Method and device for controlling a driver attention alert system of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling a driver attention alert system, referred to as DAA system, of a vehicle. To this end, a signalling indicator (211) representing the DAA system is displayed in specific content of a human-machine interface displayed in a first area (21) of a touchscreen (13). Data representing a touch press on the displayed signalling indicator (211) are received. Graphic content comprising a set of information (410, 411) representing a current state of the DAA system is displayed in a second area (41) of the touchscreen different from the first area (21) following the receipt of the data.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Method and device for controlling a vehicle driver attention alert system Technical field

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2309251 filed on 04 / 09 / 2023, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a driver attention alert system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The invention relates in particular to a method and a device for controlling the display of additional information for the driver attention alert system of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method and a device for assisting in driving a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Some contemporary vehicles have several screens to display information useful to the driver for driving the vehicle as well as comfort information, such as information for interacting with the vehicle's infotainment system, also called IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system.

[0003] Among these screens, it is known to embed one or more LCD type screens (from the English "Liquid Crystal Display" or in French "Display à cristals liquide"), for example of the TFT type (from the English "Thin-Film Transistor" or in French "Thin film Transistor"), or OLED type (from the English "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "Organic electroluminescent diode").

[0004] The integration of such screens makes it possible, for example, to control, via a graphical Human-Machine Interface (HMI) displayed on such screens, the operating status systems embedded in the vehicle, for example ADAS systems (from the English “Advanced Driver-Assistance System” or in French “Système d’aide à la conduite avance”).

[0005] The multiplication of systems embedded in the vehicle and the multiplication of means of command or control of these systems lead to an increase in complexity of the HMI by which a user interacts with the embedded systems to control them, with in particular an increase in icons, displayed messages or command shortcuts, the control and management of which are consequently complicated for a user. The user experience is degraded and the attention of the vehicle driver may be reduced when different messages are displayed on the on-board screen(s).

[0006] For example, for vehicles equipped with a driver attention monitoring system, known as DMS (from the English "Driver Monitoring System" or in French "Système de surveillance du chauffeur") or DAA (from the English "Driver Attention Alert" or in French "Alerte d'attention chauffeur"), several indicators or messages are displayed depending on the current state of the DAA system, for example when the DAA system encounters a problem, to alert the driver. The multiplication of messages displayed combined with the display of indicators or icons unknown to the majority of drivers degrades the user experience and can disrupt the driver's attention, which can be dangerous for the vehicle and its passengers. Summary of the present invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the control of a driver attention alert system for a vehicle, in particular an automobile.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the user experience with respect to the driver attention alert system.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a driver attention alert system, known as a DAA system, of a vehicle, the vehicle having a display system comprising a touch screen, said method comprising the following steps: - display control of a signaling indicator representative of the DAA system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone of the touch screen; - reception of first data representative of a first tactile press on the indicator light; - display control of a first graphic content comprising information representative of a current state of the DAA system following reception of the first data, the first graphic content being displayed in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone.

[0011] The direct use of the DAA system indicator light to request the display of additional content relating to the DAA system, for example the current status of the DAA system, allows the driver to obtain additional information on demand, by touching the indicator light. This reduces the inadvertent display of unwanted content by the driver who controls the display of this content on demand. All content is also displayed on a single screen, which facilitates access to information and minimizes the time spent searching for information. This improves driver vigilance, as well as the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

[0012] Centralizing controls on a single screen also eliminates the need for physical buttons to control the DAA system, reducing vehicle design and manufacturing costs.

[0013] According to one variant, the signaling indicator is displayed according to a determined graphic representation from a set of graphic representations, the determined graphic representation being a function of the current state of the DAA system.

[0014] According to another variant, the current state belongs to a set of states including: - an activated state; - a disabled state; and - a failed state.

[0015] According to yet another variant, the information further comprises a first piece of information representative of a level of drowsiness of the driver and a second piece of information representative of a level of distraction of the driver when the DAA system is in the activated state.

[0016] According to a further variant, the method further comprises the following steps: - reception of second data representative of a second tactile press on the indicator light, the second tactile press being subsequent to the first tactile press; - control of the end of display of the first graphic content in the second zone following the reception of the second data.

