Method for selecting a relaxation or stimulation service for a driver of a motor vehicle - Patents.com

Abstract

A method for selecting a service for a driver of a motor vehicle from a list of services intended for the driver, the method allowing the selection to be made according to a context relating to the driver, the vehicle and the external environment so as to optimize the comfort and safety of the driver. The selection (E101, E102) of at least one relaxation or stimulation service from the list of services is made according to the physiological state of the driver or according to the driver's request, according to the driver's availability level, according to the driver's usage preferences and according to data characterizing the level of experience of the driver of the vehicle.

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for selecting a relaxation or stimulation service for a driver of a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a system for selecting a service and to a vehicle equipped with such a system. The present invention also relates to a computer program for implementing the mentioned method.

[0002] In the automotive industry it is known to equip vehicles with systems offering services intended to influence the state or mood of the driver, in particular relaxation or stimulation services, such services being offered and capable of being executed in particular when the vehicle is stationary or when the vehicle is moving.

[0003] Due to the wide variety of existing services, existing systems may tend to offer services that are not suitable for the driver, on the one hand, and / or for the particular situation in which the driver finds himself, on the other hand.

[0004] The present invention falls within this context and has the aim of providing a method for selecting services for drivers that makes it possible to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks at low cost.

[0005] The invention proposes a method for selecting a relaxing or stimulating service for a driver of a motor vehicle equipped with at least one memory unit in which a list of services intended for the driver is stored, said selection method comprising: detecting a physiological state of a driver or providing information about the driver's needs; Detecting an external context and / or an internal context of the vehicle; calculating a level of availability of the driver based on data relating to an external context and / or an internal context of the vehicle; determining a driver's usage preferences; examining data characterizing at least one level of experience the driver has had using a relaxation or stimulation service; and then selection of at least one relaxation or stimulation service from a list of services, which is performed based on the driver's physiological state or based on the driver's needs, based on the driver's availability level, based on the driver's usage preferences, and based on data characterizing the level of experience of the driver of the vehicle; Includes.

[0006] The selection method may include a first selection step of selecting a first subset of services in the list of services, including at least one service, where the first selection step is performed based on a physiological state of the driver to compensate for a detected condition of the driver or the first selection step is performed based on a need of the driver to address said need. The method may then include a second selection step of selecting a second subset of services in the first subset, performed based on a level of availability of the driver, based on usage preferences of the driver, and based on a level of experience of the driver.

[0007] The selection method may include a random selection step performed when multiple services are available at the end of selection of at least one service based on the driver's physiological state or based on the driver's needs, and based on the driver's level of availability, usage preferences, and level of experience.

[0008] The step of detecting a driver's state includes: measuring at least one emotional and / or physiological parameter of the driver; and / or - detecting at least one abnormal or dangerous driving behavior via at least one driving assistance system and / or via measuring elements mounted in the vehicle; a sub-step of classifying a driver's state based on physiological parameters of the driver and / or based on a driving behavior of the driver, where a service is selected when an abnormal state of the driver is detected; may include.

[0009] The step of calculating the level of availability of the driver may include the sub-step of classifying the level of availability of the driver based on data relating to an external context and / or an internal context of the vehicle.

[0010] Furthermore, the selection method may include at least one step of providing information about at least one preference of the driver relating to all or some of the services included in the list of services, the information providing step being capable of being performed before the step of detecting the driver's state or before the step of providing information about the driver's needs, in particular when the vehicle is stopped, and / or the information providing step being performed after the selection of a service.

[0011] The step of checking the driver's level of experience may include determining a level of experience using the service based on the number of times the driver has performed the service, and comparing an experience index, specific to each service, defining a minimum level of experience required by the driver to correctly perform the service with the level of experience, the service being selected when the experience index is less than or equal to the detected level of driver experience.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method for relaxing or stimulating a driver of a motor vehicle, which method first comprises the steps of the selection method disclosed above and then comprises a step of executing at least one selected service, which is performed when the number of selected services at the end of the selection method is equal to or greater than 1, or a step of early interrupting the execution method, which is performed when the number of selected services at the end of the selection method is equal to 0.

[0013] The relaxation or stimulation method may include a step of preventing repetition of the steps of the selection method, performed after the step of executing the service during an execution cycle of the method, so as to prevent consecutive execution of the service within an interval of duration below a predefined threshold.

[0014] The relaxation or stimulation method may include, after performance of a service, storing a level of the driver's experience related to said service or modifying a previously stored level of the driver's experience related to said service.

[0015] The invention also relates to a system for selecting a relaxing or stimulating service for a driver of a motor vehicle, the system comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the selection method according to the invention, the hardware elements comprising at least one data processing unit arranged to cooperate with at least one memory unit in which a list of services intended for the driver is stored.

