Method for controlling a seat actuator of a motor vehicle and associated device.

Abstract

A control method characterized in that it comprises the following first steps: Detecting a first movement of a mobile phone (100) from a first position of the mobile phone (100); Determining a second movement of an element, relative to a motor vehicle (200) comprising an actuator (240), from a second position, starting from the first movement, the element being located in a passenger compartment (210) of the motor vehicle (200); Sending an instruction to the actuator (240) commanding the actuator (240) to move the element so as to cause the element to perform the second movement. The element being contained within a seat of the motor vehicle (200), the seat comprising a seat cushion (233) and a backrest (231). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for controlling a seat actuator of a motor vehicle and associated device.

[0001] The invention relates to the control of an actuator, for moving an element of a motor vehicle, the element being included in a seat of the motor vehicle.

[0002] There is a need to facilitate and make such control intuitive.

[0003] For this purpose, the invention relates to a (movement) control method, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following first steps: • Detection of a first movement of a mobile phone, from a first position of the mobile phone, (for example, then) • Determination (in other words: definition or calculation) of a second movement of an element, relative to a motor vehicle (in other words: in a reference frame located in the motor vehicle, for example in a floor of the motor vehicle), from a second position, from the first movement, the motor vehicle comprising an actuator (of the element), the element being located in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, the passenger compartment comprising a floor, then • Sending an instruction to the actuator commanding the actuator to move the element in such a way as to make the element perform the second movement (in other words: an instruction for the actuator to implement the second movement). The element being included in a seat of the motor vehicle, the seat comprising a seat and a backrest.

[0004] Thus, the invention allows, in a simple and intuitive manner, a driver or a person to control the second movement of an element of the seat, from the first movement of the mobile telephone.

[0005] The second movement may be determined and / or the instruction may be sent (, by the microprocessor), to the actuator, while the first movement is being detected or after the first movement has been detected.

[0006] The second movement can be determined, and the instruction can be sent (by the electronic device below) to the actuator as the first movement is detected. Thus, the second movement can be carried out as (in other words: during) the first movement is carried out.

[0007] Determining the second movement may comprise calculating an image of the first movement by a function, the image being the second movement. The function may be implemented by a computer program and / or a circuit integrated. Of course, a wide variety of functions is possible.

[0008] The method may comprise a step of moving the element by the actuator, upon receipt of the instruction.

[0009] For example, the actuator moves the element, upon receipt of the instruction, by means of an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, and / or electromagnetic means.

[0010] Sending the instruction may be implemented by radio frequency communication or wired communication.

[0011] The mobile telephone may be inside the motor vehicle or passenger compartment, or outside and, for example, in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle or passenger compartment.

[0012] The first movement may be, for example, in a terrestrial frame of reference or a frame of reference of the motor vehicle (in other words: the first movement may be, for example, relative to the earth or to the motor vehicle).

[0013] Technologies for detecting the first movement of the mobile telephone, in a terrestrial reference frame, are used routinely. The detection of the first movement can thus be carried out, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, from data originating from movement sensors of the mobile telephone (and the method can comprise a step of receiving this data). These sensors can comprise, in a non-limiting manner, an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a magnetometer, an orientation sensor and / or a linear acceleration sensor.

[0014] The first movement, if it is initially obtained in a terrestrial reference frame, can be transferred (in other words: transformed or converted), during the step of determining the first movement, into a reference frame of the motor vehicle from the movements of the motor vehicle (determined from a satellite location module of the motor vehicle, for example called “GPS”, and / or a magnetometer and / or an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope of the motor vehicle) in this terrestrial reference frame.

[0015] Alternatively, the detection of the first movement is carried out in a reference frame of the motor vehicle, for example: • By radiofrequency triangulation of the mobile phone in the passenger compartment (or elements of the mobile phone to detect rotations), • From images from a camera of the motor vehicle filming, for example, the interior of the passenger compartment and / or the environment of the motor vehicle.

[0016] Conversely, the first movement, if it is initially determined in a reference frame of the motor vehicle, can be transferred (in other words: transformed) into a terrestrial reference frame, from the movements of the vehicle in this reference frame terrestrial.

[0017] The first movement is for example applied to the mobile telephone by a person, holding (in other words: carrying) the mobile telephone, for example present in the passenger compartment or in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle or the passenger compartment (and the method may comprise an application (or, in other words: an implementation) of the first movement by the person).

