MOTOR VEHICLE FEATURING A TOUCH CONTROL CAPABLE OF PRESENTING TWO CONFIGURATIONS FOR AT LEAST ONE DRIVER ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one driver assistance device configured to warn the driver when crossing a lane marking line and / or to correct the vehicle's trajectory, said vehicle comprising a human-machine interface (1) including a touch screen (2), said driver assistance device being capable of being represented by a touch control (3) on said touch screen (2), characterized in that the touch control (3) is capable of having a first configuration in which said touch control (3) has a first set of dimensions; and a second configuration in which said touch control (3) has a second set of dimensions, said second set of dimensions being greater than the first set of dimensions, the touch control (3) having the second configuration when the detection means detects said at least one lane marking line.Figure from the summary: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: MOTOR VEHICLE FEATURING A TOUCH CONTROL CAPABLE OF HAVING TWO CONFIGURATIONS FOR AT LEAST ONE DRIVER ASSISTANCE DEVICE

[0001] The invention relates to driving assistance devices for motor vehicles and their means of activation or deactivation.

[0002] Prior art patent application EP3428033, which describes a vehicle comprising a control device, is known. The control device comprises a communication module for receiving driving information, a display module comprising a display region, and a controller for controlling the display module based on the driving information obtained by the communication module. The display region comprises a first region and a second region. The implementation of the control device in the context of a lane departure warning is described. Indeed, when a lane departure warning is generated, a first notification icon is displayed in the first region.When a lane departure warning is triggered and the distance between a part of the vehicle and the lane falls below a certain distance, a second notification icon appears in the second area, and the first notification icon disappears. The first and second notification icons are similar in shape, but the second is larger. However, there is a drawback. The sole purpose of these notification icons is to draw the driver's attention to their behavior, particularly when approaching a lane other than the one they are currently in. This can be distracting, causing the driver to focus on the notification icons rather than on driving.On the other hand, to activate any driver assistance system, the driver has to search for the appropriate control, which is even more distracting.

[0003] The objective of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to facilitate the activation or deactivation of one or more driver assistance devices when appropriate, without diverting the driver's attention from driving.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising at least one driver assistance device configured to warn the driver when crossing a lane marking and / or to correct the vehicle's trajectory, said vehicle comprising a human-machine interface including a touchscreen, said driver assistance device being capable of being represented by a touch control on said touch screen, said driver assistance device being configured to be activated by the driver via said touch control, said vehicle comprising a means for detecting at least one lane marking, said vehicle comprising a controller capable of communicating with said driver assistance device and with said detection means, notable in that the touch control is capable of presenting two configurations: - a first configuration in which said touch control presents a first set of dimensions; - a second configuration in which said touch control has a second set of dimensions, said second set of dimensions being greater than the first set of dimensions, the touch control having the second configuration when the detection means detects said at least one marking line on the track.

[0005] Thanks to the invention, the touch control is larger when it is appropriate to activate the driving assistance device, which encourages the driver to proceed with this activation.

[0006] Preferably, said detection means is a camera or an infrared marking line detection sensor.

[0007] These are two effective means of reading one or more lines of markings.

[0008] The invention also relates to a method for simplifying the use of at least one driver assistance device for a motor vehicle previously described, remarkable in that the method comprises the following steps: - a step of detecting at least one marking line on the track by said detection means, the touch control initially presenting the first configuration; - a step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control so that said touch control has the second configuration to facilitate the activation of the driving assistance device by the driver, said increase step being controlled by the controller when said at least one marking line on the track is detected during the detection step.

[0009] Thus, the driver is prompted to activate the driver assistance system when the detection means manages to detect at least one lane marking. The enlarged touch control makes it easier for the driver to operate, without requiring them to spend a long time searching for it.

[0010] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a means for measuring the vehicle's rolling speed, the controller being able to communicate with said means for measuring rolling speed, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control being implemented when the rolling speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold speed.

[0011] In this way, the driver is encouraged to activate the driving assistance device outside of urban areas where the driver is at increased risk of distraction or drowsiness.