[0016] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a selection system as described above and at least one means for implementing one or more relaxation or stimulation services.

[0017] The invention also extends to a computer program product comprising program code instructions stored on a computer readable medium for performing the steps of the selection method and / or the steps of the relaxation or stimulation method when said program runs on a computer. Alternatively, such a computer program product may be capable of being downloaded from a communication network and / or stored on a computer readable and / or computer executable data medium, the computer program product comprising instructions that cause the computer to perform the selection method and / or the relaxation or stimulation method when said computer program product is executed by a computer.

[0018] The invention may also relate to a computer readable data storage medium having recorded thereon a computer program comprising program code instructions for carrying out the selection method and / or the relaxation or stimulation method according to the invention, in other words such a storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause said computer to carry out the selection method and / or the relaxation or stimulation method.

[0019] The invention finally relates to a data carrier signal carrying a computer program product as disclosed above.

[0020] Other details, features and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description given below with reference to various exemplary embodiments illustrated, by way of example and not of limitation, in the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a selection system. [Diagram 2] 1 is a general flow chart of the execution of a selection method. [Diagram 3]4 is a detailed flow chart of an example of the execution of the step of detecting the driver's state of the selection method. [Figure 4] 4 is a detailed flowchart of an alternative example of the execution of the step of detecting the state of the driver. [Diagram 5] 4 is a general flow chart of one alternative execution mode of the selection method; [Figure 6] 4 is a general flow chart of one particular execution mode of the selection method; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] 1 shows a schematic representation of an automated vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 can be of any kind. In particular, the vehicle 1 can be a private vehicle, a special-purpose vehicle, a truck or a bus. The vehicle can also be an autonomous or non-autonomous vehicle.

[0023] The vehicle 1 is equipped in such a way as to offer the driver various services, in particular relaxation or stimulating services. In this sense, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with means 300 for implementing such services, for example an interior lighting system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an interior audio system, a system for creating an olfactory atmosphere or a system for creating a visual and / or tactile atmosphere. The vehicle is also equipped with at least one memory unit 11 in which a list of services, in particular relaxation or stimulating services intended for the driver, is stored. The vehicle 1 further comprises a system 12 for selecting a service intended for the driver, comprising hardware and / or software elements capable of implementing the method 100 for selecting a service illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6.

[0024] The system 12 in particular comprises at least one data processing unit 13. According to one particular example, the system may comprise a memory unit 11 in which a list of services is stored or, alternatively, the system may be configured to exchange data with a memory unit 11 contained in the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the system 12 may include at least one memory element 14 that is specific to the system 12.

[0025] The processing unit 13 comprises at least one computational unit with hardware and software resources, more particularly at least one processor or microprocessor cooperating with the memory unit 11 and / or the memory elements 14. This computational unit is capable of executing instructions in order to implement a computer program.

[0026] The selection system 12 further comprises: location means 15 for determining the location of the vehicle 1 in the road infrastructure, and / or a monitoring unit 16 for monitoring the state of the user, and / or A communication module 17 for communicating with connected devices and / or databases, and / or one or more measuring elements 18 for measuring data relating to the vehicle 1, in particular the longitudinal speed of the vehicle 1, and / or One or more driver assistance systems19 etc. may comprise or be capable of exchanging data with various elements of the vehicle.

[0027] The localization means 15 make it possible to determine the position of the vehicle 1 in the road infrastructure. The localization means 15 for example incorporate a localization system for determining the position of the vehicle and / or a map of the road infrastructure. In particular, the location of the vehicle 1 may be given by a GPS (acronym for "Global Positioning System") system. Alternatively or additionally, the localization means 15 may be a localization system stored on-board the vehicle 1. The location of the vehicle 1 makes it possible to extract information about the road infrastructure and / or the topology and / or the terrain within a radius of several hundred meters around the position of the vehicle 1 from a map database.

[0028] The monitoring unit 16 is configured to monitor the physiological state of the driver and to make it possible to detect, without being limited thereto, fatigue, drowsiness or states of stress or anxiety of said driver, which tend to affect the driver's behavior while driving. The monitoring unit 16 may comprise at least one monitoring sensor, such as a camera arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 or a sensor mounted in an element of the vehicle 1, for example in the steering wheel, capable of measuring at least one physiological parameter of the driver, in particular among the gaze direction, head movement, heart rate or electrodermal activity.

[0029] The communication module 17 enables the vehicle 1 to receive data from a database, from a connected device, for example from a connected telephone, from a connected remote vehicle, or from a connected city or road infrastructure element, via a low or high frequency wireless link. This can be, for example, a wireless link based on "Cellular", "Bluetooth" or "Wi-Fi" technologies. Such data can relate to the driver, for example to the ongoing use of a connected device or to events scheduled in a diary, or non-exhaustively to a context outside the vehicle 1, for example to weather conditions, traffic conditions, or topological or geographical conditions.

