Method and device for controlling an on-board system in a vehicle for blind or visually impaired passengers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling an embedded system in a vehicle (10) for a blind or visually impaired passenger (12), said vehicle (10) comprising a display system (14) including at least one touchscreen interface (16, 161, 162, 163, 164), a braille control system (18), and at least one braille control module (100). The method comprises a step in which said embedded system is controlled by said passenger (12) through interaction with said at least one braille control module (100), said at least one braille control module (100) being remote and separate from said touchscreen interface. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling an on-board system of a vehicle for blind or visually impaired passengers technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling an embedded system of a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively a motor vehicle, adapted for a blind or visually impaired passenger. The invention relates in particular to a method and a device for controlling an embedded system comprising a braille control system for regulating a parameter such as the temperature in the passenger compartment, the volume of the infotainment system, or the seat tilt, via the interface of at least one braille control module. Technological background

[0002] In the field of embedded systems in vehicles, it is well known that the integration of advanced technologies for the control of various functions, such as thermal control, infotainment systems, seat adjustment, as well as navigation and entertainment features, has become a standard feature of modern vehicles.

[0003] Current vehicles are equipped with multi-zone climate control systems, allowing passengers to independently regulate the temperature in different sections of the passenger compartment. Infotainment systems, integrated via touchscreens, offer users the ability to control various media, navigate via GPS, and connect to connected services, such as Bluetooth and voice assistants.

[0004] In addition, electronic seat adjustment systems allow for modifications to the height, tilt, and even lumbar support of the seats to maximize driver and passenger comfort. While these systems have become ubiquitous in modern vehicles, they primarily rely on visual interfaces, touchscreens, or physical controls whose effectiveness depends on clear visual interaction.

[0005] However, for blind or visually impaired people, these systems pose significant accessibility problems. Touchscreen-based interfaces, for example, make interaction difficult, if not impossible, without direct visual cues. Controlling systems such as air conditioning, which may require navigating through complex menus to adjust the temperature or ventilation, becomes impractical for users who cannot see the screen.

[0006] Similarly, infotainment systems, with their visual icons and lists of choices, are not accessible to visually impaired drivers or passengers, who cannot interact effectively with these interfaces without external assistance. Physical buttons that lack distinct tactile markers or adequate haptic feedback further complicate simple actions such as adjusting the volume or changing radio stations.

[0007] The lack of audible feedback in seat tilt systems or other body position adjustments, such as seat position memory, adds a further layer of difficulty, as it is impossible for a blind or visually impaired user to determine, without visual aids, whether the adjustments have been made correctly according to their needs. This reliance on visual interfaces and the absence of alternative interaction systems not only increases frustration but can also create potentially dangerous situations where the user is unable to respond effectively to comfort or safety needs.

[0008] It is therefore necessary and highly desirable to develop technological solutions that overcome these limitations for blind or visually impaired people, and that allow intuitive interaction with embedded systems without dependence on sight. Summary of the present invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the experience and comfort of a blind or visually impaired user with regard to the regulation of a parameter of an embedded system.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative tactile or haptic interface enabling a visually impaired person to interact with embedded systems without visual assistance.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate access to complex controls of embedded systems ensuring safe interaction during driving.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to enable a visually impaired user to easily and autonomously adjust complex parameters such as air conditioning, seat tilt or audio settings.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide immediate and appropriate feedback on actions performed in embedded systems in order to guarantee the safety and reliability of settings made by blind or visually impaired people.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling an on-board system of a vehicle for a blind or visually impaired passenger, said vehicle comprising a display system including at least one touch interface, a braille control system, at least one braille control module, said method comprising a step of controlling said on-board system, by said passenger, by interaction with said at least one braille control module; said at least one braille control module being remote and separate from said touch interface.

