FR3053488A1 - CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL INTERFACE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensory feedback control method for a control interface for a motor vehicle, the control interface comprising a touch surface (2), comprising the following steps: - at least one displacement parameter of a pointing element (3) on the touch surface (2) in the direction of a target boundary (6) of the touch surface (2), a provisional time window is determined in which the crossing of the target boundary is provided ( 6) by the pointing element (3) taking into account the displacement parameter of the pointing element (3) in the direction of the target boundary (6), - an instant before the predicted time window is calculated for the emission of a sensory feedback generation command taking into account the determined crossing time window, - a generation command of at least one sensory feedback is issued at the instant to generate a sensory feedback in the predicted temporal window, in order to avoid a temporal shift between the perception of the sensory feedback and the crossing of the target boundary (6). The invention also relates to a control interface for a motor vehicle configured to implement such a control method.

Description

Holder (s): DAV Simplified joint stock company.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): VALEO COMFORT AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE.

104 / CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL INTERFACE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE.

FR 3 053 488 - A1 (5 // The invention relates to a sensory feedback control method for a control interface for a motor vehicle, the control interface comprising a tactile surface (2), comprising the following steps:

- at least one displacement parameter of a pointing element (3) is detected on the touch surface (2) in the direction of a target border (6) of the touch surface (2), a forecast time window is determined at during which the target element (3) crosses the target border (6) taking into account the parameter of displacement of the pointing element (3) towards the target border (6),

- an instant is calculated, prior to the forecast time window for the emission of a sensory feedback generation command, taking into account the determined crossing time window,

- a command is generated to generate at least one sensory feedback at the instant to generate a sensory feedback in the determined forecast time window, in order to avoid a time lag between the perception of the sensory feedback and the crossing of the target border (6).

The invention also relates to a control interface for a motor vehicle configured to implement such a control method.

-1 Control method and control interface for a motor vehicle

The present invention relates to a control method in particular for a motor vehicle allowing the generation of at least one sensory feedback to a user via a control interface such as a man-machine interface. The invention also relates to an interface configured for the implementation of at least certain steps of such a control method.

In recent years, motor vehicles, in particular cars, have become easier to handle with the appearance of new emerging technologies (for example power steering, ABS, cruise control, reversing radar etc ...) resulting in an increase in number of functions to control while driving.

The car has become a real living space, perceived as a personal and interconnected communication center: with for example the MP3 player, the GPS, the connection with mobile phones. The introduction of these new functions results in an increase in the number of buttons on the dashboard of a car cockpit. However, the number of buttons cannot be increased ad infinitum, due in particular to the complexity created, the limited space, accessibility or cognitive load. In addition, the driver's interaction with the on-board systems in the car can produce a situation of attention overload in which the driver may not process all the information of the driving task at best, resulting in errors and a time delay. longer detection.

One possibility is to centralize the buttons by replacing them at least in part with a touch surface such as a touch screen or a touch screen. This allows to continue to increase the number of functions, these becoming programmable and reconfigurable and exposed temporarily or permanently depending on the context or the activated function. The tactile surface thus includes a possibility of multifunctionality, while dematerializing the buttons. Touch screens are more customizable. In addition, touch screens have three other major advantages: on the one hand they allow direct interaction (co-location of the display and input), on the other hand they are flexible (the display can be easily configured for a certain number of functions), and finally they are intuitive (familiar interaction method such as "pointing" for example).

-2However, unlike the case of a push button, when the driver interacts with a touch surface such as a touch screen, he receives no feedback directly related to his action on the interface, other than the simple contact of his finger crashing onto the touchpad.

In order to compensate for the loss of information caused by the substitution of conventional mechanical control devices by tactile surfaces such as touch screens, it is known to add one or more sensory feedbacks, such as haptic feedback, to provide feedback. from the system to the user. This feedback avoids the possible ambiguity of taking into account the action of the user by the system, which may encourage the occurrence of dangerous situations.

Thus, it is known to vibrate a tactile surface to make a haptic feedback informing for example the user of the taking into account of an order.

One possible application of haptic feedback is, for example, to vibrate the tactile surface when crossing a target border. By "target border" is meant a delimitation on the tactile surface haptically not detectable between two functional areas.

As an example, a first zone can be provided for controlling a first function, such as for example lowering the volume of an audio system, and a second adjacent zone for controlling a second function, for example increasing the volume.

As the touch surface is smooth, the passage between the two zones cannot be detected by a user's finger.

To overcome this drawback, it is possible to generate a haptic feedback on the tactile surface intended to materialize the target border between the two zones, so that the user can orient himself on the tactile surface even without looking at it.

To visually materialize the border between two zones, the tactile surface is generally associated with a screen placed behind the tactile surface and which displays pictograms associated with the control zones. It is therefore important that the haptic feedback is synchronized with the passage of the control finger between the two zones.

