Method and device for controlling a vehicle parking assistance system during a parking maneuver

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling a vehicle parking assistance system comprising a touchscreen (12). For this purpose, data representing a search for a parking space is received. A parking assistance system control button is displayed on the touchscreen (12) according to a first graphic representation (320). A parking space detection command is transmitted to the parking assistance system following a first touch press on the control button. Data representing a confirmation of parking space detection is received. A command to execute a parking maneuver in the parking space is transmitted to the parking assistance system following a second touch press on the control button. Figure 3 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a vehicle parking assistance system during a parking maneuver technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a vehicle parking assistance system, particularly, but not exclusively, for a motor vehicle. The invention specifically relates to a method and device for displaying a button that activates a vehicle parking assistance system when the vehicle driver wishes to initiate a parking maneuver. Technological background

[0002] Modern vehicles are equipped with a parking assistance system that makes parking maneuvers easier and safer by providing automated or semi-automated assistance to the driver. This system generally uses sensors, cameras, and software to detect available parking spaces, calculate trajectories, and guide the vehicle in tight spaces, thereby reducing the stress and risk of collision associated with these maneuvers.

[0003] The parking assistance function is generally triggered by pressing physical or touch buttons located in the cockpit.

[0004] In the case of physical buttons, their location is often relegated to areas that are difficult to access or not a priority, making their use impractical, especially when the driver needs to quickly activate the parking assistance function in a dynamic environment.

[0005] In the case of touch buttons, these are often accessed via specific menus in a vehicle touchscreen's Human-Machine Interface (HMI), for example, in a section dedicated to parking. This control button is generally located in a submenu and requires several successive clicks on the screen to activate it. If the button is located on the HMI's home screen, it is usually situated among other touch buttons of similar size and shape, requiring greater precision to click. When a driver is actively searching for a parking space, the lack of direct and quick access to the control can lead to underutilization of the function.

[0006] Another problem lies in the conflicting requirements imposed on the driver when using the system. To confirm or select a parking space type via the interface, the driver must carefully look at the central screen to validate or adjust the settings. This behavior contradicts the importance of monitoring the external environment during a parking maneuver. This divided attention between the screen and the surroundings can compromise the safety of the vehicle's occupants. 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, for example, to facilitate the control or command of a vehicle parking assistance system.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to minimize the driver's loss of attention to activate the parking assistance function.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a parking assistance system of a vehicle, the vehicle having a display system comprising a touch screen, the method being implemented by a processor and comprising the following steps: - receipt of initial data indicating detection of a search for a parking space by the vehicle driver, - display control of a vehicle parking assistance system control button on a main display area of ​​the touchscreen according to an initial graphical representation based on initial data, the size of the control button according to the initial graphical representation being greater than a predetermined threshold, - reception of second data points representing a first touch press on the control button, - transmission of third data points representing a command to activate a parking space detection operation to the assistance system - receipt of fourth data points representing confirmation of the detection of a parking space from the parking assistance system, - reception of fifth data points representing a second touch press on the control button, - transmission of sixth data representing a command to execute a parking maneuver in the parking space to the parking assistance system, the transmission being triggered by the reception of the fifth data.

[0011] Detecting a search for a parking space by the driver automatically triggers the display of a parking assistance control button on the touchscreen. The display of a parking assistance system control button on the touchscreen is large, i.e. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the large control button allows for a quick and intuitive press, unlike a small physical or touch-sensitive button. This eliminates the need for the driver to take their eyes off the road to search for the button, thus improving driver focus and enhancing the safety of the vehicle and other road users. Activating a parking space detection operation allows the parking assistance system to detect a parking space in the vehicle's vicinity and then confirm to the driver that a space has been detected. With a second touch press, the driver can quickly and intuitively send a command to the parking assistance system to execute an automatic parking maneuver, as the large control button remains displayed on the touchscreen.