[0030] The one or more measuring members 18 are capable of performing measurements on one or more parameters of the vehicle 1, such as, but not limited to, the longitudinal speed, the acceleration and / or deceleration of the vehicle, the pressure applied to the brake pedal, or the rate of pressure applied to the brake pedal. Alternatively, all or part of said parameters may be measured by the driving assistance system 19.

[0031] As shown, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with at least one driving assistance system 19, in particular comprising at least one detection means 191 for detecting the environment of the vehicle 1, such as, for example, a radar and / or a lidar and / or a camera. By way of non-limiting example, a "driving assistance system" is understood to mean an autonomous emergency braking system, also known as an AEB ("Automatic Emergency Braking") system, a detection system for detecting nearby vehicles, and / or a parking assistance system. In particular, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with multiple driving assistance systems 19.

[0032] The processing unit 13 of the selection system 12 is thus capable of exchanging information with the memory unit 11, but also of receiving data from the location means 15, disclosed above, and / or from the monitoring unit 16, and / or from the communication module 17, and / or from at least one or more measuring members 18, and / or from one or more driving assistance systems 19, which data are then used in the methods disclosed below to enable the selection of a service for the driver. The processing unit 13 may also carry out an exchange with a control unit 20 installed in the vehicle, possibly included, for example, in the selection system 12. Such a control unit 20 may for example be capable of acting on the various components 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19 mentioned above, and / or on the means 300 for implementing one or more relaxation or stimulation services, and / or of controlling their operating status, for example the implemented parameters or settings.

[0033] A general flow chart and a specific implementation example of the selection method 100 are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, respectively. The selection method 100 can also be considered as a method for operating the selection system 12 according to the invention or for operating an automated vehicle 1 equipped with such a system. The method is configured in particular for performing a selection of at least one relaxing or stimulating service for the purpose of performing such a service based on the physiological state of the driver, thereby making it possible to indirectly detect, for example, the emotional state of the driver. In particular, the service selected by the method may then seek to at least partially correct such a state. Alternatively, the method according to the invention may be performed based on the driver's needs, in particular given by the driver. A service is then selected to address such a need. The method is also configured for performing such a selection based on the driver's level of availability, the driver's usage preferences and data characterizing the level of expertise of the driver of the vehicle and / or the level of experience using the service. Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 also show a method 200 for relaxing or stimulating the driver, including the steps of the selection method 100 according to the invention.

[0034] The selection method 100 includes a step E1 of detecting the driver's state, or a step E1' of providing information about the driver's needs.

[0035] When the method comprises a step E1 of detecting a physiological state of the driver, the method in particular makes it possible to detect and distinguish between normal or stable and abnormal states of the driver. In particular, the method may be executed conditionally, such that the method continues only when an abnormal or unstable state of the driver is detected. The method then seeks to correct such detected abnormal state in order to return the driver to a normal or stable state. In other words, the method seeks to address the driver's needs identified by the vehicle 1. Alternatively, when a normal or stable state is detected, one or more services may be selected according to whether they allow maintaining such a state.

[0036] As non-limiting examples, the driver's abnormal state may relate to a state of stress or anxiety, i.e., a state in which the driver is overstimulated and requires a relaxation service, or to a state of fatigue, drowsiness or boredom, i.e., an understimulated state in which the driver requires a stimulating or revitalizing service.

[0037] As detailed in Fig. 3, the detection step E1 may include a substep E11 of directly measuring at least one physiological parameter of the driver. For example, the monitoring unit 16 may measure the driver's gaze direction, head movement, heart rate or skin potential, such parameters making it possible, among other things, to detect excitement, in particular representative of the driver's state of stress or anxiety, which monitoring unit 16 then transmits these measurements to the processing unit 13. The selection system 12 then executes a substep E12 of classifying the driver's state on the basis of the driver's physiological reference values. In other words, the processing unit 13 is capable of performing calculation and comparison operations, which are capable of determining whether one or more measured reference values ​​exceed at least one given reference threshold value, as an upper or lower value, thus making it possible to identify, if applicable, the driver's state among the various states mentioned above.

[0038] Alternatively, or in combination with the measuring step E11, the physiological state of the driver may be detected indirectly by analyzing the driver's driving. The method may then comprise a substep E13 of detecting at least one abnormal or dangerous driving behavior, performed via one or more driving assistance systems 19 of the vehicle 1 and / or via one or more measuring members 18. At least one emotional and / or physiological parameter of the driver may then be defined indirectly by the driver's driving. For example, at least one or repeated triggering of an event initiated by one or more driving assistance systems 19, aimed at preventing a dangerous situation, such as braking performed by an AEB system, may be characteristic of a state in which the driver is falling asleep. According to another example, the detection of an abnormally irregular longitudinal speed by one or more measuring members may be defined as characteristic of a state of stress of the driver.

