IMPROVED AUTOMOBILE GUIDANCE SYSTEM

The guidance system addresses ergonomic shortcomings in vehicle displays by automatically adapting to urban or extra-urban navigation, reducing distractions and improving safety through tailored display settings.

FR3169428A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-12STELLANTIS AUTO SAS

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
Filing Date
2024-12-11
Publication Date
2026-06-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current motor vehicle display systems lack ergonomic adaptability, requiring manual adjustments by drivers, leading to distractions and increased accident risk due to reduced reaction time.

Method used

A method for managing a guidance system that automatically selects and displays pre-recorded layouts based on urban or extra-urban navigation types, using a console and instrument screen, minimizing manual intervention and optimizing display settings.

Benefits of technology

Enhances driving safety and experience by reducing distractions through optimized, intuitive guidance tailored to journey type, ensuring relevant information presentation without manual adjustments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

IMPROVED GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES The present invention relates to a method for managing a guidance system for a motor vehicle (2), comprising the following steps: a) selecting guidance for a motor vehicle journey; b) identifying the type of journey, from urban and extra-urban navigation; c) launching the guidance selected in step a) to be executed by said motor vehicle; d) displaying, on a console screen (4) and / or on an instrument screen (6) of the motor vehicle, one of two different pre-recorded layouts (8), said layout being selected according to the type of journey identified in step b). (Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1)
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Description

Title of the invention: IMPROVED GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, more particularly to the field of motor vehicle guidance systems. Prior art

[0002] Modern motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with an on-board computer system that provides ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) functionalities. In the digital instrument display, the driver can, for example, obtain a dynamic view of an ADAS interface on the vehicle's instrument screen, which is particularly useful when driving on the motorway.

[0003] However, current display systems in motor vehicles lack the ergonomics to effectively adapt to drivers' needs. When a journey requires adjustments to the display settings, the user often has to intervene manually, resulting in wasted time and potentially complicating the driving experience. Furthermore, changing display settings while driving forces the driver to take their eyes off the road. The distraction caused by these manual adjustments reduces reaction time to unforeseen events, which can significantly increase the risk of accidents.

[0004] Published patent document US 2021 / 0042076 Al discloses a method for generating, in a motor vehicle, a personalized display based on various factors such as the reason for a trip, vehicle operating parameters, etc. A computer can use these factors to identify objects of interest in a geographical area surrounding the vehicle as the vehicle travels and can generate a personalized display that includes these objects, for example, icons representing one or more restaurants near the vehicle.

[0005] However, the personalized display proposed in the document may still be confusing for the driver, particularly due to the large amount of information displayed in real time while driving. The disclosed solution has room for improvement in order to provide the driver with more effective guidance while minimizing distractions.

[0006] The published patent document FR 3 118 617 Al discloses a guidance system for a motor vehicle capable of communicating with a display system of said vehicle to provide guidance based on data exchanged between the vehicle and the vehicle. and a toll, said proposal takes into account one or more preferences previously entered by the driver on the vehicle's navigation system.

[0007] However, the guidance solution disclosed in document FR 3 118 617 Al applies only to a particular driving scenario, namely crossing a motorway toll plaza. Description of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the invention aims to provide a simple and effective solution for offering optimized and intuitive guidance, while enhancing the safety of driving the motor vehicle.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a method for managing a guidance system for a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: a) selection of a guidance system for a journey of the motor vehicle; b) identification of the type of journey, between urban and extra-urban navigation; c) launching the guidance selected in step a) to be executed by said motor vehicle; d) display, on a console screen and / or on an instrument screen of the motor vehicle, of one of two different pre-recorded layouts, said layout being selected according to the type of journey identified in step b).

[0010] Preferably, the console screen is a screen located in a substantially central part of the dashboard, which can be used for navigation, infotainment, and other functions. Preferably, the instrument display is a display located directly behind the steering wheel of the motor vehicle, designed to present driving-related information, such as speed, engine speed, and other similar data.

[0011] Advantageously, the guidance selection in step a) includes the choice of a navigation route by the driver of the motor vehicle.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the two pre-recorded layouts comprise: - a first display layout for urban navigation including sequential navigation instructions; and - a second display arrangement for extra-urban navigation including a driving assistance view from at least one adaptive cruise control of the motor vehicle.

[0013] Preferably, the assistance view in the second display arrangement for extra-urban navigation is also based on a lane keeping assistance system for the motor vehicle and / or a collision warning system.

[0014] According to one embodiment, step d) includes displaying one of the two pre-recorded settings on the instrument screen, and further includes displaying an auxiliary setting on the console screen, said auxiliary setting including at least the vehicle's speed.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary arrangement occupies at most half of a total display area of ​​the console screen.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary arrangement is located on a transverse half of the console screen near the steering wheel of the motor vehicle.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the selection of guidance at step a) is carried out from a smartphone or directly from the motor vehicle.

[0018] Preferably, the selection of guidance in step a) is carried out from the smartphone, and this, prior to starting the motor vehicle.

[0019] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising computer-readable code instructions, notable in that said program leads the computer to implement the method of managing a guidance system for a motor vehicle according to the invention, when said program is executed by a computer.

[0020] The invention also relates to a device comprising a computer-readable recording medium, notable in that the computer program according to the invention is recorded on the recording medium.

[0021] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, remarkable in that it is configured to execute the method of managing a guidance system for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0022] The features of the invention are advantageous in that they offer optimized ergonomics, allowing the driver to benefit from better adaptation of the displayed information according to the type of journey (urban or extra-urban). The invention ensures a clear and relevant presentation of navigation data, while harmoniously integrating the display devices into the vehicle.

