Control of a vehicle guidance system

The control process addresses navigation disruptions by pausing and resuming guidance upon user acquittal of notifications, enhancing user experience and maintaining navigation continuity.

FR3154080A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-04-18STELLANTIS AUTO SAS +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023010862
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-11
Publication Date
2025-04-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle navigation systems disrupt the driver's experience by requiring manual intervention to relaunch guidance after displaying a mandatory notification, leading to interrupted navigation and reduced attention.

Method used

A control process that detects a trigger event, displays a notification, pauses ongoing navigation guidance upon user acquittal, and resumes guidance once the notification is acknowledged, ensuring seamless navigation without data loss.

Benefits of technology

Ensures fluid and ergonomic navigation system use by pausing guidance during notifications, allowing uninterrupted navigation and improved user experience by eliminating the need for manual relaunch.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method and a guidance method implemented respectively by a control device (DV1) and a guidance system (DV2). The control method comprises: upon detection of a triggering event (EV1), displaying a notification (IF1) by means of a display device (30) and sending a status request (CM1) to the navigation system (DV2) to determine if guidance (FN1) is in progress; if so, sending a suspend command (CM2) to the navigation system (DV2) to pause the ongoing guidance (FN1); detecting a manual acknowledgment (IF2) in response to said notification (IF1); and in response to said manual acknowledgment (IF2), sending a resume command (CM3) to the navigation system (DV2) to cause the resumption of guidance (FN1). Figure 1
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Description

Title of the invention: Control of a vehicle guidance device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the control of a vehicle guidance device and more particularly aims at such control when a notification is displayed for the attention of a user. Technological background

[0002] Contemporary vehicles, for example of the automobile or other type, frequently have a navigation system implemented by one or more computers, associated with a screen. Such a system is designed to help the driver plan routes, to follow the positioning of the vehicle and to assist him in his navigation by guiding him by means of driving instructions displayed on the screen and / or in vocal form. These instructions thus guide the driver along a route, for example in a road network.

[0003] When using an operating system, regulations in force in certain regions of the world require the display of a warning notification (or "disclaimer" in English) on the screen to warn the driver that he must comply with the highway code despite the use of a navigation system. This notification must be acknowledged manually by the driver to allow use of the navigation system.

[0004] This automatic notification display mechanism, however, has constraints and limitations. In particular, when such a notification is displayed, any guidance in progress by the navigation system is stopped. After manually acknowledging the notification, the driver must therefore restart guidance so that the navigation system guides him to the desired destination.

[0005] This unexpected stop disturbs the driver and forces him to interact with the navigation system to initiate new guidance once the acknowledgment has been made, which reduces the user's attention and degrades his user experience. Summary of the present invention

[0006] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems or deficiencies of the technological background described above.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to improve the control of a navigation system of a vehicle, for example of a motorized land vehicle, such as an automobile or the like.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to ensure good fluidity of use of a vehicle navigation system when a notification is displayed automatically and must be acknowledged by the user.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a control method implemented by a control device for controlling a navigation system of a vehicle, said method comprising: - upon detection of a trigger event: • displaying a notification by means of a display device; and • sending a status request to the navigation system to determine if guidance is in progress; - if so, send a suspension command to the navigation system to pause the current guidance; - detection of a manual acknowledgment in response to said notification; and - in response to said manual acknowledgment, sending a resume command to the navigation system to cause guidance to resume.

[0010] The control method according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, in particular among the following embodiments.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the triggering event is a start-up phase of the control device.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the notification is an automatic warning message, for the attention of a user, relating to the use of the navigation system.

[0013] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a guidance method implemented by a navigation system of a vehicle, said navigation system operating under the control of a control device, said method comprising: - triggering vehicle guidance; - receiving a status request from the control device while guidance is in progress; - in response to the status request, sending to the control device status information indicating that guidance is in progress; - receipt of a suspension command from the control device; - in response to the suspension command, pausing the guidance; and - in response to a resume command from the control device, resume execution of the guidance.

