FR2833387A1 - Ergonomic optimization car dashboard control setting having setting units dashboard position placed with finger proximity transmitters/proximity detectors detected setting alert signal/changing control function state - Google Patents

Abstract

The car dashboard control system has setting units (K1,K2) with first and second positions (X1,X2) on the driver dashboard. Proximity of the drivers finger (O) to the setting unit produces an alert signal, by proximity detectors detecting transmitter signal information. The signal changes the state of the function under control.

Description

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 The present invention relates, in general, to techniques aimed at optimizing the ergonomics of the control of a vehicle by a human operator.

 More specifically, the invention relates to a method for managing and operating a set of deposit organs comprising at least first and second deposit organs arranged in respective first and second locations of a vehicle dashboard automobile and to which respective functions are assigned, this method implementing information means allowing an operator to identify the functions respectively assigned to the first and second setpoint organs, and comprising a setpoint procedure in which a movement of a manipulation member, such as an operator's finger, operates a change of state of a deposit member selected from the first and second deposit members to correlatively control the function assigned to the deposit member undergoing a change of state.

 The increasing sophistication of the interior design of motor vehicles has led to an increase in the number of commands and information available in the passenger compartment, in turn resulting in a greater load of attention and memorization on the part of the driver, and an increase sensitive to the cost of interior fittings of vehicles.

 In this context, the aim of the present invention is to propose a method for managing and operating a set of deposit organs of a motor vehicle, making it possible at least to offer the driver greater comfort in the grip. into account orders, and / or reduce the cost of fitting out the driving position.

 To this end, the method of the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the information means comprise first and second proximity detectors respectively

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 associated with first and second transmitters of information signals and respectively arranged at the first and second locations, in that each proximity detector produces an alert signal in the event of the fulfillment of a first condition of proximity between the occupied location by this detector and the handling member which approaches it, and in that each transmitter, in response to an alert signal produced by the associated detector, emits an information signal allowing the operator to identify the function assigned to the deposit device located at the location designated by the approach of the handling device.

 By exploring the driving position and / or the dashboard, the driver can thus be informed of the function individually assigned to each locker without being disturbed by the information relating to the functions assigned to neighboring lockers.

 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first proximity condition is achieved when the handling member is separated from the designated location by a distance less than a first determined threshold.

 The information signal advantageously consists of an audible signal or a spoken message, or includes at least one audible signal.

 In these conditions, not only does this signal not divert the driver's visual attention, but it also allows the driver to locate or locate deposit-receiving bodies which are not directly visible, and which can for example be placed on the steering wheel hub, on the headrest or in other places that are easily accessible but more or less hidden from the view of the driver or passengers.

 The deposit procedure can usefully include a validation sub-procedure, consisting at least of producing a validation signal indicating that the function assigned to the deposit device arranged to

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 the designated location has been activated, this validation signal itself being able to include an audible signal or a spoken message.

 The use of conventional means can lead to provision for the first and second setpoint members to be constituted by buttons, switches or potentiometers.

 However, it is advantageous to ensure that the first and second detectors are sensitive to the realization, at the location designated by the approach of the handling member, of a second proximity condition and themselves constitute the first and second setpoint members, the function assigned to the setpoint member disposed at the designated location can then change state by achieving the second proximity condition.

 The function assigned to the deposit device located at the designated location can thus pass from a passive state to an active state by achieving the second condition of proximity to the designated location.

 In this case, it may also be useful to provide that the first and second setpoint members have a bistable operation, so that the function assigned to the setpoint member disposed at the designated location can also pass from a state active to a passive state by fulfilling the second condition of proximity to the designated location.

 The second proximity condition is for example achieved when the distance separating the handling member from the designated location is less than a second determined threshold, less than the first threshold.

 According to a first possible variant, the second proximity condition is achieved when the handling member is separated from the location designated by a distance which decreases at a speed greater than a determined limit speed.

