Method and device for controlling a driver attention alert system of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a driver attention alert system, called DAA system, of a vehicle. For this purpose, a signal indicator (211) representative of the DAA system is displayed in a determined content of a human-machine interface displayed in a first zone (21) of a touch screen (13). Data representative of a touch press on the displayed signal indicator (211) are received. A graphic content comprising a set of information (410, 411) representative of a current state of the DAA system is displayed in a second zone (41) of the touch screen different from the first zone (21), following the reception of the data. Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a driver attention alert system for a vehicle Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a driver attention alert system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The invention relates in particular to a method and a device for controlling the display of additional information for the driver attention alert system of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method and a device for assisting in driving a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Some contemporary vehicles have several screens on board to display information useful to the driver for driving the vehicle as well as comfort information, such as, for example, information for interacting with the infotainment system, also called the IVI system (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement monté"), of the vehicle.

[0003] Among these screens, it is known to incorporate one or more LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type screens, for example TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) type, or OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) type.

[0004] The integration of such screens makes it possible, for example, to control, via a graphical Human-Machine Interface (HMI) displayed on such screens, the operating status of the systems embedded in the vehicle, for example the AD AS systems (from the English “Advanced Driver-Assistance System” or in French “Advanced Driving Assistance System”).

[0005] The multiplication of systems embedded in the vehicle and the multiplication of means of command or control of these systems lead to a complexity of 1THM by which a user interacts with the embedded systems to control them, with in particular a multiplication of icons, displayed messages or command shortcuts whose control and management are consequently complicated for a user. The user experience is degraded and the attention of the driver of the vehicle can be reduced when different messages are displayed on the on-board screen(s).

[0006] For example, for vehicles equipped with an attention monitoring system of the driver, known as DMS (from the English "Driver Monitoring System" or in French "Système de surveillance du chauffeur") or DAA (from the English "Driver Attention Alert" or in French "Alerte d'attention chauffeur"), several warning lights or messages are displayed depending on the current state of the DAA system, for example when the DAA system encounters a problem, to alert the driver. The multiplication of messages displayed combined with the display of warning lights or icons unknown to the majority of drivers degrades the user experience and can disrupt the driver's attention, which can be dangerous for the vehicle and its passengers. Summary of the present invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the control of a driver attention alert system for a vehicle, in particular an automobile.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is for example to improve the user experience with respect to the driver attention alert system.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a driver attention alert system, called a DAA system, of a vehicle, the vehicle having a display system comprising a touch screen, said method comprising the following steps: - display control of a signaling indicator representative of the DAA system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone of the touch screen; - reception of first data representative of a first tactile press on the indicator light; - display control of a first graphic content comprising information representative of a current state of the DAA system following reception of the first data, the first graphic content being displayed in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone.

[0011] The direct use of the indicator light representative of the DAA system to request the display of additional content relating to the DAA system, for example the current state of the DAA system, allows the driver to obtain additional information on demand, by touching the indicator light. This reduces the untimely display of unwanted content by the driver who controls the display of this content on demand. All of the content is also displayed on a single screen, which promotes access to information and minimizes the time spent searching for information. The driver's vigilance is improved, as is the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

[0012] Centralizing controls on a single screen also eliminates the need for physical buttons to control the DAA system, thereby reducing vehicle design and manufacturing costs.

[0013] According to a variant, the signaling indicator is displayed according to a determined graphic representation from a set of graphic representations, the determined graphic representation being a function of the current state of the DAA system.

[0014] According to another variant, the current state belongs to a set of states comprising: - an activated state; - a disabled state; and - a failed state.

[0015] According to another variant, the information further comprises a first piece of information representative of a level of drowsiness of the driver and a second piece of information representative of a level of distraction of the driver when the DAA system is in the activated state.

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

[0017] According to another variant, the display control of the first graphic content is triggered when the first touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold.

[0018] According to an additional variant, the end of display control of the first graphic content is triggered when the second touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than the threshold.

