FR3056501A1 - MOTOR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (10) for assisting an identification of a motor vehicle comprising: - a light device (11) comprising: - a light source (12) capable of emitting light rays (13), and - means for shaping (14) the light rays (13) to form a light beam (15), characterized in that the light device (11) is configured to emit the light beam (15) substantially along a vertical axis of vehicle and following a direction heading above the vehicle.

Description

056 501

59210 ® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY © Publication number:

(to be used only for reproduction orders) (© National registration number

COURBEVOIE © Int Cl ⁸ : B 60 Q 9/00 (2017.01)

PATENT INVENTION APPLICATION

A1

(© Filing date: 28.09.16. (© Applicant (s): VALEO VISION Joint-stock company (© Priority: simplified - FR. @ Inventor (s): FLEURENCE THIERRY. ©) Date of public availability of the request: 30.03.18 Bulletin 18/13. ©) List of documents cited in the report preliminary research: Refer to end of present booklet (© References to other national documents (73) Holder (s): VALEO VISION Joint stock company related: folded. ©) Extension request (s): (© Agent (s): VALEO VISION Limited company.

ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION METHOD.

FR 3 056 501 - A1 (uj) The invention relates to a system (10) for assisting in the identification of a motor vehicle comprising:

- a light device (11) comprising:

a light source (12) capable of emitting light rays (13), and

- a means for shaping (14) the light rays (13) to form a light beam (15), characterized in that the light device (11) is configured to emit the light beam (15) substantially along a vertical axis of the vehicle and in a direction pointing above the vehicle.

i

ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION METHOD

The invention relates to the field of lighting and / or signaling, in particular for a motor vehicle and it relates more particularly to the use of a light beam to help a user to locate, identify and / or report his motor vehicle. .

More specifically, the identification of the vehicle is particularly useful when this vehicle is parked in a parking lot or when the user rejoins his vehicle at night, in order to limit the search time by the user of his vehicle.

In order to locate, identify and / or report a motor vehicle, it is known to use the horn. However, such use of the audible warning devices generates noise pollution and can disturb people located near the vehicle.

In addition, welcome scenarios are carried out using the lighting and signaling devices existing on a motor vehicle. These scenarios can help a user to locate his vehicle among others, especially in night conditions. However, the existing lighting and signaling devices perform the “see” or “be seen” functions on the road and illuminate the front or the rear of the vehicle substantially along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle with horizontal beams, which has the consequence that such welcome scenario is not visible to the user when he arrives on one of the sides of the vehicle or when the user is too far from the vehicle or when the vehicle is parked among other vehicles . Thus, a light signal produced using existing lighting and signaling devices, towards the front or towards the rear of the vehicle, is not entirely satisfactory for helping the user to locate, identify and / or report your motor vehicle.

In this context, the present invention seeks to provide a silent alternative to the audible warning devices while providing visible assistance for the user coming from any side of the vehicle so that he can locate, identify and / or signal his motor vehicle. .

Thus, the subject of the invention is a system for assisting in the identification of a motor vehicle comprising:

- a light device comprising:

a light source capable of emitting light rays, and

- A means for shaping the light rays to form a light beam, characterized in that the light device is configured to emit the light beam along a vertical axis of the vehicle and in a direction pointing above the vehicle.

Thus, such a light device makes it possible to illuminate above the vehicle. More precisely, as a function of the position of the light source and / or of the ray shaping means, the light device can equally well illuminate above the hood, the roof or the boot of the vehicle. Such lighting above the vehicle can allow a user to easily identify his vehicle among others. This identification is more effective when obstacles to the light beam are present above the vehicle by allowing a diffusion / reflection of the light beam.

The identification of a motor vehicle is particularly useful when the vehicle is parked in a car park among other vehicles or when the user joins the vehicle at night, in order to limit the search time by the vehicle user. Being able to precisely determine where a vehicle is located is particularly useful when a passenger is trying to reach the user and his vehicle among other vehicles.

By "a direction pointing above the vehicle" means a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground on which the car is located and in a direction opposite to the ground.

