Method and device for controlling a vehicle's windshield wiper system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling a vehicle's windshield wiper system comprising at least one wiper and a human-machine interface including a screen (12) and a multifunction lever comprising at least one control associated with a wiper, each wiper having only one control. Specifically, the method includes receiving data representing the number of activations of a control and receiving data representing a current state of the windshield wiper system. A target state is then determined from this data, a graphic display (121) representing the target state is monitored, and a command is issued to at least one actuator controlling at least one wiper according to the target state. (See Figure 3 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a vehicle's windshield wiper system technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and device for controlling a vehicle window wiper system, particularly for automobiles. The present invention also relates to a window wiper system comprising such a device. Technological background

[0002] Modern vehicles routinely incorporate two levers behind the steering wheel to control the vehicle's lighting system and the vehicle's windshield wiper system. These levers, commonly called stalks, are positioned on either side behind the steering wheel so that the driver can operate them independently, each with one hand. Various movements are then possible to obtain separate commands, such as translations in different directions or rotations, particularly of knobs or rings on the stalk.

[0003] In order to simplify the driver's position while maintaining, or even increasing, the number of controls accessible to the driver, removing one of the levers is a major challenge. A simple solution is to merge the two levers, that is, to add the controls associated with the other lever to the remaining lever. However, the large number of controls on a single lever makes it particularly complex in several respects; such a lever might have, for example, at least seven functions and about ten degrees of freedom.

[0004] First, the lever becomes mechanically complex. For example, several rotating rings are placed side by side, but the limited space then forces the rings to have a limited size, making them less ergonomic. Furthermore, the different movements associated with the different moving parts and the clearances required to make them independent result in the creation of complex parts and numerous assembly constraints.

[0005] Secondly, a user, the vehicle driver in this case, is faced with a very large number of possible actions and therefore a high density of controls. Added to the fact that the driver must concentrate on driving, particularly by having to look at the road almost constantly, they are then unable to precisely manipulate such a multifunction lever and may have to look at the lever to determine which areas to operate. which however becomes difficult to read due to the presence of too much information, the lever displaying, for example, numerous pictograms.

[0006] A problem then arises of defining a solution to control a vehicle window wiping system, among many other control systems, precisely and easily, that is to say with quick access, simple and intuitive controls. 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] An object of the present invention is in particular to make access to the controls of a vehicle window wiper system simple and intuitive.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to simplify a multi-function control lever.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle's window wiper system, the window wiper system comprising at least one wiper and a human-machine interface, the human-machine interface comprising a screen and a multifunction lever including at least one control, each control being associated with one of the at least one wiper and each wiper having only one control, the method being characterized in that it is implemented by a processor and comprises the following steps: - receipt of initial data representative of the number of activations of a command among at least one command, - reception of secondary data representing a current state of the window wiping system, - Determining a target state from the first and second data points, - Controlling the display on the screen of graphic content representative of the target state, and - issuing a command to at least one actuator controlling at least one windshield wiper, the command being determined according to the target state.

[0011] Such a method allows the windshield wiper system to be controlled simply and precisely using a multifunction lever, with the number of controls limited to a single control per wiper. The selection of the target state is facilitated by its explicit display on the screen. Thus, the vehicle driver does not have to search for a specific control to reach the desired target state; the driver selects the target state by manipulating a lever with very few controls and receiving feedback on the human-machine interface screen.

[0012] The handling of the driving position is then facilitated, the control of the window wiping system becomes more precise and the driver is more focused on his driving, making it safer.

[0013] According to one variant, the window wiping system includes a front wiper and a rear wiper, a first control being associated with the front wiper and a second control being associated with the rear wiper.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the method, the current state and the target state comprise a first substate associated with the front windshield wiper and a second substate associated with the rear windshield wiper, the first substate belonging to a first set of substates comprising: • a stopped state, • a first automatic state, • a second automatic state, • a third automatic state, • a first manual state, • a second manual state, and • a washing state, and the second substate belonging to a second set of substates comprising: • a stopped state, • a first manual state, • a second manual state, and • a washing state.

[0015] According to yet another variant of the method, the target state is determined sequentially from the current state and the number of command activations by iterating through: • the first set of substates from the first substate of the current state if the command corresponds to the first command, or • the second set of substates from the second substate of the current state if the command corresponds to the second command.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle window wiping system, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the process as described above according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a window wiping system comprising the device as described above according to the second aspect of the invention, a multifunction lever and a screen.