[0014] The guidance method according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, in particular among the following embodiments.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, said triggering of the vehicle guidance, before receiving the suspension command, is carried out in accordance with a guidance context determined from a user instruction;

[0016] the method comprising storing in a memory the guidance context while the guidance is paused; and

[0017] in which the resumption of guidance is carried out in accordance with the guidance context by consulting said memory.

[0018] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling a vehicle navigation system, the control device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle navigation system, said system comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the guidance method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the different embodiments mentioned above in relation to respectively the control method according to the first aspect and the guidance method according to the second as well as the associated advantages apply in a similar manner to the control device according to the third aspect and the navigation system according to the fourth aspect.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a system comprising a control device according to the third aspect and the navigation system according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type or of the land motor vehicle type, comprising a control device according to the third aspect and / or the navigation system according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0023] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for executing the steps of the control method according to the first aspect and / or of the guidance method according to the second aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor. In other words, the different steps of the control method and of the guidance method are determined by computer program instructions, these instructions being able to form part respectively of the same computer program or of different computer programs. In particular, a first computer program is configured to be implemented in a control device of the third aspect of the invention, or more generally in a computer, to carry out the steps of the control method. A second computer program is configured to be implemented in a navigation system of the fourth aspect of the invention, or more generally of a computer, to carry out the steps of the guidance method.

[0024] This or these computer programs 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 an eighth aspect, the present invention relates to at least one recording medium (or information medium), readable by the control device according to the third aspect and / or by the navigation system according to the fourth aspect. In particular, the invention relates to a first recording medium, readable by the control device according to the third aspect, on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the invention. The invention also relates to a second recording medium, readable by the guidance device according to the fourth aspect, on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the guidance method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0026] On the one hand, the recording media mentioned in the present disclosure may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the media may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0027] Furthermore, these recording media may also be transmissible media such as electrical or optical signals, such signals being able to be conveyed via electrical or optical cables, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer programs according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0028] Alternatively, the recording media may be integrated circuits in which the respective computer programs are incorporated, these integrated circuits being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the methods in question.

[0029] The present invention advantageously makes it possible to ensure smooth and ergonomic control of a navigation system when a notification is automatically displayed and requires acknowledgment by a user. Thanks to the invention, if a notification is automatically displayed, for example a warning message (according to a regulation or not), guidance in progress is not definitively stopped. This guidance is paused, that is to say put on hold while the notification is acknowledged by the user. This waiting period blocks the use of the navigation system without losing the data (such as the CX1 guidance context for example) associated with this guidance. As soon as the control device detects that the IF1 notification is acknowledged by the user, it commands the navigation system to resume guidance. The waiting phase ends and guidance continues without the user needing to intervene to restart guidance, which avoids disturbing the user, limits user interactions that could reduce their attention, and improves their user experience. Brief description of the figures

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 3, in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a control system comprising a device of control cooperating with a vehicle navigation system, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.2] illustrates a diagram of different stages of a control process implemented implemented by the control device of [Fig.l], according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] [Fig.3] illustrates a diagram of different stages of a guidance method implemented implemented by the navigation system of [Fig.l], according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0034] A method and a device for controlling a vehicle navigation system, as well as such a navigation system and a guidance method implemented by such a navigation system, will now be described in particular in the following with reference to Figures 1-3. Unless otherwise indicated, elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.

[0035] The terms "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.

[0036] As previously indicated, the invention relates in particular to a method for controlling a navigation system of a vehicle, such as a vehicle of the automobile or other type, or more generally a motorized land vehicle. The invention also relates to a guidance method implemented by the navigation system cooperating with the control device. The invention provides in particular a dialogue between the control device and the navigation system to allow the pausing of guidance in progress when a notification is displayed and requires manual acknowledgment by a user, as well as a resumption of guidance by the navigation system once manual acknowledgment has been made.

