Method and device for controlling a vehicle display system including an engine temperature monitoring system

Centralizing engine temperature monitoring on a touch screen through touch interactions addresses the complexity of vehicle interfaces, enhancing driver safety and reducing costs by providing intuitive access to engine temperature information.

FR3158292B1Active Publication Date: 2025-11-28STELLANTIS AUTO SAS +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024000249
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-11
Publication Date
2025-11-28
Estimated Expiration
2044-01-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The increasing complexity of vehicle interfaces due to numerous embedded systems and displays leads to degraded user experience and reduced driver attention, particularly when engine temperature information is displayed, posing safety risks.

Method used

A method and device for controlling a vehicle display system that centralizes engine temperature monitoring on a touch screen, allowing drivers to access additional information on demand through touch interactions, reducing the need for physical buttons and minimizing unwanted content display.

Benefits of technology

Improves driver alertness and safety by providing intuitive access to engine temperature information on a single screen, reducing manufacturing costs, and eliminating the need for physical buttons.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling a vehicle display system comprising an engine temperature monitoring system. To this end, a set of engine temperature indicators is displayed in a defined area of ​​a human-machine interface shown in a first zone of a touchscreen (13). Data representing a touch press on the displayed indicator light (21) is received. Graphic content (40) comprising a set of information relating to monitoring the vehicle's engine temperature is displayed in a second zone of the touchscreen (13), following the data reception. Figure 4 (for the abstract)
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Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a vehicle display system comprising an engine temperature monitoring system technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a display system in a vehicle, particularly, but not exclusively, a motor vehicle. The invention specifically relates to a method and device for controlling the display of information related to a vehicle's engine temperature or coolant temperature monitoring system. The invention also relates to a method and device for assisting with vehicle driving. Technological background

[0002] Contemporary vehicles include, for some of them, several screens to display information useful to the driver for driving the vehicle as well as comfort information, such as, for example, information to interact with the infotainment system, also called IVI system (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé"), of the vehicle.

[0003] Among these screens, it is known to include one or more LCD type screens (from the English "Liquid Crystal Display" or in French "Affichage à cristals liquide"), for example of type TFT (from the English "Thin-Film Transistor" or in French "Transistor en film mince"), or OLED (from the English "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "Diode électroluminescente organique").

[0004] The integration of such screens makes it possible, for example, to control, via a graphical Human-Machine Interface (HMI) displayed on such screens, the operating status of the systems on board the vehicle, for example AD AS systems (from the English "Advanced Driver-Assistance System" or in French "Système d'aide à la conduite avancé").

[0005] The increasing number of embedded systems in the vehicle and the proliferation of means for controlling these systems lead to a greater complexity in the vehicle's interface. This complexity arises when a user interacts with the embedded systems to control them, particularly with the proliferation of icons, displayed messages, and command shortcuts, the control and management of which are consequently complicated for the user. The user experience is thus degraded, and the driver's attention may be reduced when various messages are displayed on the vehicle's screen(s).

[0006] Thus, information relating to engine temperature displayed on a screen such as the dashboard of a vehicle can be confusing for the driver of a vehicle, and misreading or misinterpreting this information can affect the safety of the vehicle and its passengers. Summary of the present invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the user experience with respect to a vehicle engine temperature monitoring system.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle display system, the vehicle having an engine temperature monitoring system, the display system comprising a touch screen, the method being implemented by at least one processor and comprising the following steps: - receipt of initial data representative of a measurement of the vehicle's engine temperature from the engine temperature monitoring system; - control of display of a set of engine temperature indicators in a determined content of a human-machine interface, known as HMI, displayed in a first area of ​​the touch screen according to the first data; - reception of second data representative of a first touch press on an engine temperature indicator from the set of engine temperature indicators; - control of display of graphic content including representative information of monitoring vehicle engine temperature following the reception of the second data, the graphic content being displayed in a second area of ​​the touch screen.

