Easier activation of vehicle hazard lights

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a graphical interface displayed by a vehicle's touchscreen. At least one descriptive piece of information about a vehicle driving situation is received (201), and upon detection (202) of an emergency situation based on this at least one descriptive piece of information, a control device (203) modifies the graphical interface from an initial configuration to an emergency configuration. The graphical interface includes a hazard warning light touch area capable of receiving touch input to activate the vehicle's hazard warning lights, and the hazard warning light touch area is larger in the emergency configuration than in the initial configuration. FIG. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Simplified activation of vehicle hazard lights

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of activating hazard lights in a vehicle, particularly during a predetermined emergency situation.

[0002] The term "vehicle" means any type of vehicle such as a private, utility or heavy goods vehicle.

[0003] Vehicles are equipped with hazard warning lights, also called "waming" in English, which a vehicle user, for example the driver, can activate in the following situations: - in the event of a breakdown or immobilization of the vehicle, the hazard warning lights can be activated to warn other road users of the presence of an obstacle; - in the event of an accident, hazard lights can be activated to signal the situation and warn other road users of the danger, so that they slow down and pay attention to the situation; - in case of distress or emergency to the driver, the driver must stop quickly on the side of the road, and he can activate the hazard lights to alert other road users; - in case of dangerous driving conditions, for example in case of fog, heavy rain or snowstorm, the driver can activate the hazard lights to increase the visibility of the vehicle; - in the event of a sudden slowdown or traffic jam, particularly on a motorway or high-speed road, the driver can activate the hazard warning lights to warn other vehicles behind the vehicle, in order to avoid collisions; - In the event of the vehicle being towed, the driver must activate the hazard lights to signal the situation to other road users.

[0004] In most of the listed situations, the activation of the hazard warning lights must be immediate, or at least rapid, and requires the driver to remain attentive to the external environment.

[0005] For example, in the case of a sudden slowdown or traffic jam, it is required that the driver be able to simultaneously: - brake to avoid hitting another vehicle in front of the vehicle; - ensure that braking is not too abrupt in order to avoid a collision with another vehicle behind the vehicle; and - activate the hazard lights to attract the attention of the driver in the other vehicle behind the vehicle.

[0006] In the event of an accident or emergency involving the driver, the driver, while facing an emergency situation, should think about quickly activating the hazard lights in order to avoid a further accident.

[0007] In order to enable the activation of hazard warning lights, motor vehicles are generally equipped with a touch button on a touch screen or a physical push button in the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0008] However, the hazard warning light activation button is usually small and located in the passenger compartment or on the central touchscreen among other buttons. Sometimes, on the contrary, it is isolated in the passenger compartment without any tactile markers for activating it by touch.

[0009] In an emergency, the driver must therefore divert their attention from the emergency situation to find the hazard warning light switch. In some emergency situations, the driver may forget to activate the hazard warning lights, which increases the danger associated with the situation. In other cases, the driver may press the wrong button, or may cause an accident while searching for the hazard warning light switch.

[0010] There is therefore a need to facilitate the activation of a vehicle's hazard warning lights in an emergency situation.

[0011] The present invention improves the situation.

[0012] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a graphical interface displayed by a touch screen of a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - receipt of at least one descriptive piece of information about a vehicle driving situation; - upon detection of an emergency situation based on at least one descriptive piece of information, modification of the graphical interface from an initial configuration to an emergency configuration. The graphical interface includes a touch-sensitive hazard warning light area capable of receiving touch input to activate the vehicle's hazard warning lights. The hazard warning light touch area is larger in the emergency configuration than in the initial configuration.

[0013] Thus, the invention makes it easier to activate the hazard lights during an emergency. Furthermore, the display of other functions, menus, or information on the touchscreen is optimized since the emergency configuration is only activated upon detection of an emergency.

[0014] According to embodiments, at least one descriptive piece of information about the driving situation may come from at least one sensor of the vehicle and / or a vehicle driving assistance module.