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 According to a second possible variant, the second proximity condition is achieved as soon as a time interval, during which the distance separating the handling member from the designated location remains less than the first threshold, reaches a predetermined duration.

 In this case, the first and second detectors can respond to each occurrence of realization of the second proximity condition by controlling respectively a positive variation and a negative variation of a value taken by the same physical quantity, and the first and second locations can be contiguous to the same viewing area of the driving position and / or dashboard, in which a meter is displayed displaying the value of the physical quantity.

 In other possible embodiments, the first location is contiguous to a control area of the driving position and / or of the dashboard which includes a plurality of sub-locations which can be individually designated by approach of the member manipulation.

 The first and second locations can even be separated from each other by a control area of the driving position and / or the dashboard which includes a plurality of sub-locations that can be individually designated by approaching the 'manipulator.

 In the latter two cases, a secondary proximity detector can be arranged in each of the sub-locations of the control range, each secondary detector being able to act as a set-point member and respond to an approach to its own sub-location by the handling member. by controlling at least one positive variation or one negative variation in amplitude or intensity which affects the function controlled by the first detector.

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 It is then possible to provide for a secondary validation signal transmitter to be also arranged in each of the sub-locations of the control range, and for each secondary detector to act as a set point and respond to an approach to its own sub-location by the manipulation member by also commanding the secondary transmitter disposed at the same sub-location to produce or to cease producing a validation signal.

 It is also possible to provide that a secondary validation signal transmitter is arranged in each of the sub-locations of the control range, that the first location is relatively close to a first of the sub-locations and relatively distant from a last of the sub-locations, and that each secondary detector acts as a set-point member and responds to an approach to its own sub-location by the handling member, in addition controlling all the secondary transmitters arranged between the first included sub-location and this clean sub-location included to produce a validation signal, and to all the secondary transmitters arranged between this excluded clean sub-location and the last included sub-location to cease or abstain from producing a validation signal.

 In the last embodiments mentioned, the validation signal can usefully include a light signal.

 To reduce the number of relevant information displayed simultaneously, it is then possible to ensure that in the absence of any signal, the first and second locations are undifferentiated on the driving position and / or the dashboard.

 In addition to the elements already mentioned, the information means may include at least one relief provided on the driving position and / or the dashboard and forming a tactile guide for the handling member.

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 At least one of the first and second proximity detectors can be constituted by a capacitive sensor without moving part.

 However, it is also possible to provide that at least one of the first and second proximity detectors is a capacitive sensor provided with a movable frame selectively displaced by the manipulation member against an elastic return force. .

 Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - Figures 1A to 1E are schematic views of 'a dashboard managed by a process in accordance with the invention and represented in several states; - Figure 2 is a diagram of an arrangement comprising a setpoint member, a detector and a transmitter, and in which the detector and the setpoint member are physically separate from each other, this arrangement being managed by a method according to the invention; - Figure 3 is a diagram of an arrangement comprising a setpoint member, a detector and a transmitter, and in which the detector and the setpoint member are physically undifferentiated from each other, this arrangement being managed by a method according to the invention; - Figure 4 is a diagram of a detector used in a method according to the invention; and - Figures 5 to 8 are diagrams of various hardware arrangements capable of being implemented in a method according to the invention.

 As previously announced, the invention relates to a method for managing and operating a set of setpoint organs of a driving position and / or a

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 dashboard B of a motor vehicle, to which respective functions are assigned such as lighting, defrosting the rear window, air conditioning, ventilation, etc.

 For the sake of brevity, the description will mainly consider only two setpoint organs, marked K1 and K2, and arranged in respective locations, X1 and X2 in the driving position and / or dashboard B, it being understood however that invention is not limited to the management of two deposit organs only.

 To facilitate understanding of the invention, the present description will conventionally use the indices 1 and 2 as benchmarks specifically assigned to the elements respectively arranged at the locations X1 and X2 of the driving position and / or of the dashboard B.

