Method and device for controlling a vehicle's speed regulator system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling a vehicle's cruise control system, comprising a touchscreen (12). For this purpose, data representing a request to display a control button for the vehicle's cruise control system is received, the display request being a function of data obtained from at least one driver assistance system installed in the vehicle. The cruise control system control button is displayed on the touchscreen (12) according to a predetermined graphic representation (320). A control request for the cruise control system is transmitted via a touch command (321) on the control button, the control request being a function of the touch command (321). Figure 3 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a vehicle's cruise control system. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a cruise control system of a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method and device for controlling the activation and deactivation of the cruise control system. Technological background

[0002] Many modern vehicles are equipped with a cruise control system configured to automatically regulate the vehicle's speed around a set speed. A cruise control system is, for example, an ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) system. Since the speed is automatically controlled by the cruise control system, the driver no longer needs to keep their foot on the accelerator pedal and can concentrate on maintaining the vehicle's trajectory.

[0003] This speed setting is, for example, set by the driver via a dedicated control device positioned on or behind the steering wheel. When the vehicle is equipped with a speed limit determination system configured to determine the maximum permitted speed on a road on which the vehicle is traveling, the speed limit thus determined can be used as the speed setting for the cruise control system. The assignment of this determined speed limit as the speed setting is, for example, automatic, without any action required by the driver, or subject to validation by the driver.A speed limit determination system comes in the form of an ISA (Intelligent Speed ​​Adaptation) system or an SLI (Speed ​​Limitation Indication) system, each of which corresponds to an ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance System).

[0004] However, using the speed limit detected by the speed limit determination system, hereafter referred to as the SLI system, as the speed setpoint for the cruise control system presents some problems. For example, when the assignment is automatic, the cruise control system is subject to speed limit detection errors by the SLI system. Furthermore, such operation does not The cruise control setting does not always correspond to the driver's preference. When the setting requires driver confirmation, this is usually done by pressing a control button on the steering wheel or on a control unit or module located behind the steering wheel. This confirmation requires the driver to locate the button, which can be distracting. Controlling the cruise control system via such a control module can therefore be complicated and unintuitive, as the module's visibility, especially when located behind the steering wheel, is limited. Manipulating the control module then creates safety risks for the vehicle, as the driver's attention, focused on controlling the cruise control system—for example, to confirm a speed setting adjustment—can be negatively impacted. Summary of the present invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0006] An object of the present invention is, for example, to facilitate the control or command of a vehicle's speed regulator system.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to minimize the loss of driver attention in the use or control of the cruise control system.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a cruise control 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: - reception of initial data representative of a request to display a control button of the cruise control system, the display request being a function of data obtained from at least one driver assistance system on board the vehicle; - display control of the cruise control system control button on a main display area of ​​the touch screen according to a determined graphic representation, a size of the control button according to the determined graphic representation being greater than a determined threshold, the display control being triggered by the reception of the first data; - reception of second data representing a touch command on the control button; - transmission of third data representing a control request from the speed regulator system to a controller of the speed regulator system, the control request being a function of the second data.

[0009] The use of data from one or more vehicle driver assistance systems, known as ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance System), allows for the automatic display of a cruise control button on the touchscreen. The display is designed to be large, exceeding a predetermined size, which simplifies operation for the driver compared to using a complex control device (such as a steering wheel control or controls behind the steering wheel). The driver does not need to take their eyes off the road to locate the control module and operate the cruise control system, for example, to activate or deactivate the system, change the set speed, or accept or reject a speed adjustment.Since the driver no longer has to search for the cruise control button, their attention on the road is increased, which improves the safety of the vehicle and other road users.

[0010] According to one variant, the second data are representative of: - a touch press on the control button, or - a touch swipe in a first swipe direction on the touch button; or - a touch swipe in a second swipe direction opposite to the first swipe direction on the touch button.

[0011] According to another variant, the second data includes information representing a number of fingers simultaneously in contact with a touch interface of the touch screen when the second data is representative of the touch press on the control button, the control request being further a function of the information.

[0012] According to an additional variant, the determined graphic representation is a function of the data obtained from at least one driver assistance system on board the vehicle.

