RU97092U1 - VEHICLE SPACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

 1. A system for monitoring the space surrounding a vehicle, comprising at least one sensor with a sensor element that changes its parameters when any material object approaches the specified vehicle, a sensor parameter estimator and a warning signal device about such an approximation, characterized in that it contains a capacitive sensor equipped with an extended sensitive element in the form of a single antenna made of electric rovodyaschego material and disposed on the vehicle body, and associated electronic means for measuring the capacitance of said sensing element; the device for evaluating the parameters of the sensor is made in the form of an electronic logic device adapted to estimate the distance between the vehicle and the material object based on information about changes in the parameters of the specified capacitive sensor. ! 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic means of measuring the capacitance comprises a high-frequency oscillation generator, the oscillatory circuit of which is connected with the sensitive element, and an amplitude detector that determines the change in the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations resulting from changes in the capacitance of the sensitive element. ! 3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that as the specified electronic logical device contains a digital processor adapted for programming criteria for assessing changes in the capacitance of a sensitive element corresponding to the event of the presence of any material

Description

The utility model relates to systems providing monitoring of the space surrounding the vehicle and a warning about the approach of any objects to the vehicle when it is moving, for example, objects in the form of obstacles when parking a vehicle, for example, a car, and about which Any objects during its parking or stopping.

When parking a vehicle, for example, a car, in conditions of limited space and poor visibility, especially when reversing, the driver experiences difficulties in maneuvering the vehicle due to the fact that there may be obstacles in the path of movement that do not fall within the driver's field of vision. In addition, while the vehicle is parked, in conditions of limited parking space and insufficient lighting, it is important to ensure the safety of the vehicle from damage by other vehicles that maneuver for parking near it.

Many different parking systems are known to provide assistance to the driver when parking. Typically, such systems include a set of sensors mounted on the external elements of the vehicle body, for example, a car, most often at the rear, for example, on the rear bumper, and sometimes on the front bumper, a processing device that processes the signals from the sensors and estimates the distance to obstacles.

Currently, systems that use ultrasound, radar, optical, and electromagnetic sensors are used to ensure safety when parking cars. Most often in parking systems, ultrasonic echolocation is used (EP, 1624319, A1; EP, 1845002, B1). Such systems, as a rule, use several electro-acoustic transducers (usually at least four), which provide emission of acoustic waves and reception of waves reflected from obstacles. The transducers are installed on the outer surfaces of the rear and front bumpers, which requires installation of sensors to make holes in the bumpers. The disadvantage of such systems is that they do not always provide reliable information about the distance to obstacles, since the reflected signal substantially depends on the configuration of the obstacles and their reflective properties. In addition, such systems have fundamental limitations associated with the fact that they cannot work at distances comparable with the wavelength of the probing signal and smaller (usually 30-40 cm). In addition, electro-acoustic transducers have a fairly narrow radiation pattern, which leads to the formation of so-called "dead zones".

Various methods are proposed for reducing and eliminating “dead zones”, for example, by increasing the number of sensors and various methods of processing signals from them (EP, 1674885, A1). However, this greatly complicates the system and does not completely solve the problem.

In the automatic parking systems, which are now equipped with many executive cars, as a rule, radio frequency SSR radars operating in the near zone (Short Range Radar - SRR) (EP, 1674885, A1) are used, or optical sensors are used (EP, 1470977, A1 ) Parking systems with radio frequency and optical radars are even more complex and expensive.

Known electromagnetic obstacle detection system, where information about approaching an obstacle is generated based on the measurement of "disturbances" of the electromagnetic field around the transmitting antenna (RU, 2139572, C). In such a system, the measurement of the "disturbances" of the electromagnetic field is carried out on the basis of processing the signal from the receiving antenna of the system. Both antennas are placed on the bumper of the car. However, in such a system, the detection characteristics substantially depend on the relative position of the transmitting and receiving antennas, which makes it more demanding to mount them on a vehicle. Moreover, from the description of the system given in this patent, it is not clear which “disturbances” are evaluated and how they are compared with the distance to the obstacle.