[0012] According to one variant, the first threshold represents a ratio between the size of the control button and a total size of a main display area of ​​the touch screen.

[0013] According to one variant, the determined threshold is equal to 90%.

[0014] According to another variant, the determined threshold is configurable via an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) of the vehicle.

[0015] According to yet another variant, the second data contains information representing a number of fingers simultaneously in contact with a touch interface of the touch screen, the third data being a function of the information.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the method includes a step of determining a type of parking space based on the information, the type of parking space corresponding to: - a type of parking space with angled parking when the information is representative of a finger touching the touch interface, - a type of parking space with parallel parking when the information represents simultaneous contact of two fingers with the touch interface, - a type of parking space with perpendicular parking when the information represents simultaneous contact of three fingers with the touch interface

[0017] According to yet another variant, the method includes a step of rendering sound content confirming the reception of the second data, and / or a step of rendering sound content confirming the reception of the fourth data, and / or a step of rendering sound content confirming the reception of the fifth data.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a control device for a parking assistance system, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0020] According to a fourth 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.

[0021] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0022] According to a fifth 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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

[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 7, in which:

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

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a screen of the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the vehicle screen of [Fig.1], according to a second a particular and non-limiting example of a realization of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the vehicle screen of [Fig.1], according to a third a particular and non-limiting example of a realization of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the vehicle screen of [Fig.1], according to a fourth a particular and non-limiting example of a realization of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.6] illustrates a device configured to control an assistance system for parking of the [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention.

[0033] [Fig.7] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a vehicle parking assistance system 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 parking assistance system will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 7. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs 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 control of a parking assistance system is implemented by one or more vehicle computers, in particular by one or more processors of this or these computers. The vehicle also includes a display system comprising a touchscreen interface, referred to as a touchscreen, controlled by a computer, for example the computer of the vehicle's infotainment system, referred to as an IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé").

[0037] Initial data representing the detection of a search for a parking space by the vehicle's driver are received. This initial data corresponds, for example, to data identifying the vehicle moving at a reduced speed. Following the reception of this initial data, the control unit adjusts the display of the parking assistance system's control button according to an initial graphical representation. The size of the control button in this initial graphical representation is greater than a predetermined threshold to ensure that the control button is more easily visible and accessible to a vehicle user. Secondary data representing an initial touch press is then received. Data is received from the touchscreen interface, for example, when a user first touches the touchscreen at the control button's display location. In response to this second data point, a third data point, representing a command to activate a parking space detection operation, is transmitted to a parking assistance system controller, for example, to detect an available parking space of sufficient size. A fourth data point, representing confirmation of parking space detection, is received from the parking assistance system, for example, when the system identifies an available parking space for the vehicle.Fifth data points representing a second touch press on the control button are received, for example, when a user performs a second touch press on the touchscreen at the control button's display location. Sixth data points representing a command to execute a parking maneuver in the parking space are transmitted to the parking assistance system, for example, to trigger an automatic or assisted parking maneuver in the parking space.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The vehicle 10 includes a display system comprising a touch screen 12 and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphical human-machine interface, known as an HMI, on the touch screen 12. The computer corresponds, for example, to the computer of the infotainment system, known as the IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé") of the vehicle 10.

[0041] The touch screen 12 corresponds for example to an LCD type screen (from the English "Liquid Crystal Display" or in French "Affichage à cristals liquide"), for example of type TFT (from the English "Thin-Film Transistor" or in French "Transistor en film mince"), or OLED (from the English "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "Diode électroluminescente organique").