[0010] The direct use of an engine temperature indicator (e.g., a temperature warning light or indicator and / or a temperature gauge) to request the display of additional content related to the engine temperature monitoring system, such as the current measured temperature, a history of measured temperatures, a warning message, etc., allows the driver to obtain additional information on demand by simply touching the temperature indicator. This reduces the unintended display of content not desired by the driver, who controls the display of this content on demand. Furthermore, all the content is displayed on a single screen, which facilitates access to information and minimizes the time spent searching for it. This improves driver alertness, as well as the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

[0011] Centralizing controls on a single screen also eliminates the need for physical buttons to control the temperature monitoring system engine, which reduces vehicle design and manufacturing costs.

[0012] According to one variant, the engine temperature indicator set comprises: - a first indicator corresponding to an engine temperature gauge; and - a second indicator corresponding to an engine temperature warning light.

[0013] According to another variant, the graphic content corresponds to a first graphic content comprising a first graphic object representing a numerical value of the engine temperature measurement when the first touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold on the first indicator.

[0014] According to yet another variant, the process further comprises the following steps: - receiving third data representative of a first touch scan on a part of the first graphic content; - control of display of a second graphic content in replacement of the first graphic content following the reception of the third data, the second graphic content including a first diagram representing a history of engine temperature measurements of the vehicle.

[0015] According to a further variant, the process further comprises the following steps: - reception of fourth data points representing a second touch scan on a part of the second graphic content; - control of display of a third graphic content in replacement of the second graphic content following the reception of the fourth data, the third graphic content comprising a second diagram representing a forecast of a temporal evolution of the vehicle's engine temperature, the forecast being determined according to a set of vehicle operating parameters including a first parameter representing a driving time, a second parameter representing the vehicle's speed and a third parameter representing a coolant level.

[0016] According to yet another variant, the method further includes a step of receiving fifth data representing a request to display the second indicator initiated by a user of the vehicle, the display of the second indicator being triggered by the reception of the fifth data, the graphic content corresponding to a fourth graphic content comprising a second graphic object representing a numerical value of the engine temperature measurement and / or the first indicator when the first touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold on the second indicator.

[0017] According to an additional variant, the process further comprises a step of reception of sixth data representing a detection of an exceedance of a threshold temperature by the measurement of the engine temperature, the display of the second indicator being triggered by the reception of the sixth data, the graphic content corresponding to a fifth graphic content including a text message when the first touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold on the second indicator.

[0018] According to another variant, the method further comprises the following steps: - receiving seventh data representing a second touch press on the engine temperature indicator of the engine temperature indicator set; - control of the end of display of the graphic content following the receipt of the seventh data point.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle display system, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0020] 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 or a system as described above according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a trans medium A signal such as an electrical or optical signal, which can 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.

[0026] 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

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the particular and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 11, in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates part of a vehicle's passenger compartment, according to a example of a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a display device for the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a first particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the vehicle display device of [Fig.1], according to a second particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle in [Fig.1], according to a third particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the vehicle display device of [Fig.1], according to a fourth particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates the vehicle display device of [Fig.1], according to a fifth particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle in [Fig.1], according to a sixth particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates the vehicle display device of [Fig.1], according to a seventh particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle in [Fig.1], according to an eighth particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [Fig. 10] illustrates a device configured to control a vehicle display system of [Fig. 1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] [Fig. 11] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a process for controlling a vehicle display system of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0039] A method and a control device for a vehicle display system will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 11. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the following description.

[0040] 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.

[0041] According to a particular and non-limiting example of an embodiment of the present invention, the control of a display system embedded in a vehicle is, for example, implemented by one or more computers of the vehicle, for example via one or more processors.

[0042] To this end, the display of one or more engine temperature indicators is controlled so that this or these indicators are displayed in a specific area of ​​a human-machine interface (HMI), shown in a primary zone of a touchscreen display in the vehicle's display system. The temperature indicator corresponds, for example, to a temperature warning light or indicator, or a temperature gauge. The temperature indicator(s) are displayed, for example, on a specific page of the HMI, corresponding, for example, to the home screen or the default screen of the HMI. This indicator provides an indication of the engine temperature of the vehicle, obtained from initial data received from a sensor in the vehicle's engine temperature monitoring system.

[0043] Second data representing a touch press on one of the displayed indicators, i.e. on the temperature gauge or on the temperature indicator, are received from the touch interface, for example when a user makes a touch press on the touch screen at the display location of the engine temperature indicator.