It is known that for detecting objects in a protected area, capacitive sensors can be used that respond to changes in the capacitance of the sensor's sensitive element when an object approaches it. Such sensors are used, for example, in perimeter security systems (I.V. Ivanov. “Perimeter Protection”. Publishing House “Parity Graf”, 2000). These systems are designed to warn people approaching the guarded perimeter. The system reacts to a change in the capacitance of the sensor’s sensitive element (antenna) relative to the ground, which occurs when an object approaches a sensor’s sensitive element. Also, capacitive sensors of various kinds are used in automation systems to create safety systems in production (A.Emanov. Contactless controls. Capacitive sensors from OMRON. "Electronics News" No. 1, 2008], [Nils Karlsson. "A capacitive sensor for safeguarding operators of industrial robots ". Robotica, vol. 17, issue 1, January 1999, page 33-39).

However, capacitive sensors used in security systems and in automation systems have a relay detection characteristic (with a single threshold), which does not allow their use in space monitoring systems to inform in advance about the proximity of an object; capacitive sensors are equipped with a multi-level (at least three levels) system estimates of changes in their capacity depending on the distance to the object.

When creating a utility model, the task was to develop a system for monitoring the space around the vehicle in its various states: in motion, when parking, stopping, maneuvering during parking, providing reliable information about objects approaching the vehicle from all sides at different times of the day and at different times of the day illumination of the area.

The problem was solved by creating a technical solution for a useful model of a system for monitoring the space surrounding a vehicle, containing at least one sensor with a sensing element that changes its parameters when any material object approaches the specified vehicle, an evaluation device sensor parameters and a warning signal device for such an approach, characterized in that:

- contains a capacitive sensor equipped with an extended sensitive element in the form of a single antenna made of electrically conductive material and placed on the vehicle body, and associated electronic means for measuring the capacitance of said sensitive element;

- the device for evaluating the parameters of the sensor is made in the form of an electronic logic device adapted to estimate the distance between the vehicle and the material object based on information about the change in the parameters of the specified capacitive sensor.

At the same time, according to the technical solution of the utility model, it is advisable that the electronic means of measuring capacitance contain a high-frequency oscillation generator, the oscillatory circuit of which is connected to the sensitive element, and an amplitude detector that determines the change in the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations resulting from changes in the capacitance of the sensitive element.

Moreover, according to the technical solution of the utility model, it is advisable that the system as a specified electronic logic device contains a digital processor adapted for programming the criteria for assessing changes in the capacitance of a sensitive element corresponding to the event of the presence of any material object in the specified environment, formation and delivery to the device giving signals of the corresponding commands to the standard signal means of the vehicle, including an audio signal and a decree ateli turns.

In addition, according to the technical solution of the utility model, it is advisable that said digital processor be adapted for programming at least three evaluation criteria corresponding to at least three events of equal distance from the protected vehicle to the material object to the established criterion.

Moreover, according to the technical solution of the utility model, it is advisable that the signal supply device be made in the form of an acoustic signaling device or LED indicator, or in the form of a device combining sound and optical signaling, and at the same time ensure the supply of at least three types of signals, corresponding to at least three distance values to the specified material object, corresponding to the specified evaluation criteria.

Moreover, according to the technical solution of the utility model, it is advisable that the system additionally contains an autonomous power source with a stabilized output voltage to power the electronic devices of the system.

Moreover, according to the technical solution of the utility model, it is advisable that said antenna be made in the form of a metal strip horizontally placed on the vehicle body with an insulating substrate.

At the same time, according to the technical solution of the utility model, it is advisable that the system contains many of these sensitive elements located along the perimeter of the vehicle in plan.

In addition, according to the technical solution of the utility model, it is advisable that the logic device be adapted for connection to the vehicle anti-theft alarm system.

In the future, the technical solution of the utility model of the monitoring system of the space surrounding the vehicle is illustrated by its embodiment and the accompanying drawings, on which:

Figure 1 - diagram of a monitoring system according to the technical solution of the utility model;

Figa, b, c - diagram of the functioning of the monitoring system according to the technical solution of the utility model, an option for monitoring the space behind the vehicle;

Figa, b - diagram of the functioning of the monitoring system according to the technical solution of the utility model, the option of monitoring the space around the vehicle;

Figure 4 is a diagram of the implementation of the monitoring system according to the technical solution of the utility model, option.

In this case, the embodiments of the method and the options for tent structures do not limit the possibilities of carrying out the invention and do not go beyond the scope of the claims.