[0042] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a parking assistance system configured to assist the driver during parking maneuvers. Such a system uses sensors on the vehicle 10, for example one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more radar sensors and / or one or more cameras, to detect The system detects obstacles and identifies available parking spaces. Once a space is detected, the system calculates an optimal trajectory to park the vehicle 10. The parking assistance system then assists the driver in the parking maneuver of the vehicle 10, for example by providing visual or audible instructions to the driver of the vehicle 10 and by controlling the steering of the vehicle 10, the driver only operating the pedals to control acceleration or braking, or, for example in the most recent vehicles, taking over all the actions necessary for an automatic parking maneuver of the vehicle 10, such as steering, acceleration and braking.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 carries one or more embedded systems, each controlled by one or more computers. These computers, together with the IVI computer, form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for providing various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle 10 via the control of the embedded system(s) in the vehicle 10.Computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3) type communication bus.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 10 includes a central console having a set 11 of physical buttons, configured to control various functions and / or different systems of the vehicle 10, for example the switching on / off of the hazard lights, the activation or not of the air conditioning, etc.

[0045] According to one example, a physical button among the set of physical buttons 11 is configured to manually control the activation and deactivation of the parking assistance of the vehicle 10, by manual actuation of this physical button.

[0046] According to another example, a first press of the parking assistance system control button on the physical button assembly 11 initiates the detection of a parking space and the calculation of a parking trajectory by the parking assistance system. A second press of the control button, after confirmation, for example audible confirmation, by the parking assistance system of the detection of a parking space, triggers the parking maneuver, i.e., assistance by the parking assistance system. The driver will only control the accelerator and brake pedals, while the parking assistance system controls the vehicle's steering. This can result in a fully automatic parking maneuver without driver intervention. During automatic parking, the driver must keep the physical button pressed throughout the maneuver to ensure they remain attentive and ready to take control in case of an emergency.

[0047] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the touch screen 12, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the touchscreen 12 consists of a main display area 21 and a secondary display area 22. For example, the main display area 21 is used to display a set of information for the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle 10, for example navigation information, or information relating to the operating status of the vehicle 10. According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the secondary display area 22 is used to display various touch buttons for controlling systems of the vehicle 10, for example a parking assistance system control button shown according to a second graphic representation 220.

[0049] The secondary display area 22 covers a surface of the touch screen 12 with dimensions smaller than those of the surface covered by the main display area 21. The secondary display area 22 is, for example, arranged below the main display area 21. According to other examples, the secondary display area 22 is above the main display area 21 or is formed on a lateral strip on one side or the other of the touch screen 12.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the touch screen 12 consists of a single main display area 21, occupying the entire available display area of ​​the touch screen 12, for example in the case where the vehicle 10 has a center console comprising a set of physical buttons 11, not requiring the display of such buttons on the touch screen 12.

[0051] The touchscreen 12 is configured to display content for the driver and passengers of the vehicle 10. The touchscreen 12 is also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle 10 to interact with one or more systems embedded in the vehicle 10 via a human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on the touchscreen 12. For example, the touchscreen 12 is configured to interact with the IVI system and / or the parking assistance system of the vehicle 10.

[0052] The vehicle display system 10 is connected in communication with the vehicle parking assistance system 10, for example the computer in charge of the The display system (for example the IVI computer) is connected in communication to the computer (also called the controller) in charge of the parking assistance system via one or more data buses of the vehicle's on-board network 10.

[0053] A problem that arises then concerns the driver of the vehicle 10 pressing a control button for the parking assistance system, either, for example, a physical button from the set of physical buttons 11, or a touch button displayed according to a second graphical representation 220 on the touchscreen 12, when the driver wishes to initiate a parking maneuver. This small parking assistance system control button requires increased precision from the driver of the vehicle 10 and requires the driver to focus their gaze on the control button, while their attention must be focused on the vehicle's surroundings when searching for a parking space and performing the parking maneuver.

[0054] A control process for the vehicle parking assistance system 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors, for example one or more processors of the IVI computer and / or one or more processors of the computer or controller in charge of the parking assistance system.

[0055] In a first operation of the process, at least one processor of the vehicle 10, for example the IVI computer or a set of computers, receives initial data representative of a detection of a search for a parking space by the driver of the vehicle 10.