[0013] The use of a separate, remote physical braille control module separate from the vehicle's touchscreen systems offers several significant advantages over integrating a braille display directly onto these touchscreens. First, a physical control module provides a consistent, reliable, and easily identifiable tactile interface for blind or visually impaired users, without requiring interaction with a screen, which could be more complex and variable depending on the situation.

[0014] Unlike touch screens, which require constant adaptation by the user to navigate through dynamic and changing menus, a physical control module in braille offers a fixed position, allowing for rapid and intuitive interaction, without risk of confusion or mistouching.

[0015] In addition, a physical control module in braille makes it possible to maintain a much higher tactile precision, by offering direct and immediate feedback that touch screens cannot always provide, in particular due to the absence of palpable relief on the screen or the lack of sufficient haptic feedback.

[0016] Finally, separating the vehicle's touchscreen systems by using dedicated physical control modules avoids any cognitive overload for visually impaired users, who might otherwise have difficulty distinguishing the multiple functions displayed on a touchscreen. This approach therefore ensures greater comfort and a much smoother and safer interaction.

[0017] According to one variant, said control step comprises the following steps: - selection of an on-board system to be controlled by means of said at least one braille control module and confirmation of said selection by emission of a sensory notification adapted to be perceived by a blind or visually impaired passenger; - input of a control command of said on-board system selected by said passenger by interaction with said at least one braille control module; - verification of the conformity of said command input with respect to said selection; - execution of said control command by said embedded system when said command input conforms to said selection, or reporting of a non-conformity between said command input and said selection followed by a return to the selection step.

[0018] According to another variant, said signaling step includes the emission of a sensory notification adapted to be perceived by a blind or visually impaired passenger which is representative of the non-conformity between said command input and said selection.

[0019] Additionally, said braille control module is selected from a push button, a rotary button, a toggle button, or a lever button, said button including at least one braille identification means enabling the blind or visually impaired passenger to identify the on-board system associated with said button, said button optionally including a touch interface control system and / or a haptic feedback system.

[0020] According to a further variant, said embedded system is selected from navigation and telematics, comfort, entertainment and infotainment (IVI), communication, or air conditioning and thermal comfort (HVAC) systems.

[0021] According to an additional variant, said control of said embedded system is carried out by touch, pressure, or rotation of said at least one braille control module.

[0022] According to another variant, said braille control system comprises a single braille control module comprising a plurality of braille inscriptions, alternately or simultaneously perceptible by said passenger, each inscription being characteristic of an on-board system with which it is associated.

[0023] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a braille control module comprising braille inscriptions and adapted for the control of an on-board system of a vehicle for blind or visually impaired passengers by a method as described above according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a control device for an embedded system of a vehicle for a blind or visually impaired passenger, said device comprising a memory associated with at least one processor configured for the implementation of the steps of a process as described above according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the third aspect of the present invention. Brief description of the figures

[0026] 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:

[0027] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of the process of controlling an on-board system of a vehicle for blind or visually impaired passengers according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates two variants (single button and plurality of buttons) of a braille control module according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a variant of a braille control module according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention and one of its side views along a radial cutting plane;

[0031] [Fig.5] illustrates a device configured to control an on-board system of the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0032] A method and a control device for an embedded system of a vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 5. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0033] 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.

[0034] According to a particular and non-limiting example of an embodiment of the present invention, the control of an on-board system by a blind or visually impaired user (passenger) in a vehicle is for example implemented by one or more computers in the vehicle, for example via one or more processors.

[0035] It is understood that a blind or visually impaired person is usually a passenger in a "normal" vehicle and not the driver of said vehicle. However, if said vehicle were a fully or partially autonomous vehicle, thus allowing a blind or visually impaired person to "drive" the vehicle, then the present control method could be applied to a blind or visually impaired person as the driver of the vehicle and no longer as a passenger.

[0036] To this end, the method for controlling an on-board system of a vehicle described herein allows a blind or visually impaired person (passenger) in said vehicle to regulate or control at least one on-board system via a system braille control via interaction with at least one physical braille control module located remotely from the vehicle's general touch interface.