[0044] Following the receipt of the second data, the computer controls the display of graphic content including information relating to the monitoring or control of the vehicle's engine temperature in a second area of ​​the touch screen.

[0045] Such a method makes it possible to control, via a voluntary action, the display of a A set of graphical content including information related to the vehicle's engine temperature.

[0046] A vehicle engine temperature monitoring system is a system configured to measure and monitor a temperature representative of the temperature in the vehicle's engine, this temperature corresponding, for example, to the temperature of the vehicle's coolant. Measuring such a temperature allows for the display of a current engine temperature reading, for example via a temperature gauge, and / or the issuance of an alert (via the temperature warning light) if the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature (the threshold temperature being, for example, 110 °C). The temperature measurement is obtained from a temperature sensor or probe positioned in the engine's cooling circuit, for example at the cylinder head. The probe is associated with a control unit, which, together with the probe, forms the engine temperature monitoring system.Such a probe includes, for example, 2 wires; the temperature measurement is obtained by measuring the voltage across the 2 wires, which voltage is, for example, equal to 5 V when the temperature is equal to the ambient temperature (of the atmosphere in which the vehicle is located when the vehicle is started), the voltage decreasing as the temperature of the coolant increases.

[0047] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Vehicle 10 corresponds, for example, to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine or to a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. Vehicle 10 thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the vehicle 10 corresponds to an electric vehicle with only one or more electric motors, excluding any internal combustion engine. According to this embodiment, the temperature representing the temperature in the vehicle's motor corresponds to the temperature in the traction battery, such a temperature being obtained, for example, from a BMS (Battery Management System) associated with or included in the traction battery of the vehicle 10.

[0050] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a display system comprising a touchscreen 13 and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) from a graphic HMI on the touchscreen 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 10.

[0051] The touch screen 13 corresponds for example to an LCD type screen (from the English "Liquid Crystal Display" or in French "Affichage à cristals liquide"), for example of type TFT (from the English "Thin-Film Transistor" or in French "Transistor en film mince"), or OLED (from the English "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "Diode électroluminescente organique").

[0052] The touchscreen 13 is configured to display content for the driver and passengers of the vehicle 10. The touchscreen 13 is also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle to interact with one or more systems embedded in the vehicle via a human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on the touchscreen 13. For example, the screen 13 is configured to interact with the IVI system and / or an engine temperature monitoring system of the vehicle 10.

[0053] According to a particular embodiment, the display system includes one or more other screens, for example a screen of a device or system called a head-up display, corresponding for example to a transparent or semi-transparent blade arranged in such a way that a driver sitting in the seat 15 sees the content displayed or projected onto the transparent blade when the driver is driving the vehicle 10. The display system further includes, for example, a display screen called a combination or instrument panel and generally arranged in an area 12 behind the steering wheel 14 in the dashboard 11.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment, the display system including the touch screen 13 is for example provided or configured to reduce the number of screens present in the vehicle 10, allowing for example the removal of the display screen(s) called instrument cluster or instrument panel.

[0055] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 carries one or more embedded systems, each controlled by one or more computers. These computers, together with the IVI computer, form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for providing various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle 10 via the control of the embedded system(s) in the vehicle 10.Computers 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.

[0056] An embedded system in the vehicle 10 corresponds to a monitoring system of the vehicle's engine temperature 10.

[0057] A control process for an on-board display system in the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors of the display system, for example by a computer of an on-board system of the vehicle 10 such as the IVI system.

[0058] A first method of implementing the display control process is described below in support of Figures 2, 4, 5 and 6.

[0059] A second mode of implementation of the display control process is described below in support of Figures 3, 7, 8 and 9.

[0060] The first method of implementing the process and the second method of implementing the process are executed independently of each other or in combination, as described below.

[0061] In a first operation of the process according to the first implementation mode and according to the second implementation mode, first data representative of a measurement of the vehicle's engine temperature are received by the computer implementing the process from the engine temperature monitoring system, for example from the computer controlling such a system via one or more data buses.

