EP3080790B1 - Device for detecting the presence of a piece of wireless communication equipment in a vehicle that is being left by the driver of same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to non-wired communication equipment that may be temporarily present in vehicles, and more specifically to the warning of a person when he forgets his wireless communication equipment in a vehicle.

Today, many people have wireless communication equipment that they carry with them in their vehicle to connect to their communication module and / or their power network (to recharge it). When these people leave their vehicles, they sometimes forget their wireless communication equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Several solutions have been proposed to warn people of their forgetfulness.

Thus, it has been proposed in the patent document FR 2971877 to equip the vehicle with a charging device coupled to its power supply network and intended to allow the recharging of a wireless communication equipment and to warn, with means of signaling the latter or the vehicle, when the wireless communication equipment is no longer charging and its user decides to leave the vehicle.

This solution requires that the vehicle is equipped with a specific loading device and can alert the user leaving the vehicle only in case of interruption of a recharge phase following the engine stop. Therefore, it requires an adaptation of the vehicle, and when the non-wired communication equipment does not interact with the charging device, the user can not be warned, which is quite common.

It was also proposed to alert the user when the connection Bluetooth between its wireless communication equipment and other communication equipment is interrupted. This solution, which is not dedicated to vehicles, causes the user to be alerted every time he leaves his vehicle because the Bluetooth connection is interrupted, regardless of whether or not he has forgotten his equipment. non-wired communication in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This can be inconvenient, especially for users who rarely forget their wireless communication equipment in their vehicle. In addition, this solution can not alert the user when the wireless communication equipment is only charging and has not established a Bluetooth connection with other communication equipment of the vehicle. GB2502590 discloses a device comprising a first detector for a detector that a driver leaves his vehicle, and a second detector for detecting that his mobile equipment is connected to the vehicle. An alert is generated according to the state of detections. The invention is therefore particularly intended to improve the situation.

• des moyens de détection agencés pour détecter une déconnexion de l'équipement de communication du module de communication et/ou du réseau d'alimentation électrique et un début de départ de la personne du poste de conduite, et
• des moyens de contrôle agencés pour fournir une information de déplacement dudit équipement de communication et pour provoquer la génération d'au moins un message d'alerte par l'équipement de communication lorsque ce dernier n'est pas déplacé pendant une durée prédéfinie suivant cette détection.

It proposes for this purpose a detection device, intended to be part of a non-wired communication equipment of a person adapted to settle in a driving position of a vehicle comprising a communication module and a network of power supply to which this communication equipment is adapted to connect, and comprising:

• detection means arranged to detect a disconnection of the communication equipment of the communication module and / or the power supply network and a start of departure of the person from the driving position, and
• control means arranged to provide information for moving said communication equipment and to cause the generation of at least one alert message by the communication equipment when the latter is not moved for a predefined period following this detection .

Thus, the detection device causes the generation of at least one alert signal by its communication equipment only under the triple condition that the communication equipment is not moved in the vehicle, that it is no longer connected to it and that its user is leaving this vehicle. If the user uses his communication equipment while he starts a departure from the vehicle, no alarm is generated.

• ses moyens de détection peuvent être agencés pour détecter un début de départ de la personne du poste de conduite par détection d'un événement choisi parmi (au moins) un déverrouillage d'une ceinture de sécurité associée au poste de conduite, une ouverture d'une porte du véhicule donnant accès au poste de conduite, un départ de la personne d'un siège du véhicule sur lequel elle était assise dans le poste de conduite, un arrêt de diffusion de sons issus d'une source sonore du véhicule, et un allumage d'un éclairage interne du véhicule ;
• la durée prédéfinie peut être comprise entre environ 1 seconde et environ 3 secondes ;
• ses moyens de contrôle peuvent être agencés pour provoquer la génération par l'équipement de communication d'au moins un message d'alerte choisi parmi (au moins) un signal sonore, un message de synthèse préenregistré, des vibrations, et une animation visuelle ;
• ses moyens de contrôle peuvent être agencés pour provoquer la génération d'au moins un message d'alerte par l'équipement de communication de façon répétée un nombre de fois prédéfini et selon une périodicité prédéfinie.

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

• its detection means can be arranged to detect a start of departure of the person from the driving position by detecting an event selected from (at least) an unlocking of a seat belt associated with the driving position, an opening of a door of the vehicle giving access to the driving position, a departure of the person from a seat of the vehicle on which she was seated in the driving position, a stop of broadcasting of sounds coming from a sound source of the vehicle, and a ignition of an internal lighting of the vehicle;
• the predefined duration can be from about 1 second to about 3 seconds;
• its control means can be arranged to cause the communication equipment to generate at least one alert message selected from (at least) a sound signal, a pre-recorded summary message, vibrations, and a visual animation;
• its control means can be arranged to cause the generation of at least one alert message by the communication equipment repeatedly a predefined number of times and according to a predefined periodicity.