[0056] According to one embodiment, this first data are, for example, representative data of a vehicle moving at low speed, for example received from an odometer of the vehicle 10.

[0057] According to another embodiment, these first data are, for example, data representative of a vehicle moving at low speed according to the previous embodiment, coupled with the detection of an activation of a flashing light of the vehicle 10 by the driver.

[0058] According to another additional embodiment, these first data are representative of a detection of a vehicle position in a parking area, such data being received from a vehicle navigation system 10 in association with the receiver of the satellite positioning system (for example the GPS system) providing the position of the vehicle 10 at any time, the parking area corresponding for example to a parking lot.

[0059] In a second operation of the process, illustrated in [Fig.3], the display of a parking assistance system control button is controlled in such a way that the button is displayed on the main display area 21 of the touch screen 12 according to a first graphic representation 320, the size of the control button according to the first graphic representation 320 being greater than a determined threshold.

[0060] The control button is displayed in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, which content is displayed on the touch screen 12.

[0061] The fact that the size of the control button according to the first graphic representation 320 is greater than a determined threshold allows a display easily visible to the driver on the touch screen 12, to quickly trigger the command of the parking assistance system.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the threshold represents a ratio between the size of the control button according to the first graphic representation 320 and the total size of the main display area 21 of the touch screen 12. This ratio is expressed as a percentage of the total size of the main display area 21 occupied by the control button according to the first graphic representation 320.

[0063] A display control of graphic content or any graphic object (text, pictogram, icon, control button, indicator, etc.) includes a rendering of the graphic content or graphic object, such rendering corresponding to a set of operations performed by one or more processors on the pixels of one or more images of the graphic content to be displayed on the touch screen 12. For example, the rendering consists of associating to a set of pixels of an image pixel data (for example color data expressed in an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) type space) associated with each graphic object.

[0064] The display control of the control button according to the first graphical representation thus includes the transmission of control signals to the touch screen 12 to modify the values ​​associated with the pixels of the touch screen 12 at the location intended to display the control button according to the first graphical representation 320 (or any graphical object).

[0065] According to one particular embodiment, the threshold is equal to 90%. Thus, the control button will be displayed with a size greater than 90% of the size of the main display area 21, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. A threshold of 90% allows the driver to press the control button without looking at the touchscreen 12, while keeping their eyes fixed on the road.

[0066] According to another particular embodiment, the threshold is equal to 50%. Thus, the control button will be displayed with a size greater than 50% of the size of the main display area 21, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. For example, a threshold of 50% makes it easier for the driver to touch the control button, while keeping a display area available on the main display area to show other information useful to the driver for ensuring control and supervision of the vehicle 10, for example, navigation information.

[0067] According to an additional embodiment, the first graphic representation 320 represents a parking aid symbol corresponding to the letter P associated with a vehicle steering wheel.

[0068] According to an embodiment illustrated by [Fig.4], the first graphic representation 420 occupies the left part of the main display area of ​​the touch screen 12, and the right part of the main display area of ​​the touch screen 12 is available to display other information.

[0069] According to an embodiment illustrated by [Fig.5], the first graphic representation 520 occupies the upper part of the main display area of ​​the touch screen 12, and the lower part of the main display area of ​​the touch screen 12 is available to display other information.

[0070] According to another embodiment, the threshold represents dimensions in pixels of a height and a width of a minimum rectangular area on which to display the control button.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the threshold is configurable via a vehicle HMI (Human-Machine Interface) 10. For example, the threshold is configurable by selecting its value from a menu or page of the HMI. The driver selects a threshold according to their preferences, for example, a high threshold if the driver wants to make pressing the control button easier, as shown in the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520.

[0072] In a third operation of the process, second data representing a first touch press on the control button displayed according to the first graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 are received, following a touch press by a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the control button displayed on the touch screen 12.

[0073] A first touch press on the control button displayed according to the first graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements one or more functions associated with the command corresponding to the first touch press.

