FR3013443A1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SENSITIVE NAVIGATION - Google Patents

Abstract

Mobile navigation device (1) comprising at least one microprocessor (11), at least one working memory (16) and a geolocation and matching module (12), and further comprising: - a phase test module in progress (13), for determining whether the distance between the carrier user traveling along the route and the starting point of the next sensing phase is less than or equal to an alert threshold; an activation module (14) enabling, when the sensitive warning threshold is reached, to activate a sensory module; a sensitive module (30, 31), portable by a user, designed to generate a sensory signal perceptible by the user carrying the module, when it is activated by said activation module; the sensory module being provided with at least one left sensitive source (30) and at least one right sensing source (31) which are independent and can be ported by left and right limbs of the user and are capable of generating a left signal stimulus and / or right clearly identifiable by the user depending on the location of the active source.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device and a method of sensitive navigation, allowing a conductor carrying a sensory module to receive in the form of localized sensory signals. instructions to follow a route. PRIOR ART [0002] For several years, guidance devices, or navigation systems, commonly referred to by the acronym GPS, allow the user to obtain a plethora of data of a cartographic, tourist, logistical nature. , and often simply of an aesthetic nature, making the consultation of the screen pleasant and playful. In addition to an avalanche of colors, we find more and more 3D views, images, photos, etc., to represent as accurately as possible the reality that the user should meet in his path. These systems however have some disadvantages. First of all, the amount of data that must be provided to provide the visual renderings becomes more important than the map data themselves, both at the source of the guidance. Systems with high visual content, large screen, 3D display and fun presentation, sometimes tend to distract the user. This phenomenon, which is marginal for use in pedestrian mode, can be a danger for use on board a vehicle. In addition, before collecting and assimilating the essential data to track the planned route, the user must set aside a whole host of secondary data or have no direct relationship with the monitoring of route.

This high density of data to be collected, analyzed and interpreted can be excessive and / or too overwhelming for the user. [0005] Document EP 1 220 179 describes a navigation system enabling a user to move in pedestrian mode with instructions received in the form of tactile signals. A touch actuator is provided for this purpose. The actuator described in the document is intended for body-level wearing, at the height of the user's waist or torso. One or more actuators can thus be arranged on a single support. Such a single support is liable to give rise to false interpretations on the part of the user, which risks confusing the instructions received. The document WO2007 / 105937 discloses a navigation system for guiding a user such as a motor to touch signals transmitted by clothes or a belt. A plurality of actuators is inserted in a garment worn by the user. One or more actuators can thus be arranged on a single support. Such a single support is liable to give rise to false interpretations on the part of the user, which risks confusing the instructions received. [0007111 is therefore a need for a system or guidance device which is simplified, using a transmission mode instructions which minimizes both the use of cognitive functions of the user and the error rate of interpretation of signals . To overcome these disadvantages, the invention provides different technical means. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] A first object of the invention is to provide a system and a navigation method with optimized ergonomics, facilitating understanding and use, safely. [0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a navigation system and method for facilitating the reading and understanding of the route data. It is another object of the invention to provide a navigation system and method for reducing the distraction sources of the driver of a vehicle equipped with such a device. Another object of the invention is to provide a system and a method of navigation to prevent maneuvers or driving actions are not recognized in a timely manner or not performed by the driver but also that maneuvers are missed or misunderstood so poorly done. Another object of the invention is to provide a system and a simplified navigation method, thereby reducing the sources of distractions that can affect the driver's concentration. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a system and a navigation method to reduce the driver's cognitive load, allowing him to focus on the basic functions, namely driving the vehicle safely. . Yet another object of the invention is to provide a system and a method of navigation to attract attention in a targeted manner or synchronized with the precise moment when the driver must perform a driving act. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a system and a navigation method thereby improving the general safety of the driver and his passengers when following a route. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a system and a navigation method to avoid distracting the driver immediately before a driving action. