Method for securely displaying information in vehicles

Abstract

A method is provided for secure display of information in a vehicle having a driver assistance system that enables detection of connected infrastructure elements that may have multiple statuses and estimation of temporal proximity to the infrastructure elements, the method including securing the display of information related to driving events that are displayed on a display unit of the system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for securely displaying information in a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a driver assistance system for a vehicle and a vehicle equipped with such an assistance system. The present invention also relates to a computer program that implements the described method. [Background technology]

[0002] Driver assistance technologies are becoming increasingly widespread and are no longer limited to luxury vehicles. These technologies make driving automated vehicles easier and / or make the driver's behavior in the vehicle more reliable. Specifically, driver assistance systems generally improve user comfort and safety by adjusting the vehicle's speed. This is especially true when using assistance methods and systems such as systems that recommend an optimal longitudinal speed in response to traffic lights, also known as "GLOSA," an acronym for "green light optimal speed advisory," or adaptive speed controllers of the "ACC" type (ACC stands for "adaptive cruise control").

[0003] Such systems typically include an interface system with a screen-type display module that broadcasts information related to real-time and / or future driving events. However, such display modules can reduce driver alertness by diverting the driver's attention from their lane and thereby inducing abnormal behavior that could lead to accidents. [Overview of the project]

[0004] The present invention enters into this context and aims to provide a method for securely displaying information in an automated vehicle, and a driver assistance system capable of realizing such a method.

[0005] The present invention relates to a method for securely displaying information in a vehicle equipped with a driver assistance system, the method comprising the following steps, namely: - The steps include detecting infrastructure elements that may have multiple statuses, particularly connected traffic signal lights, - Steps of transmitting data related to infrastructure elements to the vehicle, and displaying information related to driving events on the display module of the driver assistance system in accordance with the transmitted data, - Steps to locate the vehicle relative to infrastructure elements, - The remaining time (T) until the vehicle reaches the infrastructure element, taking into account the vehicle's longitudinal speed. i The real-time estimation steps of ) and - Steps for securing information display and Equipped with, The securing step includes a substep of switching off the display of information on the display module, and the remaining time (T) that the vehicle is separated from the infrastructure element. i ) a predetermined limit time (T) that separates the vehicle from the structural elements. L ) is triggered when it is equal to or substantially equal to I propose a method.

[0006] According to the present invention, the method includes a step of updating the status of an infrastructure element, which includes at least one substep of alerting an impending change in the status of the infrastructure element from a first status to a second status via an alarm signal including light and / or sound and / or tactile signals.

[0007] The method may include at least one substep of checking for driver alerts by a driver status monitoring unit.

[0008] According to an optional feature, the sub-step of checking the driver's alertness may include at least the stage of monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by the driver monitoring unit and the stage of detecting an overshoot of the parameter and / or a combination of parameters by a value smaller than or larger than a threshold value.

[0009] According to an optional feature, the step of securing the display of information may include the sub-step of emitting at least one warning message to the driver of the vehicle when an overshoot of the parameter and / or a combination of parameters is detected in the check sub-step, and the warning message includes light and / or sound and / or a tactile signal.

[0010] In particular, the limit time (T L ) can be about 2 to 3 seconds.

[0011] According to an optional feature, the step of detecting infrastructure elements may include the sub-step of selecting an infrastructure element from a plurality of infrastructure elements according to the position of the infrastructure element with respect to the lane and / or road on which the vehicle is traveling and / or according to the spatial and / or temporal proximity of the infrastructure element to the vehicle.

[0012] According to an optional feature, all or part of the securing step can be realized only when the vehicle is moving at a speed of 15 km / h or more.

[0013] The step of updating the status of the infrastructure element can include, following the alert sub-step, a sub-step of verifying the driver's behavior by measuring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by at least one monitoring unit, and when an overshoot of a parameter and / or a combination of parameters by a value smaller than or larger than a threshold is detected, it can include a sub-step of reminding of a change in the status of the infrastructure element and / or a change in alert.

