EP4453708A1

EP4453708A1 - Method for displaying a graphical representation

Info

Publication number: EP4453708A1
Application number: EP22817283.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karl SAFFRE
Original assignee: Renault SAS
Current assignee: Renault SAS
Priority date: 2021-12-21
Filing date: 2022-11-16
Publication date: 2024-10-30
Also published as: FR3131057B1; WO2023117218A1; FR3131057A1; CN118541666A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for displaying a graphical representation (10) for an arrangement comprising a vehicle body (1), a device (2) for displaying the graphical representation (10) comprising a means (4) for storing digital data, and a control unit (5) for controlling displaying means (3), at least one displaying means (3) being integrated into a front segment of the vehicle, and/or a rear segment of the vehicle, the displaying means (3) comprising a face intended for readout of the graphical representation and oriented toward the exterior. The method comprises a step in which the control unit (5) selects an animation script and image stored beforehand in said storage means (3), the image especially being a three-dimensional representation of an object, especially a logo. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising means for implementing the method.

Description

TITLE: Process for displaying a graphical representation

Technical field of the invention

The invention is generally in the field of devices for displaying a graphic representation, for example a relief image, which can be animated, using in particular a holographic display. A method of displaying a graphical representation is provided. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the means for implementing the method.

Vehicles, whether passenger cars, utility-type vehicles, or trucks, include a number of external parts that contribute to its brand identification. To further accentuate the belonging of a vehicle to a brand, it is known to make use of a logo, which can be applied to these parts of the vehicle, in particular external parts. For example, grilles, wheels, trunk or front compartment covers may include logos. Recently, in a more discreet way, the headlights but also the mirrors have distinctive brand inscriptions, for example via the presence of a logo. Thus, in addition to the general appearance conferred by the style line of the vehicle, certain parts greatly contribute to the aesthetic characteristics of the vehicle, which has a considerable impact on the attractiveness of the vehicle for a user.

The advent of disruptive technologies modifies the approach concerning the distinctive signs of belonging to a brand. It is in this desire that the aesthetic and stylistic characteristics of the vehicle can be improved thanks to the display of images in the exterior part. Additionally, the ability to display images in an external part of a vehicle can be used to communicate information, which can improve

While it is well established practice to associate a brand with a vehicle because of its stylistic appearance, the complexity of the design of future vehicles forces manufacturers to use more and more common components, even common bodies of so that the aesthetic belonging of a vehicle to a brand so much to disappear. In this trend, only the association of a brand with its logo remains in order to allow a customer to move towards one brand or another, depending on the nature and quality of the services provided by the brand, independently of the aesthetic and stylistic characteristics of the vehicle.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to propose a method remedying the above drawbacks and improving the vehicles known from the prior art.

More specifically, an object of the invention is a process that is simple to implement, offering a high level of identification of a vehicle to a brand.

Summary of the invention

The invention relates to a method for displaying a graphic representation for an arrangement comprising a vehicle body, in particular a vehicle of the type of an automobile, a device for displaying the graphic representation comprising a digital data storage means , a display control unit, at least one display is integrated in a front portion of the vehicle, in particular a front portion connecting the front optics, and/or a rear portion of the vehicle, in particular inside an optic rear, the display comprising a face intended for reading the graphic representation and oriented towards the outside, the method being characterized in that it comprises a step according to which the control unit selects an image and a script of animation previously recorded in said storage means, the image being in particular a three-dimensional representation of an object, in particular a logo.

The method is characterized in particular by the fact that the control unit modifies at least one animation parameter according to at least one parameter internal and/or external to the vehicle.

The method is characterized in particular by the fact that at least one parameter internal to the vehicle is a state of awakening of the vehicle, and/or an operating state of the vehicle, and/or a state of movement of the vehicle, and/or a state vehicle braking.

The method can be characterized in that it comprises a step of receiving the predetermined encrypted signal, followed by a step of putting the vehicle in the wake-up state, followed by a step of selecting a graphic representation according to a first image and a first animation script by the control unit, followed by a step of sending to the display a signal associated with this selected graphic representation.

The method can be characterized by the fact that it comprises the step of sending to the display is carried out after the step of selection by the control unit of the display integrated in the front portion of the vehicle.

The method is characterized in that it comprises a step of identifying an operating state of the vehicle via said identification means, followed by a step of selecting a graphic representation according to a second image and a second animation script by the control unit, followed by a step of sending to the display a signal associated with this selected graphic representation.