The invention also proposes a non-wired communication equipment, intended to be used by a person able to settle in a driving station of a vehicle comprising a communication module and a power supply network to which it is specific to connect, and comprising a detection device of the type of that presented above.

Such equipment may, for example, be selected from (at least) a mobile phone, a laptop and an electronic tablet.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawing, in which the single figure illustrates schematically and functionally, a vehicle in which is temporarily embarked communication equipment non-wired device comprising an exemplary embodiment of a detection device according to the invention.

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a detection device D intended to enable the detection of the omission of an equipment of non-wired EC communication in a vehicle V when the driver leaves the latter (V) without him (EC).

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V is automotive type. This is for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It concerns any type of land vehicle, maritime (or fluvial) or air, since it includes a driving position that can accommodate at least one person and having an on-board communication module and a network of power supply.

Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, the communication equipment EC (non-wired) is a mobile phone (or mobile), possibly intelligent type (or "smartphone"). But the invention is not limited to this type of communication equipment. It concerns indeed any type of communication equipment, portable or mobile, and can communicate by wave or wired, with a communication module embedded in a vehicle. Thus, it may also be an electronic tablet or a laptop, for example.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle V comprising a communication module MCN and an electrical power supply network RA, and in which a communication equipment (non-wired) EC is temporarily embarked, comprising an exemplary embodiment of the invention. a detection device D according to the invention.

This (non-wired) communication equipment EC is used by a person (not shown) who has settled in the driver's cab of the vehicle V, on the seat SC dedicated to the driver. Moreover, this communication equipment EC is arranged so as to communicate with the communication module MCN, by wire or by wave, and possibly be connected to the power supply network RA (via a connector adapted to this purpose). effect) especially for recharging its battery.

For example, the communication equipment EC and the communication module MCN can communicate with each other by waves according to the Bluetooth standard. But other standards of short-range communication can be used, including WiFi (or WiFi-SD ("Short Distance")) and NFC ("Near Field Communication"). Moreover, in an alternative embodiment the connection between the communication equipment EC and the communication module MCN could be of wired type.

Note that the MCN communication module may optionally provide a connection to a wireless network of an operator.

Also for example, the communication equipment EC can be connected to the power supply network RA via a cable and a socket located in the passenger compartment H of the vehicle V (which here comprises the control station PC). By way of example, and as illustrated without limitation, this socket can be located in a center console CC which is installed in the passenger compartment H between the driver's seat SC and the front passenger seat. But in an alternative embodiment the connection between the communication equipment EC and the power supply network RA could be done by induction thanks to a charger located in the passenger compartment H of the vehicle V and connected to the power supply network RA .

As illustrated in the single figure, a detection device D according to the invention comprises at least detection means MD and control means MC.

Such a detection device D is installed in the communication equipment EC. Therefore, it can be realized in the form of software modules (or computer or "software"), or a combination of electronic circuits (or "hardware") and software modules. Note that when it is exclusively realized in the form of software modules, it can constitute a computer program or an application that can automatically turn into an EC communication equipment once it has been selected by the user of the latter ( EC). Such an application can, for example, be downloaded into the communication equipment EC via a communication network.

The detection means MD are arranged to detect a disconnection of the communication equipment EC (embedded (here in the DC central console) and here used by the driver) of the MCN communication module and / or the power supply network RA, and a starting start of the driver of the PC operator station.

It will be understood that the disconnection detection can result here either from a communication interruption between the communication equipment EC and the communication module MCN, due to the driver stopping the motor (for example because of the withdrawal of the ignition key (possibly electronic)), either of a power supply interruption of the communication equipment EC by the power supply network RA, because of the stopping of the motor by the driver, or else of a communication interruption between the communication equipment EC and the communication module MCN and an interruption of supply of the communication equipment EC by the electrical power supply network RA, because of the stopping of the engine by the driver. This detection results from the obtaining by the detection means MD, on request or automatically (by programming), connection information (communication or supply) which are accessible in the communication equipment EC.

The detection of a starting start of the driver of the PC operator station can be done in different ways, possibly combinable, according to the design options of the detection device D.