[0018] According to one variant of the window wiping system, the screen is a digital dashboard screen.

[0019] According to another variant of the window wiper system, the multifunction lever is a headlight switching lever.

[0020] According to yet another variant of the window wiping system, the multifunction lever includes a monostable wheel, a first command being activated by moving the wheel in a first direction and a second command being activated by moving the wheel in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising the control device of a window wiping system as described above according to the second aspect of the invention or a window wiping system as described above according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0022] According to a fifth 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.

[0023] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate form between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0024] According to a sixth 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can, in particular, be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0027] 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

[0028] 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 5, in which:

[0029] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates part of a vehicle passenger compartment, according to a example of a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a multifunction lever present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle of the [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a screen present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle the [Fig.1], according to a first particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a window wiping system integrated into the vehicle of [Fig. 1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] [Fig. 5] illustrates a device configured to control a system of systems window wiping system on board the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0034] A method and a control device for a vehicle-mounted window wiping system will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 5. The same elements are identified with the same reference symbols throughout the following description.

[0035] 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.

[0036] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the invention relates to a method and device for controlling a vehicle's windshield wiper system comprising at least one wiper and a human-machine interface comprising a screen and a multifunction lever including at least one control, each control being associated with a wiper. Specifically, the method comprises receiving data representing the number of activations of a control and receiving data representing the current state of the windshield wiper system. A target state is then determined from this data, and a display on the screen of graphic content representing the target state is controlled. A command is issued to at least one actuator controlling at least one windshield wiper according to the target state.

[0037] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Vehicle 10 corresponds, for example, to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, with electric motor(s), or even a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. Vehicle 10 thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus.

[0039] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a so-called window wiping system configured to wipe windows of the vehicle, for example to wipe a front windshield 15 of the vehicle 10 or a rear windshield (not shown).

[0040] According to other particular embodiments, other windows are wiped using the window wiping system, for example headlight windows.

[0041] The window wiping system comprises, for each wipeable window, at least one wiper blade 151, commonly called a windshield wiper, which is configured to remove rainwater, for example, from the wipeable window. For example, two such wiper blades 151 are used for the front windshield 15 of the vehicle, and only one is used for the rear windshield. However, it is clear that the invention is not limited to these numbers of wiper blades; some vehicles, for example, are equipped with three wiper blades 151 associated with the front windshield 15. Thus, the invention covers any number of wiper blades greater than or equal to two per wipeable window.

[0042] It should be noted that in the case of a plurality of brushes associated with the same wipeable window, these are for example controlled simultaneously, for example by the same motor or by several separate but coupled motors, for example electrically.

[0043] Indeed, each wiper blade comprises, for example, an arm connecting it to a motor or to a linkage itself connected to a motor, the motor setting in motion each wiper blade connected to it. The back-and-forth movement of the wiper blade 151 on the glass, for example on the front windshield 15, is obtained by means of a cam allowing partial rotation of the wiper blade 151 around an axis.

[0044] Controlling a motor, in the case of an electric motor, then amounts to supplying it with electricity, for example via a relay which is then controlled by means of an input electrical signal. The relay is, for example, connected to a control unit of the windshield wiper system, the control unit sending an electrical signal to the relay that controls the motor, the electrical signal being a function of a wiper mode. In the case of several independent motors, such an electrical signal is then sent to whichever motor is required. The driver is instructed to wipe which window. Thus, the window wiping system includes a computer, which manages the motors connected to the wiper blades.

[0045] The window wiping system also allows for washing the windows, for example, by using a jet of water directed at the glass to be cleaned. Thus, the window wiping system also includes one or more pumps immersed in a reservoir of soapy or detergent liquid, also called windshield washer fluid. The pumps are connected to nozzles configured to spray the window. The wiper blades are then activated when this washing function is engaged in order to expel the washing fluid and any impurities it has dissolved or carried away.

[0046] Thus, it is possible to define a state of the windshield wiper system by defining substates, each substate being associated with a wiper. For example, a first substate is associated with the front wiper, that is, with the front windshield 15, and a second substate is associated with the rear wiper, that is, with the rear windshield. Naturally, the number of substates depends on the number of independent wipers; thus, the number of substates is greater than or equal to one.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, the windshield wiper system includes a rain sensor associated with a window, for example, the windshield 15. The rain sensor is an electronic device designed to detect the presence of water droplets on the windshield 15 in order to automate the activation and speed of the windshield wipers. Its operation is based on optical and electronic principles. When the windshield 15 is dry, the emitted light is completely reflected back to the sensor because the glass surface is smooth. However, when raindrops fall on the windshield 15, they alter the path of the light. Some of the light is then scattered or absorbed by the droplets, which reduces the amount of light reflected back to the sensor. The rain sensor detects this reduction and deduces the presence of water on the windshield.