[0017] According to yet another variant, the display control of the first graphic content is triggered when the first touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold.

[0018] According to an additional variant, the end of display control of the first graphic content is triggered when the second touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than the threshold.

[0019] According to another variant, the method further comprises the following steps: - reception of third data representative of a third tactile press on the indicator light, the third tactile press corresponding to a tactile press of a duration greater than the threshold; - display control of a second graphic content comprising at least one second graphic object configured to control at least one parameter of the DAA system following reception of the third data.

[0020] According to a further variant, the set of graphical objects comprises a first graphical object configured to control an activation and / or a deactivation of the DAA system and a second graphical object configured to control an adjustment of a sensitivity level of the DAA system.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling a driver attention alert system of a vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention or a system as described above according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for executing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0024] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and may be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0026] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may include a storage medium, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording medium or a hard disk.

[0027] On the other hand, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or terrestrial radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0028] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 9, in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to a particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates a display device of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a first particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a second particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a third particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a fourth particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a fifth particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig. 7] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a sixth particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [Fig. 8] illustrates a device configured to control a driver attention alert system of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] [Fig. 9] illustrates a driver attention alert system for the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0039] A method and a device for controlling a driver attention alert system, called a DAA system, of a vehicle will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 9. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0040] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)"), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to identify and distinguish different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0041] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control of a driver attention alert system, called DAA system, of a vehicle is for example implemented by one or more computers of the vehicle. For this purpose, the method comprises the control of the display of a signaling indicator representative of the DAA system. The signaling indicator corresponds for example to a symbol or a pictogram representing the DAA system, or a current state of the DAA system, and is displayed in a first zone or part of a touch screen of the vehicle in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, for example in a specific page of the HMI corresponding for example to the home screen or the default screen of the HMI. First data representative of a touch press on the displayed indicator light are received from the touch interface, for example when a user makes a touch press on the touch screen at the location where the indicator light is displayed. Following the reception of the first data, the computer controls the display of graphic content comprising information representing the current state of the DAA system and / or additional information relating to the DAA system or its current state in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone.

[0042] Such a method makes it possible to control, via a voluntary action, the display of information relating to a current state of the DAA system.

[0043] Such a vehicle driver attention alert system corresponds to a system configured to detect a state of the driver of a vehicle considered dangerous for driving the vehicle. A dangerous state corresponds, for example, to a state in which the driver's level of attention is insufficient (for example, below a threshold) or to a state of fatigue, drowsiness or sleepiness, a distracted state, for example, when the vehicle is not looking at the road, which is not adequate to ensure the safe driving of the vehicle.When the system detects a driver state that does not conform to a state required to ensure the driving of the vehicle, the system is configured to generate an alert, or even control one or more safety or assistance systems of the vehicle (for example to activate the braking system, to take control of the vehicle's steering) when a dangerous state is detected and the driver does not respond to the given alert.

[0044] The driver attention alert system uses data received from one or more cameras on board the vehicle, for example one or more cameras configured for the acquisition of data representative of the driver's face, for example images of the face, data relating to certain points of the face, data relating to certain parts of the face (for example the eyes, the eyelids). Such a system implements for example a set of primary functions ensuring for example the tracking of the driver's gaze (from the English "gaze tracking”), determining or tracking the driver's head posture (from the English "head pose" or "head gaze") and / or tracking the face (from the English "face tracking") to determine the driver's current state, for example their level of drowsiness and their level of attention to their surroundings.

[0045] Such a system is known by various names such as DMS system and DAA system for example, the name DAA system being used in this description and encompassing all systems configured to monitor driver attention and generate an alert to the driver and / or any occupant of the vehicle.

[0046] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] The vehicle 10 corresponds, for example, to a vehicle with a thermal engine or to a hybrid vehicle with a thermal engine and one or more electric motors. The vehicle 10 thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle comprising a passenger compartment or at least equipped with a display screen, for example a car, a truck, a bus, a motorcycle.