[0074] The second data representing a first touch press are for example received via one or more data buses linking the touch interface of the screen (or a computer controlling such a touch interface where applicable) and the IVI computer.

[0075] The first touch press corresponds to a short or brief touch press in which the duration of the press on the control button is less than a threshold duration (for example, equal to 500 or 1000 ms). According to one embodiment, the first touch press corresponds to a long touch press in which the duration of the press on the control button is greater than the threshold duration (for example, equal to 500 or 1000 ms).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the second data point contains information representing the number of fingers simultaneously in contact with a touchscreen interface 12 during the first touch press of the control button, as shown in the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520. The type of parking space searched for by the parking assistance system depends on the information corresponding to the number of fingers simultaneously in contact with the touchscreen interface during the first touch press. Thus, in the case of older-generation parking assistance systems that do not automatically detect all types of parking spaces, the driver can indicate the desired type of parking space to the parking assistance system with a quick and intuitive gesture, without taking their eyes off the road.

[0077] The simultaneous touch of one or more fingers corresponds to the detection of one or more touch presses within a short time interval (for example, equal to 100 or 200 ms), after the first detection of a touch press on the control button according to the first graphic representation 320, 420, 520. In other words, any touch press detected on the touch interface of the touch screen 12 within this time interval will be associated with the first touch press, the total number of touch presses corresponding to the number of fingers simultaneously in contact with the touch interface of the touch screen 12.

[0078] According to a further embodiment, the type of parking space searched for by the parking assistance system varies depending on the number of fingers simultaneously in contact with the touchscreen interface of the touchscreen 12. For example, the type of parking space corresponds to: - a type of parking space with angled parking when the information is representative of a finger touching the touch interface, - a type of parking space with parallel parking when the information is representative of a simultaneous contact of two fingers with the touch interface, - a type of parking space with perpendicular parking when the information is representative of a simultaneous contact of three fingers with the touch interface.

[0079] Thus, the driver can select a type of parking space adapted to his needs, intuitively and without taking his eyes off the road.

[0080] In a fourth operation of the process, the IVI computer transmits third data representing a parking space detection operation to the parking assistance system, for example to the parking assistance system controller, the transmission of the third data being triggered by the reception of the second data by the IVI computer.

[0081] These third data are for example transmitted via one or more data buses linking the IVI computer and a control computer for the parking assistance system.

[0082] The parking space detection command or request allows the activation of parking space detection by the parking assistance system, for example to detect a free parking space of sufficient size to park the vehicle 10. The parking assistance system detects an available parking space thanks to the sensors of the vehicle 10.

[0083] According to a particular embodiment, the display time of the control button according to the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 on the main display area of ​​the touchscreen 12 is a fixed duration. For example, the display time of the control button according to the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 on the main display area of ​​the touchscreen 12 is 10, 15, or 20 seconds. The driver thus has a period of time to decide whether to press the control button, for example, if the vehicle 10 is currently in heavy traffic requiring the driver to control the steering wheel with both hands, and therefore a delay between the appearance of the control button according to the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 and the driver's opportunity to press it.

[0084] According to one embodiment, following the transmission of the third data, the control button according to the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 remains displayed on the main display area of ​​the touchscreen 12 during the parking space detection phase by the parking assistance system. For example, the control button according to the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 remains displayed unchanged. According to another example, the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 represents a text area containing the phrase "Detection in progress" during the parking space detection phase, and the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 again represents a parking assistance symbol corresponding to the letter P associated with a steering wheel at the end of the parking space detection.

[0085] In a fifth operation of the process, the IVI computer receives fourth data representing a confirmation of detection of a parking space from the parking assistance system.

[0086] These fourth data are transmitted for example via one or more data buses linking the IVI computer and a parking assistance system control computer.

[0087] Confirmation of detection allows the IVI computer to identify the successful completion of the parking space detection operation. For example, The IVI calculator controls the display of the control button according to the first graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 to represent a text area containing the phrase "Detection completed successfully".

