Method and system for assisting the driving of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for assisting the driving of a vehicle comprising the following steps: - initialize (52) a counter; - detect (60) a first stationary posture of the occupant for a duration exceeding a first defined duration; - increment (60) the counter by a value; - control (62, 64) the operation of the seat equipment in an operating mode; - when a second stationary posture is detected for a duration exceeding a second defined duration, increment (66) the counter by a value; - compare (68) the value of the counter to a threshold; - when the value of the counter is equal to the threshold, generate (78) a warning signal to assist the driver. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Method and system for assisting the driving of a vehicle Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle accident prevention. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a system for assisting the driving of a vehicle. State of the prior art

[0002] More and more accidents are caused by temporary inattention on the part of the driver. These temporary inattentions are often caused by cognitive distractions. A cognitive distraction results from an activity that requires mental attention and diverts the driver's attention from the road. For example, using a voice-controlled infotainment system, listening to a phone conversation in hands-free mode, following GPS instructions, talking to passengers, or daydreaming are cognitive distractions. Automobile manufacturers are seeking to implement safety systems to prevent and avoid accidents generated by cognitive distractions. For example, document US 2022 / 0363264 describes a method for estimating a driver's mental load and cognitive distractions.

[0003] However, existing methods often use medical equipment such as electrodes. They are therefore difficult to use in a vehicle. In addition, they generate false alerts. Presentation of the invention

[0004] A first aim of the present invention is to propose a driving assistance method making it possible to warn the driver when the latter is in a state of significant cognitive distraction.

[0005] A second aim of the present invention is to provide a measure of the mental load of the driver.

[0006] A third aim of the present invention is to modify the services offered by the human-machine interface, when the mental load of the driver is significant. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for assisting the driving of a vehicle implemented by an assistance system comprising a controller, a seat, at least one sensor for detecting movement of an occupant of the seat, and at least one seat equipment capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes; the method comprising the following steps: a) initialize a counter; b) detecting a first stationary posture of the occupant for a duration greater than a first defined duration; c) increment the counter by a value; d) controlling the operation of the at least one seat equipment in an operating mode; f) when a second stationary posture is detected for a duration greater than a second defined duration, increment the counter by a value; g) compare the counter value to a threshold; h) when the counter value is equal to the threshold, generate an alert signal to assist the driver. Advantageously, this method makes it possible to warn the driver when he is experiencing a significant level of cognitive distraction so that he can implement measures to reduce these cognitive distractions, such as stopping talking to other passengers, turning off the radio, concentrating, etc.

[0008] The features set out in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another: - When the counter value is lower than the threshold, the process involves the following steps: - controlling a modification of the operating mode of said at least one seat equipment and controlling the operation of said at least one seat equipment in the modified operating mode, and - return to step f). - The assistance system comprises a plurality of seat equipment, and wherein when the value of the counter is lower than the threshold, the method comprises the following steps: - control the operation of other seat equipment, and - return to step f). - The at least one seat equipment comprises at least one vibrating device comprising a support and a vibrating element movable relative to the support; and wherein the step of controlling a modification of the operating mode of the vibrating device comprises modifying the vibration frequency of the vibrating element and / or modifying the vibration amplitude of the vibrating element and / or modifying the vibration duration. Advantageously, vibration stimulation is an effective way to generate driver movement and mental refocusing on the driving activity. Advantageously, this embodiment is efficient and inexpensive. - The seat comprises a seat and a backrest articulated to the seat; and wherein the at least one seat equipment comprises a first seat equipment and a second seat equipment carried by one of the backrest and the seat; the first seat equipment being arranged on one side of a vertical central plane, the second seat equipment being arranged on the other side of the vertical central plane. - The seat comprises a seat, a backrest articulated to the seat and in which the at least one seat equipment comprises an actuator capable of causing the backrest to pivot relative to the seat, and in which the step of controlling the operation of the at least one seat equipment comprises a step of controlling the rotation of the backrest relative to the seat by an angle of between 3% and 6% of the total angular travel of the backrest by said actuator. - The method comprises a step of determining the first defined duration as a function of the number of passengers in the vehicle and / or the driving environment of the vehicle. - The assistance system further comprises a loudspeaker and / or a display screen, and in which, upon receipt of the alert signal, the method further comprises a step of displaying an alert message on the display screen and / or broadcasting an audible alert message via the loudspeaker. The method further comprises the following steps: (i) detecting movement of the seat occupant after detecting a second stationary posture, (j) determining the duration between the start of operation of the at least one seat equipment, and / or the start of operation of the other seat equipment, and the detection of occupant movement; k) generate an output signal representative of the determined duration, 1) return to step a). Advantageously, the determined duration D corresponds to a reaction time in relation to a request. This reaction time precisely characterizes the mental load according to scientific data. - The assistance system further comprises a display screen suitable for displaying images, and in which the method further comprises a step of modifying the display parameters of the content of the images displayed on the display screen, when the determined duration is greater than a first limit value. - The assistance system further comprises a communication interface, a loudspeaker and / or a display screen; the communication interface being intended to communicate with a mobile telephone, and in which when the predetermined duration is greater than a second limit value, the method comprises a step delaying the display of at least one mini-message on the display screen and / or delaying the broadcast of at least one audio message through the loudspeaker; the mini-message and the audio message having been received by the mobile telephone. - The assistance system further comprises a loudspeaker and / or a display screen, and in which the method further comprises a step of displaying and / or broadcasting audio of a value representative of the determined duration and / or the values ​​of the counter.