[0048] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a display system comprising a screen 13 with a touch interface and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphical MMI on the touch screen 13. The computer corresponds for example to the computer of the infotainment system, called the IVI computer (from the English “In-Vehicle Infotainment” or in French “Infodivertissement embarké”) of the vehicle 10.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the display system comprises one or more other screens, for example a screen of a so-called head-up display device or system corresponding for example to a transparent or semi-transparent blade arranged in such a way that a driver seated in the seat 15 sees the content displayed or projected on the transparent blade when the driver drives the vehicle 10.

[0050] Such a display system comprising the touch screen 13 is for example provided or configured to reduce the number of screens present in the vehicle 10, making it possible for example to eliminate the display screen(s) called the instrument panel or dashboard and generally arranged in an area 13 behind the steering wheel 14 in the dashboard 11.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 has one or more on-board systems each controlled by one or more computers. These computers, with the IVI computer, form for example a multiplexed architecture for the realization of different services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or the passengers of the vehicle in the control of the vehicle 10 via the control of the system(s) on board the vehicle 10.ECUs communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a communication bus of the data bus type CAN (from the English "Controller Area Network" or in French "Réseau de contrôles"), CAN FD (from the English "Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate" or in French "Réseau de contrôles à débit de données flexible"), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), LIN (from the English "Local Interconnect Network" or in French "Réseau interconnecté local") or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0052] An on-board system in the vehicle 10 corresponds to a driver attention alert system of the vehicle 10, also called a DAA system.

[0053] A process for controlling the DAA system of the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by the vehicle 10, for example by one or more processors of one or more computers of the on-board system of the vehicle 10, for example by the IVI computer.

[0054] In a first operation, the display of a signaling indicator representative of the DAA system of the vehicle 10 is controlled in such a way that the signaling indicator is displayed on the touch screen 13 in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, which content is displayed on the touch screen 13.

[0055] The displayed content includes, for example, a set of information useful to the driver to ensure control and supervision of the vehicle 10.

[0056] The set of information includes, for example, the instantaneous speed of the vehicle 10 when the latter is in a rolling or traffic phase, i.e. in motion, driven by the engine of the vehicle 10.

[0057] The information set includes, for example, other additional information such as the remaining range (expressed, for example, in km), the distance traveled, the volume or level of fuel remaining in the tank, etc.

[0058] The displayed indicator light is, for example, representative of a current state of the DAA system. The graphical representation of the displayed indicator light depends, for example, on the current state of the DAA system and belongs to a specific set of graphical representations.

[0059] The current state of the DAA system corresponds, for example, to one of the following states: - activated state, i.e. when the DAA system is in the active state to monitor certain parameters representative of the driver's attention (level of fatigue, drowsiness, distraction, direction of the driver's gaze) and alert the driver via the display of messages and / or the rendering of sound content depending on the level of drowsiness and distraction determined for example; - deactivated state, i.e. when the DAA system is in the inactive state (for example deactivation by the driver via the HMI interface of the vehicle 10), the functions of determining the level of attention, distraction and drowsiness, and of generating an alert not being implemented by the vehicle 10; - faulty (or unavailable) state, i.e. when the DAA system encounters an operating anomaly (for example, a fault in a camera, when the driver wears glasses that prevent eye tracking) while it is activated; and - alert state, i.e. when the DAA system is in the activated state and the detected level of attention of the driver is not sufficient (drowsiness level higher than a threshold, attention level below a threshold and / or distraction level above a threshold for example), the system implementing the alert.

[0060] The indicator light is displayed, for example, according to a first graphic representation determined when the DAA system is activated, according to a second graphic representation when the DAA system is deactivated (for example following a manual and voluntary action by the driver who wishes to deactivate the DAA function), according to a third graphic representation when the DAA system is faulty and according to a fourth graphic representation when the DAA system is on alert.

[0061] The graphical representations are for example different from each other. According to a particular embodiment, certain graphical representations are identical, for example the second and third graphical representations are identical.