According to different characteristics of the invention taken alone or in combination, it can be provided that:

- The system comprises a control means configured to control the light device;

- The system comprises means for receiving a signal transmitted by a transmission means; the reception of the signal by the reception means allows the control means to control the light device, in particular for emitting the light beam upwards;

- The system includes a means of transmitting a signal adapted to be received by the receiving means; such a transmission means can for example be a mobile device, a hands-free vehicle start-up card, or any other remote control means by signal transmission; we can also provide that the signal reception means are configured to detect the mobile device carried by the user; for example, these signal reception means include in particular communication means on board the vehicle and are configured to communicate with communication means carried by the mobile device: by way of non-exhaustive examples, this mobile device can be a vehicle key in the form of a hands-free device, or a mobile device of the smartphone or tablet type, paired with the means of communication on board the vehicle;

- The system includes means for modulating an appearance of the light beam; such a means makes it possible to adapt the appearance of the beam as a function of various parameters, such as the external environment, the nature of the signal or a distance between the transmitter and the receiver;

- the means for modulating the appearance of the light beam is configured to modify a light intensity, a color and / or a shape of the light beam; the light intensity and the color of the light beam can for example be modified using an electrochromic screen; the color and shape of the beam can be changed using optical elements, such as filters, lenses, prisms or mirrors; thus, the user's gaze can be attracted by flashes, pulses, colors, different shapes such as a cone or a straight cylinder, or the user's gaze can still be attracted by a modulation of light intensity of the light beam;

- the system includes a means of analyzing an external environment; such an analytical means makes it possible, for example, to measure environmental parameters; these parameters are for example the brightness of the surrounding environment, the presence of obstacle, the nature of these obstacles by analyzing for example their capacity to reflect or diffuse light or by analyzing the shape of these obstacles;

the means for modulating the appearance of the light beam is configured to modify the light intensity, the color and / or the shape of the light beam as a function of parameters of the external environment measured by the analysis means; thus, the light beam is adapted as a function of the ambient light, the presence of obstacles, their nature or their shape;

the system comprises a means of calculating a distance between the means for receiving the signal and the means for transmitting the signal;

the means for modulating the appearance of the light beam is configured to modify the light intensity, the color and / or the shape of the light beam as a function of a distance between the signal reception means and the emission means of the signal. According to different situations of use of the system according to the invention, the projected light beam can, for example, be wider to anticipate possible movements of the user in one direction or another, and be adapted according to the movements of the 'user. Thus, the projected light beam can be different depending on whether the user approaches or moves away from the vehicle, in particular by providing a targeted lighting beam when bringing the user closer, its final destination being a priori known, and in providing a more diffuse light beam when moving away from the user. Thus, the greater the distance, the greater the light intensity and / or the shape of the light beam in order to aid in the identification of the vehicle. Colors can also be more visible depending on the distance.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an assistance system for the identification of the motor vehicle as defined above. Such a vehicle can either have the identification assistance system at the roof, hood or trunk level.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a roof comprising at least one transparent part through which the light device of the assistance system for the identification of the motor vehicle is configured to emit the light beam along a vertical axis of the vehicle and along a direction pointing above the vehicle. Thus, the light source is placed in the vicinity of the transparent part of the roof.

The invention also relates to a method of identifying a motor vehicle comprising at least one light device configured to emit a light beam along a vertical axis of the vehicle and in a direction pointing above the vehicle, characterized in that that reception of a signal by means of reception of the signal emitted by emission means allows the light device to emit the light beam along a vertical axis of the vehicle and in a direction pointing above the vehicle.

Advantageously, the reception and transmission means are capable of defining, in real time, the position of the user carrying the signal transmission means, and the device according to the invention comprises a control means for modifying in time real, as a function of the user's detection information, the projected light beam: this makes it possible in particular to adapt the projected beam to the distance separating the signal transmission and reception means.

According to different implementations of the method taken alone or in combination, it can be provided that:

- The method comprises a step of calculating a distance separating the means for receiving the signal and the means for transmitting the signal;

the method comprises a step of modulating an appearance of the light beam as a function of the distance separating the means for receiving the signal and the means for emitting the signal;

- the method includes a step of analyzing environmental parameters;

- the method includes a step of modulating the appearance of the light beam as a function of environmental parameters;

- the environmental parameters correspond to a measurement of a brightness of the external environment, and / or an analysis of a capacity of an obstacle to reflect or diffuse a light ray, and / or of a geometry of a obstacle; preferably the obstacle is located above the vehicle;

- The method comprises a step of triggering at least one lighting and / or signaling device of the vehicle;

- when the distance between the transmitting means and the receiving means is less than a predetermined value, the step of triggering at least one lighting and / or signaling device is implemented; the predetermined value is for example equal to two or even three meters.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly with the aid of the description and the drawings, among which:

FIG. i is a schematic view of a vehicle identification assistance system according to the present invention,

- Figure 2 shows a motor vehicle equipped with an identification assistance system according to the invention projecting a light beam towards the top of the vehicle;

- Figure 3 is a side view of the vehicle of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the roof of the vehicle of Figure 2;

- Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the steps of the vehicle identification process implemented by the vehicle identification assistance system according to the present invention.