[0009] The invention also relates to a system for assisting in driving a vehicle, the system comprising a seat, at least one sensor for detecting movement of an occupant of the seat, and at least one seat equipment capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes and a controller (10) configured to implement the assistance method as mentioned above. Brief description of the figures

[0010] [Fig-1] is a perspective diagram of an assistance system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0011] [Fig.2] is a diagram representing the steps of the assistance method according to the invention;

[0012] [Fig.3] is a diagram representing other steps of the assistance method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0013] In the following description, longitudinal direction X means a horizontal direction extending between the front and the rear of the vehicle seat. Transverse direction Y means a horizontal direction, extending from one side of the vehicle seat to the other side of the vehicle seat. Vertical direction Z means the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0014] In the following description, the driver of the vehicle is generally referred to as the "seat occupant".

[0015] [Fig. 1] represents an example of an assistance system 2 capable of implementing the method for assisting in driving a vehicle according to the invention. In [Fig. 1], the seat frame has been illustrated in solid lines; the upholstery and the foam have been represented in dotted lines.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the assistance system 2 comprises a seat 4, sensors 6 for detecting movement of an occupant of the seat, seat equipment 8 capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes, a controller 10 connected to the movement detection sensors 6 and to the seat equipment 8. Seat 4 can be a motor vehicle seat, a train seat, a seat of a heavy goods vehicle, a seat on a bus, a seat on an airplane or a seat on a boat.

[0017] The seat 4 comprises a seat 12 and a backrest 14 articulated to the seat by an articulation system.

[0018] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l] as an example, the assistance system 2 comprises a first seat equipment 16 and a second seat equipment 18 carried by the backrest 14, a third seat equipment 20 and a fourth seat equipment 22 carried by the seat 12. The first seat equipment 18 is arranged on one side of a vertical central plane P. The second seat equipment 20 is arranged on the other side of the vertical central plane P. The vertical central plane P crosses the middle of the backrest in the transverse direction Y. In the same way, the third seat equipment 20 is arranged on one side of the vertical central plane P. The fourth seat equipment 22 is arranged on the other side of the vertical central plane P.

[0019] Alternatively, the assistance system 2 comprises a different number of seat equipments arranged on the backrest and a different number of seat equipments arranged on the seat.

[0020] Alternatively, the assistance system 2 comprises only seat equipment on the backrest or only seat equipment on the seat.