[0039] Optionally, such detection E13 may also take into account the environment outside the vehicle 1, for example weather conditions or geolocation information provided in particular by the location means 15.

[0040] The method then includes a step E12' of classifying the driver's state, which step E12' is similar to the classification step E12 disclosed above, with the difference that in this case it is performed on the basis of the driver's driving behavior detected via one or more driving assistance systems and / or one or more measuring members 18 mounted in the vehicle 1.

[0041] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in figure 3, when the detection step comprises a sub-step E11 of measuring at least one emotional and / or physiological reference value of the driver, and a detection sub-step E13, said sub-steps may be executed at least partly simultaneously with one another. The method may then continue as soon as an abnormal condition is identified, in particular from the sequence of sub-steps E11 and / or E13.

[0042] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, one of the sub-steps E11, E13 may be performed in such a way as to confirm a state detected in the other of the sub-steps. For example, the driving assistance system 19 may detect a state of drowsiness of the driver due to repeated triggering of emergency braking, and the monitoring unit 16 may then confirm such a state based on measurements of the driver's heart rate or the number of blinks. In other words, the sub-steps E11, E13 are then performed one after the other. The reverse operation may also be performed, i.e. the driving assistance system 19 and / or one or more measuring members allow to confirm the driver's state detected by the monitoring unit 16.

[0043] The services are selected based on the state in a manner that notably corrects the detected state of the driver, i.e. such services aim to return the driver to a stable state. Each service is therefore characterized by data relating to an identifier and to at least one state index and / or need index corresponding to the detected state for which each service is targeted and / or the need for which each service addresses. For example, some breathing exercise services or yoga exercise services are targeted to drivers presenting a state of overstimulation, i.e. a state of stress or anxiety, and address the need to relax. The method therefore comprises, after the execution of sub-step E11 and / or sub-step E13, a sub-step E15 of comparing the detected state of the driver with the state index and / or need index specific to each service, in order to make it possible to select a service that is suitable for the physiological state of the driver at a given time.

[0044] The system also performs a step E2 of detecting the external and / or internal context of the vehicle. Such data can then be used by the selection system 12 to define the level of availability of the driver. In other words, the method then comprises a step E3 of calculating the level of availability of the driver on the basis of data relating to the external and / or internal context of the vehicle. According to the execution mode of the method illustrated in figures 2 to 5, all or part of steps E2 and / or E3 can be executed simultaneously with step E1 disclosed above.

[0045] The level of "availability" is understood to mean a parameter aimed at defining the degree to which the driver is available to respond to a call or the degree of the driver's attention that may be required when performing a service, such a parameter being aimed at adapting the service to be performed in such a way as not to call out or disturb the driver at inopportune times, and also in dangerous or risk-prone situations.

[0046] The step E3 of calculating the level of driver availability includes a sub-step E31 of classifying the driver's availability into various levels, similar to what has been disclosed above with respect to the driver's status. By way of non-limiting example, the driver's availability may be classified according to at least three levels: a level of complete availability, in which the services performed can be addressed to the driver without any risk or causing any inconvenience, for example by specifically calling all or part of the driver's attention; A level of complete non-availability where the services being performed should be discreet and should not call or page the driver; At least one intermediate level of availability between the level of complete availability and the level of complete non-availability, in which the driver's attention can be partially aroused.

[0047] The data relating to the internal context of the vehicle may in particular concern the status of the vehicle 1, i.e. in particular whether the vehicle is stationary or not, whether it is in a driving phase or not, or whether a technical incident has been detected. These data are transmitted, for example, by one or more measuring members 18 mounted in the vehicle to the processing unit 13 of the selection system 12, and may concern the status of at least one engine of the vehicle 1, the status of the handbrake, the longitudinal speed of the vehicle, or the regularity of such a speed. These data may also be communicated by one or more driving assistance systems 19, for example, to inform the selection system 12 about the smoothness of the driving, the number of overtaking maneuvers performed, or any other value that may be relevant. Thus, when the vehicle 1 is stationary or when it is moving at a low longitudinal speed, for example below 15 km / h, the selection system may infer, after its calculations, that the driver is in a state of full availability. Conversely, when the vehicle 1 is moving and has a high longitudinal speed, the driver may be considered to have intermediate availability or to be non-available.