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first movement comprises a first rotation of the mobile telephone around a first axis of rotation.

[0019] The first movement may also or only comprise, as a variant, a first translation.

[0020] According to a first variant: • The first axis of rotation is horizontal (in other words: parallel to the Earth's surface), • The mobile phone comprises a first display screen comprising a first planar display surface, and the first axis of rotation is parallel to the first planar display surface, in the first position.

[0021] According to a second variant, the first axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first flat display surface, in the first position.

[0022] According to a third variant, the first axis of rotation is vertical,

[0023] According to other variants, the axis of rotation can be oriented in other directions.

[0024] For example, the first axis of rotation is in a central area of ​​the mobile phone (in the first position). Alternatively, it is in a peripheral area of ​​the phone or outside the mobile phone (in the first position).

[0025] According to one embodiment, the element is the folder.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the second movement is a second rotation of the backrest around a second axis of rotation.

[0027] For example, the backrest is linked to the seat by a (mechanical) connection comprising the second axis of rotation around which the backrest is movable in rotation (so as to adjust an inclination of the backrest relative to the floor),

[0028] Alternatively (or additionally), the second movement may be a second translation.

[0029] Of course, the second axis of rotation, in the second position, may have other directions, regardless of the orientation of the first axis. For example, the second axis of rotation may be perpendicular to the floor if the element is a seat cushion.

[0030] According to one embodiment; • The first display screen comprising a first high point, the first high point being a highest point of the first display screen relative to on the Earth's surface (in other words: a point furthest from the Earth's surface), in the first position, and • The backrest comprising a second high point, the second high point being a point on the backrest furthest from the floor (in other words: a point highest in relation to the floor when the vehicle is traveling horizontally), in the second position, • During the second movement determination step, the second movement is determined so that: • If the first high point moves away from the Earth's surface during the first movement, then the second high point moves away from the floor during the second movement, • If the first high point approaches the earth's surface during the first movement, then the second high point approaches the floor during the second movement.

[0031] Thus, a direction of the second rotation can be determined from a direction of the first rotation. More generally, a direction of the second movement can be determined from a direction of the first movement.

[0032] Alternatively, the direction of the second rotation may be invariable (for example, if the element can perform rotations of 360 degrees or more).

[0033] Furthermore, an angle of the second rotation may be proportional, for example equal, (alternatively, constant or random) to an angle of the first rotation. More generally, an amplitude of the second movement (for example, if the second movement is a translation) may be proportional or equal (alternatively, constant or random) to an amplitude of the first movement (for example, if the first movement is a translation).

[0034] The same may apply to an angular speed (or acceleration) of the second rotation (or more generally, to a speed or acceleration of the second movement, for example of a translation).

[0035] Alternatively, the first movement comprises a first translation of the mobile telephone in a first direction, the first direction being horizontal.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the element is the seat

[0037] In this embodiment, for example, the seat being mechanically linked to the floor of the passenger compartment, by means of a rail fixed to the floor, the seat being (capable of moving, for example sliding, on the rail so as to be) movable relative to the rail in a second translation direction which is parallel to the floor, the second movement is a translation of the seat (and therefore of the backrest) in the second translation direction.

[0038] Alternatively, for example, the first direction is vertical and the second direction translation is perpendicular to the floor.

[0039] According to this variant, the element may be, for example, the seat or a headrest. Other elements are of course conceivable, as a variant.

[0040] Other combinations of directions are of course conceivable, in particular where the first direction of translation is vertical and the second direction of translation is horizontal (or vice versa).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise the following steps: • Detection of an action via a human-machine interface (for example, by touching the first display screen, (in other words: by touching the first flat display surface) or a second display screen of the dashboard of the motor vehicle, or even, a third movement of the mobile telephone), then • On detection of the action: • Determination of the first position (which can be implemented in the same way and / or with the same means as the determination of the first movement), then • Implementation of the first steps.

[0042] Alternatively, the first steps can be implemented without steps of detecting an action on a human-machine interface, for example upon detection that a screen of the motor vehicle is about to display information of a predetermined nature (for example, a cinematographic work), or when the vehicle detects a new driver or a new passenger in the seat.

[0043] Generally speaking, the method according to the invention may comprise a step of determining (in other words: a step of detecting) the first position (which may be implemented in the same manner and / or with the same means as the determination of the first movement), prior to the step of detecting the first movement.

