FR3099108A1 - Accessory centralization device - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (3) for centralizing accessories for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: - power supply means, intended to allow the power supply to the accessory centralization device, - means for detecting 'a user, configured to detect the proximity of a user of the vehicle, - connection means (P1 to Pn) of a set of accessories (A1 to An), configured to allow the connection of a set of accessories to the accessory centralization device, and - means for controlling the set of accessories (A1 to An), configured to allow the activation or deactivation of each accessory of the set of accessories (A1 to Year). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Accessory centralization device

The present invention relates to a device and a system for centralizing accessories, intended to allow the connection and control of a set of accessories of a motorized vehicle.

Motorized vehicles, in particular motorized two- or three-wheeled vehicles, are particularly vulnerable to the risk of theft and accidents.

Accessories have therefore been developed to improve the comfort and safety of the user and his vehicle.

However, the accessories are currently long and complicated to install on the vehicle, in particular due to the complexity of the wiring. Consequently, it is necessary to have technical knowledge, or even to go through a professional. This may pose a cost and/or time issue.

There is therefore a need for devices and systems for centralizing accessories making it possible to simplify the installation and control of accessories of a vehicle, in order to democratize their use. The present invention improves the situation.

To this end, the invention proposes a device for centralizing accessories for a motorized vehicle, characterized in that it comprises:
- power supply means, intended to allow the electrical supply of the accessory centralization device,
- means for detecting a user, configured to detect the proximity of a user of the vehicle,
- means for connecting a set of accessories, configured to allow the connection of a set of accessories to the accessory centralization device, and
- means for controlling the set of accessories, configured to allow the activation or deactivation of each accessory of the set of accessories.

The control means of the set of accessories can be configured to allow the activation or deactivation of each accessory of the set of accessories taking into account the detection of the proximity of the user.

The invention also proposes a system for centralizing accessories for a motorized vehicle, characterized in that it comprises:
- an accessory centralization device as described above, and
- A set of accessories, connected to said accessory centralization device.

The set of accessories may comprise a safety accessory, said safety accessory comprising a GPS module, a gyroscope, an accelerometer and/or a GSM module.

The GSM module can be configured to receive instructions relating to the activation or deactivation of an accessory via a mobile application.

The GSM module can further be configured to receive requests from the user via a mobile application.

The accessory centralization system may further comprise a set of adapters, respectively connected between the accessories and the accessory centralization device, each adapter being capable of transmitting a predefined identification code intended for the centralization device of 'accessories.

The accessory centralization system may further comprise an identification element, intended to be worn by the user, the identification element being configured to allow detection of the proximity of the user to the vehicle.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings on which:
- Figure 1 is a functional view of an accessory centralization system, according to one embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 2 is a functional view of a safety accessory of the accessories centralization system of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a functional view of an accessory centralization device of the accessory centralization system of Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the centralization device of Figure 3, and
- Figure 5 is a view of a vehicle equipped with the accessories centralization system of Figure 1, the vehicle being parked.

Figure 1 shows a system 1 for centralizing accessories for a motorized vehicle 2 (Figure 5).

The vehicle 2 can be a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, such as a motorcycle, a scooter, or a bicycle, with a thermal or electric motor. System 1 can however be used for any type of motorized vehicle.

The system 1 comprises a device 3 for centralizing accessories, and a set of accessories A ₁ to A _n .

Each accessory A ₁ to A _n is intended to be connected to the device 3. Each accessory A ₁ to A _n can be linked to the comfort, to the safety of the driver, and/or to the safety of the vehicle.

The set of accessories A ₁ to A _n includes, for example, heated seats, heated grips, headlights (static, strobe, and/or using light-emitting diodes (LED)), and/or vehicle safety systems and/or driver.

Referring to Figure 2, we describe below in more detail the accessory A ₁ of the set of accessories A ₁ to A _n , which is a safety accessory, intended to improve the safety of the vehicle and the driver.

The safety accessory A ₁ comprises a satellite geolocation module (below called "GPS module") 4, a gyroscope 5, an accelerometer 6, and a communication module using the GSM standard (below called GSM module ) 7.