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

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

[0039] The vehicle beneficially includes a display system 14 comprising at least one touchscreen 16, referred to as the "central" or "main" screen, and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) from a graphic HMI on the touchscreen 16. The computer corresponds, for example, to the computer of the infotainment system, referred to as the IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé") of the vehicle 10.

[0040] The vehicle may also include a display system 14 comprising a plurality of secondary and / or remote screens 161, 162, 163, 164 with a touch interface, each of which may advantageously include a computer configured to separately control the display of content(s) of a graphic HMI on the touch screen 161, 162, 163, 164, in redundancy or not with the display of the touch screen 16.

[0041] Touchscreens 16, 161, 162, 163, 164 correspond, 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.

[0042] The touchscreens 16, 161, 162, 163, 164 are normally configured to display visual content for the driver and passengers of the vehicle 10. The touchscreens 16, 161, 162, 163, 164 are also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle to interact with one or more vehicle-mounted systems via a human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on one of the touchscreens. For example, screen 16 is configured to interact with any vehicle-mounted system 10, for example with one or more of the following systems, the list below being provided by way of illustration and not exhaustive: - an infotainment system, referred to as an IVI system; and / or - a vehicle navigation and geolocation system 10; and / or - a vehicle climate control system 10; and / or - a vehicle seat adjustment control system 10; and / or - a vehicle seat ventilation control system 10; and / or - a vehicle seat temperature control system; and / or - a vehicle speed control system; and / or - a vehicle trajectory control and / or lane keeping system 10; - etc.

[0043] The so-called "secondary" or "remote" touch screens 161, 162, 163, 164 are generally positioned so as to be within the visual and gestural range of the user, for example, on a door 19, on the central console 15 or on the dashboard 17 facing the user.

[0044] The braille control system 18 comprising said at least one braille control module (100) is advantageously positioned in the passenger compartment at a distance suitable for handling by the blind or visually impaired passenger 12, preferably with an intuitive positioning so that said passenger does not have to search for said braille control module (100) for a long time.

[0045] Said blind or visually impaired passenger 12 may be a front passenger of the vehicle 10 or one of the rear passengers, in which case the braille control system 18 comprising said at least one braille control module (100) could advantageously be positioned on one of the rear doors or on the back of the seat facing him.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the on-board system that can be controlled by the passenger 12 through said braille control system 18 is selected from navigation and telematics, comfort, entertainment and infotainment (IVI), communication, or air conditioning and thermal comfort (HVAC) systems.

[0047] The HVAC system in a vehicle is designed to precisely regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality in the passenger compartment, according to the needs of the occupants and the outside conditions. This system is composed of several interconnected components, including a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, an expansion valve, a fan, and thermal sensors, all controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0048] In a particular embodiment, a control process for a system embedded in the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors of the passenger compartment thermal comfort control system, for example by a computer of an embedded system of the vehicle 10 such as the HVAC system.

[0049] The in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system refers to a device integrated into a vehicle that provides occupants with simultaneous access to multimedia content and driving information. This system combines entertainment features, such as listening to the radio, streaming music, and playing video files, and other entertainment services, with information features such as GPS navigation, real-time traffic data, weather updates, and voice commands.

[0050] In a particular embodiment, a control process for a system embedded in the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors of the on-board entertainment and infotainment system, for example by a computer of an on-board system of the vehicle 10 such as the IVI system.

[0051] Said at least one braille control module 100 can be positioned at any suitable location to facilitate interaction of said control module with its user.

[0052] In the context of the present invention, said at least one braille control module 100 is a physical module separate from any central or remote touch interface 16, 161, 162, 163, 164 located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10.

[0053] Advantageously, one of the front or rear passenger doors of said vehicle 10 includes said at least one braille control module 100. In a particular embodiment, a plurality of doors, in particular all the doors, of the vehicle 10 are equipped with at least one braille control module 100.

