EP2093739A1 - Method for supplying video images to a satellite navigation application, and associated satellite navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining a current geographic position of motor vehicles e.g. cars (V1-V3) with a satellite guiding application, and determining whether video cameras (C1, C2) e.g. web cameras, exist to acquire live video images in a zone including a location corresponding to the determined position and transmit acquired video images via a radio communication network (R). The video images acquired by the cameras are required to transmit to the application via the radio communication network to display the video image on a display screen when the camera exists. An independent claim is also included for a satellite guiding device for a motor vehicle comprising a satellite guiding application for determining a current geographic position of a motor vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to satellite guidance of persons who are transported by motor vehicles.

When driving a motor vehicle, it is common to find yourself in a situation in which the visibility is reduced or non-existent, for example due to the presence of an obstacle. This can for example be the case when one arrives at an intersection in an agglomeration or when one leaves a parking lot or when a vehicle is parked in double file. In these situations, the driver of the vehicle (automobile) does not have enough information to continue his journey safely.

To improve safety, mirrors can be installed in areas where lateral visibility is reduced. However, this solution is not always optimal, in particular because the mirrors are not always visible (for example when a high-rise vehicle is placed in front) or because of the distortions introduced by these mirrors because of their type or reduced dimensions of the areas they allow to observe.

The invention therefore aims to improve the situation.

To this end, it proposes a satellite guiding device intended to be implanted in (or on) a motor vehicle, and comprising a satellite-guided application capable of determining the current geographical position of this motor vehicle and of delivering data. representative images of guidance information to a display screen.

This device is characterized in that its application is charged, in case of determination of the current geographical position of the motor vehicle, to determine if there is at least one camera (video) capable of acquiring live video images in the zone which includes the location corresponding to this determined position and to transmit the video images acquired via a communication network, and if so to request, via means of radio communication and via a radio communication network (possibly the same as that used by the camera (s) for to transmit its (their) video images), to transmit to it the video images acquired by at least one of the determined cameras, in order to communicate them on the screen for display.

• son application peut être chargée de rechercher les caméras, en coopération avec les moyens de communication radio, dans des moyens de stockage stockant des identifiants de caméra en correspondance de positions géographiques et accessibles via le réseau de communication radio ;
• en variante, son application peut être chargée de rechercher les caméras dans des moyens de stockage locaux stockant des identifiants de caméra en correspondance de positions géographiques;
  ➢ il peut comprendre ces moyens de stockage locaux ;
• son application peut être chargée, lorsqu'elle a déterminé une caméra, de générer des données d'image représentant une partie au moins de la zone ainsi que la caméra déterminée, matérialisée au niveau de sa position géographique, et de communiquer ces données d'image à l'écran afin qu'il affiche l'image qu'elles définissent. Ainsi, si un usager sélectionne la caméra qui est affichée sur l'écran, l'application peut requérir, via les moyens de communication radio et via le réseau de communication radio, qu'on lui transmette les images vidéo acquises par cette caméra sélectionnée, afin de les communiquer à l'écran en vue de leur affichage ;
• il peut comprendre les moyens de communication radio ;
• il peut comprendre l'écran.

The device according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

• its application can be responsible for searching the cameras, in cooperation with the radio communication means, in storage means storing camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions and accessible via the radio communication network;
• alternatively, its application may be responsible for searching the cameras in local storage means storing camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions;
  ➢ he can understand these local storage means;
• its application can be loaded, when it has determined a camera, to generate image data representing at least part of the area as well as the determined camera, materialized at its geographical position, and to communicate this data of image on the screen so that it displays the image they define. Thus, if a user selects the camera that is displayed on the screen, the application may require, via the radio communication means and via the radio communication network, that the video images acquired by this selected camera are transmitted to it, to communicate on the screen for display;
• he can understand the means of radio communication;
• he can understand the screen.