[0014] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle driving assistance system including hardware and / or software elements for implementing the method described above, wherein the hardware elements at least comprise a positioning means of the assistance system, a means for detecting connected infrastructure elements, a communication module, a data processing unit, a driver state monitoring unit, and a display module.

[0015] The present invention further proposes a computer program product, which, when the program operates on a computer, includes program code instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for implementing the steps of the method of the present invention, or a computer program product that can be downloaded from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable data medium and / or executed by a computer, and the program includes instructions for causing the computer to implement the method according to the present invention when the program is executed by the computer.

[0016] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer by reading the following forms for implementing the invention given in an illustrative and non-limiting manner with respect to various exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically represents an embodiment of a vehicle equipped with means for realizing a method for securely displaying information in a vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a schematic flowchart of the execution modes for methods for securely displaying information. [Figure 3] This flowchart details the securing step of the first execution mode of the method for securely displaying information. [Figure 4] This flowchart details the securing step of the second execution mode of the method for securely displaying information. [Figure 5] This flowchart details the securing step of a first modified example of the method for securely displaying information. [Figure 6] This flowchart details the securing step of a second modified version of the method for securely displaying information. [Figure 7] This flowchart details the securing step of a third modified version of the method for securely displaying information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle 10 equipped with means for implementing Method 1 for secure display of information in a vehicle, which will be described below with reference to Figures 2-7. Such Method 1 for secure display is intended to be incorporated into a driver assistance system 2. For example, the assistance system considered may preferably be a GLOSA ("Green Light Optimal Speed ​​Advice") type optimal longitudinal speed advice system for the vehicle 10, or an ACC ("Adaptive Cruise Control") type context distance adjustment system.

[0019] Vehicle 10 is any type of automated vehicle, in particular a passenger car or a utility vehicle. Vehicle 10 includes an automated vehicle driving assistance system 2 which includes hardware and / or software elements that implement the method according to the present invention. The hardware elements include at least a location means 3 for the assistance system 2, a means 4 for detecting connected infrastructure elements 11, a communication module 5, a data processing unit 6, a driver status monitoring unit 7, and a display module 8.

[0020] The positioning means 3 enables the vehicle 10 to be located within the road infrastructure. The positioning means 3 incorporates, for example, an approximate vehicle 10 positioning system and / or a high-resolution mapping of the road infrastructure. Specifically, the approximate positioning of the vehicle 10 may be supplied by a GPS ("Global Positioning System") type system. The approximate positioning of the vehicle 10 allows for the fetching of information relating to the road infrastructure within a radius of several hundred meters around the approximate position of the vehicle 10 from a mapping database. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning means 3 may be a positioning system built into the vehicle 10 that permanently accumulates the movement of the vehicle 10.

[0021] The detection means 4 is configured to detect at least one connected infrastructure element 11.

[0022] The connected infrastructure element 11 is understood to be an infrastructure element that is linked to a remote server 100 and / or can exchange information with a vehicle 10. The infrastructure element 11 may be mobile or, preferably, fixed.

[0023] The infrastructure element comprises at least one communication device 51 configured to send and receive data to and from the server 100, and / or, in particular, periodically, send data to the vehicle. Such data may include an identifier for the infrastructure element 11, the location of the infrastructure element 11, and / or its current status. In particular, a connected infrastructure element may have multiple statuses.

[0024] "Status" is understood to mean different states of infrastructure elements that affect vehicle traffic on a lane. For example, the infrastructure element 11 considered could be a traffic signal light, a railway crossing barrier or railway overpass, or any other road infrastructure traffic control element that may be connected and may have different statuses. In that case, the status of such infrastructure element 11 would be in relation to the color of the traffic signal light, or to the open or closed state of the barrier. Preferably, the infrastructure element 11 transmits status-related data in real time.

[0025] The detection means 4 of the system according to the present invention may be configured to detect outgoing data signals transmitted by the connected infrastructure element 11. The detection means 4 may be included in the system's communication module 5.