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a system and a method of navigation for soliciting a reflex of the driver to reduce the effort and / or the reaction time. Lastly, another object of the invention is to provide a system and a method of navigation enabling the driver to maintain maximum availability and attention in order to conserve a certain amount of time. as little response as possible in the event of a request for urgent action (accident, sudden avoidance of a person or object, etc.). To do this, the invention provides a mobile navigation device comprising at least one microprocessor, at least one working memory and a geolocation and matching module, and further comprising: - a phase test module in progress determining whether the distance between the carrier user traveling along the route and the initiation point of the next sensing phase is less than or equal to an alert threshold; an activation module enabling, when the sensitive warning threshold is reached, to activate a sensory module; a wearable sensitive device (wearable sensitive device), portable by a user, designed to generate a sensory signal (or sensitive alert) perceptible by the wearer of the module, when it is activated by said activation module; in which the sensory module is provided with at least one left sensitive source and at least one independent right sensitive source, which can be worn by left and right limbs of the user and capable of generating a left and / or right signal stimulus clearly. identifiable by the user depending on the location of the active source. In an advantageous variant, each of the sensitive sources is provided with an independent vibrating element perceptible by the user during an activation period. According to an advantageous embodiment, the left sensitive source is disposed on a wristband or watch or left glove and the right sensitive source is disposed on a bracelet or watch or right glove. According to another advantageous embodiment, the activation module is designed to generate a targeted sensory signal as a function of the driving action to be performed. According to another variant, the device further comprises a complementary guide module for transmitting to the user additional guidance indications by a transmission mode different from that of the sensory module. For example, for a complex maneuver or a plurality of successive maneuvers, a visual mode is started on screen or projection, or a voice mode provides precise instructions. According to yet another variant, the device comprises a route calculation module and access to road mapping data in relation to at least one geographical area and for determining a plurality of routes in this area. The device is preferably autonomous and includes all the elements allowing it to calculate and / or modify a route, as well as the elements enabling it to guide a user along the route. According to another embodiment, the mobile navigation device is part of a system comprising a centralized server in at least partial communication with a plurality of mobile navigation devices, the server comprising at least one microprocessor, at least a working memory, a route calculation module and access to road mapping data in relation to at least one given geographical area and making it possible to determine a plurality of routes in this area, and an exchange module of data. The device operates in a network so as to distribute operations and data optimally between a centralized server and a plurality of mobile devices optimized for the features related to route guidance and tracking. The invention also provides a sensitive navigation method, allowing a carrier conductor of a sensory module having at least one right source carried on the right side of the user, and at least one left source carried on the left side of the user, to receive in the form of localized sensory signals the instructions for following a pre-calculated route (road, pedestrian or other), comprising the following steps: - a phase of rest, during which no sensory signal is generated, and during which a test module checks whether the distance between the user-carrier of the sensory module being moved along the route and the next sensing point of alert is less than or equal to an activation threshold; an activation phase during which, when the sensitive warning threshold is reached, an activation module activates at least one left or right source of the sensory module carried by the user-carrier. The use of easily and instantly distinguishable left and right tactile signals makes it possible to provide a very intuitive and reliable mode of transmission, without the user's cognitive functions being strongly solicited. In fact, by acting especially at the level of reflexes of the user, in a zone of very favorable tactile sensitivity, the cognitive functions of the user are little or not solicited, allowing the latter to devote himself to his main task as a driver of vehicle. According to various embodiments, the sensory signal is vibratory, heating or electrical. According to yet another embodiment, the activation module activates at least one source of the sensory module and a complementary source for transmitting to the user additional guidance indications by a transmission mode distinct from that of the sensory module. (For example, for a complex maneuver or a plurality of successive maneuvers, a visual mode is started on screen or projection, or a voice mode provides precise instructions).

