SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A MAIN MONITOR OF AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system (2) for controlling a main monitor (10) of a motor vehicle, said control system (2), configured so as to be installed on a central console (12), comprising a display screen and a touchscreen. Said control system (2) has a first mode of operation in which said display screen is in an inactive state and the touchscreen is in a basic configuration, and a second mode of operation in which said display screen is in an active state and the touchscreen is in an advanced configuration; the control system furthermore comprises a control module configured so as to put the control system into said first mode of operation when the vehicle is in a driven driving mode or into said second mode of operation when the vehicle is in an autonomous driving mode.

Claims

1. A control system for controlling the main monitor of a vehicle, said vehicle comprising a central console and adapted to be operated in a controlled driving mode and an autonomous driving mode, wherein said control system is configured to be mounted on said central console (12), said control system comprising: a display screen switchable between an active state (E.sub.A) and an inactive state (E.sub.I), a touch pad operable in a basic configuration (C.sub.0) in which said touch pad allows only a limited number of simple movements, and an advanced configuration in which the touch pad is configured to make possible the control of the movement of a pointer on the main monitor, said control system having a first mode of operation in which said display screen is in the inactive state and the touch pad is in its basic configuration, and a second mode of operation in which the display screen is in said active state and the touch pad is in its advanced configuration, said control system additionally comprising a control module configured to place the control system in said first mode of operation when the vehicle is in the controlled driving mode or to place the control system in said second mode of operation when the vehicle is in the autonomous mode of driving.

2. The control system according to the claim 1, in which the main monitor has a simplified display mode and a complete display mode, said control module is being configured to place the main monitor in said simplified display mode when the vehicle is in controlled driving mode or in said complete display mode when the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode.

3. The control system according to claim 1, in which the simple movements of the basic configuration correspond to a sliding movement to the left, a sliding movement to the right, a sliding movement downward or a sliding movement upward.

4. The control system according to claim 1, in which the touch pad also has an intermediate configuration in which said touch pad allows a limited number of simple movements combined with a handwriting recognition function.

5. The control system according to claim 1, in which the active state of the display screen corresponds to said display screen being illuminated and the inactive state of the display screen corresponds to said display screen being off or having a monochromatic background

6. The control system according to claim 1, in which the touch pad is configured to display a virtual touch keyboard.

7. The control system according to claim 1, in which, since the vehicle comprises a secondary monitor, said control system being configured to control said secondary monitor.

8. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to control a main monitor of the vehicle and comprises a touch screen and/or a non-touch screen.

9. A method of controlling of a main monitor of a vehicle by a control system, the control system comprising a display screen, a touch pad and a control module, said method comprising: a step of said control module detecting whether the vehicle is in a controlled driving mode or an autonomous driving mode, and a step of the control module activating the control system in a first mode of operation in which said display screen is in an inactive state and said touch pad is in a basic configuration when the vehicle is in said controlled driving mode, or activating the control system in a second mode of operation in which the display screen is in an active state and the touch pad is in an advanced configuration when the vehicle (1) is in said autonomous driving mode.

10. An automobile comprising a main monitor and control system of claim 1.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Other characteristics and benefits of the control system will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of the embodiments of the control system, given by way of example only, and in reference to the drawings in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an automobile vehicle and of an orthogonal mark of such a vehicle.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a control system,

[0033] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic representations of two examples of positioning of a control system on a central console of the vehicle of FIG. 1,

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the different components of the control system of FIG. 2, and

[0035] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method for controlling the control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the detailed description below, the embodiments disclosed relate more particularly to an installation of the control system in an automobile vehicle. However, any installation in a different context, in particular in any type of vehicle, is also envisioned.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, an automobile vehicle 1 comprises a controlled driving mode P and an autonomous driving mode Q making it possible for the driver of the vehicle 1 to talk with other passengers or to easily access different functionalities, in order to, for example, read email or draft a document. Such an autonomous driving mode Q also makes it possible for the driver, as is known, to move his seat, for example, by moving it backward or orienting it in a direction that is different from the axis of the road.

[0038] In reference to FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 extends longitudinally along an axis X, vertically along an axis Z, and transversally along an axis Y, so as to form an orthogonal mark (X, Y, Z). Thus, the term horizontal means an object extending in the plane (X,Y). Similarly, the term vertical designates an object extending in the plane (Y, Z).

[0039] Such an automobile vehicle 1 comprises, in reference to FIG. 2, a dashboard 11 and a central console 12, extending between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. In the orthogonal mark (X, Y, Z), the central console 12 extends substantially longitudinally along axis X and transversally along axis Y in the horizontal plane (X, Y). Vehicle 1 additionally comprises a main monitor 10 and a control system 2 of the main monitor 10.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the main monitor 10, positioned on the dashboard 11 of the vehicle 1, is configured to display the set of functionalities of the vehicle 1 such as a navigation system, air conditioning controls, or even a multimedia system.