[0037] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control method comprises: - upon detection of a trigger event: • displaying a notification by means of a display device; and • sending a status request to the navigation system to determine if guidance is in progress; - if so, send a suspension command to the navigation system to pause the current guidance; - detection of a manual acknowledgment in response to said notification; and - in response to said manual acknowledgment, sending a resume command to the navigation system to cause guidance to resume.

[0038] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the guidance method comprises: - triggering vehicle guidance; - receiving a status request from the control device while guidance is in progress; - in response to the status request, sending to the control device status information indicating that guidance is in progress; - receipt of a suspension command from the control device; - in response to the suspension command, pausing the guidance; and - in response to a resume command from the control device, resume execution of the guidance.

[0039] The invention makes it possible in particular to ensure smooth and ergonomic control of the navigation system when the display of a notification requires manual acknowledgment by a user.

[0040] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the drawings mentioned above.

[0041] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a control device DV1 and a navigation system DV2 of a vehicle 2, these two components being able to cooperate together. In particular, the navigation system DV2 is able to operate under the control of the control device DV1. The device DV1 and the navigation system DV2 can for example be implemented by the same computer or by different computers.

[0042] It is subsequently considered by way of example that the control device DV1 and the navigation system DV2 are on board the vehicle 2. Exemplary embodiments are however possible in which any one of the device DV 1 and the system DV2, or both, are arranged outside the vehicle 2.

[0043] The navigation system DV2 is configured to assist a user denoted UR1 (for example the driver) in navigating the vehicle 2. To do this, the system DV2 can perform guidance FN1 of the vehicle 2, for example by generating driving instructions which are transmitted to the user. The control device DV1 is configured to control the navigation system DV2. The device DV 1 and the system DV2 together form a control system SYL

[0044] The type and characteristics of the vehicle 2 may be adapted as appropriate. The vehicle 2 is, for example, of the automobile type or equivalent. Alternatively, this vehicle may be a coach, a bus, a truck, a utility vehicle or a motorcycle, or more generally a vehicle of the motorized land vehicle type.

[0045] More particularly, the control device DV1 comprises in the example considered at least one processor 10, a volatile memory 12 and a non-volatile memory 14. It is assumed hereinafter by way of example that the control device DV1 here takes the form of one or more computers embedded in the vehicle 2. This device DV 1 may correspond to all or part of a computer.

[0046] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the control device DV 1 is configured to control a display device 30, in particular to cause the display of information such as a notification IF1 as described below. This notification IF1 may be a warning message, or other relevant information, displayable or restitutable by the display device 30. This notification IF1 requires manual acknowledgment by the user UR1, that is to say a response from the user to indicate that he has received and taken into account this information (in other words, to validate or acknowledge receipt of this information).

[0047] This display device 30 may be any device capable of displaying (or visually rendering) any data or graphic elements, for example intended for the user UR1 (for example the driver UR1 or any other occupant of the vehicle 2). Such a display device may thus comprise one or more display screens and / or rely on other display technologies, such as for example a holographic display device or by projection of light onto a transparent support (a device of the “head-up display” type for example). It is assumed in the following that the display device 30 comprises a screen on which a notification IF1 can be displayed.

[0048] According to one example, the control device 10 is (or comprises) an infotainment platform of the vehicle 2. For this purpose, the control device 10 can for example example be configured to perform at least one infotainment (or information-entertainment) function aimed, for example, at presenting or rendering multimedia content to a user for information and / or entertainment purposes. The rendering of the multimedia content may for example be carried out by the display device 30. The multimedia content thus rendered may for example represent guidance FN1 currently being carried out by the navigation system DV2, and / or any other appropriate content (radio broadcast, television content, social media content, etc.).