The GSM module 7 has the particular function of allowing the exchange of information and instructions between the device 3 and a telephone 8 of the user. The sending of information from the device 3 to the user is for example carried out by means of SMS messages. The sending of information or instructions from the user to the device 3 is for example carried out via a dedicated mobile application, installed on the telephone 8.

The accessory A ₁ further includes a control module 10. The control module 10 includes for example a microcontroller and a memory.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the device 3 for centralizing accessories is described below in more detail.

The device 3 comprises power supply means 9, arranged to allow the electrical supply of the device 3. The power supply means 9 can comprise a connector 9 _A configured to allow the connection of the device 3 to a battery of the vehicle 2. alternatively, or in addition, the supply means 9 may comprise a battery (not shown).

The device 3 further comprises means of communication 13. The means of communication 13 comprise a set of transceivers allowing exchanges of data using radio waves, the WiFi protocol, and/or the Bluetooth protocol.

Device 3 further comprises a set of sockets P ₁ to P _n . Each socket P ₁ to P _n is configured to allow the connection of an accessory A ₁ to A _n , by means of a cable.

Device 3 further includes a control module 16. Control module 16 includes, for example, a microcontroller and a memory.

The control module 16 is configured in particular to detect the proximity of a user of the vehicle 2, to control the activation or deactivation of each accessory A ₁ to A _n connected to the device 3, as well as to control the implementation of a set of predefined security and alert procedures.

The system 1 for centralizing accessories further comprises an identification element 12, intended to be worn by the user. The identification element 12 is for example an RFID key (Radio Frequency Identification) or a device using the Bluetooth standard. In the case of a device using the Bluetooth standard, it may be the user's telephone 8 or a separate device.

The identification element 12 comprises an identifier, intended to be transmitted to the system 1 to allow its recognition. In the case of a device using the Bluetooth standard, the identifier is for example the MAC address of the device.

The accessory centralization system 1 may also comprise a set of adapters AD ₁ to AD _n . In this case, the accessories A ₁ to A _n can be connected to a socket P ₁ to P _n by means of an adapter AD ₁ to AD _n . Each adapter AD ₁ to AD _n is configured to emit an identification code associated with a type of accessory A ₁ to A _n . In other words, heated seat adapter type AD adapter is used to connect vehicle 2 heated seat to device 3, immobilizer adapter type AD adapter is used to connect vehicle 2 immobilizer to device 3, etc. The identification code emitted by an adapter AD ₁ to AD _n enables the device 3 to identify the type of accessory A ₁ to A _n which is connected to the corresponding socket P ₁ to P _n . Consequently, in this embodiment, an accessory A ₁ to A _n can be connected to any socket P ₁ to P _n .

The adapters AD ₁ to AD _n thus allow the connection of a wide variety of accessories A ₁ to A _n , manufactured and marketed by various parties. It is of course possible that certain accessories A ₁ to A _n require the use of an adapter, but that other accessories A ₁ to A _n can be connected directly to device 3.

As a variant, each socket P ₁ to P _n can be configured to receive a predetermined type of accessory A ₁ to A _n . In this variant, the user directly connects each accessory A ₁ to A _n to a suitable socket P ₁ to P _n . The term “adapted socket” here refers to a dedicated socket, intended to receive an accessory A ₁ to A _n of a predetermined type.

The installation of device 3 for centralizing accessories is described below.

To install the device 3, the user of the motorized vehicle 2 connects the device 3 to the battery of the vehicle 2. When the device 3 has an internal battery, the latter is arranged to be used in addition, in particular when the vehicle 2 is stationary, and to be recharged by the battery of the vehicle 2 when the latter is in circulation.

The user also connects the accessories A ₁ to A _n in the sockets P ₁ to P _n of the device 3, possibly via the adapters AD ₁ to AD _n .

Then, the user launches the dedicated mobile application. The mobile application then transmits an accessory recognition request to the device 3, for example via a Bluetooth connection. In response to this request, the device 3 scans the sockets P ₁ to P _n , and identifies the accessories A ₁ to A _n connected. Then, the device 3 sends the information relating to the accessories connected to the mobile application, to update the user interface.

System 1 is then ready to operate. Installation of the accessory centralization device 3 is thus very simple and quick. It can be carried out by the user of vehicle 2, even if he has no technical knowledge in the field.