The method can be characterized by the fact that the step of sending to the display is carried out after the step of selection by the control unit of the displays integrated in the front and rear portions of the vehicle.

The method is characterized in that it comprises a step of identifying a state of operation of the powertrain of the vehicle, followed by a step of selecting a graphic representation according to a second image and a second script animation by the control unit, followed by a step of sending to the display a signal associated with this selected graphic representation.

The method can be characterized by the fact that the step of sending to the display is carried out after the step of selection by the control unit of the displays integrated in the front portion and/or the rear portion of the vehicle .

The method is characterized in that it comprises a step of receiving a signal representative of the braking intensity, followed by a step of selecting a graphic representation according to a third image and a third animation script by the control unit, followed by a step of sending to the display a signal associated with this selected graphic representation.

The method can be characterized by the fact that the step of sending to the display is carried out after the step of selection by the control unit of the display integrated in the rear portion of the vehicle.

The method can be characterized by the fact that the first, second and third images differ only by their respective size, in particular the first image of smaller size than that of the second image, and/or that the second image is of smaller size than that of the third image.

The method can be characterized by the fact that the first and second scripts differ by the animation speed of the image, in particular the first script enables an animation of the image according to a rotation speed lower than that of the second script , and/or that the second script enables an animation of the image according to a rotation speed lower than that of the third script.

The method is characterized by the fact that at least one of the scripts defines a speed of rotation of the image around an axis, in particular around an axis vertical to the vehicle.

The method is characterized in that it comprises a step of transferring the operating parameters of at least one display according to the light intensity signal transmitted from said means for measuring the brightness to the control unit.

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular an automobile, characterized in that it comprises hardware and/or software means for implementing the aforementioned method.

Presentation of figures

These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment given on a non-limiting basis in relation to the attached figures, among which:

FIG. 1 represents the vehicle in front view, in which the display device is dormant, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 represents the vehicle of FIG. 1 in which a display method is implemented to adapt the display to the mode of operation or start-up of the vehicle, according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a rear view of a vehicle, in which a display method is implemented to adapt the display to the mode of operation or start-up of the vehicle, according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vehicle of FIG. 3, in which a display method is implemented to adapt the display to the braking mode of the vehicle, according to the invention. detailed description

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle front face according to one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 comprises an opening 8, of the cover type closing a front compartment in which a means of propulsion of the vehicle, in particular an electric powertrain, can be arranged. The front face comprises right and left front headlights 6 which are partly bypassed by a front bumper 15. The end edges of the front bonnet 8, of the front headlights 6 and of the bumper delimit a central zone provided with a grille 14. The grille 14 can be perforated or solid. The grille 14 can come directly from the material of the bumper 15 so as to form one and the same piece made in one piece.

As a side note, in the figures and in the description, the X axis designates the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In forward gear and in a straight line, the vehicle progresses from the rear to the front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, i.e. in the direction of reverse gear. The Y axis designates the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y axis is oriented from left to right, with left and right defined from the perspective of a driver of the vehicle. The Z axis designates the axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. The vehicle is considered to be resting on horizontal ground. The Z axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y and Z axes form an orthogonal frame.

In Figure 1 and Figure 2, the vehicle 1 is shown on the front face which includes a device 2 for displaying a graphic representation.

Preferably, such a device comprises a means of projecting an image which is subsequently called display 3. Here the display comprises a substantially flat face which is made visible from outside the vehicle.

In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the vehicle 1 is represented on the rear face which comprises a device 2 for displaying a graphic representation.

Preferably, such a device comprises two means for projecting an image, such as a display 3 with a substantially flat face which is made visible from outside the vehicle. Preferably, the displays are arranged at the level of the location on the body intended to receive the rear optics. According to a preferred embodiment, a rear optic 7 incorporates a display 3. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 represent a vehicle from the rear in which the rear lights 7 each comprise a display 3. By way of example, the rear portion of the vehicle 1 comprises an opening 18, here of the tailgate type, which is movable on the body of the vehicle, in particular at roof level. The opening 18 is partly surrounded by a protective element against shocks, a rear bumper 16 which extends along its lower and lateral part. The rear lights 7 partially surround the opening 18, and are located above the rear bumper 16. The rear lights can also extend transversely to the vehicle, directly on the tailgate, as shown.

