Motor vehicle equipped with automatic headlight flash detection devices intended for the vehicle

Abstract

A motor vehicle (MV), referred to as the target vehicle, comprising detection means (DMD) capable of automatically and in real time detecting headlight flashes (HPF, HPF) emitted by vehicles (VHL) circulating in the same road environment as the target vehicle (MV), and which are directed at the target vehicle (MV); said target vehicle (MV) further comprising means for displaying information related to the detected headlight flashes (HPF, HPF) directed at the target vehicle (MV), inside the passenger compartment of the target vehicle (MV), enabling the driver of the target vehicle (MV) to be alerted that their vehicle has been the target of a headlight flash (HPF, HPF). (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle equipped with automatic headlight flash detection means intended for the vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates generally to driver assistance systems also designated as AD AS (Anglo-Saxon acronym for "Advanced Driver-Assistance System") and is more particularly concerned with a motor vehicle equipped with means for automatically detecting headlight flashes intended for the vehicle.

[0002] By flashing headlights, we mean the emission of a brief and repeated light signal generated by the dipped, or main, headlights of a motor vehicle.

[0003] This type of signal is generally emitted following a manual control of the lights by the driver of a vehicle when the latter wishes to alert or warn the driver of another vehicle, hereinafter referred to as the target vehicle, travelling in his driving environment, of a potentially dangerous abnormal situation in which the target vehicle could be involved on the road: a potentially accident-causing situation for the target vehicle itself or for other road users.

[0004] Such a situation can be identified by a third vehicle approaching from the front of the target vehicle and / or a third vehicle located behind the target vehicle. Headlight flashes can therefore come from the front or the rear of the target vehicle.

[0005] A driving situation may be judged as dangerous or inappropriate by the driver of the third vehicle emitting the headlight flash, for example, when the driver of the third vehicle notices an anomaly such as the absence of a function which must be activated by the driver of the target vehicle (for example, forgetting to turn on or off the lights, ...) or a failure of the target vehicle visible outside the vehicle (for example, lights not working, flat tire, white smoke, ...) or a trajectory of the target vehicle deemed abnormal by the driver of the third vehicle: abnormal trajectory resulting for example from the driver of the target vehicle falling asleep.

[0006] Flashing headlights when used appropriately is an available, simple and accessible means of communication for all drivers of motor vehicles and this gesture can contribute to increasing the safety of road users.

[0007] However, in driving situations where many motor vehicles share the same road space, it is not always obvious to the driver of the target vehicle, the recipient of such a headlight flash, to be sure that this flash is actually intended for him or even to distinguish him, at night, among other light signals.

[0008] This can lead to misinterpretations and stress for the vehicle driver target who may not be the intended recipient of the call, and therefore ultimately be counterproductive in the search for improved road safety, or who simply did not see the headlight flash intended for him.

[0009] It is therefore important, particularly for road safety, to be able to strengthen the means of visual communication represented by the headlight flash.

[0010] The invention seeks to improve communication between drivers when a headlight flash is emitted. By automatically detecting, in real time, headlight flashes emitted by other vehicles and signaling this action to the driver of the target vehicle, the invention aims to improve understanding and interaction between drivers on the road. This helps reduce misunderstandings and increase road safety, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions, where headlight flashes can play a crucial role in communication between drivers.

[0011] To this end, the present invention has as its first object a motor vehicle, called the target vehicle, comprising detection means capable of automatically detecting in real time, headlight flashes emitted by third-party vehicles circulating in the same road environment as the target vehicle, and which are intended for the target vehicle; said target vehicle further comprising means of returning information relating to the detected headlight flashes intended for the target vehicle, inside the passenger compartment of the target vehicle, making it possible to alert the driver of the target vehicle that his vehicle has been the target of a headlight flash.