[0062] The indicator light 211 according to the first graphical representation (activated state) is for example illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates an example of display of the indicator light 211 corresponding to a pictogram representing an eye and an arc of a circle above the eye, in green or gray color for example. The indicator light 211 is displayed in a first determined part or zone 21 of the touch screen 13. The first determined zone 21 is for example assigned or dedicated for the display of contents of the HMI controlled by the IVI computer to provide or display to the driver the information necessary for controlling the vehicle 10, for example the instantaneous speed.

[0063] The indicator light 311 according to the second graphic representation (deactivated state) is for example illustrated in Figure 3. The second graphic representation corresponds for example to the first graphic representation with a color different from that of the first graphic representation (for example red or orange) and / or with the word “OFF” (English word meaning “off” in French) added under the first graphic representation.

[0064] The signaling indicator 511 according to the third graphic representation (faulty state) is for example illustrated in Figure 5. The fourth representation graphic corresponds for example to the second graphic representation or to the second graphic representation with a symbol in the form of a flat wrench accompanying the second graphic representation, this indicator 511 being for example red or orange in color.

[0065] The signal lamp according to the fourth graphic representation corresponds, for example, to the second graphic representation with a flashing display, whereas the display is fixed in the case of the second graphic representation (deactivated state).

[0066] The signaling indicator 211, 311, 511 representative of the DAA system corresponds for example to a symbol defined in a standard, for example an ISO standard.

[0067] The first zone 21 covers for example only a part of the total display area of ​​the screen 21, one or more other determined zones (not illustrated) being for example assigned to other contents of the HMI, for example an area for displaying the information associated with the multimedia system of the vehicle 10 and / or an area for displaying information associated with the navigation system of the vehicle 10.

[0068] In a second operation, first data representative of a first tactile press 212 on the indicator light 211 (according to the first graphic representation), or of a first tactile press 312 on the indicator light 311 (according to the second graphic representation) are received, following a tactile press 212, 312 of a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the indicator light 211, 311.

[0069] A tactile press 212, 312 on the indicator 211, 311 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a function associated with the command corresponding to the tactile press.

[0070] The first data representative of the touch support are for example received via one or more data buses connecting the touch interface of the screen (or a computer controlling such a touch interface where applicable) and the IVI computer.

[0071] The first data are for example representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say the duration of the press on the indicator 211, 311 is less than a threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms).

[0072] In another example, the first data is representative of a double click, that is, a sequence of two consecutive and close touch presses (with, for example, less than 250 or 500 ms between the two consecutive touch presses).

[0073] In a third operation, the IVI computer controls the display of a first graphic content comprising one or more items of information representative of the current state of the DAA system. This first graphic content is displayed in a second zone 41 of the touch screen 13, as illustrated in FIG. 4, which second zone 41 is different from the first zone 21 in which the indicator 211, 311 is displayed. The control of display of the first graphic content in the second zone 41 is triggered by the reception of the first data.

[0074] The first graphic content is for example displayed in a window occupying a part of the display area of ​​the screen 13 and corresponding to the second area 41, this window corresponding for example to a contextual window, also called an intrusive or pop-up window (from the English “pop-up window”). This window is for example displayed next to the first area 21, for example centered on the screen (around the center of the screen 13).

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the first graphic content displayed on the second area of ​​the screen 41 comprises, for example, a text area 410 for displaying a text explaining the current state of the DAA system.

[0076] Thus, when indicator 211 is displayed according to the first graphical representation, the text displayed in area 410 indicates that the DAA system is active or activated.

[0077] When indicator 311 is displayed according to the second graphical representation, the text displayed in area 410 indicates that the DAA system is inactive or disabled. The text includes, for example, an instruction explaining how to activate the system DAA, for example by exerting a so-called long tactile pressure on the indicator 311 (i.e. of duration greater than the threshold duration defined previously (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms)).

[0078] According to an alternative embodiment, the first graphic content further comprises one or more additional information 411 associated with the text of the text zone 410, this additional information taking for example the form of an icon or a pictogram specifically illustrating the current state of the DAA system.

[0079] According to a particular embodiment, when the DAA system is in the activated state, the first graphic content comprises additional information 411 comprising a first piece of information representative of a level of drowsiness of the driver and a second piece of information representative of a level of distraction of the driver.