• le déverrouillage de la ceinture de sécurité associée au poste de conduite PC (et donc ici au siège conducteur SC). Ce déverrouillage peut être soit déduit par un équipement embarqué (par exemple un capteur) du véhicule V (suite à la fin de la coopération du pêne de la ceinture de sécurité avec la boucle de verrouillage associée) puis signalé par un message dédié à l'équipement de communication EC, via le module de communication MCN, soit déduit par le module de détection MD du bruit caractéristique qu'induit le déverrouillage du pêne de la ceinture de sécurité et qui est enregistré dans l'habitacle H par un microphone de l'équipement de communication EC,
• l'ouverture de la porte PA du véhicule V qui donne accès au poste de conduite PC. Cette ouverture peut être soit détectée par un capteur d'ouverture de porte du véhicule V, puis signalé par un message dédié à l'équipement de communication EC, via le module de communication MCN, soit déduite par le module de détection MD du bruit caractéristique qu'elle induit et qui est enregistré dans l'habitacle H par un microphone de l'équipement de communication EC,
• le départ de la personne du siège conducteur SC du véhicule V sur lequel elle était assise dans le poste de conduite PC. Ce départ peut être soit détecté par un capteur de présence qui est installé dans l'assise du siège conducteur SC du véhicule V, puis signalé par un message dédié à l'équipement de communication EC, via le module de communication MCN, soit déduit par le module de détection MD d'images qui sont prises par des moyens d'acquisition d'images de l'équipement de communication EC (lorsque ce dernier est placé dans une position lui permettant d'observer le poste de conduite PC),
• l'arrêt de la diffusion de sons issus d'une source sonore du véhicule V, comme par exemple un autoradio. Cet arrêt peut être déduit par le module de détection MD de l'évolution des sons enregistrés dans l'habitacle H par un microphone de l'équipement de communication EC,
• l'allumage d'un éclairage interne du véhicule V, provoqué par l'ouverture d'une porte ou l'arrêt du moteur par le conducteur. Cet allumage peut être soit signalé par un message dédié à l'équipement de communication EC, via le module de communication MCN, soit déduit par le module de détection MD d'images qui sont prises par des moyens d'acquisition d'images de l'équipement de communication EC.

For example, the detection means MD may be arranged to detect a starting start of the driver of the PC operator station by detecting at least one of the following event examples:

• unlocking the safety belt associated with the PC operator station (and thus here at the driver's seat SC). This unlocking can be either deduced by an on-board equipment (for example a sensor) of the vehicle V (following the end of the cooperation of the safety belt bolt with the associated locking loop) and then signaled by a message dedicated to the communication equipment EC, via the communication module MCN, is deduced by the detection module MD of the characteristic noise that induces the unlocking of the bolt of the safety belt and which is recorded in the cockpit H by a microphone of the EC communication equipment,
• the opening of the door PA of the vehicle V which gives access to the cockpit PC. This opening can be detected by a door opening sensor of the vehicle V, then indicated by a message dedicated to the communication equipment EC, via the communication module MCN, or deduced by the detection module MD of the characteristic noise. that it induces and which is recorded in the cockpit H by a microphone of the communication equipment EC,
• the departure of the person from the driver's seat SC of the vehicle V on which she was sitting in the cockpit PC. This departure can be either detected by a presence sensor which is installed in the seat of the driver's seat SC of the vehicle V, then indicated by a message dedicated to the communication equipment EC, via the communication module MCN, or deduced by the image detection module MD which is taken by image acquisition means of the communication equipment EC (when the latter is placed in a position enabling it to observe the PC operator station),
• stopping the broadcast of sounds from a sound source of the vehicle V, such as a car radio. This stop can be deduced by the detection module MD of the evolution of the sounds recorded in the passenger compartment H by a microphone of the communication equipment EC,
• the lighting of an internal lighting of the vehicle V, caused by the opening of a door or the stopping of the engine by the driver. This ignition can be either indicated by a message dedicated to the communication equipment EC, via the communication module MCN, or deduced by the detection module MD images that are taken by image acquisition means of the computer. EC communication equipment.

It will be noted that the information contained in the dedicated messages is provided to the communication equipment EC, via the communication module MCN, just before the communication between the communication equipment EC and the communication module MCN is interrupted. . Depending on the mode of operation of the vehicle V, this interruption occurs just after, or a few seconds after, stopping the engine by the driver.

The control means MC are arranged to cause the generating at least one alert message by the communication equipment EC when the latter EC is not moved for a predefined duration dp immediately following the double or triple detection performed by the detection means MD.

