Device and method for collaborative communication within a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising several seats (12, 12A, 12B) adapted to accommodate several passengers (2, 2A, 2B), and an embedded computer system (10) adapted to communicate with mobile devices (20A, 20B) belonging to the passengers. According to the invention, the embedded computer system is programmed to communicate exchange data from information transmitted by a second mobile device to a first mobile device. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device and method for collaborative communication within a motor vehicle Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the exchange of digital data within a motor vehicle.

[0002] It relates more particularly to a data exchange process and a motor vehicle adapted to implement such a process.

[0003] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the context of multiplayer games. State of the art

[0004] In the field of motor transport, an increasing number of passengers wish to use their own mobile devices (especially smartphones) for entertainment and communication.

[0005] When they wish to interact, whether simply to exchange data or to entertain themselves together, the current solution is to connect to the same server outside the vehicle, via a 4G or 5G type mobile telephone network.

[0006] This solution therefore only works if the connection to this mobile telephone network is stable, which may limit its use in certain geographical areas and on certain vehicles (especially airplanes). Presentation of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an innovative data exchange system, usable in a motor vehicle and which is not dependent on the quality of a mobile telephone network.

[0008] More particularly, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising several seats adapted to accommodate several passengers, and an embedded computer system which is adapted to communicate with mobile devices belonging to the passengers and which is programmed to communicate to a first of the mobile devices exchange data from information emitted by a second of the mobile devices.

[0009] A method of communication between an embedded computer system of a motor vehicle and mobile devices belonging to passengers located in the motor vehicle is also proposed, in which the embedded computer system communicates to a first of the mobile devices exchange data from information emitted by a second of the mobile devices.

[0010] The invention therefore proposes to solve the problem of stable connection by creating a local network between mobile devices. This local network is unique in that it is managed by the vehicle's computer system. The communication protocol used thus provides for the process to take place partly on the vehicle's computer system and partly on the mobile devices.

[0011] Thus, passengers can use their own devices (smartphone, tablet...) to communicate with each other or with the vehicle's computer system.

[0012] Communication between passenger devices is therefore via the vehicle's on-board computer system, which offers many advantages.

[0013] The first advantage is that the quality of this communication is independent of the quality of the mobile telephone network.

[0014] The second advantage is that this communication can take place within a proprietary protocol, which, for example, eliminates the need for tedious individual device configuration and authentication steps. Indeed, this communication occurs within a restricted environment, namely inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, thus limiting potential problems.

[0015] Since the protocol is limited to restricted use, it can be developed in such a way as to be easily open to any type of device (of any brand), without requiring the purchase of specific equipment, which would otherwise limit its adoption by passengers.

[0016] It can also be developed so as to be usable as soon as several passengers are detected inside the vehicle (whether the vehicle's engine is off or on).

[0017] It can finally be developed in such a way as to allow passengers to communicate with the on-board computer system to interact with the various functionalities offered by the vehicle (air conditioning, music...).

[0018] Preferably, before communicating said exchange data, the embedded computer system is programmed to execute a mobile device connection protocol.

[0019] Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the process according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: - before communicating the said exchange data, the embedded computer system executes a mobile device connection protocol; - the connection protocol includes a step of broadcasting connection data packets at regular intervals, and a step of receiving a connection request issued in return by each mobile device; - the information emitted by the second device is filtered by the embedded computer system, according to its format; - the data contains instructions for a game.

[0020] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0021] The following description with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0022] On the attached drawings:

[0023] [Fig-1] is a schematic top view of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle in accordance with the invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] is a chronological graph illustrating different stages of connection of two mobile devices to an embedded computer system of the motor vehicle of the [Fig.1];

[0025] [Fig.3] is a chronological graph illustrating different stages of data exchange between the two devices via the embedded computer system of the motor vehicle in [Fig.1].

[0026] In [Fig.1], a motor vehicle 1 is shown.

[0027] This motor vehicle could be of any type (car, train, bus, truck, boat, airplane, etc.). Here, it will be considered a road vehicle. Preferably, it will be a vehicle with between 3 and 9 seats. In practice, it will be a car.

[0028] This motor vehicle 1 comprises a chassis and bodywork elements which together define a passenger compartment IA.

[0029] In [Fig.1], the interior of this passenger compartment IA is more precisely represented, with six seats 12, 12A, 12B accommodating six passengers 2, 2A, 2B. One of these seats accommodates a particular passenger 2, namely the driver.

[0030] In the remainder of the description, the term "passenger" will preferably apply exclusively to the other occupants of the vehicle, and not to the driver, for safety reasons.

[0031] Here, each of the passengers 2A, 2B is equipped with his own mobile device 20A, 20B.

[0032] A mobile device 20A, 20B means a portable computing device (i.e. that the passenger can take outside the motor vehicle 1) which includes a Human-Machine interface, namely preferably a display screen.