[0012] According to one feature, the detection means comprise at least one optical sensor capable of capturing light signals in the road environment of the target vehicle and means for processing the light signals captured by said sensor, capable of identifying headlight flashes among the light signals captured and of determining that the identified headlight flashes are intended for the target vehicle, and in which the means for returning information relating to said headlight flashes comprise at least one visual display means in the passenger compartment of the target vehicle capable of attracting the visual attention of the driver of the target vehicle.

[0013] According to another feature, the visual display means includes at least one indicator light arranged in the field of vision of the driver of the target vehicle and capable of lighting up for a predetermined configurable duration, when a headlight flash has been detected.

[0014] According to another feature, the rendering means comprise a screen capable of displaying in a window of the screen, superimposed on the current display, and for a predetermined configurable duration, a graphic representation of a headlight flash informing the driver of the target vehicle that a headlight flash has been detected from the front or the rear of the target vehicle.

[0015] According to another feature, the optical sensor is a field-of-view camera broad and sensitive to wavelengths in the visible and infrared spectra, capable of capturing light signals in the environment of the target vehicle, day and night.

[0016] According to another feature, the detection means further comprise one or more sensors arranged on the target vehicle, chosen from a motion sensor and a proximity sensor.

[0017] According to another feature, the detection means are housed in a multimedia system of the target vehicle belonging to, or cooperating with, a driver assistance system of the target vehicle.

[0018] According to another feature, the target vehicle further comprises a wireless communication system, coupled with the detection means and capable of communicating with third-party vehicles also equipped with such a system to complement the visual detection of headlight flashes and to make it possible to specify the motivation for headlight flashes emitted by third-party vehicles thus equipped.

[0019] The present invention has as its second object a method implemented by the target vehicle detection means described above, consisting of detecting light signals emitted by third-party vehicles, processing the characteristic patterns of the light signals to identify among all the light signals captured, signals of the type of headlight flash emitted by third-party vehicles, and when a headlight flash is identified, validating the detection by checking the consistency of the signals for a determined period and once confirmed, this detection being considered as a headlight flash emitted to the target vehicle, providing the driver of the target vehicle with information indicating that his vehicle has received a headlight flash by displaying a visual message via the illumination of the indicator light, and / or via the display of a graphic representation on the vehicle's screen.

[0020] Finally, the present invention has as its third object a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, lead the latter to implement the steps of the process as described above.

[0021] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0022] [Fig.1] illustrates a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to the invention comprising means for detecting headlight flashes and means for returning these headlight flashes to the driver of the vehicle according to the invention;

[0023] [Fig.2] illustrates an example of means for returning the vehicle according to the invention; and

[0024] [Fig.3] illustrates a flowchart of the main steps of a process implemented by the means for detecting the vehicle according to the invention.

[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a target HCV according to the invention.

[0026] The target vehicle HCV includes automatic MDD detection means for APV, APR headlight flashes directed at it, both APV headlight flashes from the front of the target vehicle VHC and APR headlight flashes from the rear of the target vehicle VHC, and MDR means of returning information related to this detection, inside the passenger compartment of the target vehicle VHC to inform the driver of the target vehicle VHC of the receipt of this APV, APR headlight flash.

[0027] This approach differs from existing solutions because it focuses specifically on the accurate detection of APV, APR headlight flashes emitted by drivers of third-party VHL vehicles and provides a clear, real-time indication to the driver of the target VHC vehicle.

[0028] The invention enables clearer and more direct communication between drivers by informing the driver of the target vehicle (VHC) of the APV and APR headlight flashes emitted by third-party vehicles (VHL). This avoids misunderstandings and inappropriate responses, promoting smoother communication on the road.

[0029] The MDD detection and MDR feedback means operate in real time, providing an immediate response to APV and APR headlight flashes. This allows the driver of the target vehicle to quickly become aware of the situation and adapt their driving accordingly.

[0030] The MDD detection means comprise one or more optical sensors that can be integrated into one or more cameras, for example a front CAV camera and a rear CAR camera, and capable of detecting light signals such as APV, APR headlight flashes, in the environment of the target vehicle VHC.