[0048] The context inside the vehicle may also relate to the use of a connected device, e.g. a phone, or a system stored on-board the vehicle, not shown, e.g. a multimedia system. In other words, the selection system 12 may also be configured to take into account at least one connected device, in particular how it is being used. For example, if a call is ongoing, the driver is considered unavailable.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the level of availability of the driver may be defined on the basis of data relating to the context outside the vehicle 1, i.e. for example data relating to weather conditions, topographical conditions, geographical conditions or traffic. For example, these data may be transmitted by at least one of the one or more driving assistance systems 19, one or more measuring members, the localization means 15 or connected devices. Congested traffic situations, bad weather conditions, mountainous or dangerous roads may for example be characteristic of a "non-available" level or of a level of "medium availability". The step E31 of classifying the level of availability of the driver may be performed in such a way that all received data relating to the availability of the driver are taken into account simultaneously in order to directly define the level of availability of the driver. Alternatively, the selection system 12 may previously associate the level of availability of the driver with each type of data and then calculate the general level of availability on the basis thereof. In particular, the system may be configured such that a driver's overall level of availability is qualified as "unavailable" if at least one type of data, e.g., usage of a connected device, indicates a state of unavailability for the driver.

[0050] Thus, according to some non-limiting examples, if the driver is currently talking on the phone, the driver is considered to be non-available, if the driver is moving on a highway with little traffic, or even if the driver is stopped. In that case, among the services of the first subset, it is necessary to select a service that is unobtrusive or even imperceptible, which does not require any contribution from the driver. For example, such a service may include adjusting the temperature in the passenger compartment, or the brightness in the passenger compartment, without requiring any adjustment or intervention from the driver. Conversely, when, for example, at the end of the journey, the vehicle 1 is stopped, especially in a parking lot, and the driver is considered to be available, among the services included in the first subset, a service that highly engages the driver may be selected, for example, a breathing exercise or yoga exercise that opens or even closes the eyes.

[0051] Following substep E31, the method comprises a substep E32 of comparing the calculated level of driver availability with an availability index specific to each service, which defines the level of driver availability required for the service to be able to be executed. In other words, if a service has an availability index less than or equal to the calculated level of driver availability, then that service is selected.

[0052] The method also comprises a step E4 of consulting the driver's usage preferences, in particular preferences stored in a memory unit 11 contained in the vehicle or in the selection system 12. Alternatively, such preferences may be stored in a memory element 14 of the selection system 12. The "preference" criterion value is defined on the basis of the driver's taste and / or choice. In this sense, the method may comprise at least one step E41 of providing information about at least one preference of the driver relating to all or part of the services contained in the list of services. Such a step may be performed before the investigation step E4, for example when the vehicle 1 is stopped or when adjusting the selection system 12 of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the information providing step E41 may be performed at the end of an execution cycle of the selection method 100, i.e. for example after the selected service has been implemented. According to one alternative not shown, the method may comprise several steps of providing information about preferences, some of which are performed at the start of the method and other steps at the end of the method.

[0053] The information providing step E41 thus includes, for example, a sub-step of inputting preferences defined by the system for rating or evaluating the services, and may also include a sub-step of saving such preferences or modifying previously stored data relating to said preferences. The preferences may be entered by manual input, for example via a specific menu presented on a human-machine interface mounted in the vehicle 1. The driver may then select, deselect or rate the service. According to another exemplary embodiment, such preferences may have been detected by the vehicle 1 in a previous execution cycle of the method. For example, a service may be considered preferred if the user has allowed it to be executed in its entirety or if at least one physiological criterion value of the driver disclosed above indicates that the driver prefers the service. Conversely, a service may be considered undesirable if the driver has manually interrupted it, in particular via the human-machine interface, or if such a service seems to take the driver further away from a normal or stable state, for example if said service causes stress or additional irritation for the driver.

[0054] The level of "expertise" of the driver relates in particular to the level of experience of the driver in carrying out the various services contained in the list, i.e. to his ability to use said services and his familiarity with said services. Indeed, when the driver is required to contribute during the execution of a service, it is preferable that the driver is able to perform such a contribution without difficulty, or at least without undue difficulty, especially when the service is executed during the driving phase and it is essential not to excessively distract the driver's attention.

[0055] The method therefore comprises a step E5 of examining data characteristic of the driver's level of expertise, which is defined at least on the basis of the level of experience the driver has of using the service. In other words, the method comprises a step E5 of examining data characteristic of the driver's level of expertise and / or the level of experience the driver has of using the service. The level of experience of the driver may be defined, according to an exemplary embodiment, via a substep E51 of determining the level of experience of using the service based at least on the number of times the driver has performed the service. For example, the selection system 12 may comprise a counter configured to increase the number of executions of the service under consideration as soon as said service has been performed by the driver in a particularly complete way. Different levels of experience of the driver may then be defined based on a threshold number of executions of the service under consideration.