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES P10-3176_e_text_v1.0.docx - 7 - [0031] All the details of embodiment are given in the description which follows, supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 3, presented solely for purposes of non-limiting examples, and in FIG. which: - Figure 1A is a schematic representation of a tactile signal navigation device according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a functional flowchart illustrating the main steps of a tactile signal navigation method according to the invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a variant of the device presented in FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0032] After several years during which the technologies related to guidance and route tracking have been oriented on very rich and dense contents in cartographic and visual elements of all kinds, the inventors have found that the solutions current is not optimal because the driver is "drowned" in a mass of data that he must read, understand, analyze, and interpret, while simultaneously ensuring safe driving of the vehicle. Solutions with high visual or multimedia content generate a significant error tracking rate and a loss of efficiency of the driver. For example, on a roundabout, the map moves too much and the position of the vehicle is imprecise, causing regular tracking errors. In another example, the cognitive overload (in addition, due to the presence of a large number of data of varied nature such as the distance to be covered, the pictograms, the map data, the direction data, the data in relation to expected arrival, current track data, etc.), leads to many route-tracking errors. Cognitive overload can also be a cause of fatigue and / or stress for the driver. The inventors have therefore researched and identified the conditions required to allow better transmission of guidance data to the driver, P10-3176_en_text_v1.0.docx -8 reduce the time of interpretation of these data, and release the driver so that it remains available to ensure safe driving of the vehicle. i) the driver must be available; (ii) the driver must be notified; (option) (iii) the driver must be able to maintain maximum physical and mental availability when conducting a driving action; (iv) the efficiency ratio of the transmission of driver guidance data increases if, at the moment of transmitting the data, the driver's attention is strongly stimulated or solicited, but for a short time. To enable these conditions to be met, the device and method according to the invention propose to suppress the display of data in the form of road maps or geographical maps. They also propose to implement technical features that allow to arouse the maximum attention of the user. Finally, the stimulation period is preferably of substantially short duration. It can be started just before the act of driving. It may end after a short time or extend until the driving action ends and / or becomes irreversible. Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a navigation system 1 according to the invention. Such a device advantageously comprises all the modules that are useful for providing the guiding or tracking function. It can also include modules useful for generating or calculating or modifying a route. It comprises at least one microprocessor 11 and a random access memory module 16, for the execution of processor instructions or commands specifically provided for, data transfer or exchange means or order, for example a bus 14 provided to ensure the exchanges required between the microprocessor 11 and the different modules. The mobile navigation device additionally comprises a geolocation and matching module 12 adapted on the one hand to receive the position data of the mobile navigation device and on the other hand to ensure a P10-3176_en_text_v1.0.docx -9 correspondence between the raw position data received from the geolocation device and the positions assigned to the maneuvering points. [0039111 further comprises a route calculation module 22 operating in a manner known in itself, using an algorithm for determining the shortest path between two points, such as Dijkstra or other. Such an algorithm makes it possible, with the aid of a microprocessor and the required processor instructions, to carry out the exploration of a very large number of possibilities (of a few tens or hundreds for low density areas and / or for short routes to a few hundred thousand or more, for areas with high road density and / or for long routes) in order to elect an optimal route according to given criteria, such as the most short, or the fastest, etc. The data used by the system advantageously come from a road map module or database 21. Similarly, the established routes are stored in a module or database of established routes. [0041] The system also includes a phase test module 13 in progress, making it possible to determine whether the distance between the user and / or the device 20 being moved along the route and the starting point of the next phase sensitizing alert is less than or equal to an alert threshold, and an activation module 14 allowing, when the sensitive warning threshold is reached, to activate the relevant sensory module, either the left sensory module 30 or the Straight sensory module 31. The left 30 and right 31 sensory