[0062] The temperature measurement is carried out continuously or discretely, the temperature information being transmitted via the first data continuously or at regular intervals (for example every 100, 2500, 500 or 1000 ms).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first data are transmitted only when the measured temperature exceeds the threshold temperature for displaying an alert via the display of a temperature indicator (or light) such as indicator 31 illustrated in [Fig.3], indicator 31 being for example red in such a case.

[0064] In a second operation of the process according to the first implementation mode and according to the second implementation mode, the display of a set of temperature indicators is controlled in such a way that this set of temperature indicators is displayed on the touch screen 13 in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, which content is displayed on the touch screen 13.

[0065] The displayed content includes, for example, a set of information useful to the driver for ensuring the control and supervision of the vehicle 10. The set of information includes, for example, the instantaneous speed of the vehicle 10 when the latter is in a driving or traffic phase, i.e. in motion, driven by the engine of the vehicle 10, a rev counter, the remaining range (expressed for example in kms), the distance traveled, a volume or level of fuel remaining in the tank, etc.

[0066] The temperature indicator set comprises one or more temperature indicators, namely: - a first indicator corresponding to an engine temperature gauge; and / or - a second indicator corresponding to an engine temperature warning light.

[0067] According to the first embodiment, the temperature indicator corresponds to the first indicator 21 as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0068] According to the second embodiment, the temperature indicator corresponds to the second indicator 31 as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first indicator 21 and the second indicator 31 are displayed simultaneously, the color of the second indicator 31 varying for example depending on whether the temperature is below or above the threshold temperature.

[0070] Fig. 2 illustrates a result of the display control of the temperature indicator corresponding to the first indicator 21 on the touch screen 13, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment.

[0071] The first indicator 21 corresponds to a temperature gauge, that is, a temperature scale indicating the current engine temperature when it falls within the temperature range associated with the scale (for example, between a minimum temperature of 50 °C and a maximum temperature of 130 °C). The current temperature is indicated, for example, by an arrow or a needle pointing to the current temperature value and / or by a color code (ranging from blue to red via orange, with blue associated with the lowest temperatures (for example, below 70 °C), orange with nominal temperatures (for example, between 70 and 110 °C), and red with the highest temperatures (for example, above 110 °C)). Other graphical representations are, of course, possible and covered by the present invention.

[0072] The temperature indication via the temperature gauge is generally approximate.

[0073] Fig. 3 illustrates a result of the display control of the temperature indicator corresponding to the second indicator 31 on the touch screen 13, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment.

[0074] The second indicator 31 corresponds for example to a pictogram representing a thermometer immersed in a liquid.

[0075] A display control for a temperature indicator, graphic content, or any graphic object (text, pictogram, icon, etc.) includes rendering the graphic content or graphic object, such rendering corresponding to a set of operations performed by one or more processors on the pixels of one or more images of the graphic content to be displayed on the screen 13. For example, rendering consists of associating pixel data (by example of color data expressed in an RGB type space (from the English "Red, Green, Blue" or in French "rouge, vert, bleu") associated with each graphic object.

[0076] The display control of the first indicator 21 and / or the second indicator 31 thus includes the transmission of control signals to the touch screen to modify the values ​​associated with the pixels of the touch screen 13 at the location intended to display the first indicator 21 and / or the second indicator 31 (or any graphic object).

[0077] The display of the first indicator 21 and / or the second indicator 31 is controlled so that this or these indicators are displayed in a first determined area of ​​the touch screen 13. According to the particular example of Figures 2 and 3, the first area corresponds to an area located at the bottom right of the screen 13, according to the point of view of a person looking at the screen 13 from a front seat of the vehicle 10 for example.

[0078] According to the first implementation mode of the process, second data representing a first touch 201 on the first indicator 21 are received, following a touch 201 by a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the first indicator 21 in a third operation of the process.

[0079] The second data are representative of a first touch 301 on the second indicator 31 are received according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0080] A touch press on the first indicator 21 and / or on the second indicator 31 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements one or more functions associated with the command corresponding to the touch press.

[0081] The second data representing the touch press are received for example via one or more data buses linking the touch interface of the screen (or a computer controlling such a touch interface where applicable) and the IVI computer.

[0082] In a fourth operation of the process, the IVI computer controls the display of graphic content including one or more pieces of information representative of monitoring the engine temperature of the vehicle 10. The control of displaying the graphic content is triggered, for example, by the reception of the second data.