It should first be noted that the figures show the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary.

In the following description, reference will be made in particular to an orientation as a function of the longitudinal L, vertical V and transverse T axes of the vehicle in running condition and as defined by the trihedron L, V, T represented on some figures. The longitudinal axis L is defined as the axis along which the vehicle extends in its length, such as for example the axis for measuring the total wheelbase. The longitudinal axis also corresponds to the general direction of travel of the vehicle. The vertical axis V is defined as the axis along which the vehicle extends in height. The transverse axis T is defined as the axis along which the vehicle extends in its width, such as for example the axis for measuring the rear or front track.

And the relative notion such as "high" is defined in relation to a vehicle in running condition. Any element referring to the term "high" is understood to be above the vehicle in driving condition and tending to point towards the sky substantially along the vertical axis of the vehicle. The term "substantially" is understood as a variation of plus or minus 30%. This element can be located either above the hood, the roof or the trunk, the hood, the roof and the trunk defining a physical limit of the vehicle.

FIG. 1 shows a system 10 for assisting in the identification of a motor vehicle intended to be mounted on this vehicle. This vehicle identification assistance system 10 comprises a light device 11 having a light source 12 emitting light rays 13. The light device 11 then comprises a means 14 for shaping the light rays 13 in order to form a beam light 15. Once mounted on the vehicle, the light device 11 of the vehicle identification assistance system 10 generates the light beam 15 substantially along the vertical axis V and in an upward direction.

To this end, the light source 12 and the shaping means 14 are then positioned so as to generate the light beam 15 along the vertical axis V and in an upward direction, as shown in FIG. 2 on a vehicle 1 Thus, the light source 12 is preferably located in the vicinity of the roof 2 of the vehicle i and can be located outside as well as inside the vehicle i.

The means for shaping the rays 13 corresponds to an optical means such as a converging lens, a diverging lens, a mirror, or any other optical means allowing the light rays 13 coming from the source to be shaped light 12 in order to form the light beam 15.

The vehicle identification assistance system 10 also comprises a reception means 16 configured to receive a type of signal 17 capable of being transmitted by a transmission means 18. Following the reception of the signal 17 by the means reception 16, the reception means 16 is configured to send information to a control means 19 associated with the light device 11. The type of information sent to the control means 19 depends on the type of signal 17 received by the reception means 16. The control means 19 makes it possible to control, among other things, the light device 11 so that it emits the light beam 15.

The reception means 16 can take the form of a communication means on board the vehicle communicating with the transmission means 18 such as a mobile device carried by the user. The reception means 16 and transmission means 18 can in particular be radio communication transmitters / receivers respectively on board the vehicle and on the mobile device. As a non-exhaustive example, this mobile device can consist of a locking / unlocking device of the motor vehicle of the hands-free type, or a smartphone or another mobile device carried by the user and paired with the reception means. 16 here on the vehicle.

According to a variant, it is possible to provide a reception means 16 acting as a detection means capable of detecting the user without the latter carrying transmission or identification means 18, this detection means being able in particular to consist of image acquisition means. By way of nonlimiting example, one could provide photo or video means, for example a thermal camera, associated with image processing means capable of interpreting the presence of a user near the vehicle.

Without departing from the context of the invention, the light device it could be controlled, on the basis of the signal 17, and in place of the control module 19 described above, directly via a general control assembly and control configured in the vehicle to control all of the lighting and signaling means provided elsewhere in the vehicle.

Furthermore, the vehicle identification assistance system 10 can also comprise a means for modulating an appearance 20 of the light beam 15. This means for modulating the appearance 20 of the light beam 15 is configured to modify a light intensity, color and / or shape of the light beam 15. This appearance modulation means 20 can also allow the display of a message. The appearance modulation means 20 is preferably controlled by the control means 19.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the means for modifying the appearance 20 of the light beam 15 is an electrochromic screen which makes it possible to modulate the light intensity as well as the color of the light beam 15. However, other means for modifying the appearance 20 could be provided, in particular as a function of the parameter that one wishes to modify.