The invention also proposes a method dedicated to the supply of video images to a satellite guidance application implanted in a motor vehicle and capable of delivering image data representative of guidance information for a display screen.

This method is characterized in that it consists in determining the current geographical position of the motor vehicle with the application, then determining if there is at least one camera capable of acquiring live video images in the area which includes the location corresponding to the determined position and to transmit these video images acquired via a communication network, and if so to require the transmission to the application of the video images acquired by at least one determined cameras, via a radio communication network, to display them on the screen.

• on peut rechercher les caméras avec l'application dans des moyens de stockage stockant des identifiants de caméra en correspondance de positions géographiques et accessibles via le réseau de communication radio;
• en variante, on peut rechercher les caméras avec l'application dans des moyens de stockage locaux dans lesquels sont stockés des identifiants de caméra en correspondance de positions géographiques;
• en cas de détermination d'une caméra, on peut générer avec l'application des données d'image qui représentent une partie au moins de la zone ainsi que la caméra déterminée, matérialisée au niveau de sa position géographique, et on peut communiquer ces données d'image à l'écran afin qu'il affiche l'image qu'elles définissent. Ainsi, si un usager sélectionne la caméra qui est affichée sur l'écran, on peut requérir la transmission à l'application des images vidéo acquises par cette caméra sélectionnée, via le réseau de communication radio, afin de les afficher sur l'écran.

The method according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

• the cameras can be searched with the application in storage means storing camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions and accessible via the radio communication network;
• alternatively, the cameras can be searched with the application in local storage means in which camera identifiers are stored in correspondence of geographical positions;
• in case of determination of a camera, it is possible to generate with the application image data which represent at least part of the area as well as the determined camera, materialized at its geographical position, and these data can be communicated. on the screen so that it displays the image they define. Thus, if a user selects the camera that is displayed on the screen, it is possible to request the transmission to the application of the video images acquired by this selected camera, via the radio communication network, in order to display them on the screen.

• la figure 1 illustre de façon très schématique une intersection d'une ville où se trouvent implantées deux caméras et qui est constituée par quatre extrémités de rues dans lesquelles sont garées ou circulent des véhicules automobiles qui pour certains sont équipés d'un dispositif de guidage par satellites selon l'invention, et
• la figure 2 illustre de façon très schématique et fonctionnelle un exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif de guidage par satellites selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 illustrates very schematically an intersection of a city where two cameras are located and which is constituted by four ends of streets in which are parked or circulate motor vehicles which for some are equipped with a device of satellite guide according to l invention, and
• the figure 2 illustrates very schematically and functionally an embodiment of a satellite guide device according to the invention.

The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any.

The object of the invention is to provide drivers of motor vehicles with video images of areas in which they are located, in order to facilitate and secure their circulation.

In the following, we consider as a non-limiting example that motor vehicles are cars. But, the invention is not limited to this type of motor vehicle. It concerns indeed any type of motor vehicle that can receive a satellite guide device, including buses, coaches, trucks and motorcycles.

We have schematically illustrated on the figure 1 , an intersection between four streets A, B, C and E of a city, in each of which are parked cars VG and / or cars Vi (here i = 1 to 3). A first V1 car traveling in Street A has just reached the intersection. A second V2 car traveling on B Street has just reached the intersection. A third V3 car traveling on C Street will soon reach the intersection.

The invention proposes to equip vehicles (here cars) with a satellite guide device D. The latter (D) can be a portable and autonomous equipment that is installed in the car (or on a motorcycle) possibly detachably, or a fixed equipment that is integrated into the car (for example in what the skilled person calls the handset).

Therefore, according to its embodiment, the device D according to the invention can be realized in the form of electronic circuits, software modules (or computer), or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

A satellite guide device D according to the invention comprises at least one AG satellite-guidance application capable of determining the current geographical position of its car Vi and of delivering, for an EC display screen, image data. which are representative of guidance information, such as, for example, road maps, plans, road information (in particular kilometers), positions of centers (or points) of interest (with any information describing them) and tracks).