[0056] By way of example, a driver's level of experience may be defined by whether the driver is a "novice", "well-versed" or "expert" in the use of the service under consideration. Indeed, in order not to disturb the driver and thus to avoid creating dangerous situations, it may be preferable to limit or even prevent access to some services, especially when such services involve greater demands on the driver's attention. According to one non-limiting example, a driver may be considered a novice in the service under consideration when the driver has performed the service less than three times, a skilled when the driver has performed the service between three and five times, and an expert when the driver has performed the service six or more times.

[0057] Such sub-step E51 is followed by a sub-step E52 of comparing the driver's level of experience with an experience index specific to each of said services, such index defining the minimum level of experience required by the driver to correctly perform the service. For example, a breathing exercise with an experience index of "expert" may be made inaccessible to a novice driver and only made available after the performance of a similar service with a lower experience index. In other words, a service is selected when it has an experience index below the detected experience level of the driver.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, each service may have various difficulty settings, each of said settings defined by an expertise index that is specific to that setting. A service, such as the "expert" setting of the breathing exercise described above, may then be made inaccessible to drivers who have not previously performed the "novice" and / or "expert" settings. The selection system 12 may then count the number of executions of each setting, as disclosed above, and make accessibility to the service with the defined setting conditional on a predefined number of executions of lower level settings.

[0059] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2, the service-specific experience index may also be adjusted by the processing unit based on data related to the physiological state of the driver and / or based on data related to the external and / or internal context of the vehicle, as disclosed above. The experience index of the breathing exercise with the "expert" level cited above may thereby be modified based on said data. For example, when the status of the vehicle 1 indicates that the vehicle 1 is stopped, the experience index may be lowered so that the service becomes accessible to drivers with a "novice" level of experience with this service. The method may then comprise a substep E53 of adjusting at least one service-specific experience index, performed for example before step E1 or step E52.

[0060] Optionally, during the step E21 of checking the driver's expertise, the selection system 12 may also take into account the driver's driving level, which in particular corresponds to the number of years of the driver's driving license previously granted by said driver. For example, a driver whose driving license is more than three years old may be classified as an experienced driver. Conversely, a driver whose driving license is less than three years old may be considered to be a young or novice driver.

[0061] In this way, the selection E100 of at least one relaxing or stimulating service from the list stored in the memory unit 11 and / or the memory element 14 based on the driver's physiological state or needs, the driver's level of availability, the driver's usage preferences and the driver's level of expertise has the result of obtaining a subset of services having a number of services strictly smaller than the number of services contained in the initial list. The subset therefore advantageously includes one or more services that are suitable for a context related to the driver, for the vehicle's internal context and for the vehicle's external context.

[0062] Following the execution of the selection method 100, as shown in Figure 2 or 5, the vehicle may carry out a step E6 of executing the selected services as part of the relaxation or stimulation method 200 cited above. The execution step E6 is in particular carried out when, at the end of the selection method, the number of selected services contained in the subset of services is equal to or greater than one. If the subset consists of a single service, the vehicle 1 directly carries out this execution step E6.

[0063] Optionally, when the subset comprises several services, the selection method 100 further comprises a random selection step E7, here indicated by a dashed line, to select only a single service to be executed. Such a selection is in particular performed by the processing unit 13. The vehicle 1 may then execute the selected service as disclosed above.

[0064] Optionally, once a single service has been selected from the list of services, i.e. following selection E100 or following selection E7, the method may comprise a step E201 of checking the status of the at least one means 300 for implementing the selected service. The control unit 20 and / or the processing unit 13 may then detect data relating to the real-time status of the at least one means 300, i.e. for example detect whether the means 300 is currently operating or, if the means 300 is currently in use, detect the parameters and settings that have been implemented. The control unit 20 may then compare the data relating to the detected status of the at least one means 300 with data stored in the memory unit 11 and / or the storage memory 14, in particular relating to a status to be implemented that corresponds to the parameters or settings to be implemented to enable the execution of the selected service. When the control unit 20 and / or the processing unit 13 detect that these data are identical, i.e. the selected service has already been executed, for example due to a previous execution cycle of a relaxation or stimulation method, the selection method may then be repeated immediately or later. When such data are different, i.e. when the selected service is not currently being executed, the vehicle 1 may execute said service. For example, for a relax service that requests the visual atmosphere creating system to implement cool-toned lighting, if the control unit 20 and / or the processing unit 13 detect that said system is already currently being used with these same parameters or settings, the method may be repeated, in particular to allow the selection of a new service in the list of services.

[0065] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, if the subset is empty, i.e. if it consists of zero services, a step E8 of prematurely interrupting the relaxation or stimulation method may be executed. The method may then be repeated immediately or later.