However, between the detection of the user's finger and the effective generation of a haptic feedback signal, there is a hardly compressible delay of approximately 20 ms. As a result, when the finger or the stylus in contact with the tactile surface moves, this delay can induce a difference

-3between the crossing of the target border at an instant ti and the place where the haptic feedback is then felt when the user has continued his movement at the instant t2 This shift can be disconcerting for the user because there is no no more correspondence between the visual displayed on the screen and the haptic feedback.

In other words, the finger or the stylus is located elsewhere than at the place where the haptic feedback signal is felt, for example elsewhere than on a border delimiting a virtual key or a virtual control button, when the haptic feedback signal is issued. This time difference can be even greater than the speed of movement of the finger or the stylus is important.

To improve the situation, one solution would be to use faster electronic processing means, making it possible to minimize this time difference between the position of the finger or the stylus on a target border of the tactile surface, for example a border crossing. between two areas of the tactile surface, and the perception of the sensory feedback signal such as a haptic feedback. However, such a solution would be too costly for the automotive industry.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a control method and an associated control interface, making it possible to at least partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by generating a sensory feedback perceived at an opportune moment.

To this end, the subject of the present invention is a method of sensory feedback control for a control interface for a motor vehicle, the control interface comprising a tactile surface, comprising the following steps:

at least one parameter of displacement of a pointing element on the tactile surface is detected in the direction of a target border of the tactile surface, a provisional time window is determined during which it is expected that the target border will be crossed by the pointing element taking into account the parameter of displacement of the pointing element in the direction of the target border, a time /, before the forecast time window, is calculated for the emission of a command to generate sensory feedback in taking into account the determined crossing time window, a command is generated to generate at least one sensory feedback at time t for

-4generate a sensory feedback in the determined forecast time window, in order to avoid a time lag between the perception of the sensory feedback and the crossing of the target border.

By anticipating the crossing of a target border such as a border between two zones or delimiting a given zone, such a method makes it possible to generate sensory feedback at the right time, that is to say when the pointing element such that the user's finger is actually on the target border. This is as close as possible to what the user expects and there is a concordance between the visual and the sensory for the user. The user experience, in other words the perception of a sensory feedback characteristic of a change of zones, is improved.

The ordering process can also include one or more of the following characteristics taken alone or in combination:

the pointing element displacement parameter includes the speed of movement of the pointing element towards the target border;

the pointing element displacement parameter includes the acceleration of the pointing element towards the target border;

the pointing element displacement parameter includes the distance between the pointing element and the target border;

in addition, at least one parameter representative of the pressure exerted by the pointing element on the tactile surface is measured, and the measurement of the parameter representative of the pressure is used in the step of determining the time window for crossing the border. target;

the duration of the forecast time window for crossing the target border is less than 5 ms, for example less than 2 ms, preferably less than 1 ms.

A diagnosis of the intention of the user is thus established as a function of the movement characteristics of the pointing element, as soon as it moves on the tactile surface, making it possible to prepare the generation of adequate and correct sensory feedback. moment. In addition, the use of these displacement characteristics of the pointing element improves the reliability of the diagnosis.

The invention also relates to a control interface for a motor vehicle configured to implement a control method as defined above,

-5Γ command interface comprising:

a touch surface configured to detect at least one displacement parameter of the pointing element on the touch surface, and a sensory feedback module configured to generate at least one sensory feedback, characterized in that the control interface further comprises a processing unit configured for:

detecting at least one parameter of displacement of a pointing element on the tactile surface in the direction of a target border of the tactile surface, determining a forecast time window of crossing of the target border by the pointing element taking into account the parameter of displacement of the pointing element in the direction of the target border, calculate an instant t of emission of a sensory feedback generation command taking into account the determined crossing time window, issue a generation command at least one sensory feedback at time t to generate sensory feedback during the forecast time window for crossing the determined target border, in order to avoid a time lag between the perceptron of the sensory feedback and the crossing of the target border.

Said interface can also include one or more of the following characteristics taken alone or in combination:

Deprocessing unit is configured to determine the time window for crossing the target border from position, direction and time change data for the movement of the pointing element;

the touch-sensitive surface comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to measure at least one parameter representative of the pressure exerted on the touch-sensitive surface, and the processing unit is configured to take into account the measurement of at least one parameter representative of the pressure for determining the time window for crossing the target border;

the sensory feedback module is configured to vibrate the tactile surface so as to generate a haptic feedback, and / or generate a sound feedback and / or generate a visual feedback.

-6 Such an interface makes it possible to activate the sensory feedback when it is established that the pointing element will change zone and cross or pass over a target border, and also allows this sensory feedback to be activated so as to be perceived by user when the pointing element is actually on the target border. In addition, such a control interface offers a less costly solution compared to a solution comprising processing means with very rapid response times.