[0080] The first information and the second information each correspond, for example, to a graphic object representing the level of drowsiness and the level of distraction on a graduated scale with, for example, a particular color code to attract the driver's attention when the level increases (for example, yellow when the level is low, then orange for an intermediate level and red for a high level).

[0081] Figure 5 illustrates the display of the screen 13 with the signaling indicator displayed according to the third graphic representation 511, in the first zone 21, representative of a current state corresponding to a faulty state of the DAA system.

[0082] A touch press 512 (for example a brief touch press) on this indicator light 511 triggers the display control of a graphic content similar to the first graphic content illustrated in FIG. 4. This similar graphic content is represented according to a particular exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6.

[0083] This first graphic content associated with the faulty state of the DAA system also includes one or more pieces of information representative of the current state of the DAA system, i.e. the faulty state. This first graphic content is displayed in a second zone 61 different from the first zone 21, corresponding for example to the second zone 41 of figure 4.

[0084] The graphic content 61 also includes, for example, a first piece of information corresponding to a text displayed in a text zone 610 and explaining that the DAA system is faulty and that it is necessary to contact or approach a service center to have a diagnosis or repair carried out.

[0085] A second piece of information 611 is for example further displayed in addition to the first piece of information 610, this second piece of information taking for example the form of a video animation illustrating a person repairing the vehicle 10.

[0086] According to an alternative embodiment, the first information 610 further includes when the cause of the malfunction of the DAA system (for example camera problem, object carried by the driver preventing the determination of the level of attention).

[0087] According to an alternative embodiment, a tactile press (for example brief) on the indicator according to the fourth graphic representation also triggers the display of graphic content with the current state of the DAA system (alert state) and optionally one or more additional information relating to this alert state.

[0088] According to an alternative embodiment, the process further comprises a fourth operation during which second data representative of a second tactile press on the indicator light 211 (according to the first graphic representation), 311 (according to the second graphic representation) or 511 (according to the fourth graphic representation) are received, following a tactile press by a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the indicator light 211, 311 or 511. The second tactile press on the indicator light 211 is referenced 412 in FIG. 4 and the second tactile press on the indicator light 511 is referenced 612 in FIG. 6.

[0089] This second touch 412, 612, temporally subsequent to the first touch 211 or 511, sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter puts implements a function associated with the command corresponding to this second touch press.

[0090] The second data are for example representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say the duration of press on the indicator according to the first graphic representation 211, according to the second graphic representation 311 or according to the third graphic representation 511 is less than the threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms) defined previously.

[0091] This second touch press corresponds to a touch press made while the first graphic content is displayed in the second zone 41 or 61 of the screen (and the first touch press corresponds to a brief press).

[0092] In a fifth operation, the end of the display of the first graphic content is controlled so that the first graphic content is no longer displayed in the second zone 41 or 61 of the screen 13 following the reception of the second data.

[0093] The graphic content displayed before receiving the first data representative of the first touch press 212, 312 or 512, that is to say before the display of the first graphic content, is then for example displayed again in the second zone 41 or 61. When the second zone 41 or 61 corresponds to a pop-up window, then this pop-up window is closed.

[0094] According to an alternative embodiment, the end of the display is automatically controlled by the computer at the end of a determined duration starting from the display of the first graphic content. For example, this determined duration is provided so that the first graphic content remains displayed for, for example, 5, 10 or 15 seconds and then disappears automatically even without the user making the second touch press.

[0095] According to a particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 7, the process further comprises the reception of third data representative of a third tactile press 712 on the signaling indicator according to the first graphic representation 211 or according to the second graphic representation, the third touch press corresponding to a touch press lasting longer than the threshold. These third data are representative of a so-called long touch press (i.e. lasting longer than the threshold duration defined previously (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms)).

[0096] A long touch press on indicator 211 sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter implements a specific function associated with the command corresponding to this long touch press.

[0097] The reception of the third data triggers an operation to control the display of a second graphic content by the calculator.

[0098] Receiving the third data triggers, for example, the display of the second content in a pop-up window 71, for example next to the first area 21.

