with airbag location information. FIG. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Control of a graphical interface in a vehicle

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of controlling the display of information in a motor vehicle, in particular information relating to the state of an airbag protection system.

[0002] Motor vehicles are now equipped with an airbag protection system, including in particular at least a first airbag on the driver's side and at least a second airbag on the passenger's side.

[0003] It is known to provide a warning light in a so-called "combined" module located behind the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, in order to warn the user in the event of failure or deactivation of safety airbags.

[0004] The indicator light in the instrument panel, however, does not indicate which airbag is affected by the information indicated. In addition, a message or sound may supplement the display of the indicator light. However, such a message is not displayed permanently so as not to clutter the instrument panel, on which other vehicle information is displayed.

[0005] It is thus not possible for the user to access information regarding the location of a safety airbag, the status of which is indicated by the indicator light on the instrument panel.

[0006] For certain vehicles, a dedicated module is provided on the passenger side, as well as on the driver side, in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, in order to indicate an operating or activation status of a safety airbag corresponding to the position of each dedicated module.

[0007] However, the integration of dedicated modules into the vehicle interior is an expensive and cumbersome solution.

[0008] There is thus a need to enable the vehicle user to know the location of a safety airbag, the status of which is indicated by a warning light, in an inexpensive manner and without cluttering up the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0009] The present invention improves the situation.

[0010] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a display of information relating to an airbag protection system of a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - control of a touch screen of the motor vehicle to display a graphical interface in a first configuration, the graphical interface in the first configuration comprising a first zone comprising a light indicating an activation state and / or an operating state of at least one airbag of the protection system; - receiving a first user input on the graphical interface in the first configuration; - if the first user input is on the indicator light, controlling the touch screen to display the graphical interface in a second configuration, the graphical interface in the second configuration comprising an additional window compared to the first configuration, the additional window indicating the operating state and / or the activation state of the at least one airbag in association with protective airbag location information.

[0011] Thus, the user can interact with a warning light displayed on a touch screen in order to control the display of the airbag location information. Such a touch screen is now present in most vehicles, the invention does not require any additional module dedicated to each airbag, and makes it possible to avoid cluttering up a so-called combined module.

[0012] According to embodiments, the graphical interface in the first configuration may comprise at least one other zone distinct from the first zone and dedicated to a display of information or a function other than protection by airbags, and, in the second configuration, the additional window may be displayed in said at least one other zone.

[0013] Thus, the other area can be used for displaying other vehicle functions or information, when the additional window is not displayed, in particular in the first configuration. The touch screen can thus be used as the main screen of the vehicle for displaying vehicle information and functions.

[0014] In addition, the graphical interface according to the first configuration can comprise a second zone and a third zone, the second zone being dedicated to at least one infotainment function and the third zone being dedicated to a navigation assistance function, and the additional window can be displayed in the second zone.

[0015] Thus, the navigation assistance function is not interrupted, which allows continuity in the functions having an impact on passenger safety. The interruption of the infotainment function, for its part, does not pose any safety problems.

[0016] According to embodiments, in the first and second configurations, the first zone may further comprise one of the following information: - a current vehicle speed; - a current speed limit; - a level of vehicle autonomy; - at least one other indicator light indicating a status of vehicle equipment other than the airbag protection system.

[0017] Thus, the first zone can be used to display information generally displayed by a so-called combined module. The graphical interface according to the invention thus makes it possible to dispense with the vehicle having a combined module behind the steering wheel of the vehicle, which reduces costs and simplifies the human-machine interface.

[0018] According to embodiments, the indicated operating state may be a faulted state and / or the activation state may be a deactivated state, and the additional window may further indicate a cause associated with the faulted state or the deactivated state.

[0019] Thus, it is easier for the user to correct the fault or activate the airbag.

[0020] According to embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving a second user input on the graphical interface in the second configuration, and if the second user input is on the indicator light or in the additional window, the method may further comprise controlling the display of the graphical interface in the first configuration following the second user input.