X1. Thus, a deposit member is generically designated by the reference K, the reference K1 therefore designating the deposit member which is arranged at the location

X1.

 Likewise, this description will conventionally use the index "n" as an attribute given to any element placed at any location Xn in the driving position and / or dashboard B, the reference Kn therefore designating the deposit which is located at location Xn.

 This method includes a deposit procedure, that is to say it includes operations which make it possible to use the deposit members K1 and K2.

 Within the framework of this procedure, each setpoint member K1 and K2 can be individually selected by finger 0 or the hand of an operator, this finger or this hand therefore fulfilling the function of a manipulation member, making it possible to operate a change of state of the setpoint organ K1 or K2 specifically selected, and ultimately allowing the function which is assigned to this setpoint organ to be controlled.

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 To allow the operator to know which function is assigned to which setpoint organ, this method also implements information means accessible to this operator before any action aiming to control any function whatsoever.

 According to the invention, these information means comprise two proximity detectors, D1 and D2, respectively associated with two transmitters of information signals, E1 and E2, and respectively arranged at locations X1 and X2, by definition of indices 1 and 2.

 The expression "proximity sensor" should be understood here as generically designating any device sensitive to the approach of the handling member 0, which constitutes a finger, or a gloved hand or not, and must not be at all understood as restrictively designating a device which would specifically serve to measure the distance which separates it from the handling member 0.

 Each of these detectors D1 and D2 is designed to deliver a corresponding alert signal, such as SA1 and SA2, in the event that the operator's finger 0 comes close enough to the location X1 or X2 occupied by this detector to satisfy a first condition of proximity.

 This first condition is for example realized when the hand or the finger 0, approaching the location X1 or the location X2, are no longer separated from this location by a distance L less than a determined threshold Li.

 If the detector D1 or D2 is not in reality directly sensitive to the distance which separates it from the finger 0, but is only sensitive to a physical parameter which depends on this distance, for example to an electrical capacitance formed between this detector and the finger 0, this detector is in fact adjusted to detect that the physical parameter to which it is sensitive itself crosses a threshold indicating, at least first

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 approximation, that the distance L falls below the threshold Li.

 In parallel, each of the transmitters E1 and E2 is for example constituted by a loudspeaker HP receiving a specific signal from a sound generator GS.

 Each of these transmitters is thus designed to transmit an information signal, such as SI1 and SI2, in the event that the detector D1 or D2 which is associated with it delivers an alert signal SA1 or SA2.

 Each information signal, such as SI1 or SI2, which may in particular consist of a beep, a melody or a spoken message, informs the operator of the nature of the function assigned to the setpoint organ Kl or K2 which is disposed at that of the locations X1 or X2 that this operator designates by the approach of his finger 0.

 Once the operator has been able to verify that the function assigned to the setpoint organ K1 or K2 which he designates with his finger 0 is indeed the one on which he wishes to act, he commands the change of state of this organ of setpoint, which can thus notably pass from the passive state to the active state, or vice versa, and correlatively activate or deactivate the function it controls.

 According to the invention, this setpoint procedure preferably comprises a validation sub-procedure which, in the case where the function assigned to a setpoint member K1 or K2 is activated, consists at least in producing a validation signal SV1 or SV2 correspondent, which confirms to the operator that the function assigned to the setpoint organ Kl or K2 actually selected has been activated, and which reminds this operator of the active state of this function.

 The validation signal can itself be constituted by an audible signal or a spoken message, by a light signal, or even by a combination of an audible signal and a light signal, the audible signal being for example produced at the time where the function is

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 activated, while the light signal can be produced as long as the function is active.

 In the case where the validation signals SV1 and SV2 comprise light signals, the proximity detectors D1 and D2 and the transmitters E1 and E2 of information signals are advantageously arranged under a translucent and dark-colored panel of the driving position or of dashboard B.

 Under these conditions, it is in particular possible to ensure that in the absence of any signal, the locations X1 and X2 are indistinguishable on the driving position and / or the dashboard B of the vehicle.

