JP3238655U - sensor equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a sensor device for use in a vehicle with doors. The sensor device includes a first module configured to detect at least one object near the vehicle, a second module configured to detect user movement within the vehicle, the first module and a controller configured to control an output module based on the detection of the second module. If at least one object is detected and user movement is detected, the controller controls the output module to prevent the user from exiting the door.

Description

The present invention relates to sensor devices and methods using same. The sensor equipment is used in vehicles such as cars.

The following content regarding the background art of the present invention is only intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention. This content seeks acknowledgment that it is published, known, or part of the general knowledge by any person skilled in the art, regardless of publication date, in any of the technologies mentioned. Please understand that it is not a thing.

Vehicles equipped with detection sensors for detecting moving objects near the vehicle have been proposed. However, passengers/drivers exiting the vehicle may not be notified or warned of the impending approach of other vehicles, people, or moving objects such as bicycles. Therefore, when a passenger takes an action such as opening a vehicle door, there is a possibility that an accident such as a collision between the vehicle door and a moving object may occur, and it is necessary to reduce these possibilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to address and/or ameliorate problems in the prior art by providing a sensor device and method for controlling same.

Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "including", "consisting of", "having" are non-exhaustive and, in other words, mean "including but not limited to". be interpreted as

Further, throughout this document, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "contains" mean the inclusion of all numbers or groups thereof specified, but not other numbers. or exclude that group.

In one aspect of the invention, there is a sensor apparatus for use in a vehicle having opening and closing doors, a first module configured to detect at least one object near the vehicle, and a user in the vehicle. a second module configured to detect motion. There is a vehicle and a controller configured to control an output module based on the detection of the first module and the detection of the second module, and if at least one object is detected and user motion is detected, the controller A system to control the output and prevent the user from exiting the door.

In some embodiments, the output module is configured to include at least one of a speaker, horn, light source, and locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the controller controls at least one of the speaker and the horn to output sound when at least one object is detected and user motion is detected.

In one embodiment, the controller controls the light source and its illumination when at least one object is detected and user movement is detected.

In some embodiments, the controller controls the locking mechanism of the door to lock the door when at least one object is detected and user motion is detected.

In some embodiments, the motion is motion associated with proximity to, contact with, or pressure applied to a vehicle doorknob.

In some embodiments, the action includes one of:
(i) at least a portion of the user's body is within a defined range of the doorknob; or (ii) at least a portion of the user's body is in contact with the vehicle doorknob; or (iii) ) At least part of the vehicle doorknob is subject to a force greater than or equal to the prescribed pressure.

In some embodiments, the first module comprises a camera, radar, light detection ranging (LiDAR), ultrasonic sonar, and/or light emitting diode (LED).

In some embodiments, the second module comprises a light emitting diode (LED) sensor, touch sensor, touch film, sonar sensor, and/or camera sensor.

In another aspect, a method for controlling sensor equipment is a method including the following steps. A first module detects at least one object in the vicinity of the vehicle. A second module detects the user's movement within the vehicle. and a controller to control the output module based on the detection of the first module and the detection of the second module, and when at least one object is detected and a user's motion is detected, the controller indicates that the user exits the door. Control the output module to prevent

Various embodiments are described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5 shows a vehicle 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 5 shows a block diagram of a vehicle 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 shows an example of a door trim 100A in one embodiment of the present invention; 1 shows an example of a door trim 100A in one embodiment of the present invention; 1 shows an example of a door trim 100A in one embodiment of the present invention; 5 shows an example flowchart of a process performed by vehicle 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 5 shows a block diagram of a vehicle 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

The present invention may be applied to sensor equipment and methods for controlling same.

Unless defined otherwise, all other technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this document's subject matter belongs.

(Vehicle 500)
FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 500 in one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, vehicle 500 includes therein first module 111 and at least one door 100 . The vehicle 500 may be a four-wheeled vehicle and may have four doors, with two doors 500a at the front of the vehicle 500 and the other two doors 500b at the rear of the vehicle 500. FIG. The invention may be applied to vehicles having multiple doors other than four. Object 200 and object 300 can be placed behind vehicle 500 and detected by first module 111 . Details of the first module 111 are described below. Each of first object 200 and second object 300 may comprise a moving object such as a vehicle. Vehicles can be, for example, automobiles (passenger cars, commercial vehicles), trucks, buses, industrial vehicles, and other types of vehicles. The traveling direction of vehicle 500 may be X1 shown in FIG. 1, and the rearward direction of vehicle 500 may be X2 shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a vehicle 500 in one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2 , vehicle 500 may comprise first module 111 , second module 112 , controller 120 and output module 130 . Data from the first module 111 and data from the second module 112 can be input to the controller 120 . Output module 130 may output a warning signal under the control of controller 120 .