[0019] According to another variant, the method further comprises the following steps: - receiving third data representative of a third tactile press on the signaling indicator, the third tactile press corresponding to a tactile press of a duration greater than the threshold; - display control of a second graphic content comprising at least one second graphic object configured to control at least one parameter of the DAA system following reception of the third data.

[0020] According to yet another variant, the set of graphic objects comprises a first graphic object configured to control an activation and / or a deactivation of the DAA system and a second graphic object configured to control an adjustment of a sensitivity level of the DAA system.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling a driver attention alert system of a vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention or a system as described above according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 even a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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

[0029] 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 9, in which:

[0030] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to a particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a first particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a second particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a third particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a fourth particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a fifth particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a sixth particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [Fig.8] illustrates a device configured to control an attention alert system of the driver of the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] [Fig.9] illustrates a driver attention alert system of the vehicle of the [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0039] A method and a device for controlling a driver attention alert system, called a DAA system, of a vehicle will now be described in the following with joint reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0040] 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.

[0041] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control of a driver attention alert system, called DAA system, of a vehicle is for example implemented by one or more computers of the vehicle. For this purpose, the method comprises the control of the display of a signal indicator representative of the DAA system. The signal indicator corresponds for example to a symbol or a pictogram representing the DAA system, or a current state of the DAA system, and is displayed in a first zone or part of a touch screen of the vehicle in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, for example in a determined page of the HMI corresponding for example to the home screen or the default screen of the HMI. First data representative of a touch press on the displayed signal indicator are received from the touch interface, for example when a user makes a touch press on the touch screen at the location where the signal indicator is displayed.Following receipt of the first data, the computer controls the display of graphic content comprising information representing the current state of the DAA system and / or additional information relating to the DAA system or its current state in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone.

[0042] Such a method makes it possible to control, via a voluntary action, the display of information relating to a current state of the DAA system.

[0043] Such a system for alerting the driver of a vehicle to attention corresponds to a system configured to detect a state of the driver of a vehicle considered dangerous for driving the vehicle. A dangerous state corresponds, for example, to a state in which the driver's level of attention is insufficient (for example, below a threshold) or to a state of fatigue, drowsiness or sleepiness, a distracted state, for example, when the vehicle is not looking at the road, which is not suitable for ensuring the vehicle is driven safely.When the system detects a driver state that does not conform to a state required to ensure the driving of the vehicle, the system is configured to generate an alert, or even control one or more safety or assistance systems of the vehicle (for example to activate the braking system, to take control of the steering of the vehicle) when a dangerous state is detected and the driver does not respond to the given alert.

[0044] The driver attention alert system uses data received from one or more cameras on board the vehicle, for example one or more cameras configured for the acquisition of data representative of the driver's face, for example images of the face, data relating to certain points of the face, data relating to certain parts of the face (for example the eyes, the eyelids). Such a system implements for example a set of primary functions ensuring for example the tracking of the driver's gaze (from the English "gaze tracking"), the determination or the tracking of the posture of the driver's head (from the English "head pose") or "head gaze") and / or face tracking to determine the driver's current state, such as their level of drowsiness and their level of attention to their surroundings.

[0045] Such a system is known by different names such as DMS system and DAA system for example, the name DAA system being used in the present description and encompassing all systems configured to monitor the driver's attention and generate an alert to the driver and / or any occupant of the vehicle.

[0046] [Fig.l] 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.

[0047] The vehicle 10 corresponds for example to a vehicle with a thermal engine or to 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.

[0048] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a display system comprising a screen 13 with a touch interface and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphical MMI on the touch screen 13. The computer corresponds for example to the computer of the infotainment system, called the IVI computer (from the English “In-Vehicle Infotainment” or in French “Infodivertissement embargo”) of the vehicle 10.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the display system comprises one or more other screens, for example a screen of a so-called head-up display device or system corresponding for example to a transparent or semi-transparent blade arranged in such a way that a driver seated in the seat 15 sees the content displayed or projected on the transparent blade when the driver drives the vehicle 10.