[0099] The second graphic content comprises one or more second graphic objects 710, 711 each configured to control a parameter of the DAA system. The second graphic object(s) 710, 711 of the second graphic content are for example a function of the current state of the DAA system, for example the second graphic object(s) 710, 711 vary depending on whether the indicator light is displayed according to the first graphic representation 211 (representative of the activated state of the functions of the DAA system) or according to the second graphic representation (representative of the deactivated state of the functions of the DAA system).

[0100] Thus, when the indicator is displayed according to the first graphic representation 211 (corresponding to the current activated state), a second graphic object 710 displayed is configured to control a deactivation of the DAA system, that is to say automatically deactivate the functions of the DAA system (detection of the level of attention, distraction and / or drowsiness, generation of an alert and optionally control of one or more other ADAS systems). Validation of the transition to the automatic deactivation mode is for example obtained by a tactile press on this second graphic object 710 (for example on a button 7101 taking 2 states, 1 state corresponding to the activated automatic deactivation and 1 state corresponding to the automatic deactivation deactivated), by voice command or by activation of a physical button for example provided on the steering wheel 14.

[0101] When the indicator is displayed according to the first graphical representation 211 (corresponding to the current activated state), another second graphical object 711 displayed is configured to control an adjustment of a sensitivity level of the AAD system, i.e. to control the level of attention triggering the generation of an alert. Thus, a low sensitivity level requires that the level of distraction and / or drowsiness be greater than a first threshold to generate an alert, and a high sensitivity level requires that the level of distraction and / or drowsiness be greater than a second threshold to generate an alert, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold. The higher the sensitivity level, the lower the alert generation threshold will be (i.e. alerts are generated more quickly as the sensitivity level increases).

[0102] This other second graphic object 711 corresponds for example to a scale comprising several sensitivity levels, noted 'A', 'B' and 'C' in figure 7, 'A' corresponding to a low or weak sensitivity level, 'B' corresponding to an intermediate or medium sensitivity level and 'C' corresponding to a high or high sensitivity level. A cursor (represented by a black circle in figure 7) is positioned opposite the setting (the setting 'B' in figure 7), the driver moving the position of this cursor via for example a wheel on the steering wheel or by the touch interface by pressing this cursor and moving it by performing a translation on the touch screen with the finger. According to a variant, this other second graphic object corresponds to a drop-down list comprising several sensitivity levels selectable by the driver.

[0103] When the indicator is displayed according to the second graphic representation (corresponding to the current deactivated state), a second displayed graphic object 710 is configured to control the activation of the DAA system, i.e. to automatically activate the functions of the DAA system. Validation of the transition to the automatic activation mode is for example obtained by a tactile press on this second graphic object (for example on a button taking 2 states, 1 state corresponding to the automatic deactivation activated and 1 state corresponding to automatic deactivation deactivated), by voice command or by activation of a physical button for example provided on the steering wheel 14.

[0104] When the indicator is displayed according to the second graphic representation (corresponding to the current deactivated state), the other second graphic object 711 is not displayed or is displayed in gray, indicating that the setting of the sensitivity level of the DAA system is not possible (inactivation of the adjustment function of this parameter).

[0105] Validation of the activation or deactivation of the automatic mode causes a change in the display of the indicator light which passes from the first graphic representation 211 to the second graphic representation, or vice versa, following the validation of the automatic deactivation of the functions or the validation of the automatic activation of the functions, respectively.

[0106] The second graphical content further comprises one or more other graphical objects according to various particular embodiments, this or these other graphical objects being adapted to customize the DAA system or the control of the DAA system.

[0107] According to an alternative embodiment, a third (long) tactile press on the indicator according to the third graphic representation 511 also triggers the display of a second graphic content with one or more graphic objects configured to configure the DAA system, this or these parameters being relative to the faulty state of the DAA system.

