Method and device for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior for video conferencing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior (10) for videoconferencing. Specifically, the method comprises receiving a first image acquired by a camera (11) of the interior, representing a portion of the interior and an occupant (100) participating in the videoconference, and determining a background mask associated with that portion of the interior. Data representing a three-dimensional virtual interior model are received, along with personalized parameters applicable to this model, to determine a second image of the virtual interior as seen from the camera's perspective. A third image is then generated from the first and second images and from the background mask. (See Figure 1 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior for videoconferencing. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior, particularly an automobile. The present invention also relates to a method and device for creating a personalized virtual background superimposed on an image acquired by a camera. Technological background

[0002] Video conferencing and video calling are becoming increasingly common, both in private and professional settings. It is happening more and more frequently that people are conducting video conferences from their vehicles. Indeed, the interior of a vehicle provides an ideal environment for this practice because many of the necessary equipment for conducting a video conference are available in a vehicle, for example, a camera and microphone to capture images and sound from the user, and a screen and speakers to display images and sound from the other participants. Furthermore, the interior of a vehicle offers a degree of soundproofing and isolation for the user.

[0003] The camera mounted in a vehicle acquires images that include both the person speaking and the vehicle's interior. However, other people may be present in the vehicle's interior and / or the vehicle's interior may contain personal belongings of the user or other vehicle users. In order to respect the user's privacy, it is then necessary to remove the background from the image acquired by the camera so as not to transmit images containing these third parties or personal belongings.

[0004] Many software programs or applications then offer the option of applying a virtual background generated from images in a background library. However, these images are not sufficiently representative of the user's environment, i.e., the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment. Summary of the present invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to resolve at least one of the drawbacks of the technological background.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to offer a user the possibility of creating a personalized and interactive background usable for video conferences.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior for videoconferencing, the process comprising the following steps: - reception of initial data representing an initial image acquired by a camera in the passenger compartment, the initial image representing a part of the passenger compartment and an occupant participating in the video conference; - determination, from the first data, of second data representative of a background mask associated with the part of the first image representing the passenger compartment; - reception of third data representing a model of a virtual three-dimensional passenger compartment; - receipt of fourth data points representative of custom parameters applicable to modeling; - generation of fifth data representing a second image of the virtual passenger compartment from a viewpoint corresponding to a viewpoint of the camera from the third and fourth data; - generation of sixth data points representing a third image from the first, second and fifth data points.

[0008] According to a variant of the method, a pixel of the third image has the value: - a value associated with a pixel in the first image when the pixel in the third image is not included in the background mask, or - a value associated with a pixel of the second image when the pixel of the third image is included in the background mask.

[0009] According to another variant of the method, the virtual cockpit includes virtual objects from a library of virtual objects.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the method, the virtual objects belong to a set of virtual objects comprising: - a window, - a roof canopy, - a seat or a bench, - seat belts, - light sources, and - accessories.

[0011] According to yet another variant of the process, the fourth data is received from a human-machine interface.

[0012] According to another variant of the method, the fourth data belong to a data set comprising: - a visibility index, - a transparency index, - a color, - a texture, - a size, - an orientation, and - a three-dimensional position.

[0013] According to yet another variant, the method further includes the reception of lighting data, the generation of the fifth data being further a function of the lighting data.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for a method of generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0015] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0017] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate form between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk drive.

[0020] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can, in particular, be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0021] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a vehicle passenger compartment, according to an example of particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a generation process of a customized image of the vehicle interior of [Fig. 1] for video conferencing, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a device configured to generate an image per Audio system installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle in [Fig. 1] for videoconferencing, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of embodiment examples

[0026] A method and device for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior for video conferencing will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 3. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the following description.

[0027] The terms "first," "second" (or "firsts," "seconds"), etc., are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow for the identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0028] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a method and device for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior for videoconferencing

[0029] Indeed, the method includes receiving first data representative of a first image acquired by a camera of the vehicle's interior, the first image representing a part of the interior and an occupant participating in the videoconference, and determining second data representative of a background mask associated with the part of the first image representing the interior.

[0030] The method also includes receiving third data representing a three-dimensional model of a virtual passenger compartment, receiving fourth data representing custom parameters applicable to the modeling, and generating fifth data representing a second image of the virtual passenger compartment from a viewpoint corresponding to that of the camera.