In Figure 1 and Figure 2, the display 3 is integrated into the front portion so that it is fixed directly to the front portion of the vehicle. The display 3 is in particular mounted so as to be flush with the grille 14 so that it extends in an axis plane YZ which is identical to that of the grille 14. By way of example, the grille comprises a opening in which the display is housed.

The display device 2 further comprises a digital data storage means 4 into which images and animation scripts have been previously downloaded. The image to be displayed can be a 2D representation, preferably a logo. The image to be displayed can be a 3D representation, for example a logo represented in relief.

Several animation scripts have previously been recorded in said storage means 4 so that each of the scripts is associated with at least one parameter internal and/or external to the vehicle. The control unit 5 is advantageously able to select an image and a script from among several choices offered due to the different recordings previously made by downloading data into said storage means 4.

The control unit 5 is able to make a selection according to at least one internal parameter of the vehicle. By way of example, the control unit takes the following states into consideration as internal parameters: an waking state (W) of the vehicle, an operating state (F) of the vehicle, a braking state (B) of the vehicle, and a motion state (D) of the vehicle.

Thus, at each aforementioned state, the control unit 5 is programmed to select a pair formed by an image and an animation script. In addition, other parameters can influence the image to be displayed, such as for example the brightness, whether internal or external, in order to allow reading of the image to be displayed in all circumstances. By way of example, in the event of strong external luminosity, the parameters of the displays are modified in order to adapt the display intensity to the external luminosity.

This is the reason why, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a luminosity measuring means 12 is connected to the control unit 5. Such a measuring means is intended to emit a signal representative of the brightness. ambient light intensity.

Depending on the value of the light intensity measured by the brightness measuring means 12, the control unit 5 is programmed to influence the operating parameters of the display 3. Such a brightness measuring means 12 can be a sensor located inside the vehicle. Preferably, it is a sensor located outside the vehicle so that the latter delivers to the control means 5 a signal intended to influence the parameters of the display directly according to the light intensity measured outside. of the vehicle.

Other elements external to vehicle 1 are also taken into consideration, such as the presence of pedestrians near the vehicle. It is in this sense that in Figure 1 and Figure 2, a pedestrian detection means 13 is shown in conjunction with the control unit 5. Such detection means is intended to emit a signal when at least a pedestrian is spotted near the front of the vehicle.

When said means for detecting at least one pedestrian 13 emits a signal, the control unit 5 is then able to select an image and an animation script, as well as at least one operating parameter of the display 3 , as will be detailed below.

The control unit 5 is here at the heart of the display device 2 because it is designed to take account of the environment in which the vehicle is moving in order to influence and modify if necessary the nature of the graphic representation, which it has previously selected.

The control unit 5 is a computer program support, in particular a computer, which can receive the computer program codes intended to be read for the purposes of implementing the method of the invention. According to the invention, the method implementing the arrangement comprises a body of a vehicle 1 and a display device 2 can comprise the case of an awakening situation W which is initiated when the means for detecting a signal 8 on board the vehicle receives a predefined encrypted signal. Such a signal can be transmitted by an electronic key contained on a mobile medium such as an electronic badge or a telephone. As a variant, the signal can be transmitted by an antenna of a telephone network. Only such a signal detection means is kept on standby when the vehicle is locked, in other words when it is in a sleep state. Due to the relationship between said signal detection means 8 and the control unit 5, upon receipt by the detection means of a signal containing an encrypted authentication key associated with the vehicle, the latter then switching in the waking state. The display device 2 also comes out of a sleep phase. The control unit 5 then performs a selection of a graphic representation 10 according to a first image and a first animation script. This selection is then followed by the sending to the display 3 of a signal associated with this selected graphic representation.

Assuming an arrangement comprising a body of a vehicle 1 and a display device 2 comprising several displays 3, the control unit 5 can use each of the displays.

According to a variant, the control unit 5 is able to select the display located in direct proximity to the user. By way of example, if the user is detected either in the front part or in the rear part of the vehicle by the pedestrian detection means 13, the selected display is respectively located in a front portion and a rear portion of the vehicle.

Whatever the position of the display 3 on the vehicle, the first image and the first animation script are transposed by the control unit 5 into a signal intended for the displays containing the data relating to the image and to the selected scripts. This signal can also include the parameters of the display.