[0015] Thus, the invention according to these embodiments does not require any material modification of most existing automotive systems.

[0016] According to some embodiments, at least one descriptive piece of information may include: - information relating to vehicle parameters; - information relating to the vehicle's environment; and / or - information relating to the driver or a passenger of the vehicle.

[0017] Such information makes it possible to detect a wide variety of emergency situations, which makes it easier to activate hazard lights in many situations.

[0018] According to embodiments, the emergency situation can be detected from at least one descriptive piece of information, among at least one predefined emergency situation.

[0019] Thus, the detection of the emergency situation is facilitated since it consists of identifying a predefined emergency situation from the descriptive information that describes a current situation.

[0020] In addition, the emergency situation can be detected by applying a set of at least one rule to at least one descriptive information, each rule being associated with a predefined emergency situation.

[0021] Thus, the detection of the emergency situation is facilitated and requires little computational complexity.

[0022] In addition or as an alternative, at least one predefined emergency situation may include one or more of the following situations: - a situation of breakdown or immobilization of the vehicle; - a situation of risk of collision; - a vehicle accident situation; - an emergency stopping situation in case of distress or emergency of a driver of the vehicle; - a situation of dangerous traffic conditions; - a situation of slowdown; and / or - a situation involving towing the vehicle.

[0023] Thus, all the emergency situations that the user may encounter can be predefined, allowing for simple detection of an emergency situation across a wide variety of scenarios. The safety afforded by these embodiments is improved.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the graphical interface may, in the initial configuration, comprise a main part at least twice the size of another part comprising at least one touch button, including a light touch button In the initial configuration, the hazard warning light touch button forms the hazard warning light touch zone. In the emergency configuration, the hazard warning light touch zone may include at least one additional hazard warning light touch button in the main section.

[0025] Thus, the hazard warning light touch area can be extended into a main part of the touchscreen in the emergency configuration. Activating the hazard warning lights is therefore considerably easier for the driver during an emergency situation.

[0026] In addition, the size, shape and / or position of the additional hazard warning light button in the main part of the graphical interface can be configured by a vehicle user.

[0027] Thus, the user can define the emergency configuration themselves, which facilitates the identification of the hazard warning light touch zone during an emergency situation. Activating the hazard warning lights is therefore easier.

[0028] A second aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the invention, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0029] A third aspect of the invention relates to a control device for a graphical interface displayed by a touch screen of a vehicle, the device comprising: - an interface for receiving at least one descriptive piece of information about a driving situation of the vehicle; - a processor configured to, upon detection of an emergency situation based on at least one descriptive piece of information, modify the graphical interface from an initial configuration to an emergency configuration. The graphical interface includes a touch-sensitive hazard warning light area capable of receiving touch input to activate the vehicle's hazard warning lights. The hazard warning light touch area is larger in the emergency configuration than in the initial configuration.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] [Fig.1] illustrates a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention;

[0032] [Fig.2] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a process according to modes of realization of the invention;

[0033] [Fig.3a] is a graphical interface of a touch screen of a motor vehicle, in a default configuration, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0034] [Fig.3b] is a graphical interface of a touch screen of a motor vehicle, in an emergency configuration, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0035] [Fig.3c] is a graphical interface of a touch screen of a motor vehicle, in an emergency configuration, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0036] [Fig.4] illustrates a structure of a control device according to embodiments of the invention.

[0037] Fig. 1 illustrates a motor vehicle 100, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0038] The vehicle 100 includes, in particular, a control device 101, which may be a centralized control device responsible for a plurality of functions of the motor vehicle, or which may be dedicated to the graphical interface control function described below. The device 101 may be of the ECU type, for "Electronic Control Unit".

[0039] The control device 101 is thus at least configured for the implementation of a control function of a graphical interface of a touch screen 102 of the vehicle 100, described below.