[0049] Examples of a DV1 control device include, but are not limited to, on-board electronic equipment such as a vehicle on-board computer, an electronic calculator such as an ECU (“Electronic Control Unit”), a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop. The elements of the DV1 control device, individually or in combination, may be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The DV1 control device may be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0050] The control device DV1 may comprise a computer program PG1 stored in the non-volatile memory 14 accessible by the processor 10, this computer program PG1 comprising instructions for carrying out a control method described below in particular examples of the invention. The processor 10 is thus configured to execute in particular the instructions defined by the computer program PG 1.

[0051] In particular, by executing the computer program PG1, the device DV 1 implements a first communication interface 16 to communicate with the navigation system DV2, in order to allow a dialogue, or cooperation, between the device DV1 and the navigation system DV2. The communication interface 16 is in particular capable of sending commands (or requests) denoted CM to the navigation system DV2 and of receiving information, such as DTI status information, from the navigation system DV2.

[0052] As described below, the control device DV 1 is configured, upon detection of a predefined trigger event EV1, to trigger the display of a notification IF1 by means of the display device 30 and to send to the navigation system DV2 a status request CM1 to determine whether guidance is in progress. The nature of this event EV1 may vary depending on the case. In a particular example, this trigger event EV 1 corresponds to a start (or an initialization) of the control device DV1, or to at least one control function of said device DV2.

[0053] Furthermore, the control device DV1 is configured to receive instructions from a user, such as the user UR1, via a user interface 32. As described below, the user UR1 can in particular perform a manual acknowledgment IF2 of a notification IF1 currently being displayed by the display device 30. This acknowledgment can consist of an appropriate manual interaction with the user interface 32 to acknowledge the notification IF1. This acknowledgment IF2 constitutes a validation, or indication of acknowledgment, of the notification IF1 by the user UR1. Performing such an acknowledgment IF2 makes it possible to ensure that the user UR1 has taken into account the notification IF1 displayed via the display device 30.

[0054] According to a particular example, the display device 30 and the user interface 32 are part of a single device, for example a touch screen or any other equivalent device allowing the display of information and the sending of user instructions. Alternatively, the components 30 and 32 are distinct (for example a screen and an actuator allowing the sending of instructions).

[0055] Furthermore, the navigation system DV2 comprises in the example considered at least one processor 20, a volatile memory 22 and a non-volatile memory 24. It is assumed hereinafter by way of example that the navigation system DV2 here takes the form of one or more computers embedded in the vehicle 2. This navigation system may correspond to all or part of a computer.

[0056] The navigation system DV2 is configured to guide the vehicle 2 (or the user UR1 of the vehicle 2). To do this, the navigation system DV2 can perform a guidance function FN1 to guide the user UR1 of the vehicle 2. When such guidance FN1 is in progress, the navigation system DV2 can, for example, provide driving instructions to the user UR1 to complete a route (or journey) to a predefined destination. These driving instructions (for example, “turn left,” “continue straight ahead,” etc.) can be transmitted in any suitable manner, for example, in visual form (for example, via a display screen, such as the display device 30 or the like) and / or in vocal form. The navigation system DV2 can, for example, comprise a GPS system (for “Global Positioning System”).

[0057] According to a particular example, the navigation system DV2 is configured to obtain a navigation context CX1 and to perform a guidance function FN1 from this navigation context CX1. This navigation context CX1 may comprise various information giving an indication of the destination of the route to be carried out. According to one example, the navigation context CX1 comprises at least one instruction from the user UR1 received by the navigation system DV2, such as for example a voice or manual instruction, such as “guide me to the home”. This navigation context CX1 can be recorded and stored in a memory 26 of the navigation system SY2 (or in memory 24), in order to be used during the execution of guidance.

[0058] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the navigation system DV2 may comprise a computer program PG2 stored in the non-volatile memory 24 accessible by the processor 20, this computer program PG2 comprising instructions for carrying out a guidance method described below in particular examples of the invention. The processor 20 is thus configured to execute in particular the instructions defined by the computer program PG2.