The modification of the light intensity can, for example, be done by positioning an electrochromic screen on the path of the light beam 15 or by modulating the voltage of the current supplying the light source 12.

The modification of the color of the light beam 15 can, for example, be done by positioning colored filters on the path of the light beam 15 or by using an electrochromic screen. The wavelength of the light beam 15 is always between 4oonm and 8oonm, so that the latter is always visible to the user.

The shape of the light beam 15 can be modified by positioning mirrors, filters, stencils, lenses on the path of the light beam 15. The light beam 15 can for example take the form of discontinuous bands, of a cone, or a straight cylinder.

The personalized message can be, for example, a simple welcome message or, according to other applications, a welcome message containing elements of the vehicle manufacturer's graphic and / or image charter, or personalized elements defined from a user profile configured in vehicle programming means. To this end, in order to project the desired message and / or image, the light source 12 can be of the laser source or light-emitting diode type, associated with a matrix of micro-mirrors, so as to form a known electromechanical microsystem under the acronym MEMS for the English translation “MicroElectroMechanical Systems”. These electromechanical microsystems consist of movable mirrors capable of reflecting part of the light rays emitted by the light source 12, each mirror being mounted movable in rotation about an axis, so as to pivot between two extreme positions, at a rotational speed determined. The position of each mirror defines a given configuration for the set of micro-mirrors which can form a pixelated beam, capable of projecting an image or a message in a fixed manner, or variable by changing the position of the appropriate mirrors. This message can for example be projected onto obstacles present above the vehicle or be of the holographic type.

Animations of the light beam 15 making it possible to attract the eye of the user can also be implemented by the system 10 for assistance with identification via the appearance modulation means 20. These animations can for example be flashes, pulsations in variable light intensity, or even color fades.

The means for modulating the appearance 20 of the light beam 15 can be coupled to an analysis means 30 for the external environment of the vehicle. More specifically, the external environment analyzed is that located above the vehicle. The analysis means 30 detects, for example, the presence of an obstacle above the vehicle, the shape and the nature of these obstacles, in particular their capacity to diffuse or reflect light, or even ambient brightness. The analysis means 30 then deduces environmental parameters E.

The means for modulating the appearance 20 of the light beam 15 can then be configured to modify the light intensity, the color and / or the shape of the light beam 15 as a function of the environmental parameters E measured by the analysis means 30.

Without departing from the context of the invention, the lighting of the light device 11 could also be configured as a function of the environmental parameters E measured by the analysis means 30, without necessarily requiring the modification of the appearance of the light beam 15.

The vehicle identification assistance system 10 further comprises means 40 for calculating a distance D between the means 16 for receiving the signal 17 and the means for transmitting the signal 18, or more particularly a distance between the user and the vehicle equipped with the identification assistance system 10. Preferably, the distance D is calculated along a straight line and does not take into account the obstacles present between the reception means 16 and the transmission means 18 or the user and the vehicle.

The lighting device 11 can thus be switched on as a function of the distance D between the means 16 for receiving the signal 17 and the means 18 for transmitting the signal 17.

In the case of the presence of a means for modulating the appearance 20 of the light beam 15, this can then be configured to modify the light intensity, the color and / or the shape of the light beam 15 as a function of the distance D between the reception means 16 of the signal 17 and the transmission means 18 of the signal 17, as will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 shows a motor vehicle 1 equipped with the motor vehicle identification aid system 10. The vehicle 1 has lighting devices 8 for lighting the road and responding to the view function, as well as signaling devices 9 for signaling and responding to the view function, in particular for signaling the vehicle to other users. The vehicle 1 also includes a front cover 4, a trunk 5 at the rear of the vehicle, as well as a roof 2 which covers the passenger compartment of the vehicle i. The roof pavilion 2 preferably comprises a window 3, that is to say a part of the roof made of glass allowing the passage of the light beam 15. Preferably, the window 3 is made of transparent glass. The porthole 3 can be divided into several strips so as to form transparent glass shutters. An example of installation of the system 10 under the window 3 will be described below, in particular with reference to FIG. 4.

The light beam 15 is directed in a vertical direction V and in an upward direction. Thus, the top of a parked vehicle is illuminated, the top being here considered as the area located above the hood 4, the trunk 5 and / or the roof 2. The area can extend to an obstacle such than a parking ceiling for example.