 The effect produced by the operations described so far is illustrated in Figures 1A to 1E.

 FIG. 1A represents a dashboard B giving access, at different locations XO, X1, X2, and X3, to different functions, the respective states of which are controlled by corresponding reference organs KO, K1, K2, and K3.

 In the illustrated state, all of these functions are inactive, so that the reference organs are undifferentiated.

 If the operator approaches his finger 0 at location X2 (FIG. 1B), the detector D2 emits the alert signal SA2 as soon as the first proximity condition is achieved between finger 0 and the detector D2.

 The alert signal SA2 then awakens the transmitter E2, which transmits the information signal SI2, at least formed by an audible signal possibly doubled by a light signal.

 The signal SI2 informs the operator that the reference unit K2 is for example dedicated to controlling the air conditioning, this signal being able to illuminate the locations X1 and X3 adjacent to the location X2.

 The operator, who does not wish to modify the air conditioning control in this case, then approaches

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 his finger 0 from location X1 (FIG. 1C), and the detector D1 emits the alert signal SA1 as soon as the first proximity condition is achieved between finger 0 and the detector D1.

 The alert signal SA1 awakens the transmitter E1 which transmits the information signal SU, at least formed by an audible signal possibly doubled by a light signal.

 The signal SI1 informs the operator that the reference unit K1 is for example dedicated to the defrosting command of the rear window, this signal being able to illuminate the locations X0 and X2 close to the location X1.

 The operator, who effectively wishes to trigger the defrosting of the rear window, switches the setpoint unit K1 from the passive state to the active state (FIG. 1D).

 The defrosting function of the rear window having thus been activated, the validation signal SV1 is produced to confirm and recall that this function is active, this signal possibly comprising an audible signal emitted at the moment of activation of the function, and a light signal reminding that this function is active (Figure 1E).

 Each proximity detector such as D1 and D2 can be constituted by a purely static capacitive sensor, that is to say without any moving part, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

 Such a sensor typically comprises an electrode constituted by an electrically conductive Afi armature, which can be covered with a thin layer of material. The Afi armature is connected to a reference potential through a serial circuit including a DC electronic circuit.

 When finger 0 approaches the Afi armature, this finger itself fulfills the role of a new armature, so that the Afi armature is connected to the potential

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 of reference through a variable additional capacitance Cs, which depends on the distance L separating the finger 0 from the armature Afi, and whose value is permanently monitored by the electronic circuit CC.

 As soon as the circuit CC detects that the value of the capacitance Cs indicates that the distance L between the finger 0 and the armature Afi has become less than a value Li, this circuit CC delivers the alert signal SA.

 As a variant, each proximity detector such as D1 and D2, or at least one of them, can be constituted by a capacitive sensor provided with a movable armature Am, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

 In this case, a variable capacity is formed between a fixed frame Af and this movable frame Am.

 The movable armature Am can be moved by the finger 0 against an elastic restoring force, which can be exerted by this armature Am itself if it is for example produced in the form of a metal capsule with elastic deformation.

 As in the previous case, an electronic circuit (not shown) monitors the value of the variable capacitance thus formed, this value depending on the distance separating the armatures Am and Af, and therefore on the distance separating the finger 0 from the fixed armature af.

 If necessary, the metal capsule can be used not only as an armature, but also as a switch, and form a galvanic contact when the second proximity condition is fulfilled.

 The setpoint organs K1 and K2 can take several embodiments, and in particular consist of buttons, switches or potentiometers, FIG. 2 representing for example a setpoint organ K in the form of a button actuating an electric switch .

 The arrangement illustrated in this FIG. 2 implements the method of the invention in such a way that the

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 validation signal SV, for example SV1 or SV2, is produced by a light source SL.

 FIG. 3 illustrates another aspect of the invention which, although optional, greatly justifies the interest of the invention.