[0066] The system 12 then, following the execution E6 of a service, executes a step E61 of storing the level of experience of the user related to said service or a step E62 of modifying a previously stored level of experience of the user related to said service. The driver's level of experience is thus updated after each execution cycle of the relaxation or stimulation method, so that future selections of services made during subsequent executions of the selection method 100 can be optimized.

[0067] According to one option not shown, the system, in particular the control unit 20 and / or the processing unit 13, may carry out a step of checking the correct execution of the selected service. Such a step is carried out according to a principle similar to that from step E201. The method may then be configured such that it is repeated when an anomaly is detected in the execution of the service, i.e. when the detected data relating to the status of the at least one means 300 for performing the service differs from the stored data, in particular relating to the status, parameters or settings that should be observed when the service is properly executed.

[0068] According to one alternative execution mode of the selection method, the selection method 100 may comprise, instead of the step E1 of detecting the driver's physiological state, as described above, a step E1' of providing information about the driver's needs. Such an execution alternative is substantially equivalent to the execution mode detailed above, and therefore the above description applies mutatis mutandis to this alternative. The driver may provide information about his needs manually or vocally, for example via a human-machine interface. Such a step E1' may then trigger the implementation of the method according to the invention.

[0069] According to one execution option illustrated in FIG. 5, the selection system 12 may be programmed to prevent the execution of multiple services within a predefined time interval, each specific to a separate execution cycle of the relaxation or stimulation method 200. In other words, execution cycle n of the relaxation or stimulation method 200 x Following step E6 of executing the services to be performed during the selection system 12, the selection system 12 executes the execution cycle n of the method. x execution cycle n when the duration that has elapsed since the last execution step E6 of x+1 In other words, the selection system 12 may be configured to count the duration that has elapsed since the performance of the previous execution step E6.

[0070] 6 shows a particular example of the execution of the selection method according to the invention, similar to that described above, and therefore the above description and the various modes and alternatives apply mutatis mutandis. This example of execution differs from the previous one in that it includes two separate stages of selecting a service, successive to each other.

[0071] In particular, the method comprises a first selection step A1 of selecting a first subset of services in the list of services, comprising at least one service, the first selection step A1 enabling a selection E101 of the at least one service based on a physiological state of the driver or the first selection step is performed based on said needs in order to address the needs of the driver. In other words, in the first selection step A1 a step E1 of detecting the physiological state of the driver or a step E1' of giving information about the needs of the driver is performed. In particular, the method may be started by detecting a state of the driver via the vehicle.

[0072] The system 12, in particular the processing unit 13, performs a first selection step in which a first subset of services in the list of services is selected, the first subset comprising at least one service. Analogously to what has been disclosed above, when the method comprises a step E1 of detecting a state of the driver, the one or more services selected and incorporated in the first subset of services attempt to correct the detected state of the driver, i.e. such services attempt to return the driver to a stable state.

[0073] Optionally, the method may be programmed to be executed when an abnormal, i.e. unstable, state of the driver is detected. In such a case, the selection E101 and then the second selection step A2 may be performed when an abnormal state of the driver is detected in step E1. In other words, the method may be configured to stop after the detection step E1 when a normal or stable state of the driver is detected. Alternatively, when a normal or stable state is detected, one or more services incorporated in the one or more first subsets may be selected according to whether such a service allows to maintain such a state.

[0074] The method then comprises a second selection stage A2 of selecting a second subset of services within the first subset. The second selection stage A2 enables the selection E102 to be performed based on the driver's level of availability, his usage preferences and his level of expertise, as disclosed above. The second selection stage A2 then comprises all or part of the various steps and sub-steps related to the driver's level of availability, preferences and level of expertise. In particular, the second selection stage A2 comprises at least: a step E3 of calculating a level of availability of the driver based on data relating to the external context and / or the internal context of the vehicle; a step E4 of checking the driver's usage preferences; a step E5 of examining data characterizing the driver's level of experience, defined at least on the basis of the level of experience the driver has had using the service; may include.

[0075] Optionally, the second stage may comprise a step E2 of detecting the external and / or internal context of the vehicle, as disclosed above.

[0076] Such a mode advantageously enables the selection system 12, if programmed accordingly, to optimise the vehicle's resources in such a way that it performs the second selection stage A2 only when the situation requires this.

[0077] When the second selection stage A2 is performed, the system thus obtains a second subset of services from the first subset, and thus from the initial list of services, that are suitable for the context related to the driver, the context of the vehicle 1 and the context external to the vehicle 1. Optionally, when the subset comprises several services, the method may comprise a random selection step E7 described above, which here corresponds to the third selection stage. The method may also optionally comprise a checking step E201 as disclosed above. The vehicle 1 may then execute the selected services as disclosed above.