According to the technical solution of the utility model, the monitoring system of the space surrounding the vehicle can provide the following main functions:

- detection of material objects in the maneuvering zone when the vehicle is parked in conditions of limited space and poor visibility and warning the driver of their approach to the vehicle or vehicle to them;

- detection of material objects in the parking or stopping area of the vehicle, including vehicles maneuvering for parking near the protected vehicle;

- ensuring the safety of the vehicle during its movement from damage to it by other vehicles or damage to other vehicles by it;

- use as part of the anti-theft security complex to warn about the approach of unauthorized persons to the guarded vehicle.

As schematically shown in FIGS. 1, 4, the space monitoring system, according to the technical solution of the present utility model, comprises at least one capacitive sensor 1 having one extended sensor element 2 adapted to be mounted on the vehicle body (FIG. 2a, b, c, Fig. 3a, b) to be protected, and electronic means 3 for measuring the capacitance of the sensor.

Depending on the requirements, the system may contain only one sensor that provides protection from the side of the rear bumper only, as shown in Fig.2a, b, c, or several sensors that provide protection along the entire perimeter, as shown in Fig.3a b. In this case, the capacitive sensor 1 can be installed, for example, on the inner surface of the bumpers, as shown in Fig.2a, b, c, and additionally on the doors of the vehicle body, as shown in Fig.3a, b, which allows monitoring the space the entire perimeter of the vehicle body.

The design of the sensing element 2 may be different. According to the technical solution of the utility model, the most preferred is the sensitive element 2, made in the form of an extended metal antenna (Fig.1, 2, 3, 4), for example, in the form of a metal tape. When placing the antenna on the housing elements made of metal, the antenna is placed on an insulating substrate previously fixed on the housing; when placing on the housing elements made of plastic, insulation is not required. The antenna can be glued on the inside of non-metallic structural elements of the vehicle: for cars, for example, on the inside of plastic bumpers or decorative moldings. In addition, the sensing element 2 may be provided with an insulating substrate.

The electronic means 3 for measuring capacitance can be of various types: on the basis of measuring the electric charge, or on the basis of measuring the oscillation parameters of a high-frequency generator 8 associated with a sensitive element 2 (I. Krivchenko. "Modern integrated circuits for building capacitive sensors". Components and Technologies, No. 9, 2006), or, for example, as proposed in WO 02/019524, A1 (Bach Thomas William et al, "Controller for a capacitive sensor), and turn on the detector 9 for detecting changes in the parameters of the generator 8.

In addition, the system contains an electronic logic device 4, for example, in the form of a digital processor, adapted to estimate the distance between the vehicle and the material object, which, on the basis of information about changes in the capacitance parameters of the indicated capacitive sensor 1, generates commands to the signaling devices 5 and 6 and anti-theft device 7.

As an electronic logic device 4, a programmable digital signal processor can be used, which allows implementing various processing algorithms that ensure the performance of the above functions.

Moreover, according to the technical solution of the utility model, the electronic logic device 4 (digital processor) is adapted for programming the criteria for assessing changes in the capacitance of the sensitive element corresponding to the event of the presence of any material object in the specified environment, the formation and issuance of the corresponding signals to devices 5 and 6 commands for the standard vehicle signaling devices, including a sound signal and light signaling, including direction indicators.

According to the technical solution of the utility model, the electronic logic device 4 can be adapted for programming three criteria for evaluating the parameters of a capacitive sensor, for example, corresponding to three events of equality of the distance to a material object with three established criteria, and for the signal device to execute three signal levels, different, for example, for sound and light signaling by signal intensity, nature and duration of signal interruption ..

As shown in FIGS. 2a, b, c and FIGS. 3a, b, the first level signal corresponding to zone A indicates the appearance of a material object, for example, a curbstone, in the space surrounding the vehicle. The signal of the second level, corresponding to the intermediate zone B, warns of the possibility of a dangerous situation for the vehicle. And the signal of the third level, corresponding to danger zone C, reports the boundary moment of getting into a dangerous situation, which requires the cessation of movement.