Thus, it is only if the communication equipment EC is not moved in the vehicle V, even though it is no longer connected to the vehicle V and that its user is leaving the latter (V ), that the detection device D causes the generation of at least one alert signal by its communication equipment EC.

If the user uses his communication equipment EC while he starts a departure of the vehicle V, no alarm is generated.

The displacement information is provided to the detection device D, on request or automatically (programmatically), by a displacement detection module forming part of its communication equipment EC, such as for example a gyroscope, a gyroscope or an accelerometer. In a non-preferential variant, this displacement information could be obtained at the request of the user / driver.

Note that the predefined duration dp may, for example, be between about 1 second and about 3 seconds, so that the driver / user can be notified of his forgetfulness before he left the cockpit H and that he has closed the door PA allowing access to the PC operator's station.

• un signal sonore, tel qu'un signal d'alarme ou un signal dédié, éventuellement musical, destiné à être diffusé par un haut-parleur de l'équipement de communication EC,
• un message de synthèse préenregistré, comme par exemple « vous oubliez votre portable », destiné à être diffusé par un haut-parleur de l'équipement de communication EC,
• des vibrations, éventuellement dédiées ou bien identiques à celles produites en cas de réception d'un appel entrant, et
• une animation visuelle destinée à être affichée sur un écran de l'équipement de communication EC, comme par exemple une imagette de smartphone attirant l'attention par grossissement et/ou clignotement, éventuellement accompagnée d'un message textuel d'avertissement de type « vous oubliez votre portable ».

For example, the control means MC may be arranged to provoke the generation by the communication equipment EC of at least one alert message chosen from at least:

• an audible signal, such as an alarm signal or a dedicated, possibly musical, signal intended to be broadcast by a loudspeaker of the communication equipment EC,
• a pre-recorded summary message, such as for example "you forget your mobile phone", intended to be broadcast by a loudspeaker of the communication equipment EC,
• vibrations, possibly dedicated or identical to those produced upon receipt of an incoming call, and
• a visual animation intended to be displayed on a screen of the communication equipment EC, such as for example a smartphone thumbnail attracting attention by magnification and / or blinking, possibly accompanied by a text message warning type "you forget your cell phone.

It will also be noted that the control means MC may possibly be arranged to cause the generation of at least one alert message by the communication equipment EC repeatedly for a predefined number of times and according to a predefined periodicity. For example, they can cause three times the repetition of at least one alert message three or five seconds apart, possibly by imposing a gradual increase in the broadcast volume.

The invention avoids having to modify or equip a vehicle, which allows its use in any driving position of any vehicle when the user has a wireless communication equipment provided with a detection device.

Claims (7)

1. A detection device (D) intended to be installed in a piece of wireless communication equipment (EC) of a person able to sit in a driving position (PC) of a vehicle (V) including a communication module (MCN) and an electric power network (RA) to which said communication equipment (EC) is capable of being connected, characterized in that it includes i) detection means (MD) arranged to detect a disconnection of said communication equipment (EC) from said communication module (MCN) and/or from said electric power network (RA) and a start of the departure of said person from said driving position (PC), and ii) control means (MC) arranged to provide information concerning the movement of said communication equipment (EC) and to trigger the generation of at least one warning message by said communication equipment (EC) when the latter (EC) is not moved for a predefined period following said detection.
2. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that said detection means (MD) are arranged to detect a start of the departure of said person from said driving position by detection of an event selected from a group including at least an unlocking of a safety belt associated with said driving position (PC), an opening of a door of said vehicle (V) giving access to said driving position (PC), a departure of said person from a seat of said vehicle (V) on which he/she was sitting in said driving position (PC), a stopping of diffusion of sounds originating from a sound source of said vehicle (V), and an ignition of an internal lighting of said vehicle (V).
3. The device according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said predefined period is comprised between approximately 1 second and approximately 3 seconds.
4. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said control means (MC) are arranged to trigger the generation by said communication equipment (EC) of at least one warning message selected from a group including at least one sound signal, a pre-recorded synthesis message, vibrations, and a visual animation.
5. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said control means (MC) are arranged to trigger the generation of at least one warning message by said communication equipment (EC) in a repeated manner a predefined number of times and according to a predefined periodicity.
6. A piece of wireless communication equipment (EC) for a person able to sit in a driving position (PC) of a vehicle (V) including a communication module (MCN) and an electric power network (RA) to which said communication equipment (EC) is capable of being connected, characterized in that it includes a detection device (D) according to one of the preceding claims.
7. The piece of equipment according to Claim 6, characterized in that it is selected from a group including at least one mobile telephone, a laptop computer and an electronic tablet.

Images