The operation of the device 3 for centralizing accessories is described below.

Device 3 is configured to detect the proximity of the user. This detection is carried out using the identification element 12 carried by the user. Beforehand, the identifier of the identification element 12 is stored in the device 3, by action of the user, for example through the mobile application.

In operation, the device 3 transmits an identification request at predetermined intervals, for example every five seconds. When the identification element 12 is close to the device 3 and receives an identification request, it sends to the device 3, in response, an identification response containing its identifier. Following receipt of the identification response, the device 3 compares the received identifier with the stored identifier. When the received identifier corresponds to the stored identifier, the device 3 determines that the user is near the vehicle 2.

When the detection of the proximity of the user is carried out by means of an RFID key, the Bluetooth function of the device 3 can be deactivated in the absence of this detection, in order to minimize the energy consumption. In this case, the Bluetooth function can be activated automatically when the proximity of the user is detected.

When the user's proximity has been detected, the device 3 can continue to send identification requests at predetermined intervals, until the vehicle 2 is set in motion. proximity of his vehicle 2. Then, when the vehicle 2 starts moving, the device 3 can stop searching for the identification element 12, to limit the wear of the cell or battery of the identification element 12 .

The device 3 is further configured to allow the activation and deactivation of the accessories A ₁ to A _n .

The activation and deactivation of each accessory A ₁ to A _n can be conditioned by the proximity or not of the user. Three scenarios can be provided depending on the presence or absence of the user: the automatic activation of one or more predetermined accessories A ₁ to A _n , the automatic deactivation of one or more accessories A ₁ to A _n predetermined, and the possibility of activating/deactivating one or more predetermined accessories A ₁ to A _n via the mobile application. For example, provision may be made for certain accessories A ₁ to A _n to be activated only when the user is detected near the vehicle 2, to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Conversely, it may be advantageous to allow remote control of other accessories A ₁ to A _n , via the mobile application. Intermediate states can also be provided for certain accessories A ₁ to A _n . The term “intermediate state” refers to an operating state in which the accessory A ₁ to A _n is controlled by the device 3 to be alternately activated and deactivated, according to predetermined time intervals.

Detection of the presence of the ignition key of vehicle 2 in the ignition switch may also condition the activation, deactivation, or the possibility of activating/deactivating certain accessories A₁to A_not .

Indeed, the device 3 can have additional connectors (not shown) allowing it to be connected to the vehicle 2 via an after-ignition socket, that is to say an active socket as soon as the ignition key of the vehicle has been turned to the operating position (“ON” position). In this case, a procedure for identifying the accessories A ₁ to A _n is initiated following actuation of the ignition key. This additional connection, which can be connected to all or part of the sockets P ₁ to P _n , makes it possible to authorize the operation of the accessories A ₁ to A _n connected to the corresponding sockets P ₁ to P _n , even in the absence of the identification element 12. This variant can in particular be used for mandatory safety accessories when the vehicle 2 is in circulation, such as flashing lights.

The device 3 is further configured to receive, store and use information relating to the user (first name, last name, e-mail address, telephone number, password, etc.), to the device 3 (telephone number linked to the GSM 7 module, etc.) and/or to emergency contacts (first names, surnames, telephone numbers, etc.). Data can be transmitted to device 3 via the mobile application. This data can then be used to contact the user and/or their emergency contacts, as needed.

Device 3 is further configured to optimize the energy impact of system 1 on the battery of vehicle 2 and/or on an internal battery of device 3.

The objective of this optimization is to obtain an optimal quality of service, while saving the energy consumed. Indeed, the needs depend on the context. For example, the needs are not the same for a vehicle 2 parked in a secure car park, for a vehicle 2 parked in the street, and for a vehicle 2 in use. Needs also depend on how often Vehicle 2 is used, user preferences, etc. A set of modes of use can therefore be provided.

The set of modes of use can comprise a “Standby” mode, in which the safety-related accessories A ₁ to A _n are deactivated.

The set of modes of use can further comprise an “Economic” mode, in which the GPS module 4 and the GSM module 7 of the safety accessory A ₁ are activated intermittently.

The set of modes of use can further comprise a “High Security” mode, in which the GPS module 4 and the GSM module 7 of the security accessory A ₁ are permanently activated.