[0083] The fourth operation includes, for example, the transmission of a request by the IVI computer to the computer controlling the engine temperature monitoring system, via one or more data buses, to receive the information necessary for displaying the graphic content.

[0084] The graphic content belongs to a set of graphic content, specific examples of which are described below with reference to Figures 3 to 9. The graphic content is displayed in a second area of ​​the touchscreen 13, which is, for example, different from the first area comprising the first indicator 21 and / or the second indicator 31. According to one variant of the embodiment, the first zone and the second zone overlap at least partially.

[0085] According to a particular and illustrative embodiment, the second area is located in the center of the touch screen 13.

[0086] According to a particular example, the graphic content is displayed, for example, in a window occupying part of the display area of ​​screen 13 and corresponding to the second area, this window corresponding, for example, to a pop-up window, also called an intrusive or pop-up window. This window is displayed, for example, next to the first area, for example centered on the screen (around the center of screen 13).

[0087] According to the first implementation mode of the process, the graphic content corresponds to a first graphic content 40 as illustrated in [Fig.4], the display of this first graphic content being triggered by the reception of the second data representing the first touch press 201 on the first indicator 21.

[0088] The first graphic content 40 is displayed under the control of the computer in charge of the process when the second data are representative of a touch press 201 said to be brief, that is to say whose duration of pressing on the first indicator 21 is less than a threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms).

[0089] The first graphic content 40 includes a first graphic object 41 representing a numerical value of the engine temperature measurement, for example the current engine temperature value measured during the first touch press 201. The numerical value corresponds for example to an integer followed by the unit of temperature, the unit corresponding for example to degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F), depending for example on the choice of the driver.

[0090] The display color of the numerical value is fixed or the color varies according to the displayed numerical value (for example the color varies from blue (or green) to red through orange according to the numerical value, blue (or green) being used for temperatures below a first threshold, red for temperatures above a second threshold and orange for temperatures between the first threshold and the second threshold).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the first graphic object 41 further comprises a ring or circular rungs surrounding at least partially the numerical value, the color of the ring or rungs varying from left to right to go for example from blue (or green) to red via orange, the ring or rungs being activated to represent the temperature by the associated color.

[0092] According to another variant, the first graphic content 40 further includes a text message, for example displayed below the first graphic object 41, to specify the nature of the engine temperature, for example to specify whether it is the water temperature (or coolant temperature) or the traction battery temperature (for an electric or hybrid vehicle).

[0093] Thus, the first touch press 201 allows the engine temperature to be displayed accurately and readably by the driver whenever he wishes.

[0094] In an additional operation of the process according to the first embodiment, third data representing a first touch scan 401 on a part of the first graphic content 40 are received following the execution of a touch scan at the display location of the first graphic content 40 on the screen 13 by the driver (or a passenger) of the vehicle 10.

[0095] A touch scan corresponds to a continuous and prolonged touch press of one (or more) finger on a part of the screen 13, the continuous and prolonged touch press forming a trace of a segment (from 1 to several centimeters for example), the segment being for example horizontal (as represented by arrow 401 on [Fig.4]), or even vertical or oblique.

[0096] Following the reception of the third data, the display of a second graphic content 50 is controlled so that the second graphic content 50 is displayed in the second area, replacing the first graphic content 40.

[0097] The second graphical content 50 is illustrated in [Fig. 5], according to a particular example. This second graphical content 50 advantageously comprises a first diagram 51 representing a history of the engine temperature of the vehicle 10, that is to say, a curve 51 representing the evolution of the temperature as a function of time over a time interval preceding the first touch press 201. The engine temperature history represents, for example, the temporal evolution of the engine temperature from the last engine start preceding the first touch press 201 up to the time instant corresponding to the first touch press 201.

[0098] In an additional operation of the process according to the first embodiment, fourth data representing a second touch scan 501 on a part of the second graphic content 50 are received following the execution of a touch scan at the display location of the second graphic content 50 on the screen 13 by the driver (or a passenger) of the vehicle 10.

[0099] Following the reception of the fourth data, the display of a third graphic content 60 is controlled so that the third graphic content 60 is displayed in the second zone, replacing the second graphic content 50.