According to the exemplary embodiment of a vehicle with window 3, the light device 11 is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, in the vicinity of this window, and it is arranged so that the light beam 15 passes through window 3. porthole 3 may if necessary comprise the means for modulating the appearance 20 of the light beam 15. To this end, the porthole 3 may be equipped with an electrochromic screen or a shutter so as to be able to modify the light intensity, color and / or shape of the light beam 15.

In the case where the vehicle does not have a through window 3, the light device 11 of the identification assistance system can be arranged in the thickness of the roof pavilion 2, the trunk 5 or the hood 4, in a component part of which an external wall, turned towards the outside of the vehicle, is transparent or translucent to allow the light beam 15 to pass.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the light beam 15 is a light cone which has a non-zero opening angle around an axis of revolution corresponding to a main optical axis of emission of the light device 11. According to the invention, the main optical axis of the light device 11 coincides with the vertical axis V of the vehicle, the vertical axis V being perpendicular to the ground on which the vehicle is located or perpendicular to the chassis of the vehicle.

A horizontal plane P defined by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T passes through the point of emission of the light beam 15 at the outlet of the light device 11. Here, the plane P is represented as tangent to the roof 2, but it could just as well be tangent to the cover 4 or to the trunk 5 in the case where the system 10 for assistance in identifying the vehicle and more precisely the point of emission of the light beam 15 is placed in the vicinity of the cover 4 or of the trunk 5 of the vehicle.

More precisely, the angle a defines the widening of the light cone around the optical axis of the light device 11, the angle that can be measured between the generatrix G of the light cone and the optical axis of the light cone. In the example illustrated, the light beam 15 forms a cone of light having the axis of rotation of the vertical axis V, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the ground on which the vehicle 1 is positioned.

The entire light beam 15 is emitted on the same side of the horizontal plane P, this side being the side opposite that of the ground. Thus, the light beam 15 is always oriented upwards, that is to say towards the outside of the vehicle 1 and above it.

In all cases, the vertical angle a is between 5 degrees and 80 degrees. To obtain a light beam 15 in the form of a diffuse light cone, the vertical angle a is greater than 45 degrees. To obtain a light beam 15 in the form of a concentrated light cone, the vertical angle a is less than 45 degrees.

Thus, in the absence of an obstacle around the vehicle 1, it does not matter where the user comes from approaching the vehicle, whether by the rear of the latter, the front or the sides, the light beam 15 coming from the system The vehicle identification aid 10 will always be visible from any point of view.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the light device 11 of the vehicle identification assistance system 10 is located in the passenger compartment 6 of the vehicle 1 and is preferably positioned in the vicinity of the window 3 in order to generate the light beam 15 au- above the vehicle 1. More specifically, the light device 11 of the vehicle identification assistance system 10 is here located at one end of the ceiling 7 of the passenger compartment 6, this end of the ceiling 7 defining the edges delimiting the window 3.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the control means 19, for analyzing the environment 30 and for calculating the distance 40 are located in a housing 50 placed between the roof roof 2 and the ceiling 7 of the passenger compartment 6. The light source 12 is, here, oriented so that the light rays 13 are directed directly along the vertical axis V perpendicular to the roof 2, oriented upwards, that is to say towards the outside of the vehicle 1, through the window 3. The light source 12 could also be oriented so that the light rays 13 are directed along an axis different from the vertical axis V, for example parallel to the roof 2, towards a reflector which deflects the light rays 13 upwards, that is to say towards the outside of the vehicle 1, through the window 3, so as to generate the light beam 15 towards the top of the vehicle.

We will now describe in more detail a method 100 implemented by the system 10 for identifying a motor vehicle according to the present invention. Illustrated in FIG. 5, schematically, an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the identification aid system 10 on board the motor vehicle 1.

According to a first example of implementation of the method 100, reference is made to a case in which the user approaches on foot his vehicle 1 parked among other vehicles, in a parking lot, under night conditions.

The user, advantageously carrying a transmission means 18, such as a mobile device, configured to communicate with a reception means 16 on board the vehicle 1, is detected near the vehicle 1 by the reception of the signal 17 during a first step 101. The user can himself activate the transmission means 18 in order to generate the signal 17 or set the transmission means 18 in passive mode allowing only detection of the transmission means 18 near the means reception 16. The reception means 16 provides, upon detection of the user and his mobile device, activation information to the control means 19, during a step 104. The control means 19 can then control the projection of the light beam 15 along the vertical optical axis, during a step 105.