[0054] In another particular embodiment, said braille control module 100 is selected from a push button, a rotary button, a toggle button, or a lever button, said button comprising at least one braille identification means enabling a blind or visually impaired passenger to identify the on-board system associated with said button, said button optionally comprising a touch interface control system and / or a haptic feedback system. In particular, the inclusion of a braille identification means on said button ensures that visually impaired or blind users can easily identify the specific function of the on-board system to which the button is connected, without requiring visual assistance. Said braille identification is ergonomically located on or around the button, allowing for quick and intuitive recognition by simple touch.For example, with a push button, the user can immediately identify whether it controls the climate control, navigation, or audio, significantly improving accessibility and ease of use. Furthermore, the button can be configured with additional options such as a touch interface control system that allows for more precise and intuitive operation, or a haptic feedback system that provides tactile feedback to the user, indicating that the command has been successfully registered or that a mode change has occurred. This haptic feedback can take the form of vibrations or tactile pulses, thus offering immediate feedback to visually impaired users. Each action performed enhances safety and confidence in the use of onboard systems. These different configurations allow the button to be adapted to the specific needs of users while ensuring accessible, reliable, and unambiguous interaction with the vehicle's control systems.

[0055] In particular, said braille control module 100 is a rotary multifunction button that allows easy access to the control of a plurality of functions associated with a plurality of on-board systems. This module is designed to offer intuitive, tactile interaction with the vehicle's on-board systems, particularly for blind or visually impaired users. Thanks to its rotary functionality, said multifunction button allows smooth navigation between different control parameters, such as volume adjustment, temperature management, radio station selection, or seat position adjustment. The use of rotation as a selection method is advantageous because it provides natural tactile feedback, allowing the user to physically feel the clicks or adjustment steps, thus facilitating precise and visually independent operation.Furthermore, this module is configured to be multifunctional, meaning it can be used to control multiple embedded systems through a single interface, thus simplifying the layout of controls and minimizing the clutter of control interfaces. Depending on the position or rotation of the button, the module allows switching between systems, providing an integrated and centralized user experience. This versatility also ensures better accessibility, as the user does not need to familiarize themselves with several different interfaces for each embedded system.

[0056] The control process is described in support of [Fig.2] which illustrates a possible sequence of the different steps implemented during the control of an on-board system of a vehicle 10 by a blind or visually impaired passenger 12.

[0057] In a first operation, the control method includes a selection step 21, by a blind or visually impaired passenger, of an on-board system to be controlled through said at least one braille control module 100 and the confirmation of said selection 21 by emission of a sensory notification adapted to be perceived by a blind or visually impaired passenger.

[0058] Advantageously, said sensory notification confirming the selection of said embedded system to be controlled is chosen from haptic feedback such as a vibration, a voice notification, or their combination.

[0059] In a second operation, the control method includes an input step 22 of a control command for said on-board system selected by said passenger through interaction with said at least one braille control module 100. For example, the user having chosen, in a first operation, after deciphering the or Using the corresponding braille symbols to regulate the interior temperature of the passenger compartment, a user can then, in a second operation, choose to increase or decrease the temperature by interacting with a command on the braille control module. Similarly, a user who, in a first operation, after deciphering the corresponding braille symbol(s), chooses to recline their seat, can then, in a second operation, choose to recline it forward or backward by interacting with a command on the braille control module.

[0060] In a third operation, the control process includes a conformity check 23 of said control input 22 with respect to said selection 21. For example, the user, having chosen, in a first operation, the on-board system associated with the tilt of their seat, must, in a second operation, enter a command related to this first choice, namely, a command to tilt their seat forward or backward. The control process must therefore evaluate the consistency between the selection 21 and the control input 22 and adequately inform the user of any inconsistency.

[0061] In a fourth operation, the control process includes an execution step 24 of said control command by said embedded system when said control input 22 conforms to said selection 21, or a signaling step 26 of a non-conformity between said control input 22 and said selection 21 followed by a return to the selection step 21.