[0021] Switching from one to the other of the first and second configurations is thus simple and intuitive for the user.

[0022] According to embodiments of the invention, the location information may indicate whether the operating state or the activation state relates to a first driver-side airbag or a second passenger-side airbag.

[0023] Thus, the location information is binary, which simplifies its display and limits the clutter caused by the additional window.

[0024] A second aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the invention, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0025] A third aspect of the invention relates to a control device for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a processor capable of controlling, via a first interface of the control device, a touch screen of the motor vehicle to display a graphical interface in a first configuration, the graphical interface in the first configuration comprising a first zone comprising a warning light indicating an activation state and / or an operating state of at least one airbag of the protection system. The first interface is capable of receiving from the touch screen a signal indicating a first user input received on the graphical interface in the first configuration. The processor is further adapted to control, if the first user input is on the indicator light, the touch screen to display the graphical interface in a second configuration, the graphical interface in the second configuration comprising an additional window compared to the first configuration, the additional window indicating the operating state and / or the activation state of the at least one airbag in association with protective airbag location information.

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig.l] illustrates a motor vehicle interior according to embodiments of the invention;

[0028] [Fig.2a] illustrates a graphical interface displayed on a motor vehicle touch screen, in a first configuration, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0029] [Fig.2b] illustrates a graphical interface displayed on a motor vehicle touch screen, in a second configuration, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0030] [Fig.3] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method according to embodiments of the invention;

[0031] [Fig.4] illustrates the structure of a control device according to embodiments of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.l] illustrates the interior of the passenger compartment of a vehicle 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0033] The vehicle 100 comprises in particular a control device 101, which may be a centralized control device in charge of a plurality of functions of the motor vehicle. The control device 101 may be of the ECU type in particular, for “Electronic Control Unit” in English.

[0034] The control device 101 can at least be responsible for controlling a graphical interface displayed on a touch screen 102 of the vehicle, the graphical interface being detailed with reference to the following figures.

[0035] The touchscreen 102 is capable of displaying a graphical interface under the control of the control device 101 and of receiving touch inputs from a user of the vehicle, for example the driver of the vehicle. For example, touch inputs of several types may be received or detected by the touchscreen 102.

[0036] No restrictions are attached to the technology associated with the touch screen 102, either for its function of displaying the graphical interface, or concerning the detection of the user's touch input. For example, the touch screen 102 may be of the type capacitive or resistive.

[0037] The vehicle 100 further comprises an airbag protection system, commonly called an “airbag”.

[0038] The protection system generally comprises a plurality of airbags, with at least one first airbag 104 for protecting the driver and at least one second airbag 105 for protecting the front passenger of the vehicle.

[0039] In the example of [Fig.l], a single first airbag 104 protects the driver frontally, and a single second airbag 105 protects the front passenger frontally, by way of illustration. However, the vehicle 100 may comprise at least one other first airbag 104 in a lateral position relative to the driver, and at least one other second airbag 105 in a lateral position relative to the front passenger.

[0040] The airbag protection system further comprises an airbag control unit 103, capable of controlling the airbags 104 and 105, based on data from sensors not shown, as well as determining an activation state and / or an operating state of each airbag. For example, an airbag may be activated or deactivated, by explicit choice of the vehicle user. Alternatively, the passenger airbag 105 is automatically deactivated by the airbag control unit 103, based on predefined rules, for example because a baby seat is detected on the passenger seat. An airbag may also be faulty for technical, mechanical or electronic reasons for example, i.e. it is not able to perform its protective function optimally.

[0041] [Fig.2a] shows a graphical interface 200 displayed by the touch screen 102, under the control of the control device 101, in a first configuration, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0042] In the first configuration, the graphical interface 200 comprises at least a first zone 201 dedicated to vehicle control and safety functions. The first zone 201 may in particular correspond to combined information or "cluster" in English, which, in many vehicles, is displayed on an information display module placed behind the driver's steering wheel.

[0043] Advantageously, according to the invention, the touch screen in the central position is used to display the instrument panel information, and the vehicle 100 may thus not include any instrument panel information display module behind the steering wheel.