[0031] Such CAV, CAR cameras are for example wide field of view cameras sensitive to wavelengths in the visible and infrared spectra and therefore able to capture light signals in the environment of the target vehicle HCV day and night.

[0032] These CAV, CAR sensors (or cameras) are positioned on the target vehicle VHC in a manner suitable for optimally capturing the light signals emitted by the lighting devices of third-party vehicles VHL arriving in front of the target vehicle VHC or coming from the rear of the target vehicle VHC via, for example, a rear CAR camera disposed at the top of the rear window of the target vehicle VHC and, respectively, a front CAV camera disposed at the top of the windshield of the target vehicle VHC.

[0033] To improve the detection of APV and APR headlight flashes and to help validate the presence of third-party VHL vehicles in the vicinity of the target VHC vehicle and enable more precise detection of light signals from these VHL vehicles, additional sensors can be added to the CAV and CAR cameras, such as CPT proximity and / or motion sensors.

[0034] All these CAV, CAR, CPT sensors allow data to be delivered which are received and processed by an ECU (English acronym for "Electronic Control Unit") type computer embedded in the target vehicle VHC; the computer belonging for example to a multimedia system SMM of the vehicle VHL also called infotainment system or infotainment system in English terminology, itself belonging to or cooperating with an AD AS, ADA system of the target vehicle VHC which manages the interactions between the different CAV, CAR, CPT sensors of the target vehicle VHC and the different driver assistance functions offered by the AD AS, ADA system of the vehicle and in particular functions involving the interior and exterior lighting of the target vehicle VHC.

[0035] The ECU computer implements MDT processing means using in particular data fusion means such as those used to enable multi-sensor perception of the external environment of an HCV initially intended for autonomous driving.

[0036] Furthermore, the MDT processing means are capable, from the information received by the CAV, CAR, CPT light signal sensors of the target vehicle VHC, of ​​determining the origin (front or rear) of the APV and APR headlight flashes, and potentially, from the state of other sensors, not shown, of the target vehicle VHC, in connection with the organs and equipment of the target vehicle VHC, or from information coming from outside, of deducing the motivation for the headlight flashes.

[0037] For example, MDT processing means can make it possible to distinguish among headlight flashes, APV, APR headlight flashes intended to signal a danger, APV, APR headlight flashes intended to signal a need for passage, or a problem or technical failure of the target vehicle VHC.

[0038] The set of signals delivered by the various CAV, CAR, CPT sensors and processed by the MDT processing means, makes it possible to reduce the risks of false alerts or inconsistent detections linked for example to ambient light sources unrelated to APV, APR headlight flashes.

[0039] The identification of APV and APR headlight flashes, performed using the CAV and CAR optical sensors and potentially other CPT sensors of the target vehicle (VHC), can be supplemented by receiving information from a wireless communication system (COM) of the target vehicle (VHC), coupled with the MDD detection means and capable of managing a communication protocol, for example, of the "V2V" type (Vehicle-to-Vehicle), to improve the reliability of exchanges based on APV and APR headlight flashes between third-party vehicles (VHL) and the target vehicle (VHC), and to clarify the reasons for the APV and APR headlight flashes. This implies that the vehicles emitting the headlight flashes (VHL) and the target vehicles VHCs are equipped with the same COM communication systems.

[0040] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the MDR means use a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) in the form, for example, of a dedicated IDL indicator light located inside the target vehicle, for example on the dashboard or near the rearview mirror or any other location visible to the driver of the target vehicle, within the driver's field of vision, without adding any distraction to driving. In the example considered with reference to [Fig. 2], the IDL indicator light is part of a set of indicators capable of being displayed on a central screen of the target vehicle, such as an ECR multimedia screen.

[0041] An audible, voice or other message generated by the SMM multimedia system of the target vehicle VHC may supplement the visual information provided by the lighting of the IDL indicator light.