(first module 111)
As shown in FIG. 1 , the first module 111 may be installed in or on the vehicle 500 and configured to detect at least one object around the vehicle 500 . The first module 111 may consist of camera sensors, radar, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), ultrasonic sonar, and/or light emitting diodes (LEDs) such as infrared LEDs. The first module 111 is installed, for example, behind a bumper or grille, in a mirror located inside the vehicle 500 (e.g. rearview mirror/rearview mirror), or in a mirror located outside the vehicle 500 (e.g. fender mirror). , or may be configured to include the vehicle 500 on the outer surface of the body of the vehicle 500 . Objects to be detected may include four-wheeled vehicles such as cars and trucks (object 200), two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles (object 300), and moving objects such as people (passers-by). The first module 111 can be adjusted such that the detection direction of the first module 111 is within an acute angle (i.e., behind the vehicle) with respect to the direction X2, thus enabling detection of at least one moving object located behind. to enable.

(second module 112)
As shown in FIG. 4A, the second module 112 may be installed within the vehicle 500 and may be configured to detect predetermined movements of passengers (ie, users within the vehicle 500). The second module 112 may be configured to include LED sensors, touch sensors, touch film, sonar sensors, and/or camera sensors. The determined motion can be a motion associated with being in close proximity to doorknob 101 of vehicle 500 or in contact with doorknob 101 of vehicle 500 ; enabling detection of at least part of the body of a passenger about to exit the vehicle. At least part of the body may include, but is not limited to, hands and/or arms. The second module 112 can output at least one electrical signal when a passenger's body part approaches the doorknob 101 .

In particular, second module 112 may detect one of the following.
(i) at least a portion of the user's body within a determined distance from the doorknob 101;
or (ii) at least the part of the user's body that is in contact with the doorknob 101;
or (iii) a force greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure applied to at least a portion of the doorknob 101;

(Controller 120)
Controller 120 may be installed in vehicle 500 . In particular, controller 120 may be located behind door trim 100A or elsewhere on vehicle 500 . The controller 120 can be electrically connected with the first module 111 , the second module 112 and the output module 130 . Each element (ie, first module 111, second module 112, and output module 130) can be connected together by wires or suitable cables.

(output module 130)
The output module 130 can be used to prevent the user from exiting the vehicle through the door. In particular, output module 130 can be used to notify a user, such as a passenger, of an alert. Output module 130 may be configured to output at least one signal. The signal can be luminous and/or audible output. Output module 130 may be configured to include the necessary electronics and PCB, including visible light emitting diodes (LEDs). In this regard, examples of LED configurations can be as follows: (i) light source: visible LED, (ii) light color: red, (iii) optics: light guide, (iv) illumination conditions: continuous. It is off while the output module 130 is inactive, and lights up or flashes while the output module 130 is active. Output module 130 may be configured to include a speaker for producing buzzing, beeping, music, and/or audio. Also, light guides, plastic lenses, films, and/or liquid crystal monitors can be used to construct the output module 130 .

(Door trim 100A)
FIG. 3 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) shows an example of a door trim 100A in one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, the door trim 100A may include a doorknob 101 having a groove portion 101A, a gripping portion (internal door handle) 101B, and an edge 101C. Groove portion 101A may be a recessed portion compared to the surface around doorknob 101 . Gripping portion 101B may be used to open door 100 of vehicle 500 . For example, a passenger may put their hand into the groove portion 101A to grasp the grip portion. Edge portion 101C may be the portion surrounding groove portion 101A and grip portion 101B. As shown in FIG. 3B, region 101D may be provided outwardly with respect to edge portion 101C.