[0026] Optionally, the detection means 4 may also include an undisclosed camera to optimize the detection and / or selection of infrastructure elements 11. Such a camera may be mounted in such a manner that it can collect images of a portion of the lane over which the vehicle 10 is traveling, and is located at the front of the vehicle 10. The camera may thus be mounted at the front of the vehicle 10, for example, in the front headlights, or inside the vehicle, in particular behind the windshield, or even on the roof of the vehicle 10. Such a camera may be capable of supplying a signal representing an image, which may then be transmitted to the processing unit 6 for processing and / or storage of the image. Such a mechanism may, for example, allow the processing unit 6 to be supplied with additional information relating to connected or unconnected infrastructure elements of the road infrastructure to optimize the detection of one or more suitable infrastructure elements.

[0027] The communication module 5 enables the vehicle 10 to receive data from the infrastructure element 11 via a wireless, low-frequency, or high-frequency link. The link may be, for example, a wireless link based on "cellular" or "WiFi" technology. In this particular case, when implementing the method according to the present invention, such a communication module 5 does not handle the transmission of information from the vehicle 10 to the infrastructure element 11.

[0028] The processing unit 6 comprises at least one computing unit equipped with hardware and software resources, more specifically, at least one processor or microprocessor that cooperates with memory elements. This computing unit is capable of executing instructions for realizing a computer program.

[0029] The monitoring unit 7 is configured to monitor the driver's condition and enable the detection of a state of reduced driver alertness. A state of reduced alertness is understood to mean a physical or physiological state of the driver that may hinder or even impede the driver in the context of safe driving of the vehicle 10. Such a state corresponds to a state of distraction in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner.

[0030] The monitoring unit 7 includes at least one driver monitoring sensor 71 configured to detect the driver's condition, in particular a camera located inside the vehicle 10. The at least one monitoring sensor 71 may be located inside the vehicle 10. Such at least one driver monitoring sensor 71 is capable of measuring at least one physiological parameter of the driver, in particular, from the direction of gaze, head orientation, or movement.

[0031] The monitoring unit 7 also includes a processing module 72 capable of performing computational operations that enable the identification of a state of reduced driver alertness. This allows the monitoring unit 7 to identify changes in the driver's behavioral conditions and, therefore, changes in the driving mode that the driver is employing or may employ. Specifically, the processing unit 72 may be incorporated into the processing unit 6.

[0032] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a display module 8 of the support system 2. The display module 8 may have a screen capable of broadcasting information related to driving commands, and / or the vehicle 10 location mapping of the driving support system and / or location identification means 3.

[0033] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 may optionally, but preferably, be equipped with a member for determining the longitudinal speed of the vehicle 10, that is, the speed of the vehicle 10's displacement. For example, the longitudinal speed determining member may include a speed sensor 21.

[0034] Furthermore, the system may be configured to include a warning module 22 capable of broadcasting information. The warning module 22, in particular, includes the following: - For example, sound emission by loudspeakers, and / or - For example, visual divergence, and / or by a screen-type display module 8 - Tactile divergence, such as vibration, for example, vibration from an element capable of generating vibration, which is included in the driver's seat or at least one control element of the vehicle 10, such as the steering wheel. Messages and / or signals can be broadcast in this format.

[0035] The driver assistance system 1 may also include a memory or storage space that constitutes a storage medium readable by the computer or calculator, which, when executed by the computer or calculator of a processing unit, causes the computer or calculator to implement the methods described below.

[0036] In such a system 1 illustrated in Figure 1, the processing unit 6 is linked to the detection means 4 and the communication module 5 to receive and process information relating to or to the infrastructure element 11. Furthermore, the processing unit 6 is linked to the location means 3. The processing unit 6 is also connected to the warning module 22. Finally, the processing unit 6 is directly or indirectly linked to different sensors, such as the monitoring sensor 71 and / or the speed sensor 21, to receive information relating to the longitudinal speed of the driver or the vehicle 10 in real time.

[0037] For all of the following descriptions, assume that the automated vehicle 10 is traveling in a lane that is imminently equipped with an infrastructure element 11, in this case a traffic signal light. The term “imminent” refers to a temporal proximity criterion. The term “imminent” means that the time required for the vehicle 10 to reach the infrastructure element 11 is less than a given threshold.