Other advantages and characteristics will appear on reading the description of the invention, as well as in the appended figures which represent a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment of the invention and in which:

FIG. 1a schematically represents a control interface such as a human-machine interface for a motor vehicle FIG. 1B schematically represents a side view of the interface of FIG. 1a, FIGS. 2a to 4d represent schematic different examples of display on a tactile surface of the interface of FIGS. 1a and 1b for anticipation of generation of sensory feedback, FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the steps of a control method according to the invention for the generation of 'at least one sensory feedback in advance, and Figure 6 is a flowchart detailing the steps of the control process.

In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers.

The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the characteristics apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the description, it is possible to index certain elements, such as for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and one can easily interchange such names without departing from the scope of this description. Nor does this indexing imply an order in

-7 time.

Command interface called man-machine interface

FIG. 1a represents a control interface for a motor vehicle 1. Such an interface 1 is commonly designated by man-machine interface. It is advantageously a human-machine interface which is reconfigurable. The command interface 1 comprises:

a tactile surface 2 configured to detect a contact of a user's finger or any other pointing element 3 (for example a stylus or even a finger) and its movement on the tactile surface 2, and a sensory feedback module 4 configured to generate at least one sensory feedback.

The control interface 1 can also include a display screen 5.

Touch surface

Once mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, the touch surface 2 can thus form an input device allowing users of the control interface 1 to interact with it by touch.

The tactile surface 2 is for example configured to determine the spatial coordinates of the point where the user presses with his finger or another pointing element 3 on the tactile surface 2. The tactile surface 2 therefore makes it possible to locate the position of the element pointing 3 on the touch surface 2. When the pointing element 3 moves, the touch surface 2 is configured to determine successive spatial coordinates corresponding to at least two successive points on the touch surface 2.

According to one embodiment, the touch surface 2 comprises a capacitive touch screen. According to the example illustrated in FIG. 1b, the capacitive touchscreen comprises at least one capacitive sensor 21 for detecting at least one variation of the capacity at the surface of the capacitive touchscreen. For this, the capacitive sensor 21 comprises for example an array of electrodes, for example ITO (indium oxide - tin). The capacitive touchscreen may also include a front plate 22 (or contact plate), for example made of polycarbonate or glass. The front plate 22 is arranged on the capacitive sensor 21 and is intended to face the user once mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This front plate 22 can be rigid so as to provide the

-8 stiffness desired with the capacitive touchscreen. The tactile surface 2, advantageously flat, of the capacitive tactile screen is thus formed by the surface of the front plate 22.

According to another example not shown, the touch surface 2 can use pressure-sensitive resistors to detect contact and a displacement of a pointing element such as a user's finger on the touch surface 2. The touch surface 2 comprises then a pressure sensor, such as using LSR technology for "Lorce Sensing Resistor" in English.

The display screen 5 can be removed from the touch surface 2.

According to an alternative embodiment, the front plate 22 of the capacitive touchscreen can be painted in an opaque color so as to hide the elements arranged behind. The capacitive touch screen can then form what is called a touch pad or "Touchpad" in English or a push button or "Push" in English.

According to another variant illustrated in FIG. 1b, the display screen 5 is arranged facing and in contact with the touch surface 2 such as a capacitive touch screen, more precisely under this touch surface 2, so as to form a touchscreen. In this case, the display screen 5 is for example fixed by gluing to the back of a support of the capacitive sensor 21 of the capacitive touch screen. “Back” is understood to mean the part opposite to the part carrying the capacitive sensor 21. The touch surface 2 is then transparent for displaying the images of the display screen 5 through the touch surface 2. In other words according to the example with a capacitive touch screen comprising the capacitive sensor 21 and the front plate 22, the latter are transparent.

Sensory feedback module

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensory feedback module 4 can be connected to the touch surface 2 and / or to the display screen 5 in the case of a touch screen.

The sensory feedback module 4 can in particular be configured to generate a haptic feedback by vibrating the tactile surface 2. The term “haptic” designates a feedback by touch. In this case, the sensory feedback module 4 can comprise at least one actuator 41, 42 connected to the touch surface 2, and configured to drive the touch surface in motion, so as to generate the haptic feedback as a function of a signal. ordered. Two actuators 41, 42 are shown schematically in Figure lb. Haptic feedback is a vibratory signal such as a vibration produced by a sinusoidal control signal or by a control signal

-9 comprising one or a succession of pulses, sent to the actuator 41 and / or 42. The vibration can be directed in the plane of the tactile surface 2 or orthogonally to the plane of the tactile surface 2 or even according to a combination of these two directions. In the case of several actuators 41, 42, the latter can be arranged under the touch surface 2, in different positions (in the center or on one side) or in different orientations (in the direction of pressing on the surface or in a other axis). Such actuators 41, 42 are known and will not be described in more detail in the present description. A haptic feedback parameter can be chosen from the intensity of the acceleration, the frequency, the amplitude, the duration, the duration between two identical signals, the phase. It is thus possible, for example, to simulate different textures of the tactile surface 2, such as different surface roughnesses.