modules advantageously consist of bracelets provided with vibrating module 32 remotely activatable in a known manner, for example by Bluetooth signal. , Wifi or other. The invention also provides an alternative embodiment of the method and the device corresponding to a hardware architecture in which the mobile devices operate by exchanging data with a server 20. This variant is illustrated in FIG. dashed lines showing the calculation module P10-3176_en text_v1.0.docx - 1 0 - of route 22 and the map database 21 provided at the level of the server 20. In such a case, the server 20 and each of the mobiles 1 are then provided with means of known type for exchanging data, such as for example by WIFI, WIMAX, cellular network, etc. Each of the mobile navigation devices has a data exchange module, designed to transmit route requests to a route server, and to receive in return the data set by the server 20. The other modules are similar to those presented in connection with the standalone version. In this type of implementation, the operations involving a large processor capacity and / or large amounts of data are advantageously performed at the centralized server 20. In a variant, the server is also provided for the execution of other tasks. or the provision of other types of data, such as the provision of traffic information data or additional data (weather, tourism, etc.). In addition, the data exchange module makes it possible to receive requests from itineraries of mobile navigation devices 1 with data of points of departure and arrival, and to transmit to a mobile navigation device 1 ( either the requesting device or one or more other) the data set by the server 20. The data used by the system advantageously come from a module or database road map 21 provided within the route server 20 such as shown in the example shown, or at a location external to the server that it can access as needed. Similarly, the routes established by the server can be stored in an established route module or database 23, provided within the server 20 as shown in the illustrated example, or at a location external to the server to which it is it can access as needed. The implementation of the various modules of the server 20 and mobile navigation devices 1 previously described is advantageously performed by means of processor instructions or commands, allowing the modules to perform the P10-3176 Jr_text_v1.0.docx or the operations specifically provided for the module concerned. The processor instructions may be in the form of one or more software or software modules implemented by one or more microprocessors. The module (s) and / or the software (s) are advantageously provided in a computer program product comprising a recording medium or recording medium that can be used by a computer and comprising a programmed code readable by a computer integrated in said medium or medium, allowing an application software to run on a computer or other device comprising a microprocessor such as a navigation device. According to various alternative embodiments, the microprocessor 11, as well as the working memory 16 can be centralized for all the modules or can be arranged externally, with connection to the different modules, or be distributed locally so that that one or more modules each have a microprocessor and / or a working memory. FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the system according to the invention in which the activation module 14 activates at least one source of the right and / or left sensing module 30 and a complementary source 40 of guidance indications. for transmitting additional guidance indications to the user by a transmission mode distinct from that of the sensory module (for example, for a complex maneuver or a plurality of successive maneuvers, a visual mode is started on a screen 41 or by projection, or a vocal mode provides precise instructions). The complementary source 40 and the mobile navigation device (s) 1 exchange the relevant data in a manner known in itself, for example by Bluetooth, Wifi, Wimax or other protocol. [0050] Figure 2 shows, in succession, the main steps of the method according to the invention. In step 100, the device 1 is in idle mode. In step 105, the test module 13 searches for and detects the next driving action point along the current route. This point is where the user (the driver for a vehicle) must perform a driving action, preferably turn left or right, to follow the planned route. In step 110, the test module 13 judges whether the distance between the mobile device and the next point where the user must perform a driving action is less than or equal to at an activation threshold. If the test gives a positive response, in step 111, the activation module 14 checks whether the next maneuver is intended to go to the left or right. In step 120, the activation module 14 identifies a move to go to the left. In step 121, the activation module 14 identifies a move to go to the right. In step 130, the activation module 14 activates the left sensory module 30 which generates, for example, a vibratory signal perceptible by the wearer of the left sensory module 30. [0052] In step 131, the activation module 14 activates the right sensory module 31, which generates for example a vibratory signal perceptible by the user carrying the right sensory module 31.