[0059] In particular, by executing the computer program PG2, the navigation system DV2 implements a second communication interface 26 to communicate with the control device DV1. In other words, the communication interfaces 16 and 26 implemented respectively in the control device DV1 and the navigation system DV2 are configured to cooperate or communicate together to enable a dialogue during the methods of the invention, as described in more detail later.

[0060] The communication interface 26 is in particular capable of sending, to the control device DV1, status information DTI in response to a previously received status request CM1. This status information DTI indicates to the control device DV1 whether guidance FN1 is in progress. This status information DTI can take any form interpretable by the control device DV1, such as an indicator (a binary value for example) which can take either a first state, indicating that no guidance is in progress, or a second state, indicating that guidance is in progress.

[0061] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the control device DV1 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example with the navigation system DV2, for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0062] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the control device DV 1 comprises one or more of the following interface means for communicating with the navigation system DV2: - 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”).

[0063] Communication can be established between the control device DV1 and the navigation system DV2 via, for example, a wired network of the CAN, CAN FD (from the English “Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate”), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard), Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard) or LIN (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”) type.

[0064] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the control device 10 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as the display device 30 or another peripheral device (speakers, projection system, etc.) via respective output interfaces. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices, for example the display device 30, is integrated into the control device DV1.

[0065] With reference to [Fig. 2], a control method implemented by the control device DV1 of [Fig. 1] is herein described according to at least one particular exemplary embodiment. With reference to [Fig. 3], a guidance method implemented by the guidance system DV2 of [Fig. 1] is herein described according to at least one particular exemplary embodiment.

[0066] Thus, the control device DV1 and the navigation system DV2 cooperate together to implement the control method and the guidance method respectively according to particular examples. For this purpose, the control device DV 1 and the navigation system DV2 can execute the computer programs PG1 and PG2 respectively ([Fig.l]).

[0067] During a detection step S2, the control device DV1 detects a trigger event EV1 ([Fig.l]). According to one example, this trigger event EV1 is a start-up (or initialization) phase of the control device DV1, or the initiation of a function performed by the device DV1. Other trigger events EV1 are however possible.

[0068] Upon detection of this triggering event EV1, the control device DV 1 performs a step S2 comprising two steps (or operations) S2a and S2b. These operations S2a and S2b can for example be performed simultaneously or one after the other depending on the case (for example S2a before S2b, or vice versa).

[0069] During step S2a, the control device DV1 displays a notification IF1 by means of the display device 30 ([Fig.l]). The notification IF1 is for example a automatic warning message, for the attention of the UR1 user, relating to the use of the SY2 navigation system. This may be, for example, a warning message (or "disclaimer") provided for by a regulation in force. Such a warning message may aim to ask the UR1 user to comply with a regulation in force (for example, a road regulation, or a highway code) despite the use of the DV2 navigation system. The display of such a message may be necessary in certain regions of the world, such as the United States for example.

[0070] The IF1 notification can for example be displayed in the form of a “popup” type window, appearing automatically on the screen of the display device 30. This IF1 notification requires manual acknowledgment to authorize the use of the DV2 navigation system, as described below (see suspension mechanism below).

[0071] During step S2b, the control device DV1 sends to the navigation system DV2 a status request CM1 to determine whether guidance FN1 is in progress.

[0072] In response to this status request CM1, the navigation system DV2 determines (S14, [Fig.3]) whether guidance FN1 is being executed, and returns (S14) to the control device DV1 a response comprising status information IDT1 indicating whether guidance FN1 is being executed.

[0073] By way of example, it is considered that the navigation system DV2 has triggered (step S10, [Fig. 3]) a guidance FN1 of the vehicle 2 prior to receiving the status request CM1. Thus, the navigation system DV2 receives (step S12) the status request CM1 from the control device DV1 while the guidance FN1 is being executed. During step S14, the navigation system DV2 detects that it is executing a guidance FN1 and therefore sends status information ID1 indicating to the control device DV1 that a guidance FN1 is in progress. This guidance FN1 is for example configured to guide the user UR1 along a route to a destination point. This guidance FN1 may comprise the restitution of driving instructions to the user UR1 to guide him along the route.