[0040] The vehicle 100 may further include a vehicle driver assistance module 102, also called AD AS, for "Advanced Driver Assistance Systems". The AD AS module 102 is capable of implementing at least one driver assistance function based in particular on data from a set 104 of at least one vehicle sensor

[0041] The term "driving assistance" for a vehicle means any method capable of assisting the driving of the vehicle. This method may consist of partially or fully steering the vehicle, providing any type of assistance to a person driving the vehicle, and performing other functions such as those enabling energy savings and / or the preservation or protection of vehicle components.

[0042] The AD AS 102 module improves driving comfort and safety and can help protect certain vehicle components in certain driving situations, by taking advantage of data from vehicle sensors 104, such as radar or lidar data, cameras and / or geolocation devices, but also based on information provided by other vehicle modules or devices, such as the control device 101.

[0043] No restrictions are attached to the driver assistance functions implemented by the AD AS 102 module.

[0044] For example, the AD AS module can implement one or more of the following driver assistance functions, possibly among other driver assistance functions: - an automatic emergency braking function, also known as "Automatic Emergency Braking" or AEB, which triggers emergency braking when a risk of collision with an obstacle or another vehicle in front of the vehicle is detected; and / or - A driver attention alert function, also known as "Driver Attention Alert" (DAA), capable of detecting a loss of attention by the vehicle's driver, based on data from an interior camera, and triggering an alert. The alert may, for example, prompt the driver to take a break, or even require them to make an emergency stop.

[0045] As previously stated, the vehicle 100 comprises a set 104 including N sensors, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. There are no restrictions on the number or types of sensors with which the vehicle 100 is equipped. By way of example, the vehicle 100 may include one or more of the following sensors: - a radar; - a lidar; - an outside temperature sensor and / or a temperature sensor inside the vehicle's passenger compartment; - a frost detector; - a sensor for the windshield wiper system; - a sensor capable of measuring the wheel torque of vehicle 100; - a suitable sensor from an anti-lock braking system, or ABS for "Anti-Braking System" in English; - a camera pointed towards a scene outside the vehicle; - an interior camera aimed at a scene inside the vehicle and / or - any other sensor in the vehicle 100.

[0046] As previously stated, the vehicle also includes a touchscreen 102 capable of displaying a graphical interface controlled by the control device 101, for displaying information and touch-sensitive areas, such as touch buttons, allowing a user to control vehicle functions. To this end, the touchscreen 102 is capable of receiving touch input from the user on one or more of the touch-sensitive areas displayed in the graphical interface.

[0047] In some embodiments, the entire touchscreen is touch-sensitive. Alternatively, only a portion of the touchscreen is touch-sensitive, thus capable of receiving touch input from the user, while another portion of the touchscreen is not touch-sensitive and is used solely to display information to the user.

[0048] No restrictions are attached to the technology associated with the touch screen, which can be capacitive or resistive type, for example.

[0049] According to the invention, the graphical interface displayed on the touch screen 102 includes at least one hazard warning light touch area capable of receiving a touch input to activate hazard warning lights of the vehicle 100, which are not shown in [Fig.1].

[0050] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method for controlling a graphical interface displayed by the touch screen 102, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0051] The process described with reference to [Fig.2] can be implemented in the vehicle 100 described with reference to [Fig.1], in particular by the control device 101.

[0052] At an initial step 200, the control device 101 can control the graphical interface displayed on the touch screen 102 in an initial configuration.

[0053] An example of a graphical interface in the initial configuration is illustrated in [Fig.3a].

[0054] In the example of [Fig.3a], the graphical interface includes a lower part 303 with a plurality of touch zones 301 forming touch buttons, on which the user can apply a touch input, in particular of the type press or double press, to activate or deactivate a function or to navigate a menu of a vehicle infotainment system 100.

[0055] The graphical interface may further include a main part 304 in which a menu may be displayed, in which information relating to the vehicle 100 is displayed and / or in which information relating to a currently running function may be displayed. The main part 304 may further include touch areas for controlling a currently displayed function and / or a vehicle parameter, and / or for navigating the menu.