It is important to note that the screen EC can be part of either the device D, as is the case in the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. figure 2 either of the Vi car (for example from his handset).

Moreover, the device D must be able to connect to a radio communication network R capable of transmitting video image streams. To do so, it can either have its own radio communication module MC, as is the case in the non-limiting example illustrated on the figure 2 or use a radio communication module (local) that is implanted in its car Vi (in this case, it must be coupled to this local radio communication module).

According to the invention, when the application AG has determined the current geographical position of its car Vi, it then determines whether there is at least one video camera Cj capable not only of acquiring live video images in the area which includes the place that corresponds to this determined position, but also to transmit the video images that it acquires via a communication network.

It is important to note that the dimensions of the area which includes the place where the vehicle Vi is located can be either fixed (predefined) or configurable (for example by the driver).

It is also important to note that the communication network to which a camera Cj is connected can be of any type, wired or wireless, provided that it has the resources to transmit live video image data in the form of packets, for example in MPEG2 or MPEG4 (or similar) format, and that it has a connection to a radio (communication) network (if it is not the radio network to which the device D).

In the non-limiting example illustrated on the figure 2 it is considered that the communication network to which the cameras Cj (here j = 1 or 2) are connected is the same radio network R as that to which the device D can connect. But, it is conceivable that the cameras Cj are connected to a wired network, for example of the ADSL type, having a connection with the network radio R to which the devices D. can connect.

It is also important to note that any type of video camera Cj capable of transmitting live video image data over a communication network can be envisaged, and especially those called "web-cams" which are connected to the Internet. ). These cameras (video) Cj may belong to private individuals (who use it for example to ensure continuous monitoring of the external areas in front of their respective buildings, street side, and especially at the entrances / exits of parking) or companies or administrative services specialized in the surveillance of places or buildings (or premises) or car parks. They can therefore be fixed on any type of support, and in particular on building facades or poles. Of course, only Cj cameras belonging to natural or legal persons who have authorized the collective use of the video images they acquire can be taken into account.

The search cameras Cj can be done in at least two ways.

In a first way, the application AG searches the cameras Cj in external storage means MS2 which store camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions and which are accessible via the radio network R. It will be understood that this research is done in cooperation with the radio communication module MC since it requires access to the radio network R.

These external storage means MS2 may be in any form known to those skilled in the art, including a memory or a database. As illustrated on the figure 1 they may for example be installed in an information server SI which is connected directly or indirectly (via another communication network) to the radio network R and which is accessible to the users of the devices D.

In a second way, the application AG searches the cameras Cj in local storage means MS1 which store camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions.

Here "local storage means" means storage means which are part of the device D, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , or who are locally accessible (in vehicle Vi).

Again, these local storage means MS1 can be in any form known to those skilled in the art, including a memory or a database or a storage medium such as a CD-ROM .

It will be noted that the local storage means MS1 may for example constitute the source of map information of the device D, that is to say the source of the data defining the road maps, the plans, the traffic information, the positions of the centers. (or points) of interest, and information describing the areas of interest.

For example, the information relating to the cameras Cj (identifiers / geographical positions) can be stored among the data of the centers (or points) of interest.

The camera identifiers are communication identifiers, such as a location in the network of Internet networks, such as a URL ("Uniform Resource Locator"), or a resource identifier on a network, such as a SIP URI. ("Session Initiation Protocol - Uniform Resource Identifier"). These identifiers are intended to allow access to the streams of video images that are delivered by the cameras Cj, which does not necessarily mean that they allow communication with said cameras Cj. Indeed, it is conceivable that the streams delivered by a set of cameras are addressed by the latter to a dedicated central server which is then responsible for transmitting some of them to authorized D devices that sent him a request designating them. It can also be envisaged that once the connection is established between a camera Cj and a device D the transmission of the video images is done directly between them via (at least) the radio network R (this is possible in particular when the camera identifiers are SIP URI type).