[0044] The information displayed in the first zone 201 can thus include, one or more of the following information: - the current speed 205 of the vehicle 100; - a speed limit indicator 206; - an electrical charge state 207 of the vehicle 100, when the vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle. Alternatively, when the vehicle 100 is a thermal vehicle, the indicator 207 is a fuel tank indicator; - additional indicators 208 and 210, also called warning lights, which can indicate a state of the vehicle's lighting system, a detected incident, a state of the vehicle's braking system, a vehicle driving mode, etc.

[0045] According to the invention, the first zone 201 further comprises a warning light 209 dedicated to the airbag protection function, also called the airbag function.

[0046] The indicator light 209 according to the invention can take several predetermined colors, in particular: - a green color to indicate an activated state of the airbag protection system, or the activated state of one of the airbags among the first airbag 104 and the second airbag 105; - an orange or red color, to indicate a deactivated or faulty state of at least one of the safety airbags.

[0047] The first zone 201 may comprise other information not shown in [Fig.2a], such as the number of kilometers of autonomy remaining, a distance from the vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100, or any other safety information or information relating to the driving situation of the vehicle 100.

[0048] According to the invention, in the first configuration, the indicator light 209 indicates a state of activation or operation of the airbag protection system, without however indicating to which airbag the activation or operation state relates. It is thus made possible to have a compact indicator light taking up little space in the first zone 201, which makes it possible to maximize the quantity and diversity of the information displayed in the first zone 201, which is all the more important as vehicles integrate more and more driving assistance and safety functions.

[0049] The interface 200 may further comprise a second zone 202 which indicates, in the first configuration, information or functions of the vehicle, in particular of the infotainment system of the vehicle 100.

[0050] For example, a first part 211 may be dedicated to the display of content, such as audio content, currently being broadcast by the infotainment system. Second parts 212.1 to 212.4 may be dedicated to menus or functions of the vehicle such as, for example: - a second part 212.1 dedicated to a driving assistance system of the vehicle 100; - a second part 212.2 dedicated to vehicle settings, in particular settings relating to the infotainment system; - a second part 212.3 dedicated to adjustments of the vehicle seats; and - a second part 212.4 dedicated to a telephone call function.

[0051] The screen 102 being touch-sensitive, pressing one of the parts 211 and 212.1 to 212.4 allows the user to control the functions or menus corresponding to each part, via the control device 101 which receives signals from the touch screen 102 indicating a type of user touch input and the part having received the user touch input.

[0052] The interface 200 according to the first configuration may further comprise a third zone 203.

[0053] The third zone 203 is optional and can be dedicated to the display of map data including a current position of the vehicle. Thus, the third zone 203 can be dedicated to a driver navigation assistance function.

[0054] No restriction is attached to the number of areas of the graphical interface 200 other than the first area 201, nor to the functions or information displayed in such additional areas. According to the invention, the interface 200 comprises at least one area other than the first area 201.

[0055] Advantageously according to the invention, the indicator light 209 relating to the operating or activation state of the airbag protection system is displayed on a touch screen 102. The touch screen 102 is consequently capable of detecting a user touch input, such as a press, a double press or a touch for example, on the indicator light 209. Advantageously, such a user touch input detected by the touch screen 102 is indicated to the control device 101 which controls the touch screen in order to display the graphical interface 200 in a second configuration presented with reference to [Fig.2b].

[0056] [Fig.2b] shows the graphical interface 200 displayed by the touch screen 102, under the control of the control device 101, in the first configuration, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0057] In the second configuration, following the user input on the indicator light 209, a window 221 of the interface 200 is displayed outside the first zone 201, the window 221 indicating the operating or activation status of the indicator light 209 in association with information on the location of the protective airbag.

[0058] Location information means any information making it possible to indicate whether the airbag, the state of which is indicated by the indicator light 209, is located on the passenger side or the driver's side.