[0033] This mobile device 20A, 20B could take various forms. It could typically be a mobile phone or a tablet computer. Alternatively, it could also be a smartwatch, smart glasses, or even a virtual reality or augmented reality headset.

[0034] It should be noted in this regard that the same passenger may be equipped with several mobile devices.

[0035] For its part, the motor vehicle 1 generally includes several on-board computer systems, for example for the management of the powertrain, for comfort systems (air conditioning, electric seats, electric windows, lighting, tire pressure), for safety (anti-lock braking system, stability control, airbags, cruise control...), and for infotainment (car radio, navigation, telephony, voice assistant, internet connectivity, data display...).

[0036] Of course, alternatively, all these embedded computer systems could be combined into a single system.

[0037] In the following, we will consider more specifically one of these embedded computer systems, namely the infotainment system (simply referred to as "embedded computer system 10" in the remainder of this description).

[0038] This embedded computer system 10 includes at least one processor, at least one memory, input and output interfaces, and a display screen.

[0039] Thanks to its memory, the system stores a computer application, consisting of computer programs including instructions whose execution by the processor allows the implementation of different processes, including the process described below.

[0040] Thanks to its interfaces, the embedded computer system 10 is adapted to communicate with the peripherals with the other computer systems of the vehicle.

[0041] For its communication with the other computer systems of the vehicle, it preferably uses a wired network, for example a CAN-BUS type network.

[0042] For its communication with the mobile devices 20A, 20B, it uses a wireless communication network.

[0043] Preferably, this will be a short-range network (less than one kilometer). Furthermore, it will preferably be a low-power network (preferably at least half the power of Bluetooth).

[0044] This could typically be a "Bluetooth Low Energy" technology, sometimes called "Bluetooth Smart". It is worth noting here that this technology uses very short intervals to transfer small packets of data and goes into standby mode between transfers, which considerably reduces energy consumption compared to classic Bluetooth technology.

[0045] Of course, other technologies could alternatively be used, provided that they allow bidirectional data exchange (typically the WIFI communication protocol governed by the standards of the IEEE 802.11 group - ISO / IEC 8802-11).

[0046] The invention then consists of using this wireless communication network within the AI ​​cabin of the motor vehicle, to make the mobile devices 20A, 20B of the passengers 2A, 2B communicate with each other.

[0047] It thus allows at least some of the passengers 2A, 2B to interact with each other using their mobile devices 20A, 20B, even in the absence of a long-range mobile phone network (such as 4G, 5G or equivalent). It also allows them to interact with the on-board computer system 10.

[0048] The idea is thus to implement an application (hereinafter referred to as "collaborative service") which runs simultaneously on the embedded computer system 10 and on the mobile devices 20A, 20B of the passengers 20A, 20B. This application is therefore intended to be distributed in several locations (on the embedded computer system 10 and on the mobile devices 20A, 20B).

[0049] In this context, the embedded computer system 10 is responsible for managing the connection protocol of the mobile devices 20A, 20B of the passengers 2A, 2B, for managing the exchange of data between the mobile devices 20A, 20B as well as between each device and the embedded computer system 10, for filtering the data from the mobile devices 20A, 20B (for example in order to exclude those whose format is not considered valid), and more generally for coordinating the operation of the collaborative service.

[0050] For their part, the mobile devices 20A, 20B are responsible for identifying the availability of a collaborative service offered by the on-board computer system 10, executing the connection protocol (preferably without action on the part of the passengers), providing the information required to the on-board computer system 10, and more generally making this collaborative service available to the passengers.

[0051] In practice, the process can proceed as follows.

[0052] First of all, the embedded computer system 10 is started (preliminary step S10 in [Fig. 2]). This is the case, for example, as soon as the doors of the motor vehicle are unlocked. The starting of this system is therefore independent of the starting of the vehicle's powertrain.

[0053] A preliminary operation then consists of executing a connection protocol for the mobile devices 20A, 20B. This protocol is illustrated in [Fig.2]. It is implemented in several steps.

[0054] The first step SI 1 consists, for the embedded computer system 10, of broadcasting connection data packets by “broadcast”.

[0055] This step is preferably implemented in a loop, at regular time intervals.

[0056] It can be executed conditionally, for example as long as at least one passenger is detected inside the AI ​​cabin of the motor vehicle 1. But preferably, it is implemented as soon as the on-board computer system 10 is started, regardless of the state of the engine (stopped or started), without requiring any particular action from the driver or any of the passengers.

[0057] The second step S20 consists, for the passengers, of starting an application stored in their mobile devices 20A, 20B (and having for this purpose been installed on the mobile devices, for example by having been previously downloaded from an online application store of the type Play-Store or Apple-Store).

[0058] Once the application is launched, it searches for the collaborative service (step S22). This search consists of waiting to receive at least one of the connection data packets and then, as soon as this is done (i.e., when a received packet contains the expected data), issuing a connection request to the embedded computer system 10.

[0059] Upon receiving this connection request, the embedded computer system 10 evaluates the request. In practice, it checks that the request contains the requested connection information (step S12).