[0012] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a geolocation means, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control being implemented when the vehicle is geolocated outside an urban area.

[0013] This encourages the driver to activate the driver assistance system to reduce the risk of driver distraction or drowsiness in areas where driving is often monotonous. This, in turn, reduces the risk of a traffic accident.

[0014] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a passenger compartment comprising a camera, said camera being oriented towards the driver, said camera being capable of detecting a state of distraction or drowsiness of the driver, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control being implemented when the camera detects the state of distraction or drowsiness of the driver.

[0015] The enlargement of the touch control is thus likely to attract the driver's attention and encourage him to activate said driving assistance device before a traffic accident occurs.

[0016] Advantageously, the controller is capable of receiving a voice command from the driver, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control being implemented when the driver issues a voice command.

[0017] Thus, the driver can choose to activate or deactivate the driver assistance system, thereby switching the touch control from the first configuration to the second configuration. This further facilitates the use of the driver assistance system.

[0018] Advantageously, said at least one driver assistance device is activated, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control being implemented to facilitate the deactivation of said at least one driver assistance device when the detection means does not detect a lane marking line, said driver assistance device being paused or deactivated when the driver presses said touch control or when the driver moves said touch control on the touch screen.

[0019] Thus, deactivating the driving assistance device when it is unsuitable is also facilitated.

[0020] Advantageously, said vehicle comprises a plurality of driver assistance devices, said plurality of driver assistance devices comprising a lane departure warning device configured to issue a warning when said vehicle unintentionally crosses a lane marking, a lane keeping assist device of the vehicle in the car configured to correct the vehicle's trajectory when said vehicle unintentionally crosses a lane marking, and a permanent lane-keeping system configured to permanently correct the vehicle's trajectory, the touchscreen being configured to detect a number of fingers coming into contact with said touch control, a first number of fingers coming into contact with said touch control activating or deactivating said lane departure warning system, a second number of fingers coming into contact with said touch control activating or deactivating said lane-keeping system, and a third number of fingers coming into contact with said touch control activating or deactivating said lane-keeping system

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, lead the computer to implement the steps of the process for simplifying the use of at least one driving assistance device for a motor vehicle previously described.

[0022] The invention will be further detailed by the description of a non-limiting embodiment, and on the basis of the attached figures illustrating the invention, in which: - [Fig.1] schematically illustrates, in the form of a logic diagram, a method for simplifying the use of at least one driving assistance device for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] illustrates, in two separate diagrams, the touch control showing, respectively, the first configuration and the second configuration in the touch screen of the human-machine interface of the motor vehicle.

[0023] A method for simplifying the use of at least one driver assistance device in a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention, is schematically illustrated in Figure 1 in the form of a flowchart. The vehicle includes at least one driver assistance device. Preferably, said driver assistance device is selected from a lane departure warning system, a lane keeping assist system, and a lane keeping assist system. The lane departure warning system is configured to issue a warning when said vehicle unintentionally crosses a lane marking, i.e., when the appropriate turn signal has not been activated to warn other road users of the lane change by said vehicle.The lane-keeping assist system is configured to correct the vehicle's trajectory when it unintentionally crosses a lane marking. When this system is activated, the vehicle's trajectory is automatically adjusted to reposition it in the center of the lane. Finally, the lane-keeping assist system is also configured to center the vehicle. in the lane, but this time permanently. The vehicle also includes a human-machine interface 1 comprising a touchscreen 2. The driver assistance system is capable of being represented by a touch control 3 on the touchscreen 2. The driver assistance system is capable of being activated by the driver via said touch control 3. Thus, to activate said driver assistance system, the driver presses the touch control 3 while touching the touchscreen 2. The vehicle includes a means for detecting at least one lane marking, whether continuous or broken. This may be a center or side lane marking. Preferably, said detection means is a camera or an infrared lane marking sensor.The camera, usually positioned behind the windshield inside the vehicle, works by analyzing images or videos captured in real time to detect lane markings, often using computer vision algorithms. It may be a standalone camera dedicated solely to lane marking detection, or a multi-functional camera capable of performing other functions, such as reading road signs. The infrared lane marking detection sensor uses infrared waves, invisible to the naked eye, to detect objects or features on the road, including lane markings. It exploits differences in heat or reflectivity of the road surface. The vehicle also includes a controller capable of communicating with the driver assistance system and the detection system.