When any material object approaches the sensing element 2 of the capacitive sensor 1, the capacitance of the sensing element 2 changes. The capacity of the sensing element 2 is inversely proportional to the distance to the object. In this case, when this distance is reduced, the rate of change in capacity increases, since the value of the capacity inversely depends on the distance between the sensitive element 2 and the object, and thus, the sensitivity of the monitoring system for detecting objects in the danger zone increases. From the capacitive sensor 1, information about the change in the capacitance of the sensing element enters the electronic logic device 4, for example, a digital processor in the form of a microprogram control unit.

Processing of the information received from the capacitive sensors 1 is performed by the logical device 4. In the case of using several capacitive sensors 1, the light signaling device should provide a display of the situation in the area of each capacitive sensor 1. The sound signal in this case corresponds to the situation in the area of the capacitive sensor 1 closest to the discovered material object.

Based on the information about the change in capacitance, the logical device 4 estimates the distance to the object, compares it with thresholds corresponding to the boundaries of the detection zones, and when these limits are reached or the distance to dangerous limits is reduced, it generates commands for warning sound and visual signals that are sent to the sound signaling device and LED display. and when form commands to give warning signals.

When maneuvering vehicles in a parking environment, light and sound signals can be implemented both inside and outside the vehicle as warning signals to attract the attention of drivers of surrounding vehicles or people passing by.

The vehicle, when it is parked in the absence of the driver, when parked, may be damaged by another vehicle maneuvering nearby. In this situation, to ensure the safety of a standing vehicle, the proposed monitoring system can be used to warn the driver of a moving vehicle about a dangerous approach to a standing vehicle. To this end, the system is configured to provide warning sound and visual signals available to drivers of other vehicles. For giving warning signals, for example, a regular sound signal and direction indicators or vehicle headlights can be used, they are controlled by the logical device of the monitoring system. The own standard signaling device of the monitoring system is not used in this case.

To use the monitoring system to perform security functions, the logical device 4 is configured to select information processing algorithms corresponding to the modes of detecting objects during movement and the security modes of the parking lot.

If necessary, the monitoring system can be used as one of the elements of the anti-theft security complex of the vehicle to warn about the approach of strangers to the guarded vehicle. For this purpose, it provides output 7 for connecting to a security complex.

The use of a capacitive sensor allows the detection of objects of various shapes and from various materials in the entire range of working distances without any "dead zones". Depending on the requirements, the system may contain only one sensor that provides protection from only the rear bumper, or several that provide protection around the perimeter.

One of the options for the practical implementation of the proposed monitoring system is presented in Figure 4, using an example of a single capacitive sensor 1 mounted on the inner surface of the rear bumper of a car (Figure 2a, b, c).

The sensitive element 2 of the capacitive sensor 1 is connected with the oscillatory LC circuit of the generator 8. When an object approaches the sensitive element 2, its capacitance changes, resulting in the detuning of the oscillatory circuit of the generator 8, which leads to a change in the amplitude, frequency and phase of the oscillations. These changes are detected by the detector 9, and then the results of these changes are used in the electronic logic device 4 to determine the distance to the obstacle. In this case, informative signs are not the absolute values of the amplitude, frequency and phase of high-frequency oscillations, but their relative changes and the speed of these changes. This eliminates the influence on the detection characteristics of factors such as obstacle material, ambient temperature and humidity, departure of the parameters of the elements of the oscillatory circuit of the generator 8. The operating frequency and power level of the generator 8 are selected from the conditions for ensuring the necessary detection characteristics (dimensions of the detection zones) and requirements for electromagnetic compatibility. Typically, the operating frequency lies in the range 400-600 kHz.

Using a programmable digital processor allows you to implement various algorithms for processing signals and displaying warning information, ensuring the implementation of the above functions of the system. In this example, in accordance with the foregoing, there are three types of sound and light warning signals related to zones A, B and C shown in FIG.

It should be noted that in some cases it is not necessary to use information on changes in all parameters of high-frequency oscillations to develop a decision on approaching an obstacle; in some cases, information on changes in one of the parameters is sufficient. In the above example, as an informative feature, we used the change in the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations of the generator 8 when approaching a material object and used the amplitude detector 9, which ensures the separation of the envelope of high-frequency oscillations. The operational amplifier used in the detector 9 provides additional amplification of the extracted signal.

To obtain a more accurate estimate of the distance to a material object, it is advisable to use information about the change in all parameters of high-frequency oscillations.