In either of the two ways, the search consists in determining all the camera identifiers that are stored in correspondence of a geographical position that is included in the area containing the car Vi.

If the application AG has determined at least one camera Cj which is located in the zone of its car Vi, it requires, via the radio communication module MC and via the radio communication network R to which its device D can connect ( or its vehicle Vi), which is transmitted to it the video images acquired by at least one of the determined cameras.

It will be understood that the type of request used to access the images of a camera Cj depends on the type of camera identifier that is associated with the geographical position of this camera Cj.

Thus, it may for example be a request of the type "INVITE SIP URI", which is taken into account by a core network type IMS. The camera Cj, designated by the SIP URI contained in the INVITE request, is then considered as an IMS client to which the IMS core sends the INVITE request. Upon receipt of this INVITE request the camera Cj transmits its video image stream to the device D which generated said INVITE request. This solution is advantageous because it makes it possible to configure the camera Cj so that it only transmits its stream of video images to the devices D of certain client users (which can be particularly useful when it is a question of a private camera).

In one variant, the request may for example be of the "Get URL" type. In this case, the camera Cj may for example integrate a server, or as mentioned above, its stream may be accessible at a server. Upon receipt of this request GET URL the camera Cj (or the server that manages its flow) transmits its stream of video images to the device D which generated said request GET URL.

When the AG application receives the data streams that define the video images, it can communicate them to the EC screen so that it can display them live. The driver of the vehicle Vi can then observe live images that are acquired by one or more cameras Cj which are located in its vicinity, and thus act on his vehicle Vi according to what he observes.

It should be noted that the video images of a determined camera Cj can do not be systematically and automatically required to this camera Cj (or server that manages its flow). Indeed, one can consider the two-step process described below.

In a first step, once the application AG has determined one or more camera Cj in the area of its vehicle Vi, it can for example generate image data which represent at least part of this area and each camera Cj determined, materialized at the level of its geographical position. It then communicates this image data to the EC screen so that it displays the image they define.

The driver of the vehicle Vi can then observe on the EC screen the map of the area in which it is located and on which materialized streets and cameras Cj determined. This is schematically illustrated on the figure 2 . The map that is represented on the EC screen of the figure 2 corresponds to the area that includes the intersection shown on the figure 1 . The four streets A, B, C and E, as well as cameras C1 and C2, which are located at the corner of B and E, and A and C respectively, can be identified.

In a second step, the driver must select one of the cameras Cj displayed on the EC screen in order to be able to view live on it the video images it acquires. This selection can for example be done using an HMI human machine interface (button, mouse or touch screen, for example), which is part of the device D, as is the case in the non-limiting example. illustrated on the figure 2 , or equipment of the car Vi (such as his handset).

Once the driver has selected a camera Cj, the application AG is informed and requires, via the radio communication module MC and via the radio network R, that it transmits the video images acquired by the selected camera, so communicate them to the EC screen for display. One can consider simultaneous display, for example in different windows of the EC screen, video images provided by several cameras Cj selected by the driver.

In the case of the example illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 , the driver of vehicle V1 can for example decide to select only the first camera C1 if it plans to turn right in the street C. Indeed, only this first camera C1 can provide him with video images of what is happening in the street B in which a potentially dangerous car (here V2) can circulate if its driver does not respect the priority on the right.

On the other hand, if the driver of the vehicle V1 wants to continue straight (towards the street E) or turn to the left in the street B, it is useful that he selects the two cameras C1 and C2. Indeed, the first camera C1 can provide video images of what is happening in the street B in which a car (here V2) potentially dangerous if his driver does not respect the priority on the right, and the second camera C2 can provide him with video images of what is happening in the street C in which a car can move (here V3) vis-à-vis which it must respect the priority on the right.