[0024] The touch control 3 is capable of exhibiting two configurations. In a first configuration, the touch control 3 exhibits a first set of dimensions. In a second configuration, the touch control 3 exhibits a second set of dimensions, said second set of dimensions being greater than the first set of dimensions. The touch control 3 exhibits the second configuration when said detection means detects said at least one lane marking line.

[0025] The invention relates to a method for simplifying the use of at least one driver assistance device implementing the vehicle described above. During a detection step E1, at least one lane marking is detected by said detection means. The touch control 3 initially has the first configuration. During a step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control E2, the touch control 3 changes configuration, thus switching from the first configuration to the second configuration, when said at least one lane marking is detected by said detection means during said detection step E1. The step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control E2 is controlled by said controller. The step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control E2 This facilitates activation of the driver assistance system. Because the touch control 3 is larger than initially, the driver is encouraged to activate the driver assistance system and does not need to look at the touchscreen 2 for an extended period to find it. Thus, their attention remains focused on driving. In [Fig. 2], the first diagram A represents the touch control 3 in its initial configuration on the touchscreen 2 of the human-machine interface 1. This initial configuration is retained by default until the detection means detects at least one marking line, i.e., until the detection step El is implemented.When at least one of the marking lines is detected by the detection means, and therefore when the detection step E1 is implemented, the step of increasing the dimensions of the tactile control E2 is also implemented. The second diagram B in [Fig. 2] illustrates the tactile control 3 in the second configuration. Indeed, the tactile control 3 has the second set of dimensions, which is larger than the first set of dimensions. In other words, in the first diagram A, the tactile control is smaller than the tactile control shown in the second diagram B. It is therefore easier for the driver to touch the tactile control when it has the second configuration illustrated in [Fig. 2].Touch control 3 is then more easily located by the driver, who thus understands that it would be beneficial to activate the driver assistance system, and can easily activate it by touching touch control 3 without needing to look for it. Implementing the scaling step in touch control E2 is advantageous in several vehicle operating scenarios. Preferably, the vehicle is equipped with a means of measuring its speed. The controller is capable of communicating with this speed measurement device. The scaling step of touch control E2 is then implemented when the speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold speed. For example, this predetermined threshold speed is 70 km / h.At such driving speeds, i.e., outside of urban areas, the driver's attention tends to decrease due to the monotony of driving. Thus, the risk of the driver becoming distracted or drowsy increases. This is why activating the aforementioned driver assistance system is beneficial in this context. Optionally, the vehicle may include a geolocation system. Typically, vehicles are equipped with a navigation system and, consequently, a geolocation system to determine the vehicle's location and guide it along a given route. The controller commands the implementation of the step involving increasing the size of the E2 touch control when the vehicle is geolocated outside of an urban area. Urban areas. As mentioned previously, the risk of driver distraction or drowsiness is higher outside urban areas. Activating the driver assistance system is therefore recommended in these areas. Preferably, the vehicle has a passenger compartment equipped with a camera facing the driver. The camera is configured to detect driver distraction or drowsiness, notably through the analysis of facial expressions or body movements. In this case, the step of increasing the size of the touch control E2 is implemented when the camera detects driver distraction or drowsiness. The sudden increase in the size of the touch control 3 attracts the driver's attention, thus rousing them from their distraction or drowsiness and prompting them to activate the driver assistance system.Thus, if the driver becomes distracted again or begins to drowsy, the driver assistance system will alert them if they unintentionally cross a lane marking and / or automatically correct their trajectory if necessary. Ideally, the controller is capable of receiving voice commands from the driver. The step of increasing the size of the E2 touch control is then implemented when the driver issues a voice command indicating that they wish to activate the driver assistance system. Therefore, the driver's simple intention facilitates the activation of the driver assistance system.

