Wired connectivity and anti-aggression system for augmented reality glasses

Abstract

The invention relates to an augmented reality system embedded in a vehicle (10), comprising a mount (11) fixedly attached to a fixed part of the vehicle, augmented reality glasses (13), and a non-stretchable cable (12) connecting the mount to the glasses. The cable is configured to supply power to the glasses from a power source in the vehicle, transmit data between the glasses and at least one on-board computer in the vehicle, and maintain a predetermined distance between an attachment point (123) of the cable to the glasses and the mount. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Wired connectivity and anti-aggression system for augmented reality glasses technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wired connectivity and anti-aggression system for augmented reality glasses embedded in a vehicle, in particular in a motor vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Augmented reality glasses for vehicle drivers exist in various forms, ranging from wearable devices like smart glasses to integrated systems like head-up displays. These technologies are evolving and already offer significant improvements in safety and convenience for drivers. The future of augmented reality (AR) in vehicles promises, in particular, to make driving more intuitive, safer, and connected.

[0003] Augmented reality glasses do indeed offer many advantages for vehicle drivers by improving safety, convenience and the overall driving experience.

[0004] • Security is improved by displaying important information directly within the driver's field of vision, such as the vehicle's current speed, speed limits, navigation directions, and real-time alerts about hazards like a vehicle in a blind spot, pedestrians crossing the traffic lane, or obstacles on the roadway, allowing the driver to remain focused on the road.

[0005] • Navigation is facilitated, the AR glasses superimposing directions of navigation directly in the driver's field of vision, making driving instructions more intuitive and reducing the need to look at separate navigation screens.

[0006] • Distractions are reduced by providing essential information directly in the driver's field of vision, reducing the need to look away from the dashboard or screens, thus minimizing distractions, and / or by integrating voice or gesture commands to allow the vehicle's driver to interact with various on-board systems without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the steering wheel.

[0007] • Driving conditions are improved, such as night vision which benefits an increase in brightness, thus offering better visibility in low light conditions.

[0008] • The interaction between the vehicle driver and advanced assistance systems The driver assistance system (ADAS) is enhanced, providing, for example, visualizations and alerts regarding features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

[0009] In summary, augmented reality glasses can significantly improve driving safety, convenience, and efficiency by providing crucial information directly in the driver's field of vision, reducing distractions, and incorporating advanced features for a more intuitive and safer driving experience. However, wearing glasses presents risks in the event of a collision.

[0010] Indeed, in the event of a vehicle collision, particularly a head-on collision, the head of the driver or a vehicle occupant wearing the virtual reality glasses is thrown forward, potentially striking the steering wheel, dashboard, the back of a seat in front of the occupant, or even an airbag. The lenses of the glasses can then shatter, causing cuts or serious eye injuries. Similarly, the frame can cause injury if it is thrown against the face of the driver or occupant during an impact.

[0011] The occurrence of injuries is likely to increase, particularly because the number of people wearing augmented reality glasses is increasing. Indeed, anyone using this type of technology is then subject to the risks described above. Summary of the present invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above by designing a system comprising augmented reality glasses which makes it possible to avoid any risk of injury to a person wearing these glasses, in particular in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle carrying this system.

[0013] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an augmented reality system embedded in a vehicle, comprising: - a support mounted securely on a fixed part of the vehicle, - augmented reality glasses, and - a non-extensible cable connecting the mount to the glasses, the augmented reality system being characterized in that the cable is configured to: - electrically power the glasses from a power source in the vehicle, - transmit data between the glasses and at least one on-board computer in the vehicle, and - maintain a specified distance between a cable attachment point on the glasses and the support.

[0014] According to one variant, the support includes a reel, which is configured to: - allow adjustment of the distance determined by winding the cable in the reel, and - maintain the distance by locking the reel in the event of a sudden pull on the cable.

[0015] According to another variant, a retraction means is configured to wind the cable in the reel in the absence of a tensile force exerted on the cable.

[0016] According to yet another variant, the system includes a housing configured to accommodate the glasses when the cable is in a coiled position.

[0017] According to yet another variant of the system, the attachment point is positioned at the center of an upper part of a frame of the glasses.

[0018] According to an additional variant of the system, the support is fixed to a cross member of a roof of the vehicle, the cross member being located above in a vertical direction and behind in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the position of the tie-down point.

[0019] According to another variant of the system, the support is fixed to a cross member of a roof of the vehicle, the cross member being located above in a vertical direction and in front in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the position of the tie-down point.

[0020] According to yet another variant of the system, the support includes an arm configured to offset a cable passage point from a position of the crossbar.

[0021] According to yet another variant of the system, the data are digital data exchanged via a communication bus on board the vehicle.