[0074] The control device DV1 then receives the status information CM1 and interprets it to determine whether guidance is being executed at the level of the navigation system DV2 (step S4, [Fig.2]).

[0075] If it is detected that guidance is in progress, the control device DV 1 sends (step S4, [Fig.2]) to the navigation system DV2 a suspension command CM2 ( [Fig.l]) to pause the current guidance FN1.

[0076] According to an example, if the control device DV 1 detects (S4) from the status information IF1 that no guidance is in progress, it can block the navigation system SY2 as long as a manual acknowledgment IF2 of the notification IF1 is not received from user UR1. Thus, all guidance is blocked pending IF2 acknowledgment.

[0077] In this case, it is assumed in this example that the control device DV1 therefore determines in S4 that guidance FN1 is being executed by the navigation system DV2 and therefore sends in S4 a suspension command CM2 to the navigation system DV2.

[0078] During a reception step S16 ([Fig.3]), the navigation system DV2 receives the CM2 suspension command from the DV1 control device.

[0079] During a pausing step S18, in response to the suspension command CM2, the navigation system DV2 pauses (or suspends) the current guidance FN1.

[0080] According to a particular example, the guidance FN1 triggered in S10 can be executed, until it is paused in S18, according to a guidance context CX1 stored in the memory 26 ([Fig. 1 ]). The guidance FN1 can for example be triggered in S10, before receiving the suspension command CM2, in accordance with the guidance context CX1 determined from a user instruction. In this case, the navigation system DV2 can maintain in a memory, for example the memory 26, the guidance context CX1 while the guidance FN1 is paused, for later use.

[0081] As already indicated, the guidance context CX1 may comprise various information giving an indication of the destination of the route to be taken. According to one example, the navigation context CX1 comprises at least one instruction from the user UR1 received by the navigation system DV2, such as for example a voice or manual instruction, such as “guide me home” or other.

[0082] During a step S6, the control device DV1 checks whether an acknowledgment IF2 of the notification IF1 currently being displayed is received. It is assumed in this case that the control device DV1 detects the acknowledgment IF2 while the guidance FN1 is paused. The acknowledgment IF2 can take various forms depending on the case. The detection of this acknowledgment IF2 can for example result from the reception of a user instruction, namely from the user UR1, via the user interface 32 ([Fig.l]).

[0083] In the examples considered, the acknowledgment IF2 is carried out manually by the user UR1, for example via an instruction entered by a button or actuator or any other appropriate manual interface. According to a variant, the acknowledgment IF2 can be carried out in another way, for example in the form of a voice instruction (or command).

[0084] In response to the acknowledgment IF2, the control device DV1 sends (step S8, [Fig.2]) to the navigation system DV2 a restart command CM3 to cause the resumption of FN1 guidance.

[0085] During a resumption step S20 ([Fig.3]), in response to the resumption command CM3, the navigation system DV2 resumes (or continues) the execution of the guidance FN1 which was paused. It is thus possible to continue the execution of the guidance FN1 as soon as the notification IF1 has been acknowledged by the user.

[0086] According to a particular example, in the case where a guidance context CX1 is kept in memory by the navigation system DV2 while the guidance FN1 is paused, the navigation system DV2 can advantageously consult the memory to retrieve this guidance context CX1 and thus resume the guidance FN1 in accordance with the context CX1 thus retrieved (step S20).

[0087] The invention advantageously makes it possible to ensure smooth and ergonomic control of the DV2 navigation system when an IF1 notification is automatically displayed and requires acknowledgment by a user. Thanks to the invention, if an IF1 notification is automatically displayed, for example a warning message (according to a regulation or not), an FN1 guidance in progress is not definitively stopped. This FN1 guidance is paused, that is to say put on hold while the IF1 notification is acknowledged by the user. This holding blocks the use of the DV2 navigation system until a user acknowledgment is received, without losing the data (such as the CX1 guidance context for example) associated with the guidance that was in progress. As soon as the DV1 control device detects that the IF1 notification is acknowledged by the user, it commands the DV2 navigation system to resume the FN1 guidance.The waiting phase ends and the FN1 guidance continues without the user needing to intervene to restart a new guidance (without defining for example a new route), which avoids disturbing the user and makes it possible to limit user interactions that could reduce their attention and improve their user experience.