[0108] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a device 8 configured for controlling a driver attention alert system, called DAA system, of a vehicle, for example the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device 8 corresponds for example to a device on board the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0109] The device 8 is for example configured for implementing the operations described with regard to figures 1 to 7 and / or the steps of the method described with regard to figure 9. Examples of such a device 8 include, but are not limited to, on-board electronic equipment such as an on-board computer of a vehicle, an electronic calculator such as an ECU (“Electronic Control Unit”), a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop. The elements of the device 8, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device 8 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0110] The device 8 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 80 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the device 8. The processor 80 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 8 further comprises at least one memory 81 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0111] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored in the memory 81.

[0112] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 8 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (from the English “Telematic Control Unit” or in French “Telematic Control Unit”), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0113] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 8 comprises a block 82 of interface elements for communicating with devices external. The interface elements of block 82 include one or more of the following interfaces: - RF radio frequency interface, for example Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Universal Serial Bus” in French); - HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface” or “High Definition Multimedia Interface” in French); - LIN interface (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”).

[0114] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 8 comprises a communication interface 83 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 830. The communication interface 83 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 830. The communication interface 83 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0115] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 8 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 840, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 850 and / or other peripherals 860 (projection system) via output interfaces respectively. 84, 85 and 86. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device 8.

[0116] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for controlling a driver attention alert system, called a DAA system, of a vehicle, for example the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method is for example implemented by a device on board the vehicle 10 or by the device 8 of Figure 8.

[0117] In a first step 91, the display of a signaling indicator representative of the DAA system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, is controlled so that the signaling indicator is displayed in a first zone of a touch screen on board the vehicle.

[0118] In a second step 92, first data representative of a tactile press on the indicator light are received.

[0119] In a third step 93, the display of a first graphic content comprising information representative of a current state of the DAA system is controlled so that the first graphic content is displayed in a second zone of the touch screen different from the first zone, following the reception of the first data.

[0120] According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of figures 1 to 7 apply to the steps of the method of figure 9.

[0121] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying indicator lights and graphic contents representative of a DAA and / or DMS system which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0122] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-based motor vehicle, comprising the device 8 of Figure 8 or a display system comprising the device 8 of Figure 8 communicatively connected to a touch screen 13.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for controlling a driver attention alert system, known as a DAA system, of a vehicle, said vehicle (10) having a display system comprising a touch screen (13), said method comprising the following steps: - control (91) of display of a signaling indicator (211, 311, 511) representative of said DAA system in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone (21) of said touch screen (13); - reception (92) of first data representative of a first tactile press (212, 312, 512) on said signaling indicator (211, 311, 511); - control (93) of display of a first graphic content comprising information representative of a current state of said DAA system following the reception (82) of said first data, said first graphic content being displayed in a second zone (41, 61) of said touch screen (13) different from said first zone (21).

2. Method according to claim 1, for which said signaling indicator (211, 311, 511) is displayed according to a determined graphic representation of a set of graphic representations, said determined graphic representation being a function of said current state of said DAA system.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, for which said current state belongs to a set of states comprising: - an activated state; - a disabled state; and - a failed state.

4. Method according to claim 3, for which said information further comprises a first piece of information representative of a level of drowsiness of the driver and a second piece of information representative of a level of distraction of the driver when said DAA system is in said activated state.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the following steps: - receiving second data representative of a second tactile press (412, 612) on said signaling indicator (211, 311, 511), said second tactile press being subsequent to said first tactile press (212, 312, 512); - control of the end of display of said first graphic content in said second zone (31, 51) following the reception of said second data.

6. Method according to claim 5, for which the control of display of said first graphic content is triggered when said first touch press (212, 312, 512) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold, and the control of end of display of the first graphic content is triggered when said second touch press (412, 612) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than said threshold.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the following steps: - receiving third data representative of a third tactile press on said signaling indicator (211, 311, 511), said third tactile press corresponding to a tactile press of a duration greater than said threshold; - display control of a second graphic content comprising a set of graphic objects configured to control a set of parameters of said DAA system following the reception of said third data.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said set of graphical objects comprises a first graphical object configured to control an activation and / or a deactivation of said DAA system and a second graphical object configured to control an adjustment of a sensitivity level of said DAA system.

9. Device (8) for controlling a vehicle driver attention alert system (10), said device (8) comprising a memory (81) associated with at least one processor (80) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising the device (8) according to claim 9.

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