As a variant or as an accompaniment to the haptic feedback, the sensory feedback generation module 4 can be configured to generate an audible feedback to the user. A sound feedback parameter can be chosen from the volume intensity, phase, frequency, duration, duration between two identical signals.

Provision may also be made to display on the display screen 5 one or more patterns corresponding to the haptic and / or sound feedback. Thus, advantageously in the case of a touch screen, an image displayed on the touch screen can represent marked patterns, such as microbosses, at the position of the pointing element 3. We speak in this case of return visual. Visual feedback can also be generated by the sensory feedback module 4.

The sensory feedback module 4 can be configured to generate all sensory feedback, i.e. haptic and / or audible and / or visual, at the same time. On the contrary, the sensory feedback module 4 can be configured to generate one or the other feedback in a time-shifted manner with respect to another feedback. In other words, by way of nonlimiting illustrative example when a haptic feedback is generated, an audible feedback can be generated before, at the same time or after the generation of the haptic feedback. Indeed, in order for the user to perceive haptic feedback and sound feedback at the same time, it is preferable not to generate them at the same time but in an advanced or delayed manner with respect to each other. It is the same for the generation of a visual feedback which can be generated before, at the same time or after the generation of a haptic feedback and / or an audible feedback.

In particular, with reference to FIGS. 2a, 2b, the sensory feedback module 4 is configured

-10to generate one or more sensory feedbacks, of the same or different nature, when the pointing element 3, here the finger 3, crosses or crosses a target border 6. As the tactile surface is smooth, this target border 6 n is not haptically materialized on the touch surface 2.

It can be a border 6 separating two zones Z1, Z2 of the display screen 5, for example of the touch screen, as illustrated in FIG. 2a. It can also be a border 6 indicating that one enters a zone or that one leaves a zone, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2b schematically representing the finger 3 leaving zone Z2 . In particular, thanks to a haptic feedback, it is possible to simulate on the tactile surface 2, a texture at the level of this target border 6 between two zones Z1, Z2 for example, or delimiting an entry or exit from a zone.

Processing unit

The control interface 1 also includes a processing unit 7 shown schematically in Figures la and lb. The processing unit 7 is configured to exchange information and / or data with the touch surface 2 and also with the sensory feedback module.

4.

This processing unit 7 may include one or more processing means such as one or more microcontrollers or computers, having memories and programs in particular suitable for receiving position information and displacement or sliding of the pointing element 3, this information having been detected in particular by the touch surface 2. The processing unit 7 is for example the on-board computer of the motor vehicle. As said previously, the tactile surface 2 can take up successive spatial coordinates corresponding to support points, and can transmit this information with the coordinates to the processing unit 7. The processing unit 7 therefore comprises at least one means for receiving information transmitted by the touchscreen 2.

The processing unit 7 further comprises one or more processing means such as a control circuit configured to control the sensory feedback module 4 in order to generate at least one sensory feedback such as a haptic and / or audible feedback and / or visual. The control circuit can include means for transmitting a sensory feedback generation command to the sensory feedback module 4.

With reference to FIG. 1b, the control interface 1 may also include a measuring device 9 shown very schematically in this FIG. The measuring device 9 comprises for example one or more pressure sensors configured to measure the pressure exerted on the touch surface 2. It is, for example, one or more strain gauges. The strain gauge (s) are arranged in direct connection with the touch surface 2 and are cleverly distributed as required. By way of nonlimiting example, one can provide a strain gauge substantially in the middle of the touch surface 2, for example in the case of a touch pad called "Touchpad". Advantageously, one or more strain gauges are arranged on one or more edges of the tactile surface 2. For example, one can provide four strain gauges, each placed at an angle of the tactile surface 2. The or each gauge stress can be arranged at the level of shock absorbers provided under the tactile surface 2 so as to measure the displacement of the tactile surface 2 during the contact and the sliding of the pointing element 3 on the tactile surface 2.

In the case of such a measurement device 9, the processing unit 7 comprises at least one processing means for receiving measurement signals from the measurement device 9, in particular from or from each pressure sensor. The pressure measurement (s) are advantageously taken into account. By way of nonlimiting example, the pressure measurements make it possible to identify the way in which the user presses on the tactile surface 2 by means of the pointing element 3, in order to consequently generate the appropriate signal for the texture simulation. .

In addition, the processing unit 7 is advantageously configured to anticipate that the pointing element 3 will later cross a target border 6 of the tactile surface 2, and to control the sensory feedback module 4 before the effective crossing of the target border 6 , in order to generate at least one sensory feedback perceived by the user when the pointing element 3 effectively crosses the target border 6.