[0078] The invention therefore proposes a method for selecting a service for a driver of an automotive vehicle from a list of several services intended for the driver, which method allows a selection suitable for the context relevant to the driver, the vehicle and the external environment, so as to optimize the comfort and safety of the driver at low cost, in particular by implementing equipment already integrated in the vehicle.

[0079] The present invention is not, however, limited to the means and arrangements described and illustrated herein, but extends to any equivalent means or arrangements, and to any technically feasible combination of such means, provided that such combination ultimately performs the functions described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Claim 1 A method (100) for selecting a relaxation service or a stimulation service for a driver of a motor vehicle (1) equipped with at least one memory unit (11) storing a list of services targeted at the driver, the method comprising: detecting the physiological state of the driver via a monitoring unit (16) of the vehicle (step E1), or providing information about the driver's needs via a human-machine interface of the vehicle (step E1'); detecting the external context and / or the internal context of the vehicle via at least one of one or more driving assistance systems (19), one or more measuring members (18), the vehicle's positioning means (15), or a connected device (step E2); calculating a level of availability of the driver based on data related to the external context and / or the internal context of the vehicle (step E3); examining the usage preferences of the driver stored in the memory unit (11) of the vehicle (step E4); examining data characterizing at least one level of experience of the driver using the relaxation service or the stimulation service (step E5), and then selecting at least one relaxation or stimulation service from the list of services, which is performed based on the physiological state of the driver or based on the needs of the driver, based on the level of availability of the driver, based on the usage preferences of the driver, and based on the data characterizing the level of experience of the driver of the vehicle (E101, E102, E103) characterized in that it comprises a method. Claim 2 A first selection step (A1) of selecting a first subset of services, including at least one service within the list of services, wherein the first selection step (A1) is performed based on the detected physiological state of the driver to correct the detected physiological state of the driver, or the first selection step (A1) is performed based on the needs to address the needs of the driver, the first selection step (A1) including, the method then being performed based on the level of availability of the driver, based on the usage preferences of the driver, and based on the level of experience of the driver, a second selection step (A2) of selecting a second subset of services within the first subset, the selection method (100) according to claim 1.

3. the physiological state of the driver or the needs of the driver and the level of availability and the usage preferences and the level of experience of the driver including a random selection step (E7) performed when multiple services are available at the end of the selection of at least one service based thereon, the selection method (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The step (E1) of detecting the state of the driver is a sub-step (E11) of measuring at least one emotional parameter and / or physiological parameter of the driver, and / or a sub-step (E13) of detecting at least one abnormal or dangerous driving behavior via at least one driving assistance system (19) and / or via a measuring member (18) mounted in the vehicle, and a sub-step (E12, E12') of classifying the state of the driver based on the physiological parameters of the driver and / or based on the driving behavior of the driver, the sub-step (E12, E12') of classifying the state of the driver in which a service is selected when an abnormal state of the driver is detected including, the selection method (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The step (E5) of examining the level of the driver's experience includes a step (E51) of determining the level of experience of using the service based on the number of times the driver has performed the service, and a step (E52) of comparing an experience index, which defines the minimum level of experience required by the driver to correctly perform the service and is specific to each service, with the level of experience, and the service is selected when the experience index is less than or equal to the detected level of experience of the driver, according to the selection method (100) of claim 1 or 2.

6. A method (200) for relaxing or stimulating a driver of a motor vehicle, the method first includes the steps of the selection method (100) of claim 1 or 2, and then a step (E6) of executing at least one service selected by at least one means (300) for implementing at least one service, the step of executing (E6) including a step (E6) of executing at least one service that is implemented when the number of services selected at the end of the selection method (100) is 1 or more, and a step (E8) of prematurely interrupting the execution method that is implemented when the number of services selected at the end of the selection method (100) is 0.

7. To prevent continuous execution of the service within an interval of duration that is below a predefined threshold, a step (E9) that prevents repetition of the steps of the selection method (100), which is performed after the step (E6) of executing the service during the execution cycle (n ｘ ) of the method, is included in the relaxation or stimulation method (200) according to claim 6.

8. After the execution of the service (E6), the method according to claim 6 includes a step (E61) of saving the level of experience of the driver related to the service, or a step (E62) of changing the previously stored level of experience of the driver related to the service.

9. A system (12) for selecting a relaxation or stimulation service for a driver of a motor vehicle (1), the system comprising hardware elements and / or software elements for implementing the selection method (100) of claim 1 or 2, the hardware elements comprising at least one data processing unit (13) configured to cooperate with at least one memory unit (11) storing a list of services targeted at the driver.

10. A motor vehicle equipped with the selection system according to claim 9 and at least one means (300) for performing one or more relaxation or stimulation services.

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