[0042] When the MDD detection means detect an APV, APR headlight flash intended for the target vehicle VHC, the MDR restitution means automatically activate (in real time) the lighting of the IDL indicator inside the target vehicle VHC.

[0043] The IDL indicator remains illuminated for a specified period of time sufficient to allow the driver to identify that his vehicle has been the subject of an APV, APR headlight flash.

[0044] Once the display period has elapsed, the IDL indicator automatically switches off to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience to the driver.

[0045] To avoid any distraction, the driver has the option to temporarily or permanently deactivate the APV, APR headlight flash indicator IDL if desired by setting the SMM multimedia system.

[0046] The display of information in the passenger compartment of the target vehicle (VHC) advantageously uses, either alternatively or in conjunction with the IDL indicator light, a central screen, referred to as the multimedia screen (ECR), belonging to the multimedia system (SMM) of the target vehicle (VHC). When a headlight flash (APV, APR) is detected, an information window (FNT) appears on the ECR screen, partially and momentarily superimposing itself on the current display of the ECR screen. For example, it may appear enlarged for a specified duration and then revert to a reduced size at the end of that duration, for instance, within an edge of the ECR screen.

[0047] The FNT screen window displays an image, animation, pictogram, or any other PIC graphic representation related to an APV, APR headlight flash.

[0048] Additional information intended to inform the target VHC driver of the origin of the APV, APR headlight flash can be displayed in the FNT window in the form of a TXT text message such as, for example, "Headlight flash detected at the front of the vehicle" or "Headlight flash detected at the rear of the vehicle," a text message which can be relayed by a voice message. The PIC pictogram and the TXT text message can also be replaced by an animation evocative of the origin of the headlight flashes, from the front APV, respectively the rear APR, of the target vehicle VHC.

[0049] In addition to the dedicated IDL indicator light and / or the FEN information window opening on the ECR screen, the MDR rendering means can also control a variation of the ambient lighting inside the passenger compartment of the target vehicle HCV to discreetly draw the driver's attention to the APV, APR headlight flash.

[0050] The present invention thus offers improved visibility and readability of the "high beam flash" information on the central ECR display of the target vehicle. It also enhances the user experience by providing additional information on the detected high beam flash (APV, APR), thereby contributing to more complete and understandable communication for the driver.

[0051] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of the main steps of a process according to the invention implemented by the MDD detection means of the vehicle according to the invention.

[0052] The process implements a computer program product comprising instructions for executing the steps of the process described below.

[0053] This program is implemented, for example, by one or more processors, or ECUs, of the AD AS (or AD AS supervisor) ADA system of the target vehicle HCV in connection with one or more processors, or ECUs, of the IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system which is the central organ of the target vehicle HCV dedicated to data processing and communication with the driver.

[0054] Such a program can be updated with the possibility of adding functions using an update via OTA “Over The Air”.

[0055] In a first step 100, the method consists of detecting light signals emitted by third-party vehicles VHL circulating in the same road environment as that of the target vehicle VHC.

[0056] In a second step 200, the detected light signals are processed by MDT processing means using in particular an image processing algorithm analyzing the characteristic patterns of the light signals to identify among all the perceived light signals, signals of the type "headlight flash" emitted by third-party VHL vehicles.

[0057] The analysis includes in particular the recognition of characteristic patterns such as the frequency and duration of light signals to distinguish headlight flashes from other light signals.

[0058] In a third step 300, when a headlight flash is identified by the algorithm, the process validates the detection by checking the consistency of the signals for a determined period (allows false detections to be eliminated).

[0059] Once confirmed, this detection is considered as an APV, APR headlight flash issued to the target vehicle VHC.

[0060] In a fourth step 400, the method consists of providing the driver of the target vehicle VHC with information indicating that his vehicle (target vehicle VHC) has received an APV, APR headlight flash by displaying a visual message: illumination of the IDL indicator light, and / or display of an image, PIC pictogram, or any other graphic representation suggestive of an APV, APR headlight flash, for example on the ECR screen of the target vehicle VHC.