More precisely, the processing unit 7 is configured to: determine one or more parameters of displacement of the pointing element 3, such as the position of the pointing element, in particular its distance from a target border 6, its speed of displacement and its acceleration towards a target border 6 of the tactile surface 2, and determining, from the displacement of the pointing element 3, a time window

-12 provisional crossing of the target border 6 by the pointing element 3.

The term time window for crossing the target border 6 by the pointing element 3 is understood to mean a time interval during which the pointing element 3 will fairly certainly cross the target border 6. Thus, if the element pointing 3 is at a distance d from the target border 6 and moves at a speed y, the pointing element 3 will cross the target border at time t = v / d. Since it is a forecast, we can associate an uncertainty, for example +/- 2ms hence the forecast time window.

The time window for crossing the target border 6 by the pointing element 3 therefore comprises:

a lower bound corresponding to the instant from which the pointing element 3 can arrive at the target border 6 and an upper bound corresponding to the instant until which the pointing element 3 can arrive at the target border 6. Of course, the upper bound corresponds to a later instant relative to the lower bound.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the duration of the forecast time window for crossing the target border is less than 5 ms, for example less than 2 ms, preferably less than 1 ms.

In particular, the processing unit 7 can determine an instant of crossing of the target border 6 by the pointing element 3. This corresponds in this case to a time window whose lower and upper limits are equal. Subsequently, the term “forecast time window” is understood to mean both a time interval with a different lower and upper bound, as well as a determined instant, that is to say a time window whose upper bound is the same. than the lower bound.

From this predetermined crossing time window, the processing unit 7 is further configured to calculate an instant t of transmission of a sensory feedback generation command, the instant t of transmission being prior to the time window. crossing the target border 6. In other words, the instant t of transmission is earlier than the lower limit of the determined time window.

Finally, the processing unit 7 is configured to send, at the instant t of transmission, the command to generate at least one sensory feedback by the sensory feedback module 4.

Said at least one sensory feedback is then perceived by the user of the interface during the time window for crossing the target border 6 determined. This avoids a time difference between the perception of sensory feedback and the passage of the pointing element 3 over the target border 6.

The processing unit 7 is therefore thus configured to provide for the crossing of a target border 6 so as to be able to associate therewith a haptic feedback.

We will now describe with reference to FIGS. 1a to 4d, a particular embodiment. According to this embodiment, the processing unit 7 is configured to analyze the displacement of the pointing element 3 so as to predict the crossing of the target border 6, that is to say so as to be able to determine that the pointing element 3 moves in the direction of a target border 6 of the tactile surface 2, and determine, from the displacement of the pointing element 3, a forecast time window for crossing the target border 6 by l pointing device 3.

To this end, the processing unit 7 is configured to evaluate at least one parameter of the pointing element 3 on the touch surface 2, over time. This is in particular the evaluation of the distance between the pointing element and the target border 6, the speed of movement of the pointing element 3, or a function of the speed such as the derivative or acceleration.

The processing unit 7 is further configured to use this displacement parameter, for example the speed or the acceleration evaluated, to estimate by calculation the forecast time window for crossing the target border 6.

More precisely, according to the embodiment described, the processing unit 7 may include one or more processing means configured for:

evaluate the direction of movement of the pointing element 3 on the touch surface 2, evaluate at least one parameter of movement of the pointing element 3 on the touch surface 2 in time, and determine the forecast time window for crossing the target border 6 from the position, direction and time evolution data of the movement of the pointing element 3.

For the evaluation of the management, the processing unit 7 can analyze the information of

-14 location of position of successive points, transmitted by the tactile surface 2. Thus, with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, traitement processing unit 7 can determine that the pointing element 3 moves in the direction shown diagrammatically by the arrow Fl, which here is horizontal and to the right. Of course, the processing unit 7 can also detect rectilinear movements whether horizontal or vertical (arrow F2 in FIG. 3b), but also circular (arrow F3 in FIG. 4a) or even at an angle to the surface. touch 2 (arrow F4 in figure 4c), in one direction or the other, for example to the right (arrow Fl in figures 2b, 4b and arrow F4 in figure 4c) or to the left (arrow F5 in figure 4d). The vertical and horizontal terms, left and right, are used here with reference to the arrangement of the elements as shown in FIGS. 2a to 4d.

In addition, the processing unit 7 can comprise at least one calculation means making it possible to deduce the speed of the pointing element 3 from the position location information of successive points, transmitted by the tactile surface 2, and by function of an internal clock of the man-machine interface for example. In order to improve performance, the processing unit 7 may comprise at least one means of calculating the derivative of the speed, therefore of the acceleration, for example from position location information of more distant points between them, transmitted by the tactile surface 2.