[0048] According to a particular embodiment, the first substate belongs to a first set of substates comprising: • a 'stopped state', • a 'first automatic state', • a 'second automatic state', • a 'third automatic state', • a 'first manual state', • a 'second manual state', and • a 'washing state'.

[0049] Similarly, the second substate belongs to a second set of substates comprising: • a 'state of arrest', • a 'first manual state', • a 'second manual state', and • a 'washed state'.

[0050] A stopped state corresponds to a state in which the windshield wiper is not activated, a manual state corresponds to a state in which a speed or a sweeping frequency of the windshield wiper is defined, and an automatic state corresponds to a state in which a speed or a sweeping frequency of the windshield wiper is defined according to a quantity of liquid, rainwater in general, present on the windshield and detected by the rain sensor.

[0051] To control the windshield wipers of the windshield wiper system, a multifunction lever 14 is arranged behind the steering wheel 13. This multifunction lever allows both the windshield wipers and the vehicle lighting system 10 to be controlled. Positioned on the left of the steering wheel 13, the multifunction lever thus corresponds to the headlight switching lever of the vehicle 10.

[0052] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates such a multifunction lever 14 present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10.

[0053] This multifunction lever 14 allows for various commands, for example, headlight controls by pulling or pushing on the multifunction lever 14 and turn signal controls by raising or lowering the multifunction lever 14, these controls being generally used on many vehicles on the market.

[0054] A first pictogram 143a representing the standardized symbols for turn signals and a pictogram representing the standardized symbol for headlights 143b are arranged on this multifunction lever 14 so as to inform the driver of the vehicle 10 that this multifunction lever interacts with the lighting system.

[0055] The multifunction lever 14 also includes a monostable wheel 141, that is to say that the wheel 141 is mounted in rotation or translation on the multifunction lever and can move in one or more directions, the wheel 141 returning to its rest position in the absence of action by the driver on the latter.

[0056] A first control is activated by moving the dial 141 in a first direction, for example, a front windshield wiper control is activated when the dial 141 is moved upwards, while a second control is activated by moving the dial 141 in a second direction different from the first direction, for example, a rear windshield wiper control is activated when the dial 141 is moved downwards. This action by the user is, for example, performed using the thumb, which is placed on the dial 141 and exerts force on it upwards or downwards so as to move it up or down respectively. Thus, a single A command is available for each windshield wiper; a signal corresponding to the movement of dial 141 is sent to the control unit associated with the windshield wiper system and represents the first or second command. Note that after each movement, dial 141 returns to its initial position, corresponding to its rest position. Moving dial 141 multiple times in the first or second direction generates successive signals representing the first and / or second command.

[0057] In order to guide the driver in the use of this dial 141, a third pictogram 142a representing the windshield wiper associated with the front windshield 15 is arranged next to the dial 141, opposite the upper position of the latter, and a fourth pictogram 142b representing the windshield wiper associated with the rear windshield is arranged next to the dial 141, opposite the lower position of the latter.

[0058] When the driver of the vehicle 10 interacts with the dial 141, information relating to his action is then presented on a screen 12, for example on the screen 12 corresponding to that of the digital dashboard of the vehicle 10.

[0059] The screen 12 corresponds, for example, to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type screen, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) type screen, or an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) type screen. The screen 12 is specifically configured to display content for the driver of the vehicle 10 and is connected to, or even integrated into, the vehicle 10's windshield wiper system.

[0060] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the screen 12 on which graphic content is displayed following the use of the dial 141. This graphic content is representative of a target state of the window wiper system, which is determined by the computer associated with the window wiper system or by the computer of an infotainment system on board the vehicle 10 with respect to the commands received from the dial 141 and a current state of the window wiper system.

[0061] According to this illustrated example, the driver moved the dial 141 upwards to change the substate associated with the windshield wiper. Thus, the graphic content 121 includes a first graphic object 122 representing the windshield wiper so that the driver is aware that their actions affect the windshield wiper. The first set of substates is then displayed as additional graphic objects. These additional graphic objects are associated with the following substates, which are sequenced as follows: • a graphic object 'Ml' for 'first manual state', • a graphic object 'M2' for 'second manual state', and • a graphic object 'Al' for 'first automatic state', • a graphic object 'A2' for 'second automatic state', • a graphic object 'A3' for 'third automatic state', • a graphic object 'W' for 'wash state', and • a graphic object 'OFF' for a 'stopped state'.