By way of example, in the "W" wake-up state of the vehicle, the image represented on the display 3 is a logo, which can be associated with the brand of the vehicle, represented in the frozen state, it that is to say without movement. In the wake-up state W, the light intensity of the display can be continuously variable according to example of modulations of intensity according to a succession of clocked cycles of increase and reduction.

The method for implementing the arrangement may also comprise a step of identifying an operating state "F" of the vehicle, characteristic of an imminent displacement situation due to the selection of a power-on mode. voltage of the various components of the vehicle's powertrain by the user.

The arrangement comprises for this purpose a means 9A for identifying an operating state of the vehicle, in particular by means of a signal emitted by an engine computer and/or an electric or electronic selector, which is related to the control unit 5. The identification means 9A is able to receive a signal coming from a physical actuation means, such as a start push button. According to a variant embodiment, the identification means 9A is able to receive a signal emitted by a computer of a voice control device interpreting the intention of the use of the vehicle as transmitted by voice.

Due to the relationship between said identification means 9A and the control unit 5, the latter then performs a selection of a graphic representation 10 according to a first image and a first animation script. This selection is then followed by the sending to the display 3 of a signal associated with this selected graphic representation.

Assuming an arrangement comprising a body of a vehicle and a display device comprising several displays, the control unit 5 can use each of the displays. The control unit 5 is thus able to send simultaneously to the displays 3 arranged respectively in the left and right rear optics, a signal according to which the color of the image to be displayed is predetermined, preferably a spectrum of colors oriented red.

The display 3 receives a control signal corresponding to the second image and to a second animation script transposed by the control unit 5.

By way of example, in the operating state of the vehicle, the image represented on the display 3 is identical by its geometry to that of the first image, that is to say the logo, but this time- ci with an animation script giving the logo an animation according to a rotation on itself around a vertical axis substantially of orientation Z according to a first predetermined speed. In the operating state “F” of the vehicle, the control unit 5 freezes the display intensity at a constant value. It nevertheless takes account of the ambient light intensity to define this constant display intensity value.

The method for implementing the arrangement may also comprise a step of identifying a state of movement "D" of the vehicle, characteristic of a selection of an operating mode of the powertrain of the vehicle, which may be associated with the particular manual selection by the user.

Said means 9B for identifying the powertrain start-up mode can receive a signal emitted by an engine computer and/or an electric or electronic selector, which is linked to the control unit 5. The means of identification 9B is for example capable of receiving a signal from a physical actuating means, such as a gear selector positioned on the on mode, also known by the English term Drive, corresponding to the setting in running order of the vehicle forwards in direction X.

According to a variant embodiment, the identification means 9B is capable of receiving a signal emitted by a computer of a voice control device interpreting the intention of using the vehicle as transmitted by voice.

Due to the relationship between said identification means 9B and the control unit 5, the latter then performs a selection of a graphic representation 10 according to the second image and the second animation script. By way of example, the second animation script conferring on the logo an animation according to a rotation on itself around a vertical axis substantially of orientation Z according to a second predetermined speed, which is greater than the first speed aforementioned. This selection is then followed by the sending of a signal associated with this selected graphic representation.

Assuming an arrangement comprising a body of a vehicle and a display device comprising several displays, the control unit 5 can then use each of the displays. The image is then simultaneously broadcast on the front display and on the rear displays. By way of example, in the state of movement "D" of the vehicle, the image represented on the display 3 is identical by its geometry to that of the first image, that is to say the logo, but this time with an animation script conferring on the logo an animation according to a rotation on itself around a vertical axis substantially of orientation Z according to the second predetermined speed.

In the state of displacement “D” of the vehicle, the control unit 5 freezes the display intensity at a constant value. It nevertheless takes into account the ambient light intensity to define this constant value of display intensity.

According to a variant embodiment, the speed of rotation of the logo is variable, in particular substantially proportionally, to the speed of movement of the vehicle. When the vehicle stops in the "D" travel state, the speed of rotation of the logo displayed is lower than the predetermined maximum speed of rotation, it then corresponds to the first speed mentioned above.

The method of implementing the arrangement may include the case of a braking situation which will now be described.

In the event of braking "F", the arrangement comprises a means of calculating a braking intensity 17 which is linked to the control unit 5.