[0021] Preferably, the seat equipment 16, 18, 20, 22 comprises vibrating devices 24 illustrated schematically in [Fig.l]. The vibrating devices 24 comprise a support and a vibrating element movable relative to the support in a direction perpendicular to the support. The operating modes of the vibrating devices are characterized by a vibration frequency of the vibrating element and / or a vibration amplitude of the vibrating element and / or a vibration duration. The vibrating devices may be eccentric rotating mass vibration motors or linear vibrator micromotors. An example of a vibrating device is also described in the patent application published under number FR 3 122 128 in the name of the applicant.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the seat equipment 8 comprises an actuator 26 capable of causing the backrest 14 to pivot relative to the seat 12 around the articulation system 28. Alternatively, the assistance system 2 comprises a single seat equipment. This seat equipment may, for example, consist of a single vibrating device capable of operating in different operating modes or of the actuator 26 capable of causing the backrest to pivot relative to the seat. The motion detection sensors 6 comprise, for example, four capacitive sensors with interdigital electrodes arranged on the backrest and four capacitive sensors with interdigital electrodes arranged on the seat. Each capacitive sensor with interdigital electrodes Interdigitated consists of two coplanar comb-shaped electrodes that interpenetrate each other. Each electrode is connected to the controller by a conductive track. One electrode is connected to a potential between 5 Volts and 12 Volts. The other electrode is connected to ground. The potential differences (or capacitance variation) between the electrodes of the capacitive sensors with interdigitated electrodes are representative of the presence of an occupant on the seat. The capacitance variations over time of each capacitive sensor make it possible to detect a movement of the occupant of the seat such as, for example, a natural, uncontrolled and unintentional reflex movement. The capacitive sensors with interdigitated electrodes are represented schematically by a rectangle in [Fig. 1]. Examples of capacitive sensors with interdigitated electrodes are described and illustrated in the patent applications published under the numbers FR 3 126 666, FR 3 126 668 and FR 3 126 669 and FR 3 120 124 in the name of the applicant. Alternatively, the assistance system comprises a single movement detection sensor.

[0023] Alternatively, the motion detection sensors 6 comprise at least one camera capable of capturing images of the interior of the passenger compartment and a processing unit comprising executable code configured to detect movement of the occupant of the seat from the captured images.

[0024] The controller 10 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) such as for example a processor or a microprocessor.

[0025] The controller 10 may be a programmable device that uses software, a specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a part of the electronic control unit (ECU) or a computer. The controller 10 is configured to perform the function of a clock and the function of a counter. The clock is capable of measuring durations. The counter is capable of counting events, of incrementing by a value when predefined events occur.

[0026] The controller also comprises a memory storing an executable code making it possible to implement the assistance method by means of the assistance system. The memory of the controller 10 also comprises an executable code making it possible to implement a method for detecting a movement of an occupant of the seat from the measurement of the variation in capacitance between the electrodes of the capacitive sensors with interdigitated electrodes. Such a method is described in the patent application published under the number FR 3 106 094 in the name of the applicant. For this purpose, the controller 10 supplies voltage to one of the electrodes of the detection sensors. The controller 10 is also configured to control the operation of the seat equipment and to control the modification of the operating mode of the seat equipment.

[0027] The assistance system 2 may also comprise a loudspeaker 30 connected to the controller 10 and / or a display screen 32 connected to the controller 10, and a communication interface 34 connected to the controller 10. The loudspeaker 30, the display screen 32 and the communication interface 34 may be elements of the human-machine interface of the vehicle. The communication interface 34 is intended to communicate with a mobile telephone in a wired or wireless manner.

[0028] The assistance system 2 may, in addition, comprise a device 36 for determining the driving environment of the vehicle and a system 38 for determining the number of passengers in the vehicle.

[0029] The device 38 for determining the driving environment is adapted to determine whether the vehicle is driving on a motorway, in a city, in heavy road traffic or in light road traffic. The device 36 for determining the environment of the vehicle may, for example, comprise a geolocation system, a mapping system and a road traffic information system. The device for determining the driving environment may also comprise a device for measuring the speed of the vehicle, one or more cameras capable of viewing the environment of the vehicle and / or a telemetry device such as for example a radar, a lidar, an infrared light device.

[0030] The system for determining the number of passengers in the vehicle may, for example, comprise person detection sensors arranged on the seats. Alternatively, the system for determining the number of passengers may comprise a camera capable of capturing images of the interior of the passenger compartment, and a processing unit comprising executable code configured to determine the number of passengers present in the passenger compartment from captured images.