[0041] Such a main monitor 10 is additionally configured to make available two distinct display modes: a simplified display mode A.sub.0, in which the different functionalities are displayed in the form of simple icons, and a complete display mode A.sub.1, similar to the display of a personal computer, for example, in a Windows computer environment. Such display modes will be described in greater detail below.

[0042] The main monitor 10 is additionally configured to be controlled either manually directly on the main monitor 10, in which case, the latter comprises touch functionality, or by means of control buttons, placed on the dashboard 11 or close to the steering wheel, or by intermediary of a control system 2.

[0043] Such a control system 2, preferably mounted on the central console 12 of the vehicle 1, is effortlessly accessible by the driver of the vehicle, regardless of the position of his seat. Advantageously, the driver is thus not constrained from extending his arms to the dashboard 11 in order to control the main monitor 10.

[0044] The control system 2, rectangularly shaped in this example, has a diagonal between 5 and 6 inches in length and a 16/10 or 16/9 format, providing it with dimensions similar to those of a smart phone. In reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, such a control system 2 is thus easy to integrate into the central console 12 of the vehicle 1 and can be positioned in the substantially horizontal plane of the central console 12 along two perpendicular axes, for example, as a function of the congestion of the central console 12. In fact, the control system 2 can be positioned in the portrait orientation (FIG. 3A), in which the control system 2 is mounted longitudinally, that is, along the length of the central console 12, or in the landscape orientation (FIG. 3B), in which the control system 2 is mounted transversally on the central console 12, that is along the width of the central console 12.

[0045] In reference to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the control system 2 comprises a display screen 21 on which is mounted a touch pad 22, also designated upper layer, wherein all is covered in a protective film 23.

[0046] In this example, the display screen 21 has an active state E.sub.A, in which the display screen 21 is lighted, and an inactive state E.sub.I, in which the display screen 21 is darkened or displays a monochromatic background so as to limit the risks of distracting the driver when the vehicle 1 is in controlled driving mode P. Such an active E.sub.A/inactive E.sub.I state is configured to be activated and/or deactivated as a function of the driving mode (i.e., controlled driving mode P or the autonomous driving mode Q) of the vehicle 1, as will be described below.

[0047] When the display screen 21 is in its active state E.sub.A, it is configured to display, when necessary, a virtual keyboard, so as to make it possible for the driver to enter text. Different modes of display of such a virtual keyboard will be disclosed in more detail below, depending on the orientation of the control system 2.

[0048] The touch pad 22 is similar to a touch pad used in a classic screen of a smart phone or tablet. The operation of such a touch pad 22 is known in itself and will not be described in greater detail.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the touch pad 22 has a basic configuration C.sub.0 and an advanced configuration C.sub.1, activated as a function of the driving mode P, Q of the vehicle 1.

[0050] In fact, the basic configuration C.sub.0 is activated preferably when the vehicle 1 is in its controlled driving mode P, during which the driver can only make simple movements, which can be executed without the need to look at the control system 2. In fact, such a basic configuration C.sub.0 is a configuration in which the touch pad 22 allows only a limited number of simple movements, for example, a simple sliding movement of a finger to the right, to the left, upward or downward, wherein such movements are compatible with the controlled driving mode P.

[0051] Such a basic configuration C.sub.0 is configured to be activated when the main monitor 10 is in its simplified display mode A.sub.0, in which the different functionalities are displayed in the form of icons. The touch pad 22 then makes it possible, using simple gestures, to slide from one icon to the next, in order to access the desired functionality. A light halo can surround an active icon, making it possible for the driver to easily mark a selected icon.

[0052] The advanced configuration C.sub.1 is activated preferably when the vehicle 1 is in its autonomous driving mode Q, during which the driver is free in his movements. In fact, such an advanced configuration C.sub.1 is a configuration in which the touch pad 22 makes possible the control of the movement of a pointer displayed on the main monitor 10. The touch pad 22, similar to a personal computer mouse, makes it possible to move the pointer in any direction on the main monitor 10.

[0053] Such an advanced configuration C.sub.1 is configured to be activated when the main monitor 10 is in its complete display mode A.sub.1, in which the display of the main monitor 10 is similar to the display of a personal computer, for example, in a Windows computer environment. The touch pad 22 then makes it possible to directly select an application or a document, for example.