 Indeed, instead of having recourse to independent physical components to constitute the setpoint organs K and the detectors D, the method illustrated in FIG. 3 proposes to use detectors D which themselves constitute setpoint organs .

 To do this, the detectors D1 and D2 are for example sensitive to the realization, at the location that each of them occupies, of a second proximity condition, and each operate, in response to the realization of this second condition of proximity, a change of state of the function assigned to the associated setpoint device.

 According to a first possible embodiment of the invention, the second proximity condition is considered to be achieved when the distance L which separates the finger 0 from the location X1 or X2 which it approaches is less than a second threshold determined Lj, lower than the first threshold Li previously mentioned.

 According to another possible embodiment of the invention, the second proximity condition is considered to have been achieved when the finger 0 rapidly approaches location X1 or X2, that is to say when the distance L separating this finger of the location X1 or X2 considered decreases at a speed dL / dT greater than a determined speed limit VL.

 According to a third possible embodiment of the invention, the second proximity condition can also be considered to be fulfilled at the end of a time interval T of predetermined duration Tp, if during this time interval T the distance L separating finger 0 from the location X1 or X2 considered remained below the first threshold Li.

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 As soon as the second proximity condition is fulfilled, the detector D disposed at the location in question delivers a setpoint signal Sk intended to modify the state of the function controlled by this detector, which in this case therefore also acts as an organ for setpoint K.

 The function assigned to this detector reference unit can thus be controlled to pass from a passive state to an active state by realization of the second proximity condition.

 In this case, it may be advantageous to provide that the next realization of the second proximity condition at the same location changes the function considered from its active state to its passive state, that is to say that the setpoint-detector organ D, K has a bistable operation and systematically modifies the state of the function assigned to it each time the second proximity condition is achieved.

 In other cases, it may on the contrary be advantageous for the controlled function to undergo a change of state in the same direction each time that the second proximity condition is satisfied, in particular when this second proximity condition is achieved by the lapse of a time interval T during which finger 0 remains close to 11 location X1 or X2 concerned.

 This possibility is for example implemented by the arrangement of FIG. 5.

 In the case illustrated by this figure, the detectors D1 and D2, respectively arranged at locations XI and X2, are designed to respond to each occurrence of realization of the second proximity condition by controlling respectively a positive variation and a negative variation of a value taken by the same physical quantity G, for example the speed of rotation of a fan.

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 The locations X1 and X2 are contiguous to the same display range Q of the dashboard B, in which is placed a meter M displaying the value of the physical quantity G in analog form, the number of visible bars of the meter being therefore in l occurrence proportional to the fan rotation speed.

 At each of the locations X1 and X2 there is also a transmitter such as E1 and E2, the detectors D1 and D2 themselves ensuring the function of setpoint organs K1 and K2.

 When the fan is off, the meter M and the transmitters E1 and E2 are switched off.

 If an operator approaches his finger at location XI, thus fulfilling the first condition of proximity to this location, the transmitter E1 emits a specific audible signal possibly accompanied by the lighting of a pictogram and thus informs the operator that the the setpoint member K1 controls an increase in the fan speed.

 If the second proximity condition is then met at this same location X1, the fan starts and the first bar M1 of the meter M turns on, the fan gradually accelerates, the bars M2, M3, ..., Mn of the meter M s 'illuminating successively each time the second proximity condition is achieved at location X1, and the lighting of each strip can be accompanied by the emission of a beep of the first kind.

 If, while the fan is running, the operator approaches his finger 0 to location X2, thus fulfilling the first condition of proximity to this location X2, the transmitter E2 emits a specific audible signal possibly accompanied by the lighting of a pictogram and thus informs the operator that the setpoint member K2 controls a reduction in the fan speed.

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 If the second proximity condition is then fulfilled at this same location X2, the fan gradually slows down and the bars Mn, ..., M3, M2, ... of the meter turn off in turn, until the stop complete with the fan if this is the operator's wish, each time the second proximity condition is fulfilled at location X2, the extinction of each strip may be accompanied by the emission of a second nature beep .