[0031] Sixth data representing a third image are then generated from the first, second and fifth data.

[0032] Such a method or device makes it possible to replace the background of an image acquired by the vehicle's interior camera with a customizable three-dimensional virtual background. Thus, only the vehicle occupant is actually visible in the third image, their environment in this third image being generated virtually according to their preferences.

[0033] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle interior 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The vehicle corresponds, for example, to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, with electric motor(s), or even a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. The vehicle thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus.

[0035] The vehicle's passenger compartment 10 comprises one or more rows of seats or benches on which one or more occupants 100 are seated. In one particular embodiment, an occupant 100 is seated in a seat in the first row of seats, for example, the driver's seat. However, the invention is not limited to an occupant in a driver's seat; indeed, in other particular embodiments, an occupant 100 is seated in a passenger seat or in a seat in another row.

[0036] The vehicle advantageously incorporates in its passenger compartment 10 a display system comprising a screen 13 and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphical human-machine interface, known as HMI, on the screen 13. The computer corresponds, for example, to the computer of the infotainment system, known as the IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé") of the vehicle.

[0037] The screen 13 is, for example, touch-sensitive and corresponds, for example, to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor), or an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode). The screen 13 is, for example, arranged in the center of the dashboard, for example above a central panel. Of course, the position of the screen 13 is not limited to this example; the screen 13 can be arranged in any position, for example on the central panel.

[0038] The screen 13 allows content to be displayed to an occupant 100 of the vehicle's passenger compartment 10, for example, the driver and / or a passenger. The screen 13 is also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers to interact with one or more on-board vehicle systems via a human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on screen 13. For example, screen 13 allows control of the vehicle's infotainment system, also called the IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system, as well as, for example, the system in charge of generating a personalized image of the vehicle's interior 10, in particular to use this type of image during a video conference attended by an occupant 100 of the vehicle's interior 10, as described below.

[0039] According to another example, not illustrated here, the screen is not integrated into the passenger compartment but corresponds to a screen of a second mobile communication device 101, such as a smartphone or a tablet, connected in communication, for example wirelessly, with the vehicle's on-board system.

[0040] According to a first particular embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a communication unit including at least one antenna, configured in particular to establish a wireless connection with one or more mobile communication devices 101.

[0041] According to a second particular embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a communication unit including at least one connection device such as a universal serial bus (USB) type socket, high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or other standardized interface, configured in particular to establish a wired connection with one or more mobile communication devices 101.

[0042] The vehicle carries, for example, a communication unit corresponding for example to a communication box of the type telematic control unit TCU (from the English "Telematic Control Unit"), BTA box ("Autonomous Telematic Box") or BSRF box ("Radio Frequency Servicing Box"). Such a unit is advantageously connected to one or more antennas to for example transmit and / or receive data to and / or from a remote device, for example a remote "cloud" server, or a mobile communication device, via a wireless link, according to OTA (Over The Air) technology for example.Wireless communication between the vehicle and the remote device is established, for example, using a direct communication method (e.g., when the mobile communication device is in the vehicle or at a distance from the vehicle that allows for such a communication method, for example, a distance of less than 10, 20, or 50 m). The wireless connection is based, for example, on one or more wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi® (based on IEEE 802.11), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), or LTE-Advanced. (or in French LTE-advanced), 3GPP (from the English "3rd Generation Partnership Project" or in French "Projet de partenariat de 3ème génération") of fourth generation or fifth generation, called 3GPP 4G or 5G.

[0043] By way of example, the mobile communication device 101 corresponds to a mobile phone or cell phone, for example a smartphone, a tablet, a connected object such as a connected watch (or so-called smart watch), a key or a key finder.

[0044] The TCU unit is, for example, connected to one or more vehicle computers. The TCU unit and the computers advantageously form the vehicle's embedded system, these computers forming with the TCU unit a multiplexed architecture for the implementation of various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle, for the display of images or graphic content on an on-board screen 13 in the vehicle's passenger compartment 10.The computers, the TCU unit and any devices (for example one or more projectors) communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458), LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3) type communication bus.

[0045] During a videoconference, the devices used to acquire images and / or sounds and the devices used to reproduce images and / or sounds are, for example, connected to a server transmitting communication data related to the videoconference via the vehicle's on-board system and via the communication unit.