[0100] The third graphical content 60 is illustrated in [Fig. 6], according to a particular example. This third graphical content 60 advantageously comprises a second diagram 61 representing a prediction of a temporal evolution of the vehicle's engine temperature, that is to say, one or more curves 61 representing a or several possible temporal evolutions over a forecast or projection period equal to a few hours following the current moment or following the moment associated with the first touch press 201.

[0101] Each temperature forecast is, for example, determined from a set of vehicle operating parameters 10, comprising a first parameter representing driving time (e.g., the duration of continuous vehicle use or continuous use exceeding a threshold), a second parameter representing vehicle speed (e.g., average speed, maximum speed, percentage of driving at a speed exceeding a threshold), and a third parameter representing the coolant level. The forecasts are calculated or determined from predetermined rules or nomograms, taking the parameter values ​​as input.

[0102] The third graphic content 60 further includes, for example, a text message 62 (for example, displayed in a designated area below the second diagram 61). The text message 62 includes, for example, text informing the driver of a risk associated with the predicted engine temperature evolution, for example, a risk of overheating, optionally with the action(s) to be taken to reduce the risk. The text corresponds, for example, to the following message: "Risk of engine overheating if coolant is not topped up before XXX km," with 'XXX' indicating the distance in km.

[0103] According to the first implementation mode of the process, the reception of data (called seventh data) representing a second touch press on the first indicator 21 leads to the control of the end of the display of the first graphic content 40, the second graphic content 50 or the third graphic content 60 depending on the graphic content displayed on the screen 13 at the time of the second touch press.

[0104] The second touch press corresponds for example to a short or brief touch press whose duration is less than the threshold duration described above, just like the first touch press 201.

[0105] The content then displayed on the screen 13 following the second touch press and the control of the end of display of the first, second or third graphic content corresponds to the graphic content displayed on the screen 13 at the moment of the first touch press 201 on the first indicator 21.

[0106] According to the second implementation mode of the process, the display of the second indicator 31 is triggered by: - the reception of fifth data points representing a request to display the second indicator initiated by a user of vehicle 10, for example by the driver of vehicle 10; the fifth data points are obtained, for example, from a voice-controlled human-machine interaction system, the driver having requested displaying the second indicator 31 by voice command; or - the reception of sixth data representing the detection of an exceedance of a threshold temperature (for example 105, 110 or 115 °C) by the measurement of the engine temperature, i.e. when the engine temperature measured by the engine temperature monitoring system exceeds the threshold temperature, the sixth data being representative of an alert of risk of overheating of the vehicle engine 10.

[0107] According to the second implementation of the process, the graphic content corresponds to a fourth graphic content 70 comprising a second graphic object 71 representing a numerical value of the engine temperature measurement and / or the first indicator 21 when the first touch 301 on the second indicator 31 displayed following the reception of the fifth data corresponds to a short or brief touch, that is to say a touch of a duration less than the threshold described previously.

[0108] Fig. 7 illustrates the fourth graphic content 70 comprising the second graphic object 71, which second graphic object 71 corresponds for example to the first graphic object 41 described previously opposite Fig. 4.

[0109] According to the example in [Fig.7], the fourth graphic content 70 is identical or similar to the first graphic content 40.

[0110] Figure 8 illustrates the display of the first indicator 21 following the reception of the fifth data point. The first indicator 21 is displayed, for example, when the temperature gauge is not displayed by default on the screen 13. The first touch 301 on the second indicator 31, the display of which was requested by the vehicle user 10, then triggers the display of the first indicator 21 representing the temperature gauge to provide the user, for example the driver, with an indication of the current engine temperature, i.e., at the moment of the first touch 301.

[0111] According to another example, the representation of the temperature gauge is different from that of the first indicator 21 and corresponds, for example, to a mechanical representation of a needle gauge, which representation is, for example, displayed in the center of the screen in place of the second graphic object 71.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the fourth graphic content 70 comprises the second graphic object 71 and the first indicator 21 displayed simultaneously on the screen 13.