[0062] When said control input 22 conforms to said selection 21, for example, when selection 21 corresponds to a system for regulating a thermal parameter such as the regulation of the passenger compartment's internal temperature and the selected command corresponds to increasing the temperature, then said system proceeds to execution step 24 of the function associated with increasing the temperature. Conversely, by way of example, when selection 21 by passenger 12 corresponds to a system for regulating a thermal parameter such as the regulation of the passenger compartment's internal temperature and the selected command corresponds to reclining the passenger seat, then said system proceeds to signaling step 26 and, successively or simultaneously, returns to selection step 21, thus allowing passenger 12 to reiterate their request to the braille control system 18.

[0063] In an advantageous embodiment, said execution step 24 includes the emission of a sensory notification adapted to be perceived by a blind or visually impaired passenger which is representative of the conformity between said control input 22 and said selection 21.

[0064] In an advantageous embodiment, said signaling step 26 comprises the emission of a sensory notification adapted to be perceived by a blind passenger or visually impaired which is representative of the non-conformity between said command entry 22 and said selection 21.

[0065] In another variant, said sensory notifications confirming or denying the conformity between said selection 21 and said control input 22 is chosen from haptic feedback such as a vibration, a voice notification, or their combination.

[0066] In a certain embodiment, when the emission of a sensory notification represents a discrepancy between the command input 22 and the selection 21, the emission signifies a handling error by the passenger and therefore differs from any other sensory notification emitted by the braille control system. Such a specific notification alerts the user that a discrepancy has occurred between the command they entered and the selection expected by the system, thus providing immediate and clear feedback on the error. The sensory notification is designed to be distinct from the routine notifications emitted by the braille control system, enabling the user to quickly and unambiguously identify that it is a handling error.For example, such a notification could consist of a series of closely spaced vibrations, generating an intense and repeated tactile sensation, thus clearly differentiating it from the standard vibrations emitted by the system to confirm a correct action. Alternatively or cumulatively, this notification could take the form of a distinct audible signal that is louder, higher-pitched, lower-pitched, or more sustained than normal audible notifications. This variation in the frequency, intensity, or duration of the audible signal allows the visually impaired or blind user to immediately recognize the nature of the error without requiring additional visual intervention.In certain configurations, a combination of these elements, such as simultaneous vibrations with a distinct audible signal, can be used to enhance error notification, ensuring an intuitive and secure user experience, even in noisy or disruptive environments. These differentiated notifications aim to optimize tactile and auditory interaction with the braille control system, enabling rapid error correction without significantly interrupting the use of other onboard functions.

[0067] The control method according to the invention may also include a step of putting into operation 20 of said control system in braille 18 prior to said selection step 21.

[0068] Advantageously, said step 20 of the braille control system's activation is performed automatically when the vehicle is started or by manual or voice activation of a dedicated command. This feature has the advantage of ensuring that the braille control system is immediately Operational as soon as the vehicle is started, without any further user intervention, the system allows for seamless and instant interaction with the various onboard systems. Alternatively, manual activation can be performed via a physical control, such as a dedicated button separate from the vehicle's other user interface systems, providing a reliable and tactile method for blind or visually impaired individuals. This control can be positioned in an ergonomic and accessible location, such as on the dashboard, center console, or a door. Furthermore, voice activation of the system, integrated via a voice recognition module, allows the user to activate the braille control system with a simple voice command, eliminating the need to search for physical buttons.This voice activation mode is designed to respond to specific, pre-programmed or customizable instructions, ensuring simple and effortless use. Thanks to this activation flexibility, the braille control system provides maximum accessibility for all users, while maintaining safety and efficient interaction with the vehicle's systems.