[0088] In a sixth operation of the process, fifth data representing a second touch press on the control button displayed according to the first graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 are received, following a touch press by a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the control button displayed on the touch screen 12.

[0089] The second touch press is subsequent to the first touch press.

[0090] A second touch press on the control button displayed according to the first graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements one or more functions associated with the command corresponding to the second touch press.

[0091] The fifth data representing a second touch press are received for example via one or more data buses linking the touch interface of the screen (or a computer controlling such a touch interface where applicable) and the IVI computer.

[0092] The second touch press corresponds to a short or brief touch press in which the duration of the control button press is less than a threshold duration (for example, 500 or 1000 ms). According to one embodiment, the second touch press corresponds to a long touch press in which the duration of the control button press is greater than the threshold duration (for example, 500 or 1000 ms).

[0093] In a seventh operation of the process, the IVI computer transmits sixth data representing a command to execute a parking maneuver to the parking assistance system, for example to the parking assistance system controller, the transmission of the sixth data being triggered by the reception of the fifth data by the IVI computer.

[0094] These sixth data are for example transmitted via one or more data buses linking the IVI computer and a parking assistance system control computer.

[0095] The command or request to execute a parking maneuver allows the parking maneuver to be triggered by the parking assistance system on the parking space detected in a previous operation.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the parking maneuver is a parking maneuver assisted by the parking assistance system. The driver interacts only with the vehicle's accelerator and brake pedals. 10 during the parking maneuver, and the parking assistance system controls the direction of the vehicle 10.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the parking maneuver is an automatic parking maneuver performed by the parking assistance system. The driver of the vehicle 10 maintains a second touch press on the control button as shown in the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 for the duration of the vehicle 10's parking maneuver. The automatic parking maneuver stops if the second touch press is released during the automatic parking maneuver. Maintaining the second touch press on the control button as shown in the first graphic representation 320, 420, or 520 ensures that the driver of the vehicle 10 remains attentive and ready to intervene in case of a problem or emergency throughout the maneuver.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the process further comprises an operation for rendering audio content to confirm the receipt of the second data point, and / or an operation for rendering audio content to confirm the receipt of the fourth data point, and / or an operation for rendering audio content to confirm the receipt of the fifth data point. For example, the rendering of the confirmation audio content is carried out via one or more speakers of the vehicle 10. According to a first example, the audio content corresponds, for example, to an audible "beep" alert following the touch press of the control button on the touchscreen 12 for the second and fifth data points, and / or to an audible "beep" alert following the detection of a parking space by the parking assistance system.In another example, the audio content corresponds to the reading, via a speech synthesis technique of the IVI system, of a text confirming the reception of the second, fourth and / or sixth data points.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the process further includes a display control operation for the parking assistance system control button on the touchscreen 12 according to a second graphical representation 220, the size of the control button according to the second graphical representation 220 being less than a second threshold, the second threshold being less than the first threshold. This embodiment makes it possible to maintain a reduced-size control button available on the touchscreen 12, for example, when the control button according to the first graphical representation 320, 420, or 520 disappears from the touchscreen 12.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the display of the control button according to the second graphic representation 220 is carried out on a secondary display area 22 of the touch screen 12.

[0101] The secondary display area 22 corresponds, for example, to a lower band of the touch screen 12, representing one or more control buttons the activation of one or more systems of vehicle 10, one of these control buttons being the control button of the vehicle 10 parking assistance system according to the second graphic representation 220.

[0102] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a device 6 configured for controlling a vehicle display system and / or for controlling a vehicle parking assistance system, for example, vehicle 10, according to specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. The device 6 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in the vehicle 10, such as a computer.

[0103] Device 6 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 to 5 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 7]. Examples of such a device 6 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 device 6, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 6 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0104] The device 6 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 60 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 6. The processor 60 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 6 further comprises at least one memory 61, for example, 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.