[0046] The IVI system also interacts, for example, with a microphone 12 to acquire sounds from the passenger compartment 10, including the voice of the occupant 100. Such a microphone 12 is, for example, positioned near the screen 13, on a steering wheel or in a central rearview mirror present in the passenger compartment 10.

[0047] The IVI system also interacts, for example, with loudspeakers 14 located in the passenger compartment 10, for example in the vehicle doors or on the dashboard. These loudspeakers 14 then allow the sounds related to the videoconference to be broadcast, for example from one or more participants.

[0048] The vehicle also carries one or more cameras 11 in its passenger compartment 10. Such a camera 11 is arranged in the passenger compartment 10 of the vehicle, for example in the dashboard or in the central rearview mirror, and is oriented, for example, towards an occupant 100, for example towards the face of the vehicle's driver. Thus, an occupant 100 is placed in the field of vision 111 of the camera 11. Such a camera 11 is thus configured for the acquisition of image data representative of the real scene located in the passenger compartment 10 of the vehicle and including an occupant 100.

[0049] Camera 11 includes, for example, the following elements: - a photosensitive sensor corresponding for example to a matrix of photoreceptors associated for example with a Bayer filter; - an optical assembly arranged in front of the sensor with respect to the scene to be acquired by the sensor, the optical assembly comprising, for example, an arrangement of one or more lenses; and - optionally one or more computers associated with memory and configured for processing images acquired by the sensor.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the camera corresponds to a camera of the mobile communication device 101 installed in the vehicle 10, if applicable. The camera of the mobile communication device is also configured to acquire image data representative of the actual scene located in the passenger compartment 10, depending on the location of the mobile communication device 101 within the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. The mobile communication device 101 is, for example, placed in a cradle or receptacle located on the center console and is oriented towards the passenger compartment 10 and an occupant 100.

[0051] The various devices such as the camera 11, the microphone 12, the screen 13 and the speakers 14 are for example all connected to the IVI system and allow interaction with the IVI system via an HMI that can receive input data from the camera 11, the screen 13 and the microphone 12 and emit output data via the screen 13 and the speakers 14.

[0052] Thus, when occupant 100 wishes to make a video call or conduct a video conference, he activates the video conference via the HMI, for example.

[0053] A process for generating a personalized image of the vehicle's interior 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more devices embedded in the vehicle 10 for videoconferencing, for example by one or more computers of an IVI system embedded in the vehicle.

[0054] In a first operation, initial data representing a first image acquired by the camera 11 of the passenger compartment 10 are received. The first image then represents a part of the passenger compartment 10, for example a part of the seat on which the occupant 100 is seated, a bench seat, a headliner, doors with windows and a landscape visible through these windows, or objects present in the passenger compartment 10, for example a bag placed on a rear bench seat.

[0055] The first image also represents an occupant 100, for example the face of the occupant and part of his bust.

[0056] It should be noted that it is possible to have a second occupant represented in the In the second image, for example, the second occupant is seated next to occupant 100. This second occupant is, in one embodiment, a participant in the videoconference and is therefore also occupant 100, who must be visible during the videoconference. In a second embodiment, this second occupant is a passenger who is not participating in the videoconference and must therefore not be visible during the videoconference. In the first case, the second occupant is treated the same way as occupant 100 in the subsequent steps of the process. In the second case, the second occupant is treated the same way as the vehicle's interior in the subsequent steps of the process. Thus, in the subsequent steps of the process, the term occupant 100 refers to one or more occupants of the vehicle, each of these occupants participating in the videoconference.

[0057] In a second operation, second data points representing a background mask associated with the portion of the first image representing the passenger compartment 10 are determined from the second data points. The determination of this background mask is implemented, in particular, using any method known to those skilled in the art, for example, a method cited in the document "Pixel Approach to Background Subtraction in Video, Based on a Mixture of Imprecise Gaussians" by Ali DARWICH, published in March 2018.

[0058] Thus, the second operation makes it possible to assign to each pixel of the first image a value representing its belonging to the background, i.e. to the cabin 10, or its belonging to the representation of the occupant 100. The background mask includes for example a set of values ​​equal to 0 or 1 assigned to each pixel of the first image, the background mask being for example stored in a correspondence table including the value representing the belonging of a pixel to the background and the position in pixel coordinates of the pixel in the first image.