[0022] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a vehicle comprising an augmented reality system as described above according to the first aspect of the present invention. Brief description of the figures

[0023] 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 3, in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior comprising an augmented reality system, according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.2] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vehicle passenger compartment comprising an augmented reality system, according to a second particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] [Fig.3] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior comprising an augmented reality system, according to a third particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0027] An example of a vehicle front panel will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. According to this example, an augmented reality system embedded in a vehicle comprises a mount fixed to a stationary part of the vehicle, augmented reality glasses, and a non-stretchable cable connecting the mount to the glasses. The cable is configured to supply power to the glasses from a power source in the vehicle, transmit data between the glasses and at least one onboard computer in the vehicle, and maintain a predetermined distance between a cable attachment point on the glasses and the mount.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior comprising an augmented reality system, according to a first, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. This system is specifically designed to prevent damage or injury to a user 99 of this augmented reality system, for example, a driver or passenger of the vehicle 10.

[0030] In this example, the vehicle equipped with the augmented reality system corresponds to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, with electric motor(s), or a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. The vehicle thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle such as a car, a truck, a bus, or a motorcycle. Finally, the vehicle corresponds to an autonomous or non-autonomous vehicle, that is to say, a vehicle operating according to a predetermined level of autonomy or under the full supervision of the driver.

[0031] The vehicle 10 incorporates one or more systems, each controlled by one or more computers. These computers 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 in controlling the vehicle 10 via the control of the ADAS system(s) embedded in the vehicle 10. The 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), or LIN (Local Interface Network) data bus. Interconnect Network » or in French « Local Interconnected Network» or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 incorporates, for example, some of the following embedded systems: • one or more driver assistance systems, known as ADAS, configured to assist a driver, • an infotainment system, known as the IVI system, combined with comfort features such as air conditioning, music and / or sound content playback, or the display of graphic content on one or more screens associated with the IVI system, • a driver's seat adjustment system, allowing in particular the adjustment of a seat and / or steering wheel and / or mirrors, • a navigation and geolocation system, also called a GNSS (Geolocation and Navigation by a Satellite System) system, for example a GPS type system (from the English "Global Positioning System" or in French "Système de géo-positionnement par satellites").

[0033] The augmented reality system is then configured to interact with one or more of these systems embedded in the vehicle 10. The augmented reality system then includes augmented reality glasses 13, these glasses 13 being a pair of glasses that the user places in front of his eyes so as to be intercalated in his field of vision, between his eyes and the real scene that he observes through the glasses 13.

[0034] Such glasses 13 complement or replace, for example, screens commonly found in a vehicle. Indeed, the projection of graphic content through these glasses 13 makes it possible to display a great deal of information, visible to the user 99 without the latter having to make head movements 99a, for example, to observe a screen located outside their field of vision, for example placed on a central console of the vehicle 10.

[0035] Thus, the user 99 positions the glasses 13 so that the lenses are in front of their eyes; a frame on which the lenses are arranged is, for example, designed to rest on the top of their nose and has temples that allow them to rest on their ears. The augmented reality (AR) glasses 13 work by superimposing digital information onto the real world that the user sees, that is, onto a real, three-dimensional scene being observed.

[0036] According to one particular embodiment, the glasses 13 use transparent optics that allow the user 99 to see through lenses while projecting images or information directly onto them. This can be done via semi-reflective mirrors or holographic lenses, which are, for example, placed in the frame.

[0037] According to another particular embodiment, micro-displays, often OLED or LCD, are used to display images. These displays are integrated into the glasses and the images are projected onto the lenses through lens or prism systems.

[0038] The glasses 13 include, for example: • cameras used for motion tracking, object recognition, and for accurately overlaying digital information, and • motion sensors such as gyroscopes, accelerometers and / or magnetometers to track head movements 99a and adjust the display accordingly, providing an immersive and consistent experience.

[0039] Such glasses 13 require the processing of data from these sensors, as well as data from the vehicle 10, by a processor. A processor is then integrated into the glasses 13, for example positioned in the frame, or located in the vehicle 10 itself, thus making the glasses 13 lighter and more comfortable to wear.

[0040] The glasses 13, i.e. the sensors and / or projectors enabling the generation of graphic content, are in particular connected to the vehicle 10, for example by being connected to a communication bus of the vehicle 10 in order to exchange data, in particular digital data, with the computers on board the vehicle 10. Thus, the glasses 13 are connected to the various on-board systems with which they interact.

[0041] The glasses 13 then allow content from the various on-board systems to be displayed and controlled, for example via voice commands or hand gestures. Additional microphones and sensors are thus placed either in the vehicle's interior 10 or directly on the glasses 13, so as to capture these user interactions 99.