[0050] Such a display system comprising the touch screen 13 is for example provided or configured to reduce the number of screens present in the vehicle 10, making it possible for example to eliminate the display screen(s) called the instrument panel or dashboard and generally arranged in an area 13 behind the steering wheel 14 in the dashboard 11.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 has one or more on-board systems each controlled by one or more computers. These computers, with the IVI computer, form for example a multiplexed architecture for the realization of different services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or the passengers of the vehicle in the control of the vehicle 10 via the control of the system(s) on board the vehicle 10. The computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a communication bus of the data bus type CAN (from the English "Controller Area Network" or in French "Réseau de contrôles"), CAN FD (from the English "Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate" or in French "Réseau de contrôles à débit de données flexible"), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), LIN (from the English "Local Interconnect Network" or in French "Réseau interconnecté local") or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0052] A system on board the vehicle 10 corresponds to a driver attention alert system for the vehicle 10, also called a DAA system.

[0053] A process for controlling the DAA system of the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by the vehicle 10, for example by one or more processors of one or more computers of the on-board system of the vehicle 10, for example by the IVI computer.

[0054] In a first operation, the display of a signaling indicator representative of the DAA system of the vehicle 10 is controlled in such a way that the signaling indicator is displayed on the touch screen 13 in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, which content is displayed on the touch screen 13.

[0055] The displayed content includes, for example, a set of information useful to the driver to ensure control and supervision of the vehicle 10.

[0056] The set of information includes for example the instantaneous speed of the vehicle 10 when the latter is in a rolling or circulation phase, that is to say in motion, driven by the engine of the vehicle 10.

[0057] The information set includes, for example, other additional information such as, for example, the remaining autonomy (expressed, for example, in km), the distance traveled, a volume or level of fuel remaining in the tank, etc.

[0058] The signaling indicator displayed is for example representative of a current state of the DAA system. The graphical representation of the signaling indicator displayed depends for example on the current state of the DAA system and belongs to a determined set of graphical representations.

[0059] The current state of the DAA system corresponds for example to one of the following states: - activated state, i.e. when the DAA system is in the active state to monitor certain parameters representative of the driver's attention (level of fatigue, drowsiness, distraction, direction of the driver's gaze) and alert the driver via the display of messages and / or the rendering of sound content depending on the level of drowsiness and distraction determined for example; - deactivated state, i.e. when the DAA system is in the inactive state (e.g. deactivation by the driver via the vehicle HMI interface 10), the functions of determining the level of attention, distraction and drowsiness, and of generating of an alert not being implemented by vehicle 10; - faulty (or unavailable) state, i.e. when the DAA system encounters an operating anomaly (for example, a fault in a camera, when the driver wears glasses that prevent eye tracking) while it is activated; and - alert state, i.e. when the DAA system is in the activated state and the detected level of attention of the driver is not sufficient (drowsiness level above a threshold, attention level below a threshold and / or distraction level above a threshold, for example), the system implementing the alert.

[0060] The indicator light is displayed, for example, according to a first graphic representation determined when the DAA system is activated, according to a second graphic representation when the DAA system is deactivated (for example following a manual and voluntary action by the driver who wishes to deactivate the DAA function), according to a third graphic representation when the DAA system is faulty and according to a fourth graphic representation when the DAA system is on alert.

[0061] The graphic representations are for example different from each other. According to a particular embodiment, certain graphic representations are identical, for example the second and third graphic representations are identical.

[0062] The indicator light 211 according to the first graphical representation (activated state) is for example illustrated in [Fig. 2]. [Fig. 2] illustrates an example of display of the indicator light 211 corresponding to a pictogram representing an eye and an arc of a circle above the eye, in green or gray color for example. The indicator light 211 is displayed in a first determined part or zone 21 of the touch screen 13. The first determined zone 21 is for example assigned or dedicated for the display of contents of the HMI controlled by the IVI computer to provide or display to the driver the information necessary for controlling the vehicle 10, for example the instantaneous speed.