[0062] It should be noted that the graphic object corresponding to the target substate of the relevant windshield wiper is highlighted so as to indicate to the driver of the vehicle 10 the target state or the target substate associated with a windshield wiper. Thus, according to the illustrated example, the target state if there is only one windshield wiper, or the target substate associated with the windshield wiper, is that entitled 'first automatic state', illustrated by the graphic object 'Al'.

[0063] The screen 12 and the multifunction lever are thus part of a human-machine interface associated with the windshield wiper system and controlled by the windshield wiper system computer or by another computer, for example that of the infotainment system, known as the IVI system, the latter generally being in charge of the screens on board a vehicle.

[0064] According to a particular embodiment, the various computers associated with embedded systems of the vehicle 10, in particular one or more computers in charge of controlling the windshield wiper system and / or the computer of the IVI system of the vehicle 10, form for example a multiplexed architecture for the implementation of various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle 10 and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle 10.Computers and various embedded devices 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 Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3) type communication bus.

[0065] A control process for a vehicle 10 window wiper system is thus implemented by a processor of one of the aforementioned computers and includes the following operations.

[0066] In a first operation, initial data is received, this initial data representing the number of activations of a command among at least one command. In other words, the initial data represents the activated command among the different possible commands and the number of times that same command was activated. According to various examples, the data are received in full, or, according to another example, in several installments, with each activation of the command. The first data is then received from the multifunction lever 14.

[0067] According to one example, the driver activates the control associated with the front windshield wiper three times in a row, that is to say, three times in a row he moves the dial 141 upwards, for example in a window of a few seconds.

[0068] In a second operation, second data is received. This second data is representative of a current state of the windshield wiper system, for example if both the front and rear wipers are deactivated, their respective sub-states corresponding to the stopped state.

[0069] In a third operation, a target state is determined from the first and second data points. The target state corresponds to the state in which the driver of vehicle 10 wants the windshield wiper system to be. In this example, the current state corresponds to a first substate 'off' and a second substate 'off'. The three pulses or three activations of the control associated with the front windshield wiper define the number of steps in changing the first substate, or the number of movements in the ordered list or sequence of the first set of substates. Thus, three movements in this sequence are equivalent to defining the new first substate as the 'first automatic state'. The absence of activation of the second control, i.e., the control corresponding to the rear windshield wiper, corresponds to the absence of a change in the second substate.Thus, the target state is determined from the first and second substates corresponding respectively to the 'first automatic state' and 'stopped state'.

[0070] In a fourth operation, the display on screen 12 of the graphic content 121 representing the target state is controlled, and in this example corresponds to the display of the first graphic object 122 and an additional graphic object 'Al' different from the additional graphic objects associated with other states 'Ml', 'M2', 'A2', 'A3', 'W' and 'OFF'.

[0071] This display then allows the driver to check that he has correctly selected the desired state of the windshield wiper system, and to change this choice if necessary by reactivating the previously used control to select the desired state.

[0072] Note that a latency period is implemented, for example, between the fourth and fifth operations to allow the driver to validate or modify the target state displayed on screen 12 before the windshield wiper system changes state, i.e., before the wipers in question change state, activating, deactivating, changing speed, or adjusting to information received from the rain sensor, for example. Such a precaution thus allows, compared to the The sequence previously presented involves moving from a 'third automatic state' to a 'stopped state' without actually activating the 'washing state'.

[0073] In a fifth operation, a command is issued to at least one actuator controlling a windshield wiper, the command being determined according to the target state. Thus, the command for the automatic state 1' corresponds to a first speed, the wiping being subject to a quantity of rain detected by the rain sensor, while in another state, for example the manual state 1', the command corresponds to a second speed and continuous wiping. A command corresponding to the washing state' corresponds to a third speed, activation of a pump, and intermittent wiping.

[0074] The driver is thus able to control the windshield wiper system using simple controls, with a single control operating one wiper. The display on the screen showing information about the use of these controls allows the driver to precisely select a state of the windshield wiper system without having to look at the multifunction lever.

[0075] With the small number of controls for the window wiper system thus reduced, it is easy to place these functions on a headlight switching lever, thus allowing the elimination of a lever in the driver's seat.