[0060] If so, it sends an acceptance signal back to the mobile device 20A, 20B that transmitted the connection request.

[0061] Upon receiving this acceptance signal, the mobile device 20A, 20B sends preliminary information to the embedded computer system 10 (step S23).

[0062] If the collaborative service is a game, this preliminary information includes information relating in particular to the player (typically his identifier).

[0063] So, when several passengers are thus enrolled, the on-board computer system 10 can send a collaborative service start signal to their mobile devices 20A, 20B.

[0064] If the collaborative service is a game, this start signal may include, for example, data relating to the game (typically its name, the rules of the game...).

[0065] At this stage, it can be noted that the connection protocol for the mobile devices 20A, 20B did not require any particular action on the part of the passengers. They simply started the mobile application located on their mobile devices 20A, 20B.

[0066] Thus, the application distributed on the mobile devices 20A, 20B and the embedded computer system 10 therefore offers a collaborative space in which data can be exchanged, either between the passengers 12A, 12B, or between each passenger and the embedded computer system 10.

[0067] In this collaborative space, the embedded computer system 10 can in particular receive information from one of the mobile devices, process it if necessary in order to obtain exchange data, and then communicate this exchange data to the other of the mobile devices.

[0068] The idea is that all the exchanged signals pass through the embedded computer system 10. The latter therefore makes it possible to ensure good reliability in the communication, and possibly to secure the exchanges between the mobile devices 20A, 20B.

[0069] In practice, the embedded computer system 10 could simply transmit the information received from the first mobile device 20A to the second mobile device 20B.

[0070] But preferentially, it checks the information received before anything else.

[0071] This processing here consists at least of filtering this information. Thus, information that is not encoded in one or more predetermined formats is rejected. In other words, this information is not processed if it is not in a suitable format.

[0072] They may then be routed or not to the second mobile device 20B, depending on the data they contain.

[0073] They can be done directly or after a waiting period if it is necessary to synchronize the devices with each other.

[0074] Typically, the information received may be intended for one of the other mobile devices present in the passenger compartment, in which case it is redirected to that other mobile device, or to the on-board computer system 10, in which case it is not communicated to the other mobile devices.

[0075] It can therefore be anticipated that this information will contain an identifier of the recipient.

[0076] Typically, this information may include requests to the embedded computer system 10, allowing, for example, the control of one of the functionalities offered by the motor vehicle 1 (air conditioning, radio, navigation...).

[0077] They may alternatively include data that the passenger who owns the first mobile device 20A wishes to communicate to the second mobile device 20B.

[0078] As a further alternative, they may include data useful in the context of the collaborative service.

[0079] As an example, if the collaborative service is a game, the exchange of information and data can be detailed on the basis of [Fig.3].

[0080] During a first step S14, the embedded computer system 10 acquires a question (for example from a list of questions pre-recorded in its memory).

[0081] It then transmits it to all enrolled 20A, 20B mobile devices.

[0082] Passengers using these devices can use them to answer the question during an S24 step. Once the answer is given, the device emits a signal to the on-board computer system 10.

[0083] When it has received all the answers, the on-board computer system 10 can transmit the correct answer to the enrolled mobile devices 20A, 20B, as well as the points awarded to the corresponding passengers (step S15), according to the answers they gave.

[0084] These steps S14, S24 and S15 can be repeated until the end of the game.

[0085] Then, during a final step S16, the embedded computer system 10 transmits the results to mobile devices 20A, 20B and indicates that the game has ended.

[0086] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and represented, but a person skilled in the art will be able to make any variation in accordance with the invention.

[0087] As explained, the method is preferentially used by vehicle passengers other than the driver, the latter not being expected to use their mobile device. However, it can be envisaged that it may also apply to the driver, particularly in certain regions of the world where no regulations prohibit it and / or for certain professions (taxi driver, etc.) and / or in certain configurations (for example, when the vehicle is stationary).

Claims

Demands

1. A method of communication between an embedded computer system (10) of a motor vehicle (1) and mobile devices (20A, 20B) belonging to passengers (2, 2A, 2B) located in the motor vehicle (1), wherein the embedded computer system (10) communicates to a first of the mobile devices (20A, 20B) exchange data from information emitted by a second of the mobile devices (20A, 20B), characterized in that the embedded computer system (10) acquires a question from a game, then transmits it to the mobile devices (20A, 20B), and then each mobile device (20A, 20B) emits a signal answering the question, to the embedded computer system (10).

2. A communication method according to claim 1, wherein, before communicating said exchange data, the embedded computer system (10) executes a connection protocol for mobile devices (20A, 20B).

3. A communication method according to claim 2, wherein the connection protocol includes a step of broadcasting connection data packets at regular intervals, and a step of receiving a connection request issued in return by each mobile device (20A, 20B).

4. A communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information emitted by the second device (20A, 20B) is filtered by the embedded computer system (10), according to its format.

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