[0113] According to this second mode of implementation of the process, the reception of data (called seventh data) representing a second touch press 701 or 801 on the second indicator 31 leads to the control of the end of the display of the fourth graphic content 70 on the screen 13.

[0114] The second touch press corresponds, for example, to a short or brief touch press whose duration is less than the threshold duration described above, just like the first touch press 301.

[0115] The content then displayed on the screen 13 following the second touch press and the control of the end of display of the fourth graphic content 70 corresponds to the graphic content displayed on the screen 13 at the moment of the first touch press 301 on the second indicator 31.

[0116] According to a particular embodiment, the second touch press also causes the display of the second indicator 31 to end, the display of the second indicator 31 having been requested by a command from the user of the vehicle 10. According to a variant, the display of the second indicator 31 ends following a long touch press on the second indicator 31, i.e. a touch press of a duration greater than the threshold duration defined previously and for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms.

[0117] According to the second implementation mode of the process, the graphic content corresponds to a fifth graphic content 90 comprising a text message 92 when the first touch press 301 corresponds to a brief touch press of a duration less than the threshold described previously, the second indicator 31 having been displayed following the reception of the sixth data, i.e. automatically under the control of the computer in charge of the process when an engine overheating has been detected.

[0118] Fig. 9 illustrates such a fifth graphic content 90 according to a particular implementation example of the invention.

[0119] Text message 92 corresponds, for example, to the message automatically displayed under the control of the control unit when engine overheating has been detected, i.e., when the measured engine temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. Such a message is automatically displayed each time the threshold temperature is exceeded, with the display being of limited duration (for example, 2 or 3 seconds).

[0120] Tapping the second indicator displayed allows the warning message to be displayed once it has disappeared. This allows the driver, for example, to reread the message to understand why the second indicator 31 was automatically displayed. The message might be something like: "abnormal coolant temperature," displayed in black letters on a red background.

[0121] According to a particular embodiment, the fifth graphic content 90 further includes a pictogram or graphic object 91 corresponding to the pictogram of the second indicator 31, for example of a size greater than that of the second indicator 31.

[0122] Graphic object 91 is, for example, displayed below or above the message 91.

[0123] The display of the fifth graphic content 90 is controlled so that the display time of the fifth graphic content is limited in time, for example equal to 2, 3, 5 or 10 seconds (the display time being for example configurable by a user via an HMI).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the end of the display of the graphic content 90 is controlled following the reception of data (called seventh data) representative of a second touch press 901, for example a short touch press, on the second indicator 31, the fifth graphic content 90 remaining displayed on the screen 133 as long as the user has not clicked on the second indicator 31. According to this embodiment, the second indicator 31 remains displayed on the screen despite the second touch press 901.

[0125] According to a particular embodiment, the control of the end of display of a displayed graphic content is triggered following a touch press on an icon (for example a cross) displayed on a part of the graphic content, for example in an upper right or left corner of the display area of ​​the graphic content in question.

[0126] Figure 10 schematically illustrates a device 100 configured for controlling a vehicle display system, for example, the vehicle 10, and / or for controlling functions implemented by an engine temperature monitoring system of the vehicle, according to specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. The device 100 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in the vehicle 10, for example, a computer.

[0127] The device 100 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 to 9 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 11]. Examples of such a device 100 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, or a laptop computer. The elements of the device 100, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device 100 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0128] The device 100 includes one (or more) processor(s) 101 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 100. The processor 100 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 100 further includes at least one memory 102 corresponding for example to volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or includes a memory storage device which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0129] 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 102.

[0130] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 100 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 dedicated input / output ports.

[0131] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 100 includes a block 104 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of block 104 include 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").

[0132] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 100 includes a communication interface 104 which enables communication with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded system) via a communication channel 1040. The communication interface 104 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 1040. The communication interface 104 corresponds, for example, to a wired CAN (Controller Area Network) or CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate) type network. flexible data rate controllers”), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0133] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 100 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 1050, touch or not, one or more speakers 1060 and / or other peripherals 1070 (projection system) via output interfaces 105, 106 and 107 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 100.

[0134] Figure 11 illustrates a flowchart of the various steps in a method for controlling a display system embedded in a vehicle, for example vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by a device embedded in vehicle 10 or by device 100 of Figure 10, in particular by one or more processors of such device 100.