[0105] 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 61.

[0106] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 6 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.

[0107] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 includes a block 62 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 62 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").

[0108] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 includes a communication interface 63 which enables communication with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded system) via a communication channel 630. The communication interface 63 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 630. The communication interface 63 corresponds, for example, to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3) type.

[0109] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 640, touch or not, one or more speakers 650 and / or other peripherals 660 (projection system) via output interfaces 64, 65 and 66 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 6.

[0110] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a method for controlling a vehicle parking assistance system, for example vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. process is for example implemented by a device on board the vehicle 10 or by the device 6 of the [Fig.6].

[0111] In a first step 71, initial data representative of a detection of a search for a parking space by the driver of vehicle 10 are received.

[0112] In a second step 72, the display of a parking assistance system control button is controlled to display this button on a main display area of ​​the touch screen according to a first graphical representation based on the first data, a size of the button according to the first graphical representation being greater than a determined threshold.

[0113] In a third step 73, second data representing a first touch press on the control button are received.

[0114] In a fourth step 74, third data representing an activation command for a parking space detection operation are transmitted to a parking assistance system controller, the transmission of the third data being triggered by the reception of the second data.

[0115] In a fifth step 75, fourth data representing a confirmation of detection of a parking space are received from the parking assistance system.

[0116] In a sixth step 76, fifth data representing a second touch press on the control button are received.

[0117] In a seventh step 77, sixth data representing a command to execute a parking maneuver in the parking space are transmitted to a controller of the parking assistance system, the transmission of the sixth data being triggered by the reception of the fifth data.

[0118] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.7].

[0119] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying a button representing a vehicle's parking assistance system in various graphic representations, which would include secondary steps without departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0120] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle or more generally a land motor vehicle, comprising the device 6 of the [Fig.6] or a display system comprising device 6 of the [Fig.6] connected in communication to a touch screen 12.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for controlling a parking assistance system of a vehicle (10), said vehicle (10) having a display system including a touchscreen (12), said method being implemented by a processor and comprising the following steps: - receiving (71) first data representing the detection of a search for a parking space by the driver of said vehicle (10), - display control (72) of a control button of said parking assistance system of said vehicle on a main display area (21) of said touchscreen (12) according to a first graphical representation (320) as a function of said first data, a size of said control button according to said first graphical representation (320) being greater than a determined threshold, - receiving (73) second data representing a first touch press on said control button,- transmission (74) of third data representing a command to activate a parking space detection operation by said parking assistance system, said transmission being triggered by the reception of said second data, - reception (75) of fourth data representing a confirmation of the detection of a parking space by said parking assistance system, - reception (76) of fifth data representing a second touch press on said control button, - transmission (77) of sixth data representing a command to execute a parking maneuver on said parking space by said parking assistance system, said transmission being triggered by the reception of said fifth data.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein said determined threshold represents a ratio between said size of said control button and a total size of said main display area of ​​said touch screen (12).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein said determined threshold is equal to 90%.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said determined threshold is configurable via a human-machine interface of said vehicle (10).

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second data contains information representative of a number of fingers simultaneously in contact with a touch interface of said touch screen (12), said third data being a function of said information.

6. A method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of determining a type of said parking space based on said information, said type of said parking space corresponding to: - a type of parking space with angled parking when said information is representative of a contact of one finger with said touch interface, - a type of parking space with parallel parking when said information is representative of a simultaneous contact of two fingers with said touch interface, - a type of parking space with perpendicular parking when said information is representative of a simultaneous contact of three fingers with said touch interface.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of rendering audio content confirming said receipt of said second data, and / or a step of rendering audio content confirming said receipt of said fourth data, and / or a step of rendering audio content confirming said receipt of said fifth data.

8. Computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when said program is executed by a processor.

9. Control device for a vehicle parking assistance system (10), said control device comprising a memory associated with at least one processor configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising a device according to claim 9.

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