[0026] When the driver assistance system is activated, and the detection means can no longer detect at least one lane marking, the step of increasing the size of the touch control E2 is implemented to facilitate the deactivation of the driver assistance system. The driver then presses the touch control 3 to pause or deactivate the driver assistance system. The driver can also move, or swipe, the touch control 3 on the touchscreen 2 in any direction to pause or deactivate the driver assistance system. In a preferred embodiment, the driver assistance system is paused when the driver presses the touch control 3 and is deactivated when the driver moves the touch control 3 on the touchscreen 2.

[0027] Optionally, the vehicle includes several driver assistance systems, including said lane departure warning system, said lane keeping assist system, and said lane keeping assist system. The touchscreen 2 is configured to detect the number of fingers touching said touch control 3. A first number of fingers touching said touch control 3 activates or deactivates said lane departure warning system. A second number of fingers touching The touch control 3 activates or deactivates the vehicle keeping assist system. A third number of fingers touching the touch control 3 activates or deactivates the permanent vehicle keeping assist system. The first, second, and third numbers of fingers are strictly different.

[0028] In addition, the invention relates to a computer program configured to implement the method described above.

Claims

Demands

1. A motor vehicle comprising at least one driver assistance device configured to warn the driver when crossing a lane marking and / or to correct the vehicle's trajectory, said vehicle comprising a human-machine interface (1) including a touchscreen (2), said driver assistance device being capable of being represented by a touch control (3) on said touchscreen (2), said driver assistance device being configured to be activated by the driver via said touch control (3), said vehicle comprising a means for detecting at least one lane marking, said vehicle comprising a controller capable of communicating with said driver assistance device and with said detection means,characterized in that the touch control (3) is capable of having two configurations: - a first configuration in which said touch control (3) has a first set of dimensions; - a second configuration in which said touch control (3) has a second set of dimensions, said second set of dimensions being greater than the first set of dimensions, the touch control (3) having the second configuration when the detection means detects said at least one marking line on the track.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said detection means is a camera or an infrared marking line detection sensor.

3. A method for simplifying the use of at least one driver assistance device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - a detection step (E1) of at least one lane marking by said detection means, the touch control (3) initially having the first configuration; - a step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control (E2) so that said touch control (3) has the second configuration to facilitate activation of the driver assistance device by the driver, said increase step being ordered by the controller when said at least one marking line on the track is detected during the detection step (El).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the vehicle includes a means for measuring the vehicle's rolling speed, the controller being able to communicate with said means for measuring rolling speed, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control (E2) being implemented when the rolling speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold speed.

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the vehicle includes a geolocation means, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control (E2) being implemented when the vehicle is geolocated outside an urban area.

6. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the vehicle comprises a passenger compartment including a camera, said camera being directed towards the driver, said camera being capable of detecting a state of distraction or drowsiness of the driver, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control (E2) being implemented when the camera detects the state of distraction or drowsiness of the driver.

7. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the controller is capable of receiving a voice command from the driver, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control (E2) being implemented when the driver issues a voice command.

8. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that said at least one driver assistance device is activated, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control (E2) being implemented to facilitate the deactivation of said at least one driver assistance device when the detection means does not detect a lane marking line, said driver assistance device being paused or deactivated when the driver presses said touch control (3) or when the driver moves said touch control (3) on the touch screen (2).

9. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that said vehicle comprises a plurality of driver assistance devices, said plurality of driver assistance devices

10. comprising a lane departure warning device configured to issue a warning when said vehicle unintentionally crosses a lane marking, a vehicle-keeping assist device configured to correct the vehicle's trajectory when said vehicle unintentionally crosses a lane marking, and a permanent vehicle-keeping device configured to permanently correct the vehicle's trajectory, the touchscreen (2) being configured to detect a number of fingers coming into contact with said touch control (3), a first number of fingers coming into contact with said touch control (3) activating or deactivating said lane departure warning device,a second number of fingers coming into contact with said touch control (3) activating or deactivating said vehicle holding assistance device in the car and a third number of fingers coming into contact with said touch control (3) activating or deactivating said holding device. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method for simplifying the use of at least one driver assistance device for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to 9.

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