[0042] In order to allow the exchange of data between the glasses 13 and the embedded systems of the vehicle 10, the glasses 13 are connected in communication with the computer bus or communication bus of the vehicle 10 by means of a cable 12, which is connected to this bus and allows the transfer of data from the glasses 13 to the embedded systems of the vehicle 10 and vice versa.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, such a cable 12 then includes conductors for transmitting very low voltage electrical signals, for example between a processor integrated into the glasses 13 and a processor or computer of the vehicle 10, the processor or computer of the vehicle 10 being connected to the embedded system interacting with the augmented reality system.

[0044] The cable 12 and the glasses 13 are notably connected without a removable connector. Indeed, the fact that it is not possible to disconnect the glasses 13 from the cable 12 thus avoids to lose the glasses 13, to have connection problems following premature wear of a connector but also to allow to keep the glasses 13 at one end of the cable including during sudden movements of the head 99a of the user 99.

[0045] However, wearing glasses presents risks, as mentioned in the introduction. Indeed, in the event of a collision or frontal impact of vehicle 10, that is, in the event of sudden deceleration of vehicle 10 along the longitudinal direction x of vehicle 10, the longitudinal direction x being the direction in which it moves when it is normally moving forward, any passenger is thrown forward of vehicle 10. Thus, user 99 is thrown forward along the longitudinal direction x. When user 99 is wearing a seatbelt, it restrains their body, however, their head 99a is thrown forward along the longitudinal direction x. It should be noted that this movement of the head 99a then has the effect of displacing the glasses 13 in the frame of reference of vehicle 10.

[0046] In addition, during a collision and if the vehicle 10 includes airbags, these then deploy in front of the user's head 99a.

[0047] In order to prevent the goggles 13 from being projected and / or crushed between the airbag and the user's head 99a, the goggles 13 must be held in such a way as to detach them from the head 99a. The cable 12 also serves this mechanical function. The cable 12 is therefore made of a material that makes it inextensible, for example by sheathing the signal conductor cable in a mechanically resistant sheath, or by adding a core, for example metallic, in the cable 12. Thus, the cable 12 cannot elongate under the effect of a tensile force exerted on it by the glasses 13, which are connected to the cable in particular via an anchoring point 123. At its other end, the cable 12 is connected to a support 11, which allows it to be attached to the structure of the vehicle 10, that is to say to a fixed and solid element of the vehicle 10, for example to a cross member stiffening the roof 101 of the vehicle 10.In this way, the cable 12, fixed at one end to the support 11 and at the other end to the anchoring point 123, makes it possible to maintain a determined distance between the anchoring point 123 of the cable 12 to the glasses 13 and the support 11.

[0048] The distance between the support 11 and the ideal position of the glasses 13 on the user's head 99a varies for each user 99 and depends on the user's build 99. To improve the user's comfort 99, the length of the cable 12 is, for example, modifiable or adjustable. Thus, according to a particular embodiment, the support 11 includes a winder, which is configured to allow adjustment of this winding distance of the cable 12 in the winder. Such a winder is known to those skilled in the art and corresponds, for example, to a mechanism similar to that used for seat belts. The advantage of such a mechanism is to to maintain the distance once set by locking the winder during a sudden pull on the cable 12, i.e. when an acceleration greater than a threshold is exerted on the cable 12 which then transmits it to the mechanism including the winder, which is attached to the support 11.

[0049] According to a complementary embodiment of the preceding one, a rewinding means is configured to wind the cable 12 into the reel when no tensile force is exerted on the cable 12. This automatic winding of the cable 12 around the reel then allows the user 99 to easily adjust the length of the cable 12 and also allows the glasses 13 to reach a resting position when not in use. Optionally, the augmented reality system includes a housing configured to accommodate the glasses 13 when the cable 12 is in a wound position corresponding to the resting position of the glasses 13. If the bracket 11 is attached to a crossmember of the roof 101 of the vehicle 10, the housing is then provided under the roof 101, for example between a trim piece or the headliner 102 and the roof 101.The glasses 13 stored in the compartment are then protected and do not obstruct the occupants of the vehicle 10 when not in use.

[0050] According to one particular embodiment, the attachment point 123 is positioned at the center of an upper part of the frame of the glasses 13. It should be noted, however, that other positions are possible, for example, on a lateral end of the frame. The position of the attachment point 123 is specifically defined in accordance with the position of the support 11 relative to the position of the glasses 13 when the latter are placed on the user's head 99a.