[0038] Two execution modes of Method 1 for secure information display are described below with reference to Figures 2-4. Display Method 1 can also be considered as a method for operating a driver assistance system, or a method for operating an automated vehicle 10 equipped with such a system, and Display Method 1 makes it possible to secure the display of information when the driver assistance method is implemented, i.e., during execution.

[0039] It should be noted that during the execution of such display method 1, the vehicle 10 transmits its position in the road infrastructure in real time via the location tracking means 3.

[0040] The display method 1 according to the present invention first includes step E1 of detecting connected infrastructure elements 11, in particular infrastructure elements that may change status.

[0041] In such a detection step E1, the detection means 4 detects the approaching infrastructure element 11. According to a different alternative configuration, one or more of the detection means 4 described above pick up an outgoing data stream transmitted by a communication device 51 specific to the infrastructure element 11, in particular to a server and / or a vehicle, and / or one or more of the detection means 4 capture an image of the infrastructure element 11. The detection means 4 transmits this information to a processing unit 6, which then detects or does not detect the approaching infrastructure element 11 by, for example, implementing at least one algorithm for distance analysis and / or image processing of the infrastructure element 11.

[0042] For example, the detection means 4 and / or system may be configured to detect infrastructure elements 11 having spatial and / or temporal proximity to the vehicle 10. For example, the detection means 4 and / or system may be configured to detect at a detection distance D between 25m and 500m. d Detection time T corresponds to the remaining time for vehicle 10 at its current longitudinal rolling speed until it reaches infrastructure element 11, which is present and / or between 2 seconds and 60 seconds. d It may be configured to detect infrastructure elements 11 present in the area. In other words, the detection means 4 detects one or more infrastructure elements present within the spatial and / or temporal perimeter surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0043] Optionally, but preferably, detection step E1 may include a substep E11 of selecting an infrastructure element 11 from among a plurality of infrastructure elements. In particular, such selection may be based on the location of the infrastructure element 11 relative to the lane and / or road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling, and / or according to the spatial and / or temporal proximity of the infrastructure element 11 to the vehicle 10.

[0044] For example, infrastructure element 11 may be selected from among multiple infrastructure elements based on its position on the lane in which the vehicle travels, rather than on an intersecting lane, and / or on the forward portion of the road extending in front of the vehicle 10, rather than on the rear portion of the road. Optionally, the selection substep E11 may take into account a pre-programmed path in the location tracking means 3.

[0045] Once a suitable infrastructure element 11 is detected, step E2 is performed, which involves transmitting data and displaying information related to the driving event, corresponding to the transmitted data. In such a step, the communication device 51 of the infrastructure element 11 transmits data related to the infrastructure element 11 to the communication module 5 of the vehicle 10, for example, included in the processing unit 6, and then the information related to the driving event, derived from the transmitted data, is displayed on the display module 8 of the driver assistance system 2.

[0046] In particular, such data may include identification information or an ID of the infrastructure element 11, the exact location of the infrastructure element 11, the status of the infrastructure element 11, and / or the remaining time until the next change in the status of the infrastructure element 11, and / or a combination of the elapsed time since the last change and a period specific to the status of the infrastructure element. For example, “status” is understood to mean the “closed” or “open” state of a traffic signal light, a railway track, a bridge, or any other movable barrier marking a lane.

[0047] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment in which the infrastructure element 11 is a traffic signal light, the data transmitted to the vehicle 10 in the search and transmit step includes at least the identifier of the infrastructure element 11, the location of the infrastructure element 11, the real-time current status of the infrastructure element 11, and / or the remaining time until the infrastructure element 11 changes to a second status separate from the current status.

[0048] The method then implements step E3 of determining the position of the vehicle 10 relative to the infrastructure element 11. This step aims to define, in real time, the position of the vehicle 10 moving in the road infrastructure with respect to the infrastructure element 11, based on the vehicle 10 position determination information constantly transmitted by the position determination means 3 and on the positioning data of the infrastructure element 11 transmitted earlier in step E2.