 As previously announced, such an arrangement can be implemented by providing that the second proximity condition is considered to be fulfilled, at each of the locations X1 and X2, when the first proximity condition is satisfied at this location during a time interval T of predetermined duration Tp, that is to say if the operator maintains his finger 0, during this time interval, at a distance from the location considered less than the first threshold Li.

 In this way, the operator can control the switching on or off of "n" bars of the M meter, and the corresponding acceleration or deceleration of the fan, by simply holding his finger 0 near location X1 or of location X2 during a time interval of duration n. Tp.

 In the previous example, the bars of the meter covering the range Q only provided a display function, the lit state of these bars constituting a validation signal, in a way modulated in intensity by the number of bars lit.

 It is nevertheless possible to provide not a simple display range Q, but a real control range P, including a set of sub-locations, such as Pxl to Px10, which can be individually designated by approach to the manipulation 0, such a control range P being for example arranged between two main locations X1 and X2 as the

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 shows figure 6 and / or contiguous to the main location X1 as shown in figures 6 and 7.

 Such a control range P is produced by having, in each of its sub-locations Px1-Px101, a secondary proximity detector such as D'1 to D'10, designed to act as a set-point member.

 Each secondary proximity detector D'n is sensitive to the proximity of the finger 0 and of the sub-location Pxn occupied by this secondary detector, and responds to this proximity by controlling in particular a positive variation or a negative variation in amplitude or intensity of the function controlled at least by the main detector D1 placed at location X1.

 Preferably, a secondary validation signal transmitter, such as E'1 to E'10, is also arranged in each of the sub-locations Pxl to Px10 of the control range P, so that each secondary detector D'n can , in response to the approach of the handling device 0, order the corresponding secondary transmitter E'n to produce or to cease producing a validation signal.

 In the latter case, each secondary detector D'n operates a control limited to the sub-location Xn which it occupies, and commands only a discrete variation in amplitude or intensity or in the function controlled at least by the detector main D1.

 It is however possible to provide, as a variant, that each secondary detector D'n operates on the contrary a global check on the control range P.

 To do this, each secondary detector D'n disposed at the sub-location Pxn responds to an approach to this sub-location Pxn by finger 0 by controlling all the secondary transmitters E'1 to E'n, which are arranged between the first sub-location Pxl included and the sub-location Pxn included, to produce a validation signal, and by commanding all the secondary transmitters E'n + 1 to E'10, which are arranged between the

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 Pxn sub-location excluded and the last Px10 sub-location included, to cease producing a validation signal or to refrain from producing such a signal.

 Such a method can be implemented by means of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6.

 In this case, the function globally controlled by the setpoint-detector bodies Dl, Kl and D2, K2, as well as by the control range P, is for example activated by change of state of the setpoint detector Dl, Kl , deactivated by change of state of the setpoint-detector device D2, K2, and modulated in amplitude or intensity by action on the control range P.

 If the operator wishes, for example, to use this function at half of his operating range, while it is not yet activated, he activates this function by touching the setpoint member Dl, Kl, and the module by touching the secondary detector D'5, which has the effect of triggering the secondary transmitters E'1 to E'5, which illuminate the sub-locations Pxl to Px5.

 If the operator then wishes to modify the setting of this function so as not to use it until the fifth of its operating range, he touches the secondary detector D'2, which has the effect of turning off the secondary transmitters E ' 3 to E'5 inclusive, the Pxl and Px2 sub-locations alone being illuminated.

 If later the operator still wishes to modify the setting of this function to use it this time at four fifths of its operating range, he touches the secondary detector D'8, which has the effect of triggering the secondary transmitters E'3 at E'8 hitherto extinct, the sub-locations Pxl to Px8 then being lit.