[0031] The method for assisting the driving of a vehicle according to the invention can be implemented by the assistance system described in connection with [Fig.l]. This method makes it possible to monitor the driver's attention. This method makes it possible to evaluate the cognitive state of the driver. With reference to [Fig. 2], the method may begin with a step 50 of determining a first defined duration DI. This determination is carried out from maps stored in the memory of the controller and the number of passengers determined by the determination system 38 and / or from the driving environment determined by the determination device 36. For example, the first defined duration DI may be between 15 seconds and 25 seconds when the vehicle is driving on a motorway. The first defined duration DI may be between 5 seconds and 15 seconds when the vehicle is driving in the city.

[0032] Alternatively, the first defined duration DI is predetermined and fixed regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle and regardless of the driving environment. In this case, the first defined duration DI is stored in the memory of the controller 10 and the method begins with step 52.

[0033] During step 52, the counter is initialized. In other words, the counter is set to zero.

[0034] During a step 54, the clock is triggered.

[0035] During a step 56, the motion detection sensors determine whether the occupant of the seat makes a movement.

[0036] If the detection sensors detect a movement of the occupant of the seat 4 before the end of the first defined duration DI (output N of step 56), the clock is stopped during a step 58 and the assistance method returns to step 50 or to step 52. If the detection sensors do not detect any movement of the occupant or a movement of low amplitude (resulting for example in a small and short variation of capacitance) for a duration greater than the first defined duration DI (output N of step 56), the counter is incremented by a value and the clock is stopped, during a step 60. In the present patent application, the absence of movement of the occupant of the seat is defined as being a stationary posture of the occupant of the seat 4. This stationary posture of the occupant of the seat 4 or a movement of low amplitude (such as a natural, uncontrolled, unintentional reflex of the occupant) which is carried out during an initial phase, is called first stationary posture in this patent application.

[0037] During a step 62, the controller 10 controls the operation of at least one seat equipment in a first operating mode.

[0038] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the controller 10 may, for example, control the operation according to a first operating mode of the first vibrating device 16 which is located on one side of the vertical central plane P. The first vibrating device 16 starts to vibrate at a defined frequency, at a defined amplitude and for a first defined period of time corresponding to the first operating mode. For example, the vibrating element vibrates with an amplitude of 0.5 meters per second squared, at a frequency of 80 Hertz, for a duration of 1 second.

[0039] Preferably, in the first operating mode: - the vibration amplitude of the vibrating element is between 0.3 ms2 and between 0.8 ms2. - the vibration frequency of the vibrating element is between 70 Hertz and 120 Hertz. - the duration of the first time period is between 0.5 seconds and 1.5 seconds.

[0040] In addition to or as a variant of step 62, during a step 64, the controller 10 controls the actuator 26 so that it rotates the back of the seat relative to the seat at an angle of between 3% and 6% of the total angular travel of the back relative to the seat. Steps 62 and 64 are intended to generate a disturbance, a disruption of the seat occupant. This disturbance should cause movement of the seat occupant. This reaction movement is an intentional movement of medium or large amplitude going beyond a low amplitude movement of the natural, unintentional reflex movement type. In the absence of movement of at least medium amplitude of the seat occupant, it is estimated that the seat occupant is subject to a certain level of cognitive distractions.

[0041] During a step 66, the clock is triggered. This triggering takes place simultaneously with the transmission of the operating command of the first vibrating device 16 and / or the actuator 26.

[0042] During a step 68, the motion detection sensors determine whether the seat occupant is moving.

[0043] If the movement detection sensors 6 do not detect any movement of at least average amplitude of the occupant of the seat for a duration greater than a second defined duration D2, the counter is incremented by a value during a step 70. The total value of the counter is representative of a level of cognitive distraction of the occupant of the seat.

[0044] The second duration D2 is, for example, between 2.5 seconds and 5 seconds.

[0045] This new stationary posture is called second stationary posture in the present patent application. During a step 72, the value of the counter is compared to a threshold S. The threshold S is between 2 and 4. Preferably, the threshold S is equal to 3. When the value of the counter is lower than the threshold S (output o of step 72), the controller 10 controls the modification of the operating mode of the seat equipment during a step 74. Then, during this step 74, the controller 10 controls the operation of the seat equipment in the modified operating mode. In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the vibrating device 16 is set in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the vibrating element vibrates for example with an amplitude of 1.5 meters per square second, at a frequency of 60 Hertz, for a duration of 1 second.