[0044] According to a variant, the telephone is placed in the first position, prior to the step of detecting the first movement, for example in a support of the vehicle (the first position is that of the telephone in the support, which is known) before the step of detecting the first movement.

[0045] Generally speaking, the method according to the invention may or may not comprise a step of determining the second position, prior to the step of detecting the first movement. This second position may be known (in other words: in memory) to the actuator and / or the electronic device.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the method comprises, upon detection of the action, a step of determining a type of the second movement and / or a type of the first movement (e.g. rotation or translation, possibly one direction) and / or the element, from the action. Alternatively, the element and / or the type of second movement is determined from the first movement detected (e.g., depending on whether it is a rotation or a translation).

[0047] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions executable by a microprocessor or a microcontroller or a computer, for implementing the steps of the method according to the invention, when it is executed by the microprocessor or the microcontroller or the computer.

[0048] The method according to the invention can be implemented by an electronic device. The invention therefore also relates to an electronic device configured to implement the steps of the method according to the invention, as well as a first mobile telephone comprising the electronic device, the mobile telephone being the first mobile telephone.

[0049] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising the electronic device according to the invention.

[0050] In this embodiment, the motor vehicle can receive, for example, data acquired by a movement sensor of the mobile telephone, from the mobile telephone, and (then) detect the first movement from this data.

[0051] The characteristics and advantages of the computer program, the electronic device, the mobile telephone and / or the motor vehicle are identical to those of the method according to the invention (without it being necessary to repeat them here).

[0052] When the electronic device, mobile phone or motor vehicle, or other element, is "configured to" (or "capable of") performing or implementing a step or operation, this implies, for example, that the element comprises means for performing the step or operation. The means comprise mechanical means or, preferably, electronic means, for example a computer program, data in memory, specialized electronic circuits, wired or wireless connections, a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller.

[0053] For example, the electronic device comprises for example a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller and / or the computer program capable of being executed by the microprocessor and / or the microcontroller.

[0054] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which: • [Fig.l] represents an electronic device, a mobile telephone and a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention, • [Fig.2] shows the mobile phone in [Fig.l], in more detail than in [Fig.l], • [Fig.3] represents a seat of the motor vehicle of [Fig.l], more in details as in [Fig.l], • [Fig.4] represents an implementation of the method according to the invention, according to a example of realization, by the electronic device of [Fig.l].

[0055] In Figures 1 and 2, certain elements are, of course, seen through transparency.

[0056] Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0057] [Fig.l] and 2, a driver (not shown) present in the motor vehicle 200, traveling or stopped on the roadway 300, holds a mobile telephone 100 in his hands.

[0058] The motor vehicle 200 comprises a passenger compartment 210 comprising a floor 220 and a seat 230 comprising a backrest 231 and a seat 233.

[0059] For example, the backrest 231 is linked to the seat 233 by a mechanical connection comprising a second axis of rotation atang2 around which the backrest is movable in rotation so as to adjust an inclination of the backrest 231 relative to the floor 220 of the motor vehicle 200.

[0060] The mobile telephone 100 comprises a microprocessor 110 and motion sensors 120.

[0061] With reference to [Fig.4], in step S00, the microprocessor 110 detects a touch on the display screen 130 of the mobile telephone 100, in other words on the surface S130 of the display screen 130.

[0062] Upon detection of the action, the microprocessor 110 implements the following steps S10 to S50. The microprocessor can also determine, from the action, which comprises for example pressing a backrest tilt adjustment selection icon 231, that in step S30, the second movement will be a tilt of the backrest 231

[0063] The microprocessor 110 determines, in step S10, the position of the telephone 100 represented [Fig.2] from data coming from the motion sensors 120.

[0064] In step S20, the microprocessor 110 detects a first rotation of the mobile telephone 100 around the axis atangl, in the direction asensl, for example 45 degrees, from the data coming from the motion sensors 120.

[0065] In step S30, the microprocessor 110 determines a second rotation of the backrest 231 of the seat 230 around the axis atang2 in the direction asens2, for example also 45 degrees.

[0066] The motor vehicle 200 also comprises an actuator 240 of the backrest 231. The position of the actuator may vary, for example along the axis of the second rotation.

[0067] In step S40, the microprocessor 110 sends, via a radiofrequency link, for example of the “Bluetooth” type, to the actuator 240, an instruction commanding the actuator 240 to move the backrest 231 so as to make the backrest 231 perform the second movement.