 As a variant, the function globally controlled by the setpoint-detector organs Dl, K1 and D2, K2, as well as by the control range P, can be activated and deactivated by changing the state of the organ of

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 setpoint-detector Dl, Kl, can be modulated in amplitude or intensity by action on the control range P, and can be placed at its highest level of amplitude or intensity by change of state of the setpoint-detector D2, K2.

 FIG. 7 represents an arrangement close to that illustrated in FIG. 6, except that the control pad P is bent instead of being straight, and that the setpoint-detector member Dl, Kl of the arrangement of Figure 7 has a bistable operation and therefore serves both to activate the function assigned to it and to deactivate this function.

 Finally, FIG. 8 represents a group of setpoint-detector organs D1, K1, D2, K2, D3, K3, and D4, K4, delimiting between them a control range P whose sub-locations are not materialized.

 When the operator approaches his finger 0 at any point of this range P, each of the setpoint-detector bodies Dl, K1 to D4, K4 evaluates the distance which separates him from this point, all of these setpoints -detectors Dl, Kl to D4, K4 can therefore control a function, which is collectively assigned to them, as a function of the coordinates of the point approached by finger 0 in the range P.

 In the case where the deposit organs take the form of proximity detectors, for example constituted by capacitive sensors, it is easy to arrange them under a translucent panel of the dashboard B so that they are invisible in the absence of any signal.

 Nevertheless, it may then be wise to provide, on the driving position and / or on the dashboard B, one or more reliefs forming one or more tactile guides for the operator's finger or hand 0.

Claims (23)

1. Method for managing and operating a set of deposit organs comprising at least first and second deposit organs (K1, K2) arranged in respective first and second locations (X1, X2) of a station driving and / or dashboard (B) of a motor vehicle and to which respective functions are assigned, this method employing information means allowing an operator to identify the functions respectively assigned to the first and second deposit organs, and comprising a deposit procedure in which a movement of a manipulation organ (0), such as an operator's finger (0), operates a change of state of a selected deposit organ among the first and second setpoint organs (K1, K2) for correlatively controlling the function assigned to the setpoint organ undergoing a change of state, characterized in that the information means comprise first and second detectors proximity (Dl, D2) respectively associated with first and second transmitters (El, E2) of information signals and respectively arranged at the first and second locations (X1, X2), in that each proximity detector (Dl, D2 ) produces an alert signal (SA1, SA2) in the event of a first proximity condition between the location (X1, X2) occupied by this detector and the handling member (0) approaching it , and in that each transmitter (El, E2), in response to an alert signal (SA1, SA2) produced by the

 associated detector (Dl, D2), transmits an information signal (SI1, SI2) allowing the operator to identify the function assigned to the setpoint device (Kl, K2) located at the location (XI, X2 ) designated by the approach of the handling device (0). <Desc / Clms Page number 21>  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first proximity condition is achieved when the handling member (0) is separated from the location (X1, X2) designated by a distance (L) less than a first determined threshold (Li).  3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setpoint procedure comprises a validation sub-procedure, consisting at least of producing a validation signal (SV1, SV2) indicating that the function assigned to the setpoint (Kl, K2) located at the designated location (X1, X2) has been activated.  4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second reference members (K1, K2) are constituted by buttons, switches or potentiometers.  5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second detectors (D1, D2) are sensitive to the production, at the location designated by the approach of the handling member ( 0), of a second proximity condition and constitute themselves the first and second setpoint organs (Kl, K2), and in that the function assigned to the setpoint organ (Kl, K2) disposed at the designated location (X1, X2) changes state by achieving the second proximity condition.  6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the function assigned to the set-point organ (Kl, K2) disposed at the designated location (XI, X2) changes from a passive state to an active state by carrying out the second condition of proximity to the designated location.  7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the function assigned to the setpoint device (Kl, K2) disposed at the designated location (X1, X2) changes from an active state to a passive state by <Desc / Clms Page number 22>  fulfillment of the second proximity condition at the designated location.  8. Method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 combined with claim 2, characterized in that the second proximity condition is achieved when the distance (L) separating the handling member (0) from the location ( X1, X2) designated is less than a second determined threshold (Lj), less than the first threshold (Li).  9. Method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the second proximity condition is achieved when the handling member (0) is separated from the location (X1, X2) designated by a distance ( L) which decreases at a speed (dL / dT) greater than a determined speed limit (VL).  10. Method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 combined with claim 2, characterized in that the second proximity condition is achieved as soon as a time interval (T), during which the distance (L) separating l the manipulation member (0) of the designated location (XI, X2) remains below the first threshold (Li), reaches a predetermined duration (Tp).  11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 3, characterized in that the validation signal (SV1, SV2) comprises an audible signal or a spoken message.  12. Method according to claim 3 and claim 10 considered in its attachment to claim 5, characterized in that the first and second detectors (Dl, D2) respond to each occurrence of realization of the second proximity condition by respectively controlling a positive variation and a negative variation of a value taken by the same physical quantity (G), and in that the first and second locations (X1, X2) are contiguous to the same display range (Q) of the driving position and / or the table <Desc / Clms Page number 23>  on board, in which is placed a meter (M) displaying the value of the physical quantity (G).  13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first location (X1) is contiguous to a control range (P) of the driving position and / or of the dashboard which includes a plurality of sub-locations (Px1-Px10) capable of being individually designated by approach to the handling device (0).  14. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first and second locations (X1, X2) are separated from each other by a control pad (P) of the