[0046] Preferably, in the second operating mode: - the vibration amplitude of the vibrating element is between 1ms2 and 2ms2. - the vibration frequency of the vibrating element is between 40 Hertz and 70 Hertz. - the duration of the second time period is between 1 second and 2.5 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, during step 76, the controller 10 controls the operation of another seat equipment. Thus, in the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the controller 10 controls the operation of the second vibrating device 18. The second vibrating device 18 can be operated in the first operating mode or in the second operating mode. Note that this alternative or additional step is only implemented in embodiments in which the assistance system comprises at least two seat equipment.

[0047] During a step 77, the method returns to step 66. The following steps are repeated. The following steps may be repeated twice or three times. In this case, at each new repetition, the operating mode of the seat equipment(s) is modified in order to generate a greater or longer vibration which will be more likely to bother the occupant of the seat and to generate a movement of the latter in reaction.

[0048] When the value of the counter is equal to the threshold S (output N of step 72), the controller 10 generates an alert signal to assist the driver during a step 78. The threshold S has been defined as a limit beyond which it is considered that the occupant of the seat, despite the demands exerted by the seat equipment, is subject to significant cognitive distractions which could put him in danger when driving.

[0049] The method may also comprise a step 80 of displaying an alert message on the display screen 32 and / or broadcasting an audible alert message via the loudspeaker 30.

[0050] The warning signal may optionally be transmitted to the braking system so that it slowly and automatically brakes the speed of the vehicle.

[0051] If after step 68, the movement detection sensors 6 detect, during a step 82, a movement of the occupant of the seat and if the movement is detected during the second defined duration D2, then the clock is stopped.

[0052] Then, during a step 84, the controller 10 determines the duration D between the start of operation of the seat equipment during step 62 and the detection of the movement of the occupant.

[0053] When the operating mode of the seat equipment has been modified during step 74, the controller 10 determines the duration D between the start of the operation of the seat equipment during step 74 and the detection of the movement of the occupant.

[0054] When a second seat equipment has been put into operation during step 76 and the method does not include step 74, the controller 10 determines the duration D between the start of operation of the seat equipment during step 76 and occupant movement detection.

[0055] This duration D corresponds to the reaction time of the seat occupant. This duration D is information representative of the mental load of the seat occupant. Generally speaking, a significant mental load is defined by a significant demand on a person's cognitive or emotional faculties. For example, a person's mental load is often significant when they are thinking about an argument.

[0056] During a step 86, the controller 10 generates an output signal representative of the determined duration D. Then, the process returns to step 50 or 52, and the following steps of the process are repeated. Information about the seat occupant's mental load can be used for various vehicle functions. For example, information about mental load can be used to adapt the services offered to the driver by the vehicle's human-machine interface.

[0057] For example, with reference to [Fig. 3], the method may comprise a step 88 of comparing the determined duration D with a first limit value L1 and a step 90 of modifying the display parameters of the images displayed on the display screen 32 when the determined duration D is greater than the first limit value L1. Thus, for example, the number of icons and control buttons displayed on the display screen may be reduced. In the same way, the size of the icons and control buttons may be increased.

[0058] The first limit value L1 is for example between 3 seconds and 5 seconds.

[0059] For example, if during a step 92, the driver has established a wired or wireless connection between his mobile telephone or his smartphone with the communication interface 34, and the driver receives a telephone call, a notification or a mini-message on his mobile telephone, the method may comprise a step 94 of delaying the display of the mini-message on the display screen 32 and / or of delaying the broadcasting of an audio message by the loudspeaker, when the predetermined duration D is greater than a second limit value L2.

[0060] The second limit value L2 is for example between 4 seconds and 5 seconds. For example, the human-machine interface can communicate to the seat occupant the mental load and / or the level of cognitive distraction determined by the process in order to make them aware of their state and alert them to the fact that they may need to take a break. This communication also makes them aware of the importance of their level of concentration on the road.