[0076] In addition, the multifunction lever is less complex than if it supported different commands to define each state of the window wiping system, making it simpler to design and produce, but also more robust.

[0077] The use of a single control with generic indicators such as generic wipe or wash symbols, combined with status feedback in the digital dashboard, provides a versatile and flexible technical solution. Thus, such a control is multi-purpose and can perform more functions, allowing for better management of functional and organizational diversity and complexity. The sharing and / or standardization of such a multi-function lever is therefore facilitated.

[0078] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a device 5 configured for controlling a windshield wiper system installed in a vehicle, for example, vehicle 10, according to specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. The device 5 corresponds, for example, to a device installed in the vehicle 10, such as a control unit for the windshield wiper system or the control unit for the motors and pumps, as applicable.

[0079] Device 5 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 to 3 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 4]. Examples of such a device 5 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, a An electronic computer such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop. The elements of device 5, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 5 can be implemented as electronic circuits, software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0080] The device 5 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 50 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 5. The processor 50 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 5 further comprises at least one memory 51, corresponding, for example, to volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or includes a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0081] 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 51.

[0082] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 5 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.

[0083] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 5 includes a block 52 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 52 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").

[0084] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 5 includes a communication interface 53 which allows communication to be established with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded system) via a communication channel 530. The communication interface 53 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 530. The communication interface 53 corresponds, for example, to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0085] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 5 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 540, touch or not, one or more loudspeakers 550 and / or other peripherals 560 (projection system) via output interfaces 54, 55 and 56 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 5.

[0086] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of the different steps in a method for controlling a windshield wiper system installed 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 installed in vehicle 10 or by device 5 of Figure 5.

[0087] In a first step 41, initial data representing the number of activations of a command are received. The command is notably included in a set of commands comprising at least one command.

[0088] In a second step 42, second data are received. This second data is representative of a current state of the window wiping system.

[0089] In a third step 43, a target state is determined from the first and second data.

[0090] In a fourth step 44, a display on a screen mounted in the vehicle is controlled, a graphic content 121 representative of the target state is then displayed.

[0091] In a fifth step 45, a command is issued to at least one actuator controlling at least one windshield wiper, the command being determined according to the target state.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the variations and examples of the operations described in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig. 4].

[0093] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle or more generally an autonomous land-powered vehicle, comprising the device 5 of [Fig. 5].

Claims

Demands

1. A method for controlling a vehicle's windshield wiper system (10), said windshield wiper system comprising at least one wiper and a human-machine interface, said human-machine interface comprising a display (12) and a multifunction lever (14) comprising at least one control, each control being associated with one of the at least one wiper and each wiper having only one control, said method being characterized in that it is implemented by a processor and comprises the following steps: - receiving (41) first data representing a number of activations of one of said at least one control, - receiving (42) second data representing a current state of said windshield wiper system, - determining (43) a target state from the first and second data,- control (44) of displaying on said screen (12) graphic content (121) representative of said target state, and - transmission (45) of a command to at least one actuator controlling said at least one windshield wiper, said command being determined according to said target state.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said window wiping system comprises a front wiper and a rear wiper, a first control being associated with the front wiper and a second control being associated with the rear wiper.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said current state and target state comprise a first substate associated with said front windshield wiper and a second substate associated with said rear windshield wiper, said first substate belonging to a first set of substates comprising: • a stopped state, • a first automatic state, • a second automatic state, • a third automatic state, • a first manual state, • a second manual state, and • a washing state, and said second sub-state belonging to a second set of sub-states comprising: • a stopped state, • a first manual state, • a second manual state, and • a washing state.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the target state is determined sequentially from said current state and said number of activations of said command by traversing: • the first set of substates from said first substate of the current state if said command corresponds to the first command, or • the second set of substates from said second substate of the current state if said command corresponds to the second command.

5. Device (5) for controlling a window wiper system of a vehicle (10), said device comprising a memory (51) associated with at least one processor (50) configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Window wiping system comprising the device (5) according to claim 5, a multifunction lever (14) and a screen (12).

7. Window wiping system according to claim 6, wherein the screen (12) is a screen of a digital dashboard.

8. Window wiper system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the multifunction lever (14) is a headlight switching lever.

9. Window wiping system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the multifunction lever comprises a monostable wheel, a first command being activated by moving said wheel in a first direction and a second command being activated by moving said wheel in a second direction different from the first direction.

10. Vehicle comprising device (3) according to claim 5 or a window wiping system according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

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