[0088] For example, during a journey being guided by the DV2 guidance system, the vehicle 2 may be required to stop (for example, when stopping at a service station, at a motorway service area, etc.). In this case, when the DV control device 1 is restarted (for example, when the DV1 control device is powered up), the latter detects its restart and therefore triggers the display of the IF1 notification by means of the display device 30 to warn the user that they must comply with road traffic regulations despite the use of the DV2 navigation system. In the case of a conventional device, this automatic display would put an end to any guidance in progress. Thanks to the invention, the guidance in progress can advantageously be temporarily paused and then restarted towards the final destination as soon as the IF1 notification is acknowledged by the user.

[0089] As understood by a person skilled in the art, all the embodiments and variants described above, some of which have been deliberately simplified to facilitate explanations, constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, a person skilled in the art may envisage any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a particular need.

[0090] The present invention is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends in particular to control methods and guidance methods which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to control devices and navigation systems configured for the implementation of such methods respectively.

[0091] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle or more generally a land motor vehicle, comprising the control device DV1 and the navigation system DV2 as previously described.

Claims

Claims

1. Control method implemented by a control device (DV1) for controlling a navigation system (DV2) of a vehicle (2), said method comprising: - upon detection (S2) of a trigger event (EV1): • displaying a notification (IF1) by means of a display device (30); and • sending a status request (CM1) to the navigation system to determine whether guidance (FN1) is in progress; - if so, sending (S4) to the navigation system a suspension command (CM2) to pause the guidance (FN1) in progress; - detecting (S6) a manual acknowledgment (IF2) in response to said notification; and - in response to said manual acknowledgment, sending (S8) to the navigation system a resume command (CM3) to cause the guidance to resume.

2. Method according to claim 1, in which the triggering event (EV1) is a start-up phase of the control device.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the notification (IF1) is an automatic warning message, for the attention of a user (UR1), relating to the use of the navigation system (DV2).

4. Guidance method implemented by a navigation system (DV2) of a vehicle (2), said navigation system operating under the control of a control device (DV1), said method comprising: - triggering (S 10) guidance (FN1) of the vehicle; - receiving (S 12) a status request (CM1) from the control device while the guidance is being executed; - in response to the status request, sending (S 14) to the control device status information (DTI) indicating that guidance (FN1) is in progress; - receiving (S 16) a suspension command (CM2) from the control device; - in response to the suspension command, pausing (S 18) the guidance; and - in response to a resume command (CM3) from the control device, resuming (S20) the execution of the guidance.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein said triggering (S 10) of the guidance of the vehicle (2), before reception (S 12) of the suspension command, is carried out in accordance with a guidance context (CX1) determined from a user instruction; the method comprising storing in a memory (26) the guidance context (CX1) while the guidance (FN1) is paused; and wherein the resumption (S20) of the guidance is carried out in accordance with the guidance context by consulting said memory.

6. Computer program (PG1, PG2) comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor (10, 20).

7. Control device (DV1) configured to control a navigation system (DV2) of a vehicle (2), said control device comprising a memory (14) associated with at least one processor (10) configured to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the control device is an infotainment platform of the vehicle (2).

9. Navigation system (DV2) configured to guide a vehicle (2) under the control of a control device (DV1), said navigation system comprising a memory (24) associated with at least one processor (20) configured to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 4 to 5.

10. Vehicle (2) comprising: - the control device (DV1) according to claim 7 or 8; and - the navigation system (DV2) according to claim 9.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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