The mode of use is selected by the user, for example via the mobile application.

The operation of the device 3 for centralizing accessories is described below, when it is used in combination with the safety accessory A ₁ .

The GSM module 7 of security accessory A ₁ allows the exchange of messages with the user, even when the user is away from vehicle 2.

Such messages make it possible in particular to alert the user in the event of an impact or unauthorized movement of the vehicle 2.

Such messages can also be sent on the initiative of the user, via the mobile application, for example to update personal data in the memory of the device 3 or of the accessory A ₁ , or to control remotely the activation or deactivation of an accessory A ₁ to A _n connected to the device 3. The user can also transmit requests to the accessory A ₁ , for example to request the current GPS position of his vehicle 2.

The safety accessory A ₁ is further configured to allow the implementation of a safety procedure. The security procedure can be implemented in the presence or absence of the user, depending on the situation. Its purpose is in particular to detect shocks, accidents, unauthorized movements of the vehicle 2, theft of the vehicle 2 during use ("bike-jacking"), the triggering of an alarm, etc., and to notify the user and/or emergency contacts memorized beforehand.

The safety procedure may include a step of calibrating the gyroscope 5. Indeed, when it is parked, the vehicle 2 is not necessarily in a vertical position. By way of example, in Figure 4, the vehicle 2 has a side stand, and has, when parked, an inclination of approximately 11° with respect to a vertical plane. The calibration step can be implemented automatically as soon as the identification element 12 is no longer detected, that is to say as soon as the user moves away from his vehicle 2. At this moment, the device 3 records the angular data transmitted by the gyroscope 5. The stored angular data is then considered as reference angular data for the duration of the parking of the vehicle 2.

The security procedure may further comprise a step of storing the position of the vehicle 2. The device 3 is configured to receive and store GPS coordinates transmitted by the GPS module 4 of the security accessory A ₁ . The stored GPS coordinates can then be used to determine a movement or a stop of the vehicle 2, as well as to transmit the current position of the vehicle 2. The step of storing the position can in particular be implemented automatically as soon as the stop of vehicle 2 is detected. The stored GPS coordinates are then considered as the reference GPS coordinates for the duration of the parking of vehicle 2.

The security procedure may further comprise the detection of a slight shock. A manipulation of the vehicle 2 when it is parked is called “light shock”. A light shock is, for example, detected when:
- vehicle 2 is parked,
- the identification element 12 is not detected, and
- A difference is detected between the angular data transmitted by the gyroscope 5 and the stored reference angular data, the difference corresponding to an offset between 0° and +45° (or -45°).

The safety procedure may further comprise the detection of a heavy impact. A manipulation of the parked vehicle 2, causing it to fall, is called a “heavy shock”. A heavy shock is, for example, detected when:
- vehicle 2 is parked,
- the identification element 12 is not detected, and
either a difference is detected between the angular data transmitted by the gyroscope 5 and the stored reference angular data, the difference corresponding to an offset between +45° and +90° (or -45° and -90°), or the values transmitted by the accelerometer 6 show an increase in the force G greater than a predetermined threshold.

The security procedure may further comprise the detection of a displacement. A displacement is, for example, detected when:
- a light or heavy shock is detected, and
- the GPS coordinates of vehicle 2 are modified following detection of the light or heavy impact.

The security procedure may further comprise the detection of a theft of the vehicle 2 during its use (also called “bike-jacking”). For this, after a predetermined time (for example ten seconds) following the setting in motion of the vehicle 2, the device 3 sends a control request, to verify that the driver is indeed the bearer of the identification element 12. If a response from the identification element 12 is received, then the device 3 stops transmitting. This procedure can be restarted automatically each time vehicle 2 is stopped and restarted (red light, stop, etc.). In the absence of a response from the identification element 12, the device 3 determines that the vehicle 2 has been stolen.

The safety accessory A ₁ is further configured to allow the implementation of an accident detection procedure. The detection of an accident can include several phases.

During a first phase, a risk of accident can be detected when:
- the identification element 12 is detected,
- the vehicle 2 is in circulation, that is to say that the GPS coordinates 4 are not constant, and
- The accelerometer 6 detects a sudden deceleration, greater than a predetermined threshold.