[0023] By eliminating the need for the driver to change display settings while driving, the invention significantly reduces distractions and the risks associated with loss of attention on the road. Thus, it improves both the driving experience and road safety. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] [Fig.1] represents a schematic view of a dashboard of a motor vehicle configured to perform a method of managing a guidance system according to the invention. Detailed description

[0025] Figure 1 shows a simplified view of a human-machine interface 3 of a motor vehicle 2, comprising a console screen 4 that can be positioned in the center of the dashboard. The interface 3 also preferably comprises an instrument display 6, which can be positioned behind the steering wheel of said vehicle.

[0026] The motor vehicle 2 is equipped with a guidance system, said motor vehicle 2 being configured to perform a method of managing the motor vehicle guidance system according to the present invention.

[0027] The method for managing the vehicle guidance system comprises several steps. First, guidance for a vehicle route is selected. Next, the type of route is identified as either urban or extra-urban navigation. The selected guidance is then initiated for execution by the vehicle. Finally, one of two pre-recorded layouts 8 is displayed on the vehicle's console screen 4 and / or instrument panel screen 6, depending on the identified route type.

[0028] Guidance selection can be performed from a smartphone or directly from the motor vehicle. A computer program comprising computer-readable code instructions is used to implement the guidance system management method. This computer program is stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0029] Advantageously, the pre-recorded layouts 8 are specific display configurations that are selected according to the type of journey. These layouts may include a first display layout 8 for urban navigation with sequential navigation instructions for urban navigation, incorporating, for example, guidance arrows indicating the direction to take. The pre-recorded layouts may also include a second display layout 8 for extra-urban navigation with a driver assistance view for extra-urban navigation, which may, for example, include a modeled view of the motor vehicle in real time within the lane, possibly with a visualization of the distance separating it from a vehicle ahead.

[0030] Extra-urban navigation, as opposed to urban navigation, refers to any movement made by the motor vehicle outside of urban areas, which may include motorways, departmental, national, rural or country roads.

[0031] Preferably, the pre-recorded layout 8 is automatically selected when the guidance is started, and is displayed on the instrument screen 6 to provide relevant information to the driver depending on the type of journey.

[0032] The layout selected after the guidance system is launched can alternatively be displayed on the console screen 4, or displayed on both the console screen 4 and the instrument display 6. Preferably, the display selection on the console screen 4 and / or on the instrument display 6 can be made from a smartphone or directly from the motor vehicle.

[0033] The method according to the invention preferably comprises a display on the console screen 4 of an auxiliary arrangement 10, which is an additional display configuration that can include information such as the vehicle's driving speed and / or speed limit, etc.

[0034] Preferably, the auxiliary arrangement 10 occupies at most half of the total display area of ​​the console screen 4 and is arranged on a transverse half of the console screen close to the steering wheel (not shown) of the motor vehicle 2. Thus, the auxiliary arrangement 10 on the console screen 4 is located within sight and reach of the driver.

[0035] In one example, the driver can choose, from their living room and using their mobile phone, for an extra-urban (highway) journey, to activate the second display layout with a driver assistance view on the instrument screen. For a city journey, they can opt for the simplified display of the first layout with only the speed and sequential turn-by-turn directions.

[0036] Thus, when the driver makes a home-work journey via the motorway, he preconfigures in his preferences the driving assistance view on the instrument screen 6, which will be automatically activated as soon as the navigation is launched in the motor vehicle 2.

[0037] However, when the driver travels from home to another destination without using the motorway and via the city, the simplified configuration with only the speed and turn-by-turn directions will appear. The driver can also choose to deactivate these personalized settings. The information from the auxiliary layout 10 displayed on the console screen 6 can remain unchanged when the instrument display 6 switches between the first and second layouts.

[0038] Advantageously, the present invention allows for better adaptation of guidance information according to the type of journey, a clear and relevant presentation of navigation information, and a harmonious integration of display devices in the vehicle. This makes it possible to solve the problems related to to information overload and driver distraction, while improving driving experience and safety.

Claims

Demands

1. Method of managing a guidance system for a motor vehicle (2), comprising the following steps: a) selecting guidance for a journey of the motor vehicle; b) identifying the type of journey, from urban and extra-urban navigation; c) launching the guidance selected in step a) to be executed by said motor vehicle; d) displaying, on a console screen (4) and / or on an instrument screen (6) of the motor vehicle (2), one of two different pre-recorded layouts (8), said layout (8) being selected according to the type of journey identified in step b).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the two pre-recorded arrangements (8) comprise: - a first display arrangement for urban navigation comprising sequential navigation instructions; and - a second display arrangement for extra-urban navigation comprising at least one driver assistance view from an adaptive cruise control of the motor vehicle.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein step d) comprises displaying on the instrument screen (6) one of two pre-recorded dispositions (8), and further comprises, a display on the console screen (4) of an auxiliary disposition (10), said auxiliary disposition (10) comprising at least the vehicle's speed.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary arrangement (10) occupies at most half of a total display area of ​​the console screen (4).

5. A method according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the auxiliary arrangement (10) is disposed on a transverse half of the console screen (4) near the steering wheel of the motor vehicle (2).

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guidance selection at step a) is carried out from a smartphone or directly from the motor vehicle (2).

7. A computer program comprising instructions in computer-readable code, characterized in that said program leads

8.

9. the computer to implement the method of managing a guidance system for a motor vehicle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when said program is executed by a computer. Device comprising a computer-readable recording medium, characterized in that the computer program according to claim 7 is recorded on the recording medium. Motor vehicle (2), characterized in that it is configured to perform the method of managing a guidance system for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6.