[0051] According to a first particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the support 11 is fixed to a cross member 101b of the roof 101 located above in a vertical direction z and behind in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle 10 from the position of the tie-down point 123. The cable 12 is then stretched directly between the support 11 and the tie-down point 123, the cable being oriented towards the rear of the vehicle 10 at an angle with respect to the vertical direction z, the angle being between 20 and 60°.

[0052] According to a second particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the bracket 11 is fixed to the cross member 101a of the headliner 101 as previously described. The bracket 11 includes an arm configured to offset a cable passage point 102a, in particular through a trim piece or through the headliner 102, relative to a position of the cross member 101b. Thus, the cable 12 is vertical or nearly vertical between the end connected to the attachment point 123 and the passage point 102a. The bracket 11 is then more complex, but this solution has the advantage of minimizing the visual impact of the reel's bulk by moving it away from the user's head 99a while still allowing the cable 12 to be kept under tension from the start of the movement of the head 99a towards the front of the vehicle in the event of a frontal collision, thus minimizing the time required to remove the glasses 13 from the head 99a.

[0053] According to a third particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], the support 11 is fixed to a cross member 101a of the roof 101 of the vehicle 10, the cross member being located above in the vertical direction z and in front in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle 10 of the position of the tie-down point 123. The cable 12 is then oriented towards the front of the vehicle 10 at an angle with respect to the vertical direction z, the angle being between 20 and 60°.

[0054] Obviously, a solution consisting of adding an arm to the support 11 when the latter is fixed to the cross member 101a located in front of the head 99a is conceivable, in particular in order to allow the cable 12 to be positioned vertically in order to take advantage of the efficiency obtained with the second particular embodiment.

[0055] Thus, among these different solutions proposed above, the position of the support 11 is defined in order to respect the architecture of the vehicle's interior 10, the available space and the ergonomics for the user on the one hand and the performance requirements of the augmented reality system in particular to efficiently remove the glasses 13 from the head 99a, that is to say quickly and easily without injuring the user 99 on the other hand.

[0056] The augmented reality system described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 thus meets safety requirements by providing a means of attaching the augmented reality glasses to a part of the vehicle in such a way as to ensure that the glasses are removed from the user's head in the event of a frontal collision, for example. Since the glasses are removed quickly and efficiently, they are not thrown or crushed between the user's head and an airbag. This augmented reality system is therefore safe. Furthermore, the wired connection between the glasses and a computer or communication bus makes it possible both to integrate certain resources necessary for the operation of the glasses directly into the vehicle, making the glasses more compact and lighter, and to improve the speed of data exchange between the glasses and the onboard systems.Additionally, the augmented reality system consumes less energy than if it had a wireless connection.

[0057] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a virtual reality system for vehicles which would include additional elements without going outside the scope of the present invention.

[0058] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-based motor vehicle, comprising an augmented reality system as shown opposite Figures 1 to 3.

Claims

Demands

1. Augmented reality system embedded in a vehicle (10), comprising: - a support (11) mounted rigidly on a fixed part of the vehicle (10), - augmented reality glasses (13), and - an inextensible cable (12) connecting the support (11) to said glasses (13), the augmented reality system being characterized in that the cable (13) is configured to: - electrically supply the pair of glasses (13) from an energy source of the vehicle (10), - transmit data between the glasses (13) and at least one on-board computer of the vehicle (10), and - maintain a determined distance between an anchoring point (123) of the cable (12) to the glasses (13) and the support (11).

2. Augmented reality system according to claim 1, wherein the support (11) comprises a winder, which is configured to: - allow adjustment of said distance determined by winding the cable (12) in said winder, and - maintain said distance by locking said winder during a sudden pull on the cable (12).

3. Augmented reality system according to claim 2, wherein a recall means is configured to wind the cable (12) in said winder in the absence of a tensile force exerted on said cable (12).

4. Augmented reality system according to claim 3, which includes a housing configured to accommodate the glasses (13) when the cable (12) is in a coiled position.

5. Augmented reality system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said anchoring point (123) is positioned at the center of an upper part of a frame of the glasses (13).

6. Augmented reality system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support (11) is fixed to a crossmember (101b) of a roof (101) of the vehicle (10), said crossmember being located above in a vertical direction and behind in a horizontal direction longitudinal of the vehicle (10) from the position of the tie-down point (123).

7. Augmented reality system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support (11) is fixed to a cross member (101a) of a roof (101) of the vehicle (10), said cross member being located above in a vertical direction and in front in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) of the position of the tie-down point (123).

8. Augmented reality system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the support (11) comprises an arm configured to offset a passage point of said cable relative to a position of said cross member (101a, 101b).

9. Augmented reality system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said data are digital data exchanged via a communication bus embedded in the vehicle (10).

10. Vehicle (10) comprising an augmented reality system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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