[0049] This data and information are transmitted to the processing unit 6, which implements step E4 of estimating, in real time, the temporal proximity of the infrastructure element 11, using, for example, the longitudinal speed data of the vehicle 10 transmitted by the speed sensor 21. "Temporal proximity" is understood to mean the remaining time T i until the vehicle 10 reaches the infrastructure element 11 at the detected longitudinal speed.

[0050] In other words, in the execution of the method according to the invention, the system, in real time, on the one hand, implements step E4 of estimating the remaining time T i until the vehicle 10 reaches the infrastructure element 11, and on the other hand, implements step E41 of comparing such remaining time T i with a reference limit time T L .

[0051] The method is also configured to implement step E6 of securing the display of information. In the various figures, the estimation step E4 is shown as preceding the securing step E6, although it should be noted that the update of the remaining time T i can continue in parallel with the implementation of the securing step E6.

[0052] The securing step consists in that the remaining time T i separating the infrastructure element 11 from the vehicle 10 is compared with a predetermined limit time T LTriggered when equal to or substantially equal to . Limit time T L This is the optimal remaining time until infrastructure element 11 is reached, and this optimal remaining time ensures that the driver can respond appropriately before reaching infrastructure element 11 in response to the realization of the securing step.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, such a limit time is approximately 2 to 3 seconds. The securing step E6 thereby limits the limit time T L Remaining time T equal to i This corresponds to the zero remaining time T of the vehicle's positioning on the same line as the infrastructure elements. i This may be realized during all or part of the period between [the two parties].

[0054] Initiating the securing step E6 based on the temporal proximity of the infrastructure element according to the longitudinal speed of the vehicle 10, rather than a predetermined spatial proximity, advantageously allows Method 1 to be adapted to various traffic conditions, particularly varying traffic densities. Furthermore, the method according to the present invention does not require the integration of a step for detecting additional traffic-related parameters, such as the presence of a moving or stationary vehicle on the road or in close proximity to the infrastructure element 11.

[0055] Advantageously, the definition of a fixed, predetermined time limit, i.e., a constant and non-variable one, helps the driver become accustomed to the securing system according to the present invention when it is used. In doing so, the driver's behavior adapts to the operation of the method and gradually anticipates the realization of the securing step E6 when approaching the infrastructure element 11, thereby strengthening the driver's vigilance through the power of habit.

[0056] The securing step E6 includes a substep E6 of switching off the display of information on the display module 8 of the driver assistance system 2. In other words, the processing unit 6 controls the switching off of the display module 8, in particular, the switching off of at least information related to driving events.

[0057] In particular, according to the first execution mode illustrated in Figure 3, the switch-off substep E62 thereby separates the vehicle 10 from the infrastructure element 11 for the remaining time T. i However, there is a predetermined limit time T that separates the vehicle 10 from the structural elements. L It can be realized when it is equal to or substantially equal to.

[0058] According to the second execution mode of the method illustrated in Figure 4, the securing step E6 may optionally include a substep E5 of checking the driver's alert status by the driver status monitoring unit 7. In particular, such a check substep E5 may preferably be implemented before the switch-off substep E62.

[0059] This means, for example, the remaining time T i However, the limit time T L When it is equal to or substantially equal to , the system starts check substep E5. On the other hand, with remaining time T i However, the limit time T L If it is longer than, the method is, remaining time T i However, the remaining time T is made to be updated in accordance with the movement of vehicle 10 and the position of vehicle 10. i Repeat step E4 of the real-time estimation.

[0060] Substep E5 of checking the driver's alertness may include a stage E51 of monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by the monitoring unit 7 as described above. Each parameter is detected and / or measured by one or more driver monitoring sensors 71 included in the monitoring unit 7, which are linked to a processing module 72 included in the processing unit 6, for example. For example, the monitoring unit 7 of the vehicle 10 may capture an image of the driver, in particular an image of the driver's line of sight, which is then transmitted to a processing unit 6 equipped with at least one image analysis algorithm.