Finally, the processing unit 7 can comprise a software part making it possible, on the basis of this position, direction and movement evolution information over time, to make a diagnosis of the intention of the user, or in other words allowing to carry out a projection of the trajectory of the pointing element 3. To do this, the skilled person can adapt the calculation model used by the software part, which can in particular be nonlimitingly a neural network or based on fuzzy logic.

The processing unit 7 may include a means for deciding whether or not to generate one or more sensory feedbacks from the diagnosis.

In order to improve the reliability of the diagnosis, the processing unit 7 can take into account the pressure measured by the pressure sensor or sensors of the measuring device 9 for determining the time window for crossing the target border 6 by the element. Pointing 3. Indeed, the pressure measurement (s) make it possible to confirm or not the fact that the user will actually cross the target border 6. For example, if the pressure on the surface

-15tactile 2 is of a continuous nature, that is to say that it does not evolve or little, this results in the fact that the user will not suddenly raise the pointing element 3 such as his finger and will on the contrary continue well on its trajectory, so the decision means can confirm the generation of a sensory feedback in this case.

The pressure measurement (s) can also be taken into account by the processing unit 7 to determine the time available to carry out the diagnosis, that is to say here to determine the time window for crossing the target area 6. In fact, if the pressure tends to increase, this translates into a slowing down of the displacement, which makes it possible to increase the time available for carrying out the diagnosis for example to further improve its reliability.

Of course, it is an iterative process insofar as one will continuously scan or monitor the displacement parameters of the pointing element 3 which makes it possible to refine the calculation for determining the forecast crossing window as the pointing element approaches the target border 6.

Examples of non-limiting applications:

Thus, in the example of FIG. 2a, on the screen, here the touch screen 2, at least two zones ZI and Z2 are displayed. When the pointing element 3, here the user's finger 3, is detected in the zone ZI by moving here horizontally and to the right according to the arrow F1, the processing unit 7 can perform a forecast calculation making it possible to determine the forecast time window during which the finger 3 will cross the border 6 between the two zones ZI and Z2. Since we know on the one hand the delay between the emission of a haptic feedback control signal on the one hand and the moment when the actuators 41 and / or 42 actually vibrate and the user can feel the haptic feedback, the processing unit 7 can determine the instant to emit in advance, that is to say in advance with respect to the determined time window, a control signal intended for the sensory feedback module 4 which generates haptic feedback (s).

Thus, when the finger 3 actually arrives on the border 6, the user perceives the sensory feedback or returns in accordance with the visual if the zones ZI and Z2 are for example displayed.

As illustrated in FIG. 2b, it may be that the two zones Zl, Z2 are open zones, that is to say without border between the two zones Zl, Z2, but in this case, it is the crossing of 'one of the borders marked around one of the zones, here Z2, which is anticipated.

Of course, the processing unit 7 makes it possible to anticipate or diagnose that a pointing element 3 will enter a zone (FIG. 2a) but also that it will leave a zone (FIG. 2b).

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples of Figures 2a and 2b. Other applications may be considered. For example, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3a, the tactile surface 2 can comprise a succession of distinct zones Bl, B2, B3, B4 simulating control buttons, each zone Bl, B2, B3, B4 being delimited by a closed surface forming boundaries 6. The processing unit 7 is then configured to anticipate / diagnose whether the pointing element 3 will enter or leave one or the other of these zones B1, B2, B3, B4. By way of nonlimiting example, if the pointing element 3 is detected in the area B2, and if the user moves his finger 3 vertically, downwards with reference to the arrangement of the elements in FIG. 3b and as shown diagrammatically by the arrow F2, the processing unit 7 is configured to anticipate if and when the pointing element 3 will leave zone B2, that is to say to determine that the pointing element 3 is moving towards a border 6 delimiting zone B2 and determining the time window for crossing this border 6, in order to activate in advance the generation of a significant sensory feedback from the output of B2. If the pointing element 3 continues its downward movement illustrated by the arrow F2, the processing unit 7 can anticipate if and when the pointing element 3 will enter the next zone B3, that is to say can determine that the pointing element 3 is directed towards a border 6 delimiting the area B3 and determining the time window for crossing this border 6, in order to anticipate the command to generate at least one sensory feedback associated with the entry into zone B3. We can also provide a different sensory feedback depending on whether the pointing element 3 enters or leaves a closed area. In particular, with two separate haptic feedbacks, we can simulate the feeling of a user pressing and then releasing a key.

In the example of Figures 3a and 3b, the simulated buttons or control keys are shown online or in a corridor. Of course, any other arrangement can be provided. For example, the virtual keys can be arranged in a circular manner as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4a. As before, the processing unit 7 can anticipate from the displacement in a circular movement shown diagrammatically by the arrow F3, that the pointing element 3 will cross a border 6 delimiting an area, here B2, and when, otherwise said the processing unit can determine, from the displacement of the pointing element 3, a time window during

-17which the pointing element 3 will cross the border 6 delimiting the area B2, so as to control the generation of the sensory feedback (s) so that it (s) is (are) perceived at the right time to the user .