[0069] In a particular embodiment, said control method further comprises a step 25 for shutting down said braille control system 18. Advantageously, such a shutdown of said braille control system 18 includes automatic shutdown when said system is not used for a given period, shutdown by manual or voice activation of a dedicated control, or shutdown triggered by switching off the vehicle. Automatic shutdown, based on a predetermined non-use period, optimizes energy consumption and reduces wear on the system when it is not actively used by the user. This period can be adjusted according to the specific needs of the user or the vehicle manufacturer, ensuring that the braille control system remains available for as long as necessary before automatically switching off when not used.Manual stopping is achieved using a physical control, such as a dedicated and ergonomic button, separate from the vehicle's other controls, making it easier for blind or visually impaired people to use. This control can be strategically placed for easy access. Furthermore, stopping can also be triggered by voice command, offering a convenient alternative for users who prefer to interact with the system by voice, without needing to search for a physical control. Finally, the automatic shutdown of the braille control system can be directly linked to the vehicle's power-off, ensuring that the system is completely deactivated when the vehicle is switched off, thus avoiding any unnecessary energy consumption. This multi-modal stopping mechanism ensures flexibility and efficiency. optimal, adapted to the diverse needs of users, while maintaining ease of use and overall vehicle safety.

[0070] Various illustrative embodiments of the braille control module 100 are described in support of Figures 3 and 4.

[0071] A braille control module 100 according to the invention generally comprises a tactile or mechanical interface 32 including a braille inscription 30 representing an embedded system or one of its associated functions. The tactile or mechanical interface allows the user to easily navigate among the vehicle's functions, offering precise interaction adapted to the needs of blind or visually impaired people. The braille inscription 30 is specifically designed to clearly and intuitively identify the embedded system or function it represents, thus enabling immediate and error-free use. This braille inscription is strategically placed on the tactile or mechanical interface, ensuring that it is easily located and legible by touch.In a mechanical design, the user can manipulate a rotary knob, push button, or lever while being guided by the braille inscription, thus enabling a smooth and secure interaction. The touch interface can also offer haptic feedback, allowing the user to receive sensory feedback when a control is activated, reinforcing the certainty that the desired action has been successfully performed. Integrating this braille inscription into the control module ensures full accessibility to onboard systems, such as climate control, navigation, audio settings, or seat recline, while reducing the need for visual support. This makes complex vehicle systems intuitive and easy to use for people with visual impairments, without compromising the vehicle's functionality or safety.

[0072] In a particular embodiment, said braille control system comprises a grouping 34 of a plurality of braille buttons 340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350, each button comprising a single braille inscription perceptible to said passenger, characteristic of the on-board system or function with which it is associated. This grouping of buttons allows for clear and organized identification of the various vehicle functions, by providing each button with a specific braille inscription that corresponds to a distinct on-board system, such as climate control, volume, navigation, or seat tilt. The use of several dedicated buttons, each with its own function, ensures that the blind or visually impaired user can easily access the desired function without risk of confusion or misuse.The braille inscription on each button is designed to be immediately recognizable by touch, ensuring quick and precise interaction with the control system. This configuration also allows... Improved ergonomics are achieved by logically grouping the buttons, facilitating navigation between different controls. Furthermore, the braille design ensures that users can identify each function effortlessly, while also enabling intuitive operation of the vehicle's systems. The grouping of braille buttons in this control system variant thus offers a practical, inclusive, and reliable solution for visually impaired users, while optimizing the accessibility of the vehicle's features.

[0073] In another embodiment, said braille control system comprises a single braille control module 100, 40 comprising a plurality of braille inscriptions 400, 410, 420, 430, which are perceptible sequentially or simultaneously to said passenger, each inscription being characteristic of an on-board system with which it is associated. This configuration makes it possible to centralize several functions in a single control module, thus reducing its size and simplifying the interface for the blind or visually impaired user. The various braille inscriptions on the module make it possible to distinguish, at any given time or simultaneously, the associated on-board systems, such as climate control, audio, navigation, or seat adjustments, thus providing full accessibility to all vehicle functions.Depending on the implementation, the braille inscriptions can be activated sequentially or perceived simultaneously, allowing the user to navigate smoothly between different control options without confusion. This arrangement ensures that each function is clearly identifiable by touch, providing quick and intuitive interaction. Furthermore, the multiple braille inscriptions can be ergonomically arranged around or on the module, allowing the user to easily recognize them without requiring complex searching. This variant also ensures that the user receives immediate and relevant tactile feedback for each function, while facilitating access to the vehicle's onboard systems through a centralized interface.This improves ease of use, safety, and the efficiency of interactions with vehicle systems for visually impaired users, while offering an ergonomic solution within the limited space of the passenger compartment.