[0013] According to another variant, at least one driver assistance system on board the vehicle belongs to a set of driver assistance systems comprising: - a speed limit indication system, called the SLI system; - a system for detecting and recognizing traffic signs; - an object detection system around the vehicle; - an odometer system; and - a geolocation system.

[0014] According to yet another variant, the determined threshold represents a ratio between the size of the control button and a total size of the main display area of ​​the touch screen.

[0015] According to another variant, the determined threshold is equal to 90%.

[0016] According to another variant, the determined threshold is configurable via a human-machine interface of the vehicle.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle's speed regulator system, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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

[0025] 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:

[0026] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with a speed control system, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a screen of the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a first a particular and non-limiting example of a realization of the present invention;

[0028] [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;

[0029] [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;

[0030] [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;

[0031] [Fig.6] illustrates a device configured to control the cruise control system of the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Fig.7] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a process for controlling the vehicle speed control system of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0033] A method and a control device for a vehicle's speed regulator system will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 7. The same elements are identified with the same reference symbols throughout the following description.

[0034] 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.

[0035] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the control of a cruise control 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 the IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé").

[0036] Initial representative data of a request to display a cruise control button are received, the display request being generated based on data obtained from at least one vehicle-mounted driver assistance system, such as, for example, a speed limit indication system (SLI), and / or a traffic sign detection and recognition system, and / or an object detection system around the vehicle using radar, lidar, or camera, and / or an odometer system, and / or a geolocation system. Such a request is generated, for example, when the SLI detects a speed limit applicable to a section of road on which the vehicle is traveling, and / or when the presence of a speed camera is detected, and / or when entering a motorway with no other vehicles within a predetermined distance.Upon receiving the initial data, the control unit adjusts the display of the cruise control button according to a predetermined graphic representation. The size of the control button in this graphic representation is larger than a specified threshold to ensure it is easily visible and accessible to a vehicle user, such as the driver. A second set of data, representing a touch input to the control button, is received from the touchscreen interface. This occurs, for example, when a user taps the touchscreen in the area where the control button is displayed or swipes across its display area.In response to this second set of data, third sets of data representing a control request from the cruise control system are transmitted to a controller of the cruise control system, the control request being a function of the second set of data.

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

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

[0039] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a speed control system (also simply called a cruise control system) as known to those skilled in the art.

[0040] Such a cruise control system is usually controlled by the driver of the vehicle 10 via a steering wheel control 11 or steering wheel control 11 type device or module having a set of physical buttons, configured to control various functions and / or different parameters of the cruise control system and, optionally, of the speed limiter system (called speed limiter) of the vehicle 10.

[0041] The vehicle 10 also carries a set of driver assistance systems, known as ADAS systems, comprising one or more of the following systems in any possible combination: - a speed limit indication system, referred to as the SLI system, which system is configured to determine the speed limit or maximum permitted speed on a section of road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling; and / or - a traffic sign detection and recognition system, which uses data obtained from a so-called front camera (from the English "windshield camera") to detect and recognize traffic signs (including signs indicating a speed limit, a type of road (e.g., motorway), etc.), the camera being arranged under the windshield and having in its field of vision the environment in front of the vehicle 10 according to the direction of travel of the vehicle 10; and / or - an object detection system around the vehicle, which is configured to detect the presence of object(s) in the environment around the vehicle 10 and their distance from the vehicle 10 from data received from a set of sensors including one or more radars, one or more lidars and / or one or more cameras; and / or - an odometer system configured to determine the speed of the vehicle 10; and / or - a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) type geolocation system, for example the GPS (Global Positioning System), which system is configured to determine the location of the vehicle 10.

[0042] A Speed ​​Limit Indication (SLI) system, also known as a speed limit indication system, is configured to detect or warn the driver when the vehicle 10 is subject to a speed limit or enters a speed-limited zone, or when different speed limits may apply depending on the context (vehicle type, time of day, night, rain, roadworks, etc.). To determine this speed limit and deduce a maximum speed setting for the cruise control system, the SLI system conventionally uses information concerning the road and / or the road environment. For this purpose, the SLI system includes at least one front-facing camera mounted in the vehicle 10, the front-facing camera having the road in front of the vehicle 10 in its field of vision.The SLI system also includes image processing means configured to recognize road signs or traffic signals from image data received from the front camera, with the applicable speed limit on the section of road being determined from the recognized sign(s).