[0135] In a first step 111, initial data representative of a measurement of the vehicle's engine temperature are received from the engine temperature monitoring system.

[0136] In a second step 112, the display of a set of vehicle engine temperature indicators is controlled so that this set of engine temperature indicators is displayed in a determined content of a human-machine interface, referred to as HMI, displayed in a first area of ​​the touch screen.

[0137] In a third step 113, second data representing a touch press on an engine temperature indicator from the set of engine temperature indicators are received.

[0138] In a fourth step 114, the display of graphic content including representative information for monitoring the vehicle's engine temperature is controlled so that the graphic content is displayed in a second area of ​​the touch screen, following the receipt of the second data.

[0139] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of Figures 1 to 9 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig. 11].

[0140] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying one or more indicators and graphic content representative of an engine temperature monitoring system, which would include secondary steps without departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0141] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle or more generally an autonomous land-based motor vehicle, comprising the device 100 of [Fig. 10] or a display system comprising device 100 of [Fig. 10] connected in communication to a touch screen 13.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for controlling a display system of a vehicle (10), said vehicle (10) having an engine temperature monitoring system (10), said display system comprising a touch screen (13), said method being implemented by at least one processor and comprising the following steps: - receiving (111) first data representing a measurement of the engine temperature of said vehicle (10) from said engine temperature monitoring system; - controlling (112) the display of a set of engine temperature indicators in a determined content of a human-machine interface, said HMI, displayed in a first area of ​​said touch screen (13) according to said first data; - receiving (113) second data representing a first touch press (201, 301) on an engine temperature indicator (21, 31) of said set of engine temperature indicators;- control (114) of displaying graphic content (40, 50, 60, 70, 90) including representative information on monitoring the engine temperature of said vehicle (10) following the receipt (113) of said second data, said graphic content (40, 50, 60, 70, 90) being displayed in a second area of ​​said touch screen (13).;

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said engine temperature indicator assembly comprises: - a first indicator (21) corresponding to an engine temperature gauge; and - a second indicator (31) corresponding to an engine temperature warning light.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein said graphic content corresponds to a first graphic content (40) comprising a first graphic object (41) representing a numerical value of said engine temperature measurement when said first touch press (201) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold on said first indicator.

4. Method according to claim 3, further comprising the following steps: - receiving third data representative of a first touch scan (401) on a part of said first graphic content (40); - control of display of a second graphic content (50) in replacement of said first graphic content (40) following the reception of said third data, said second graphic content (50) comprising a first diagram (51) representative of a history of engine temperature measurements of said vehicle (10).

5. A method according to claim 4, further comprising the following steps: - receiving fourth data representing a second touch scan (501) on a part of said second graphic content (50); - display control of a third graphic content (60) in place of said second graphic content (50) following the receipt of said fourth data, said third graphic content (60) comprising a second diagram (61) representing a prediction of a temporal evolution of the engine temperature of said vehicle (10), said prediction being determined as a function of a set of operating parameters of said vehicle comprising a first parameter representing a driving time, a second parameter representing the speed of said vehicle and a third parameter representing a coolant level.

6. A method according to claim 2, further comprising a step of receiving fifth data representing a request to display said second indicator (31) initiated by a user of said vehicle (10), the display of the second indicator (31) being triggered by the reception of said fifth data, said graphic content corresponding to a fourth graphic content (70) comprising a second graphic object (71) representing a numerical value of said engine temperature measurement and / or said first indicator (21) when said first touch press (301) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold on said second indicator (31).

7. A method according to claim 2, further comprising a step of receiving sixth data points representing the detection of an exceedance of a threshold temperature by said engine temperature measurement, the display of the second indicator (31) being triggered by the reception of said sixth data points, said graphic content corresponding to a fifth graphic content (90) comprising a text message (91) when said first touch press (301) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold on said second indicator (31).

8. Method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: - receiving seventh data representing a second touch press on said engine temperature indicator of said set of engine temperature indicators; - end control of said graphic content display following the receipt of said seventh data.

9. Device (100) for controlling a vehicle display system, said device (100) comprising a memory (102) associated with at least one processor (101) configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (100) according to claim 9.