[0061] The check substep E5 may then include a step E52 by the processing unit 6 for detecting overshoot of parameters and / or combinations of parameters by a value less than or greater than a threshold. In other words, the processing unit 6 may, among other things, perform calculation and comparison operations to determine whether one or more parameters supplied by one or more sensors overshoot at least one given threshold by a value greater than or less than a threshold, thereby enabling, where appropriate, the identification of a state of reduced driver alertness.

[0062] In such an execution mode, the securing step E6 may additionally include one or more substeps that may be conditionally implemented according to the result of the driver alert status check substep E5 and / or according to one or more of the operating modes implemented by display method 1 and / or the system.

[0063] In particular, according to an example of the operating mode, step E6 of securing the display of information may include substep E61 of issuing at least one warning message to the driver of vehicle 10 when an overshoot of a parameter and / or combination of parameters is detected in check substep E5.

[0064] To do this, the processing unit 6 generates a warning message, which is sent to a warning module 22 designed to broadcast the information contained in the message to the driver in order to redirect the driver's attention back to the lane. This warning message may include, as previously described, a light signal displayed on, for example, the display module 8 of the assistance system 2, and / or an audio signal transmitted, for example, through a loudspeaker, and / or a tactile signal which may be realized in particular by the driver's seat and / or steering wheel, as previously described.

[0065] Specifically, substep E62, which switches off the display of information related to driving events on the display module 8 of the driver assistance system 2, may be conditioned by check substep E5.

[0066] In particular, based on the information transmitted by the monitoring unit 7, the processing unit 6 then determines the remaining time T i The limit time T L When the value is equal to or substantially equal to the value, and no overshoot of the parameter and / or combination of parameters is detected in check substep E5, the switch-off of the display module 8 can be directly achieved.

[0067] Conversely, remaining time T i However, the limit time T L If an overshoot of the parameter and / or combination of parameters is detected in check substep E5, the processing unit 6 can execute substep E61 and instruct the warning module 22 to issue a message. The processing unit 6 can then execute substep E62 and check to switch off the display module 8 immediately after issue substep E61.

[0068] Alternatively, as represented by thick dashed arrows in various diagrams, processing unit 6 may execute substep E62 when processing unit 6 no longer detects an overshoot in the parameters and / or combination of parameters. In other words, check substep E5 may be repeated following alert substep E61 to update the measured value of the driver's alert status in real time and to execute switch-off substep E62 only when the parameters and / or combination of parameters have acceptable values.

[0069] For example, the switch-off substep E62 is triggered when the system detects that the driver's line of sight, and therefore the driver's attention, is on the lane and not on the display module 8.

[0070] Such a mechanism prevents potential driver distraction by the display module 8 during the most critical period, in this case when approaching the infrastructure element 11, and allows the driver's attention to be directed towards the lane.

[0071] It should be noted that if the display of information and / or data related to the infrastructure element 11 is interrupted, such interruption does not occur if it involves the transmission of data related to the infrastructure element 11 from the fixed communication module 5 of the infrastructure element 11 to the communication module 5 of the vehicle 10. In other words, the method according to the present invention provides real-time vehicle 10 position data and remaining time T i To ensure data updates, even when approaching infrastructure element 11 very closely, i.e., during the remaining time T i The limit time T L Even when the number is less than that, the transmission step E2, location step E3, and estimation step E4 can still be handled.

[0072] Regardless of the execution mode, the method also has the following different alternative forms, namely: - The display module 8 shows the remaining time T until the vehicle 10 reaches the infrastructure element 11. i When it is zero, that is, when the vehicle 10 is collinear with the infrastructure element 11, it can be switched on again, or - The display module 8 may be switched on again when the vehicle location module of vehicle 10 transmits the location of vehicle 10 indicating that the location of infrastructure element 11 has been passed, or - The display module 8 can be switched on again when another infrastructure element 11 is detected, i.e., simultaneously with the detection step E1 of a new cycle of the method. This can include the re-switch-on state E7 of the display module 8, which can be achieved according to the alternative form described above.

[0073] Figures 5-7 illustrate different modified executions of the method according to the present invention, and such modifications are incorporated, in particular, into the second execution mode described above. However, it should be understood that each of the modifications may be incorporated into the first execution mode described earlier with reference to Figure 3, with necessary modifications.