[0056] The function being displayed may, for example, be a function of the vehicle's infotainment system, for example, for playing multimedia content such as audio tracks. There are no restrictions on how the graphical interface is structured, in particular on the number of touch zones, their distribution, and the functions to which they correspond.

[0057] The main part 304 may have a larger size than the lower part 303. For example, the lower part 303 may be at least twice as small as the main part in order to optimize the display of information for the user and to facilitate control of the function being run or navigation in the menu.

[0058] There is no restriction on the number of touch zones 301 forming touch buttons. According to the invention, at least one of the touch buttons 301, namely touch button 302, forms a hazard warning light touch zone dedicated to activating the hazard warning lights of the vehicle 100. The driver can thus activate the hazard warning lights of the vehicle 100 by touch input on the hazard warning light touch zone, for example by pressing in the hazard warning light touch zone.

[0059] Referring again to [Fig.2], the method further includes a step 201 of receiving at least one descriptive piece of information of a current driving situation of the vehicle 100.

[0060] At least one descriptive piece of information about the driving situation can be derived from: - of one or more of the sensors of assembly 104; - of functions implemented by the AD AS 103 module; and / or - from another module of vehicle 100.

[0061] No restrictions are attached to descriptive information of the driving situation, which includes any information: - relating to vehicle parameters; - relating to the vehicle's environment; and / or - relating to the driver or a passenger of the vehicle.

[0062] At a step 212, the control device 101 determines, from at least one descriptive piece of information, whether a current situation of the vehicle 100 corresponds to an emergency situation.

[0063] For example, the control device 101 can compare the current situation, described by at least one descriptive piece of information, with at least one predefined emergency situation. The at least one predefined emergency situation can include one or more of the following situations: - a situation of vehicle breakdown or immobilization; - a situation of risk of collision; - a vehicle accident situation; - an emergency stopping situation in case of distress or emergency of the driver; - a situation of dangerous driving conditions, for example in case of fog, heavy rain or snowstorm; - a situation of sudden slowdown or traffic jam; - a situation involving towing the vehicle.

[0064] In the event that no emergency situation is detected based on at least one descriptive piece of information, the process returns to step 201 until new descriptive information is received.

[0065] In the event that an emergency situation is detected, the process proceeds to a step 203 described below.

[0066] No restrictions are attached to the way in which an emergency situation is detected from at least one piece of descriptive information. The control device 101 can, for example, apply a set of at least one predefined rule to at least one piece of descriptive information in order to determine whether or not an emergency situation is detected.

[0067] For example, according to the game of at least one rule: - a collision risk situation is detected if the descriptive information provided by the AEB function of the ADAS 103 module, or directly by the external camera, corresponds to predefined initial information; - an accident situation is detected if descriptive information provided by one or more sensors of the vehicle corresponds to second predefined information; - An emergency braking situation is detected if the descriptive information provided by the DAA function of the ADAS 103 module corresponds to third predefined information. For example, third predefined information could be that the driver has a high level of fatigue, determined by the DAA function from vehicle sensor data, including images from the interior camera.

[0068] Other rules may be provided for, in particular to detect other predefined and previously listed emergency situations.

[0069] More generally, each rule for identifying an emergency situation can be based on: - a comparison between descriptive information received and predefined information corresponding to a predefined emergency situation; and / or - a comparison between a descriptive piece of information received and a predefined threshold. For example, if the vehicle speed, which constitutes a descriptive piece of information, is below a given threshold while the vehicle is travelling on a motorway, a slowdown or traffic jam situation can be detected by the control device 101.

[0070] At step 203, upon detection of an emergency situation, the control device 101 can modify the graphical interface of the touch screen 102, from the initial configuration described previously, to an emergency configuration described below.

[0071] According to the invention, in the emergency configuration, the hazard warning light touch area is larger than in the initial configuration, so as to facilitate the activation of the hazard warning lights by the driver of the vehicle.