[0059] In a third operation, third data representing a three-dimensional model of a virtual passenger compartment are received. The model of the virtual passenger compartment is obtained, for example, from three-dimensional models of different elements of this virtual passenger compartment; for example, the virtual passenger compartment corresponds to the passenger compartment of a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle in which this process is implemented. Thus, the virtual passenger compartment includes virtual objects such as: - a door, including trim and glazing, - a window, - a roof panel or soft top, - an upholstery element such as a seat or bench, - a seat belt, - a trunk with a tailgate and its glazing, - a light source such as a ceiling light or a light strip, and - an accessory, for example a bag or a teddy bear.

[0060] Part of an external environment is notably visible through openings or glazing and is also integrated into this modeling of the passenger compartment, this external environment corresponding for example to an urban environment, a rural environment, a forest, a parking lot or even a garage.

[0061] The various virtual objects and environments belong, for example, to a virtual object library. Such a virtual object library is, for example, stored on a remote server accessible to the computer in charge of the process.

[0062] According to a particular embodiment, these virtual objects are customizable. Fourth data points represent custom parameters applicable to the modeling and belong to a dataset comprising: - a visibility index, - a transparency index, - une couleur, - une texture, - une taille, - une orientation, et - une position tridimensionnelle.

[0063] In a fourth operation, these fourth data are received by the computer in charge of the process, for example received from the HMI embedded in the vehicle.

[0064] According to a particular embodiment, occupant 100 selects and adjusts parameters associated with virtual objects via the HMI accessible from the passenger compartment 10, for example, through an interactive interface displayed on the touchscreen 13. Occupant 100 accesses various menus and options, allowing, for example, the selection of virtual objects present in the virtual passenger compartment and the definition of their appearance. For example, occupant 100 defines the type of upholstery, the color of the seat fabric associated with this upholstery, and the color of the seat belts. The occupant also defines the type of environment visible through the windows of the virtual objects; thus, for example, an urban landscape will appear through the door and trunk windows. Occupant 100 also places accessories in the virtual passenger compartment to make it less austere, for example, a pink teddy bear placed on the rear seat.Thus, the virtual cabin resembles the real cabin 10 or, on the contrary, incorporates fantasy according to the wishes of the occupant 100.

[0065] In a fifth operation, fifth data representing a second image of the virtual passenger compartment seen from a viewpoint corresponding to a The viewpoints of camera 11 are generated from the third and fourth data points. The second image thus corresponds to a synthetic image of the virtual passenger compartment as seen by a camera positioned in the same location as camera 11, which is looking at passenger compartment 10. This second image is obtained using any technique known to those skilled in the art for obtaining a synthetic image from a three-dimensional model. Such an operation is, for example, presented in the article "Image Synthesis" written by Pascal Guitton and published in October 2008.

[0066] According to a particular embodiment, in a sixth operation, lighting data is received, the generation of the fifth data point being further dependent on this lighting data. This lighting data makes it possible to generate shadows and modify the renderings associated with the textures of the virtual objects. The lighting data is, for example, defined by the occupant 100 via the HMI, or is determined, for example, by analysis of the first image or by a twilight sensor installed in the vehicle. Thus, the lighting data makes it possible to generate the second image with lighting similar to that present in the passenger compartment 10, giving the impression that the virtual passenger compartment is seen under the same lighting conditions as the passenger compartment 10 at the same time.

[0067] According to a particular embodiment, the second image has the same resolution and proportions as the first image. Thus, the first and second images have the same number of pixels; each pixel in the first image corresponds to a pixel in the second image with the same coordinates, and each pixel in the second image corresponds to a pixel in the first image with the same coordinates.

[0068] In a seventh operation, sixth data representing a third image are generated from the first, second and fifth data.

[0069] According to a particular embodiment, a pixel of the third image has the value: - a value associated with a pixel in the first image when the pixel in the third image is not included in the background mask, or - a value associated with a pixel of the second image when the pixel of the third image is included in the background mask.

[0070] More generally, the third image is the result of embedding the second image in the first image. Such a method is known to those skilled in the art and is presented in particular in the article "Effective methods for embedding virtual objects in image sequences", written by Gilles SIMON and Marie-Odile BERGER and published in 1999.