Claims

Claims

1. Motor vehicle (VHC), called target vehicle, comprising detection means (MDD) capable of automatically detecting, in real time, headlight flashes (APV, APR) emitted by third-party vehicles (VHL) circulating in the same road environment as the target vehicle (VHC), and which are intended for the target vehicle (VHC); said target vehicle (VHC) further comprising means for restoring (MDR) information relating to the headlight flashes (APV, APR) detected and intended for the target vehicle, (VHC) inside the passenger compartment of the target vehicle (VHC) making it possible to alert the driver of the target vehicle (VHC) that his vehicle has been the target of a headlight flash (APV, APR).

2. Vehicle (VHC) according to the preceding claim, in which the detection means (MDD) comprise at least one optical sensor (CAV, CAR) capable of capturing light signals in the road environment of the target vehicle (VHC) and means (MDT) for processing the light signals captured by said sensor (CAV, CAR) capable of identifying headlight flashes (APV, APR) among the captured light signals and determining that the identified headlight flashes (APV, APR) are intended for the target vehicle (VHC), and in which the means (MDR) for restoring the information relating to said headlight flashes (APV, APR) comprise at least one visual display means (IDL, PIC) in the passenger compartment of the target vehicle (VHC) capable of attracting the visual attention of the driver of the target vehicle (VHC).

3. Vehicle (VHC) according to the preceding claim, in which the visual display means comprises at least one indicator light (IDL) arranged in the field of vision of the driver of the target vehicle (VHC) and capable of lighting up for a specific configurable duration when a headlight flash (APV, APR) has been detected.

4. Vehicle (VHC) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the restitution means (MDR) comprise a screen (ECR) capable of displaying in a window (FNT) of the screen (ECR), superimposed on the current display, and for a configurable determined duration, a graphic representation (PIC) of a headlight flash (APV, APR) informing the driver of the target vehicle (VHC) that a headlight flash has been detected from the front (APV) or from the rear (APR) of the target vehicle (VHC).

5. Vehicle (VHC) according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the optical sensor is a camera (CAV, CAR) with a wide field of vision and sensitive to wavelengths located in the visible and infrared spectra, capable of capturing light signals in the environment of the target vehicle (VHC), day and night.

6. Vehicle according to one of claims 2 to 5, in which the detection means (MDD) further comprise one or more sensors (CPT), arranged on the target vehicle (VHC), chosen from a motion sensor and a proximity sensor.

7. Vehicle (VHC) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the detection means (MDD) are hosted in a multimedia system (SMM) of the target vehicle (VHC) belonging to, or cooperating with, a driving assistance system (ADA) of the target vehicle (VHC).

8. Vehicle (VHC) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless communication system (COM), coupled to the detection means (MDD), and capable of communicating with third-party vehicles (VHL) also equipped with such a system to supplement the visual detection of headlight flashes and to make it possible to specify the motivation for the headlight flashes emitted by the third-party vehicles (VHL) thus equipped.

9. Method implemented by the detection means (MDD) of the target vehicle (VHC) according to claims 1 to 8, consisting in detecting (100) light signals emitted by third-party vehicles (VHL), in processing (200) the characteristic patterns of the light signals to identify among all the light signals captured, signals of the headlight flash type (APV, APR) emitted by the third-party vehicles (VHL), and when a headlight flash is identified, in validating (300) the detection by checking the consistency of the signals for a determined period and once confirmed, this detection being considered as a headlight flash emitted for the target vehicle (VHC), in returning (400) to the driver of the target vehicle (VHC), information indicating to him that his vehicle (VHC) has received a headlight flash by displaying a visual message via the lighting of the indicator light (IDL), and / or via the display of a graphic representation (PIC) on the screen (ECR) of the vehicle (VHC).

10. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, drive the latter to implement the steps of the method according to the preceding claim.

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