[0072] For example, the hazard warning light touch area can be at least twice as large, in particular more than five times as large, in the emergency configuration, compared to the initial configuration.

[0073] Embodiments of an emergency configuration of the graphical interface are described with reference to Figures 3b and 3c.

[0074] Fig. 3b illustrates the graphical interface of the touch screen 102 in the emergency configuration, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the hazard warning light touch area comprises: - the 302 hazard warning light touch button already displayed in the initial configuration; and - an additional touch button for hazard lights 310 replacing the entire main part 304 shown in the initial configuration.

[0076] The additional hazard warning light touch button 310 is at least twice as large, and preferably at least 3 times as large, or even at least 5 times as large, as the hazard warning light touch button 302.

[0077] In a variant of the first embodiment, the hazard warning light touch button 302 is no longer displayed in the emergency configuration, with only the additional hazard warning light touch button 310 being displayed. For example, the additional hazard warning light touch button 310 may be displayed on the entire touchscreen 102, with the lower portion 303 not being displayed in the emergency configuration.

[0078] Fig. 3c illustrates the graphical interface of the touch screen 102 in the emergency configuration, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the hazard warning light touch area comprises: - the hazard warning light touch button 302 already displayed in the initial configuration; and - an additional hazard warning light touch button 320 replacing only a portion, for example half, of the main portion 304 displayed in the initial configuration. Thus, a reduced main portion 314 can be maintained in the emergency configuration, which allows the menu, the currently running function, or information to continue to be displayed.

[0080] In the example of [Fig. 3b], the additional hazard warning light touch button 320 extends vertically and occupies the left half of the main portion 304 shown in the initial configuration. Alternatively, the additional hazard warning light touch button 320 occupies the right half of the main portion 304 shown in the initial configuration. Alternatively, the additional hazard warning light touch button 320 can extend horizontally across the entire width of the main portion 304 and can occupy either the upper or lower half of the main portion 304 shown in the initial configuration.

[0081] Thus, more generally, the hazard warning light touch area is larger in the emergency configuration than in the initial configuration. Preferably, the hazard warning light touch area may include a central portion of the touchscreen 102, for example, the center of the touchscreen 102.

[0082] Such characteristics allow for the following advantages: - Quick and intuitive activation of hazard lights: by enlarging the hazard light touch area, the user can activate the hazard lights quickly and easily, without having to search for a specific small button. This reduces the user's reaction time and improves safety; - a reduction of driver distraction: the driver does not need to take their attention away from the road to look for the hazard warning light because it is positioned, in the emergency configuration, in a central location and with a large size; - Assistance in emergency situations, particularly in an accident: a large display of the hazard warning light touch area can visually remind the driver, who is in shock from the accident, to activate the hazard warning lights; - High responsiveness depending on the evolution of the driving situation: by using sensors and / or ADAS functions to detect an emergency situation in real time, it is possible to anticipate the driver's need to activate the hazard warning lights; - Improved ergonomics of the 102 touchscreen: adapting the size, shape and / or position of the hazard warning light touch area makes it more ergonomic and accessible to use, especially in critical situations such as emergencies. This improved ergonomics is particularly beneficial in low visibility or high-stress conditions; - improved road safety: by facilitating rapid activation of hazard lights, the invention helps to alert other road users more effectively to an emergency situation, thus reducing the risk of collision with other road vehicles; - possibility of integration into existing systems: most recent vehicles are already equipped with sensors and an AD AS module, as well as a touch screen, and the implementation of the invention therefore does not require any hardware modification of such systems.

[0083] Figures 3b and 3c have been described as distinct embodiments. However, alternatively, the emergency configuration of [Fig. 3b] may be a default configuration while the emergency configuration of [Fig. 3c] may be a modified emergency configuration, following a setting by the user of vehicle 100.

[0084] Indeed, according to some embodiments, the emergency configuration is parameterizable or configurable, and the vehicle user can configure the size and position of the hazard warning light touch zone of the emergency configuration.