[0043] The vehicle 10 also includes a display system comprising a touchscreen interface 12 and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a human-machine interface, called HMI, graphic on the touch screen 12. The computer corresponds for example to the computer of the infotainment system, called IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement épébond") of the vehicle 10.

[0044] 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").

[0045] The ADAS system(s), the cruise control system, and the display system are interconnected and communicate with each other via one or more data buses of the vehicle's embedded network 10, which connects the computers or controllers that control, in particular, each of the ADAS systems, the cruise control system, and the display system. The computers form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for providing various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle 10 and for assisting the driver and / or passengers in controlling the vehicle 10.These computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458) or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3) type communication bus.

[0046] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the touch screen 12, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, the touch screen 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, with, for example, a cruise control system control button displayed according to a graphic representation 220 different from that of the control button in the main display area, i.e. with a smaller size than the control button.

[0048] The secondary display area 22 covers a surface of the touch screen 12 with dimensions smaller than those of the surface covered by the display area main 21. The secondary display area 22 is arranged, for example, 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 side strip on one side or the other of the touch screen 12.

[0049] According to another particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5, 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 steering wheel control module 11 or behind the steering wheel 11, not requiring the display of such buttons on the touch screen 12.

[0050] 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, the ADAS system(s) and / or the cruise control system of the vehicle 10.

[0051] The vehicle display system 10 is connected in communication with the vehicle cruise control system 10, for example the computer in charge of the display system (for example the IVI computer) is connected in communication to the computer (also called controller) in charge of the cruise control system via one or more data buses of the vehicle 10's on-board network.

[0052] A problem that arises then concerns the use of the control module or device, for example located on the steering wheel 11, when it becomes necessary to activate or deactivate the cruise control system or to adjust one or more parameters of the cruise control system. The complexity of the steering wheel control 11 or the small size of the physical or touch button 220 requires increased precision from the driver of the vehicle 10, while their attention must be focused on the road.

[0053] A control process for the vehicle's cruise control 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 cruise control system.

[0054] 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 first representative signals of a display request from a control button of the cruise control system of the vehicle 10, the display request being generated from data received from one or more of the AD AS systems of the vehicle 10.

[0055] This display request is generated for example by a computer controlling the AD AS systems or by the IVI computer receiving data from the AD AS systems. The display query is shown, for example, when a set of conditions determined from the data received from the AD AS systems are met.

[0056] The display request is a function of the data obtained from the AD AS system(s), meaning that the display request varies according to the conditions determined from the data obtained from the AD AS system(s). For example, the display request requires the control button to be displayed according to a specific graphical representation from among a set of graphical representations. The conditions determined from the data obtained from the AD AS system(s) determine which graphical representation to request via the display request. The display request thus includes, for example, information representing the type of graphical representation that the control button to be displayed should have.

[0057] Some examples of condition sets triggering the generation of the display request are provided below: - The SLI system detects a new speed limit applicable to the section of road traveled by vehicle 10; the traffic sign detection and recognition system detects that the section of road is a highway; and the object detection system detects no vehicles around vehicle 10 within a certain threshold distance (e.g., 200, 300, or 500 m): the display request requires, for example, the display of the control button according to an initial graphic representation indicating the possibility of modifying the set speed or activating the cruise control system with the set speed equal to the speed limit; or - The traffic sign detection and recognition system detects that the road section is a highway or motorway, and the object detection system does not detect any vehicles around vehicle 10 within a certain distance (e.g., 200, 300, or 500 m): the display request requires, for example, the display of the control button according to a second graphic representation indicating the possibility of activating the cruise control system without setting a speed or modifying the set speed without setting a speed; and / or - the SLI system detects a new speed limit below a threshold (for example less than or equal to 50 km / h) or the traffic sign detection and recognition system detects that the vehicle is entering an urban area or the geolocation system detects that the vehicle is entering or circulating in an urban area: the display request requires, for example, the display of the control button according to a third graphic representation offering to pause the cruise control system.