Note that the invention may also allow the driver of a car to view video images of areas in which he plans to pass. To do this, it can for example select a zone by means of the HMI man-machine interface so that its device D provides the EC screen with a map of this zone materializing the positions of the cameras Cj selectable it contains. Then, the driver can select at least one of the cameras displayed to view the traffic in the area he has selected. He may then decide to change the route he planned to take if he feels that the area is too crowded.

It is important to note that the invention can also be considered from the point of view of a method for supplying video images to a satellite-based guidance application AG, which can in particular be implemented by means of a guiding device. by satellite D presented above. The functionalities offered by the implementation of the method according to the invention being identical to those offered by the device D presented above, only the combination of main features offered by the method is presented below.

This method of providing video images is to determine the current geographical position of a motor vehicle Vi with an AG satellite guidance application that it understands, and then to determine whether it there is at least one camera Cj suitable for acquiring live video images in the area that includes the location corresponding to this determined position and for transmitting the video images acquired via a communication network, and if so to request transmission to the application AG video images acquired by at least one of the determined cameras, via a radio communication network R, for display on an EC screen installed in the vehicle Vi.

The invention is not limited to the satellite guide device embodiments and video image delivery method described above, only by way of example, but encompasses all variants that may be contemplated by humans. of the art in the context of the claims below.

Claims (11)

A method of providing video images to a satellite guidance application (AG) implanted in a motor vehicle (Vi) and capable of delivering image data representative of guidance information for a display screen (EC), characterized in that it consists in determining the current geographical position of the motor vehicle with said application (AG), then in determining if there is at least one camera (Cj) suitable for acquiring live video images in the zone including the location corresponding to said determined position and to transmit said video images acquired via a communication network, and in the affirmative to request the transmission to said application (AG) of the video images acquired by at least one of the determined cameras, via a radio communication network (R), in order to display them on said screen (EC). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said cameras (Cj) are searched with said application (AG) in storage means (MS2) storing camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions and accessible via said communication network radio (R). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said cameras (Cj) are searched for with said application (AG) in local storage means (MS1) in which camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions are stored. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the case of determination of a camera (Cj), i) image data representing at least part of said image are generated with said application (AG). zone and said determined camera (Cj) materialized at its geographical position and this image data is communicated to said screen (EC) so that it displays the image which they define, and ii) in case of selection of said camera (Cj) materialized by a user, it is required to transmit to said application (AG) video images acquired by this selected camera, via said radio communication network (R), in order to display them on said screen (EC). A satellite guidance device for a motor vehicle (Vi) comprising a satellite-guided application (AG) for determining the current geographical position of said motor vehicle (Vi) and for delivering image data representative of guidance information to a display screen (EC), characterized in that said application (AG) is arranged, in case of determination of the current geographical position of the motor vehicle (Vi), to determine if there is at least one camera (Cj) adapted to acquire live video images in the area including the location corresponding to said determined position and to transmit said video images acquired via a communication network, and if so to request, via radio communication means (MC) and via a radio communication network (R), to transmit to it the video images acquired by at least one of the determined cameras, in order to communicate them to udit screen (EC) for display. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said application (AG) is arranged to search for said cameras (Cj), in cooperation with said radio communication means (MC), in storage means (MS2) storing camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions and accessible via said radio communication network (R). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said application (AG) is arranged to search for said cameras (Cj) in local storage means (MS1) storing camera identifiers in correspondence of geographical positions. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises said local storage means (MS1). Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said application (AG) is arranged, in case of determination of a camera (Cj), to generate image data representing at least part of said area and said determined camera (Cj) materialized at its geographical position, and for communicating said image data to said screen (EC) in order to that it displays the image that they define, and in case of selection of said camera (Cj) materialized by a user, to request, via said radio communication means (MC) and via said radio communication network (R) , that video images acquired by this selected camera are transmitted to it, in order to communicate them to said screen (EC) for display. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that it comprises said radio communication means (MC). Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that it comprises said screen (EC).

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