Then, when a risk of accident has been detected, a second phase is implemented, after a predetermined time following the detection of a risk of accident. The predetermined delay corresponds to the time for vehicle 2 to come to a standstill in the event of an accident. The second phase consists of analyzing the current GPS coordinates of vehicle 2, provided by the GPS module 4, and the current angular data of vehicle 2, provided by the gyroscope 5.

Following this second phase, an accident is detected if vehicle 2 is no longer in motion and/or if vehicle 2 is not in a substantially vertical position. Otherwise, that is to say if the vehicle 2 is moving and in a substantially vertical position, then the situation is considered normal, and the procedure stops.

The safety accessory A ₁ is further configured to allow the implementation of safety actions in the event of detection of a shock, a movement, an accident, theft of the parked vehicle 2, or theft of vehicle 2 while in use.

Safety actions can be initiated automatically or upon user request.

Security actions may include sending an SMS message to the user to inform him and/or ask him for confirmation. The message can also include the GPS position of the vehicle 2. A response from the user can be expected by the accessory A ₁ following the sending of an SMS message. In this case, in the presence of a negative response, or in the absence of a response within a predetermined period, the accessory A ₁ can send an SMS message to the emergency contacts, to alert them.

The safety actions may also include the activation of an alarm siren of the vehicle 2. The siren may persist throughout the duration of the observed manipulation, then for a predetermined period after the end of the unauthorized manipulation of the vehicle 2. The siren can be deactivated following the predetermined delay, as soon as the identification element 12 is detected, or on request from the user.

The safety actions may further comprise the deactivation of the identification element 12, the activation of GPS tracking, and/or the initiation of a remote stop procedure, to immobilize the vehicle 2 from then on. that the vehicle will come to a stop (red light, stop, etc.).

Safety actions are configured to be stopped in response to receiving an instruction from the user.

The accessory centralization system 1 described above thus makes it possible to democratize the comfort and safety of users and their vehicle. The user can install himself, quickly and easily, all the accessories necessary for his comfort and safety, as well as that of his vehicle. In addition, the use of a mobile application for activating and deactivating accessories makes it possible to avoid the passage of ON/OFF button cables.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of examples; it extends to other variants.

Claims (8)

Device (3) for centralizing accessories for a motorized vehicle (2), characterized in that it comprises:
- power supply means (9), intended to allow the electrical supply of the accessory centralization device,
- detection means (13, 16) of a user, configured to detect the proximity of a user of the vehicle (2),
- connection means (P ₁ to P _n ) of a set of accessories (A ₁ to A _n ), configured to allow the connection of a set of accessories to the accessory centralization device, and
- control means (16) of the set of accessories (A ₁ to A _n ), configured to allow the activation or deactivation of each accessory of the set of accessories (A ₁ to A _n ). Device for centralizing accessories according to claim 1, in which the control means (16) of the set of accessories (A ₁ to A _n ) are configured to allow the activation or deactivation of each accessory of the set of accessories (A ₁ to A _n ) taking into account the detection of the proximity of the user. System (1) for centralizing accessories for a motorized vehicle (2), characterized in that it comprises:
- a device (3) for centralizing accessories according to any one of claims 1 or 2, and
- A set of accessories (A ₁ to A _n ), connected to said accessory centralization device. Accessory centralization system according to claim 3, in which the set of accessories (A ₁ to A _n ) comprises a safety accessory (A ₁ ), said safety accessory comprising a GPS module (4), a gyroscope (5), an accelerometer (6) and/or a GSM module (7). Accessory centralization system according to claim 4, wherein said GSM module (7) is configured to receive instructions relating to the activation or deactivation of an accessory (A ₁ to A _n ) via a mobile application. Accessory centralization system according to claim 4, wherein said GSM module (7) is configured to receive user requests via a mobile application. System for centralizing accessories according to claim 3, further comprising a set of adapters (AD ₁ to AD _n ), respectively connected between the accessories (A ₁ to A _n ) and the device (3) for centralizing accessories , each adapter being capable of transmitting a predefined identification code to the accessory centralization device. Accessory centralization system according to claim 3, further comprising an identification element (12), intended to be worn by the user, the identification element being configured to allow the detection of the proximity of the vehicle user (2).