[0085] Referring again to [Fig. 2], following step 203, the process can return to step 200, and the control device 101 can control the touchscreen 200 so that the graphical interface reverts from the emergency configuration to the initial configuration. For example, this return to the initial configuration can be performed by the control device 101 upon detection that the current situation, described by new descriptive information, is no longer an emergency situation.

[0086] Figure 4 shows the structure of a control device 101 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0087] The device 101 includes a processor 401 configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally, via one or more buses or via a direct wired connection, with a memory 402 such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or any other type of memory (Flash, EEPROM, etc.). Alternatively, the memory 402 comprises several memories of the aforementioned types.

[0088] The memory 402 is capable of storing, permanently or temporarily, at least some of the data used and / or resulting from the implementation of the process described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0089] In particular, memory 402 can store at least one classification rule described above.

[0090] The processor 401 is capable of executing instructions, stored in memory 402, for the implementation of the steps of the process according to the invention, described with reference to [Fig. 2]. Alternatively, the processor 401 can be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured to perform the steps of the process according to the invention, described with reference to [Fig. 2].

[0091] The control device 101 includes a first interface 403 capable of transmitting control signals to the touch screen 102, in order to control in particular the configuration of the graphical interface displayed on the touch screen 102.

[0092] The control device 101 may include a second interface 404 capable of communicating with the assembly 110 of at least one sensor and / or with the AD AS module 103.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example; it extends to other variants.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for controlling a graphical interface displayed by a touchscreen (102) of a vehicle (100), the method comprising the following steps: - receiving (201) at least one descriptive piece of information about a vehicle driving situation; - upon detection (202) of an emergency situation from the at least one descriptive piece of information, modifying (203) the graphical interface from an initial configuration to an emergency configuration; wherein the graphical interface includes a hazard warning light touch area (302; 310; 320) capable of receiving a touch input to activate the vehicle's hazard warning lights; wherein said hazard warning light touch area is larger in the emergency configuration than in the initial configuration.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one descriptive information of the driving situation is obtained from at least one sensor (104) of the vehicle (100) and / or from a driving assistance module (103) of the vehicle.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one descriptive information comprises: - information relating to vehicle parameters (100); - information relating to a vehicle environment; and / or - information relating to the driver or a passenger of the vehicle.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emergency situation is detected (202) from at least one descriptive piece of information, among at least one predefined emergency situation.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the emergency situation is detected (202) by applying a set of at least one rule to at least one descriptive information, each rule being associated with a predefined emergency situation.

6. A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one predefined emergency situation may include one or more of the following situations: - a vehicle breakdown or immobilization situation (100); - a situation of risk of collision; - a situation of vehicle accident; - a situation of emergency stopping in case of distress or emergency of a driver of the vehicle; - a situation of dangerous traffic conditions; - a situation of slowing down; and / or - a situation of towing the vehicle.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the graphical interface comprises, in the initial configuration, a main part (304), at least twice as large as another part (303) comprising at least one touch button (301) including a hazard warning light touch button (302), the hazard warning light touch button forming the hazard warning light touch area in the initial configuration; and wherein, in the emergency configuration, the hazard warning light touch area comprises at least one additional hazard warning light touch button (310; 320) in the main part.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein a size, shape and / or position of the additional hazard warning light button (310; 320) in the main part of the graphical interface is configurable by a vehicle user (100).

9. Computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when such instructions are executed by a processor (401).

10. Control device (101) of a graphical interface displayed by a touch screen (102) of a vehicle (100), the device comprising: - a receiving interface (404) for at least one descriptive piece of information of a vehicle driving situation; - a processor (401) configured to, upon detection of an emergency situation from the at least one descriptive piece of information, modify the graphical interface from an initial configuration to an emergency configuration; in which the graphical interface includes a touch area for hazard lights capable of receiving a touch input to activate hazard lights of the vehicle; in which said touch area for hazard lights is larger in the emergency configuration than in the initial configuration.

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