[0058] The above examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and the list of situations / conditions for generating the display request is not exhaustive.

[0059] In a second operation of the process, illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5 according to different embodiment examples, the display of the cruise control system control button is controlled in such a way that the control button is displayed on the main display area 21 of the touch screen 12 according to a determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520, the size of the control button according to this determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 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 determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 is greater than a determined threshold, allows a display easily visible to the driver on the touch screen 12, to trigger, activate, deactivate or quickly control the cruise control system from the data received from the AD AS system(s).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the threshold represents a ratio between the size of the control button according to the determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 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 determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520.

[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 determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 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 determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 (or any graphic 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 to inform the driver of the possibility of activating or controlling the vehicle's cruise control system 10 following the detection of a set of specific conditions detected by the ADAS system(s), which generates the request to display the control button. Another advantage is allowing the driver to perform a touch command on the control button without looking at the touchscreen 12, while keeping their attention on the external environment around the vehicle 10.

[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. 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 21 to display other information useful to the driver for ensuring the control and supervision of the vehicle 10, for example navigation information.

[0067] According to a particular embodiment, the determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 occupies the left part of the main display area 21 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.

[0068] According to another particular embodiment, the determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 occupies the upper part of the main display area 21 of the touch screen 12, and the lower part of the main display area 21 of the touch screen 12 is available to display other information.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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, according to the defined graphical representation.

[0071] According to a particular embodiment, the determined graphical representation of the control button is a function of information contained in the initial data; that is, the graphical representation of the control button varies according to this information. This information is representative of the type of graphical representation that the control button to be displayed must take, or of the type of conditions triggering the generation of the display request, determined from the data obtained from the AD AS system(s).

[0072] The control button according to the graphic representation 320 illustrated on [Fig.3] is represented by a pictogram representing a cruise control and a speed value (130km / h according to the example of [Fig.3]) corresponding to a speed limit detected by the SLI system proposed as a speed setpoint or new speed setpoint of the cruise control system.

[0073] The control button according to the graphic representation 420 or 520 illustrated in figures 4 and 5 is represented by a pictogram representing the cruise control without a speed value proposed as a speed setpoint or new speed setpoint of the cruise control system.

[0074] According to one embodiment, another graphic representation includes the pictogram representing the cruise control with text or a symbol to indicate a proposal to pause (or deactivate) the cruise control system.

[0075] In a third operation of the process, second data representing a touch command 321, 421, 521 or 522 on the control button displayed according to the determined graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 are received, following a touch command from a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the control button displayed on the touch screen 12.

[0076] A touch control 321, 421, 521 or 522 on the control button shown according to the graphic representation 320, 420 or 520 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements one or more functions associated with the touch control, the function or functions implemented being a function of the touch control 321, 421, 521 or 522.

[0077] The second representative data of the touch command 321, 421, 521 or 522 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.

[0078] The second set of data is thus representative of: - a touch press 321 or 421 on the control button: a touch press corresponds, for example, to a short or brief touch press where the duration of the press on the control button is less than a threshold duration (for example, equal to 500 or 1000 ms); in another example, a touch press corresponds to a long touch press where the duration of the press on the control button is greater than the threshold duration (for example, equal to 500 or 1000 ms), or - a touch swipe 521 according to a first swipe direction (illustrated by an arrow with a first orientation on [Fig. 5]) on the touch button: a touch swipe corresponds to a continuous and prolonged touch press of one (or more) finger on a part of the touch screen 12 at the display location of the control button, the touch press continuous and extended, forming the trace of a segment (from 1 to several centimeters, for example), the segment being, for example, horizontal (as represented by the arrow in [Fig. 5]), or even vertical or oblique; or - a touch scan 522 in a second scanning direction opposite to the first scanning direction (illustrated by an arrow with a second orientation on [Fig.5]) on the touch button.

[0079] According to a particular embodiment, the second data further include information representing a number of fingers simultaneously in contact with a touch interface of the touch screen 12 when the second data are representative of the touch press 321, 421 on the control button.

[0080] 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 graphic representation determined 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 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.

[0081] In a fourth operation of the process, the IVI computer transmits third data representing a command or control request from the cruise control system to the cruise control system controller, the control request being a function of the second data.