[0059] Further, the window 221 may distinctly indicate whether the airbag is deactivated or if the airbag is faulty. In addition and optionally, additional information indicating the cause of the fault or deactivation may be indicated.

[0060] Thus, it is made possible for the user to interact with the indicator light 209 in order to obtain additional information relating to the operating or activation state indicated by the indicator light 209, the additional information indicating in particular, at a minimum, the location of the airbag concerned by the state indicated by the indicator light 209.

[0061] The disadvantages associated with the prior art are thus overcome.

[0062] [Fig. 3] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method for controlling a graphical interface according to embodiments of the invention.

[0063] In a step 300, the control device 101 controls the touch screen 102 so as to display the graphical interface 200 in the first configuration, as described with reference to [Fig.2a]. The first configuration can be considered as a default configuration of the graphical interface 200.

[0064] In order to determine the indicator light 209, its color for example, the control device 101 can check the operating and / or activation status of the airbags. For this purpose, the control device can interrogate the control unit 103 previously described. Thus, if at least one airbag is deactivated or faulty, a red or orange indicator light 209 can be displayed in the first configuration. Otherwise, a green indicator light 209 can be displayed in the first configuration. Alternatively, the indicator light 209 can be green if at least one airbag is functional and activated, and can be orange or red if all the airbags are faulty or deactivated.

[0065] In a step 301, the control device 101 receives a signal from the touch screen 102, indicating a first touch input from the user detected by the touch screen 102.

[0066] In a step 302, the control device 101 determines whether the first touch input has been detected on the indicator light 209.

[0067] If this is not the case, that is to say if the first touch input is detected elsewhere than on the indicator light 209, then the control device 101 controls, at a step 303, a function of the vehicle and / or controls the graphical interface 102 according to the position of the first touch input and / or according to the type of the first touch input. For example, if the touch input is a press in the second part 212.4, the control device 102 activates the telephony function, and can display a dialing window and / or a telephone directory in order to allow the user to indicate the person to contact.

[0068] If this is the case, that is to say if the first touch input is detected on the indicator light 209, then the control device 101 controls, at a step 304, the screen touch 102 for displaying the graphical interface 200 in the second configuration, as described with reference to [Fig.2b].

[0069] The content of the additional window 221 depends on the activation and operating status of the airbags. For example, if the indicator light 209 indicates that at least one airbag is faulty or deactivated, the additional window 221 may indicate which of the airbags is faulty or deactivated, and optionally the reason associated with such a failure or deactivation. For this purpose, the control device 101 may again interrogate the control unit 103 previously described. Alternatively, the indicator light 209 may indicate that at least one airbag is functional and activated. In this case, the window 221 may indicate which of the airbags is functional and activated.

[0070] At a step 305, the control device 101 may receive a signal from the touchscreen 102 indicating that a second touch input from the user is detected by the touchscreen.

[0071] In a step 305, the control device 101 determines whether the second touch input indicates closing the window 221 or not. For example, the second touch input may indicate closing the window 221 if the second touch input is on the indicator light 209. Alternatively or additionally, the second touch input may indicate closing the window 221 if the second touch input is on the window 221. The window may in particular comprise a closing part, comprising a cross for example.

[0072] If this is the case, that is to say if the second touch input indicates to close the additional window 221, the control device 101 can control the touch screen 102 in order to return to the first configuration of the graphical interface 200. The method thus returns to step 300.

[0073] If this is not the case, i.e. if the second touch input does not indicate closing the window 221, the control device 101 performs a function or controls the graphical interface 200 in accordance with a position of the second touch input. For example, the second touch input may be on another indicator light 208 or 210, or may be in the third zone 203 dedicated to assisting with the navigation of the vehicle 100.

[0074] [Fig.4] shows the structure of a control device 101 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0075] The control device 101 comprises a processor 401 configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally, via one or more buses or via a direct wired connection, with a memory 402 such as a “Random Access Memory” type memory, RAM, or a “Read Ordy Memory” type memory, ROM, or any other type of memory (Flash, EEPROM, etc.). Alternatively, the memory 402 comprises several memories of the aforementioned types.