The reception means 16 can also provide, upon detection of the user and his mobile device, information on the position of the latter to a calculation means 40, configured to determine the distance D between the user and the vehicle 1, during a step 102. Simultaneously or not, during a step

103, the external environment located above the vehicle is analyzed by the environmental analysis means 30 and the latter measures the environmental parameters E.

Once the environmental parameters E are analyzed by the analysis means 30 and / or the distance D is determined by the calculation means 40, each of these data D, E, is transmitted in real time to the control means 19 so that the control means 19 take into account these data D, E in order to generate the light beam 15. More precisely, during a step 106, the control means 19 adjusts the means for modulating the appearance 20 as a function in particular of the parameters of the external environment E and of the distance D measured. The light beam 15 is then projected during step 105 along the vertical optical axis.

The data D, E being measured in real time, a step 107 of readjusting the appearance of the light beam 15 is provided as a function of the parameters of the external environment E and the distance D of the user.

For example, the more the distance D decreases, the larger the shape of the light beam 15. Thus, when the user is located far from his vehicle 1, the light beam 15 consists of a thin and concentrated cone so as to be more visible from a distance and the closer the user is to vehicle 1 the more diffuse the light beam 15 to, for example, illuminate the location near the vehicle and reassure the user. The color of the light beam can also be chosen in cool tones so as to be more visible from a distance and then evolve towards warmer tones when the user is closest to the vehicle. The light intensity of the light beam 15 can also depend on the distance D from the user, the light intensity can be significant when the user is at a distance from the vehicle and then becomes softer as it approaches the vehicle 1. The environmental parameters E can also be taken into account to modify the appearance of the light beam 15, in particular by using the capacities of reflection and diffusion of the obstacles located above the vehicle or the ambient brightness.

There may also be provided in a step 108 for triggering the lighting 8 and signaling devices 9 in addition to the light device 11 forming part of the identification system 10. This triggering is preferably implemented by the control means 19 when the distance D between the user and the vehicle 1 is less than a predetermined value, and for example equal to two or even three meters. This triggering makes it possible for example to carry out user welcome scenarios and it mainly allows, within the framework of the invention, to allow the identification of the vehicle by means of separate lighting means triggered successively as and as the user gets closer. At a long distance, the user will be able to have an identification of the vehicle by looking up, to locate it despite the presence of other vehicles, while getting closer, it will be more comfortable for the user to search for his vehicle have to look up.

The invention thus makes it possible, from user detection information, to control the emission and projection of the light beam 15 in a visible manner from any angle of approach of the user in order to '' help identify your vehicle parked among other vehicles, in a car park, in night conditions. The invention thus allows the projection of a light beam directly above and above the vehicle, especially when the user is close to it. Furthermore, the invention can also allow personalization of the appearance of the light beam 15 most relevant to the user, as a function of the distance data D of the user as well as parameters of the external environment E.

According to a second example of implementation of the method 100, reference will be made to a case in which a passenger wishes to join the user located in the vehicle 1. The passenger approaches the vehicle 1 parked among other vehicles on foot, in a parking lot, in night conditions.

In this case, the user can actuate the transmission means 18 sending the signal 17 to the reception means 16 on board the vehicle 1, the reception of the signal 17 taking place during step 101. Following the reception of the signal 17, the control means is activated during step 104 and the projection of the light beam 15 along the vertical optical axis is carried out during step 105.

The reception means 16 can provide information as to the position of the user, the calculation means 40 then detects, during step 102, that the distance D between the user and the vehicle 1 is zero since the user is inside the vehicle 1. In this particular case, only the parameters of the external environment E, which can be analyzed by the environment analysis means 30 during step 103, are taken into account. account by the control means 19 to determine whether the light device must be switched on and to define whether it is necessary, if necessary, to implement and control the appearance modulation means 20 during the step 106. Thus, the light beam 15 projected during step 105 along the vertical optical axis will depend in this case on the environmental parameters E only.

Step 107 may consist in this particular case of readjusting the appearance of the light beam 15 in particular as a function of a projection time already elapsed. The longer the elapsed time, the more the color, intensity and / or shape of the light beam 15 is made more visible in order to help the passenger find the vehicle 1.