[0082] The control request is thus a function of the graphical representation taken by the control button (which depends on the display request which is a function of the data obtained from the AD AS system(s)) and of the type of touch command, that is to say that the control request varies according to whether the touch command corresponds to a touch press 321, 421 or to a touch swipe 521, 522.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control request depends only on the type of touch command.

[0084] According to a particular embodiment, the control request further depends on information representing the number of fingers simultaneously in contact with the touch interface of the touch screen 12.

[0085] The transmission of the third data is triggered by the reception of the second data by the IVI computer.

[0086] These third data are for example transmitted via one or more data buses linking the IVI computer and a computer or controller of the cruise control system.

[0087] According to the example in [Fig. 3], where the graphical representation of the control button includes a speed suggestion as the speed setpoint for the cruise control system, the control request corresponds, for example, to: - a request to activate the cruise control system with the SLI system speed limit as the setpoint when the second data point represents touch press 321, this speed value being used as the cruise control system speed setpoint when the cruise control system is in a deactivated or paused state; or - a request to modify the current speed setting of the cruise control system to assign to this speed setting a new speed value corresponding to a new speed limit detected by the SLI system when the second data are representative of the touch press 321, when the cruise control system is in an activated state.

[0088] According to the particular embodiment in which the control request further depends on information representing the number of fingers simultaneously in contact with the touch interface of the touch screen 12, the control request corresponds to, according to the example in [Fig.3]: - a request to adjust the speed setting to the speed limit displayed on screen 12 when the number of fingers is equal to 1; - a request to maintain the speed setpoint at the current speed setpoint when the number of fingers is equal to 2; - a request to adjust the speed setpoint to a first speed value stored in the memory of the speed regulator system when the number of fingers is equal to 3; - a request to adjust the speed setting to a second speed value stored in the cruise control system's memory when the number of fingers is equal to 4; or - a request to adjust the speed setpoint to a third speed value stored in the memory of the cruise control system when the number of fingers is equal to 5.

[0089] According to the example of [Fig.4] in which the graphic representation of the control button does not include a speed proposal as the speed setpoint of the cruise control system, the control request corresponds for example to: - a request to adjust the speed setpoint to the last speed limit detected by the SLI system when the number of fingers is equal to 1; - a request to maintain the speed setpoint at the current speed setpoint when the number of fingers is equal to 2; - a request to adjust the speed setpoint to a first speed value stored in the memory of the speed regulator system when the number of fingers is equal to 3; - a request to adjust the speed setting to a second speed value stored in the cruise control system's memory when the number of fingers is equal to 4; or - a request to adjust the speed setpoint to a third speed value stored in the memory of the cruise control system when the number of fingers is equal to 5.

[0090] When the graphic representation of the control button corresponds to a proposal to pause the cruise control system, the control request corresponds to a request to interrupt the speed regulation of the vehicle 10 by the cruise control system when the touch control corresponds to a simple touch press (for example with a single finger or regardless of the number of fingers).

[0091] When the touch command corresponds to a touch swipe, the control request corresponds to: - a request to refuse to adjust the speed setting to the new speed limit detected by the SLI system, or a request to refuse to pause the cruise control system when the second data points are representative of a touch scan 521 in the first scan direction; or - a request to deactivate the cruise control system when the second data is representative of a touch scan 522 according to the second scan direction, regardless of the graphic representation of the control button.

[0092] According to a particular embodiment, the control request is further a function of fourth data representing a current activation state of the cruise control system.

[0093] The activation state of the cruise control system corresponds, for example, to one of the following states: - an activated state in which the cruise control system automatically regulates the speed of vehicle 10 according to, in particular, the speed setting, and optionally according to a distance setting, known as DIV (inter-vehicle distance), with respect to the vehicle preceding vehicle 10; or - a paused state in which the automatic speed regulation is paused, i.e., interrupted following a driver command, but with the speed setting retained in memory; or - a deactivated state in which the cruise control system does not regulate the speed of the vehicle 10 which is under the control of the driver.