[0076] The memory 402 is capable of storing, permanently or temporarily, at least some of the data used and / or resulting from the implementation of the method described with reference to [Fig.3].

[0077] In particular, the memory 402 may store a lookup table comprising actions, such as performing a function or displaying a graphical interface configuration or information, associated with touch inputs, which may include a position and a type of touch input. The memory may further store vehicle information, such as a warranty or an explanatory notice.

[0078] The processor 401 is capable of executing instructions, stored in the memory 402, for implementing the steps of the method according to the invention, described with reference to [Fig. 3]. Alternatively, the processor 401 can be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention, described with reference to [Fig. 3].

[0079] The control device 101 comprises a first interface 403 capable of exchanging bidirectionally with the touch screen 102, in order to send display commands, and in order to receive signals on the touch inputs detected by the touch screen 102.

[0080] The control device 101 may further comprise a second interface 404 capable of communicating with the control unit 103, in order to obtain information on the respective operating or activation states of the airbags.

[0081] The control device 101 may comprise other interfaces for communicating with other equipment of the vehicle 100, in particular with an infotainment system.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants.

Claims

Claims

1. A method for controlling a display of information relating to an airbag protection system of a vehicle (100), the method comprising the following steps: - controlling (300) a touchscreen (102) of the motor vehicle to display a graphical interface (200) in a first configuration, the graphical interface in the first configuration comprising a first area (201) comprising a warning light (209) indicating an activation state and / or an operating state of at least one airbag (104; 105) of the protection system,; - receiving (301) a first user input on the graphical interface in the first configuration;- if the first user input is on the indicator light, controlling (304) the touch screen to display the graphical interface in a second configuration, the graphical interface in the second configuration comprising an additional window (221) with respect to the first configuration, the additional window indicating the operating state and / or the activation state of the at least one safety airbag in association with protective airbag location information.;

2. Method according to claim 1, in which the graphical interface (200) in the first configuration comprises at least one other zone distinct (202; 203) from the first zone (201) and dedicated to a display of information or a function other than protection by airbags, and in which, in the second configuration, the additional window (221) is displayed in said at least one other zone.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the graphical interface (200) according to the first configuration comprises a second zone (202) and a third zone (203), the second zone being dedicated to at least one infotainment function and the third zone being dedicated to a navigation assistance function, and wherein the additional window (221) is displayed in the second zone.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which, in the first and second configurations, the first zone (201) further comprises one of the following information: - a current speed (205) of the vehicle; - a current speed limit (206); - a vehicle autonomy level (207); - at least one other indicator light (208; 210) indicating a state of vehicle equipment other than the airbag protection system.

5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicated operating state is a fault state and / or the activation state is a deactivated state, and wherein the additional window (221) further indicates a cause associated with the fault state or the deactivated state.

6. A method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising receiving (305) a second user input on the graphical interface (200) in the second configuration, and wherein, if the second user input is on the indicator light (209) or in the additional window (221), the method further comprises controlling the display (300) of the graphical interface in the first configuration following the second user input.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the location information indicates whether the operating state or the activation state relates to a first airbag (104) on the driver's side or a second airbag (105) on the passenger's side.

8. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor (401).

9. Control device (101) for a motor vehicle (100), comprising: - a processor (401) capable of controlling, via a first interface (403) of the control device, a touch screen (102) of the motor vehicle to display a graphical interface (200) in a first configuration, the graphical interface in the first configuration comprising a first zone (201) comprising a warning light indicating an activation state and / or an operating state of at least one airbag of the protection system; the first interface being capable of receiving from the touch screen a signal indicating a first user input received on the graphical interface in the first configuration; the processor being further capable of controlling, if the first user input is on the warning light, the touch screen to display the graphical interface in a second configuration, the graphical interface in the second configuration comprising an additional window (221) with respect to the first configuration, the additional window indicating the operating state and / or the activation state of the at least one safety airbag in association with protective airbag location information.

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