[0061] For this purpose, the method may comprise a step 96 of displaying and / or audio broadcasting of values ​​representative of the determined durations D and / or of the recorded counter values. Alternatively, the method may display and / or broadcast an index representative of these.

[0062] This step 96 can be performed at a predefined frequency. For example, this step can be performed every hour.

[0063] Alternatively, this step can be carried out at the end of driving, when the driver turns off the ignition.

[0064] Alternatively, this step can be carried out at the request of the driver.

[0065] Steps 88 to 96 are optional. They can be implemented in a different order.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for assisting the driving of a vehicle implemented by an assistance system (2) comprising a controller (10), a seat (4), at least one sensor (6) for detecting movement of an occupant of the seat, and at least one seat equipment (8, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26) capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes; the method comprising the following steps: a) initializing (52) a counter; b) detecting (60) a first stationary posture of the occupant for a duration greater than a first defined duration (Dl); c) incrementing (60) the counter by a value; d) controlling (62, 64) the operation of the at least one seat equipment (8, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26) in an operating mode; f) when a second stationary posture is detected for a duration greater than a second defined duration (D2), increment (66) the counter by a value; g) compare (68) the value of the counter to a threshold (S);h) when the counter value is equal to the threshold (S), generate (78) an alert signal to assist the driver.;

2. Assistance method according to claim 1, wherein when the value of the counter is lower than the threshold, the method comprises the following steps: - commanding (74) a modification of the operating mode of said at least one seat equipment and commanding (74) the operation of said at least one seat equipment in the modified operating mode, and - returning (77) to step f).

3. Assistance method according to claim 1, wherein the assistance system (2) comprises a plurality of seat equipment (8, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26), and wherein when the value of the counter is lower than the threshold (S), the method comprises the following steps: - controlling (76) the operation of another seat equipment, and - returning (77) to step f).

4. Assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one seat equipment ((8, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26) comprises at least one vibrating device (16, 18, 20, 22) comprising a support and a vibrating element movable relative to the support; and in wherein the step of controlling (74) a modification of the operating mode of the vibrating device comprises modifying the vibration frequency of the vibrating element and / or modifying the vibration amplitude of the vibrating element and / or modifying the vibration duration.

5. Assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the seat comprises a seat (12), a backrest (14) articulated to the seat and in which the at least one seat equipment (8, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26) comprises an actuator (26) capable of causing the backrest to pivot relative to the seat, and in which the step of controlling (62, 64) the operation of the at least one seat equipment comprises a step of controlling (64) the rotation of the backrest relative to the seat by an angle of between 3% and 6% of the total angular travel of the backrest by said actuator (26).

6. Assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: i) detecting (82) a movement of the occupant of the seat after detection of a second stationary posture, j) determining (84) the duration (D) between the start of operation of the at least one seat equipment, and / or the start of operation of the other seat equipment, and the detection of the movement of the occupant; k) generating (86) an output signal representative of the determined duration (D), 1) returning to step a).

7. Assistance method according to claim 6, in which the assistance system (2) further comprises a display screen (32) capable of displaying images, and in which the method further comprises a step (90) of modifying the display parameters of the content of the images displayed on the display screen (32), when the determined duration (D) is greater than a first limit value (L1).

8. Assistance method according to claim 6, in which the assistance system (2) further comprises a communication interface (34), a loudspeaker (30) and / or a display screen (32); the communication interface (34) being intended to communicate with a mobile telephone, and in which when the predetermined duration (D) is greater than a second limit value (L2), the method comprises a step of delaying the display of at least one mini-message on the display screen (32) and / or delaying the broadcasting of at least one audio message by the loudspeaker (30); the mini-message and the audio message having been received by the mobile telephone.

9. Assistance method according to claim 6, wherein the assistance system (2) further comprises a loudspeaker (30) and / or a display screen (32), and wherein the method further comprises a step (96) of displaying and / or audio broadcasting a value representative of the determined duration and / or the values ​​of the counter.

10. Assistance system (2) for driving a vehicle, the system (2) comprising a seat (4), at least one sensor (6) for detecting movement of an occupant of the seat, and at least one seat equipment (8, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26) capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes and a controller (10) configured to implement the assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images