[0074] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, all or part of the securing step E6 can be performed only when the vehicle 10 is moving at a speed of 15 km / h or more. In other words, the method includes an optional step E45 of evaluating the longitudinal speed of the vehicle and comparing its longitudinal speed with a predetermined threshold, in this case 15 km / h.

[0075] For example, the dispatch substep E61 can only be realized when the vehicle 10 is moving at a speed of 15 km / h or more.

[0076] Optional but preferred, the switch-off substep E62 is implemented only when the vehicle 10 is moving at a speed of 15 km / h or more. This allows the display module 8 to remain operational when the vehicle 10 is stationary or moving at a low longitudinal speed.

[0077] In the illustrated example, such an evaluation and comparison step E45 is illustrated, for clarity purposes, as preceding the securing step E6. In particular, the comparison step E45 may be performed before the check substep E5 so that the switch-off substep 62, the discharge substep E61, and the re-switch-on step E7 are not realized when the vehicle is moving at a speed of less than 15 km / h. However, such an evaluation and comparison step E45 may be performed simultaneously with the check substep E5, i.e., the evaluation and comparison step E45 may be performed during the remaining time T separating the vehicle 10 from the infrastructure element 11. i However, the predetermined limit time T L It should be understood that it is realized when it is equal to or substantially equal to .

[0078] Optionally, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the method may include step E8 of updating the status of infrastructure element 11 in real time.

[0079] In particular, such an update step E8 may be performed concurrently with the location step E3 and / or the estimation step E4 and / or the securing step E6.

[0080] In the illustrated example, update step E8 is shown simultaneously with estimation step E4; however, such representation is by no means limiting, and update step E8 can be realized at any moment following transmission step E2, i.e., between transmission step E2 and the passage of a vehicle collinear with the infrastructure element.

[0081] In particular, update step E8 includes substep E81 of alerting an impending change in the status of infrastructure element 11 via an alarm signal, including light and / or sound and / or tactile signals, broadcast by the warning module 22.

[0082] "Status change" is understood to mean, for example, the transition from the first status to the second status, as explained earlier. In the case of traffic lights, a green light is considered, for example, the "first status," and a stop light, for example, an orange or red light, is considered the "second status." "Imminent" refers to the current status of the infrastructure element, in other words, the remaining time T for the first status. s However, the alert substep is triggered by a predetermined threshold time T. LS It is understood to mean that it is equal to or substantially equal to. For example, such a threshold time T LS This could be approximately 3 seconds before the status of the infrastructure element changes.

[0083] In other words, alert substep E81 is preceded by the stage of receiving updated data related to infrastructure elements (not shown) and the remaining time T for the current status, before issuing an alarm signal. s and threshold time T LS This includes a comparison stage. Furthermore, depending on the type of data transmitted by the infrastructure element, after the stage of receiving the updated data, there is a remaining time T for the current status. s The calculation process may continue.

[0084] Optionally, but preferably, step E8 for updating the status of infrastructure elements may, following the alert substep E81, include a substep E82 for verifying driver behavior, in particular, verifying the driver's awareness of an impending change in the status of infrastructure elements and / or verifying the driver's alertness. Since such a verification substep E82 is similar to the check substep E5 detailed earlier, all the descriptions relating to this step apply to the verification step E82 with any necessary modifications.

[0085] Verification step E82 includes a step of monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by the monitoring unit 7 (not shown), and a step of detection by the processing unit 6 of overshoot of the parameter and / or combination of parameters by a value less than or greater than a threshold.

[0086] The update step E8 may optionally include a substep E83 of reminders of changes in the status of infrastructure elements and / or changes in alertness to ensure that the information has actually been taken into consideration by the driver and / or that the driver's attention is actually directed towards the lane. Such reminder substeps may be performed in particular when an overshoot of a parameter and / or combination of parameters is detected and contributes to making the driver's driving safer.

[0087] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes program code instructions for performing the steps of this method when the program is executed by a computer, for example, a processing unit 6, or to a computer program product which can be downloaded from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable data medium and / or executed by a computer.