FIG. 4 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) shows an example of a door trim 100A in one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, a second module 112 may be positioned under the upper side of edge portion 101C. Alternatively, the second module 112 can be arranged around the doorknob 101 . As shown in FIG. 4B, the output module 130 can be located on the side of the edge portion 101C. Alternatively, the output module 130 may be arranged around the doorknob 101 .

If the passenger's body part is close to the upper side of the edge portion 101C, the second module 112 may detect the body part and then the output module 130 may illuminate in at least one color. To warn passengers and prevent doors 100 of vehicle 500 from being opened.

FIG. 5 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) shows an example of a door trim 100A in one embodiment of the invention. An output module 130, such as a speaker, may be placed under the doorknob 101, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

(Example of flowchart of operation by vehicle 500)
FIG. 6 shows an example flowchart of a process performed by vehicle 500 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, operations by the first module 111 and the second module 112 may be performed at S210.

At S<b>220 , the controller 120 may determine whether moving objects around the vehicle 500 are detected by the first module 111 . If moving objects around the vehicle 500 are detected by the first module 111 at S220 (ie, YES), the process can proceed to S230. If no moving objects around the vehicle 500 are detected by the first module 111 at S220 (ie, "No"), the process can be repeated.

At S<b>230 , the controller 120 may determine whether the passenger's determined motion is detected by the second module 112 . If the passenger's determined motion is detected by the second module 112 at S230 (i.e., "yes"), the controller 120 controls the output module 130 such that the output module 130 outputs a warning to the passenger at S240. can do. If the passenger's determined motion is not detected by the second module 112 at S230 (ie, "No"), the process may proceed to S220. After S240, the process may also proceed to S220.

(Horn 140 and locking mechanism 150 (output module 130))
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a vehicle 500 in one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, a horn 140 and locking mechanism 150 may be provided. Horn 140 and locking mechanism 150 may be located within vehicle 500 . Horn 140 may be configured under the control of controller 120 to alert passengers. Lock mechanism 150 may be configured to change the state of door 100 between locking and unlocking under the control of controller 120 . If the passenger's determined motion is detected by the second module 112 at S230 of the flow chart shown in FIG. to control. Additionally and/or alternatively, if the passenger's determined motion is detected by the second module 112 in flowchart S230 shown in FIG. Locking mechanism 150 may be controlled such that door 100 is locked to prevent unauthorized access. Accordingly, horn 140 and/or locking mechanism 150 may avoid collisions between parts of vehicle 500 and objects around vehicle 500 .

Output module 130, horn 140, and locking mechanism 150 may collectively be referred to as the "output module."

If the number of doors 100 exceeds two, the multiple doors 100 can be locked by the locking mechanism 150 if the passenger's determined motion is detected by the second module 112 at S230 of the flow chart shown in FIG. can be locked by

(Effect of idea)
In the present invention, the controller 120 is configured to control the output module 130 based on the first module 111 and the second module 112, and when at least one object is detected and a determined action of the user is detected , the output module 130 is configured to notify the user of the determined information. Thereby, a collision between a part of the vehicle 500 and objects around the vehicle 500 can be avoided.

(Other embodiments)
The detection results by the first module 111 and/or the detection results of the second module 112 may be stored in a database (not shown) of the device (not shown) or server (not shown). Vehicle 500 may communicate with a device or server via communication means such as, but not limited to, wireless or wired communication. Each of the multiple elements (eg, first module 111, second module 112, and output module 130) within vehicle 500 may be connected via communication means such as, but not limited to, wireless or wired communication. . Wireless communication protocols or standards include Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) such as IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ax/ba/EHT, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) , radio frequency identifiers (RFID), cellular communications (eg, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation (5G), etc.). It can be implemented by serial bus (USB), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), or RS-232.

In S210 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the timing at which the first module 111 starts the detection procedure and the timing at which the second module 112 starts the detection procedure may differ.

At S220, the first module 111 applies determined criteria to narrow down the detectable moving objects. The determined criteria may include (i) the distance between the vehicle 500 and the moving object and/or (ii) the relative velocity between the vehicle 500 and moving objects around the vehicle 500 .

The second module 112 can detect the degree to which the door 100 is opened or closed. If the degree of opening or closing exceeds a predetermined threshold, there is a high possibility that the door 100 will collide with moving objects around the vehicle 500, so collisions between parts of the vehicle 500 and objects around the vehicle 500 are avoided. To that end, the controller 120 may control at least one of the output module 130, a horn to alert passengers, and/or a locking mechanism 150 to prevent the door 100 from being opened or closed.