Various Variants: [0053] The figures and their descriptions made above illustrate the invention rather than limiting it. In particular, the invention and its various variants have just been described in connection with a particular example in which the mobile device 20 is autonomous or connected to a server. Nevertheless, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention can be extended to other embodiments in which, in variants, the mobile device is integrated with a road vehicle, as part of a vehicle. dashboard equipment. Still alternatively, the mobile device is an included in or consisting of a mobile device such as a mobile phone or tablet. Still alternatively, the sensory modules are used to transmit instructions other than those simply to turn left or right. The signal table, below, illustrates some examples of signals with corresponding actions. For example, with sensory stimulation on a given side, the corresponding action is to turn on that side. In case of double stimulation, there is either a succession of two bends on the same side, or an emergency braking action if both sides are activated simultaneously. These examples are illustrative and not limiting in nature. Signal table Context Stimulation Instruction When approaching a bifurcation on a lane without crossing at right Keep, turn off or turn right Left Stay, turn off or turn left Right then left Stay, fork or take right then immediately stay, fork or take left Left then right Stay, fork or take a left then immediately stay, fork or take right 2 stimulations right Stay, fork or take right then immediately stay, fork or take right 2 stimulations left Stay, fork or take a left, then immediately stay, fork or take a left Approaching a repeated Stimulation on the right Number of the exit to take Right Take the single exit on the right Left Take the only exit on the left A Inside a large roundabout Right Exit right Left Exit left Right then left Exit right then immediately t turn left Left then right Turn left then immediately turn right 2 stimulations right Turn right then immediately turn right 2 stimulations left Turn left then immediately turn left Turn right Turn right Turn left Right then left Take right then immediately turn left Left then right Take left then immediately turn right 2 stimulations right Turn right then immediately right 2 stimulations left Turn left then immediately left Repeated stimulation left Caution: danger zone, accident warning or plug Repeated right and left overruns Limit speed override, overturning speed P10-3176_en_text_v1.0.docx - 14 - [0056] The reference signs in the claims have no character limiting. The verbs "understand" and "include" do not exclude the presence of elements other than those listed in the claims.

P10-3176_fr_text_v1.0.docx

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Mobile navigation device (1) comprising at least one microprocessor (11), at least one working memory (16) and a geolocation and matching module (12), and further comprising: - a phase test module in progress (13), for determining whether the distance between the carrier user traveling along the route and the starting point of the next sensing phase is less than or equal to an alert threshold; an activation module (14) enabling, when the sensitive warning threshold is reached, to activate a sensory module; a sensitive module (30, 31), portable by a user, designed to generate a sensory signal perceptible by the user carrying the module, when it is activated by said activation module; characterized in that the sensory module is provided with at least one left sensitive source (30) and at least one right sensitive sensory source (31), which are portable by left and right limbs of the user and are capable of generating a stimulus left signal and / or right clearly identifiable by the user depending on the location of the active source. 2. A mobile navigation device according to claim 1, wherein each of the sensory sources (30, 31) is provided with an independent vibrating element (32) perceptible to the user during an activation period. 3. mobile navigation device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the left sensitive source (30) is disposed on a wristband or watch or left glove and the right sensitive source (31) is arranged on a bracelet or watch or right glove. 4. mobile navigation device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the activation module is adapted to generate a targeted sensory signal according to the driving action to be performed. P10-3176_en text_v1.0.docx-16- 5. Mobile navigation device according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a complementary guide module (40) for transmitting to the user additional guidance indications by a transmission mode different from that of the sensory module. . 6. Mobile navigation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a route calculation module (22) and access to road mapping data (21) in relation to at least one geographical area and for determining a plurality of routes in this area. Mobile navigation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, being part of a system comprising a centralized server in at least partial communication with a plurality of mobile navigation devices, the server comprising at least one microprocessor, at least a working memory, a route calculation module (22) and access to road mapping data (21) in relation to at least one geographical area and for determining a plurality of routes in that area, and a data exchange module. 8. Sensitive navigation method, allowing a conductor carrying a sensory module comprising at least a right source on the right side of the user, and at least one left source on the left side of the user, to receive under sensed signal form localized instructions for following a pre-calculated route, comprising the following steps: - a rest phase, during which no sensory signal is generated, and during which a test module checks whether the distance between the user carrier of the sensory module being moved along the route and the next sensing point of alert is less than or equal to an activation threshold; an activation phase during which, when the sensitive warning threshold is reached, an activation module activates at least one left or right source of the sensory module carried by the user-carrier. 9. The method of sensitive navigation according to claim 8, wherein the sensory signal is vibratory, heating or electrical. P10-3176_fr_text_v1.0.docx-17- 10. The method of sensitive navigation according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the activation module activates at least one source of the sensory module and a complementary source for transmitting to the user additional guidance indications by a mode of transmission distinct from that of the sensory module. P10-3176_fr_text_v1.0.docx