According to another variant illustrated in FIG. 4b, a list of items A, B, C can be displayed on the display screen 5, for example on the touch screen. In operation, to navigate in the list of items A to C, the user moves the pointing element 3 on the tactile surface 2, and as soon as a contact pointing an item, here A, in the list, is detected on touchscreen 2, a sub-list of items A1, A2, A3 can be displayed. For example, for each sublist, yet another sublist, here A31, A32, A33 may appear. Thus, in this example, when the user slides his finger 3 or other pointing element on the touch surface 2, and when finger 3 is detected on the item A3 for example, if the direction of movement is to the right as shown by the arrow F1, the processing unit 7 can anticipate that the finger 3 will leave the zone corresponding to the item A3 and enter the zone corresponding to the sub-item A31 and thus make it possible to anticipate the appropriate sensory feedbacks and to good time. As before, it is meant by anticipation, the fact that the processing unit 7 can determine, from the displacement of the pointing element 3, a time window during which the pointing element 3 will cross a border 6 delimiting the zone corresponding to item A3 in this example, and also that the processing unit 7 can determine a time window during which the pointing element 3 will cross a border 6 delimiting the zone corresponding to sub-item A31.

It is also possible to provide, as illustrated in FIG. 4c, a cascade arrangement of zones A, B, C, D. The processing unit 7 can anticipate each zone crossing, that is to say determine a time window of crossing a border for each zone A, B, C or D, and activating in advance the generation of the appropriate sensory feedback at the right time.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4d, the processing unit 7 can still anticipate the crossing of successive lines 11, that is to say determine a time window for crossing each line 11, and activate in advance the generation d 'at least one appropriate sensory feedback associated with the crossing of each line 11. In this example, each line 11 forms a target border.

Examples of displays on a touch screen have been described here. Of course, the invention

-18 also applies when the display is made on a display screen 5 remote from the touchscreen 2. In this case, in a known manner, each zone of the remote display screen 5 is associated with a zone on the touchpad 2.

Order process

With reference to FIG. 5, a method of sensory feedback control is now described for a man-machine interface, in particular for a motor vehicle, the man-machine interface comprising a tactile surface 2. It is advantageously a control 1 as described above with reference to Figures la to 4d.

The control method comprises a step E1 in which at least one displacement parameter of a pointing element 3 such as a finger of a user of the control interface 1, or a stylus or a finger is detected, on the touch surface 2 and towards a target border 6 or 11. This detection step E1 is for example carried out by the touch surface 2.

The control method further comprises a step E2, for example called the anticipation or forecasting step, to which is determined, from the displacement parameter (s) of the pointing element 3, a forecast time window for crossing of the target border 6 or 11, of the tactile surface 2 by the pointing element 3, and to which, from this forecast time window of determined crossing, an instant t of emission of a generation generation command is calculated sensory feedback. The instant / emission is before the limits of the time window, more precisely at the lower limit of this time window. This step E2 can be carried out at least in part by one or more processing means of the processing unit 7 as described above.

Advantageously, at least one displacement parameter of the pointing element 3 on the touch surface 2 over time is the speed of movement, the acceleration of the pointing element 3 and / or the distance between the pointing element 3 and the target border 6 speed of movement of the pointing element 3.

After step E2, the control method also comprises a control step E3 in which the command to generate at least one sensory feedback is sent, at the time t of transmission, that is to say before the actual crossing of the target border 6 or 11. It is therefore a step of ordering in advance. In particular, this control step E3 is a

-19 step of piloting the sensory feedback module 4 as described above. The control or piloting step E3 is for example carried out by one or more processing means, such as the control circuit of the processing unit 7 previously described.

Finally, on receipt of one or more control signals, in step E4, at least one sensory feedback is generated. This step E4 can be implemented by the sensory feedback module 4 previously described. The sensory feedback is then perceived by the user when the pointing element 3, for example his finger, crosses the target border 6 or 11. In other words, the sensory feedback is perceived by the user during the time window of crossing of the target border 6, 11 determined. This avoids a time lag between the perception of the sensory feedback and the actual or actual crossing of the target border 6 or 11.

In step E4, one or more sensory feedbacks of the same nature can be generated or alternatively several sensory feedbacks of a different nature can be generated. In this case, the generation of the different sensory feedbacks can be controlled simultaneously or, on the contrary, with a time lag. The advanced or delayed generation of a sound or visual feedback for example compared to the generation of a haptic feedback allows in particular a perception by the user of the different haptic feedback at the same time.

Of course, the order of at least some steps can be reversed.

A particular embodiment is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6. According to this embodiment, following step E1, step E2 can include substeps E20 to E24.