If output module 130 includes a light source, controller 120 can control output module 130 to adjust light intensity, light wavelength, frequency, light flicker, light pattern, and combinations thereof.

The second module 112 can determine the presence of a moving object based on the relative velocity or vehicle speed as well as the distance between the vehicle 500 and the moving object.

An object to be detected (eg, object 200 or object 300 ) may be placed in front of vehicle 500 . If the vehicle 500 is stationary on the first lane and an approaching moving object (e.g., a bicycle, motorcycle, or vehicle) moves along another lane adjacent to the first lane to approach and the oncoming moving object passes near the vehicle 500, the first module 111 and the second module 112 can detect the oncoming moving object and avoid situations where at least part of the vehicle 500 contacts the oncoming moving object. .

As described above, the second module 112 can detect pressure applied to a portion of the doorknob 101 . If the pressure applied to a portion of the doorknob 101 reaches the predetermined pressure, the output module 130 can warn the passenger because it is likely that the passenger is trying to open the door 100 of the vehicle 500. Therefore, collisions between parts of the vehicle 500 and objects around the vehicle 500 can be avoided.

Furthermore, the functional blocks used in hardware (first module 111, second module 112, controller 120, and output module 130) are typically implemented as integrated circuit LSI devices. Functional blocks may be formed as individual chips, or some or all of the functional blocks may be integrated into a single chip.

At least one of the present invention (eg, the first module 111, the second module 112, the controller 120, and the output module 130) is configured, for example, by hardware, but in the present invention, it is implemented by software in cooperation with hardware. sometimes provided.

Variations and combinations of the features described above, which are not alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form further embodiments by those skilled in the art within the intended scope of the present invention.

Each embodiment can be used in combination with other embodiments or with some embodiments by those skilled in the art.

100: Door 100A: Door trim 101: Door knob 101A: Groove 101B: Grip portion 101C: First range 101D: Second range 111: First module 112: Second module 120: Controller 130: Output module 140: Horn 150: Lock mechanism 200, 300: Object 500: Vehicle

The present invention relates to sensor devices . The sensor equipment is used in vehicles such as cars.

Claims (10)

A sensor device for use in a vehicle with a door, comprising:
a first module configured to detect at least one object near the vehicle;
a second module configured to detect user movement within the vehicle;
and a controller configured to control an output module based on the detection of the first module and the detection of the second module;
if at least one object is detected and user movement is detected, the controller controls the output module to prevent the user from exiting the door;
A sensor device characterized by: 2. The sensor instrument of claim 1, wherein the output module comprises at least one of a speaker, horn, light source, and locking mechanism. 3. The sensor device of claim 2, wherein the controller controls at least one of a speaker and a horn to output sound when at least one object is detected and user action is detected. A sensor device characterized by: 4. The sensor device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the controller controls the light source to illuminate when at least one object is detected and user movement is detected. 5. The sensor device according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein when at least one object is detected and a user's movement is detected, the controller controls the locking mechanism to lock the door. A sensor device characterized by: 2. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the sensor device operates in relation to proximity to a vehicle doorknob, contact to the vehicle doorknob, or pressure applied to the vehicle doorknob. 7. The sensor device of claim 6, wherein the sensor device detects conditions including at least one of the following:
(i) at least a portion of the user's body within a determined distance from a vehicle doorknob;
or (ii) at least a part of the user's body in contact with a vehicle doorknob;
or (iii) a force greater than or equal to a prescribed pressure applied to a portion of the vehicle doorknob. 8. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first module is a A sensor device comprising: 9. The sensor apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the second module is configured to include a light emitting diode (LED) sensor, touch sensor, touch film, sonar sensor and/or camera sensor. A sensor device characterized by: A method for operating a sensor device, the method comprising the steps of: a. :
detecting, by the first module, at least one object near the vehicle;
detecting, by a second module, user movement within the vehicle; and
Based on the detection of the first module and the detection of the second module, a controller controls an output module such that when at least one object is detected and a user's motion is detected, the controller controls the user to exit the door. controlling the output module to prevent it from exiting.

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