 pipe and / or dashboard which includes a plurality of sub-locations (Px1-Px10) capable of being individually designated by approach to the handling device (0).  15. Method according to any one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that a secondary proximity detector (D'1-D'10) is arranged in each of the sub-locations (Px1-Px10) of the range of command (P), and in that each secondary detector (D'n) acts as a setpoint member and responds to an approach to its own sub-location (Pxn) by the handling member (0) by controlling at least one positive variation or a negative variation in amplitude or intensity which affects the function controlled by the first detector (D1).  16. Method according to claims 3 and 15, characterized in that a secondary transmitter (E'1-E'10) of validation signal is also arranged in each of the sub-locations (Px1-Px10) of the control range (P), and in that each secondary detector (D'n) acts as a setpoint member and responds to an approach to its own sub-location (Pxn) by the handling member (0) by also commanding the secondary transmitter (E'n) <Desc / Clms Page number 24>  willing at the same sub-location to produce or stop producing a validation signal.  17. Method according to claims 3 and 15, characterized in that a secondary transmitter (E'1-E'10) of validation signal is also arranged in each of the sub-locations (Pxl-Px10) of the control range (P), in that the first location (X1) is relatively close to a first of the sub-locations (Pxl) and

 relatively distant from a last (Px10) of the sub-locations (Px1-Px10), and in that each secondary detector (D'n) acts as a set-point and responds to an approach to its own sub-location (Pxn) by l handling member (0) also controlling all the secondary transmitters (E'1-E'n) arranged between the first sub-location (Pxl) included and this own sub-location (Pxn) included to produce a validation signal, and to all the secondary transmitters (E'n + 1- E'10) arranged between this excluded own sub-location (Pxn) and the last included sub-location (Px10) to cease or to refrain from producing a signal validation.  18. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 17 combined with claim 3, characterized in that the validation signal (SV1, SV2) comprises a light signal.  19. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the absence of any signal, the first and second locations (X1, X2) are undifferentiated on the driving position and / or the dashboard ( B).  20. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information means comprise at least one relief provided on the driving position and / or the dashboard and forming a tactile guide for the handling member. .  21. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the <Desc / Clms Page number 25>  information signal (SI1, SI2) includes an audible signal or a spoken message.  22. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the first and second proximity detectors (Dl, D2) is a capacitive sensor without moving part.  23. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the first and second proximity detectors (Dl, D2) is a capacitive sensor provided with a movable armature (Am) selectively displaced by the handling member (0) against an elastic restoring force.