[0088] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable data storage medium in which a computer program is stored, which includes program code instructions for implementing the methods described above, or to a computer-readable storage medium which, when executed by a computer, causes a computer to implement the methods according to the present invention.

[0089] The present invention proposes a method for securely displaying information in a vehicle equipped with a driver assistance system that enables detection of connected infrastructure elements which may have multiple statuses and estimation of the temporal proximity to the infrastructure elements, wherein the method secures the display of information relating to driving events displayed on the system's display module. The method thereby enables the driver to focus their attention on lanes and traffic, thereby making the driver's driving safer.

[0090] However, the present invention should not be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, and the present invention equally extends to any equivalent means or configurations, and any technically operable combination of such means, as long as they ultimately satisfy the functionality described and illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A method (1) for securely displaying information in a vehicle (10) equipped with a driver assistance system, the method comprising the following steps, namely, - An infrastructure element (11) that may have multiple statuses, in particular, a step (E1) of detecting connected traffic signal lights, - Step (E2) of transmitting data related to the infrastructure element (11) to the vehicle (10), and displaying information related to driving events on the display module (8) of the driver assistance system (2) according to the transmitted data, - A step (E3) of determining the position of the vehicle (10) relative to the infrastructure element (11), - The remaining time (T) until the vehicle (10) reaches the infrastructure element (11), taking into account the longitudinal speed of the vehicle (10). ｉ ) the real-time estimation step (E4), - The step of securing the aforementioned display of information (E6) Includes, The securing step (E6) includes a substep (E62) of switching off the display of information on the display module (8) and the remaining time (T) that the vehicle (10) is away from the infrastructure element (11). ｉ ) is a predetermined limit time (T) during which the vehicle (10) is separated from the infrastructure element (11). Ｌ ) is triggered when it is equal to or substantially equal to ), Method (1), characterized in that the method includes a step of updating the status of the infrastructure element (11), which includes at least one substep (E81) of alerting an impending change in the status of the infrastructure element (11) from a first status to a second status via an alarm signal including light and / or sound and / or tactile signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the securing step (E6) includes at least one substep (E5) of checking for driver alertness by a driver status monitoring unit (7).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the substep (E5) of the driver's alert check includes a step (E51) of monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by at least the driver state monitoring unit (7), and a step (E52) of detecting an overshoot of the physiological parameter and / or combination of physiological parameters by a value less than or greater than a threshold.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step (E6) of securing the display of the information includes a substep (E61) of issuing at least one warning message to the driver of the vehicle (10) when an overshoot of the physiological parameters and / or the combination of physiological parameters is detected in the substep (E5) of the check, the warning message includes a light and / or sound and / or tactile signal.

5. The aforementioned limit time (T Ｌ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interval is approximately 2 to 3 seconds.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the step (E1) of detecting the infrastructure element (11) includes a substep (E11) of selecting the infrastructure element (11) from among a plurality of infrastructure elements, depending on the location of the infrastructure element (11) with respect to the lane and / or road on which the vehicle (10) is traveling, and / or the spatial and / or temporal proximity of the infrastructure element (11) to the vehicle (10).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein all or part of the securing step (E6) is performed only when the vehicle (10) is moving at a speed of 15 km / h or more.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step (E8) of updating the status of the infrastructure element (11) includes, following the alerting substep (E81), a substep (E82) of verifying the behavior of the driver by measuring at least one physiological parameter of the driver by at least one monitoring unit (7), and when an overshoot of the physiological parameter and / or combination of physiological parameters is detected by a value less than or greater than a threshold, the substep (E83) of indicating the change in the status of the infrastructure element (11) and / or the change in the driver's alertness.

9. An automated vehicle driving assistance system (2) comprising hardware elements and / or software elements that implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hardware elements comprise at least a means (3) for locating the automated vehicle driving assistance system (2), a means (4) for detecting connected infrastructure elements (11), a communication module (5), a data processing unit (6), a driver status monitoring unit (7), and a display module (8).

10. A computer program that causes a computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images