[0068] In step S50, the actuator 240 moves the backrest 231 so as to carry out the second movement.

[0069] Thus, during the first movement, the high point 132 of the screen 130 approaches the earth's surface, and during the second movement, the high point 232 of the backrest 231 approaches the floor 220.

[0070] Alternatively, the second movement may be determined and the instruction may be sent by the microprocessor 110 to the actuator 240 as the microprocessor 110 detects the first movement. Thus, the second movement may be performed as the first movement is performed.

[0071] According to a variant, the cushion 236 of the seat 230 replaces the backrest 231, and the axis atangl is replaced by the axis alacl, and the axis atang2 is replaced by the axis alac2. The position of the actuator 240 can then of course be different.

[0072] According to another variant, the axis atangl is replaced by the axis aroull, and the axis atang2 can remain identical.

[0073] According to a variant: • Backrest 231 is replaced by seat 233, • The first movement is a translation of direction hl of 5 centimeters, the seat being mechanically linked to the floor 220, by means of a rail 234 fixed to the floor 220, • The seat 233 being movable relative to the rail 234, in the direction hl, when the motor vehicle 200 travels on the roadway, the second movement is a translation of the seat 233 of 5 centimeters in the direction hl.

[0074] Alternatively, the first and second movements are a translation of direction vl, and the backrest 231 is replaced by the headrest 235 of the seat 230.

[0075] Alternatively, the microprocessor 110 may be included in the motor vehicle 200 and may receive the data from the movement sensors 120 via a radio frequency link, for example of the “Bluetooth” type.

Claims

Claims

1. Control method characterized in that it comprises the following first steps: • Detection of a first movement (S20) of a mobile telephone (100), from a first position of the mobile telephone (100), • Determination of a second movement (S30) of an element, relative to a motor vehicle (200), from a second position, from the first movement, the motor vehicle (200) comprising an actuator (240), the element being located in a passenger compartment (210) of the motor vehicle (200), the passenger compartment (210) comprising a floor (220). • Sending (S40), to the actuator (240), an instruction commanding the actuator (240) to move the element so as to make the element perform the second movement. The element being included in a seat (230) of the motor vehicle (200), the seat (230) comprising a seat (233) and a backrest (231).

2. Control method according to the preceding claim in which the first movement comprises a first rotation of the mobile telephone (100) around a first axis of rotation (atangl).

3. Control method according to the preceding claim wherein: • The first axis of rotation (atangl) is horizontal, • The mobile telephone (100) comprises a first display screen (130) comprising a first flat display surface (S 130), and the first axis of rotation (atangl) is parallel to the first flat display surface (S 130), in the first position.

4. Control method according to any one of the preceding claims in which, the backrest (231) being linked to the seat by a mechanical connection comprising a second axis of rotation (atang2) around which the backrest (231) is movable in rotation, the element is the backrest (231) and the second movement is a second rotation of the backrest (231) around the second axis of rotation (atang2).

5. Control method according to the preceding claim, taken into account- according to claim 3, wherein: • The first display screen (130) comprising a first high point (132), the first high point (132) being a highest point (132) of the first display screen (130) relative to the earth's surface, in the first position, and • The backrest (231) comprising a second high point (232), the second high point (232) being a point of the backrest (231) furthest from the floor (210), in the second position, • During the step of determining the second movement, the second movement is determined so that: • If the first high point (132) moves away from the earth's surface during the first movement, then the second high point (232) moves away from the floor (210) during the second movement, • If the first high point (132) moves closer to the earth's surface during the first movement, then the second high point (232) moves closer to the floor (210) during the second movement.

6. Control method according to the preceding claim in which the first movement comprises a first translation of the mobile telephone (100) in a first direction (hl), the first direction (hl) being horizontal.

7. Control method according to the preceding claim in which, the seat (233) being mechanically linked to the floor (210), by means of a rail (234) fixed to the floor (210), the seat being movable relative to the rail (234) in a second translation direction parallel to the floor (210), the element is the seat (233) and the second movement is a translation of the seat (233) in the second translation direction.

8. Control method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the following steps: • Detection of an action (S00) via a human-machine interface (S 130), • Upon detection of the action (S00): Determination of the first position (S 10), then Implementation of the first steps.

9. Computer program comprising instructions, executable by a microprocessor or a microcontroller, for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, when executed by the microprocessor or the microcontroller.

10. Electronic device (110) configured to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images