In the braking state "F" of the vehicle, the control unit 5 selects a third image in the storage unit 4. The selected image is displayed with a rotational movement through the rear optics, as is represented in FIG. 4. The control unit 5 thus sends simultaneously to the displays 3 arranged respectively in the left and right rear optics, a signal according to which the color of the image to be displayed is predetermined, preferably a spectrum of colors oriented towards red. The means for calculating the braking intensity 17 does not emit any signal because no information relating to the braking pressure is fed back to it by a braking device. The vehicle is in working order such that the displays 3 represent the second animated image according to the second script, thus giving a dynamic character to the graphic representation diffused by the rear lights including the displays.

In the case of displays arranged at the rear and at the front, in addition to a difference as to the color of the image to be displayed, each represents the same image under the same animation script. By the arrangement of the invention, the braking device can be connected to a motor, in particular an electric motor, giving a braking torque intensity value. It can also be related to a friction braking device acting directly on the wheels of the vehicle or the drive shaft of the wheels.

When the vehicle is braking, said braking intensity calculation means 17 transmits to the control unit 5 a signal representative of the braking intensity. According to this value received, the control unit 5 selects in the storage means 4 a third image as well as a third animation script. Once the selection has been made, the control unit transmits to the displays 3 arranged a signal representative of the third image animated by the third script.

By way of example, the third image represents the logo of increased size, as can be seen in FIG. 4. The parameter of the rear displays 3 can also be modified, for example with regard to the intensity of diffusion of the displays, then increased according to the variation in braking intensity. The third script can correspond to a zero rotation speed, which aims to freeze the logo in a static state. Such a situation tends to secure the vehicle and its occupants by alerting the following vehicles of the nature of braking taking into account the braking force of the vehicle. The control unit 5 maintains its last selection until the vehicle is returned to an operating state by pressing the accelerator pedal for example.

In the case of an arrangement comprising both at least one display positioned in a front portion of the vehicle and at least one display positioned in a rear portion of the vehicle, the signal transmitted by the control unit 5 of the vehicle, taking into account of the braking intensity of the vehicle is carried out after the selection step by the control unit 5, towards only at least one display 3 integrated only in the rear portion of the vehicle, preferably towards the displays arranged at the inside each of the rear lights of the vehicle, as shown in figure 4.

Claims

1 . Method for displaying a graphic representation (10) for an arrangement comprising a vehicle body (1), in particular a vehicle of the automobile type, a device (2) for displaying the graphic representation (10) comprising a digital data storage means (4), a control unit (5) of the display (3), at least one display (3) is integrated in a front portion of the vehicle, in particular a front portion connecting the front optics (6), and/or a rear portion of the vehicle, in particular inside a rear light (7), the display (3) comprising a face intended for reading the graphic representation and facing outwards , the method comprising a step according to which the control unit (5) selects an image and an animation script previously recorded in said storage means (3), the image being in particular a three-dimensional representation of an object, in particular a logo, characterized in that it comprises a step of receiving a predetermined encrypted signal, followed by a step of placing the vehicle in the wake-up state (W), followed by a step of selecting a graphic representation (10) according to a first image and a first animation script by the control unit (5), followed by a step of sending to the display (3) a signal associated with this graphic representation (10) selected.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control unit (5) modifies at least one animation parameter according to at least one parameter internal and/or external to the vehicle.

3. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one parameter internal to the vehicle is an waking state (W) of the vehicle, and/or an operating state (F) of the vehicle, and/or a state of displacement (D) of the vehicle, and/or a braking state (B) of the vehicle.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of identifying an operating state (F) of the vehicle via said identification means (9), followed by a step selection of a graphic representation (10) according to a second image and a second animation script by the control unit (5), followed by a step sending to the display (3) a signal associated with this graphic representation (10) selected.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of identifying a state of operation of the powertrain (D) of the vehicle, followed by a step of selecting a graphic representation (10) according to a second image and a second animation script by the control unit (5), followed by a step of sending to the display (3) a signal associated with this representation graph (10) selected.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of receiving a signal representative of the braking intensity (B), followed by a step of selecting a graphic representation ( 10) according to a third image and a third animation script by the control unit (5), followed by a step of sending to the display (3) a signal associated with this graphic representation (10) selected.

7. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of the scripts defines a speed of rotation of the image around an axis, in particular around an axis vertical to the vehicle.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of transferring the operating parameters of at least one display (3) according to the light intensity signal transmitted from said light intensity measuring means. brightness (12) to the control unit (5).

9. Vehicle, in particular an automobile, characterized in that it comprises hardware and/or software means for implementing the method carried out according to any one of the preceding claims.