[0063] The signaling indicator 311 according to the second graphic representation (deactivated state) is for example illustrated in [Fig. 3]. The second graphic representation corresponds for example to the first graphic representation with a color different from that of the first graphic representation (for example red or orange) and / or with the word “OFF” (English word meaning “off” in French) added under the first graphic representation.

[0064] The indicator light 511 according to the third graphic representation (faulty state) is for example illustrated in [Fig. 5]. The fourth graphic representation corresponds for example to the second graphic representation or to the second graphic representation with a symbol in the form of a flat wrench accompanying the second graphic representation, this indicator light 511 being for example red in color. or orange.

[0065] The signaling indicator according to the fourth graphic representation corresponds for example to the second graphic representation with a flashing display, the display being fixed in the case of the second graphic representation (deactivated state).

[0066] The signaling indicator 211,311,511 representative of the DAA system corresponds for example to a symbol defined in a standard, for example an ISO standard.

[0067] The first zone 21 covers for example only a part of the total display zone of the screen 21, one or more other determined zones (not illustrated) being for example assigned to other contents of the HMI, for example an area for displaying the information associated with the multimedia system of the vehicle 10 and / or an area for displaying information associated with the navigation system of the vehicle 10.

[0068] In a second operation, first data representative of a first tactile press 212 on the indicator light 211 (according to the first graphical representation), or of a first tactile press 312 on the indicator light 311 (according to the second graphical representation) are received, following a tactile press 212, 312 of a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the indicator light 211, 311.

[0069] A tactile press 212, 312 on the indicator 211, 311 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a function associated with the command corresponding to the tactile press.

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

[0071] The first data are for example representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say the duration of the press on the indicator 211,311 is less than a threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms).

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

[0073] In a third operation, the IVI computer controls the display of a first graphic content comprising one or more items of information representative of the current state of the DAA system. This first graphic content is displayed in a second zone 41 of the touch screen 13, as illustrated by [Fig. 4], which second zone 41 is different from the first zone 21 in which the indicator 211, 311 is displayed. The control of display of the first graphic content in the second zone 41 is triggered by the reception of the first data.

[0074] The first graphic content is for example displayed in a window occupying a part of the display area of the screen 13 and corresponding to the second area 41, this window corresponding for example to a contextual window, also called an intrusive or pop-up window (from the English "pop-up window"). This window is for example displayed next to the first area 21, for example centered on the screen (around the center of the screen 13).

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the first graphic content displayed on the second zone of the screen 41 comprises for example a text zone 410 for displaying a text explaining the current state of the DAA system.

[0076] Thus, when the indicator 211 is displayed according to the first graphical representation, the text displayed in the zone 410 indicates that the DAA system is active or activated.

[0077] When the indicator 311 is displayed according to the second graphical representation, the text displayed in the zone 410 indicates that the DAA system is inactive or deactivated. The text comprises, for example, an instruction explaining how to activate the DAA system, for example by exerting a so-called long tactile press on the indicator 311 (i.e. of duration greater than the threshold duration defined previously (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms)).

[0078] According to an alternative embodiment, the first graphic content further comprises one or more additional information 411 associated with the text of the text zone 410, this additional information taking for example the form of an icon or a pictogram specifically illustrating the current state of the DAA system.

[0079] According to a particular embodiment, when the DAA system is in the activated state, the first graphic content comprises additional information 411 comprising a first piece of information representative of a level of drowsiness of the driver and a second piece of information representative of a level of distraction of the driver.

[0080] The first information and the second information each correspond for example to a graphic object representing the level of drowsiness and the level of distraction on a graduated scale with for example a particular color code to attract the driver's attention when the level increases (for example in yellow when the level is low, then orange for an intermediate level and red for a high level).

[0081] [Fig.5] illustrates the display of the screen 13 with the signaling indicator displayed according to the third graphic representation 511, in the first zone 21, representative of a current state corresponding to a faulty state of the DAA system.