[0071] Thus, the occupant of the passenger compartment has a tool at his disposal allowing him to generate images representing him in a virtual passenger compartment, thereby guaranteeing the confidentiality of Data relating to the environment during a video conference. Indeed, a participant will see an image of the occupant on their own screen, the latter being seated in a vehicle interior that may be similar to the real one, but in which certain elements have been removed and replaced by virtual objects. The participant is therefore unable to see the actual vehicle interior but instead perceives a virtual interior customized by the occupant.

[0072] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a device 3 configured for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior for videoconferencing, for example, of the interior 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The device 3 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in a vehicle, for example, a computer.

[0073] Device 3 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite [Fig. 1] or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 2]. Examples of such a device 3 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, an electronic control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, a laptop, or a server. The elements of device 3, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 3 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0074] The device 3 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 30 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 3. The processor 30 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 3 further comprises at least one memory 31, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or includes a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0075] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored on memory 31.

[0076] According to various specific and non-limiting embodiments, the device 3 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (Telematic Control Unit), for example via a communication bus or through input ports / dedicated exit.

[0077] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 comprises a block 32 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 32 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: - radio frequency RF interface, for example of the Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or of the Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or of the Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French); - HDMI interface (from the English "High Definition Multimedia Interface", or "High Definition Multimedia Interface" in French); - LIN interface (from the English "Local Interconnect Network", or in French "Réseau interconnecté local").

[0078] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 includes a communication interface 33 which enables communication with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded system) via a communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds, for example, to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3) type.

[0079] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 340, touch or not, one or more speakers 350 and / or other peripherals 360 (projection system) via output interfaces 34, 35 and 36 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 4.

[0080] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of the different steps in a process for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior for videoconferencing, for example of the interior 10, according to a particular embodiment and not limiting of the present invention. The method is for example implemented by a computer embedded in the vehicle comprising the passenger compartment 10.

[0081] In a step 21, initial data representing a first image acquired by a camera 11 of the passenger compartment 10 are received. The first image represents a part of the passenger compartment 10 and an occupant 100 participating in the videoconference.

[0082] In a step 22, second data representing a background mask are determined from the first data, the background being associated with the part of the first image representing the passenger compartment.

[0083] In a step 23, third data representing a model of a virtual three-dimensional passenger compartment are received.

[0084] In a step 24, fourth representative data of custom parameters applicable to the modeling are received.

[0085] In a step 25, fifth data points representing a second image of the virtual passenger compartment are generated from the third and fourth data points. The virtual passenger compartment is viewed from a viewpoint corresponding to a viewpoint of the camera 11.

[0086] In a step 26, sixth data representing a third image are generated from the first, second and fifth data.

[0087] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to [Fig.1] apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.2].

Claims

Demands

1. A method for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior (10) for videoconferencing, said method comprising the following steps: - receiving (21) first data representing a first image acquired by a camera (11) of said interior (10), said first image representing a part of said interior (10) and an occupant (100) participating in said videoconference; - determining (22), from the first data, second data representing a background mask associated with said part of the first image representing said interior; - receiving (23) third data representing a three-dimensional virtual interior model; - receiving (24) fourth data representing personalized parameters applicable to said model;- generation (25) of fifth data representing a second image of said virtual cabin seen from a viewpoint corresponding to a viewpoint of the camera (11) from the third and fourth data; - generation (26) of sixth data representing a third image from the first, second and fifth data.;

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a pixel of the third image has the value: - a value associated with a pixel of the first image when the pixel of the third image is not included in the background mask, or - a value associated with a pixel of the second image when the pixel of the third image is included in the background mask.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said virtual cockpit comprises virtual objects from a virtual object library.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said virtual objects belong to a set of virtual objects comprising: - a window, - a roof, - a seat or bench, - a seat belt, - a light source, and - an accessory.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fourth data are received from a human-machine interface.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fourth data belong to a data set comprising: - a visibility index, - a transparency index, - a color, - a texture, - a size, - an orientation, and - a three-dimensional position.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising receiving lighting data, said generation of the fifth data further being a function of said lighting data.

8. A computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when such instructions are executed by a processor.

9. Device (3) for generating a personalized image of a vehicle interior (10) for video conferencing, said device (3) comprising a memory (31) associated with at least one processor (30) configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Vehicle comprising the device according to claim 9.

Images