[0054] Alternatively, the touch pad 22 can also have an intermediate configuration, in which the touch pad 22 allows the limited number of simple movements of the basic configuration C.sub.0 and also comprises a handwriting recognition feature. In fact, when the vehicle 1 is in its controlled driving mode P, but the driver wishes, for example, to enter an address in the navigation system, the touch pad 22 can make it possible for the driver to trace, successively, with his finger the letters of the desired destination. The letters then display on the main monitor 10, so that the driver can control the recognition of the letters.

[0055] The control system 2 comprises a first mode of operation in which the main monitor 10 is in its simplified display mode A.sub.0 and the touch pad 22 in its basic configuration C.sub.0 (or in its intermediate configuration when the input of a text is necessary), and a second mode of operation, in which the main monitor 10 is in its complete display mode A.sub.1 and the touch pad 22 in its advanced configuration C.sub.1.

[0056] The control system 2 additionally comprises a control module (not shown) configured to place the control system 2 in the first mode of operation and the main monitor 10 in the simplified display mode A.sub.0 when the vehicle 1 is in the controlled driving mode P, or to place the control system 2 in the second mode of operation and the main monitor 10 in the complete display mode A.sub.1 when the vehicle 1 is in the autonomous driving mode Q. The control module, for example, the main vehicle 1 computer, is thus configured to simultaneously control the display screen 21, the touch pad 22 and the main monitor 10.

[0057] In summary, the control module is configured to detect the driving mode P, Q, of the vehicle 1 and to control: [0058] when the vehicle 1 is in its controlled driving mode P, the first mode of operation of the control system 2, namely, to control: [0059] the mode of simplified display A.sub.0 of the main monitor 10, and [0060] the inactive state E.sub.I of the display screen 21, and [0061] the basic configuration C.sub.0 of the touch pad 22, and [0062] when the vehicle 1 is in its autonomous driving mode Q, the second mode of operation of the contrail system 2, namely, to control: [0063] the complete display mode A.sub.1 of the main monitor 10, [0064] the active state E.sub.A of the display screen 21, and [0065] the advanced configuration C.sub.1 of the touch pad 22.

[0066] When the control system 2 is in the second mode of operation, the display screen 21 is additionally configured to display a virtual keyboard, making it possible for the driver to enter text as disclosed above. When the control system 2 is positioned longitudinally, in portrait orientation, then a virtual keyboard is configured to be displayed on half of the display screen 21, so as to make possible, in parallel, the movement of the pointer on the main monitor 10.

[0067] When the control system 2 is positioned transversally, in the landscape orientation, then such a virtual keyboard is configured to be displayed on all of the display screen 21, and to be able to be placed in the background when the user wishes to move the pointer on the main monitor 10. The letters on the virtual keyboard can then be deactivated or grayed-out, that is, made transparent, so as not to annoy the user.

[0068] Optionally, the control system 2 can have on the display screen 21, a welcome message when the driver enters into the vehicle 1, or even a good-bye message when he leaves the vehicle 1. The control system 2 can also display an identification message of recognition of the driver.

[0069] Alternatively, the vehicle 1 could also comprise a secondary monitor on the dashboard 11 making possible, for example, the displaying of data related to the vehicle 1, such as fuel consumption and speed. The control system 2 can, in such a case, be configured to control both the main monitor 10 and the secondary monitor. In the second mode of operation, the touch pad 22 of the control system 2 would then be configured to make possible the movement of the pointer between the main monitor 10 and the secondary monitor.

[0070] Hereafter will be presented, in reference to FIG. 5, a method for control of a main monitor 10 by a control system 2 according to a preferred embodiment.

[0071] In this example, the control module detects, in a step E1, the controlled driving mode P or the autonomous driving mode Q of the vehicle 1, making possible a step E2 of activation of the first mode of operation or of the second mode of operation of the vehicle 1.

[0072] Additionally, when the controlled driving mode P of the vehicle 1 is detected, the control module activates, in this step E2: [0073] the inactive state E.sub.I of the display screen 21, [0074] the basic configuration C.sub.0 of the touch pad 22, and [0075] the mode of simplified display A.sub.0 of the main monitor 10.

[0076] When the autonomous driving mode Q of the vehicle 1 is detected, the control module activates in this same step E2: [0077] the active state E.sub.A of the display screen 21, [0078] the advanced configuration C.sub.1 of the touch pad 22, and [0079] the complete display mode A.sub.1 of the main monitor 10.

[0080] The use of the control system 2 by the driver of the vehicle 1 is described, however, it goes without saying that the control system 2 could just as well be controlled by any occupant of the vehicle 1, for example, by a passenger.

[0081] Such a control system advantageously makes it possible to provide a display and a simple means of use when the driver is driving the vehicle and functionalities similar to a personal computer when the driver is not driving the vehicle.