[0082] A touch press 512 (for example a brief touch press) on this indicator light 511 triggers the display control of a graphic content similar to the first graphic content illustrated in [Fig.4]. This similar graphic content is represented according to a particular exemplary embodiment in [Fig.6].

[0083] This first graphic content associated with the faulty state of the DAA system also comprises one or more pieces of information representative of the current state of the DAA system, i.e. the faulty state. This first graphic content is displayed in a second zone 61 different from the first zone 21, corresponding for example to the second zone 41 of [Fig.4].

[0084] The graphic content 61 also comprises, for example, a first piece of information corresponding to a text displayed in a text zone 610 and explaining that the DAA system is faulty and that it is necessary to contact or approach a service center to have a diagnosis or repair carried out.

[0085] A second piece of information 611 is for example further displayed in addition to the first piece of information 610, this second piece of information taking for example the form of a video animation illustrating a person repairing the vehicle 10.

[0086] According to an alternative embodiment, the first information 610 further includes when the cause of the malfunction of the DAA system (for example camera problem, object carried by the driver preventing the determination of the level of attention).

[0087] According to an alternative embodiment, a tactile press (for example brief) on the indicator according to the fourth graphic representation also triggers the display of graphic content with the current state of the DAA system (alert state) and optionally one or more additional information relating to this alert state.

[0088] According to an alternative embodiment, the process further comprises a fourth operation during which second data representative of a second tactile press on the indicator light 211 (according to the first graphical representation), 311 (according to the second graphical representation) or 511 (according to the fourth graphical representation) are received, following a tactile press by a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the indicator light 211, 311 or 511. The second tactile press on the indicator light 211 is referenced 412 in [Fig. 4] and the second tactile press on the indicator light 511 is referenced 612 in [Fig. 6].

[0089] This second touch press 412, 612, temporally subsequent to the first touch press 211 or 511, sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a function associated with the command corresponding to this second touch press.

[0090] The second data are for example representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say the duration of press on the indicator according to the first graphic representation 211, according to the second graphic representation 311 or according to the third graphic representation 511 is less than the threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms) defined previously.

[0091] This second touch press corresponds to a touch press made while the first graphic content is displayed in the second area 41 or 61 of the screen (and the first touch press corresponds to a short press).

[0092] In a fifth operation, the end of the display of the first graphic content is controlled so that the first graphic content is no longer displayed in the second zone 41 or 61 of the screen 13 following the reception of the second data.

[0093] The graphic content displayed before the reception of the first data representative of the first touch press 212, 312 or 512, that is to say before the display of the first graphic content, is then for example displayed again in the second zone 41 or 61. When the second zone 41 or 61 corresponds to a contextual window, then this contextual window is closed.

[0094] According to an alternative embodiment, the end of the display is automatically controlled by the computer at the end of a determined duration starting from the display of the first graphic content. For example, this determined duration is provided so that the first graphic content remains displayed for, for example, 5, 10 or 15 seconds and then disappears automatically even without the user making the second touch press.

[0095] According to a particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig.7], the process further comprises the reception of third data representative of a third tactile press 712 on the signaling indicator according to the first graphic representation 211 or according to the second graphic representation, the third tactile press corresponding to a tactile press of a duration greater than the threshold. These third data are representative of a so-called long tactile press (i.e. of duration greater than the threshold duration defined previously (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms)).

[0096] A long touch press on the indicator 211 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a specific function associated with the command corresponding to this long touch press.

[0097] Receiving the third data triggers an operation to control the display of a second graphic content by the computer.

[0098] Receiving the third data triggers, for example, the display of the second content in a pop-up window 71, for example next to the first zone 21.