The step 108 of triggering the lighting 8 and signaling devices 9 in addition to the light device 11 forming part of the identification system 10 can be implemented manually upon actuation of the user.

The invention thus makes it possible, on the basis of user detection information inside the vehicle and of user wish information to make his vehicle visible, to control the emission and projection of the light beam 15 visibly from any angle of approach to help a passenger find the user in the vehicle. The invention thus allows the projection of a light beam directly above and above the vehicle. Furthermore, the invention can also allow personalization of the appearance of the light beam 15 most relevant to the passenger as a function of the parameters of the external environment E as well as according to the elapsed time of projection of the light beam 15.

Without limitation, the user can, indifferently for the first example of implementation as for the second example of implementation, program the appearance of a light message by the light beam 15 above the vehicle 1.

The foregoing description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives which it has set for itself, and in particular to propose a system for assisting in the identification of a vehicle, which realizes, from a signal from an emission means, the projection of a light beam above the vehicle and above the vehicle. The invention finds many advantageous applications, whether it is a help given to a user or a passenger in order to identify the vehicle parked nearby, as well as a personalization of the light beam according to external parameters. , both environmental and user-friendly.

Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to the system for assisting in the identification of a vehicle which has just been described by way of nonlimiting example, as soon as one implements at least means for transmitting and / or receiving a positioning signal from the user, and means for calculating and / or controlling an instruction for implementing a light source, means for modulation of the appearance of the resulting light signal which could moreover be foreseen.

In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiment specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means.

Claims (18)

1. System (ίο) for helping to identify a motor vehicle (i) comprising: - a light device (il) comprising: a light source (12) capable of emitting light rays (13), and - a means for shaping (14) the light rays (13) to form a light beam (15), characterized in that the light device (11) is configured to emit the light beam (15) along a vertical axis of the vehicle and in a direction pointing above the vehicle. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a control means (19) configured to control the light device (11). 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises means for receiving (16) a signal (17) transmitted by a transmitting means (18). 4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for modulating (20) an appearance of the light beam (15). 5. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means for modulating (20) the appearance of the light beam (15) is configured to modify a light intensity, a color and / or a shape of the light beam (15) . 6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a means of analysis (30) of an external environment. 7. System according to any one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that it comprises means for calculating (40) a distance (D) between the means for receiving (16) the signal (17) and the signal transmission means (18) (17). 8. System according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 4, characterized in that the means for modulating (20) the appearance of the light beam (15) is configured to modify the light intensity, the color and / or the shape of the light beam (15) as a function of a distance (D) between the means for receiving (16) the signal (17) and the means (18) for transmitting the signal (17). 9. Motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a system (10) for identifying the motor vehicle (1) defined according to any one of the preceding claims. 10. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a roof (2) comprising at least one transparent or translucent part (3) through which the light device (11) of the system (10) for assisting the The identification of the motor vehicle is configured to emit the light beam (15) substantially along a vertical axis of the vehicle and in a direction moving above the vehicle. 11. Method (100) for identifying a motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one light device (11) configured to emit a light beam (15) along a vertical axis of the vehicle (1) and in a direction which is directed above the vehicle (1), characterized in that reception of a signal (17) by means of reception (16) of the signal (17) allows the light device (11) to emit the light beam ( 15) along a vertical axis of the vehicle (1) and in a direction pointing above the vehicle (1). 12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises: - a step of calculating (102) a distance (D) separating the reception means (16) of the signal (17) and a transmission means (18) of the signal (17). 13. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a step (106) of modulating an appearance of the light beam (15) as a function of the distance (D) separating the receiving means (16) from the signal (17) and the signal transmission means (18) (17). 14- Method according to any one of claims il to 13, characterized in that it comprises a step (103) of analysis of environmental parameters (E). 15. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a step (106) of modulating the appearance of the light beam (15) according to the environmental parameters (E). 16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the environmental parameters (E) correspond to a measurement of a brightness of the external environment, and / or an analysis of a capacity of an obstacle to reflect or to diffuse a light ray, and / or a geometry of an obstacle. 17. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a step (108) of triggering at least one lighting device (8) and / or signaling (9) of the vehicle (1). 18. Method according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 12, characterized in that, when the distance (D) between the transmission means (18) and the reception means (16) is less than a predetermined value, the step (108) of triggering at least one lighting (8) and / or signaling (9) device is implemented. 1/3 2/3 Fiq. 4 3/3