[0094] According to a particular embodiment, the display time of the control button on the main display area of ​​the touchscreen 12 is a fixed duration. For example, the display time of the control button on the main display area 21 of the touchscreen 12 is 10, 15, or 20 seconds. This gives the driver a period of time to decide whether or not to perform the touch command on the control button. If no touch command is issued, the cruise control system is not activated, paused, or the set speed is not adjusted.

[0095] According to another particular embodiment, the display of the control button on the main display area 21 of the touchscreen 12 disappears following the receipt of the second data. This second data indicates that a touch command has been detected on the control button, and it is therefore no longer necessary to display this control button. In other words, the reception of the second data also triggers a control to end the display of the control button, the content displayed on the touchscreen 12 then corresponding to the content displayed before the control button was displayed according to the determined graphical representation 320 or 420.

[0096] The cruise control system is then controlled according to the control request received.

[0097] According to one particular embodiment, audible feedback is provided in the vehicle's passenger compartment 10 via the loudspeakers to signal to the driver of the vehicle 10 that the cruise control system has been activated according to the touch command 321, 421, 521, or 522. According to another embodiment, visual feedback is provided on the touchscreen 12 (for example, in addition to or instead of the audible feedback) to confirm that the cruise control system has been activated according to the touch command 321, 421, 521, or 522, for example, by displaying a specific pictogram (or by the display of the control button ending).

[0098] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a device 6 configured for the control of a A vehicle display system and / or a vehicle cruise control system, for example vehicle 10, according to specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Device 6 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0099] 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, may 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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").

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of the different steps in a method for controlling a vehicle's cruise control system, for example, vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by a device embedded in vehicle 10 or by device 6 in Figure 6.

[0107] In a first step 71, first representative data of a request to display a control button of the vehicle's cruise control system are received, the display request being a function of data obtained from at least one driver assistance system on board the vehicle.

[0108] In a second step 72, the display of the cruise control system control button is controlled to display this button on a main display area of ​​the touch screen according to a determined graphical representation, a size of the control button according to the determined graphical representation being greater than a determined threshold, the display control being triggered by the reception of the first data.

[0109] In a third step 73, second data representing a touch command on the control button are received.

[0110] In a fourth step 74, third data representing a control request of the speed regulator system are transmitted to a controller of the speed regulator system, the control request being a function of the second data.

[0111] 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].

[0112] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying a button representing the cruise control system of a vehicle 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.

[0113] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally a land motor vehicle, comprising the device 6 of [Fig.6] or a display system comprising the device 6 of [Fig.6] connected in communication to a touch screen 12.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for controlling a cruise control 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) initial data representing a request to display a control button of said cruise control system, said display request being a function of data obtained from at least one driver assistance system installed in the vehicle (10); - display control (72) of said cruise control system control button on a main display area (21) of said touchscreen (12) according to a determined graphical representation (320; 420; 520), a size of said control button according to said determined graphical representation (320; 420; 520) being greater than a determined threshold, said display control (72) being triggered by the reception (71) of the initial data;- reception (73) of second data representing a touch command (321; 421; 521; 522) made on said control button; - transmission (74) of third data representing a control request of said cruise control system to a controller of said cruise control system, said control request being a function of said second data.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said second data are representative of: - a touch press (321; 421) on said control button, or - a touch swipe (521) in a first swipe direction on said touch button; or - a touch swipe (522) in a second swipe direction opposite to said first swipe direction on said touch button.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said second data includes information representative of a number of fingers simultaneously in contact with a touch interface of said touch screen (12) when said second data is representative of the touch press (321; 421) on said control button, said control request being further a function of said information.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said determined graphic representation (320; 420; 520) is a function of the data obtained from said at least one driver assistance system on board the vehicle (10).

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one vehicle-mounted driver assistance system belongs to a set of driver assistance systems comprising: - a speed limit indication system, referred to as the SLI system; - a traffic sign detection and recognition system; - an object detection system around the vehicle (10); - an odometer system; and - a geolocation system.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said determined threshold represents a ratio between said size of said control button and a total size of said main display area (21) of said touch screen (12).

7. Method according to claim 6, said determined threshold is equal to 90%.

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. Device (6) for controlling a cruise control system of a vehicle (10), said device (6) comprising a memory (61) associated with at least one processor (60) configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising a device (6) according to claim 9.