[0099] The second graphic content comprises one or more second graphic objects 710, 711 each configured to control a parameter of the DAA system. The second graphic object(s) 710, 711 of the second graphic content are for example a function of the current state of the DAA system, for example the second graphic object(s) 710, 711 vary depending on whether the indicator light is displayed according to the first graphic representation 211 (representative of the activated state of the functions of the DAA system) or according to the second graphic representation (representative of the disabled state of the DAA system functions).

[0100] Thus, when the indicator is displayed according to the first graphic representation 211 (corresponding to the current activated state), a second graphic object 710 displayed is configured to control a deactivation of the DAA system, i.e. automatically deactivate the functions of the DAA system (detection of the level of attention, distraction and / or drowsiness, generation of an alert and optionally control of one or more other AD AS systems). Validation of the switch to the automatic deactivation mode is for example obtained by a tactile press on this second graphic object 710 (for example on a button 7101 taking 2 states, 1 state corresponding to the activated automatic deactivation and 1 state corresponding to the deactivated automatic deactivation), by a voice command or by activation of a physical button for example provided on the steering wheel 14.

[0101] When the indicator is displayed according to the first graphical representation 211 (corresponding to the current activated state), another second graphical object 711 displayed is configured to control an adjustment of a sensitivity level of the AAD system, i.e. to control the level of attention triggering the generation of an alert. Thus, a low sensitivity level requires that the level of distraction and / or drowsiness be greater than a first threshold to generate an alert, and a high sensitivity level requires that the level of distraction and / or drowsiness be greater than a second threshold to generate an alert, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold. The higher the sensitivity level, the lower the alert generation threshold will be (i.e. alerts are generated more quickly as the sensitivity level increases).

[0102] This other second graphic object 711 corresponds for example to a scale comprising several sensitivity levels, noted 'A', 'B' and 'C' in [Fig.7], 'A' corresponding to a low or weak sensitivity level, 'B' corresponding to an intermediate or medium sensitivity level and 'C' corresponding to a high or high sensitivity level. A cursor (represented by a black circle in [Fig.7]) is positioned opposite the setting (setting 'B' in [Fig.7]), the driver moving the position of this cursor via for example a wheel on the steering wheel or by the touch interface by pressing this cursor and moving it by performing a translation on the touch screen with the finger. According to a variant, this other second graphic object corresponds to a drop-down list comprising several sensitivity levels selectable by the driver.

[0103] When the indicator is displayed according to the second graphical representation (corresponding to the current deactivated state), a second displayed graphical object 710 is configured to control the activation of the DAA system, i.e. to automatically activate the functions of the DAA system. Validation of the transition to the mode automatic activation is for example obtained by a tactile press on this second graphic object (for example on a button taking 2 states, 1 state corresponding to the automatic deactivation activated and 1 state corresponding to the automatic deactivation deactivated), by a voice command or by activation of a physical button for example provided on the steering wheel 14.

[0104] When the indicator is displayed according to the second graphic representation (corresponding to the current deactivated state), the other second graphic object 711 is not displayed or is displayed in gray, indicating that the setting of the sensitivity level of the DAA system is not possible (inactivation of the adjustment function of this parameter).

[0105] Validation of the activation or deactivation of the automatic mode causes a change in the display of the indicator light which passes from the first graphic representation 211 to the second graphic representation, or vice versa, following the validation of the automatic deactivation of the functions or the validation of the automatic activation of the functions, respectively.

[0106] The second graphical content further comprises one or more other graphical objects according to various particular embodiments, this or these other graphical objects being adapted to personalize the DAA system or the control of the DAA system.

[0107] According to an alternative embodiment, a third (long) tactile press on the indicator according to the third graphic representation 511 also triggers the display of a second graphic content with one or more graphic objects configured to configure the DAA system, this or these parameters being relative to the faulty state of the DAA system.

[0108] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates a device 8 configured for controlling a driver attention alert system, called a DAA system, of a vehicle, for example the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device 8 corresponds for example to a device on board the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0109] The device 8 is for example configured for the implementation of the operations described with regard to figures 1 to 7 and / or the steps of the method described with regard to [Fig.9]. Examples of such a device 8 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 8, individually or in combination, can be integrated in a single integrated circuit, in several integrated circuits, and / or in discrete components. The device 8 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or modules software (or computer) or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0110] The device 8 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 80 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 8. The processor 80 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 8 further comprises at least one memory 81 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.