During a step E20, the position of the pointing element 3 is located on the touch surface 2, the direction of movement of the pointing element 3 on the touch surface 2 is evaluated and at least one parameter is evaluated. movement of the pointing element 3 on the touch surface 2 over time. The localization can be carried out by the touch surface 2 and the evaluation of the direction and of one or more quantities such as the speed and / or the acceleration can be implemented by the processing unit 7.

A step E21 can be provided for measuring at least one parameter representative of the pressure exerted by the pointing element 3 on the touch surface 2.

In step E22, an estimate is made to determine the intention of the user to cross the target border 6 or 11 from the data of position, direction and evolution over time of the displacement of the element of score 3 noted at step E20, and possibly at

-20 from the parameter representative of the pressure measured in step E21. At this step E22, it is possible in particular to carry out a projection of the trajectory of the pointing element 3 in order to identify the intention of the user. This step E22 can be implemented by the processing unit 7.

From the diagnosis carried out in step E22, it is determined or decided during a decision step 5 E23, whether to generate one or more sensory feedbacks. If yes, that is to say if one or more sensory feedbacks must be generated, we go to the next step E24. This step E24 can be implemented by the processing unit 7. If not, that is to say if it is not necessary to generate sensory feedback, the process can start again at step El.

In step E24, the forecast time window during which the pointing element 10 will cross the target border 6 or 11 is determined, and from this forecast time window of determined crossing, a transmission time t is calculated. of the sensory feedback generation advance order.

At the time of transmission, the command step E3 can be implemented.

Of course, the order of at least some steps can be reversed.

It is therefore understood that a control method as described makes it possible to present to a user at least one sensory feedback at the right time, that is to say that the user perceives this sensory feedback when he actually changes zones or crosses a target border 6 or 11.

Claims (8)

1. A sensory feedback control method for a control interface (1) for a motor vehicle, the control interface (1) comprising a tactile surface (2), comprising the following steps: at least one displacement parameter of a pointing element (3) is detected on the touch surface (2) in the direction of a target border (6, 11) of the touch surface (2), a forecast time window is determined during which the target element (6, 11) crosses the target border (6, 11) taking into account the parameter of displacement of the pointing element (3) towards the target border (6 , 11), an instant (i), before the forecast time window for the transmission of a sensory feedback generation command is calculated, taking into account the determined crossing time window, a generation command is issued. at least one sensory feedback at time (i) to generate a sensory feedback in the determined forecast time window, in order to avoid a time lag between the perception of the sensory feedback and the crossing of the fronti re target (6, 11). 2. The control method as claimed in claim 1, in which the displacement parameter of the pointing element comprises the speed of movement of the pointing element (3) towards the target border (6, 11). 3. Control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the displacement parameter of the pointing element comprises the acceleration of the pointing element (3) towards the target border (6,11). 4. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the displacement parameter of the pointing element comprises the distance between the pointing element (3) and the target border (6,11). -225. Control method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which: in addition, at least one parameter representative of the pressure exerted by the pointing element (3) on the tactile surface (2) is measured, and the measurement of the parameter representative of the pressure is used in the window determination step. temporal crossing of the target border (6, 11). 6. Control method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the duration of the forecast time window for crossing the target border is less than 5 ms, for example less than 2 ms, preferably less than 1 ms. 7. Control interface (1) for a motor vehicle configured to implement a control method according to any one of the preceding claims, the control interface (1) comprising: a touch surface (2) configured to detect at least one displacement parameter of the pointing element (3) on the touch surface (2), and a sensory feedback module (4) configured to generate at least one sensory feedback, characterized in that the control interface (1) further comprises a processing unit (7) configured for: detecting at least one displacement parameter of a pointing element (3) on the tactile surface (2) in the direction of a target border (6, 11) of the tactile surface (2), determining a forecast time window for crossing from the target border (6, 11) by the pointing element (3) taking into account the displacement parameter of the pointing element (3) towards the target border (6,11), calculate an instant ( î) issuing a sensory feedback generation command taking account of the determined crossing time window, issuing a generation command of at least one sensory feedback at the instant (î) to generate a sensory feedback during the forecast time window of -23 crossing of the target border (6, 11) determined, in order to avoid a time lag between the perception of the sensory feedback and the crossing of the target border (6, 11). 8. Control interface (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the processing unit (7) is configured to determine the time window for crossing the target border (6, 11) from the position, direction and evolution over time of the movement of the pointing element (3). 10 9. Control interface (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in which: the touch surface (2) comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to measure at least one parameter representative of the pressure exerted on the touch surface (2), and the processing unit (7) is configured to take into account the measurement of at least 15 a parameter representative of the pressure for determining the time window for crossing the target border (6, 11). 10. Control interface (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the sensory feedback module (4) is configured for: 20 - vibrating the tactile surface (2) so as to generate a haptic feedback, and / or generate a sound feedback and / or generate a visual feedback. 3053 1/5