[0074] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the vehicle of the invention comprises a plurality (2 or 4) of doors, each comprising a braille control module 100. In some cases, the braille control modules are functionally connected to the main display system 14 of the vehicle 10 to allow synchronization of the display on all the display means available in the vehicle.

[0075] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a device 5 configured for the control of an on-board vehicle system by a blind or visually impaired passenger, for example the vehicle 10, according to specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. The device 5 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0076] The device 5 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations and / or steps of the process described opposite Figures 1 to 4. Examples of such a device 5 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, an electronic control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer. The elements of the device 5, individually or in combination, may be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device 5 may be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 CCU (from the English "Climate Control Unit" or in French "Unité de Contrôle Climatique") or HVAC, for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0080] The present invention also 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The present invention further 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for controlling the execution of instructions representing functions or actions implemented by at least one system embedded in a vehicle, which would include secondary steps without falling outside the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0087] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-based motor vehicle, comprising the device 5 of [Fig.5] or a braille control system comprising the device 5 of [Fig.5] connected in communication to a braille control module 100.

[0088] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process of [Fig.2].

Claims

Demands

1. Method of controlling an on-board system of a vehicle (10) for a blind or visually impaired passenger (12), said vehicle (10) comprising a display system (14) including at least one touch interface (16, 161, 162, 163, 164), a braille control system (18), at least one braille control module (100), said method comprising a step of controlling said on-board system, by said passenger (12), by interaction with said at least one braille control module (100); said at least one braille control module (100) being remote and separate from said touch interface.

2. A control method according to the preceding claim, wherein said control step comprises the following steps: - selection (21) of an on-board system to be controlled by means of said at least one braille control module (100) and confirmation of said selection (21) by emitting a sensory notification suitable to be perceived by a blind or visually impaired passenger; - input (22) of a control command of said on-board system selected by said passenger by interaction with said at least one braille control module (100); - verification of conformity (23) of said control input (22) with respect to said selection (21); - execution (24) of said control command by said on-board system when said control input (22) conforms to said selection (21), or reporting (26) of a non-conformity between said control input (22) and said selection (21) followed by a return to the selection step (21).

3. A control method according to claim 2, wherein said signaling step (26) comprises the emission of a sensory notification suitable to be perceived by a blind or visually impaired passenger which is representative of the non-conformity between said control input (22) and said selection (21).

4. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said braille control module (100) is selected from a push button, a rotary button, a toggle button, or a lever button, said button comprising at least one braille identification means (30) enabling the blind passenger or visually impaired to identify the embedded system associated with said button, said button optionally including a touch interface control system and / or a haptic feedback system (32).

5. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said on-board system is selected from navigation and telematics, comfort, entertainment and infotainment (IVI), communication, or air conditioning and thermal comfort (HVAC) systems.

6. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control of said embedded system is carried out by touch, pressure, or rotation of said at least one braille control module (100).

7. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said braille control system comprises a single braille control module (100, 40) comprising a plurality of braille inscriptions (400, 410, 420, 430), alternately or simultaneously perceptible to said passenger, each inscription being characteristic of an embedded system with which it is associated.

8. Braille control module (100, 40) comprising braille inscriptions and adapted for controlling an on-board system of a vehicle (10) for a blind or visually impaired passenger (12) by a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Device (5) for controlling an on-board system of a vehicle (10) for a blind or visually impaired passenger, 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 7.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (5) according to claim 9.

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