[0111] 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 81.

[0112] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 8 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (from the English “Telematic Control Unit” or in French “Telematic Control Unit”), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0113] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 8 comprises a block 82 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 82 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: - RF radio frequency interface, for example Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (LTE) “Long-Term Evolution” or in French “Long-Term Evolution”), LTE-Advanced (or in French 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”).

[0114] According to another particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 8 comprises a communication interface 83 which makes it possible to establish a communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 830. The communication interface 83 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 830. The communication interface 83 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).

[0115] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 8 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 840, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 850 and / or other peripherals 860 (projection system) via output interfaces 84, 85 and 86 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device 8.

[0116] [Fig. 9] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for controlling a driver attention alert system, called a DAA system, of a vehicle, for example the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method is for example implemented by a device on board the vehicle 10 or by the device 8 of [Fig. 8].

[0117] In a first step 91, the display of a signaling indicator representative of the DAA system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, is controlled so that the signaling indicator is displayed in a first zone of a touch screen on board the vehicle.

[0118] In a second step 92, first data representative of a tactile press on the signaling indicator are received.

[0119] In a third step 93, the display of a first graphic content comprising information representative of a current state of the DAA system is controlled so that the first graphic content is displayed in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone, following the reception of the first data.

[0120] According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of figures 1 to 7 apply to the steps of the method of [Fig.9].

[0121] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying signaling indicators and graphic contents representative of a DAA and / or DMS system 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.

[0122] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-powered vehicle, comprising the device 8 of [Fig.8] or a display system comprising the device 8 of [Fig.8] connected in communication to a touch screen 13.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling a driver attention alert system, called DAA system, of a vehicle, said vehicle (10) having a display system comprising a touch screen (13), said method comprising the following steps: - controlling (91) the display of a signaling indicator (211, 311, 511) representative of said DAA system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone (21) of said touch screen (13); - receiving (92) first data representative of a first touch press (212, 312, 512) on said signaling indicator (211, 311, 511); - control (93) of display of a first graphic content comprising information representative of a current state of said DAA system following the reception (82) of said first data, said first graphic content being displayed in a second zone (41, 61) of said touch screen (13) different from said first zone (21).

2. Method according to claim 1, for which said signaling indicator (211, 311, 511) is displayed according to a determined graphical representation of a set of graphical representations, said determined graphical representation being a function of said current state of said DAA system.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, for which said current state belongs to a set of states comprising: - an activated state; - a deactivated state; and - a faulty state.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said information further comprises first information representative of a driver drowsiness level and second information representative of a driver distraction level when said DAA system is in said activated state.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the following steps: - receiving second data representative of a second tactile press (412, 612) on said signaling indicator (211, 311, 511), said second tactile press being subsequent to said first tactile press (212, 312,512); - control of end of display of said first graphic content in said second zone (31,51) following reception of said second data.

6. Method according to claim 5, for which the display control of said first graphic content is triggered when said first touch press (212, 312, 512) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold, and the end of display control of the first graphic content is triggered when said second touch press (412, 612) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than said threshold.

7. Method according to claim 6, further comprising the following steps: - receiving third data representative of a third touch press on said indicator light (211, 311, 511), said third touch press corresponding to a touch press of a duration greater than said threshold; - controlling the display of a second graphic content comprising a set of graphic objects configured to control a set of parameters of said DAA system following the reception of said third data.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said set of graphical objects comprises a first graphical object configured to control an activation and / or a deactivation of said DAA system and a second graphical object configured to control an adjustment of a sensitivity level of said DAA system.

9. Device (8) for controlling a vehicle driver attention alert system (10), said device (8) comprising a memory (81) associated with at least one processor (80) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (8) according to claim 9.

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