From the detector 9, the envelope signal enters the digital processor of the electronic logic device 4, in which, based on the processing of information about the magnitude and rate of change of the amplitude of the high-frequency oscillations, the distance to the obstacle is estimated and the corresponding sound and visual warning signals are generated, which are then transmitted to the sound signal supply device 5 comprising an audible warning device and a device 6 for supplying a light signal, for example, an LED indicator or a display.

Signal devices 5 and 6 can be installed in the vehicle interior. Power can be supplied to the system automatically: for example, if the sensitive element is installed only on the rear bumper, when the reverse gear is engaged, or manually turned on if the sensitive elements 2 are installed on the front bumper and the side surfaces of the vehicle.

To power the electronic components of the system, it provides an additional stabilized source 10, which eliminates the influence of voltage fluctuations in the vehicle's on-board network on the detection characteristics. All electronic components of the system, with the exception of signal transmitters 5 and 6, are placed in a moisture-proof compact unit that is installed on the inside of the bumper or inside the car body in the immediate vicinity of the sensor 2 and connected to it with a cable.

The monitoring system of the space surrounding the vehicle, according to the technical solution of the utility model, in comparison with known systems has the following advantages:

- the use of capacitive sensors, the configuration and dimensions of the sensitive elements of which are easily adapted for installation on various vehicles;

- providing a continuous detection zone along the entire length of the sensitive element of the capacitive sensor and the absence of "dead zones" when detecting various objects at all distances;

- consistently high characteristics of the system for the detection of objects from various materials and various shapes;

- high sensitivity of the system when changing the distance to the object, the ability to adjust the sensitivity and size of the detection zone;

- the ability to ensure the safety of the vehicle from damage by other vehicles;

- the possibility of using as part of a security anti-theft complex to warn about the approach of outsiders to a guarded vehicle ;.

- manufacturability and ease of installation of the system on a vehicle that does not require a violation of the integrity of structural elements of the body.

- low cost, allowing you to use the proposed system on cars of various classes;

- the possibility of using the system to monitor certain areas of the vehicle, for example, if other areas of the vehicle are protected from penetration by other means, for example, an adjacent fence or wall.

The monitoring system of the space surrounding the vehicle according to the technical solution of the utility model is compact, easily adapts to various types of vehicles, can be performed using known technologies using known components.

Claims (9)

1. A system for monitoring the space surrounding a vehicle, comprising at least one sensor with a sensor element that changes its parameters when any material object approaches the specified vehicle, a sensor parameter estimator and a warning signal device about such an approximation, characterized in that it contains a capacitive sensor equipped with an extended sensitive element in the form of a single antenna made of electric rovodyaschego material and disposed on the vehicle body, and associated electronic means for measuring the capacitance of said sensing element; the device for evaluating the parameters of the sensor is made in the form of an electronic logic device adapted to estimate the distance between the vehicle and the material object based on information about changes in the parameters of the specified capacitive sensor. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic means of measuring the capacitance comprises a high-frequency oscillation generator, the oscillatory circuit of which is connected with the sensitive element, and an amplitude detector that determines the change in the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations resulting from changes in the capacitance of the sensitive element. 3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, as said electronic logic device, it contains a digital processor adapted for programming criteria for evaluating changes in the capacitance of a sensitive element corresponding to the event of the presence of any material object in the specified environment, the formation and delivery of the specified device giving signals of the corresponding commands to the standard signal means of the vehicle, including an audible signal and direction indicators. 4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that said digital processor is adapted for programming at least three evaluation criteria corresponding to at least three events of equal distance from the protected vehicle to the material object to the established criterion. 5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal supply device is made in the form of an acoustic signaling device, or an LED indicator, or in the form of a device combining sound and optical signaling, and at the same time provides at least three types of signals, corresponding to at least three distance values to the specified material object, corresponding to the specified evaluation criteria. 6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an autonomous power source with a stabilized output voltage to power the electronic devices of the system. 7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said antenna is made in the form of a metal adhesive tape with an insulating substrate horizontally placed on the vehicle body. 8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains many sensitive elements located at least in part of the perimeter of the vehicle in plan. 9. The system according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the logic device is adapted to be connected to a vehicle anti-theft alarm system.